Volume 4 Chapter 37 Payback In Style
Sandra and I were back at the guild once again.
"Alright, we've conquered Crystal Castle and now it's time for the delivery. Wow, these materials are amazing. Let's do this!"
Our exclusive receptionist, Nai, was chuckling as she appraised the crystal shards from Eiosnight.
Although we had already received the gold-tier adventurer's badge, we were summoned by the guild for the official award ceremony. They also mentioned that we needed exclusive approval, so we had to submit our loot for assessment to get a grasp of the situation.
Knowing Alex, he wouldn't try any tricks, so we decided to go see Nai for appraisal.
"Hmm, these are good. Truly materials from Crystal Castle. The quality is top-notch."
I gave Nai a puzzled look and said, "Um, Nai..."
Nai understood my concern and replied,
"Don't worry. People might be listening in, but they won't understand. Remember when you were in the same situation not long ago?"
"...I see."
Nai nodded in agreement with my understanding and returned the crystals.
"Is it okay to return these?"
"You're going to sell them to Alex-san anyway, right? I have a special position, so I'm allowed to make decisions like this. Adventurers like you shouldn't suffer losses."
With a wink, Nai's words hinted at something. Honesty and sincerity are the best diplomatic tools. In other words, being seen as a potential diplomatic threat if underestimated.
So, we were free to go. Since it was dinner time, Sandra and I decided to have a meal together.
"Well, it looks like we passed the graduation exam safely."
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
We clinked our glasses together and took a sip. Ah, celebrations are necessary. It doesn't feel complete without them.
"Ah, I'm so tired. We couldn't move a step for a while, could we?"
"I almost called Ice 'Mom'."
"Ice has been taking care of us the whole time. Here's to Ice!"
"Cheers!"
We clinked our glasses again. As we drank more, a warm, pleasant feeling spread through my brain.
"Phew... Ale is the best."
"The best."
Sandra was starting to feel a bit tipsy.
"Sandra? Are you already drunk?"
"Not at all. Perfect."
"Oh, really?"
Sandra, with a flushed face and a blank expression, gave a thumbs up. I offered her some snacks and gently encouraged her to sober up.
"Crunch... tasty."
"Delicious."
We drank while snacking.
"This time was quite challenging."
In a slightly muddled state, Sandra spoke.
"It was an accident, training, and a big adventure. Even though it was a grand adventure, we skipped most of it. We should have explored more carefully."
"That's true... We rushed through it, so now all I remember are the relentless pursuit and dangerous stairs that required wiping out the surroundings."
Although it was undoubtedly a beautiful scenery, all that came to mind were the relentless pursuers and stairs that were too dangerous to proceed without clearing the area. This wasn't good.
"But even if we go now, it'll just be sightseeing."
"Haha, isn't that fine? Let's enjoy the picturesque scenery with overwhelming force supporting us."
"I like the idea of having a picnic in a conflict zone. Wade is always sharp."
"I can't accept that compliment straightforwardly because it sounds suspicious..."
We chuckled and drank again. As we did, Sandra, who was sitting across from me, seemed to gaze at me with watery eyes.
"Are you feeling sleepy already?"
"..."
Without answering my question, Sandra quietly stood up, moved closer to me, and leaned against my side. In the intimate distance between us, she leaned on me as if seeking comfort.
"Sandra, we're in public..."
"Wade, help me with 'Samyama' when we get back."
"...!"
I felt my heart skip a beat at her words. If it was as we discussed before, this invitation meant just that.
I placed my hand on top of Sandra's hand.
"...Is this okay?"
"After we defeat Eiosnight and return, we agreed to do this. So, let's stick to that plan."
As usual, while speaking in a casual t1, I held Sandra's hand, which was trembling slightly. She's so cute. That's what I think. Despite being as carefree as a cat, she's adorable when it matters.
Then, there was someone who dampened the mood.
"Hey, are you still being a coward?"
When I turned around, Frain was standing there. I thought, "I don't like being seen in a bad light by this guy," and gently pushed Sandra away.
Sandra, who was pushed away, pouted and clung to my back, so I left her be. It's comical enough to let this slide.
"Long time no see, Frain. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing great. I've been poking around Nightfather lately, and there's a big festival coming up. It's a festival where my party is the main attraction."
After Frain chuckled, his party members started appearing one after another. Starting with Kadras, who wielded twin swords, 5 people looked at Frain first and then noticed us.
"Hey, you little brat, and Sandra-chan, the young lady. It's nice to see you getting along so well."
"Kadras, it's been a while. I'm head over heels for Wade."
"Oh, show off for me! But well, it's good to see you happy. Pursuing fame like this brat here won't get you anywhere."
"Shut up, Kadras."
Frain brushed off Kadras, who was teasing him by hugging his shoulder. It was a typical scene, and the other members of Frain's party were laughing.
"So..."
Frain said in a displeased tone.
"Are you still the same? I thought I had given you a wake-up call before, but it seems like you're not making any progress."
With a slightly different nuance from before, a mix of disappointment and frustration in his voice, Frain said that. Sandra and I exchanged glances and chuckled.
"Huh? Why are you laughing?"
"Come on, Frain. Don't say such sad things. Even though we may look like this, we've been working hard to face reality and improve ourselves, you know?"
"What are you talking about?"
As if planned, Sandra and I simultaneously took off the adventurer's badge necklace hanging from our collars.
The gold torch adventurer badge swayed.
"...Huh?"
"Frain-kun, since it seemed like achievements alone weren't making you feel strong, we decided to visually show you our rank, something tangible. See, now you understand, right? Who's the coward now?"
Frain, Kadras, the rest of Frain's party, and the onlookers were all left speechless.
Of course. The gold rank is that kind of rank.
Something that doesn't actually exist. Something honorary that veteran adventurers receive when they become guild masters. The pinnacle. A broken hero.
"Frain, wasn't your party the fastest silver party?"
I said in a teasing manner.
"Sorry. We already got the fastest gold party."
"...No, no... Even if you say that so casually..."
Kadras looked flustered, his mouth twitching. The others around him were the same.
But Frain's reaction was different.
"...Ku-kuku, kuhaha, hahaha... Hahaha!"
Frain started laughing heartily, clutching his stomach. Tears welled up as he laughed loudly.
"...Frain?"
"Haha... Phew, hahaha. It's been a while since I laughed this much. What's wrong with you? Did you rise to the challenge and achieve the gold rank? And everyone in your party too?"
"Y-yeah..."
"Hahaha! Oh man, Wade, you're really something. Did you really go and get the gold rank just because I provoked you? And with your whole party too?"
"Uh, well..."
I was expecting him to look frustrated, so I looked at Frain in disappointment.
But Frain was laughing with a bright face, as if he'd been relieved from some kind of evil.
"Hahaha! That's hilarious. Wade, you're crazy. If you're going to get the gold rank just because of a little taunting, what will you do if something even crazier happens? Challenge platinum? Well, whatever."
With a satisfied smile, Frain turned on his heel.
"Hey, you brat, where are you going?"
"It's obvious, isn't it? I've seen a back worth chasing, so I'm going to crush Nightfather to catch up."
"That's not something you say in a place like this, you octopus!"
As Kadras rushed over and landed a blow, Frain and the others left the guild in a line.
"...Now that the noisy ones are gone, let's eat and then head home to do our own things, okay?"
Sandra, who does things at her own pace, tightly embraced me.
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