Chapter 142.1: Search Job (1/2)

“Ryouma-kun!” [Maelyn]

When I dropped by the guild, the receptionist suddenly called me.

“Good timing.” [Maelyn]

“Good day, Maelyn-san. Did something happen?” [Ryouma]

“We got word from the guild branch in a town near Ratoin Lake. It’s related to the Mud Salamander.” [Maelyn]

Mud Salamander!　That’s one of the monster beasts I want to fight.

“Every year before going into hibernation, the mud salamanders of Ratoin Lake would appear to eat their fill. This causes all sorts of problems for those related to the fishing industry of the lake. In some cases, such as in smaller fishing villages, it can be a problem concerning life and death.” [Maelyn]

Ratoin Lake… That should be the place where those people that gave me the Bloody Slime came from.

“Is the village called Shikumu also affected?” [Ryouma]

“The mud salamanders will appear all over the Ratoin Lake, so Shikumu probably won’t be exempted. Anyway, there’s a lot of places that have to be protected, so they need people to deal with the mud salamanders. As such, they’re currently hiring adventurers that will aid them in defending the villages and subjugating the mud salamanders. They also want adventurers to help out a little after subjugating the mud salamanders. So, interested?” [Maelyn]

I definitely want to go. But when does this job start?

“The mud salamanders seem to hit the hardest 2 months later, so you can go then. Are you busy?” [Maelyn]

“2 months later is fine. I’m busy next month, but I should be free in the next. I’ll go.” [Ryouma]

“That’s good to hear. Alright, what work will you be doing today?” [Maelyn]

Right.

“I heard from the guild master of the merchant guild. Apparently, there’s a possibility that a group of remnant bandits might be migrating to Gimuru. Do you have information or jobs pertaining to bandits?” [Ryouma]

“I see, so you’ve already received permission. Please wait for a moment.” [Maelyn]

She took out a bundle of parchment from under the counter.

“We have two pieces of information regarding recent bandit movements. One is about the bandit remnants that you heard about. The other is a group of bandit that might have a connection with that. But these bandits have already been dealt with near the town of Gaunago, so there’s no job pertaining to them anymore. As for the suspicious people, we don’t know for sure just yet if they’re really bandits since we don’t know exactly where they are.” [Maelyn]

So they’re just being cautious. In that case, maybe I’ll just go and make medicine again today…

“Umm~…” [Paena]

Hmm?　Just when I was wondering who it was, it turns out to be the capable newcomer, Paena-san. As timid as ever, this one.

“Sorry, Ryouma-kun. Please wait for a moment.” [Maelyn]

“I’m so sorry! Even though you’re in the middle of talking!” [Maelyn]

“It’s fine. Go ahead.” [Ryouma]

“Even Ryouma-kun is okay with it, so say it already. What’s the matter?” [Maelyn]

“There’s a client who wants a job posted and…” [Maelyn]

As the two guild employees quietened their voices, I averted my eyes from them and looked around at the rather empty guild.

…Is everyone on break?

Apparently, at this time of the day, most adventurers are either absentmindedly looking at the bulletin board or talking idly with a nearby adventurer… Hmm?

A man with a bearded face was walking from the end of the counter. From his height, he must be a dwarf.

“Sorry, boy. But can you move for a sec? Ojouchan!” [Male Dwarf]

The man went to the counter where I was and called out to Paena-san, who was inside.

“Yes? Ah!　You can’t!　I’ll deal with it properly, so please go back and wait.” [Paena]

“Sorry. But it will be faster if I just talk to her directly. I need Pedro found as soon as possible.” [Male Dwarf]

Huh. Looks like someone is missing…

As the man suddenly bowed his head, Maelyn stepped forward with a complicated expression on her face.

“Guts-sama, yes?　I’m sorry, but the money you gave is not enough—” [Maelyn]

“I know I’m being unreasonable. But that’s all the money I have at hand right now. Still, if Pedro can be found, he should have cargo with him. If I sold those, I can pay more. But even without those, as long as I’m given time, I can prepare more money. The problem is time.” [Guts]

The situation is looking like it’s at a deadlock… Even the few eyes inside the guild have started to gather.

“It’s not that far. Isn’t there any adventurer willing to look?” [Guts]

…

“Paena-san.” [Ryouma]

“?　Yes, what is it?” [Paena]

“Can you tell me about the job he’s talking about?” [Ryouma]

I started to get curious myself, so I called out to Paena-san, who was being ignored like me.

When I did, she became thoughtful, then looked at me and the two people talking.

“Umm… We haven’t decided to accept his request just yet, so talking about a person’s circumstances is a bit… But if it’s you, you might be a good fit for the job, actually…” [Paena]

I felt sorry for causing her trouble. Anyway, since she wasn’t willing to talk, all I could do was to prick up my ears and listen.

“I’m sorry but can we start over from the beginning?” [Maelyn]

“Sure. I’m Guts. I run a small smithy at the western district. Just a few days ago, I sent a weapon I made to Kereban, but this morning, a letter came from the customer that he hasn’t received anything… I want to look for the guy called Pedro who was supposed to deliver my weapon.” [Guts]

“Exactly how long is ‘a few days ago’?” [Maelyn]

“Three days ago. If things went as scheduled, he should have already arrived at Kereban and be on his way back already.” [Guts]

“But you said the goods haven’t been delivered?” [Maelyn]

“Right. The customer contacted me in a hurry. That’s how I know.” [Guts]

Maelyn-san continued to ask him questions.

“What are the odds that the delivery has merely been delayed?” [Maelyn]

“I’ve asked him to do the same job many times already. He knows the way well. And the weather hasn’t been bad lately. Unless something really unexpected happens, there’s no reason for him to be delayed.” [Guts]

“That’s true…” [Maeyln]

I wonder if he has an idea of what’s causing the delay.

As soon as I thought that…

“Takebayashi-san, please come here…” [Paena]

Paena-san seems to have made up her mind.

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