Volume 1 Chapter 2 She, a Victim Like Me, Was There
In the tavern space attached to the Adventurers' Guild, I was absentmindedly thinking about what to do next.
"So, what should I do...?"
Having been expelled from the party, it's tough to stay in this town.
Should I just head to some new land?
It might be easier to make a living by running a shop there──but...
"Well, I have some funds saved up, but maybe I should learn the basics of doing business. After all, 'the teacher' didn't really teach me that much..."
The teacher who took in me, Minori, and Suzu, and taught us how to survive for 3 years, left for somewhere 6 years ago.
Although I learned a lot, I don't recall any business fundamentals being in the program.
"Well, there's no point in just thinking about it. First, I need to make some connections. Once I decide that... huh?"
"That's why I'm saying I won't team up with you anymore."
"W-What?! Why!?"
I was about to stand up to take action, but I was drawn back to the conversation of the 2 women at the next table and sat down again.
That was definitely... a pair called <Angela>, right?
One was a haughty Second Rank adventurer priest with long purple hair down to her waist, filing her nails with a nail file, and the other, who was leaning on the table with both hands, was an elf with wavy, long dark green hair, a Third Rank adventurer alchemist, if I remember correctly.
Their names were──
"Honestly, Lene, it's tough for us to take on Second Rank requests together. You mostly just make potions, right? So, I'd have to do all the requests by myself during that time!"
"But... when I go to work with Marie, I need to bring potions to be useful..."
Lene, the elf, shrank back, unable to retort when her weak points were exposed.
...It seems she's facing the same hardship of being exiled as I am.
What's up with that? Is it trending?
"Exactly! That's it!"
For some reason, Marie looked happy as she set down the file, clapped her hands, and then leaned in closer to Lene, who was on the verge of tears.
"You finally realized you're useless, huh?"
Although I couldn't hear her voice, I could tell from her lips that Marie whispered this maliciously into Lene's ear.
Lene, on her part, widened her eyes in shock.
"But you know, if you're using medicine to compensate for your lack of strength, then the cost of the materials will eat into our profits, right? That's just foolishness, really."
"S-so what will you do from now on, Marie? You can make medicine for attacks, right?"
Lene clung to Marie, as if that was the end of the discussion.
Being a priest, she probably couldn't manage alone, so she was trying to subtly persuade her to stay.
But reality is harsh.
Marie smiled slyly, then turned her back to Lene, waving her hand flippantly behind her.
"I'm already set on joining <Berserk>. So you're just a nuisance. See ya!"
"........."
...I see. I've more or less grasped the situation.
As you can see, Marie is greedy for money.
Marie negotiated with Guy about joining <Berserk>, and since it would mean less profit for her, it looks like both she and Guy agreed to kick her out, who is just a bother to them.
But if she leave, they won't get any money from selling magic stones. Do they really not understand this?
Stunned by such selfish words, Lene seemed to struggle to find more to say to Marie, her shoulders drooping as she hung her head.
* * *
"...Mind if I join you?"
After seeing Marie leave the adventurer's guild, I stood up, mug in hand, and called out to the elf who was crying tears like rain on the table.
"...Huh? Oh, you're the one from <Berserk>──"
Just as she began to speak while looking up at my face, Lene's gaze darkened toward me.
After all, I'm from the guild that stole her partner away.
It's no surprise she looks like that.
Unfortunately, I've already cut ties with that guild.
"Unfortunately, I just got kicked out of <Berserk>. For reasons similar to Ms. Lene's. So please don't make that face."
"Huh...?"
I plopped down in the chair right in front of Lene, whose tear-streaked face looked bewildered.
The tavern's chairs may be cheap, but I know they won't break even if I sit down with my hundred-kilogram weight.
"Let me introduce myself again. I'm Ryuuji, formerly of <Berserk>. Twenty-one years old. Third Rank enchanter. Nice to meet you."
"Ah...yes.... I'm Lene, an alchemist... also Third Rank, and I'm 19.... My party just disbanded..."
Lene replied with weak words.
Nineteen years old.
It must be rare for an elf with a long lifespan to be an adventurer at that age.
I wonder if there's some story behind it──though, that's not my concern right now.
"Well, first things first, wipe your tears. We're both expelled, after all. I know you have a lot on your mind, so let's drink for now."
"Ah, I'm underage, so I can't drink.... But, well, I'll join you."
Wiping her tears with a handkerchief, Lene answers while glancing over here.
She might be feeling puzzled, but since we're in the same situation, I can't just leave her be.
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