After the screams died down, some time passed.
“Ah. Sorry to keep you waiting,” Sigurd, the branch manager, straightened himself and sat across from us.
His voice had regained a human quality.
I discreetly observed the branch manager’s face. The dark circles under his eyes were still there, but that was the only thing that seemed off. The emptiness that had once filled his gaze was gone. A remarkable recovery. That liquid was really something else…
Beside me, Almoa continued clinging to my arm, trembling and unable to lift her head. It was surprising to see her so terrified, especially given her usual demeanor. She must have been really scared…
The branch manager tilted his head curiously.
“Why is that girl trembling like a small animal?”
“It’s because of you, Branch Manager Sigurd,” I replied firmly. Almoa kept muttering softly, “No, no, no…”
“Yes, fear of sleep is indeed frightening,” said Branch Manager Sigurd. Was he pretending not to understand? This was only our second meeting, but somehow his eccentricity seemed to have intensified since last time.
Incredible, truly.
I cleared my throat to get things back on track.
“Branch Manager, shall we move on to the main topic?”
“Yes. You’ve come to make a report, correct?”
“That’s right. We’re here to report on what we witnessed concerning the Minigel matter.”
“That’s valuable. Please proceed.”
As he spoke, the branch manager flipped through the pile of papers on the table with astonishing speed. To be able to handle administrative work at that speed while listening to an important report… What a skill.
When he noticed my surprise, he said casually, “Oh, don’t mind me. This is just how I am when I’m back in full swing.”
“Sometimes, I get so fired up that I end up like a corpse, which causes a commotion. But I’m alive now, so no worries. Go on, Mr. Isto.”
It was a joke that wasn’t funny.
“Then I’ll start with our journey to Minigel.”
I continued the report. As I carefully explained the situation, Almoa seemed to regain her composure, sitting up and occasionally adding details to my account.
When the report reached the part about the mysterious monster, we emphasized its unique and dangerous qualities.
Branch Manager Sigurd listened in silence, glancing frequently at his documents or stifling yawns—if only he’d control that a little better.
When I finished, the branch manager closed his files.
“I see, I understand well. I appreciate the firsthand information, Mr. Isto, Ms. Almoa. Thanks to people like you, the peace of our people is protected.”
“I’m glad we could help.”
“Yes. Which means I get better sleep. Thank you.”
What a disappointing response.
Almoa whispered to me.
“Hey, what does he mean by better sleep?”
“It’s Branch Manager Sigurd’s skill. He has the ability to see prophetic dreams.”
“No way. Like, future visions?”
“It seems to have many restrictions, so it’s not exactly a gifted skill. But because of it, he’s chronically sleep-deprived.”
“…So that’s why.”
She seemed to understand somewhat, though she still looked at Branch Manager Sigurd with a bit of fear.
It seemed she had developed a real aversion to him.
“Now then, is that all for your report?”
“Yes. Ah, may I ask one more thing?”
I took this opportunity to ask about something I hadn’t brought up earlier.
“I’d like to know more about that pile of documents. It seems to be related to adventurer mobilization…?”
The branch manager laughed. “Good observation. Impressive.”
“It will likely involve you two as well. But for now, we need to organize the information. Mr. Isto, Ms. Almoa, please wait in Wigarlus until we’re ready. I’ll contact you when preparations are complete, and we’ll discuss the request details then.”
“A request… You mean, that kind again? Understood.”
“Yes. I’ve registered you with the adventurers’ guild ‘Elpida’ and assigned you as official members.”
“…What?”
“I’ll issue new adventurer tags for you and Ms. Fiole. Mr. Isto, you’ll start at the Citrine rank. I’ll rank Ms. Almoa up to the same level.”
“…Excuse me!?”
“I’ll have your adventurer tags and permits ready by our next meeting. Until then, take care.”
…What!?
The adventurers’ guild ‘Elpida’!?
I’m a Citrine-ranked adventurer!?
And Almoa’s getting a promotion!?
“Branch Manager! You can’t just drop that on us—wait, he’s passed out again!?”
Sigurd had collapsed back onto the desk.
He’s really inconsistent. I still have more questions!
I was about to call out to him when I felt a tug on my sleeve.
Almoa looked at me with a serious expression.
“Let’s go.”
“…Scared?”
“Terrified.”
It was the most straightforward she’d ever been.
