Volume 2 Chapter 5

Volume 2 Chapter 5: Support at the City of Water

An hour after leaving the goods at the merchants guild, we reunited with Marion, who had business elsewhere, at the plaza at the center of the city.

And under her lead, we strolled through the middle of the plaza.

「Here, Axel-san. Berzelia-san. I’ve just booked a table at a good place.」

「Ah, so the business you were talking about, was reservation of a table? Thank you, Marion.」

「It’s okay. I just did it because I had time.」

In such fashion, we reached the store next to the monument of an anchor at the heart of the City of Water.

It was a building with a raised mast from the ship. At the end of the mast was handing a flag, probably substituting a signboard for the store—

「『Pirate’s bar and inn』is written there, is this the place?」

「Yes, this is it. The name is a bit scary, but it’s a really safe lodge and dining place.」

With those words, Marion went inside the store. And so I follow after her.

Certainly, the interior felt like an ordinary bar, and even if you look at the customers who are eating and drinking, although some seem to be quite a rough bunch, it doesn’t look like that much of a dangerous place.

While I had such thoughts, we arrived at the counter deep inside the store.

「Welcome! You came right on time, Marion!」

The very first thing, the woman behind the counter called out to Marion.

A stout elven woman in an apron.

「Yes, we will be in your care today, owner-san.」

「Got it. I’ll prepare delicious food and a good room for you!」

Looking at that exchange, Marion and the owner seemed to be on pretty good terms. As I was wondering about that, the elven woman turned her gaze to me.

「Marion, is this carrier the『outstanding talent』that you were talking about?」

「Yes, he is… Axel-san, Berzelia-san, do you mind if I introduce you to the owner?」

「Sure, I don’t mind, she is your acquaintance, right?」

Marion made a wry smile hearing my question.

「An acquaintance, or rather someone of a similar standing… She is the one who owns this『Pirate’s bar and inn』, and also the head of one of the twelve cardinal guilds, the《Marine》guild Aquarius. Lilac-san.」

「This lady is the head of the guild?」

To my question, that had hints of doubts mixed in it, the Elf woman happily smiled and nodded.

「That’s right. I’m Lilac. And I’m the head of this store and one guild. I heard a lot about you from Marion, Flying Carrier Axel-san. I’d be happy if we can get along, do you mind if i can have a handshake?」

Having said that, Lilac reached both of her hands to me and Berzelia. I was a little confused with the sudden introduction, but now I can see that she is a favorable person.

That’s why I took her hand.

「Yes, nice to meet you, Liliac.」

「Nice to meet you Chief-san.」

「Aye. That’s a firm handshake. Thank you.」

With a loud laugh, Lilac squeezed my hand tight before letting it go.

「Still, I’m surprised to see the head of the 《Marine》Guild act as an innkeeper.」

「Haha, I get that a lot. Well, half of it is my hobby. In the old days, I planned to make this a den for various ruffians and pirates. But before long the number of customers grew larger and so did the store.」

I see. So that’s why the name of the store ended up being Pirate’s bar and inn.

「That’s an interesting development.」

「I think so as well… But, Axel-san. You have a much more fine face and arms than I’ve heard in the stories. After all, it’s no wonder Marion speaks of you with such excitement. She spoke of you with such passion that I asked her to introduce you to me… Yes, it is nice to meet you today!」

And after saying those words with much vigor, Lilac retightened her apron.

「Now, I’ll make the food right away, so get to your seats and wait tight. As a token of our new acquaintanceship, I’ll make a whole lot.」

Saying that she went to the kitchen, deeper behind the counter. And from the kitchen『Oi, you bastards, are you ready?』『Yes sir!』could be heard spoken in voices full of enthusiasm.

「…What an energetic person.」

「Yes, Indeed. Ah, but she is not a bad person, you know.」

「Well, I can tell that by looking. She also was careful with her handshake.」

「Yup. She used a different amount of strength for me and Master.」

As Berzelia said, Liliac looks hearty, but in fact, is capable of being attentive.

Perhaps that is why she could become the head of a guild.

「She is quite a pleasant person, that Chief.」

「She feels like a brave woman… Ah, thank you for introducing me to a person of such position, Marion.」

Without Marion, there is hardly any chance that I would’ve visited this store. And I wouldn’t have met Liliac.

Thinking that I express my gratitude, but Marion shook her head with a smile.

「Axel-san, you saved the City of Stars, please allow me to create such connections for you. It’s just something I did because I wanted to return you the favor. I simply thought that whether you would stay here or depart right away, having such personal connections wouldn’t hurt. Ah, and going through the owner, it might be possible for you to get work from the marine guild.」

「I see. So if I want work I should talk with Lilac.」

「Yes, I told her that it would be the same as dealing with Sagittarius so you should be able to have quite a bit of freedom. And of course, I did mean it, when I said that this is the most delicious place in town, so please enjoy it. Also, while you were at the merchants guild I rented a room above, so you can stay there tonight.」

Saying so, she gave me a room key.

I had nothing but gratitude for her thoughtful preparations.

「How should I put it, thank you for supporting me in everything, not only in the City of Stars but in the City of Water as well.」

And as I once again gave her my sincere thanks, Marion replied with a smile.

「Don’t mind it. Didn’t I say that I will give you my backing? This is a part of it.」

And so I secured lodging in the City of Water and a connection to a new guild.