Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 72

After finishing our talk at Marquis Frederica’s mansion, we headed to the Hunter’s Guild.

This escort request meant that Prima and I wouldn’t receive any payment as we were on the client’s side. In fact, we were the ones paying. However, Mina, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca would be compensated for their work. Lydia and Ludia also had a report to make regarding Princess Yuriana’s successful escort.

“So, are we the only hunters in Feel right now?”

“No, I heard a C-rank raid came in before we left for Prada Village.”

“A single C-rank raid group won’t contribute much.”

Ludia grumbled, and I couldn’t entirely disagree.

“That’s true, but it’s better than nothing. Before, no matter how small the request, we were the only ones who could take it.”

For a few days, there were no hunters other than us.

Raus and the others had been absorbed into our raid, leading to an unbelievable situation where there was only one active Hunter’s Guild party.

To fill the void, Prima and I had been hunting a massive number of monsters daily.

“Right. That’s why, even with just one C-rank raid group, the distribution of requests will ease the burden on us. More importantly, are you really okay with this?”

“Okay with what?” Raus asked.

“Forming a raid party with us. You two are from Valentia, aren’t you? If you join our raid party, it will be difficult to visit your hometown.”

Our reasons for going to the Hunter’s Guild were to collect the rewards for everyone’s escort requests, sell the Mad Boars Prima hunted along the way, and finalize Lydia and Ludia’s induction into the Wing Crest.

The two, hailing from Valentia, had come this far to test their skills, broaden their horizons, and, crucially, escort Princess Yuriana. With that mission accomplished, their reasons for a long-term stay, let alone settling in Feel, were, at best, very slim.

“That’s not true. Besides, we can form a raid party with Ancient Humans, so that’s hardly a big issue.”

“If you’re worried about your family, you’re overthinking it. Our family isn’t nobility, so there’s no issue with heirs or anything similar.”

Lydia and Ludia’s family, the Highwinds, were not a lineage of knights.

Their father was said to be the strongest Dragon Knight in Valentia and even served as the副団長 (fuku-danchō) of the Royal Dragon Knight Corps. However, this was a position he earned through his own strength. Therefore, even without an heir, the family line wouldn’t cease to exist, and there was no need to worry about such matters.

He held the title of Dragon Baron, equivalent to Amister’s Knightly Title. However, as it was only equivalent, it was also said to be for his lifetime only.

“If it’s what you two want, then I have no objections. If you wish to return home, we’ll accommodate that wish anytime.”

As hunters, they would eventually establish a base. However, that didn’t mean they had to remain in one place.

Furthermore, Valentia was a source of Adamantine Steel, and it was also home to many Drake species, like the Feather Drake we favored hunting. I’d been wanting to visit for a while.

“Thank you for waiting. Here are your rewards, Lydia and Ludia.”

Ah, their rewards were delivered first.

The two had escorted Princess Yuriana all the way from Centro in the capital of Valentia. It had taken them quite a few days. About two weeks, if I recall correctly.

Valentia was known as the “Forest Country” due to its abundance of forests. Besides the Gagun Great Forest, a designated demi-human habitat, there was also the Haura Great Forest, spanning nearly a third of the country near the border with Amister. Consequently, it wasn’t unusual to find towns and villages nestled within the forests of Valentia.

“Thank you.”

Both of them had met Princess Yuriana multiple times and had apparently grown quite familiar with her. It seemed they had negotiated a slightly higher reward than typical escort missions. It was like a special request.

“Also, we will be completing the registration for Wing Crest for you two. Could we have your licenses?”

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

Licenses displayed the affiliated raid party, so the procedure couldn’t be completed without one. It wasn’t a particularly complex process: fill out a designated form, then use Guild-only Guild Magic to drip a drop of blood, and it was done.

“Thank you. Your registration is now complete. Next, we have the rewards for Mina, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca. I’ll prepare them right away.”

Lydia and Ludia’s induction into Wing Crest was successfully completed, and now it was time for Mina and the others to receive their rewards.

I had explained to the Hunter’s Guild beforehand that Prima and I were on the client’s side, but it still surprised everyone. We had made sure that Flam and the others could act without worrying about anything happening to Prada Village. Moreover, with the surrounding area filled with pseudo-hunters who were essentially enemies, we were in dire need of more legitimate hunters. Therefore, even if it meant paying them, we wanted Mina, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca to gain sufficient experience and alleviate any concerns about Prada Village.

“The more I hear about it, the more dire the situation in Feel seems.”

“Seriously. And yet, with all hunters being enemies, you two managed to capture them all in just a few days? With just the two of you? I think you’re both a bit much.”

Prima and I averted our gazes from Ludia’s remark.

In this world, where levels were a common concept, quality often overcame quantity. This was why armies weren’t necessarily vast. Solemne apparently had a large military, but Amister’s army was managed by the Order’s Guild. Even combining all its branches, it probably didn’t exceed five thousand members. Of course, numbers were sometimes necessary, but the tide of battle could drastically change with the addition of just one High-Class hunter. Thus, various countries treated High-Class hunters with utmost hospitality and sought to retain them.

Due to this incident, Retisencia had lost many High-Class hunters, causing a significant drop in their combat power. Retisencia originally had few High-Class hunters, and it was said that none of them were over level 50. However, they were still thought to have over thirty High-Class hunters, so if a war broke out, these individuals would undoubtedly be on the front lines. Still, for Amister, which boasted over a hundred High-Class hunters and more than ten individuals exceeding level 50, it seemed to be a minor issue.

“Thank you for waiting. Here are your rewards, Mina, Flam, Raus, and Rebecca. Due to the unexpected circumstances, and especially since we managed to capture Saches Trennel and Patriot Pride, the Hunter’s Guild has also provided a bonus. Oh, and Lydia and Ludia will also receive this bonus, so don’t worry.”

Oh, a bonus? Well, we ourselves hadn’t expected to encounter them there. Moreover, Lydia and Ludia had actually fought, so it wasn’t surprising they’d receive a bonus.

“W-wait a minute! We didn’t do anything! When we arrived at the scene, it was already over!”

“Besides, even if we were there, we would have just been a hindrance, so we can’t possibly accept this…”

Mina and Flam were hesitant, but Lydia and Ludia accepted it normally. This was likely due to a difference in personality, but also, importantly, whether they had actually fought.

“You helped with the cleanup and escort, so don’t be shy.”

“Then why aren’t Yamato and Prim receiving any bonus?!”

Raus argued against Prima, but it was natural from our perspective. After all, capturing or killing those individuals was part of our commission. To us, it was simply fulfilling our request.

“That’s why the bonus for both of you is included in your reward.”

Camina, of course, knew this and explained it thoroughly. Still, as I was a P-rank Ancient Human and Prima a G-rank, and this was a direct commission, the reward was quite substantial.

With Camina’s explanation, Mina and the others, though a bit hesitant, gratefully accepted their respective rewards and bonuses.

“Regarding your rewards, Yamato and Prim, we will provide them tomorrow after the Mad Boars you brought in have been assessed. Is that acceptable?”

“No problem.”

“It’s fine. Oh, speaking of which, Camina, what about the raid group that came to Feel the other day?”

Oh, I was curious about that too. The Mad Boars had moved near Prada Village. However, there were still two Goblins, two Orcs, and one Forest Bee, who had been affected by Demon Crystals, remaining. It must have been quite a journey to reach here by land.

“They primarily hunt monsters ranked C or lower. They’ve already finished their assessments for today, so they’re likely at an inn or a tavern.”

I see, they’re already back. Well, we’ll probably run into them eventually, and they must be tired, so it’s fine for today.

“Thank you. Then we should head back as well.”

With our business at the Hunter’s Guild concluded, we decided to head to the Silver Ore Inn. We had originally intended to visit Albert Workshop, but the sun had long set, so we’d have to postpone it until tomorrow. We also planned to order equipment for Lydia and Ludia then.

“Welcome back!”

“…Why are you here?”

“Why? Because it’s my vacation?”

To our surprise, Lyra was at the Silver Ore Inn to greet us. And her arm was still in its feathered form. She should really use her humanization magic.

“Your vacation doesn’t start until tomorrow, right? And more importantly, why are you manning the reception desk here?”

Prima voiced everyone’s unspoken question. It wasn’t strange for Mirena to be there since her husband was the proprietor. Her younger brother, Lucas, was also understandable. But Lyra’s family was from the Royal Capital, not Feel. The fact that she was there, acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world, naturally raised questions.

“Huh? Mina didn’t know either? Lucas and I are dating.”

“Ah, that’s right, she did mention that.”

So, Lyra was visiting Lucas’s family. It was different from her own home, as it was her sister’s married residence.

“No, that’s fine, but why the Silver Ore Inn? You could just go to Lucas’s house.”

“Exactly.”

“Lucas’s family home is just a regular house, not large enough for me to stay. So Mirena-nee-san brought me here.”

So that’s how it is. And she was just put to work at the reception desk, then?

“Correct. Lucas is still with the Order’s Guild, so I had free time, and I thought it was a good opportunity. Here, your keys.”

With a practiced gesture, Lyra tossed us our room keys. Don’t just throw them, though. Well, it was a bit strange for Lyra to be at reception, but she seemed accustomed to it, so I decided to pay for Lydia and Ludia’s rooms as well.

“Please add these two to the bill. I think I’ve already paid for about three more days, so that should cover their stays for now.”

“Sure thing! Hmm, let’s see, 3,000 El per night, and an extra 100 El for meal delivery to the room. That’s for two people for three days, so… how much?”

Do your own calculations. How can you even work as a receptionist?

“18,600 El. Here.”

As if returning the favor for the thrown keys, I tossed two gold coins at Lyra.

“Gotcha! Hey, stop throwing them! Uhm, your change is…”

Can this person not do math? This is getting bothersome.

“Keep the change as a tip. More importantly, please quickly check in those two.”

“Oh, really? Lucky me! Alright then, please fill this out here!”

“Ah, yes, understood.”

Lydia and Ludia began filling out the guest register. This was the same in my world, but apparently, it wasn’t necessary in cheap inns. Flam had mentioned that the inn where they stayed didn’t have a guest register.

“Um, Yamato-san…”

“Hm? What is it?”

Mina called out to me hesitantly. What was wrong?

“Um, is it okay to give the entire change as a tip? That amounts to 1,400 El, you know.”

“What else could I do? She can’t do math, and I don’t want to waste time here.”

“No, Lyra can do math. She’s just not very good at it, but she wouldn’t be able to work for the Order’s Guild if she couldn’t do calculations of that level.”

“Lyra! You…!?”

Mina’s revelation caused me to shout out involuntarily. She’d really set me up!

“Hahaha~, you found me out~? But I’ve already received it as a tip, so I can’t return it. A P-rank Ancient Hunter wouldn’t actually ask for a tip back after giving it, right~?”

How insidious! Indeed, no customer would ever ask for their excess tip back. Moreover, with my titles as a P-rank Hunter and an Ancient Human, my reputation was at stake. Damn it, was I just going to have to accept this?

“Don’t worry about it. It’s pocket change for an Ancient Hunter, isn’t it? Besides, you can just get plenty of comfort from Mina tonight.”

Lyra’s words made Mina blush beet red, and she hid behind me. It was true that Mina was my fiancée and we had already been intimate, but this wasn’t the time or place to reveal such things. Moreover, Lydia and Ludia’s faces seemed to be blushing too.

“Lyra, don’t tease Mina too much. She’s not married yet, and Lydia and Ludia only joined the raid today.”

Prima’s face was also slightly red, but since she was officially married to me, the damage seemed less severe.

“It’s fine. I’ll let Lucas dote on me today too.”

I felt a pang of sympathy for Lucas’s future struggles. Well, Lucas would have to keep Lyra in check, so he’d have to work hard.

Thinking this, we entered our rooms. Lydia and Ludia each got their own room. Raus shared with Rebecca, and myself, Prima, Mina, and Flam shared a room. I had considered giving Raus and Rebecca their own rooms as well, but they were already involved, and Rebecca had strongly insisted on sharing. Lydia and Ludia wore conflicted expressions, but since Prima and I were already married, and Mina and Flam were engaged, we pushed through.

Prima and the others seemed to think that Lydia and Ludia should also be my wives. However, I couldn’t quite understand why they felt that way about these two. When I asked, they only replied with intuition, so I had half-given up on understanding.

Oh well, whatever happens, happens.