Chapter 50: Liberation of Ilm Hilton
"I will sell half of it... that's the plan."
"Thank you. But, are you sure?"
Heather asked with a surprised expression.
"With the Guild becoming Guardian-class, there are various ways to make use of it, right?"
"Well, that's true. It's definitely appreciated, but..."
In the lobby of the Adventurer's Guild, the massive body of a Sword Boar lay before them, neatly cut in half. There was no need for much discussion about whether to sell it or not.
Guardians, not just Sword Boars, fetch a high price even if only one half is sold because there are no wasted parts.
The fur of the Sword Boar would be a valuable first take as it remains robust even in death, boasting armor-like defense. It is light and durable, its usefulness goes without saying.
Regarding the use of the fur, they would need to consider it carefully.
In addition, the meat can be consumed, and through magical stone extraction, they can create substantial items, making it highly valuable. The tusks, too, could be carved into spearheads.
"Wow, I've never seen a Guardian's corpse before."
"What's up with that fur?"
A crowd of people gathered around the half of the Sword Boar brought to the Guild's lobby.
While Guild staff appraised it, adventurers who came out of curiosity chattered happily nearby.
"Who took down something like that?"
When someone said that, they huddled together and whispered.
"You know, that person from before..."
"Oh, the Demon Slayer?"
"Isn't she over there?"
"The girl who defeated the demon and the Guardian? Didn't her companions do it instead?"
Yeah, it was not me who defeated it but Grace.
"Aren't her other companions equally strong? They seem to have joined the Guardian subjugation."
"Ah, you mean those girls?"
"She's with the Demon Slayer, so she must be quite powerful, right?"
The group looked at Grace and her companions with wide eyes. Well... I can understand their feelings.
While I do welcome the fact that Grace's strength is becoming widely known, it's not comfortable to be the subject of such rumors.
According to Heather, the adventurers who were transported earlier are currently receiving treatment in the guild's infirmary. Since I can't leave until the appraisal of today's loot is done, my Circulating Qi and Ashley's healing magic might come in handy. I decided to stop by for a visit.
As I walked towards the infirmary, I heard a clear singing voice and the sound of a harp. Listening to it, my heart felt at ease, and the fatigue seemed to dissipate, such was the mysterious melody.
The source was coming from the infirmary. It seemed to be the same members as when I visited Ilm Hilton last time. Dominic the Harpy and Justia the Siren were singing, while Ilm Hilton played the harp.
On the beds, adventurers were lying down. Their complexion looked much better compared to when I saw them in the labyrinth.
Ashley had already finished her healing magic.
Perhaps it was due to the lullabies sung by Ilm Hilton's trio, but they seemed unrelated to her.
Lamia, Harpy, and Siren, all three of them are races with the ability to infuse magic into their singing and playing. In this case, the song's effects were calming, reducing pain, and enhancing regenerative capabilities.
The harp might have been provided by the guild to demonstrate their usefulness. If so, that move was correct. At least, among the guild members in the healing team, there shouldn't be any adventurers complaining.
"Ilm Hilton."
Shiela ran up to her and took her hand. She seemed surprised.
"Shiela-chan, and Theodore-san too. I heard you fought the Guardian, did you get hurt?"
"No, that's not the case. We brought them here, so we wanted to check on their condition."
"I see... that makes sense."
Ilm Hilton heaved a sigh of relief and finally relaxed.
"You've given us a wonderful performance."
"Oh, thank you. Unlike the other two, I'm not particularly skilled in this area, so it's a bit embarrassing. In Lamia's case, her abilities in that regard are like bonuses."
Is that so? I didn't mean to flatter you, but with the current content, I think you can earn enough money. Anyway, speaking about the quality of the performance, I believe it was quite skillful, but it doesn't necessarily mean that technique and the effectiveness of the song are directly proportional. I'm an outsider, so I don't know much about curse songs in detail.
"We've been told if we want to continue working at the guild."
"Yes. Even though we don't have a place to return to, at least we won't be treated roughly here."
Upon Dominic's words, Justia nods.
It seems that Lynette's purpose is to sell them, not necessarily to expect singing or performances from them... But in reality, curse songs are quite useful. They are said to affect both the mind and the body, and since their effects cover a wide range, they can be troublesome skills to face as enemies.
Their usefulness in healing is notable, as they can be easily applied, and they should have the characteristic of synergizing with healing magic for better results. There was a playable class of bards, but it was a minor occupation in BFO.
"Hmm. If they work as a healing team at the guild, they can establish their position and reduce the death rate of adventurers, so it seems like all good things... but for Ilm Hilt, it might feel like they are being unilaterally supported by them, which makes it hard to agree completely."
"Theodore-san, the calculations are done."
Heather comes over and peeks her face in.
"I understand. I'll come to you."
"Before that, Heather. Can I talk to you for a moment...?"
Sheila stops Heather.
"What is it?"
"Ilm Hilt still can't go back?"
"Well... it seems better to hold off on that for a while. The authorities are getting nervous, so it's probably safer to stay at the guild after all."
"I see... I understand, but..."
"Sheila, I'm fine. I would be happy if you could tell everyone that I'm doing well."
"... Yeah."
Sheila's ears droop. She seems down.
Even if they resolve things with the Knights, Ilm Hilt's situation is still delicate. Judging from Heather's tone, it's probably because the authorities have become overly nervous due to the aftermath of the demon incident.
From the guild's standpoint, it's more like they are detaining or protecting Ilm Hilt. They had imagined that they would all go to the sea together once she was released, but it seems there are still many hurdles to overcome.
"With everyone?"
"The children at the orphanage in the West District."
...I see. There is such a facility...right.
"Well then. If there's someone who can vouch for their identity, wouldn't it be okay for them to go outside? If I can help, I'll cooperate."
Ashley, who had been watching the situation, said.
As a feudal lord and a noble, yeah, I suppose from Ashley's perspective, it's definitely a scene that can't be overlooked.
"I'll help too."
"...Are you sure?"
I nod. At the corner of my vision, I could see Grace smiling happily.
Grace's future, Ashley's path, and even considering my stance, it doesn't contradict anything. I've already accepted Sheila as a party member, and I'm not hesitant to support them.
Receiving our words, Sheila looks at Heather with hopeful eyes.
Heather responds to Sheila's gaze with a wry smile.
"Are Lady Ashley and Theodore-san okay with it? If that's the case, then I think it will be fine."