Kays Translations

Chapter 28: Unwelcome Visitor

Two weeks have passed since the incident with Albert. "Pioneer City Malhas" has been relatively peaceful. A protective barrier made of logs surrounds the boundary with unexplored areas, and construction of the church has begun in the central part of the city.

Word has spread, attracting traveling merchants and artisans seeking work, leading to an increase in adventurers. Naturally, troubles have also increased, and soldiers sent by Viscount Hilte are handling those issues. Strangely enough, I find myself dealing with disputes among adventurers.

"Don't make a fuss over trivial things! Do you both want to end up in trouble?!"

"Sorry!"

"We'll be more careful!"

Two adventurers bow their heads at perfect right angles. The cause was a dispute over a request ticket. They ended up fighting each other over who found it first, so I had to stop both of them with a punch.

"The one who finds the request ticket is not the one who sees it first; it's the one who takes it first. But, is this the target for the subjugation? It's a bit dangerous for you two. I'll talk to Kati and add some extra reward, so go together."

"Huh, together with this guy?"

"That's a bit..."

I glare at the reluctant pair with a sigh.

"Norton, your weapon is a spear, right? And Coltos, yours is an axe and shield. If you work well together, you can kill it safely. Coltos applies pressure, and Norton strikes the vital points. Just try it. I'll treat you to a drink when you get back."

"If Jurg-san says so."

"All right, let's go."

Although a bit awkward, Norton and Coltos bump fists with each other.

"If it goes well, consider forming a party. It makes handling the adventurer credibility scores easier."

"Jurg-san just wants it to be easier for himself, doesn't he?"

"Shut up! I'm not a guild staff! Hurry up!"

Waving their hands with the request ticket, I send them off. Seriously, it's good that more adventurers are coming, but it's getting out of control. I need to ask the adventurer guild to expand its staff soon.

"Thanks for your hard work, Jurg."

"Yeah, sorry, Rolo. Making you help."

"Don't worry about it. Since you’re doing your best, I can't lose either."

As the workload of the adventurer guild in Malhas kept increasing, Kati was unable to keep up, so Rolo and I ended up supporting her. To be honest, without Rolo's help, we would have fallen behind in administrative work.

Even though it seems stable, there are monsters in the unexplored areas, and the number of adventurers in this New City is significant. Hunting monsters is a good source of income for adventurers, but for us, who are wary of the Giant Rampage, it feels a bit ominous.

We've stabilized the situation by preventing the destruction of the Keystone, but we need to be careful. Moreover, there's the issue with Albert, the former party leader. The scarred beast clearly has a goal in mind.

"Oh, by the way... My mom wanted to thank you, so she said to drop by."

"Your mom?"

"Yeah, she feels lonely because you haven't come for a meal."

Thinking about it, I recall Auntie's face. Currently, she's just as busy as us. After all, she is the only proprietress of the inn in "Pioneer City Malhas."

When they needed more staff for the inn, I recommended Auntie, and things fell into place smoothly. Consequently, the inn was named "Mercia," coincidentally the same as our party name. I didn't intentionally plan it that way, but being an officially recognized inn by "Mercia," the initiators of the pioneer city, has led adventurers to behave well when they visit. Perhaps it's also because I declared that I would personally introduce them to my war club mace if they misbehaved.

Regardless, Auntie's inn has a good reputation. Auntie, being a hard worker, is attentive and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind, so people quickly become familiar with her.

"Bitz and Arco are also working at the inn, right?"

"Yeah, my brothers don't have to go to dangerous unexplored areas anymore, so my mom and I are really grateful."

"That's good. Did you manage to repay the favor a bit?"

Rolo smiles at the question.

"I wonder? But my mom said she's preparing cheese gratin and is waiting for you."

"... Well, I shouldn't miss out on that."

"Right?"

Laughing beside me, Rolo and I start walking. Just knowing that there's someone who makes my favorite food is reason enough to protect this place.

"Oh, there you are! Both of you!"

"Fimia, what's wrong?"

"It seems there's a bit of trouble with a customer."

Fimia's expression seems a bit stern. There's a smell of trouble in the air.

"Saran-san wants both of you to come."

"Got it. We'll go right away. Rolo, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Let's go."

Putting away the documents and similar items I had in my hands in the temporary residence of the Adventurer's Guild, I walked briskly through the new city. As I approached the village, the noise gradually increased.

What's going on? Has something big happened?

"A customer in trouble?"

"It seems to be someone from the Adventurer's Company..."

"Huh?"

The Adventurer's Company is like a consortium that gathers adventurers. It's an organization that manages large-scale extermination or human wave tactics by gathering a large number of adventurers. In "Pioneer City Malhas," they shouldn't have announced their acceptance yet.

Accompanied by Rolo and Fimia, I head towards the village square. Pushing through the onlookers in the crowded square, we reach the center, where Saran's voice can be heard.

Beyond Saran, near the village entrance arch, there are eight carriages and ten cavalry members. There are also several people on foot.

"We are currently not accepting members from the Adventurer's Company."

"What does that have to do with it? Let us in! Do you have any idea how much we've been moved around!"

"How about returning to the dairy city of Hilte? There are beds and jobs available there."

"Enough with the noise!"

A heavily armored man on horseback kicks Saran, but just as it's about to hit, Fimia's protective magic intercepts it. Saran ends up seeing the sole of the man's shoe up close, but that's better than having his glasses shattered.

"It seems they've arrived. The Acting Guild Master of Malhas' Adventurer's Guild and the Acting Mayor of the New City."

"Huh?"

"What?"

Rolo and I are slightly surprised by Saran's words, but I see. It seems like he's putting on an act.

"So, what happened, Saran?"

"As you can see."

The square trampled by horses and carriages, possibly damaged during their entrance, has some parts of the village arch broken. The residents show faces of fear towards the rough visitors, and the crying child seems to be the grandchild of someone I know.

Who are these people? They're causing a lot of trouble in my hometown.

Feeling the blood rushing to my head, I contemplate what to do. Saran is also asking for too much, telling me to behave like a Guild Master. Well, this is a "Pioneer City" where rough adventurers gather. I need to respond appropriately.

"Are you in charge here? Right now—"

Before the man could finish his words, he punched the horse in the side, who seemed just as cocky as his master. I felt a dull sensation as if the cervical vertebrae were twisted, so unfortunately, there's no saving him now. He shouldn't have given me that cheeky look.

Furthermore, the more impudent-looking owner of the horse falls ungracefully to the ground.

"Y-You! What the hell are you doing!"

"Have some manners. When you're talking, shouldn't you get off the horse? Huh!?"

"What did you say, you—Bubaa!?"

I give a light kick to the face of the big man trying to get up. I spared him a bit to ensure he doesn't die, but I won't forgive him for what he tried to do to Saran.

Approaching the fallen big man, I give a light laugh.

"Continue? Who are you guys... and who wants to die?"

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