Kays Translations

Chapter 249: Greetings and…

At the Adventurers’ Guild, Tauro completed the formal procedure for leaving Black-Gold Wings.

With that, he officially became a solo adventurer.

The news threw Chloe, the manager of the Dansas branch, into confusion. She called all four members into her office and demanded an explanation.

Tauro spoke on behalf of the group and told her the truth, apart from the location where he intended to hide.

“…I understand. I’ll contact headquarters about the Assassins’ Guild, but I can’t promise what action they’ll take. What are you going to do now, Tauro?”

“They can’t keep searching for me forever. I’ll hide for a while and return after things have calmed down.”

He didn’t tell her that he was going to the dragonfolk village. The fewer people who knew, the safer it would be.

“…All right. This guild owes you a great deal. Even after rising through the ranks, you continued gathering medicinal herbs and regularly accepted G-rank requests. You helped build the foundation of the Dansas branch, so losing you is painful, even if it’s only temporary. Please be careful… and thank you for everything.”

Chloe thanked Tauro not only as branch manager and receptionist, but also as an individual.

“What? Tauro, you’re leaving the village?!”

Marches, the head of the Marches Trading Company, shouted when Tauro visited and gave him the unexpected news.

“You’re too loud, Marches.”

Tauro laughed as he cautioned him.

“Ah, sorry. This is only temporary, isn’t it? You aren’t going to disappear for months again like you did last time, are you?”

During Tauro’s stay in the Royal Capital, they had exchanged letters, reports, and business consultations, but the delay had made communication difficult.

“I may be gone for quite a long time. This time I’ll be too far away to exchange letters easily, so unless something urgent happens, I probably won’t be able to write. Please continue handling our business as usual.”

In truth, Tauro could have passed messages through Ragune, but secrecy was more important under the present circumstances.

“I see… I’m worried because I owe you so much, Tauro, but the company is stable now and there are no serious problems. You’ll still contact me when you think of a new business opportunity, won’t you?”

Marches had come to rely heavily on Tauro’s ideas, so his anxiety at losing contact was understandable. Tauro nevertheless thought this might be a good opportunity for Marches to prove that the Marches Trading Company could continue growing through his own judgment.

Afterward, Tauro informed the head chef of the Resting Pavilion and the proprietress of the Dwarf Inn that he would be leaving. He then visited the home of Bob, the dogfolk adventurer.

“Bob! Tauro’s here.”

Momo, Bob’s catfolk girlfriend who lived with him, called toward the back room.

“Oh, Tauro! What brings you here? Don’t just stand outside. Come in!”

Bob emerged with a smile and welcomed him into the house.

As he had done with the others, Tauro explained that he was leaving the village.

“You’re leaving your team too? You only just entered the D-rank band. Where are you going to continue working as an adventurer?”

Bob had heard about Tauro’s promotion, but not the circumstances behind his departure, and naturally wanted to know where his friend was going.

“I’ll probably go north, but I haven’t decided on a destination yet.”

“I see… You didn’t have a falling-out with the others, did you?”

“No, of course not. The truth is… the Assassins’ Guild is targeting me.”

Sensing Bob’s genuine concern, Tauro decided to tell him the real reason.

“…Is this connected to the operation the other day?”

“That’s part of it. I’ve decided to lie low for a while.”

“…I understand. You’re leaving so your companions won’t be dragged into it, aren’t you? I’m glad you told me. I won’t say a word to anyone. Momo, you must keep this secret too.”

“Of course. I hope you can come back soon.”

Momo spoke sadly to Tauro.

“I will. This isn’t a farewell forever. I’m going somewhere safe, so please don’t worry.”

Tauro smiled, said goodbye to them both, and left Bob’s house.

“…What terrible timing. I was going to surprise him by giving him an invitation to our wedding, but I never got the chance.”

Bob let out a heavy sigh.

“It can’t be helped. Tauro has his own reasons. Let’s surprise him when he comes back instead. That might be even nicer.”

Momo gently patted her future husband on the back.

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