'Here, the goods.'
'Hoh, isn't this more than promised?'
'Well, we were under your care this time. It's our gratitude, please accept it.'
'Then don't mind if I do'
-Hehehe
-Hahaha
Under the evening sun, at the entrance of a deserted alley, a tiny figure handed a bag to a tall person. The tall person made a show of reluctance, but it is clear that he's very happy to accept it. They spoke in whispers and their faces are obscured by the heavy shade. The small figure buttered up his words to the tall person, trying to please him.
"What are you two doing?"
"…Tch. Don't ruin the mood, elf."
"I'm just handing him the rewards for our commission."
Normally I should have only received the predetermined amount from the guild. But if the client is happy, they can offer a greater reward like Yenni now.
There are only two cases where an escort request increased its reward. When some noble or merchant found the path was more perilous than the request stated, they compensate more to keep their reputation. Two, is when they found their escort to be a valuable talent and wants to leave an impression for further cooperation. Long story short, a bribe.
This kid has just bribed me, trying to get on my good side.
"You have promise, kid."
"Hehe"
I patted him on the shoulder as he smiled bashfully back to me.
April watched our antics in exasperation. Drom has already left, trying to figure out how to use the materials we gained. I, of course have no need of them, so they were split among the three.
We split up afterwards. Leaving behind the two, I went to the market without wasting time.
After the hunter left, the two remaining stared at his silhouette.
"…He left…"
"Yeah…"
"…The escort mission is over."
"Yeah…"
"…We also got rid of the goblins plaguing the villages."
"Yeah…"
April seems to be lost in thought, not paying attention to Yenni.
"…Are you lovesick?"
"Yea-!?" She snapped out at the last second "Yenni you little-!!"
"Hahaha~"
"I'm not! I just thought how exhilarating today's experience was! It's so different from how we normally play this game."
"Yeah, yeah. I know, I know~"
"Yenni!!"
The next day. Now sitting in the courtyard, I have already returned to the city back at my home. I now find it quite sad to call it an Academy with only four students, so it will only be an Academy on paper from now on. I got all the equipment for various crafting professions and billed the price to the King. Though the Academy was my idea, it is a state institution so it's only natural he will shoulder the expenses.
In case you're interested, I did not take the express back through the forest. No, I hopped over the forest canopy this time through the night. I could have done the same yesterday, but those hawks up the mountains will chase and hunt me down for sure. Luckily they sleep at night and there are no nocturnal hawks, so I took to the skies after I finished my shopping.
The spoils were rich. The market has changed a lot with the advent of wanderers. Whilst they are magically inept, they possess a far more advanced culture and general education. Because of that, the entertainment sector of our world is expanding at a breakneck speed like a rocket was stabbed onto the rear!
The hottest cake on the market are novels, and anyone with a bit of excess money would buy them. They are many times more imaginative compared to those crafted from the same mould, I would not be surprised to find them taking over the pastime of the high societies.
I would love to investigate my spoils, but before that we have a guest.
"Aruk."
"Yo, Gea. Having a good day?"
"Thanks to the four holding your attention, my workload is at a never seen before low."
This man is the Goblin King, Geahnol, one of the four Goblin Lords aside from me. The man who's height exceeded two meters and has a buff body where he can be mistaken as a dwarf if he was shorter, or a giant if he was taller. He is wearing casual cloths of shirt and pants, but his dignity still shines through his modest attire. Then the black horn on his forehead…
"…Pfft, no matter how many times I see it, that stub still looks hilarious."
"…I can't help it."
He caressed his small horn on his forehead.
The horn of goblins grow when they become Goblin Lords and the length indicates the magical capability of the individual. There aren't enough specimens to determine the average length, but it is safe to say that a small stub means he is magically impaired.
In my case, as a Sage, I have two horns pointing to the heavens. It is black just like any other and it acts as a powerful catalyst for magic. It can basically replace wands and staffs the mages use.
"Aruk, I heard that you left the city and went through the forest."
"Yup, the restriction on my powers have loosened. It won't be long before its completely lifted."
Due to a catastrophe that struck the world hundreds of years ago, the world had always been in a fragile state. Any powers that exceeded the worlds tolerance will face great constrains should it be used, and that applies to me as a Sage.
"…Haaaaa. If monsters like you start moving then things will get messy soon."
"Tsk, how can you call a harmless goblin like me a monster. But hey, our area of activity can be expanded. Why don't we clear out those mountains first?"
"I'll do that, it's about time to wake Lir up as well. Things are going to get noisy."
Lir, Lirthusia.
The Seer of the goblins as well as another Goblin Lord. Along with Ronia the Sword Saint, we make up the only four Goblin Lords in this city, and perhaps the world.
"Speaking of noisy, Gea, did you purposely delay the opening of my academy?"
"…Maybe?"
"I knew it! My big brain plan of world domination through wanderers were all ruined by you. You knew they wouldn't stay after that day!"
"Of course I did it! Who in the right mind would want to go through the miserable life of a goblin!"
"I could have taught them how to fight and live as a goblin. The Academy could have retain all of them to bolster our force!"
"Don't get me started on the academy, I'd rather have them leave than let them be taught by you!"
"You little--!"
I got so angry that I resorted to profanities.
"I took care of your nappies you punk!"
I chuck the chair I was sitting on.
"That's irrelevant!"
He blocked with the table and hurled it at me.
"Don't you know how many poor souls you've traumatised? You'll face divine punishment!"
He punched the ground where I stood.
"Not if I can beat you up first!"
-YidiYidi!
-YadaYada!
-Shiiing!
In the end, we were caught by the Head of Security, Sword Saint Ronia, then we fought a three way battle in my courtyard. Aside from broken craters and furniture, there is now sword marks across the ground as well.
You might be wondering why the Head of Security joined the havoc but you are mistaken, she is trying to stop us. It's just that me and the King is too much of a rebel and resisted her capture while we were continuing our spat.
The result?
We're in jail!
""Gahahahaha!""
In our cozy little cell, I shared my spoils with my cellmate.