Author’s Note: The next chapter is here! Please enjoy it.
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Chapter 18
The Adventurer’s Guild was just as rowdy as I expected it to be. That seems like such a generic setting, but I suppose it works. Lots of adventurers were sitting around tables talking and drinking. The guild is a bar too? The adventurers get paid for work, then the guild takes it back by selling alcohol.
I looked around the guild again. It really looked like any other Adventurer’s Guild I might have seen in a fantasy game. There was a large board with what I assume are job postings attached to it. I couldn’t really get a good look at the board with the number of people crowding around it, though. Female adventurers seemed to be in the minority but not to a ridiculously large degree. Maybe every three or four adventurers out of ten here was a girl? Demons were definitely in a clear minority here. At least I only saw a couple of people in here that had horns. The majority were humans and beastmen, followed by elves.
I’m really bothered by how game like this world is at times. I mean if this is really a real world like I’ve been assuming, then why an Adventurer’s Guild? I mean a Merchant’s Guild makes sense in a number of ways. Even on Earth, merchants forming guilds happened all the time. Of course they tended to compete with each other as giant companies, but that also made sense. A guild for people claiming to be adventurers doesn’t make sense to me though. Adventurers are almost always trouble makers in some way. Even if I assume most of the higher level adventurers probably end up in retainer relationships to various governments, it still seems like the governments wouldn’t want too many adventurers running around. It would create potential problems. Or does letting adventurers run around fight monsters save money rather than using soldiers for this kind of duty? I still don’t even know if monsters work the same way as beasts did on Earth. I know that Coa was the result of a hatching, but do some monsters just get born spontaneously out of thin air? That would be really game like if it actually happens.
I decided to put those kinds of thoughts on hold as I made my way to the reception which luckily wasn’t that busy. Possibly it’s because it’s getting later in the day so most people aren’t taking jobs right now. No reason to take a job when there’s only an hour or two left until sunset. Thankfully, Coa was sleeping peacefully again, and she sleeps like Seran so the noise won’t wake her up easily. I wasn’t really sure how a dragon like her would be seen. Her scan result said she was a rare creature, but the witch girl took her appearance in stride outside of being charmed. Right now she looks more like a slightly misshapen choker around my neck and not much like what she actually is, so I doubt anyone will take note of her.
The receptionist turned out be a dark haired catgirl. At least I assume she’s a catgirl. It’s not a perfect method of identification going by just how the ears on top of the head look. “Yo Welcome! You’re a new face. Here to look for work or put up a quest?”
“Actually, I’m here to register.” I replied.
“Oh, a newbie?” She looked at me for a few moments. “You don’t really feel like a newbie to me. You seem too experienced.”
How shrewd. “I’m definitely no stranger to dangerous situations. I’ve just never registered at the guild before.”
She said. “If you say so. Then before I register you, I have to ask if you need the boring rules talk. Do you?”
“I think it would be nice to know.” I answered.
“Ugh, increasing the work I have to do. Fine! The gist of the rules is when you register, you’re starting off at the bottom rank. A starting adventurer would be tier 5. Work hard to try to reach tier 1. Of course, the jobs you can take are limited by what rank you are.” She explained.
“And how do I raise my rank?” I asked.
“Doing enough jobs basically.” She waved her hand lazily. “That’s all you need to do to get to tier 4. For tier 3 and above you also need to take a test and be approved for the new rank.” She continued.
“Was that everything? That seems pretty straightforward. There’s no requirement like that I have to do so many jobs to keep my adventurer status active or anything?” I asked.
“No way. No way! That kind of rule would create too much hassle. Spare me from that kind of extra work!” She whined and then coughed. “Anyway, the guild is pretty informal but we do ask that you do not fight needlessly with other adventurers. Please allow the guild to mediate any disputes that might arise.”
“There’s no problem if I defend myself against other adventurers right?” I inquired.
“Oh no. If other adventurers pick a fight, feel free to beat them up or do whatever you want to them. Just, don’t go as far as killing them if possible. The guild would be the one troubled in that case. Don’t unnecessarily create more work for me, ok?” She said with a smile. This girl. Has she already decided that if I get in a fight that I’m the one going to win? “Well, now that that talk is out of the way. Just place your hand on this status orb and we’ll use the results to make your guild card.” She took out an orb that looked very similar to the one I had seen in the fortress.
It will probably show the same information as then, but I already changed my title so I should be okay. I went through the now familiar routine and saw it produce a small card with my information on it.
Catgirl examined it. “Hoh? A level 30 Beastmaster and no other class? You really don’t seem like a Beastmaster to me.”
She really is shrewd. “How so?” I asked.
“How should I put it? Most Beastmasters aren’t as confident or as self-assured as you are. Right now despite the fact that I don’t see a single one of your tamed beasts with you, you seem like you’re prepared to take on any threat that might arise. Your atmosphere is more like a high level Scout.” She explained then grimaced. “Or possibly an Assassin.”
I shrugged, “I really am just a Beastmaster. So is that all that is necessary for the registration?”
“If you’re a Beastmaster, you’ll need to register your tamed beasts with the guild as well.” She added.
“I see. Then please add that my tamed beast is a Feathered Serpent Dragon to my information.” I said.
“A Feathered Serpent Dragon? That’s quite rare and valuable. That’s where the Dragon Tamer title is from, then. I was a tad curious. Then that’s all I need to know for your registration. Normally I’d tell you to come back later to pick up the card, but considering the time you’ll have to pick it tomorrow.” She explained.
“That works for me. I need to meet some people anyway. Can you give me directions to -?”
I was interrupted by someone speaking up from behind me. “My apologies, Miss. I need to speak with the guild representative there a moment.” I turned to look and there was a man in a full suit of armor. He looked like a knight with his cape, shield and the sheathed sword at his waist.
Catgirl spoke to him. “What does the captain of the guard need with me?”
“I’m here to deliver a letter from Earl Lloyd.” The knight explained.
“Well, hand it over already then.” She reached out her hand. The knight handed her a letter. She took it and cut it open with one of her nails. She slipped out the note, read it and then sighed very loudly. “This is going to create a lot of extra work you know?”
“The Earl was hoping for a positive response.” The knight said.
“And you can give him one. Damn extra work! I’ll get it taken care of right after I’m done helping the person you interrupted. So shoo already.” The catgirl waved her hand angrily at him. The knight bowed slightly and then left. “Ahh, I was going to get to leave early tonight. Damn it!” She put her head face down on the reception table.
“Sorry about this, but I still need to ask for directions.” I spoke up.
She raised her head and glared at me with soulless eyes. “Where do you need to go?” She was mumbling, but I still heard her.
“I need to know where the Moons and Stars Inn is.” I replied.
She looked surprised, “That fancy place?” I nodded. “Alright.”
The directions I received were vague to the extreme with a lot of go six streets this way then turn at the red building and go a few streets that way, etc etc. I thanked her anyway and left the guild. I decided I was going to just wander in the general direction she said and look for Seran’s presence with my psi. I’ve spent a long enough time with her the last few days to have a very good read on her. It was probably too late to visit Huvreck’s shop today, so I’ll do that in the morning after I pick up my guild card.
After about a dozen minutes of wandering, I finally picked her up with my senses. She was about ninety meters ahead and a bit to the left of me. She was stationary too, and using her as a beacon, I quickly made my way to the rendezvous with her and Gormon. I could have used Gormon’s presence, but he’s actually oddly hard to detect when he’s in his lifeless state like he is now. His presence is murky compared to Seran who feels more like a bright spot to me. Or maybe his presence is just murky because he’s right next to Seran’s. That might be the case.
I finally caught sight of them standing in front of a very fancy looking building. It was quite large too. The sign in front of the building had what looked like a picture of the sky on it with the moons and stars so this was definitely the place.
Seran waved to greet me. “Seri, did you take care of all your errands? Also, are you sure it’s ok to stay here? This is a really extravagant place that is also a bit discriminating in its guests. I’ve heard the price can range even up to a gold a night for a room.”
“It should be fine. I prefer staying at nice inns and of course I promised to treat you two so I’m treating you two. No complaints alright?” I said.
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“Well if you insist.” She laughed. “I’ve always wanted to stay here at least once, anyway. Let’s head in and get some rooms.”
I simply nodded and followed her into the building. We really did look out of place in our gear compared to the few other people that I assumed were guests inside. There were even maids and butlers walking around inside! We were getting glared by the people inside too. I decided to hang back a bit and let Seran do the talking for now. I was starting to get a certain idea, but I wanted to see if it would be necessary before I took action.
The woman at the counter looked like a wizened old crone despite her somewhat fancy dress that looked pretty out of place on her. She had a slight sneer as she watched our party approach. I guess she’s the typical type of rich or noble lady that thinks the lower castes as scum. Not a surprise, but her attitude solidifies my resolve in my idea. Just one more thing check to go. <((This series is only officially posted to royalroad.com. If you are reading this series on any other website, then you are doing so without the permission of the author, Xacual. If you have paid money for this story, please file a report and request a refund as it has been stolen and is being sold illegally.))>
“Are you soldiers here to deliver some message? If so then hand it over and then be off. Your presence disturbs my guests.” The old hag spoke first.
“No. We’re here to get two rooms for the night.” Seran replied.
The hag’s sneer became much more evident as she looked at Seran and then looked at us. “I do not believe you are fit for this establishment. I would suggest seeking lodging elsewhere.”
“Hey, we can pay. “ Seran flicked a glance at me. “It shouldn’t be a problem to let us stay here. I’m sure you have spare rooms.”
The hag sniffed. “If you are going to be this insistent then the price for two rooms will be six gold coins.”
Seran got angry. “Hey, there’s no way that’s the normal price! You’re overcharging us-”
I decided it was now time for me to intercede. I took a moment to prep myself mentally before calling out in a quiet, but forceful and dignified tone. “Seran, you are making a scene. Cease at once.” Seran stopped and turned to look at me a bit oddly, but I ignored it. I needed to deliver just the right words here to create more of an impact later. I walked slowly up to counter from where I had been staying back. I took out my coin pouch and made sure the hag saw my money. I then took out the six gold coins and stacked them on the counter in front of her. “I do believe this covers the fare for the rooms Madam. I deeply apologize for my escort’s discourteous behavior.” The hag was looking at me with slight confusion in her eyes now and I allowed myself a polite smile. “May we perchance know our room assignments, now that unpleasantness is behind us?”
The hag looked like she wanted to say something to me, but it was evident that she had already lost to my dignified ‘perfect lady’ act. Don’t underestimate someone who has the Spy Class at level 100! I’ve had to put on similar acts in game not just a few times. It’s really a hassle to keep this attitude up for a while so give me our keys already, you hag. She finally handed over the keys and I gave them a cursory glance. I couldn’t read what the numbers were, but I know Seran can so I handed the keys to her. “Our rooms are upstairs?” The hag nodded, still looking pretty stunned. I decided to toss in a barb as my final comment. “I am eager to learn how magnificent the service here is that the cost was so exorbitant. I would so hate to have to tell my many acquaintances about inferior service.” I giggled lightly, covering my mouth with the back of my hand, and then beckoned for Seran and Gormon to follow me as I headed toward the stairs. They caught up with me easily enough considering the slow pace I was walking at. After all a dignified lady has a dignified pace.
Once we were upstairs, close to our rooms, and I was sure by using my senses that no one was around to catch us, I whispered to Seran and Gormon. “Do you two have better clothes stored away in your bags?”
“That’s what you say first!?” Seran hissed. “What in the underworld was that? Are you really secretly a noble or something? The Earl asked a few questions about you when he read the commander’s letter and I was wondering why at the time, but this would explain it if so.”
“No, I never lied to you. I’m just a commoner. I just decided this was the best way to shut up that hag. Anyway answer the question. Gormon do you have any better clothes?” He shook his head. “Alright, Seran pass him his room key. Just go get cleaned up to look as presentable as you can Gormon. Well, it won’t be too important in your case anyway.” Seran handed him his key and he went to the next room and went inside. “Let’s get inside and do the same.”
Seran nodded, but still looked a bit puzzled as she opened the door to our room. Only one large four poster canopy bed? The furnishings are ridiculously luxurious though. A lounge and some chairs. Fancy wardrobe among other things. All the stuff in here looked like really expensive antiques from my point of view. I noticed another door on the side wall so I went over and opened it to see what was in there and was astonished.
A bathroom! An actual, honest to goodness bathroom! It even has a bathtub and a flush toilet!? That six gold was totally worth it for this alone. “Alright, Seran I assume you have a good change of clothes?”
“Of course I do. It’s not fancy or up to this place’s standard.” Seran answered.
“It’s fine. Let’s refresh ourselves. Gormon will be waiting for us regardless of how long we take though, so no real rush.” I said.
The two of us went into the bathroom and cleaned up. Ahh, I wish I could have taken a nice long bath, but I guess I’ll have to do that later. Seran said the bathtub uses magic stones to provide the hot water. Magic stones are something new I hadn’t heard about before.
I knew there were downsides to the act I was putting on, especially since it seems like the commander shared the information about me having a ‘princess’ title with at least the ruling noble of the town. At the moment, I didn’t really care and I don’t think I’ll care even if it does cause me potential problems later. Right now I’m going to teach that hag the meaning of ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ and put some fear in her that will make her beg me for mercy. Figuratively speaking anyway.
After we were clean, Seran got dressed up easily enough, but she just about fainted when she saw the gown I pulled out of my pack. Of course, Lynn had packed this elegant to the extreme, princess quality dress in my pack. There was no way she wouldn’t have. It’s not like the dress took up really any weight so I didn’t mind and a dress like this does have its uses, like how I’m going to use it now.
“Seri, are you really not a noble!? Are you a princess!? How do you have a gown like that!?” Seran asked.
I smiled at her. “My best friend loves making clothes and made this for me. Actually she’s the one who made my normal outfit as well.”
“Is it possible for her to make a dress like that for me?” Seran inquired seriously.
In my ear I heard a vehement negative from Lynn and just smiled again. “I think that might be difficult. She lives quite far from the empire. Anyway, when we’re downstairs in the dining room make sure to call me milady. Oh but make sure to ‘accidentally’ slip and call me countess once before correcting yourself and going back to milady. Do that when one of the maids is near for maximum effect. It will get back to the hag.”
She nodded to the instructions. It’s fine if she slips up. The onus of this performance is on me after all. We finished getting dressed. She had to help me a bit to get my gown on properly.
“Alright since we’re now ready, let’s go down, eat, and enjoy the show.” I smiled evilly.
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A few hours later we retired back to our rooms, but it had been a very successful few hours. The old hag had gone pale when I came downstairs in my gown and the evening had only gotten worse for her as it proceeded. In that time I had out-nobled all the noble or rich ladies in the dining hall. I got to sample lots of wines and even got to have some great dessert. The old hag had even broke out some very rare wines for me. She was probably attempting to appease this noble lady that she had accidentally offended, which amused me greatly. I would have continued the act for a while later, but a small disturbance interrupted my fun.
Seran was a weepy drunk and started making a bit of a scene. I was forced to curtail the show and have Gormon carry her back up to our room. Afterwards I thanked the ‘Madam’ for a delightful dinner before following. Back in the room, it was pretty clear that no magic training would be happening tonight. I had removed my and Seran’s fancy clothes and slipped on something that would work as sleeping clothes and Seran was currently clutching on to me desperately as she sobbed while half asleep. As for why she was doing that.
“Glentel... I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Seran mumbled.
According to the sob story she had started telling me when she got drunk. Glentel was her lover when she was an adventurer. He was a half-elf. The two of them had visited the elf kingdom and Glentel had ended up killed just because he wasn’t a full elf. Afterward, Seran had given up being an adventurer and enlisted in the empire’s military and then gotten herself assigned to one of the out of the way fortresses, where she had been ever since.
I stroked Seran’s short hair as she continued to cry in her drunken sleep. Coa was curled up next to me sleeping as well. “I guess everyone has their own set of tragedies.” I said aloud in a quiet voice. Lynn didn’t respond, but I was sure it was only because there was really nothing to say in response to such an obvious statement.
I probably wasn’t going to get much sleep tonight.