Chapter 12: At the Guild in the Border City
After signing the contract and completing the rental procedure, I first went to the nearby stable near the outer gate to pick up the carriage that had been stored there. I brought the luggage that was packed in the carriage back to the house and carried it inside.
The loaded luggage consisted of various things such as blankets, clothes, kitchen utensils, tableware, and leftover food that I couldn't consume, brought from my parents' house.
For the time being, with just this, I should be able to manage basic tasks such as cooking and sleeping for a few days.
As for larger furniture items such as beds, desks, and sofas, I'll deal with them later. Grace and I can take our time and go shopping around the city.
Today, I'll explore the city with Rosetta, so I'll take care of what needs to be done with her first.
In that case, should I go to Perezford Academy next to complete the registration process? I ride in the carriage with Grace as the coachman and head to the academy, which is conveniently located near the house.
The academy is a historic building. Ivy entwines the tall surrounding fence, giving it a nicely antiquated atmosphere.
Several buildings are erected within the large premises, but I only need to visit the administrative office this time.
As I enter the small building near the entrance, I see a staff member working behind the counter.
"What can I assist you with?"
"I would like to complete the enrollment process. Here is the introduction letter."
I submit the introduction letter that my father wrote, and the staff member inspects the wax seal and the contents of the letter.
"Could you please fill in the necessary information on these documents?"
Following the guidance of the staff member in a business-like tone, I fill in the necessary information on the documents and submit them. The staff member reads through it and tilts their head.
"Do you not wish to live in the dormitory?"
"I have a house in the city, so it is not necessary. I have also not come here to receive noble education."
"I see."
It seems the staff member's question was merely for confirmation, and there was no need for further probing or prying. I paid 500 Kirigs as the enrollment fee and officially became a student at Perezford Academy.
It went quite smoothly. It's not like I was expecting any turbulence in the administrative process, but for today, completing the procedure is sufficient. I can take care of other matters on another day.
"What should we do next?"
"Should we go to the guild? We have to return the horse to the Count's territory, so we need to make that request."
While answering Rosetta, who was waiting in the carriage, they headed towards their next destination.
The reason for going to the guild was not only to make a request, but also to deal with various small tasks such as matters regarding the Forest Bird, introducing an alchemist, and procuring magic stones for the bathhouse.
"Do we also need to get permission to delve into the labyrinth?"
"Well... yes."
Rosetta seems to have some idea of my actions, although she doesn't know the state of my finances or how I plan to maintain the house.
"Could you show me a little of your fighting skills?"
"If that will satisfy you."
"If I may speak frankly, I would prefer it if you were satisfied."
"That's impossible."
I replied instantly, and Rosetta closed her eyes.
I understand. What am I supposed to be satisfied with? That I'm obedient because I'm a child?
It might be fine for an ordinary child, but I'm not like that anymore.
It's not that I'm conceited. On the contrary, I still feel lacking, so I'm seeking power.
In truth, I hadn't planned to descend into the labyrinth today... well, whatever.
Grace's axe is loaded onto the carriage, and it would be troublesome to reschedule and have Rosetta accompany me another time. As long as it's a shallow level, there should be no problem even if I'm a bit uneasy without a staff.
"By the way, what do you usually do, Rosetta-san?"
"Oh, me? How do I appear to Lisa's child?"
Rosetta placed her hand on her cheek and smiled. ...Why does she seem so happy?
Let's see. She's my mother's former classmate, and they explored the labyrinth together. She has a certain degree of flexibility with her time and has economic stability.
And my father expected that I would have connections in various areas here, so he asked her to look after me.
I wonder what it is. If she claims to have made a fortune as an adventurer, I can understand having extra time and money.
As a candidate, there's serving in the palace, working at the Adventurer's Guild, being a lecturer at the Perezford Academy... and then--
"Are you a high-ranking member of the Thief's Guild?"
"Why would you think that?"
"Well, you seem well-connected."
I tried aiming for a big target, but it seems I was wrong.
"Really! I'm a lecturer at Perezford. Specializing in healing magic."
"So, that's what it is."
Rosetta's figure, with her lips pouted in dissatisfaction, lacked much dignity or power... Originally, she made a name for herself as a healing magician, shining in the labyrinth. She settled as a lecturer in Perezford and is currently involved in training the next generation... that's the kind of feeling.
It's understandable that her reputation and wealth have grown. The effectiveness of healing magic depends on the quality of magical power, and skilled healing magicians are relatively rare.
By the way, the regenerative aura of a battle mage is like an extra, so its healing effect doesn't compare to that of a professional healing magician. I can use basic healing magic, but my healing magic is just a makeshift solution.
While having such a conversation, it seems they have arrived at their destination.
As the carriage came to a stop, Rosetta peeked out, and there they were, in a square with a guild and a temple. Grace smiled at her.
"Theodore-sama, we have arrived."
"Mm, thank you."
The square was bustling with a diverse crowd. Adventurers in light armor, magicians, elves carrying bows, and hawkmen with spears were all noticeable. Many people came to the guild for requests or to pray to the goddess at the temple... Well, it was a place where people gathered, regardless. They left the carriage in the stable and headed into the building of the Adventurers Guild next to the temple.
"Welcome. How may I assist you at our guild?"
A receptionist with a smile welcomed them.
"We have various matters. Shall we start with the details of the request?"
"I will take your request."
After explaining the details of the request and providing contact information to the receptionist, she began compiling the necessary information into documents.
By the way, paper is relatively common in urban areas. It's not pure white and smooth paper, and it requires large-scale magic circles, magic stones, and skilled magic craftsmen... However, a technique has been established here, using a combination of wood magic, water magic, and earth magic to decompose and regenerate plants.
According to Keihisa's knowledge, paper used to be a luxury item on Earth until papermaking technology advanced and mass production became possible. The magical civilization and technological capabilities in this world should not be underestimated.
"By the way, do you have any message from the adventurers called Forestbird for Theodore Gartner?"
"Ah, them. They said they've been coming here since early afternoon."
Heading towards the labyrinth from the afternoon, huh? That's typical of Forestbird, or rather, it's the kind of casualness you'd expect from adventurers.
"I understand. I have a message as well. When they arrive, could you please give them the contact information I provided earlier?"
"Is it a request for a specific person?"
"No, it's more of a personal matter. Also, there's a letter of introduction from a person named Verine."
"- Verine?"
Her hand, which had been smoothly gliding the quill pen, stopped.
"...Do you know each other?"
"Well, um, yeah."
...The receptionist's smile, holding the letter of introduction, seemed slightly strained, but... well, let's not ask too many questions.
After reading Verine's letter, the receptionist nodded.
"...An alchemist, is it? Understood. I will check the information we have here."
"But before that, we would like to register as adventurers, both me and her."
"Both of you? Is it true that you defeated an ant colony?"
"Yes."
Child adventurers weren't that unusual, but they did stand out. It's not easy to imagine someone deliberately choosing to become an adventurer. It's understandable to be skeptical...
Maybe I should have gone to buy the magician's robes and staff first.
Still, it didn't seem like a reason for the receptionist to refuse, and the procedure went smoothly. The receptionist checked the documents, nodded, and said.
"Understood. Please fill out this form. If you need someone to write on your behalf, please let us know."
"We're fine."
"Me too."
The two of us started writing the necessary information on the documents.
Although they said it was necessary information, they didn't ask for anything too important. Name, area of expertise, and current place of residence. That's about it. They probably didn't want to scrutinize too much or be too strict because it would deviate from the true meaning of being an adventurer.
If it were me, I would say my specialty is magic, and for Grace, it would be close combat. Rough information like that is enough.
If desired, they also arrange introductions to adventurer parties in need or approach adventurers who seem skilled in their specialties. That's why this kind of information is necessary.
"We have confirmed the information. Now, let me proceed to the explanation of the precautions."
According to them, adventurers are guaranteed their status by the country. They should strive to act in a manner that does not shame the achievements of their predecessors. In cases where someone severely tarnishes their dignity and honor, the Guild may issue requests for subjugation or capture, putting their reputation on the line, and so on.
There is no specific quota, but if they slack off too much, they may receive warnings. The records of their achievements are kept, and the Guild evaluates various aspects such as their suitability for different jobs.
There is no clear ranking system, but if you show promise, it becomes a topic of discussion. If you have achievements, the guild will even write a letter of introduction for you... They are flexible in various ways, prioritizing and arranging jobs for you. So, in order to be respected, you need to diligently carry out your work.
However, when it comes to adventurers in the border city, there is another suitable criterion to assess their abilities. Yes, it's how far they have reached in the labyrinth.
The deeper you go into the lower floors, the more it is believed that you possess comprehensive and exceptional abilities as an adventurer.
"Now, based on the description in the documents earlier, I will write the information on the magic stone tablet."
The receptionist took out a small metal plate embedded with a tiny magic stone from under the counter. This serves as proof of an adventurer's identity, similar to the purpose of dog tags in the military.
In the same manner as inscribing a magical spell, information such as the name, specialties, and achievements is engraved onto the magic stone.
"This magic stone tablet has your names engraved on it. It serves as proof of your identity as adventurers, so please be careful not to lose it. If you happen to find one of these dropped inside the labyrinth, please try to recover it to the best of your ability."
"Understood."
Both of them nodded. It may be a roundabout expression to say "dropped," but in essence, it makes identifying the deceased easier. Using this plate, that is.
"Now, the two of you are becoming adventurers, but to obtain permission to enter the Great Labyrinth, you need to undergo several training sessions. Please proceed to the counter over there to complete the procedures. As for the contents of the letter from Beryne, we should be able to provide you with the information before the training sessions are over."
After the training sessions, they would finally be able to venture into the labyrinth. It was quite a profound feeling.
When I raised my head from the metal plate, I noticed that the eyes of a group of young adventurers were on us. They seemed to be assessing us in some way, but as soon as our gazes met, they turned and left.
Perhaps they thought we were easy targets because of our appearances... I hope it doesn't become troublesome.