30 Chapter 24: The State of the Dastrientel Fores (1/2)

??: ”Enter.”

I enter upon the prodding of the coarse voice beyond the door that leads to the office of the Guild. Rotating the knob, I placed a slight strength in my arm and pushed it open. There, I laid upon the sight of the Guild Master, Duragan, seated on his towering leather chair. He's as intimidating as ever even though he's only sitting…

Just like what the rumors say…

Duragan, or the Human's Guild Master, is known as the Strongest Human of the Zorestas Kingdom all over Teralha. He is said to have fought in the recent wars between the other races, including the ones with Demons, only to come back as the victor of every single one. As a result of that, Duragan was granted the title of Head Commander of Zorestas Kingdom's army, which is under the direct command of the King.

The scars on his arms and his right eye proves the battles he went through.

I-I feel like I've made the wrong choice of applying as a secretary for the Guild…

Duragan: ”You're the newly applied secretary… huh?”

His voice almost made the air vibrate from how deep it is…

??: ”Y-Yes! Linda is the name, sir!”

Duragan: ”Hrmm…”

Eeeek!! If glares can kill, I'm already dead by now…!! Please don't eat me!!

Duragan: ”Gahahaha! I see! Welcome aboard, Linda! Maaan, I ne'er thought there'd be any more steelballs like you to apply for the job! Seriously, you're a great help! Gahahaha!”

Linda: ”H-Huh? Steel… Ba-?”

H-Huh?

Duragan: ”Gahahaha!”

He's a lot different?? Where's the scary looking bear earlier?? Who is this friendly Guild Master?!

*gasp* Don't tell me there are two Guild Masters?!

Duragan: ”Oi, oi, what's the problem, newb? Looking at this lil' ol' me like you've seen a ghost… Oho? Let's see, you've fallen for me, eh? Tsk, tsk. That won't do. My heart only belongs to my one and only, and that's my wife! Gahahaha!”

Linda: ”I am not!!”

Think about the age! I'm only 21!

Duragan: ”That so? Then what's the problem?”

Linda: ”Th-That's…”

I cannot say the difference in my impression of his and what I see right now left me a great deal of shock… Trauma, perhaps… *shiver*

While I was standing dumbfounded while holding a few documents in my arms, the door opened once again and a young boy appeared from it.

??: ”If you're having problems with secretary applicants, then do something about that demeanor of yours, Father.”

Father? Ah, so this is Guild Master's son. If remember right, his son is around fourteen years in age, right? Fifteen? I don't quite remember.

Unlike her father's scary appearance, his son carries a gentle and tender air around him. He has his father's eyes, being sharp determined looking. But aside from that, I guess he inherited more of his mother's genes. He looks like a prince.

Not my type, though. And think about the age.

He wears a leather vest with a chain mail under it, as it is visible from the crevice of his clothes. Around his waist is a long sword, size unbefitting a child like him.

But I wonder why… Why do I feel like he's a lot more mature than what he looks? Is it the atmosphere around him? Or how he talks and walks?

Duragan: ”Ohh, Alastor, my boy! You have come!”

Alastor: ”Yeah. Mom has been sulking for quite a while lately, so I've come to warn you.”

Sulking… Are they not in good terms?

Duragan: ”O-Ohh… Your mother is scary when she gets like that… I better go home tonight…”

Eh?! That Duragan?! The strongest Human on Teralha!? Getting scared?! Of his wife?! He's even shivering…

J-Just what kind of person is this wife…? I can only imagine a large and loud woman who eats nails for breakfast…

Alastor: ”Well, it seems like you have an urgent matter to relay, Ms. Linda. Don't mind me and go ahead.”

Linda: ”E-Eh… Ahh… Yes. Thank you. I will then. Wait… My name…”

Why does he know my name?

Alastor: ”Ahh. I'm also registered as an adventurer here, so I get to know the affairs inside the Guild. Let me introduce myself just in case. I'm Alastor Gallendal, Rank S adventurer, and lastly, this idiot of a father's son.”

Duragan: ”Who's an idiot, you stupid brat?!”

Rank S?! A child like him…?! That's just… I-It's unbelievable. It's impossible… Even if a person tried to train all his life since birth, no one can achieve the rank of the second to the top at this age. Even a talented adventurer can only arrive at Rank A at best.

I mean, that guy even spent almost all his life working for the guild to reach his level. But for this young man to be a Rank S adventurer at his age…

Alastor: ”Ms. Linda?”

Linda: ”A-Ahh… Yes. I'm fine. L-Let me introduce myself then. I'm Linda Eysha. I will be taking the role of secretary under your father's guidance.”

I bowed deeply towards Alastor.

I know he's only a young boy, but there's something in him that makes me see him as something who is not. Well, there's also the fact that he's my superior's son. I have to give due respect if I want to stay in this job.

Alastor: ”You don't have to do that, Ms. Linda! I'm just an adventurer here! Please raise your head!”

Oh? His humble too.

*sigh*

My mind can't keep up from all of this unforeseen events… Ugghhh… It's only my first day and I'm already this exhausted… Will I last like this…? *sigh*

Duragan: ”So? Linda. What's the report?”

Linda: ”Yes.”

I reaffirmed my thoughts and set aside everything that may hinder my job performance. My mother always told me that I'm good at focusing on a certain task if I put my mind to it.

Linda: ”... Regarding the Dastrientel Forest of the Deceased.”

Duragan: ”Hoh… Let me hear it.”