Clarice and Anju returned, and
it was our turn at the Commercial Guild’s reception.
“What can I help you with today?”
“I want to enroll my Anju in short-term schooling, and we’re here for an auction.”
“Then, let’s start with the auction. Do you have a Commercial Guild card or an Adventurer Card?”
The explanation was given, but nothing registered. The hero who stole another’s lover died; well, that’s fine. The Pride Sword will return; I wonder how it compares to the Adamantite Sword?
(More importantly, what about Older Sister Ric and the others?)
I wonder if I could go to the Adventurer Guild again to confirm if they’re alive or dead. The details were supposed to be given when the sword was handed over, so I guess I’ll find out if I wait until then, but I can’t calm down. I’m so worried that my heart is pounding and I’m breaking out in a cold sweat. And yet, I’ve already been abandoned!
“…These are the rules. Regarding bids…”
It’s a typical auction rule, so I just tune it out. Come to think of it, before that hero went to Older Sister Ric and the others, hadn’t his party members all been wiped out except for himself?
(If Older Sister Ric had died, and if Illion hadn’t made it in time with the Elixir, I might have had to inherit the Avakane family. What would I do then?)
A bad premonition, bad thoughts, the worst imaginings swirled in my head. If only I could return to the Milishitan Continent with Anju’s Instantaneous movement, but that would require an immense amount of Magic Power, likely from someone Level 765 or Level 876 or higher.
“That’s what it says. Derus, is that acceptable?”
“Huh?! Ah, Nina, what is it?”
“I can’t help it. We’ll sell the Demon Lord’s bones that we don’t use at the auction. Alright?”
“Ah, the Undead Dance Dragon’s! That’s fine.”
“So, for now, the items for the first day are confirmed. Please make sure.”
There was some paperwork being exchanged with the receptionist. The only item I’m currently aiming to buy is the ‘Illusionist’s Staff’ for Anju to use. What else would I want? Right now, all that matters is the safety of Older Sister Ric and the others. I should be able to find out before the auction, shouldn’t I?
“Alright, next is about the short-term schooling. Derus, please move over there.”
“Ah, yes, please. Huh?”
“Hey, Master! Come down! We need to talk to Master!”
I wondered where I was, but Nina was speaking upwards. Anju was floating too much,
and she was stuck to the ceiling of the Commercial Guild. What an Assassin!
“This is Master, Anju.”
“…I am Anju. I am 19 years old… Please to meet you.”
Oh, she came down and greeted me properly. Good girl, good girl! I want to say, but I’m carrying her on my shoulders. Don’t merge with me!
“I’ll step back, so Anju, please listen carefully?”
“…If Derus-kun says so.”
As I stepped back, Clarice intertwined her arm with mine, pressing close.
Her expression seemed to say, “It’s going to be okay.” Am I really making such a terrible face right now?
“Our Anju here graduated from the Illusionist course at the Magic Academy of the Shifrin Magic Kingdom, but actually…”
Since Anju herself was listening, she didn’t speak too directly, but as she continued, the receptionist’s expression shifted to one of understanding. Anju started to get bored and chew on her sleeve, and after a short while, an agreement was reached.
“Understood. Then, tomorrow, we will conduct a medical examination at the Academy for one full day.”
“Clarice will also be present. Is that alright, Clarice?”
“Yes, certainly.”
“The results will be available the morning after that, and then we will adjust the school and schedule accordingly.”
“Thank you, Anju. You truly wish to relearn, don’t you?”
She nodded vigorously, even with her hood off.
“So, that’s settled for the Academy matter. Anything else?”
“No, nothing.”
“Then, from our side, we would like to ask Hero Porter Derus-sama for a favor.”
“Eh, me?!”
“Yes, there is something we need you to transport.”
It was an unexpected request.
“In the East District’s A-rank Area Adventurer Guild, there are over 300 bottles of a stamina and magic recovery potion called ‘High Elf’s Tears’ stored. We are putting them up for auction, and we need them brought here to the Commercial Guild.”
“Ah, there are that many?”
“Yes. Apparently, they are from the Adventurer’s Mansion in Sector S. Since they are moving, they decided to sell the surplus.”
How much did they hoard? I wonder if there were no Heroes, or if they weren’t at a high enough Level? If it were me, I would have just stuffed them into my Item Box.
“Please be aware that only Derus-sama, who is an A-class Hero, can enter this area.”
“Yes, I understand. I’d like to see that area, so I accept.”
“Please ensure that no one else enters. The magic defense system will activate.”
She was clearly looking at Anju as she said that. In other words, no entering from the sky or by Instantaneous movement.
“Anju, you stay put, okay?”
“…If Derus-kun says so.”
“Derus, are you alright going alone?”
“I’m fine. I’ll also take a look at the weapon and armor shops in that area.”
“Indeed. If the Illusionist’s Staff is sold there, it would solve our problem.”
Clarice has a point, but I’m also just curious about a town that only A-class or higher can enter.
“Alright, I will prepare the documents. I will also write a letter to the Adventurer Guild in East A.”
For now, I’ll put Older Sister Ric aside.
No, I have no choice but to put her aside, so I’ll switch my mindset and do some Hero Porter work after a long time. It’s a grave responsibility.
“Derus, if you’re worried, why don’t you ask again at that special Adventurer Guild?”
“…That’s a good idea. If I ask nicely, they might give me the information first.”
“No matter what result you hear, you will definitely come back, won’t you?”
“Of course! Because right now, my fiancées… are all of you.”
“Un. I’ll be waiting with my chest open. Come back and dive in.”
That’s a bit dramatic.
“Thank you for waiting. Shall we go now?”
“Yes, I’ll pop over and be right back.”
Unlike before, it’s in the same country, and even the same city.
“When you enter the area, please show your Hero Card to the guard.”
“Understood.”
“Then, have a safe trip.”
The three of them said they’d see me off to the entrance of the East District’s A-rank Area, but I refused, telling them I’d be back soon and they should enjoy sightseeing in the West District.
“Alright, but be careful not to be deceived by any wicked women.”
“We’ll keep a close eye on Anju.”
“…Have a good trip.”
“Yes, I’m going, and I’ll be back soon!”
And so, I headed to the East District alone.
