“…Ekvar-sama, right? I have a request for you.”
“Hm? For me?”
When I went to the Adventurers’ Guild, the receptionist called out to me with a puzzled look.
That makes sense. A D-rank adventurer like me wouldn’t typically receive a request unless it’s through some connection or obligation. Plus, I haven’t been in this town long enough to have formed any such relationships.
“It’s a request from the Guildmaster of the Commercial Guild. It’s for a bodyguard job.”
The people around us, who had overheard, began to stir. Well, that makes sense.
“In that case, it’s probably related to the magic item artisan from the house I’ve been indebted to. They might want me to accompany them as a bodyguard as a thank-you for my help when I have free time.”
With those words, the surrounding people seemed to understand. Still, it’s quite a big deal that they went through the guild for this request—sounds like they really didn’t want to be turned down. As for the bodyguard job, I can’t make that decision on my own, though…
“It’s a request to go to the Norsarnus Empire. There was a bit of friction recently between the neighboring military state of Tranchinel and the Fen Duchy, so there’s a lot of uncertainty. It’s an important consultation regarding magic and the creation of magical items, and since they’re hiring an A-rank adventurer, I think you’ll feel more at ease.”
“Ah, I see. That’s definitely a request to bring a craftsman along. I’m just the extra, aren’t I?”
With that, I can definitely imagine Lady Iriya will agree to go. After discussing it with her, I’ll likely accept the job. I smiled and conveyed my positive response, and the receptionist seemed relieved.
“By the way, who else is going?”
“Those people over there.”
When I looked in the direction she indicated, I saw two familiar people sitting and talking to each other.
In the Adventurers’ Guild, there are rooms with tables and chairs where adventurers can meet up or discuss requests. These rooms aren’t partitioned off by walls, so the receptionists can easily see what’s happening.
One of the men was unusually large and clad in armor, while the other had beautiful blonde hair, sharp short ears, and a well-formed face that suggested some elven ancestry—a swordsman.
The other adventurers around us were sneakily eyeing them, since they wore A-rank badges.
“Hey, you two. Nordin-kun, Rendahl-kun, it’s been a while.”
As I waved and greeted them casually, I could hear the whispers of those around us. A D-rank adventurer like me talking to A-rank adventurers, after all.
I had met these two right before I came to the kingdom of Chenkaslar , and we had a bit of a contest in which I defeated Rendahl. I can take on three A-rank adventurers at once, so it was a given. I’d trained extensively for that in the kingdom.
“…Long time no see, Ekvar-dono. Are you still in this town?”
“Ugh. You’re taking this request too?”
Nordin-kun is still as straightforward as ever!
“Nordin, Rendahl! It’s been a while.”
When I got home, Lady Iriya greeted the two of them with a happy smile.
Rendahl, holding a sack, responded cheerfully.
“We came to deliver Seeb Isashimu Amel. And while we were at it, we ended up accepting the bodyguard request, and it overlaps with him…”
“Well, thank you for that. I appreciate you bringing it here yourselves. But… bodyguard?”
Ah, so these guys took on the request and brought it all the way here for her. Normally, if there’s no specific request, you’d just leave it with the guild receptionist, but since they know her, they probably decided to hand it directly to her.
They opened the sack and showed the collected herbs, confirming the contents.
“That’s because the Guildmaster of the Commercial Guild wants you to come with him to the Norsarnus Empire. I think it’s the same for you, so what will you do?”
“Of course, I’ll go with you. By the way, these two know about my background…”
“…How did they find out?”
When I glanced at Lady Iriya , her shoulder twitched. I might’ve looked too stern—did I have a harsh expression on my face?
“It didn’t take long for Rendahl to figure it out. He said I must be serving in the court.”
“Hoh-hoh, I see. As expected, you’re sharp, Rendahl-kun. If you’re too perceptive, you might not live long though?”
“…Are you two close?”
Lady Iriya wondered where that thought had come from…
“Ah, they’re the type I don’t want to get close to,” Nordin said, bluntly.
I can’t believe he said that so boldly!
“Well, they seem trustworthy. By the way, I’m her bodyguard. If anything threatens her during the journey, I’ll expect you to risk your lives to protect us.”
“We’re the Guildmaster’s bodyguards!!”
Tch, they figured it out.
Lady Iriya watched our exchange with a pleased look on her face.
“Iriya -chan, I’ll go talk to them about the details of the bodyguard request.”
“Take care. I’ll be making some items.”
“Ah, by the way, Iriya … what kind of medicine can be made from those herbs? I’d like to know…”
Rendahl hesitated before asking. Since he knew her background, he seemed hesitant to speak too casually. Maybe that’s why he took on this gathering request despite being an A-rank adventurer?
“It’s Amrita. Thanks to you, I can make it again.”
“…Amrita!?!”
She said it so casually, but that’s one of the four major healing items, and it’s both extremely potent and difficult to make…
“…About what I said earlier. It’s not entirely a joke. There’s a fool who boldly came here, so conspicuous that it’s easy to track them, even though she might be targeted.”
On the way to directly ask the head of the Commerce Guild about the request, I decided to explain the situation a little to them. I hoped nothing would happen, but if it did, knowing in advance might help them deal with it.
“Targeted? Did something happen?”
“A grudge. She’s a victim of a corruption case. The other party is a duke, so although he’s been detained, we still can’t let our guard down.”
I turned to Nordin, who was looking back at me, and waved dismissively with a troubled expression. Rendall furrowed his brow and nodded gravely.
“A grudge… huh. Sometimes, those are even deeper than legitimate resentments.”
I wondered if Rendall had his own experiences in the past.
“But is it really okay to be going out like this? And on such a conspicuous job?”
“Well, there’s no harm in earning goodwill with the Guildmaster. Plus, staying in one place might actually be more dangerous. I’ve left my familiar at home to monitor the situation. If anything were to happen, it’d likely be in the next little while. Once the verdict is handed down, security will be even tighter.”
At the very least, he wouldn’t be able to remain a duke. His assets have already been seized, and even now, he’s restricted from leaving his room. But after the trial, the surveillance will likely become stricter. Being a former Chief Mage and a duke meant they couldn’t throw him in jail before the trial.
…Still, I don’t think we’ve managed to uncover all of that cunning man’s hidden assets. I feel like there’s more he’s keeping under wraps. That’s what worries me.
“That said, the final decision is hers to make. My role is just to fulfill my duty as a bodyguard.”
Besides, I was also concerned about the movements of the military nation of Tranchinel. Last time, they invaded without declaring war, and Norsanus Empire couldn’t come to Fen Duchy’s aid in time. They must be scrambling to gather information now.
If Fen Duchy were annexed by Tranchinel, obtaining Gaokerena would become far more difficult. Not to mention, the friendly relations we’ve painstakingly built through magical exchanges would be ruined.
The day of the mission.
Those accompanying us were myself, Lord Belial, Miss Iriya, bodyguards Nordin and Rendall, the head of the Commerce Guild, one male staff member, a few guild-exclusive guards, and two women I was meeting for the first time.
Once everyone had gathered, the head of the Commerce Guild gave a greeting.
Apparently, this meeting was arranged between the top leaders of the commercial guild organizations of both nations. The head of the Commerce Guild was said to be one of the more influential figures in the Chenkaslar Kingdom’s guild network. The Norsanus Empire seemed to be pursuing a route of strengthening ties between the military’s Chief Mage and the top commercial guilds to actively produce and market magical items.
“Thank you for your cooperation. It will be a long journey to the Norsanus Empire, but I’ll be counting on you.”
Next, a woman wearing a white robe placed a hand on her chest and began to speak.
“I am Edith Paleum, a Royal Court Mage of Chenkaslar . I’m determined to make this exchange of magical technology with the Norsanus Empire a success, as it should bring great benefits to our country.”
“I’m Annika, a mage who makes magic potions in the capital. Nice to meet you.”
“It is an honor to meet you. I’m Iriya, a magic item craftsman from Lenand. Though I am still inexperienced, I look forward to working with you all.”
She bowed gracefully, bringing her fingers together with precision. The two women looked at Miss Iriya with curiosity. Most item craftsmen in town weren’t so formally mannered.
“…A magic item craftsman? That’s quite a refined greeting.”
“Yes… even her bow was so polished. I was surprised.”
Their impressions were understandable.
Miss Iriya, on the other hand, reacted as if to say, “Really?”
“She is under the protection of Duke August and has also received lessons in etiquette. I am her bodyguard, Ekvar. It’s a pleasure to meet such lovely ladies. This promises to be an enjoyable journey with such beautiful company.”
“You’re as shameless as ever. I’m Nordin, an adventurer. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Rendall, also an adventurer.”
The two followed with their own introductions after me. Nordin was as rough as ever. Don’t they give A-rank adventurers any lessons in manners?
“Hey, you, Ekvar! This isn’t a vacation—take this seriously!”
Royal Court Mage Edith turned red as she scolded me. How adorable. Annika smiled awkwardly, while Miss Iriya… please, don’t give me that look like I’m some hopeless man. It hurts. I tried to smooth things over, after all.
“And who is that…?”
Annika cautiously gestured toward Lord Belial.
“He is the demon I’m contracted with. Don’t worry; he’s bound by terms that prohibit him from killing others without permission.”
“A d-demon!? Aren’t you a magic item craftsman!?”
Edith was stunned, scrutinizing Lord Belial from head to toe. His demeanor and attire clearly marked him as a noble demon. His ruby-like red eyes reflected their figures.
“I am Belial. Rest assured, I mean no harm to you.”
“I am a craftsman, but I can also use magic and summoning. I simply enjoy magic-related things.”
…Hmm, this will absolutely lead to her revealing too much about magic. Or rather, not revealing flaws, but showing off forbidden talents.
“She worked at a magic research institute in her home country but quit due to harassment. She’s quite knowledgeable.”
With this, we can attribute whatever she says to her research institute experience.
Miss Iriya muttered, “Oh, right, that was my backstory,” as if remembering. See? I’ve already prepared an explanation for you! Don’t forget it!
“Really!? That’s wonderful…! You may not know this as an outsider, but Chenkaslar is often looked down upon in terms of magic and potion-making compared to surrounding nations. I want to use this opportunity to secure achievements like technological exchanges, joint developments, or increased potion imports. It’s time to get the country to take magic seriously!”
Edith happily took Miss Iriya’s hands.
“I’ll do my best to assist.”
No, you’re absolutely not allowed to give it your all. I’m worried now…
“I’ll try my best too…!”
Annika joined the two. Will this journey turn out to be an enjoyable one for Miss Iriya?
The convoy of carriages began to move. The sound of hooves, the rattling of wheels, and the voices of people filled the air.
Having grown accustomed to traveling by flight, this felt unbearably slow.
While the girls and Lord Belial were in the same carriage, I ended up in one with the Guildmaster and a single staff member. At least the seats were leather-padded, soft, and vibration-free—quite comfortable.
“Ekvar, I heard that the Chief Mage of Egdoarm’s court has been apprehended.”
The Guildmaster lowered his voice as he spoke.
“Yes, we’ve received reports. He was deeply involved in corruption and has no chance of regaining his position.”
“I see… Actually, a merchant I know is panicking because they had connections through intermediaries, not knowing about the corruption.”
Ah, so that’s why this carriage had been kept minimally staffed, even excluding the guild’s guards.
“Understood. Tell me about this merchant. If they wish to do business, we’ll investigate them first. Given the circumstances, we can’t be too careful.”
“Thank you. I’ll let them know.”
The Guildmaster relaxed and nodded with a relieved expression.
“My subordinates are fully occupied with the Chief Mage’s case. I’ll ask His Highness to send someone available. We’re also looking for trading partners, but only those with clean records.”
The staff member, observing quietly, seemed surprised by the exchange but said nothing. Likely, he was chosen for his discretion.
If Miss Iriya’s safety could be assured, I wouldn’t mind revealing my identity or purpose.
