Chapter 175 (1/2)

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Chapter 175 – Parting Ways and Designated Request

Hikaru left Leniwood's shop together with Lavia. As for Paula, they would have to come back for her later.

「Should we go see Professor Katy? She did help with Lavia's robes.」Hikaru said.

「We should.」Lavia replied.

The two strolled through the streets of Pond. The year was ending, but none of the year-end bustle could be felt in town, mostly because of the civil war. Snow would be falling soon. Compared to the long winters in Forestia, however, it wasn't that cold here.

Katy had booked an inn near where Kelbeck lived. Hikaru and Lavia ran into her as she was walking around town, carrying a bag.

「Professor!」

「Oh, Hikaru. What a coincidence.」

「It's not a coincidence. We were looking for you. Dodorono told us about what you did. Thank you.」

Katy smiled. She looked lovely, but the flame tattoo on her face ruined her beauty. That's what Hikaru thought, at least.

「No big deal. It's also a bit of an experiment. I'd love to hear some feedback later.」

「Okay, will do. I heard you're going back to Scholarzard soon.」

Katy nodded.「Yeah. This bag contains things I'll need on the trip. It was my first time crossing the border. I had people to talk to since you were around, but I'll be alone on my way back. I bought books to kill time.」

「We're going back to Scholarzard too.」

「Really? Isn't this your, uhh… what's the word… home?」

Not at all. But Hikaru felt attached to this town since it was the starting point to his life in this world. He liked the place, at least, that he'd prevent Pond from being destroyed.

「A lot happened for me here in Pond.」

Hikaru grasped Lavia's hand tight, and she did the same. Lavia had some memories of the town as well.

「What about Kelbeck?」

「I talked a lot with my brother. About our magic item research, we'll send each other letters.」

「You really do get along well, huh?」

「My brother is a gentle guy, so he's easy to talk to.」

Gentle? With that face?

「H-Hikaru!」

A voice calling for Hikaru came from afar. He glanced at the direction of the voice and saw Jill running towards him, still in her uniform.

「I finally found you! I was about to issue a request to the adventurers to look for you.」

「Were you looking for me?」

「Come to the guild immediately! There's a designated request for you!」

It was possible to personally ask someone for a request. In this case, no other adventurers could take it. The cost in turn was double the market rate. Still, it was up to the designated adventurer if he wanted to accept the job or not.

Jill grabbed Hikaru's shoulders.「What did you do?!」

「What do you mean?」

「The client is Princess Kudyastoria!」

Hikaru had no idea about any of this.

They hurried to the Adventurers Guild. Katy came along as well because it sounded interesting. The guild was abuzz, but it turned quiet the moment Jill brought Hikaru along. There were more people than usual.

「Hikaru, what did you do this time?」Selyse raised her hand, smiling. The other three members of her party was present as well.

「You being here means you know about the request.」Hikaru said.

「We're here by pure coincidence.」

「I wanna know what it's about, so I'll sit in with you!」

「Hey, Selica. Can't you be more subtle?」

Both Selyse and Selica were curious about the request from the princess. Hikaru thought about it for a bit.

「All right. You guys can join us.」

「Really? I thought for sure you'd say no, considering you're secretive.」

「But only you four. Other adventurers can't come.」

Adventurers eager to join the discussion turned sullen. Ignoring them completely, Hikaru followed Jill to a different room.

Hikaru allowed the Four Stars of the East to be present mainly because he didn't know what the request was about, and since the women had plenty of experience regarding designated requests, he thought he could get some information out of them.

In the room were two long sofas facing each other. Hikaru, Lavia, and Katy took their seats, then Selica and Selyse sat down beside him. Sarah and Sophie brought their own chairs.

Hikaru a.s.sumed Jill would sit right across, but she went out to call the submaster instead. Hikaru didn't really like the overly-ambitious man, but he did bring rank C adventurers to escort Lavia to the royal capital. Thanks to him, he was able to rescue Lavia quite easily.

「Ah, Jill. You may leave.」the submaster said.

「But the paperwork…」

「I'll ask Aurora to do it.」

The receptionist was silent.

「Jill.」

「Yes, Sir. I understand.」

Jill stepped out of the room with a disgruntled look. Hikaru waited for the door to close before asking a question.

「Is there a reason why you don't want Jill here?」

「That woman's tone is scary. Aurora is much easier to talk to.」

Hikaru grinned. I know how you feel.

Aurora entered the room. A pretty woman, she had the usual gloomy aura around her. She sat down silently beside the submaster and produced a piece of paper unlike the ones posted on the request bulletin board. It was an envelope sealed with the royal family's crest.

「Normally, the guild checks the request and explains the contents to the adventurer, but this one's strictly confidential. We were instructed to hand it directly to you.」

「I see.」