> Ellie PoV <

We arrive at the guild building slightly before dawn.

The sky is lit up but the sun isn’t visible yet.

There are a long line of wagons and stagecoaches here.

Seems to be 9 of them in total.

I’ve seen several convoys like this recently.

There’s a lot of people walking around, preparing for the trip.

Since that Manager is in charge, everybody is super busy.

We too are immediately sent to the front of the line.

I saw mister Picorio, but was unable to greet him.

He had recently completed his new scented soaps so I wanted to buy some.

That’s fine though, we should have plenty of chances to talk at night.

The stagecoach at the very front of the convoy is ours.

Me and Kelly load up our luggage on top of the carriage, but there’s not enough space.

We’re bringing some large and heavy items, after all.

Namely Scrappy and two of Nano’s androids.

Kelly was wearing Scrapy and carrying the other two, but we had nowhere to put them.

Making her carry them for the entire trip was mean.

Not impossible, just mean.

Thankfully the Manager foresaw this and told us to use some of the space in the wagons.

The wagon creaked dangerously when Kelly climbed into it, but it didn’t break.

We’re bringing these because Kira wanted to visit the Coliseum in the capital.

Kira said our team should participate in an event there.

That way we can show off our skill and ability to the people there.

Showing off is actually important you know?

If you’re not well known and respected, becoming Rank A is impossible.

Since it’s the highest rank, not just anyone can achieve it.

The only Rank A I’ve met is that flat-faced catkin during the Monster Hole job.

So this news was a shock to me.

Maybe he was actually a decent adventurer?

Somehow I find that hard to believe, though.

In any case, after we drop off the heavy ‘golems’ at the wagon, we go back to the front.

Kira, Sophie and Lara are inside the carriage on one of the seats.

Sophie and Lara woke up much earlier than usual, so they were still tired.

They instantly fell asleep on either side of Kira, using her knees as pillows.

How enviable…

Kelly gets inside and takes a seat opposite them.

I walk up to the coachman in front to introduce myself.

He’s someone the Guild Branch Manager hired on our behalf.

Kelly’s going to be a passenger rather than a driver this time.

“Good morning, Mrs Quasse.” (Coachman)

The coachman greets me casually.

“Good morning, Logan.” (Ellie)

“Huh? How did you know my name?” (Coachman)

Oops.

“You look like a Logan?” (Ellie)

“Hah! That’s a first-rate scout’s intuition for you!” (Coachman)

That was close.

I picked his name out of his head, but I can’t say that.

I shouldn’t let people know I’m reading their thoughts.

I don’t have bad intentions, but they will get angry at me.

It’s rude after all, so I can’t blame them.

However, it’s important to make sure people mean us no harm.

After lightly probing their heads, I let their thoughts fade away into the background.

So if they never find out, everyone will be happy.

Therefore, I slightly deceived him.

I say slightly, because he does remind me of a certain Logan.

That is to say, a certain furry shorty with a bad temper who called people ‘bub’ all the time.

* * *

We’re almost out of the forest.

Right now we’ve stopped for the night.

Kira and the girls already went to bed.

Kelly went off to have a drink with some of the other adventurers.

There’s two more adventurer teams with us, a total of nine Rank C people.

It's impossible for three people to cover 9 carriages you know?

Hopefully she doesn't overdo it and breaks their teeth again.

I, however, am gathering intelligence on some people.

It’s a four-man Rank C team that keeps to the middle of the convoy.

They’re a bit unusual, so I got curious.

What’s unusual about them is one of them is a female adventurer.

It’s the first time I’ve seen one, other than ourselves that is.

So I’m here, listening in on their talk while they’re sitting around a campfire.

“Man, this job is way easier than I thought!” (Young Man)

“I don’t like it, there’s a thing called ‘too easy’ you know?” (Female Catkin)

“What, don’t be such a bore! We went three days straight without seeing a single monster!” (Young Man)

“Yeah and these merchants won’t try and dock our pay because we do no work?” (Female Catkin)

“Only if they want the guild coming down on them like a ton of bricks.” (Young Man)

“You’re not a mercenary anymore Lilly. The Guild already took their money, so they can’t back out on their word.” (Blonde Man)

“That’s so isn’t it? It’s still my first job as an adventurer so I’m not used to getting paid without quarreling.” (Female Catkin/Lilly)

“Well, the work isn’t much different so you’ll be fine if you get along with the Guild.” (Blonde Man)

“Still, I’m worried about something else, too. The forest is much too quiet, it’s unnatural.” (Lilly)

“That’s mostly thanks to our scout you know? That ‘Bonesetter’ girl at the very front?” (Young Man)

“Bonesetter? What?” (Lilly)

“Ah that’s right, you only recently came to town. Her name's Ellie, the Rank B scout of [Black Flame]. She probably sniffs out and culls the monsters before they have a chance to sneeze.” (Older Man)

Oh, this middle-aged guy actually noticed?

I was trying to be extra quiet since it would frighten Sophie and Lara.

“Really? That’s her? I heard she’s a violent psychopath who would snap a man in half for just breathing near her!” (Lilly)

Huh?

What kind of unfair rumor is that?

“Really? Where’d you hear that nonsense? It’s not the impression I got you know?” (Older Man)

That's right!

I only snap their arms in half!

“Yeah, when you see her playing with those kids it really warms the heart! I seen them a few times around the park, it’s really something else!” (Young Man)

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“Kids? What kids?!” (Lilly)

What’s with the panicked voice like I stole them from someone!?

“No idea, probably sisters or relatives? They looked nothing alike though.” (Young Man)

“Maybe she adopted them?” (Blonde Man)

“Why do you sound so sceptical?” (Young Man)

“Well… it’s that girl right? The one responsible for the ‘Night of a Thousand Broken Bones’?” (Blonde Man)

“Wait, that was her?” (Younger Man)

“What’s with that clearly suspicious event!? It’s the first I hear of it!” (Lilly)

“Well the story goes the Gix bunch kidnapped her lover, so she went berserk and mutilated the lot of them. Over 300 thugs beaten to a pulp in a single night. She was a proper Rank C adventurer the next day.” (Older Man)

I mean, yes, that did happen, but he’s leaving out part of the story!

I let them all live you know?!

“Aw man! She’s taken!? I was going to give her a shot!” (Young Man)

“That's what you have a problem with?” (Older Man)

“Nevermind that idiot, Jean! In what way is that person not a violent psychopath?!” (Lilly)

“She did leave them all alive, you know?” (Older Man/Jean)

Old man, good job!

“Sure she hurts people, but there’s always a reason. I was in her care a few months ago, too you know?” (Jean)

“She attacked you too?” (Lilly)

“Not exactly. I tried to put my hands on this red-haired beauty and my arm was broken in three places before I realized it. I got it healed the same day, but I suddenly realized there’s always someone above.” (Jean)

… Nope, don’t remember.

There must have been over 30 people who did something like that.

“Huh? Is that why you lost your intensity all of a sudden back then?” (Young Man)

“Don’t call it that. I was arrogant and foolish. That girl really opened my eyes.” (Jean)

“I see… so she did all that to rehabilitate those thugs, huh?” (Lilly)

“Hm? Oh no, that case was completely different. She did it because she wanted them to suffer.” (Jean)

Wow, this guy really gets me!

“... so how is that not a violent psychopath?” (Lilly)

“Well if someone laid their hands on my wife I wouldn’t be any different you know?” (Jean)

“So yeah, like I was saying, she’s really taken?” (Young Man)

“Oh yeah, there was a big wedding and everything. I went to give them my blessing since she set me straight.” (Jean)

“What kind of guy can tame a beast like that? Must be a man among men!” (Young Man)

A beast?

… No, Kira does call me that sometimes when things get intense, so I can’t refute it.

“Eh? Guy? She’s married to another woman you know?” (Jean)

““That can happen?!”” (Young Man and Blonde Man)

Ugh, couple of perverts confirmed.

The way their eyes lit up is a bit disgusting, they put that nosy baron to shame.

“Oh sure, turns out it’s not illegal or anything. Her wife is that, er, the [Red Sage]. I forget her name because it’s a bit long...” (Jean)

“You mean that Crack-” (Young Man)

*SLAM*

“OOF! Hey! What gives Jean!?” (Young Man)

The old guy just knocked him down with a punch.

He beat me to it.

The other two are staring wide-eyed.

“Kid, I’m warning you. For your own good, never say that nickname! You want to become like Guard Captain Olboun?” (Jean)

“Huh? Isn’t he that the rumored monster from the south gate?” (Lilly)

“Yeah, that guy that can take down a troll bare-handed.” (Blonde Man)

Really?

Come to think of it, Kira did say he was rather skilled.

Guess I just haven’t had a chance to see him in action.

“Wh-what about him?” (Younger Man)

“The ‘Bonesetter’ broke him. First his arm, then his spirit. All because he was rude to her wife, just as you were about to be. That girl is scary, she can probably hear us right now you know!” (Jean)

“What sort of nonsense is that? She’s all the way in her tent sleeping, right?” (Blonde Man)

“Ye-yeah. Also, she broke that monstrous uncle, give me a break! As if a man like that would submit to a little girl!” (Young Man)

Ah, it’s turning a bit rowdy now.

It seems Jean’s defending on my part got him hated.

Since it’s partly my fault, let’s help him out.

“He’s right you know.” (Ellie)

The four of them freeze and slowly turn to me.

“You guys didn’t even notice me for the last 15 minutes or so. And you dare call yourselves adventurers?” (Ellie)

I stand up from my seat next to Jean and give them a lecture.

“You! Since Jean here punished you in my stead, you get to keep your bones healthy.” (Ellie)

I point at the younger one who almost insulted Kira.

“Be sure to sincerely thank him later, okay?” (Ellie)

“Yes! Yes! Okay!” (Young Man)

Good response, I’ll accept it.

“And you!” (Ellie)

“Eep!” (Lilly)

“If you want to investigate us that badly, just talk to us! Trusting rumors and hearsay, what sort of intelligence officer are you?” (Ellie)

“Y-you knew?” (Lilly)

That’s right, she’s not just a mercenary.

Someone from the capital sent her to spy on us.

“Don’t underestimate adventurers! Now, if you have any questions, stop by tomorrow and we’ll answer them without holding back!” (Ellie)

I take a proud pose to show off my determination!

“Uh… er… okay? That’s it?” (Lilly)

“Hmm?” (Ellie)

Why is she looking at me with those distrusting eyes?

“Um, you won’t chase me out or hurt me?” (Lilly)

“Why would I do that?” (Ellie)

“Well… I was-” (Lilly)

“Just doing your job as an intelligence officer. It’s not like you were breaking the law or trying to harm us, right?” (Ellie)

Although her boss is a different story.

I'll be sure to properly educate them when we meet.

“Ah, I guess… Okay, I’ll trouble you for an interview tomorrow.” (Lilly)