Chapter 32: An Unexpected Turn of Events
It was finally my turn, so I laid out my catches at the designated spot.
Chikki chikki Birds – 3
Runner Birds – 5
Green Birds – 2
Red Chickens – 3
“Oi, what’s this? All birds? What happened to the Big Horn Boar, wolves, or orcs you were bragging about!?”
They jeered, clearly pleased with themselves—but fine, I’ll show them.
Big Horn Boar – 1
Large Horn Boars – 2
Elks – 2
Prairie Wolves – 7
Rush Wolves – 5
Fang Dogs – 9
Orcs – 4
High Orcs – 2
“That’s all. Next group, go ahead.”
I called out to the loudmouths who’d mocked me—but they didn’t move.
“What’s the holdup? You heckled him and talked big—now show us your haul! Let’s see something that can match that!”
“I didn’t realize you guys were such skilled hunters. So, what’d you bring in today?”
The surrounding adventurers joined in the teasing, and the hecklers hung their heads, trying to slink away.
But the crowd wasn’t having it—
“If you don’t unload your catch, we’ll all be stuck waiting!”
“Quit stalling and get on with it!”
They were shoved forward and practically kicked toward the dismantling area.
At the spot indicated by the grinning dismantler, they threw down their prey in frustration—a medium Horn Boar, an elk, and a prairie dog.
Serves them right—mocking others just to embarrass themselves.
“Wow, some really impressive trophies you’ve got there.”
I said, dripping with sarcasm.
The hall erupted in laughter.
Later, I was relaxing in the guild tavern, drinking ale, when the “big-shot hunters” showed up.
They didn’t even meet my eyes—just slunk off to a corner.
Not long after, the dismantler came by and handed me the appraisal sheet.
The total: 1,962,000 Dara.
Satisfied, I thanked him.
Once I sell off the remaining birds in the next town, my magic bag will finally be empty.
At least, that’s what I thought—until the dismantler was replaced by a guild officer.
“You’re Leon, the one who was in the town of Korche, right?”
“That’s right. I was in Korche until recently—why?”
“You’re suspected of murder. We have some questions for you.”
Behind him stood other guild staff, clearly on guard.
“Murder? Me?”
“In Korche, you met with some men from the Warrens Trading Company, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know much about their company, but yeah—five guys claiming to be Lord Warrens’ men came out to the plains and threatened me to hand over my Chikki chikki Birds.”
“They threatened you?”
“Yeah. I was talking with a group of herbal gatherers—Thaddeus and his crew—when those thugs barged in and told me to give up my birds. When I refused, one of them punched me.
Apparently, this Warrens guy is some local big shot, because Thaddeus and the others turned pale and told me to just do what they said. The men laughed and chased them off like dogs. I was pissed after getting hit, so I punched the guy back and ran off. That was it. I heard Warrens is a major player under Marquis Fleming’s territory, so I didn’t dare go back to Korche.
If you’re saying those five ended up dead, well—it wasn’t me. I don’t have the strength to kill five of a noble’s men.”
“I’ve seen your hunting results—you seem quite capable.”
“Sure, against monsters. I use magic after chanting, so I can handle strong monsters. But against armed men? No chance. You can confirm with the Korche guild or Thaddeus’ group—they were there. They might not have seen me hit back and run, since they’d already been chased off.”
“I see. Still, you’d better stay in this town for now.”
“Eh? But I was planning to head to the neighboring city of Kreis. I’ve got money now, and I heard it’s a big place—I want to shop a bit.”
“If you leave, it’ll look like you’re fleeing.”
“Wait, am I wanted?”
“Not officially. You’re just a person of interest. But the Warrens Company has ties to Marquis Fleming. You don’t want to make this worse.”
“If I’m not wanted, then I’ll go to Kreis. It’s the marquis’s capital, right? I’ll stay there for a while and check in at the guild. If you need me, come find me there.”
“You realize this could make things harder for you.”
“Oh, so the guild just takes nobles’ word and treats random adventurers like criminals now? That’s disappointing.”
“Watch your mouth, kid. Don’t get cocky.”
“There it is—that same tone. That’s exactly what those guys said before they punched me and tried to take my birds without naming a price.”
The officer’s expression tightened, and he said nothing more.
Sensing things could turn ugly, I decided to make myself scarce.
The dining hall had gone dead quiet.
I downed my ale in one gulp, paid up, and went straight to the counter to collect my payment in cash.
So much for thinking the trouble was over—just my luck.
Half a day after leaving Adele, I arrived at Kreis and went straight to the Adventurer Guild, entering the dismantling area.
It was past noon, but three parties were already there, chatting while laying out their prey.
They glanced at me but kept talking, so I decided to grab lunch first.
If I couldn’t sell my game here, I’d just head on to Verant, and come back to Kreis later.
I took my time eating, but before long, the men from the dismantling area came into the dining hall.
They crowded the counter, ordering ale and snacks— and then one of them came over to me.
“Hey, the dismantlers are calling for you. Bring your prey already.”
“Thanks. I’ll think about it once I finish eating.”
“Think about it? I just told you they’re calling for you—get moving!”
He leaned over me, shouting, spitting as he barked.
I sighed, wiped my face very deliberately, and then turned to face him.
“Don’t shout over someone who’s trying to eat. I don’t have the kind of hobby where I enjoy seasoning my food with your filthy spit. And besides, when I came to the dismantling area to sell my prey, you guys were busy chatting it up with the dismantler, weren’t you? I was being considerate—didn’t want to interrupt your lively conversation. So how about you show a little consideration when I’m eating?”
“What’s your problem, kid?”
“Pretty big attitude for a brat.”
“You talk that big, you’d better be ready to back it up.”
“How about a mock battle? I’ll beat you till you can’t move.”
“Mock battle, huh? If you’re serious, let’s take it outside the city. It’ll be quicker—and no pesky rules to worry about.”
〈Hey, there’s some brat picking a fight with the Silver-rank “Flame Sword.”〉
〈Bold or just stupid? He’s saying they should settle it outside the city.〉
〈Doesn’t sound like much of a fair bet.〉
Thanks to those idiots spreading rumors, I’ve already had enough trouble for one day.
I won’t kill them—but I’ll make sure they’re puking their guts out after three solid minutes.
“Hey, don’t run away!”
“I’m just putting my dishes back. You think an adventurer would be scared of the likes of you?”
“Big talk. Let’s see if that mouth of yours can cash the check it’s writing.”
“Enjoyed your meal? You’ll be the next one in a goblin’s belly.”
“You should worry about not being the one eaten.”
“What’s with all this fighting talk!? Private duels are forbidden!”
“Submaster, this brat here says he wants to test himself outside the city. We’re just going see who’s better against monsters, that’s all.”
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s start with a pack of goblins for warm-up.”
“Hmph… you’re not a face I recognize. Where are you from?”
“Adele. Why?”
“You’re Leon, right?”
“Yes. Did a message come in about me or something?”
“You lot, this guy’s the one who got into trouble with the Warrens Trading Company. If you get involved, the backlash will come down on you.”
“Warrens Trading Company?”
“You’re kidding.”
“I’m out.”
“Poor bastard, picking a fight with them.”
“Hang in there, brother. You’ll need it.”
“Heh… I heard they’re cozy with Marquis Fleming, but they’ve got pull even in this territory too?”
“Along the Blange Highway, no one who isn’t nobility dares touch them. So—what did you do?”
“Nothing. Their lackeys hit me and told me to hand over my Chikki chikki Birds.
I got pissed, punched one back, and ran. Then they turned around and claimed I killed their men. Now the guild’s treating me like a criminal even though I’m not wanted.”
“They’re the biggest merchant house on the highway. The guild can’t just ignore them.
…You said Chikichiki Birds, right? You’re the one who sold a ton of them to the Korche and Rosenne guilds?”
“Yeah, got a decent price for them.”
“How many do you have now?”
“Well, since the dismantlers here seemed more interested in chatting than working, I was thinking of holding off on selling them.”
“If you’ve got a lot, bring them out! We’ll sell them directly to Duke Bellings. That’ll put the Warrens Company in their place. Can’t let them trample on the guild’s pride.”
Hold up—so now they’re planning to use me as leverage in a power struggle between the guild and Warrens?
“I heard you’re the submaster. Are you seriously planning to stir this up even more?”
“Name’s Brokes. And I’ve heard of you—the ‘Gentle Breeze,’ the wind mage who’s a master at catching birds.”
Gentle Breeze again!? Damn that Marco—next time I see him, I’ll make sure he stops breathing, maybe with a little Water magic.
“Quit whining and bring out all your game! If you’ve got a good haul of Chikki chikki Birds, we’ll sell them high to the duke’s household and stick it to those Warrens bastards!”
Great.
This has escalated beyond me—it’s turned into a whole different kind of fight.
Though… it might be fun to fan the flames a little and see the whole thing blow up.
The submaster grabbed me by the arm and dragged me into the dismantling area.
“Come on, let’s see everything you’ve got!”
He barked.
Well… if they’re going to take over my mess for me, I’m all for a full clearance sale.