Chapter 46 45: Escort Quest

The doors to the adventurer guild swung open.

"Dun dun dun dunnn… Dun dun dun dunnn… dun dun dan dannnnn…."

And along with the opening of the door late into the night, came a very strange piece of music.

"Na, nanana na! Na naaaaa…. Na, nanana na! Na naaaaa…"

"What in the world are you doing?"

The receptionist was left with her mouth hanging low as the two adventurers making waves in the guild appeared just a bit before closing time. The red-haired wild beast, Claude, and the prettiest weirdo, Elric.

"It's my theme song. Mysterious and catchy, right?"

"Why are you singing the theme song yourself?"

"Well, I don't see an orchestra here, Claude."

"Uh…" the receptionist intervened. She wanted to rub her eyes and confirm that one of them was here in a blanket, but the customer at the desk did it for her. "A-adventurers Claude and Elric…"

The receptionist had never faced them head-on, but the others had already made a perfect guide to handle them. They were the quickest amongst all the adventurers in Leunderk to get their names added to the list of most difficult adventurers and how to deal with them.

The first advice on their specific page was, drop everything and handle them. Thankfully, the receptionist didn't have to drop something this time.

"Perfect timing!" She screamed, letting out a strained laugh as she turned to the customer at the desk. "They are currently the strongest party we have available. Unfortunately, the B-Ranked adventurers are on a different quest, but these two can more than make up for them!"

The man in the gray trench coat tipped his gray hat at the two, and Claude answered with a nod.

Elric, slightly intrigued by the customer walked closer to him.

"Hmm…" Elric hummed, circling the man as he clenched his blanket.

'Oh no.'

The second rule that was highlighted twice over.

'Don't let the pretty one interact with anyone no matter what. Especially not with customers here to make a request. Under. No. Circumstances.'

"Hmm." Elric stopped in front of the shocked man. In a second, he hissed. "You're not getting my blanket, cold boy."

"… What…?"

"Ahhhh!" The receptionist swooped in between. "I apologize sir! I'll get you a different blanket so let it go!"

"No? What?"

"Now, now, she's even overlooking it for you, least you can do is accept it, cold boy."

"Excuse me???"

He was talking more! The receptionist rushed into the first aid kit that was kept behind her desk and pulled out a blanket before wrapping it around the confused customer. She wiped her forehead, crisis averted.

"Coming back, these guys are perfect for your escort request, sir!"

"Escort Request?" Claude asked. "What's this now?"

"Yes, adventurer. This man here is about to set off for the Soleda City for the Maris festival after retrieving an important item. The pay is good and your costs for staying in Soleda will be covered too. It's a great deal!"

The man nodded at the receptionist's alluring summarization.

"There's a festival coming up?"

"Uh…" the adventurers themselves didn't seem worth it to the man though.

The receptionist immediately waved her hands. "T-they are very inexperienced with ways of the world, but their skill is certain! Their stats can even be counted in the B-Rank and they also solved a major incident in Koror village recently!"

The man slightly flinched at the mention of Koror. The incident had become a topic of gossip amongst the rich and the faithful. A smile appeared on his face.

"Perfect!" He said. "Would you be interested, adventurers? Since you say you're inexperienced, it will be a good chance to see the biggest festival in Soleda. The population and size is not high, but the place is surely one of a kind!"

"Festival…" Claude mulled over his thoughts. It was the same festival he had heard of not that long back, which made him hesitant.

"Are the beds there good?"

"Yes?"

"Beds."

"I… guess… so…?"

That sealed the deal for Elric.

"Well, before we decide. How far is it?" Claude asked. "And also, why do you need someone strong?"

The man gulped lightly and smiled. "It's only three days away, the route is very safe too. As for why I need someone, its because of protection while inside Soleda. I have to hand over the item about 11 days from now. The city is big, so of course it will house thieves."

"Is that really something to be worried about? How many people are stolen from for you to say that?" Claude was skeptical. "Are you hiding something as a requester? Should I punch you?"

"N-no… I mean, thieves who might be after this thing… I promise that most of it is my paranoia due to the importance of this matter."

Claude stared at the man for a few seconds, and then nodded.

He wasn't going to ask what it was, that was rude for an adventurer. And anyway, this requester was more sincere and honest than many.

"A festival doesn't sound bad. Since Elric's in, I guess we can go."

"I am not in. Go alone. Three days without a bed? Are you kidding me? There won't even be someplace to sleep—"

"I have a car."

"When do we leave?"

Claude shook his head. His friend would never stop being simple.

"Um… you still want to more people, right sir?" The receptionist tapped the desk as she thought of who she can recruit. "It would be ok to compromise a little in skill since Mr. Claude is a train wreck… someone experienced."

Experienced, yet fairly skilled.

"Hmm," Claude raised his chin as he thought of something. "I might know someone perfect for this."

***

"Well then, once again. I am Claude Almstedt. This is Elric Wald."

Claude tried to force a smile as he pointed at his friend. And then, at the back where two more adventurers stood with tears flooding their eyes.

"And these guys are Kone. Quamie and Jinton. We'll be escorting you in this mission."

"Thank you! I am Puzo, I look forward to working with all four of you!"