Chapter 18: Guild Special Request Issued
Primera Lord's Office
"Lord Alfred, I appreciate your time despite your busy schedule."
Carlos, the head of Carlos Trading Company, bows respectfully.
"It's been a while, Carlos. I thought you were dead, but you're surprisingly tenacious."
Alfred smiles warmly at Carlos, a friendly expression on his handsome face, and winks at him.
Most women would swoon at that alone, but it has no effect whatsoever on the Guild Master.
"Hahaha, to be honest, I was really on the verge of death."
Carlos laughs heartily, and there is no lie in his words.
"Well, even though I survived, the future of this country is far from bright."
Alfred laughs self-deprecatingly.
"So, you didn't come here for small talk. What's the matter? Does it have anything to do with coming back from the brink of death?"
"Yes, a young man rescued my son's family from a horde of goblins in the Western Forest and then saved me with a mysterious potion."
"That's wonderful! I've heard about the incident in the Western Forest. I'd like to meet that young man and express my gratitude as well."
"There's more. That young man... was a person from a different world with black eyes and black hair."
"What?! What did you say, Carlos?! Is that true?"
Alfred's complexion changes, and he unintentionally raises his voice.
If anyone who knew his usual calm and composed self saw him, they would find it unbelievable how his face reddened and he became excited.
"Yes, I swear it's true. I thought I should inform Lord Alfred first."
"I see... I appreciate you letting me know, Carlos. So, where is this person from a different world?"
"He's planning to establish a base in this town for the time being, so I offered him my support. He's currently staying at my mansion."
"That's great! Carlos, bring him here immediately."
"...I apologize. Kakeru-dono went to the Adventurer's Guild with Chloe-dono."
"Chloe? The Silver Devil herself. Why is she with the person from a different world, or rather, with Kakeru-kun?"
"Chloe-dono asked me to inform her if there was any information about a person with black eyes and black hair. She has voluntarily become Kakeru-dono's maid now."
"I see... it makes sense for her to be involved. But a maid... it's hard to imagine from her usual appearance. Well, I suppose she must be prepared for it... since her goal aligns with mine. Sebas!"
"Yes! The carriage is already prepared."
"Excellent. Sebas, let's go to the Adventurer's Guild."
***
After seeing off Kakero-sama and Chloe, the Adventurers' Guild was in a bit of a commotion.
As a result of a discussion between the sudden arrival of the Primaera Knights' Commander Seres and the Guild Master, a special request was announced after a long time.
Special requests are only activated when the Guild recognizes the necessity, and adventurers affiliated with the Guild do not have the right to refuse. However, in addition to the special rewards, they are also provided with a danger allowance depending on the content, so it's not all bad for adventurers.
Knight Commander Seres explains the details of the special request to the adventurers.
"The content of the special request is the extermination of goblins that have appeared in the western forest. Currently, our knight order is conducting an investigation, but the enemy's scale is unknown at this point. However, there is a high possibility that they are led by at least a Goblin General or a King-class individual."
The guild becomes restless. Even though they are goblins, if it's a general, it's equivalent to Rank B, and if it's a king, it's equivalent to Rank A. It is beyond the reach of ordinary adventurers.
"To you adventurers, we primarily request the escort of the surrounding towns and villages, as well as the elimination of goblins and goblin leaders. The investigation area is vast, and honestly, we are short of hands. The knight order will be responsible for defeating the enemy's leader and launching an attack on their stronghold. However, depending on the situation, there is a possibility of relying on the power of higher-ranked adventurers."
The voice of the platinum blonde knight commander has a commanding presence that fascinates those who listen. Unbeknownst to them, the adventurers who had been restless were now completely absorbed in listening.
"This request is also at the request of Lord Alfred, the ruler of Primaera. We have prepared special rewards, so everyone, please earn well on this occasion. Securing the safety of the western forest is the lifeline of Primaera, but I don't want you to push yourselves too hard. Lastly, I would appreciate it if you could report any trivial information to the knight order without hesitation. That is all."
After Knight Commander Seres finishes her explanation, the Guild Master takes the floor.
"Please confirm the details at the reception. You don't have the right to refuse, but it is indeed a profitable request. Make sure to line up properly."
As soon as the conversation ends, adventurers rush to the reception.
And it's understandable. Normally, goblins and such don't pay well enough to make a profit, but this time, every goblin defeated will bring in earnings. Especially for low-ranking adventurers, it's a dream-like request where they can earn safely.
(Geez... I'm so busy that I don't even have time to talk to Celestina.)
Celestina, the knight commander, waves her hand, and I respond with a wry smile.
As she handles the lined-up adventurers one after another, Claudia is concerned about Kakero and the others.
The disturbance in the western forest and the disturbance in the southern forest... I wonder if there's a connection...
***
"Hey there, fellow adventurers! You all look energetic, and that's great."
A voice resounded throughout the guild, causing everyone to turn at once.
The owner of the voice was a handsome man in his late twenties. With refined features and flowing golden hair, he was, in a way, the most famous man in Primera.
"Hey, why is the lord here?"
"...So, that's Earl Alfred, one of the Four Holy Swordsmen. It's my first time seeing the real deal."
"What should we do? I'm so happy I could die. The Earl looks so cool..."
The guild buzzed with excitement, but Alfred paid no mind and approached the guild master.
"Bernaldo, how are you doing? Where's Kakeru? He should have come to the guild today."
"...Didn't we meet just yesterday, Alfred? Sorry, but could you please explain it in a way I can understand?"
The guild master was perplexed, with several question marks floating above his head.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm a bit excited. Um, I wanted to meet an adventurer named Kakeru, who registered today. He was supposed to be with Chloe-chan."
"...Kakeru? Ah, I see. The all-rounder with the ability to adapt to all attributes. I believe Claudia was in charge of him..."
"W-Wait a minute, Lord Alfred! Did you just say he was with Chloe? Could it be that this man named Kakeru—"
"Yes. As Captain Seres suspected, Kakeru is a person from another world. He has black eyes and black hair."