Kays Translations

Chapter 6: Possessors of Nicknames

"We hunted the 'Vampire Goat,' a monster that appeared near Malhas. Is there a request for its subjugation?"

After borrowing horses in the village for a day, we arrived at the adventurer's guild in the dairy farming city of Hilte. This city, known as the "Eastern Kitchen of the Kingdom," serves as a gathering place for various goods, including crops like wheat from surrounding villages and dairy products and meat obtained through grazing. Items from the unexplored regions that have been shipped from Malhas are also collected here.

Perhaps due to this background, the adventurer's guild branch in Hilte handles various requests such as escorting caravans and traders, as well as requests from surrounding villages.

"Well, it is available. Lately, there have been many incidents, and it's been designated as a subjugation target."

"Here's the dorsal fin of the subjugated monster."

"This size... it's an adult. Where in Malhas did you find it?"

Examining the dorsal fin of the 'Vampire Goat' we had hunted, the receptionist scrutinizes us with sharp eyes. It seems like she really understands our situation.

"It was on the outskirts of the unexplored area along the highway near the village. There have been livestock damages for a few days."

"... Was there a request for it?"

"No, there shouldn't have been. They're carefree folks."

In response to my words, the receptionist lets out a small sigh. Even the adventurer's guild, which is supposed to be concerned with the security of the surroundings, can't move without information. It seems like they're having a hard time.

"Your adventurer cards, please. Are you two a party?"

At the receptionist's words, Rolo and I inadvertently look at each other. Since we haven't officially processed it since leaving Silhasta, we are currently treated as solo adventurers. However, if we plan to operate in Malhas for a while, it might be better to temporarily form a party. It would make things easier for the guild.

"What do you think, Rolo?"

"Hmm, should we go with forming a party? Managing adventurer credibility scores individually would be troublesome."

"Let's go with that."

We nod at each other, then turn to the receptionist.

"When we defeated it, we were individuals, but we killed it together. Will that be applied if we apply for a party?"

"You want to apply for a party? I can process that immediately. I'll take your adventurer cards, please."

Rolo and I place our adventurer cards, hanging around our necks, on the counter. While we are handed the application form, I find it a bit challenging.

"Hey, Rolo. You're the leader."

"What are you talking about? You're the one, Jurg. I'm not a leader type."

"I'm not a leader either. I'm not smart, you know."

"Um..."

As we hand the application back and forth, the receptionist calls out to us with a strangely troubled expression.

"Are you Jurg-san, the ‘Heavenly Break Strike'?"

"Yeah."

The receptionist freezes with a deep breath. Something seems off.

"Because Jurg is a celebrity."

"I find it more strange that you don't have a title."

"Do you think so?"

"That's what Fimia said. She mentioned that your magic sense is abnormal."

Although there are differences in magic systems between sacred magic and incantation magic, it seems that Rolo's excellence is understood by magic users nonetheless. Even though I can't use magic, I've noticed that his way of using magic is strange.

"If it's low-rank magic, you fire it without chanting, and even with intermediate magic, you shorten the chant and discard it. I've hardly seen you run out of magic power. I've never seen a magic user like you, Rolo."

"It's a bit ticklish when you praise me, Jurg."

Rolo smiles shyly, and the receptionist freezes again.

"Could it be... Rolo Mercia-san!? The ‘Marvelous Illusion Master’?"

"Huh? What's that?"

"Your own nickname? Don't you know?"

Looking panicked, Rolo looks up at me, but I've never heard of it either. Well, both Rolo and I are indifferent to such things.

"You're a behind-the-scenes powerhouse of the country-selected party 'Silhasta.' You inspire the vanguard, becoming a versatile midliner with ever-changing illusions. A marvelous skilled magic warrior! I heard you're a beautiful man, but... you’re much cuter than I imagined!"

The receptionist excitedly speaks rapidly, causing Rolo to instinctively step back.

Come to think of it, even in Advante, I feel like we were often approached by various people, regardless of gender. Nevertheless, the fact that Rolo's abilities are being recognized is a bit pleasing.

"...So, does that mean 'Silhasta' is here?"

"No, we left. We're currently freelancers."

"Left!?"

The receptionist, once again, lets out an unexpectedly loud voice, drawing the attention of those around us. Initially, I thought she was a competent receptionist, but it seems I might have been mistaken.

"For various reasons. It's a matter of differences in direction. Anyway, from now on, we plan to operate as a pair. Is this application for the party acceptable?"

Thinking it would be bad for any more commotion to arise, I fill in my name in the leader's column and push the application form back. Instead, I scribble 'Mercia' in the party name column.

"Ah... I'm sorry. I was a bit too surprised. I'll process the party application and the subjugation achievement immediately, so please wait a moment."

"Ah, yeah. Thanks."

While looking at the back of the receptionist as she hurriedly moves away from the counter, I let out a small sigh. Never did I expect to receive such treatment coming to a remote countryside like this.

"My nickname... It shouldn't be officially registered, but who started calling me that?"

"I don't know. But if it wasn't for the nickname, you might not have been expelled, right?"

"I wonder... Albert always saw me as a rival."

"That's true. He's a bit short-sighted."

Recalling the leader of 'Silhasta,' I scrunch up my face slightly. When we first met, he should have been a bit more straightforward, but he changed after the talk of the national-selected party. It seems that he became more focused on efficiency, almost soaked in a sense of chosen people. Our opinions clashed more frequently.

"I've kept you waiting! Here are the party formation notification and the reward money."

"Thanks. By the way, I wanted to ask something."

"Of course! Feel free to ask anything."

"Well, recently... for about a year, do you know the trend of monster appearances?"

The moment she hears my words, the receptionist's face slightly stiffens. Just from that, I can understand that a bad prediction is underway.

"...Is it increasing?"

"Yes, a lot. But the subsidy for issuing investigation requests doesn't come down from the country."

To the receptionist with a slightly lowered brow, I respond with a smile.

"We'll be based in Malhas for a while. We'll also venture into the unexplored areas, so if there's anything, we'll pass on the information. Is that okay, Rolo?"

"Of course. In return, if you find anything at the guild, please let us know."

"Jurg-san, Rolo-san...!"

Nodding in response to the cheerful receptionist, I pat Rolo on the back.

"Well, now that the policy is set, let's go buy some cheese. The old lady is waiting."

"Yeah. Well then, see you later."

Waving lightly to the receptionist who bows deeply, we leave the adventurer's guild.

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