Chapter 41

――Dusk. The sunlight barely traced the horizon at this time of day.

We successfully reached the town of Minigel.

At the town entrance, the adults were waiting, each holding a torch in their hands.

When I waved the torch to signal our return, they hurried back into town to inform the other residents.

By the time Redelia slowly approached the main street, the residents of Minigel had gathered to greet us.

“Dad! Mom!”

“Oh, thank goodness…! I’m so glad you’re safe!”

The children who came out with Redelia ran to their respective guardians, crying heartily.

The same scene could be seen in various places.

Somehow, even I felt tears welling up. Ha ha, this is tough.

Looking beside me, Almoa was also squinting. Her profile, illuminated by the torchlight, was tightly drawn, as if she were determined not to cry.

It was a mix of relief and a newfound resolve.

An expression that conveyed both feelings.

At that moment, an elderly man came to the driver’s seat.

He was sobbing openly, extending both hands toward us.

“Thank you…! Thank you so much…!”

Hearing his pure gratitude, I felt a lump in my throat.

I grasped his wrinkled hands, which spoke of the hardships he had endured. They were firm and warm.

“Banzai!”

A voice suddenly rose from somewhere.

That was the signal, and cheers erupted from all over the main street.

“Thank you, Isto!”

“It’s thanks to you all. I really appreciate it! You are all amazing!”

“Glory to the heroes of Elpida!”

Faces illuminated by torches—face after face—were all directed at us.

Praise rained down without cease.

My hands trembled. My heart raced like never before.

Almoa was also blushing and looking down. She seemed to be trembling with emotion.

“Awawawawa… what an amazing sound, amazing sound, amazing sound… this is Master’s, this is Master’s, Master is amazing, Master is amazing, I am a trash can, I am a trash can…”

Redelia was mumbling to herself, trembling.

…In Redelia’s case, it seemed she was completely intimidated by the praise. It’s okay, you’re not a trash can.

Fiole stepped out from the driver’s seat. She climbed to the top of the wagon, holding a torch in her left hand and Enestia‘s spear in her right.

With this performance, the cheers reached a crescendo.

That girl… when did she learn to hype like that?

She caught my eye.

Fiole was blushing with excitement, smiling proudly.

“Isto! We’re so happy to be with you! We’re proud! To be praised by so many people!”

Honestly.

Thank you. As the director of the orphanage, I couldn’t ask for more than to have children like you who believe in me.

――After that.

While being surrounded by the residents, I somehow managed to arrive at Domirudo‘s house.

Domirudo stood at the entrance to greet us, with his son and wife beside him.

“Isto. Thank you so much for everything.”

The family bowed deeply.

“We, the people of Minigel, express our boundless gratitude to you. You are a benefactor of our town.”

“Oh, no…”

As I reflexively became modest, Fiole poked me with her elbow.

I suppose she was telling me to accept their gratitude honestly.

I had said similar words to Almoa, yet I found my own nature to be difficult.

Just as Fiole said, I should stand tall.

I was led into the living room of Domirudo’s house. For some reason, Fiole followed me, her sparkling eyes saying, “I’m involved too!” I let her do as she pleased.

In the living room, there was also a guild staff member present. His face was drenched in sweat, suggesting he had been quite busy, but his expression was bright and fulfilled.

“We just finished our confirmation. All the missing children are safe. Thank you for your hard work, Isto.”

“I’m glad we were able to help the children.”

Hearing the staff member’s report, I nodded in satisfaction.

“Also, I apologize for bothering you while you’re tired, but could we ask you a few questions for the report?”

“Yes, of course.”

As a guild staff member, I understood the importance of properly recording the results.

I talked about the kidnappers and the mysterious monsters that had attacked us. I also reported that several adventurers had become victims of those monsters.

I guess he understood the dangers involved. Even the guild staff member’s face, which had been elated from the solved case, quickly regained a sense of tension.

He informed us.

“Actually, we had heard from an adventurer who returned to Minigel a while ago. They had been suddenly attacked by a terrible monster and were devastated. I was surprised by their drastic change since they were so confident when they first arrived in Minigel. At the same time, I became worried about you all… but it seems my worries were unnecessary. Truly impressive.”

Fiole eagerly spoke up.

“Yes, that’s right. Isto is an amazing person! I’m so happy that everyone recognizes you!”

The guild staff member’s face softened.

But he quickly returned to a serious expression. He exchanged glances with Domirudo. The two of them nodded at each other.

What’s this?

“Isto. We have one proposal for you.”

“A proposal?”

“How about establishing a new adventurer guild in conjunction with the Elpida orphanage? I believe you could aim to be among the best as an adventurer.”

“W-what? An adventurer!?”

I received a firm reply, but…

No, no, this is completely unexpected.

Fiole was also wide-eyed.

“I spoke with Domirudo as well, and if you wish, we are prepared to report your great achievement to the guild federation and create a recommendation letter for guild and adventurer registration. Even a rural guild federation like ours can provide some prestige with a recommendation letter. The registration process should be much easier. We would like you to see this as a way for us in Minigel to repay our debt.”

“An adventurer!”

Fiole stood up.

She looked at me with excited eyes.

“It’s amazing, Isto! You could definitely become the world’s greatest adventurer! Because you’re Isto!”

“Calm down.”

“No way, can I calm down with this!?”

Fiole was bubbling with excitement. Remarkably, even the guild staff and Domirudo were in agreement.

“Isto. We genuinely think the same as Fiole.”

“Yes. You have that much talent.”

Domirudo took out a piece of paper from his pocket.

It was the official seal of the guild federation—an authentic recommendation letter.

“Please accept our feelings.”

I hesitated for a moment, then said, “Thank you,” and took the letter.

An adventurer… an adventurer guild… huh.

This is turning into quite the big deal.