Chapter 35: Changing Malhas

During the week I was incapacitated, there were a few changes in Malhas, mainly due to successfully dealing with the scarred beast.

For example, with the normalization of the forest, more adventurers ventured into the mid-level areas. Thanks to this, areas with abundant rare herbs and caves producing special ores were discovered, further drawing attention to the “Pioneer City Malhas.”

In addition, with the acceptance of the Adventurer Company, the staff of the Adventurer Guild increased. These were official personnel recognized by the guild headquarters and the kingdom. This meant that my role as the guild master was no longer necessary.

The city’s expansion projects were progressing smoothly. The local quarry finally started operating, allowing the construction of stone houses to begin in the new district. The first large-scale construction was the Adventurer Guild, a small fortress-like structure capable of withstanding monster invasions.

Although the immediate crisis had passed, the real challenges were just beginning. While my tasks were mostly finished, there was still much to be done.

“Oh, there you are! Guild Master!”

“Kati, what’s up… Wait, I’m no longer the acting guild master.”

“Huh?”

“We’ve got new personnel, right? Including the guild master.”

Kati tilted her head in confusion, then shook it slightly.

I have a bad feeling about this.

“I heard that Jurg-san was officially promoted to guild master, though?”

“Who told you that? I’m not aware of it.”

“From the guild headquarters.”

In response to Kati’s words, I froze for a moment. There seemed to be some misunderstanding or misinformation. After all, I had just regained consciousness yesterday, and no one had informed me of such news.

“I haven’t heard anything about it.”

“I’ve just conveyed it. Thank you for your continued support, Master.”

“Hey, hey, hey…! This isn’t a joke, right?”

The only one capable of such a prank was Saran, the cunning one. He must be the one behind this.

“Oh, by the way, Jurg-san. How big do you want the guild master’s room to be, and which way should the windows face?”

“I don’t know! Ask the new guild master!”

“Uh, come on! Jurg-san!”

Leaving Kati behind, I crossed through the new district. My destination was Saran’s office.

“Hey, Jurg-san, you’re able to move now!”

“Are you okay, Guild Master?”

“Yeah, and I’m not the guild master anymore.”

While responding to the greetings of the adventurers, I walked unsteadily. I wasn’t in top shape yet. Despite that, I finally reached Saran’s office door.

“Saran, come out!”

“What’s with the commotion?”

At my call, Saran appeared from the back. Despite looking a bit tired, he showed up, and I needed to convey the matter to him.

“You tried to make me the guild master while I was asleep, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t do anything of the sort.”

“Don’t lie. I heard it from Kati.”

“Did you properly listen to the details? Please calm down.”

Saran sighed softly and gestured for me to take a seat. Feeling a bit deflated, I plopped down onto the chair.

“I am recommending you as the guild master.”

“Then…”

“However, I haven’t taken any action regarding this recent incident.”

“What?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim. If he didn’t do anything, why would the guild master position be offered to me? It didn’t make sense. Though he was a man who didn’t lie, I couldn’t understand the situation.

“Simply put, you were recognized.”

“Recognized? By whom and how?”

“When establishing a new adventurer guild in a city, an inspector often comes to assess the situation. They mainly investigate the scale of active adventurers and the location. By appointing you as acting guild master, I made you a subject of assessment.”

“Wait a minute…”

“And your exceptional daily work, control of adventurers, the results achieved, and the qualifications as an adventurer able to operate directly in unexplored areas—all of these factors, along with that proclamation, made you the ideal choice for this ‘Pioneer City Malhas.’ They thought it was the best choice, and I, who recommended you, am proud of it.”

Shall I break that raised nose of yours?

Honestly, it’s clear you’re the cause of all this trouble.

But this is bad. If it’s not Saran pulling the strings, how am I supposed to refuse?

“It’s fine, isn’t it? Just like before.”

“No, it’s different. Do you think I can handle being the real guild master, not just an acting one?”

“You sometimes undervalue yourself too much, you know?”

Saran, who stood up, lightly tapped my shoulder. Though I found his unusually good mood suspicious, Saran opened the door and pointed outside.

“Look, Jurg. Everything you see from here is your new place.”

“My new place?”

“Listen, Jurg. Just like this view, people change. You should know about change.”

At Saran’s words, I reflected on the past. The day I first arrived at the adventurer city of Advante. Being approached by the obnoxious noble who suggested forming a party would be beneficial. The many adventures I had. The people I, the “Evil brat,” met and considered as comrades.

“Malhas has already changed so much. There are fewer people in the old district who call you the ‘Evil brat,’ and the adventurers in the new district call you the Guild Master. Your name reflects your character.”

“You’re the one who orchestrated all that.”

“Even so, you are still yourself, aren’t you?”

I choked up at Saran’s words. He’s still the same unpleasant guy.

“Why don’t you give it a try? This is a pioneer city that will become a new paradise for adventurers. And the king here should be an adventurer after all.”

“Hey, hey, showing disrespect might cost you your head, ‘young master.'”

“As adventurers, we shouldn’t limit our dreams.”

The cunning strategist grinned. I’m not sure how serious he is or how much is a joke, but I see. In a city of adventurers, a rough guy like me might still be needed for a while. It wouldn’t hurt to try, considering I can leave anytime. Just like Thomson showed the courage to change.

“Come on, help out too. You’ll be in charge of the pioneering project.”

“Of course. I’m counting on you, Jurg Dreadnought.”

…Once again, he started saying something incomprehensible.

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