Kays Translations

Chapter 6: Torquetum ④

Time truly flies.

It has already been eight days since we defeated the dungeon anomaly.

Although the investigation team is still conducting their survey, at the earliest, the closure should be lifted within a month.

I feel sorry for Wof, who will have to wait for about a month.

His reward has also been delayed due to this situation.

Fortunately, the guild has paid at least the interest, so he should be able to manage.

Still, I can’t help but worry about Wof, since he is that witch’s apprentice.

If anything happens, I will always be available to talk.

But that aside… having Mineha settle in is… quite troublesome.

I’d like to do something about it, but it’s Mineha we’re talking about.

“I have a proposal.”

The special room of a luxury inn that we were using as a temporary base.

Lupinus spoke while reading at a table on the balcony, sipping tea.

Liv, who had been dozing off beside her, woke up.

“Mm…?”

“What is it?”

“How long have we been in Hydrangea?”

“Hmm… about four months, I suppose.”

“…That’s the longest we’ve ever stayed anywhere.”

“Indeed. Originally, we came here for training in preparation for the upcoming Second-Class Trial.”

“You mean the exam?”

“For us, it’s a trial.”

“Mm… Liv doesn’t mind either way…”

That was to be expected from Liv.

We, Torquetum, have the qualification to take the Second-Class Exam.

However, when the exam will actually be held remains unknown.

Apparently, the Grand Guild sends letters to those eligible to participate.

The other rank-up exams are held twice a year, but the Second-Class and First-Class Exams are conducted only once a year—if that.

Most likely because so few people qualify.

Moreover, these two exams are directly administered by the Grand Guild, the head of all explorer guilds.

And from what I’ve heard, the examiners are First-Class Explorers.

I suspect that’s precisely why the exam is rarely held.

Those First-Class folks are known to be eccentric, whimsical, and free-spirited.

“Is something the matter?”

“I wanted to ask the two of you if we should make Hydrangea our base.”

“Mm… I see…”

“Hmm.”

I placed a bookmark in my book and closed it.

It certainly wasn’t a bad idea.

But it was quite a sudden proposal.

Lupinus smiled proudly as she spoke.

“I think we should make this our base.”

“Lupinus, what is your reasoning?”

“Oh, isn’t the fact that we’ve stayed here for so long enough of a reason?”

“Well, I suppose that makes sense…”

“Mm… found a wealthy patron…?”

“Liv, that wording is crude.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“You always have such strange instincts… But yes, they may become a very good sponsor for us.”

“Wait, so it’s not confirmed yet?”

“I received a letter. They will be visiting Hydrangea soon and will make a final decision after meeting us in person.”

“…Who is it?”

“If they’re visiting, then that means they don’t live in Hydrangea?”

“Indeed. They own land elsewhere and don’t even have a secondary residence here.”

“Hmm? And how did this come about?”

“Mm… Pakira… before that… who is it?”

“Oh, right. Who is the person?”

“The Tasan Marquis family.”

“What!? That Tasan…?”

“…Jaw drop… surprise.”

Liv, despite her words, remained expressionless and sleepy as she shut her mouth.

But never mind that.

The Tasan Marquis family—the only marquis family in this country and the rulers of the Tasan Territory.

As the head of the Tasan faction, they hold the third-highest rank among the nobility.

A truly powerful noble house.

“The process wasn’t all that complicated. It started with Megadia.”

“Mm… Black Swallow…”

“Hmm?”

“Do you remember when I was summoned to the guild as the leader of Torquetum the other day?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Mm… forgot…”

“You…!”

“At that time, Megadia approached me and asked if I’d be interested in a support program for talented female explorers, sponsored by Marquis Tasan.”

“A support program?”

“Yes. Apparently, ever since the relaxation of restrictions on female explorers twenty years ago, more and more women have been taking up the profession. Have you two heard about this?”

“I wasn’t aware.”

“…Not interested…”

Honestly, I was more surprised that Megadia knew about such things.

“Indeed. I didn’t know either. It seems the program was established to support promising individuals and further promote women’s participation in society.”

“Hoh. That’s news to me.”

“Mm…”

“It’s not widely known yet, as the program is still relatively new. Anyway, Megadia agreed to write a recommendation letter for me.”

“I see. But wait—you asked for a recommendation?”

“Yes, I decided on the spot.”

I shot Lupinus a sharp glare.

Liv, still looking sleepy, also turned her gaze to her.

“You fool. You should have discussed something this important with all of us first.”

“But as the leader, I made a judgment call.”

“Mm… leader acting alone… opposed.”

“Exactly. Being the leader doesn’t mean you can make unilateral decisions on important matters.”

Lupinus has a habit of doing things like this sometimes.

It’s troubling.

Under our combined scolding, she visibly deflated.

“S-Sorry… I’ll be more careful next time.”

“Mm… learn from mistakes… next time…”

“Yes, I will.”

“Good. Next time… I’ll be really mad.”

I added a piercing glare, and Lupinus shrank further, lowering her head.

“Y-Yes… I understand…”

Well, since she acted for the sake of Torquetum, I can’t be too harsh.

Sigh. I’m too soft…

“So, you received a response to the recommendation letter?”

“Yes. It seems that as soon as the recommendation was received, I was approved for an interview.”

“Hmm. Do you have the letter? Let me see it.”

“Of course, here it is.”

How well-prepared.

I took the letter and read it carefully.

You never know what might be hidden in these things.

I was taught to always read every single line thoroughly.

I don’t know exactly what Megadia wrote in her recommendation, but… hmm. I see.

It seems they already knew about us, and with this recommendation, I was able to skip the practical evaluation.

They went straight to an in-person interview.

It also says the specific date will be sent in a later letter.

“What do you think?”

“Mm… was there any fraud…?”

“Of course not.”

“There’s nothing suspicious. Everything seems as Lupinus said.”

“That’s a relief.”

“However, the interview must include all members of Torquetum.”

I’m a bit concerned… especially about Liv… but she’ll probably manage.

“Oh, I overlooked that part.”

“Mm… full attendance… bring it on.”

“…This worries me…”

She tends to act recklessly even in front of nobles.

This is turning into an unexpected development.

“Back to the main topic. Shall we make Hydrangea our base?”

“Hmm. I don’t mind.”

“Mm… no objections…”

“Then from today, Torquetum will establish its base in Hydrangea.”

“Very well.”

“Mm… yay…”

I was just thinking that we should decide on a base soon.

For now, my worries have eased.

Not that it really matters… But this means I can meet Wof without any reservations.
Well, I suppose that does make me a little happy.

“Hmm… Should we submit a base application…?”

“Yes, there are various benefits to it.”

“Wait. If I recall correctly, lodging facilities cannot be registered as a base.”

“Eh? Is that so?”

“If we continue staying at this inn, the application won’t be approved.”

That said, there’s nothing stopping us from living here and operating from this location.

However, there are many advantages to registering a base.

First, the party would receive administrative support from Hydrangea.
Second, we’d get discounts on renting or purchasing a dedicated party house.

Another major benefit is that our contributions to Hydrangea and the guild would be recognized, leading to preferential treatment.

Among the various advantages, the biggest one is the discounts at stores.
Additionally, tax reductions are also part of the benefits, which is quite significant.

“Hmm… It’s hard to decide whether to give up on it or not…”

“The special suite is quite comfortable, after all.”

“Because it has a kitchen.”

The special suite has things that regular rooms lack.
A kitchen and a laundry room. Though the only one who actually uses them is Lupinus.

Lupinus seems to be deep in thought.

“…Hmmm.”

“Lupinus. We can decide on the other details later. We’ve already settled on making this city our base. We can reconsider after securing support from Marquis Tasan family.”

“…That makes sense.”

“You’re right.”

Lupinus nodded. There’s no need to rush.

For now, passing the Tasan interview is our top priority.

“Phew.”

Lupinus let out a breath of relief and took a sip of tea.

Tea given to us by Wof. A citrus blend.

“Hmm… Lupinus… You forgot something…”

“What do you mean?”

“What are you talking about?”

“…Elixir… Wof… about him…”

“What!?”

I felt a slight jolt of surprise.
Just a little. Lupinus gave a wry smile.

“Oh, that’s right. I completely forgot. Pakira, you’ve realized it too, haven’t you? The one who saved us that day… It wasn’t just some child. It was Wof.”

“Hmm…”

“…How did you figure that out?”

At this point, I accepted it.
With Liv around, it was bound to come out sooner or later.

“Pakira. The elixir you used on Crouton when he was moments away from death—You got that from Wof before the expedition, didn’t you? I saw it.”

“Hmm… And the scent… That boy… He smelled strongly of elixir.”

“That’s exactly it. I kept quiet because this matter isn’t mine alone to disclose. But… my apologies.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“…Not an issue…”

“―――So, what do you plan to do?”

“I want to talk to him.”

“Hmm… We should have a proper conversation at least once.”

“True. I’ll tell him the next time I see him.”

“Yes, please do. But Pakira, I don’t want you to misunderstand me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not trying to interrogate Wof or pressure him. I won’t force anything out of him. I just want to talk. Please make sure to tell him that as well.”

Lupinus spoke with a calm expression.
I smiled.

“Understood. I will convey that properly.”

“Thank you.”

Sipping tea elegantly.

That should wrap up the discussion.
Now I can return to my book… It was just getting to a good part.

The Black Moon Knight, Ludot, was finally about to meet the Radiant Princess, Niniva, in the Sky Garden at night—

Knock, knock.

What now?

“Who is it?”
“Hmm… Someone’s here…”
“If they’re knocking, that means it’s someone we know.”

At the very least, only acquaintances could pass through the front desk to get here.

Liv stood up and unlocked the door.

Bursting into the room came Bid.
A girl with black hair and Holland Lop rabbit ears.

She’s a fellow Rank III Explorer like us.

She was completely out of breath.

“Hahh… Hahh… Hahh… Hahh… T-This is bad!!”
“What’s wrong?”
“What happened?”
“Hmm…”
“O-Our party… Zan Brave… It’s been dissolved!!”

What!?

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter