Chapter 59

Evening of that day—

“Whoa!? That’s amazing! Isto-sensei has finally become a ranked adventurer, and not only that, he’s a Guild Master now! Super cool!”

We were gathered around the dinner table at Griffo’s mansion, getting excited over the events of the day.

The main topic, of course, was the adventurer registration and guild registration.

As Narg and Regin’s eyes sparkled, Fiole proudly puffed out her chest.

“See? I told you! From today onward, our guild Elpida is starting a new chapter!”

“Hey, why are you the one acting all high and mighty?”

“Well, I’m part of the Adventurer’s Guild Elpida, too, you know. Actually, I’m the ace, Isto’s right hand.”

“What are you talking about? You’re just a lower-ranked, colorless crystal tier here.”

“Shut up! I’ve decided that one day I’ll surpass Almoa!”

As Fiole fired back passionately, Almoa sighed, biting into her bread with a look that seemed to say, “Why me…”

After softening my expression a bit at the lively children, I looked over at Mitera.

She had finished her meal earlier and was nodding while dabbing at her mouth with a napkin.

I set down my utensils.

“Everyone, listen up. As I mentioned earlier, the Elpida Orphanage will be starting anew as the Elpida Adventurer’s Guild. And right off the bat, we’ve received a big request. It’s from Sigurd, the branch head of the Guild Federation in Wigarlus. I’ve decided to take it on responsibly.”

Many of the children’s eyes sparkled with excitement, though Gloza and Tiara had more serious expressions.

They probably understood at least a little of the weight of a request coming directly from the branch head. Sharp as always.

“Here’s the thing. For this mission, I’ll be selecting specific members to come along.”

“Huh?”

“The rest will stay behind to keep an eye on things here.”

“What!? No way!”

A chorus of objections followed.

But I couldn’t budge on this.

Mitera backed me up.

“Our next destination is the city of Ela Amo. Even by riding Raedelia from Wigarlus, it’ll take seven days one way. It’s a very distant place.”

Mitera looked at each child.

“Also, Ela Amo is surrounded by a barren wilderness. I’ve heard it gets extremely hot there, so you can’t go outside much during the day. If you’re told you have to stay indoors for at least fourteen days round-trip, could you really keep still?”

The room went silent.

They probably remembered the stress of staying in the orphanage during the Minnigel incident. The thought of being confined for a much longer period was enough to make them hesitant.

I had to hand it to Mitera; she had the children wrapped around her finger. She was reliable.

If I had tried to say, “It’s even more dangerous than Minnigel, so stay here,” I wonder how much they would’ve listened.

I glanced over at Griffo, who gave me a solemn nod.

I had already informed him about the mission. We’d also discussed the information Sigurd had foreseen and what Avril had told me—“the enemy is akin to a past demon king.” Given Griffo’s steely expression, it was clear we’d have to approach this mission with an extra level of seriousness.

Then, I told them who would accompany me to Ela Amo: myself, Fiole, and Almoa. Only the three of us who could fight would go. Everyone else would stay at Griffo’s mansion.

With most of the children staying behind, Mitera would also be in charge of looking after them.

The children looked somewhat downcast, so I went around and spoke to each one.

“Miti.”

“…What is it, Sensei?”

“Can you make a delicious mushroom dish for me by the time I get back? You know, maybe you can learn from the shopkeepers in the marketplace.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Go and learn all you can.”

I looked at the other children.

“Gloza, Sutei, and Eiri. I’d like you to continue with the remodeling of Old Barba. There’s no need to rush. Work with Griffo and Mitera’s contacts and do what you can. Someday, that will become your store.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say, Isto-sensei.”

Gloza replied in a calm voice.

“We’ve got this covered. We’ll do our best, together.”

“Great.”

“By the way, Sensei, will you be okay without me for meals?”

“I’ll manage,” I replied. It would be tough without our cook, but we’d make it work.

“Tiara.”

Just as I started to call her name, she held up a book from her lap.

Apparently, one of the maids had been teaching her recently. They shared similar tastes in books, and she seemed to enjoy their time together.

I smiled wryly.

“That’s just like you, Tiara, but put it away during meals so it doesn’t get dirty.”

“I’m not a kid, you know. I’ll be fine.”

Oh, come on.

The maid behind her chuckled softly.

I turned to the last two.

“Narg, Regin. I know you’ve been secretly practicing swordsmanship with Griffo, haven’t you?”

“Ugh… I went out of my way to train somewhere else to avoid embarrassment, but I’m nowhere near his level.”

“I heard you’re quite into it. Make the most of it. Have him train you thoroughly.”

“…Right.”

Narg nodded. Regin, however, remained silent, looking somewhat conflicted.

“Regin? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, Sensei. Really, nothing.”

Regin spoke, but in an unusually hesitant tone.

…Maybe I’d ask him about it later.

As I reached for some bread, I noticed something.

“Avril? Where are you going?”

The great spirit, who had been resting quietly on Almoa’s shoulder, suddenly spread its wings and flew over to the window.

‘Someone’s here.’

“A guest?”

Almoa and I walked over to the window.

It was already dark outside, and we couldn’t see anyone.

“There’s no one out there.”

“Isto, look. Over by the flowerbed.”

Almoa pointed.

Squinting to see better, I noticed small figures by the flowerbed.

‘Good evening.’

“You guys are…!”

The visitors to Griffo’s mansion were not people, but the cat spirit Houma and its companions.