CH 159

Episode 159 – Quest Commission Complete

Unaware of my thoughts, Edward swiftly entered the Adventurer’s Guild. I stopped for a moment in front of the entrance to recollect myself before following Edward into the Guild.

The first thing I noticed when I entered the Guild was the grand chandelier that was installed in front of the reception area. The entire interior of the Guild was shining and resplendent, and the building itself was so beautiful that it wasn’t reminiscent of the Adventurer’s Guild in Grezesta at all.

There were a few adventurers that had the look of the ruffian type that I was so used to seeing in Grezesta’s Adventurer’s Guild, but they weren’t showing any signs of causing a ruckus and only remained quiet.

“This Adventurer’s Guild is very safe, isn’t it?” (Lewin)

“Seems like it. Around the time when I was here, it was even rougher than Grezesta’s Adventurer’s Guild, so I’m a little surprised to be seeing this,” Edward said in response to my first impression.

Rougher than Grezesta’s Adventurer’s Guild…? I don’t even want to imagine that…

After that incident with [Azurite], there was a part of me that became more wary of areas that lacked a semblance of public order. I still got goosebumps whenever I thought about the time I was brought into that room.

“Hmm? Why are you shivering like that? Did you see someone you know?” (Edward)

“N-no. It’s nothing! Let’s go to the reception desk.” (Lewin)

“….?” (Edward)

After entering the Guild, we continued straight, making our way to the reception desk. Incidentally, the structure of the Guild resembled the one in Grezesta, especially in regards to the placement of the reception desk and the quest commission bulletin board. The area where there’d be a bar in Grezesta was instead replaced by a common space for food and drink here in Landaust’s Adventurer’s Guild.

“Welcome. This is the reception desk for reporting the completion of quest commissions, how may I help you?” (Receptionist Lady)

After lining up in front of a reception desk, a receptionist lady called out to us as soon as our turn came around. Just like the receptionist lady at Grezesta, she went by the book, using the usual canned phrase for greeting customers. The practiced smile pasted on her face made me feel like I was back in Grezesta.

“Yes. I’d like to report about an escort request, if that’s okay?” (Edward)

“Reporting about an escort request? Escorted from another city to Landaust—is that correct?” (Receptionist Lady)

“The respected client, Jade-sama. Can you confirm that there were no mistakes in the completion of the quest commission?” (Receptionist Lady)

“Ah, yes! I’m sure.” (Lewin)

“Thank you very much. Please sign these documents to complete the quest commission.” (Receptionist Lady)

Since I was only half-paying attention to the conversation, I didn’t really understand what was going on, but the receptionist lady handed me a form to sign.

“Thank you. We have received confirmation from the client, so the quest commission is now complete. Would you like to collect your fee here?” (Receptionist Lady)

“No, that’s quite alright. I’ll pick it up when I go back to Grezesta.” (Edward)

“Understood. As always, thank you very much for your continued patronage.” (Receptionist Lady)

AD

My heart was beating so fast, and I felt so nervous that I even felt a bit relieved that she wasn’t in the Guild at the moment. I didn’t know whether I wanted to see Ahmed or not… I didn’t even know what I myself was feeling right now.

“….Well then, that’s it for the quest commission. I’ll be heading back now. Next time you come back to Grezesta, come and see me, okay?” (Edward)

“Eh…? You’re going back already?” (Lewin)

“I have no business in Landaust after all. As I told you before, being in Landaust makes me remember my younger days, so I want to leave as soon as possible.” (Edward)

I wanted Edward to show me around because this was my first time in this city, and my anxiety was getting the better of me… But after hearing him say that, I didn’t have the heart to stop him.

“Thank you for hiring this old man. It’s been a truly fun journey.” (Edward)

“Thank you so much too! Not only did you escort me, but you also taught me so much, so this journey was very beneficial to me! I’ll make good use of what you taught me and work hard as I clear the Dungeon.” (Lewin)

“Hohoho. As far as the escorting went, you killed almost all of the monsters yourself, Lewin. As I said many times already, whatever you do, don’t be reckless in the Dungeon. This is the last piece of advice this old man will give you.” (Edward)

Edward’s smile changed to a deathly serious look as he offered me this cautionary piece of advice. It was advice based on his own experience, after all.

Edward’s last piece of advice… I engraved it firmly in mind.

“….Okay. I’ll definitely make sure I never recklessly approach the Dungeon.” (Lewin)

When I told Edward that, his serious expression once again returned to the delightful, warm smile from before. He turned around, raised one hand in parting, and left for the entrance of the city.

Watching as his back disappeared into the distance, I bowed deeply to send him off.