Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 355: Biased Requests
Once the supposed guide’s day of surveillance ended and the man finally left, Tauro immediately asked Reeva to check the location of his former father.
“…He’s still moving around the territorial capital. It would be best to let him continue for now. Once his movements settle into a pattern, we should be able to pinpoint the Assassins’ Guild headquarters.”
Reeva gave Tauro her recommendation along with the report.
“I agree. In the meantime, we should find a large, secluded location from which we can bring in the other dragonfolk when the time comes.”
“That would be useful as a final step, Lord Tauro,” Malak said. “If the Assassins’ Guild headquarters is indeed in this capital, the three of us should be able to locate it without additional help. Bringing the others in too early would only increase the chance that someone notices us and becomes suspicious.”
“Of course. I only mean that we should prepare. Once we have reliable information, everyone will need to assemble and agree on a strategy. We can hold that meeting in Caxart, where the others are waiting, because gathering openly here would attract too much attention. Until then, we should behave like ordinary adventurers, accept requests from the guild, and gather information during our free time.”
“That’s true. If we act suspiciously and get reported again before finding the headquarters, there may never be an operation,” Malak agreed.
“Then starting tomorrow, we’ll take requests from the Adventurers’ Guild, finish them as quickly as possible, and spend the remaining time investigating the capital.”
Everyone nodded at Tauro’s proposal.
The following morning, Tauro and his companions registered their presence at the Bomen branch of the Adventurers’ Guild and examined the request board.
“…The requests here are rather unusual compared with other branches.”
Ankh stared at the notices with open disbelief.
“That’s putting it mildly. This one says, ‘Adventurers with poison resistance wanted to test a newly developed poison.’ That’s simply human experimentation.”
Tauro was equally appalled by the free-request board.
“Here’s another: ‘Seeking sturdy adventurers confident in their endurance. Details to be discussed with the client.’ There are no details in the details section…” Ragune observed.
“‘No details in the details’! Ragune, you’re a genius!”
Zumei, who looked like a beautiful blond youth, burst out laughing at her accidental wordplay.
“…You actually found that funny?”
Tauro remained doubtful about the dragonfolk’s sense of humor.
“Lord Tauro, there are at least a few normal requests,” Malak said, handing him a newly posted notice. “This is a free request to subjugate poisonous Cockatrices. The requested materials are the snake portion of each tail and its venom, while the comb serves as proof of subjugation.”
“I see. It was originally a C-rank-band request, but because it’s been reclassified as a free request, completing it might help the others advance in rank. This seems reasonable.”
Tauro read the notice and nodded.
“A Cockatrice… If I remember correctly, it’s a monster about a meter tall, with the body of a rooster and a snake for a tail. Do creatures like that live near the capital?” Ankh asked. He looked back at the board and frowned. “More importantly, why does this branch have so many requests involving poison and paralysis?”
“Fortunately, everyone in our group has resistance to abnormal conditions, so this should be relatively easy,” Ragune replied, misunderstanding his concern.
“No, that isn’t what I meant. I’m questioning the clients. Compared with other cities, far too many people here are requesting poisonous or paralyzing materials.”
Ankh lowered his voice as he spoke to Ragune.
“Ah, that’s what you meant. The bias certainly seems to reveal something unpleasant about this city.”
Ragune lowered her own voice in reply.
“Well, is everyone willing to accept this request?” Tauro asked. “Let’s complete it quickly and be done with it.”
After confirming that no one objected, he carried the notice to the reception desk.
“You’re the six members of Black-Gold Wings who registered earlier, correct? Three of you’re in the D-rank band and the other three are in the E-rank band.”
The receptionist looked uncertain as she addressed Tauro, the child leader whose own rank was D-plus.
“This was originally a C-rank-band request. It has only been converted into an urgent free request because of the client’s circumstances. Are you certain you wish to accept it?”
“Yes. Our strength isn’t reflected by our ranks alone.”
Tauro answered confidently.
Four of the six were dragonfolk. Although Malak, Zumei, and Reeva hadn’t participated in the dungeon-conquest expedition, they were among the finest warriors and operatives of their people and enjoyed Chief Ryuga’s complete trust.
Ankh was also an accomplished former mercenary whose present rank greatly understated his ability. The magic equipment Tauro had modified for him made him stronger still.
Tauro could see no serious weakness in their formation.
“…Very well. I’ll process the request. If the danger proves greater than expected, withdraw immediately. Please don’t take unnecessary risks.”
After giving that warning, the receptionist handed Tauro a small tag.
“What’s this?”
“A temporary checkpoint pass. It allows you to pass through the checkpoints without paying tolls while carrying out the request. The Adventurers’ Guild will cover the fees, so be sure to return it afterward.”
“Understood.”
Tauro accepted the pass and left the Adventurers’ Guild with the others.