The town elder of Miniger, Mr. Domild’s house was surprisingly modest.
It was almost indistinguishable from the surrounding houses.
“Where have you come from, Isto-san?”
“Wigarlus.”
“A large city indeed. I apologize for inviting you to such a small house.”
Domild-san spoke with a lighthearted tone, trying his best to sound cheerful.
But his smile remained stiff the entire time.
I understood that as the town elder, he was forcing himself to hide his anxiety.
At the same time, I could see why.
His humble home was a reflection of his character.
The desperate faces of the townsfolk at the entrance, bowing their heads to us, came to mind.
It was a serious and earnest plea.
I really want to help them…
I stopped Redelia in front of the entrance and entered Domild-san’s house alone. I had asked Mitera and Fiole to stay behind this time.
I was shown into the living room. Domild-san’s wife, who guided me, also had a worn-out expression.
There was another person in the living room. He introduced himself as an employee of the Miniger branch of the Guild Union.
It seemed that even in Miniger, there was a branch of the Union — albeit a small outpost. However, it appeared they hadn’t yet been informed about us, so when they learned that I had received a direct request from Sigurd, the branch head, they were quite surprised.
The three of us — myself, Domild-san, and the guild employee — sat around the table.
“I deeply apologize for the rudeness of the townsfolk earlier.”
Domild-san was the first to apologize.
“However, what they said is true. Several children from Miniger have gone missing over the past few days… The townspeople are so anxious and worried that they can’t sleep at night.”
“In fact, the town elder… Domild-dono’s only son is also among those who have disappeared,” the employee added.
That explains the pain in his expression… how unfortunate.
“Do you have any idea of what might have happened?”
When I asked, both of them looked down.
“It’s been happening in quick succession. The missing children vary in age, gender, and social circles, so it’s likely—”
“An organized kidnapping?”
“…Yes.”
It truly is a dire situation.
I had another question on my mind.
“According to Sigurd, there are also adventurers missing in this town, is that true?”
“That is true,” came a heavy sigh.
“Miniger has always been a place that adventurers frequently visit. There is a nearby sanctuary of spirits, and many magic-focused adventurers stay here for training or to replenish their mana. Lately, more warrior-type adventurers have been coming to hunt monsters.”
The employee spread out some documents — records of adventurers’ activities submitted to the branch.
The handwriting was neat. The staff here seemed diligent in their work, which gave a good impression.
“But lately, these adventurers have been disappearing without a trace. There’s been a widespread request from Wigarlus to get to the bottom of this, which has only drawn more adventurers. Then, the next disappearance happens… It’s a vicious cycle.”
“And now, on top of that, the children have gone missing. The residents are terrified that the two incidents might be connected. If even skilled adventurers are helpless, they wonder what they can do…”
Domild-san pressed his fists to his forehead, almost in prayer.
I could feel the weight of his emotions.
“Do the missing children have any distinguishing characteristics?”
If we’re going to search, we need information.
I knew it would be hard for Domild-san, but I needed to ask.
Among the information I gathered, the guild employee shared something notable.
“Domild-dono’s son is a very bright and talented child. Although he hasn’t been officially assessed, many believe he possesses a Gifted Skill.”
“Is that so?”
Interesting.
Perhaps Redelia’s strange reaction earlier on the way here was due to sensing that child’s Gifted Skill.
If that’s the case, we may have a lead.
If one of the missing children has a Gifted Skill, we might be able to use Redelia’s detection ability to locate them.
It’s certainly a better option than searching blindly.
“I understand. I will help to the best of my ability.”
“Oh, thank you! Thank you so much! If there’s anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Domild-san clasped my hand in gratitude.
At that moment, the guild employee raised his hand hesitantly.
“Excuse me, Isto-dono. If I may, I have a small request.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“There is an adventurer from this town who has also been missing for several days. Her name is Almoa Savance. If you happen to come across her, could you please ask her to return? The townspeople are very worried.”
The employee put away the documents as he spoke.
“Her parents have done so much for the people of Miniger. We all think of Almoa as one of our own. She’s only 16 years old and just recently registered as a Clear-Rank adventurer. It seems she was determined to search for the missing children herself, and we fear she may have been caught up in this recent disappearance.”
“I understand. I’ll make sure to relay the message.”
When I agreed, both of them bowed their heads deeply.
“Almoa is accompanied by a guardian spirit she inherited from her father. You should recognize her immediately if you meet her. Isto-dono, please, take care of her.”
