Kays Translations

Chapter 28

A few days later, just before noon, trouble is brewing at the Tiara Adventurer's Guild's purchasing counter.

Four adventurers have come to sell a medicinal herb called 'Glorio Grass' that they collected, but the staff on duty is refusing the purchase.

"Why the hell won't you buy it!"

"As I've been saying, the value of this herb lies in the roots, not the stems. Since this bunch only has the upper part harvested from the base, it has no value."

What I saw was a large grass, one meter in length—but the stem was broken, and the leaves and flowers appeared withered.

I was looking at this unusually large grass, wondering if it could really be considered a medicinal herb.

"I don't know! It says they buy medicinal herbs, doesn't it!"

"Are you trying to find fault with what we brought?"

"There must be places that use even the stems, so just buy it!"

The chief, along with another staff member, was trying to reason with them, but they were not convinced at all.

All of us, including me, the staff, were curious about how this situation would unfold, and we stopped what we were doing to focus on the conversation.

"Even if you say that, you do understand the proper procedure for harvesting medicinal herbs, don't you?"

This kind of discussion is covered in beginner training, and adventurers who haven't memorized the effective parts of the plants often end up digging up the whole thing, roots included. 

I went through it myself, by the way.

"What? Are you mocking us!"

"This herb should be fine with just the stem; don't try to deceive us!"

"Are you saying we're wrong? Don't mess with us!"

The two seemed accustomed to this type of trouble, maintaining a calm and assertive tone without showing any signs of intimidation.

However, reasoning doesn't work with these kinds of people, so you have to endure until the other party gives up.

Even if you point out the mistake, they keep insisting that they are not at fault.

In Japan too, there are customers who won't admit their mistakes, saying things like 'This is not what I ordered' or 'I paid at the register properly.' It's frustrating to see these kinds of people exist even in another world.

In my one month of working here, I've witnessed several scenes of argument during purchases.

Usually, adventurers give up early and withdraw, but those four seem quite persistent.

It seems I miscalculated where to lower my raised fist. With their large numbers, it's becoming difficult to retreat.

By the way, I'm not good at dealing with those kinds of situations—well, I don't think anyone is.

People like me, hardcore types in the sciences, quickly pull out a book on 'Herb Catalog'— "Look, it says here that the roots are crucial," and smack them on the cheek with logic.

It only adds fuel to the fire and makes the situation uncontrollable.

They should have given up and backed off when the chief came for a business trip...

Come to think of it, I recall receiving a 'Material Price List' from the supervisor, so I decide to check the prices of things like 'Glorio Grass.'

"Hmm... that's a good price."

Furthermore, I use the 'Material Appraisal' booklet the supervisor gave me, out of curiosity, to look up its effects—turns out it's a poisonous plant.

"Oh... so it can be used for detoxification or extracting pain-relieving components, huh?"

The saying that "poison, depending on its use, can become medicine" has been heard since ancient times. Even the famous aconite, which is poisonous, was supposed to be an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine...

"Well, I wouldn't want to stick around if that's the case."

I notice that the other staff members have long since returned to their work.

"What are you staring at! Don't just stand there like a storefront attraction!"

It's a predictable development to vent frustration on other adventurers, but I refrain from reaching for the weapon hanging at my waist.

If I let anger take over and raise my hand against the staff or other adventurers, it could lead to losing my qualifications and arrest.

"Come on, cut us some slack. We worked hard to get these."

"We're not asking for the highest rank or anything. Just be reasonable about it."

It seems like they're trying a sob story...

Then, without anyone on the staff noticing, a woman appears from the back.

Glancing around the shop, she heads towards the purchase counter.

The first to notice her is the group of adventurers who were making a commotion.

"!" "!" "!" "!"

They express surprise and immediately fall silent.

"What's going on?"

The chief turns around, surprised by the voice.

Next to the beautifully arranged golden hair, with long ears visible— it's Deputy Guild Leader Tinameril, an elf.

"Deputy Guild Leader!"

We also notice the voice and are surprised by her appearance.

Perhaps the adventurers are encountering an elf for the first time. Meeting an elf like Tiara is a very fortunate event.

However, for them, it seems to be an unfortunate turn of events.

As the chief explains the trouble, she picks up the herbs placed on the counter.

"I see..."

Everyone is focused on her actions, and an unusual silence fills the guild.

Come to think of it, it was like this before.

The adventurers are trembling, their faces showing signs of unease. It's evident that they have lost their will to fight.

They seem to have realized the trouble they've caused.

You should have noticed a little earlier, you fools.

"...But the stem part is not entirely useless."

"Eh? Is that so?"

"Extraction, you see... it's technically challenging. The components are scarce, and likely, you'll fail even if you try."

It seems the chief is unaware. Maybe it's something only elves know.

Everyone is paying close attention to her words.

"But you worked hard to gather them, didn't you?"

The Deputy Guild Leader smiles at the adventurers and speaks, but they lower their heads like scolded children who went too far.

The Deputy Guild Leader shows a moment of hesitation and then says

"10%... no, 20%. Sell them at that rate."

"Eh?"

The chief is astonished by the unexpected purchase statement.

She had just mentioned that extraction was difficult.

"Is that acceptable?"

The adventurers, momentarily confused, quickly nod vigorously.

"Then create the invoice."

The staff member responds and hurries out of the room.

Everyone on the scene let out small voices of admiration, saying, "Ohh..."

Stopping a futile argument between men is best handled by a skilled woman.

To lower a raised fist, you need the skill of a hostess at a snack who can handle things without hesitation.

Tinameril-san as a snack mama... Hmm, her place would probably be packed every day.

Indeed, the Deputy Guild Leader... I enjoy her skill and beautiful profile before returning to work.

"Taran, I'll borrow Mizuki."

"Mizuki, come with me."

Suddenly, I hear my name and turn around.

There's Tinameril-san, holding a bunch of herbs, looking at me.

If I don't react quickly, she might say it again.

"Mizuki, come."

"Yes..."

I hastily stand up, following her.

The others, not understanding what's going on, just watch me go.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter