When I saw the clothes handed to me with a request to mend them, I was utterly stunned.
Intricate geometric patterns, carefully stitched magical inscriptions, and unfamiliar symbols hidden around the neckline. The whole garment was designed to seamlessly channel magic through amethyst and a mysterious white stone that stored mana.
This wasn’t something you could just buy with money. I was genuinely infuriated by Nordin’s carelessness in tearing such a masterpiece, a robe that could only be described as magical art. At the same time, I was deeply impressed by Iriya ’s incredible patience—she didn’t utter a single complaint.
If it were me, I’d have lost it.
I even found myself staring at the hidden characters embroidered on the inside, which, in hindsight, was incredibly rude of me. Honestly, why did I think they were hidden in the first place? Curiosity got the better of me…
The robe’s owner, Iriya , was apparently a former apprentice to a court mage.
Even as an apprentice, the rank of the demon she was contracted with seemed unusually high.
I, Rendal, pride myself on being an A-rank adventurer, having fought countless foes alongside my companions. Yet, I’m certain this demon surpassed all of them in power. Compared to it, even lower-tier dragons seemed trivial. When I tried to sense its hidden magical energy, an icy fear gripped me, as if I were peering into an abyss. It became painfully clear that this was not someone I could ever afford to antagonize.
But that dense fool Nordin still didn’t understand. He’s bound to regret it someday.
Mages are typically secretive about their trump cards and sources of power. Yet, unable to contain my curiosity, I asked Iriya about the unfamiliar characters on the collar, assuring her that she didn’t have to answer if she didn’t want to.
“…These are a form of ancient magical script, the secret glyphs of the Egdualum Kingdom,” she replied.
That was an astounding revelation.
Originally, only the oldest runes, known as Elder Futhark, were kept secret. However, power-hungry mages eventually decided to conceal everything, monopolizing knowledge to bolster their own superiority. Iriya , however, opposed this practice. Since these glyphs aren’t inherently offensive, she believed they should be shared with others.
“So, I’ll teach you about them later. These are called ‘runes.’ Each character has a corresponding word to activate its power, but I’ll keep that part a secret,” she added with a warm smile.
Is it really okay for her to share this? Still, I couldn’t help wanting to learn more…!
To be sure, I asked her again if it was truly fine to show me, even just the characters.
“It’s fine. These symbols are already circulating in nearby countries around our kingdom. Of course, I won’t share any dangerous knowledge,” she reassured me.
What else does she know? Honestly, it’s a bit intimidating.
Suppressing my trembling hands, I managed to mend the torn parts of the robe. As an apology, I invited her out for a meal.
Although she seemed to be hiding something, if A-rank adventurers like us acted overly formal, she’d only look like some noblewoman under our protection. We decided to treat her as normally as possible. Nordin was already doing that, though… That guy’s nerves are definitely off.
We also agreed to address each other casually, but I still found it nerve-wracking to call someone who had served in the court by name.
“Wouldn’t it be disrespectful for me to address someone senior, and a man no less, without any honorifics…?” she hesitated.
“It’s fine! We’ll call you Iriya too, alright?”
“Of course… Nordin. And… Rendal. Is that… alright?”
Blushing slightly, she gave a shy smile and rounded her shoulders in an endearing gesture.
I had always thought court mages were arrogant, but to see someone so humble and kind was surprising.
Looking at her now, she seemed less like a great mage and more like a gentle, graceful woman.
“Nice to meet you, Belial, was it?”
“Do you not show me respect?!”
“Whoa!!”
Nordin casually patted Belial on the back, only to quickly withdraw his hand. It seemed to have been too hot.
He was so reckless I couldn’t even think of a way to follow up with him.
“Lord Belial’s cloak is a special one, woven with fire, and can easily ignite at his will…”
This was also a high-level magical item.
Nordin, of all things, took us to a very common restaurant—one of those places where you’d find signs boasting about their cheap lunch specials. I told him this was probably not the best idea, but he said that high-end places made him feel tense, and since Iriya used to go to such places often during her apprentice days, she preferred to go to a regular spot where everyone else eats. Once inside the restaurant, she seemed genuinely pleased with the nice interior and cute curtains. She was surprisingly down-to-earth.
I had wanted to talk with her about magic, but I couldn’t figure out how to bring it up.
Nordin was rambling on about how we were originally a two-person party, then teamed up with other adventurers for different quests, and how now we were registered as a four-person party but usually handled quests just the two of us.
Her manners at the table were graceful, and the attitude of Belial sitting next to her exuded both elegance and dignity. Together, they could easily be mistaken for nobility on a secretive outing.
I knew I had to follow their example. There were requests from nobles too, so proper etiquette was necessary.
“By the way, I came to this town to consult about a magic-enchanted sword. Iriya , do you want to come along? You seem pretty knowledgeable about it.”
She was not just knowledgeable; she was an expert. Had she even been listening to me?
“I’m interested, but I have plans this afternoon to visit the Radislav Magic Workshop…”
“Ah, that’s exactly where I was planning to go!”
“Well then, let’s go together.”
…! Finally, Nordin, I want to compliment you! Your boldness has become a real skill!
While drinking the tea served after the meal, I silently gave a fist pump. If we were going to the workshop, I could easily bring up the topic of magical enchantments and talismans. There was a chance she might even show off her skills. This was a rare opportunity!
“So, can we swing by the Adventurers’ Guild first?”
And there it goes again—this idiot…!
Iriya , who wasn’t familiar with the Adventurers’ Guild, happily followed. Honestly, if she registered, she’d probably get ranked A or even S right away. She had that much skill, and her manners and speech were perfect after B-rank training. To take on requests from nobles or influential figures, you need at least the basics of etiquette to reach A-rank. Furthermore, your character is important, and if there’s any doubt about that, you can’t get past B-rank.
I still suspected that Nordin only got to A-rank due to some clerical error.
As we passed through the guild’s wooden doors, I heard whispers from some people who recognized us—”A-rank Nordin and Rendal”—and speculated whether the other two were our bodyguards.
When we headed to the board with posted quests, the people nearby subtly stepped aside.
“This is the request board, huh? There are a lot of them.”
Iriya , looking at the board curiously, I explained to her.
“This area is more of a gathering place with few soldiers, so national monster hunts don’t happen often. That’s why there are so many extermination requests here.”
I wondered if I was speaking normally…
“Manticore, Hippogriff, Fire-breathing Birds… All weak monsters.”
“Yeah, I’d prefer something with better rewards.”
Wait—did everyone just react to that? Nordin, sure, but is Iriya trying to hide something…?
“I lived in a coastal country, but I’m from a mountain village, so I’ve never seen a Leviathan.”
“Over here, at the same rank, would be a Behemoth?”
“Wouldn’t it be better to look for dragons? I haven’t hunted one in a while.”
“Ah, dragon meat is the perfect feast for camping.”
All of those were monsters that would definitely be lethal to lower-rank adventurers. And once Belial joined the conversation, it turned into total chaos.
Also, I’m pretty sure that when Nordin talks about dragons and Belial talks about dragons, they’re referring to different ranks.
“Fighting giants is fun too.”
“Yeah, we took down a rock giant called Ulrikumu recently. It was much bigger than we were told.”
“That one keeps growing. You have to take it down quickly. Its feet are its weak point, but it’s also weak to water, so it’s easier to defeat.”
That one was a pain, but Iriya really knows her stuff. I’ll have to remember that.
But the way everyone around us is looking at us with awe, don’t they realize what’s going on…?
“…So? Are we going to keep dealing with all these eyes, or do you two know these people?”
Wait, are they eavesdropping on our conversation? It seems that’s not the case, though.
Upon hearing Belial’s words, something like a shadow quickly tried to flee from the side of the shelves.
“Are you turning your back on me?”
Before anyone could speak, a red-haired man, who had been standing in front of the bulletin board, moved swiftly to block the shadow-like figure. He stood there clearly displeased.
The one trying to flee was an imp, a demon commonly summoned due to its obedience. It had the fighting ability to face dark wolves, but it was small, under half a human’s height, made no sound when moving, and was hard to detect. Its skin was green, with no hair, pointed ears, big round eyes, and sharp teeth.
Though it was relatively easy to handle, it was now shrieking and bowing down in fear. This was an unusual sight.
“Ahhh! I’m sorry! I was ordered to investigate those two over there! I didn’t know you’d be here!”
“…Who I am is not for you to tell.”
“…Yes, yes, of course!!!”
“Leave now. There won’t be a second time.”
The words spoken in a chilling tone made the imp nod repeatedly, terrified, before it tumbled away and disappeared.
“I didn’t notice earlier… If it was spying on us, it must’ve been someone from our line of work. People like that want to know what kinds of requests we take, what equipment we use…”
Who “I am” remains a mystery, but I guess it’s not something I should ask about.
And so, we left the guild.
