Kays Translations

Chapter 30: Preparation for War

"Strange movements among the monsters?"

A week had passed since the incident with the Adventurer Company. While talking with adventurers as usual, I received some information.

"Yeah, it's like they're unusually agitated or unsettled. The entire forest seems restless. I thought I'd report it to you, just in case."

"Alright, thanks. I’ll keep that in mind as well."

As the departing adventurer was handed a silver coin with a "have a drink on me," I gazed at the forest beyond the protective wall. Lately, I hadn't been going into the forest much myself, so I hadn't noticed, but injuries among the adventurers had indeed increased. Perhaps desk work isn't for me.

"Hey, Kati. I'm going out for a bit."

"Eh! Where are you going, Guild Master? There's still a lot of work to be done, you know?"

"Stop calling me that! I'm just a substitute."

"Come on, you can't escape from it. All the adventurers who come here think of you as the Guild Master."

Upon hearing Kati words, I couldn't help but sigh. Due to the cunning scheming of that dark-hearted strategist, I had become the Acting Guild Master, but I still hadn't fully accepted it. However, I couldn't just leave the adventurers in the new district alone, so I found myself sitting at the desk with Kati every day.

"I'll go check the condition of the forest. It's bothering me a bit."

"...Is it about what we discussed earlier?"

"Yeah. Have you heard about how this pioneer city was developed?"

In response to my words, Kati nodded quietly. She, too, was one of those who came here with full determination.

"Shall I issue an investigation request?"

"I'll check it out myself to confirm. Despite appearances, I'm a scout, you know?"

"What!? I can't see that..."

Honest receptionist Kati’s reaction made me unintentionally smile. Certainly, my image as Jurg, the Heavenly Break Strike was likely that of a heavily armored warrior.

"I'll be back by noon. If someone asks, explain the situation."

"Alright, I get it. You're buying drinks, right?"

"A one-on-one drink with a beauty isn't bad. I'm all for it."

With a light laugh, I left the temporary lodging acting as the Adventurer Guild. It's about time we built a proper guild building here. Saran mentioned that he was arranging it, but the place is cramped, and we need more people.

"Hey, Jurg-san. Where are you going? To the forest?"

"Thanks for your hard work. I'm just going out for a bit."

Responding to the gatekeeper who watches the protective wall, I entered the unexplored area. Along the way, I passed several adventurers and asked them about the situation. Indeed, they all felt something strange recently.

Navigating through the gaps between the trees, I advanced into the forest. As I went deeper, I sensed a clinging presence and a bit of hostility. Not directed at me, though. The entire forest seemed to be filled with murderous intent.

"It does feel strange..."

Forest boars, not even accompanied by their young, were thrusting their fangs into tree trunks with hostility, and iron beetles, that usually hid at this time, were crawling out. Adventurers unanimously mentioned feeling uneasy.

Moreover, their numbers were high. Despite not being too far from the new district, the density of monsters was unusually high. We might need to consider accepting the Adventurer Company sooner rather than later. Was it a mistake to beat up that Zogachi guy?

No, even if he was here, it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference. His attitude was too arrogant.

"For now, let me head back. It might be better to send out an investigation request."

Muttering to myself, I left the strangely restless forest.

◆

"It's about time, I thought."

Saran, who greeted me in his office when I came to report on my visit, said so with narrowed eyes. It seems he had some grasp of the situation.

"I went into the forest to check, but there were monsters there that aren't usually around at noon. Isn't that a bit bad?"

"Yes, it's extremely bad. So, we'll take the initiative."

To Saran's words, I'm a little surprised.

"I've borrowed a few troops from the dairy farming city Hilte and the neighboring McCall territory. I've also contacted the Adventurer Guild and reached out to the two Adventurer Companies. Additionally, the adventurers living in the new district should be quite familiar with this place by now."

While showing me several documents, Saran continues to speak about things I don't know.

That's just like you, isn't it? Share a bit more information.

"Earlier, the 'Zogachi Adventurer Company' came, right? Actually, it's not a bad thing that they came here."

"What do you mean?"

"Malhas has been recognized throughout the kingdom as a place that makes money."

Saran's eyes narrow and he lifts the corners of his mouth. Ah... that wicked smile again. He looks pleased, as if everything is going according to plan.

"The resources flowing from the labyrinth here, the gold coins flowing back as a result, targeted recruitment after narrowing down, spreading rumors. The necessary forces, situations, crises derived from there. Thank you for waiting, the major pieces are in place now."

"If you thought it was complicated, were you actually taking the shortest route?"

"I dislike wasting time."

That's right. This cunning strategist always prioritizes efficiency over time.

I see, I just didn't notice because my head isn't that sharp.

"I will take down the scarred beast.'"

"Ah, finally."

"Of course, we, 'Mercia,' will lead the charge. With the achievements of subjugating that creature, we'll recommend our party for the national selection."

"You haven't changed."

To my wry smile, Saran pushes up his glasses and chuckles softly. It's somewhat unusual for him, considering his usual poker face.

"That's who I am. I'll inform you of the details later."

"Got it. I'll leave the timing to you."

I conveyed what needed to be conveyed and asked what needed to be asked. All that's left is to swing the war mace at the right moment. As always, crush the enemies.

What I can do for this hometown... that's everything.

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