Side Story - Side Fencer Iii
I left the royal capital and arrived in the town, my first destination, after staying overnight in a small inn. From today onwards, I will be based at the Mercenary Guild in this town and carry out my activities.
2nd rank mercenaries and above are not always affiliated with any branch. This is because the number of requests that require the skills of 2nd rank mercenary is significantly lower compared to requests up to 3rd rank. There are not many requests that require a 2nd rank mercenary, and who have the ability to pay for them.
In order to share information about 2nd rank missions, the point where the mission was accepted and the surrounding branches are involved.
Especially around the royal capital, there are many villages and towns within a three-day walk. And all the mission requests from those branches are shared with the royal capital branch.
Information about the missions is communicated between branches through special magic tools. When a mission request is processed in the royal capital, it disappears from the other branches. If the mission fails, it will be reissued.
So, the 2nd rank mission I received originally came from this town.
There is a big barrier between 3rd rank and 2nd rank, and only a few from the 3rd rank can surpass it. It's common for promising newcomers who expect to advance in rank to remain in the 3rd rank without being promoted to the 2nd rank.
Therefore, there is a significant shortage of 2nd rank mercenaries compared to the number of 3rd rank mercenaries. It is not uncommon for them to travel far and base themselves in another branch.
When entering a town, the first thing to do is secure an inn. Then gather information at the Mercenary Guild. Today, I will stop my activities and start fulfilling requests from tomorrow.
As planned, after securing an inn and leaving my belongings behind to travel light, I head towards the Mercenary Guild. However, in the midst of it, the atmosphere of the town feels strangely restless.
"...Is there a festival coming soon?"
Looking around the streets, the scene is similar to what I saw in the royal capital, although there may be differences in scale and the number of stalls. It doesn't seem like they are preparing for a special event.
With a puzzled expression, I head towards the Mercenary Guild, and the feeling of uneasiness reaches its peak.
In front of the guild, many people had gathered. They looked like regular citizens rather than mercenaries, judging by their appearance.
Since the royal capital was nearby, this town had a large population. As a result, there were more requests to the Mercenary Guild. Many mercenaries sought out these requests to earn a living. The bustling activity at the Mercenary Guild was evidence of the town's liveliness.
However, the scene in front of me was somewhat unusual.
"What's going on?"
The townspeople didn't show any signs of entering the guild and instead struggled to weave through the crowd of mercenaries. It was intimidating to jump into the midst of it all.
Could the strange commotion in the town be originating from the Mercenary Guild?
"...Well, there's no other choice. Let's try again."
Although I wanted to return to Yukina-sama as soon as possible, it was important not to rush.
When it comes to 2nd rank requests, there's a danger of losing your life with a moment's lapse in focus. I was prepared from the start for it to take a considerable amount of time.
There's no need to rush to the mercenary guild on the day I arrive in town. Besides, it wouldn't be bad to spend today leisurely, savoring the local specialties and refreshing your spirits.
The best way to cultivate energy is to have Yukina-sama as my 'partner'── no, what am I thinking? I feel like I'm getting carried away due to being too fulfilled in mind and body.
Since I won't be able to see Yukina-sama for a while, I need to change my mindset. Or perhaps if I endure it here, I can fully enjoy time with Yukina-sama when I return.
"Ohhon!"
Oh! I'm quite embarrassed. I intentionally coughed as if to cover up my "muddled" thoughts. The people around me flinched, but I can't be bothered.
For now, let's go back to the inn and ask the innkeeper about the recommended dishes in this town.
Just as I thought that, I turned around.
The atmosphere of the people gathered in front of the guild changed. The scattered consciousness focused on one place.
The front entrance of the guild. Around that area, as if a path was being created, the crowd parted. It almost seemed like a parade or something.
"That is──"
From the guild's entrance, which had a better view, a group of four people with a striking presence appeared.
Brave Relix, and the magician, Mayuri. There was also a familiar mercenary and a young man in a priest-like attire whom I saw for the first time.
I was surprised but also understood.
I had heard that Brave had been going on expeditions to villages and towns near the royal capital for training, and it seemed that the next expedition happened to be this town.
Hope for the Revival of the Demon King. Faces with good personalities. The beginning of echoing bravery. All elements worth noting for the people.
When it comes close, it's understandable that it becomes lively.
Well, what should I do?
Just as I decided to start moving tomorrow, the Brave came out of the Mercenary Guild. If the Brave leaves like this, this gathering will probably disband. If that happens, there will be nothing to stop it.
I could go if I wanted to, but I no longer feel enthusiastic about it.
With my gaze on the Brave, I put my hand on my chin and think. And suddenly, it felt like my gaze met the Brave's.
No, saying "felt" was misleading.
The Brave looked a little surprised, then started walking towards me. The citizens near me became excited, but I felt a slight sense of "I've done it" in reverse.
His friends seemed to have noticed my presence.
Especially the mercenary man had a sly smile on his face. Looking at his face, I couldn't help but sigh even more. He is a respectable figure as a mercenary, but I'm somewhat uncomfortable around him.
Anyway, now that things have come to this, I couldn't just leave so soon.
──Yukina-sama. I have a feeling it won't be enough to just fulfill the request.
I muttered to myself, thinking about my lord, who wasn't present.
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