10 - Adventurers Must Not Adventure
Adventurers do not adventure.
These words may seem wrong, but they could also be called correct.
In reality, in a job where one's life is at risk, it is important to minimize danger.
Gambling on a one-in-eight chance is forbidden for those in a profession where they wager their lives.
My start as an adventurer was truly steady.
So steady that even I was starting to get sick of it.
"I-It's finished."
One week. It has been one week since I became an adventurer and began receiving guidance from Zelfie-san.
I was still doing odd jobs in the city of Darion.
Since Novem would worry when watching me and try to help with the work, I asked Zelfie-san to assign her other tasks.
Jobs that a woman could do, such as ghostwriting.
Novem comes from a Baron's family. Perhaps because her education was strict, she has no problems with reading and writing.
She can do calculations and is accustomed to paperwork.
When I am working outside, she takes ghostwriting requests at the guild.
In contrast, my job today was repairing the walls surrounding the city.
I had to carry stone blocks without using magic.
It would be easier if I used magic, but since I possess the Jewel Orb, there are restrictions on my mana consumption.
(Besides, she tells me that proceeding with the work via magic is forbidden... well, I understand the reason, though)
All my ancestors had forbidden the use of magic to improve work efficiency. There was a reason for this beyond just building up my physical strength.
Though, it was a reason that had nothing to do with me now.
"Hmm, not bad? With this, a grade of B or higher is certain."
"Huff, puff... is that so?"
While performing manual labor, I had been forced to practice "training while working" for the past week.
Zelfie-san's evaluation of me was still low, partly because I had been exhausted during the first ditch-cleaning task.
However, over this week, I felt I had learned what it meant to take jobs within the city.
"It's a bit early, but let's take tomorrow off. I'll have you go outside and slay some monsters."
"F-Finally."
I was exhausted, but I felt relieved to hear that. If I kept doing this kind of work forever, I didn't know what the First Generation would say to me.
Besides, the frustrations of the Sixth and Seventh Generations were piling up.
"You've made the preparations as I taught you, right? If not, spend tomorrow getting ready and resting your body. Also, make sure to keep your body moving lightly."
"I understand."
"Obedient children are so easy to deal with. Your weapons were a saber for Riel and a staff for Novem, right?"
I nodded to Zelfie-san's confirmation.
Then, Zelfie-san put her hand to her chin in thought and nodded several times.
"Riel, you should carry a spare weapon. Another saber is fine, but a dagger would work too. I'd prefer you to change your main weapon, but I can't force you that far."
The weapon I used, the saber, could both thrust and slash.
On the other hand, because the blade was thin, it had the disadvantage of bending and breaking easily.
With a normal sword, even if the blade was crushed, it could be used as a blunt weapon. In fact, they are often used as blunt weapons.
The reach was also short, and from a weapon's perspective, something like a spear was superior.
"Like a spear? I can use one, for now."
"More than that, I'd like you to have a shield. I'll lend a hand if I judge it's dangerous, but basically, I want you two to defeat the small fry in the vicinity."
The areas around the city are relatively safe since there are adventurers. There are also soldiers who head out to subjugate any dangerous monsters that appear.
Sometimes the knights' order is deployed.
Because of this, the surroundings of the city were characterized by having many small fry and few powerful monsters. I won't say there were none at all, though.
"A shield... I can use one, but I don't have one. Should I buy a cheap one?"
"You don't have any particular preferences? Also, buying spare equipment is fine, but think carefully if the weapon is different. There's no need to force yourself to buy something expensive, and depending on the situation, there are times when it can't be used at all."
Many adventurers use many weapons and fight according to the situation.
Rather, while not the absolute mainstream, there is a tendency to prefer that approach.
However, it is also said that narrowing down the weapons used and polishing one's technique is the shortcut to becoming first-rate.
It depends on the person.
"...For a while, should I stick with the saber and carry a dagger and a buckler as spares?"
As I said that, a voice spoke from the Jewel Orb.
The Second Generation.
'Riel, choose equipment that suits the situation.'
However, the Third Generation countered.
'The spare should be a saber. That way, it's convenient to have a replacement if you crush the first one.'
Finally, the First Generation—.
'Isn't being bare-handed fine for those small fry around there?'
(At least unify your opinions...)
I thought to myself, and I'm sure I wasn't wrong to do so.
"I'll leave the equipment to you. Since it's around the city, there's no need to be that particular. If it's your first time, it might be better to challenge it with equipment you're used to."
After that, I received confirmation from the site foreman who came to check the work, and Zelfie-san and I returned to the guild with the documents where the evaluation had been entered.
I was drenched in sweat from the work, but Zelfie-san told me I didn't need to go to the bath since I wasn't covered in blood.
"Go pick her up quickly."
"Ugh... yes."
Zelfie-san and I headed to the second floor of the guild and handed the documents to Hawkins-san.
Hawkins-san's counter was as empty as ever, allowing for a smooth reception.
In contrast, there was a long line for the beautiful receptionist.
"Still popular, huh? Or rather, isn't that a problem in its own right, Boss?"
Hawkins-san answered Zelfie-san's question while checking the documents.
He seemed to have his own thoughts on the matter, but it appeared there was nothing that could be done.
"I once had her removed from reception, but at that time, there were so many adventurers requesting her that I had her return."
As expected, she seemed to be popular at the Darion Adventurers' Guild.
"Didn't you put her out front because she's incompetent? I heard that girl's parent is a guild official executive?"
"I cannot answer that."
While dodging Zelfie-san's questions, I received my reward from Hawkins-san.
The document I presented listed the evaluation for this job.
The site foreman had given me a 'B' evaluation, stating my work was 'good'. Just as Zelfie-san had said.
However, to give an 'A' evaluation, the client has to provide an additional reward. Therefore, an A evaluation is rarely given.
For these kinds of odd-job requests, the highest is 'B'.
"This brings the number of completed requests to twelve. Since they are all 'C' or 'B' evaluations, please keep up the good work."
Told this with a smile by Hawkins-san, I received my reward.
Eight large copper coins.
As a day's earnings, it was probably on the lower side. Working hard from morning until evening, an ordinary person should have earned more than ten large copper coins.
"Thank you very much."
I took the money and put it in my wallet.
Zelfie-san is the instructor. Therefore, she is not paid a reward. However, she had received four gold coins as an advance.
She would receive four gold coins upon success, and one additional gold coin would be paid depending on our finish. The one gold coin was likely in the form of a referral fee to the guild.
"It's about time they went outside the city. I've taught them the odd-job requests, so they can make a living even if something happens. In fact, Riel included, they seem to have no problems with reading, writing, and calculations."
Zelfie-san said to Hawkins-san.
Hearing this, Hawkins-san looked a little disappointed.
"That's surprisingly fast."
"I'm being paid. If I don't have them go outside soon, they won't reach the level of finish corresponding to the amount. Did something happen?"
"No, Novem-san is diligent, fast, and polite with her work. I've had her handle ghostwriting that comes through the back office, and her reputation was good."
Novem's evaluation seemed to be high.
Her handwriting was beautiful to begin with, and Hawkins-san had noticed it. That's why she was introduced to the ghostwriting work.
In a partitioned room where they wouldn't meet face-to-face, she wrote letters and such according to the client's request.
Even though the clients couldn't see her face, she apparently gained a reputation through her voice and manner.
"With the Boss's seal of approval, she could make it as a staff member even if she weren't an adventurer. If she ever gets injured, she should just get a job at the guild."
"Hahaha, that would make us happy, but I wouldn't want her to get injured. Riel-kun, please be very careful as well."
"Ah, yes."
Once the procedures were finished, Hawkins-san went to the back and called Novem. After a while, Novem emerged from the staff entrance.
"Riel-sama."
To Novem, who waved her hand slightly with a smile, I responded by raising my hand lightly.
'Man~, Novem-chan is cute today too... Why don't you learn how to give at least a few compliments, Riel?'
(Fourth Generation, please be quiet)
Zelfie-san told Novem the schedule for tomorrow as she approached.
"Novem, rest your body tomorrow. The day after, you'll go outside the city and experience slaying monsters. You've made your preparations, right? Well, if you haven't, I'll give you a lecture and make you do odd jobs."
"Yes, Zelfie-san."
After confirming the schedule for the day after tomorrow, Novem and I parted ways with Zelfie-san.
As the instructor, Zelfie-san apparently had to submit a journal to the guild. The instructor's job also seemed quite tedious in various ways.
"Shall we go home?"
"Yes. Shall we do some shopping before we go back?"
"Ah, in that case, I have today's earnings, so I'll pay."
"Is that so? How much did you earn today?"
"Eight large copper coins! How about you, Novem?"
"...Six large copper coins."
A brief conversation from the time we left the room until we descended the stairs.
However, I didn't think anything of it. But my ancestors seemed to understand...
'What a good girl... intentionally saying a smaller amount to make the man feel superior. And yet, Riel can't even give a single compliment.'
Sick of the Fourth Generation's nagging, I praised Novem.
"Hawkins-san was praising you. Saying your work is fast and polite... uh, that's good."
I intended to praise her to the best of my ability, but the ancestors' evaluation was harsh.
Starting from the First Generation—.
'Zero points.'
'Ten points.'
'Hmm, since it's innocent, thirty points.'
'Zero points.'
'Eh, me too? ...Fifteen points.'
'Everyone is so critical. Ah, thirty points.'
'Sorry, Riel... twenty points.'
(Stop grading me! I thought it was a bit awkward too, even though I said something!)
However, Novem seemed happy with my awkward way of praising her.
Covering her mouth with a smile, she thanked me.
"Thank you very much. But Riel-sama, who is working hard outside, must have it much harder."
"Eh, um... i-it's not really like that."
While I was flustered, a voice called out "get a grip" from the Jewel Orb again.
The two of us headed to the public bath next to the guild, washed off the sweat, and then went shopping.
...Later, when I casually asked Hawkins-san how much Novem had earned that day, it was nine large copper coins.
A long-awaited holiday.
Since coming to Darion, I had been doing nothing but odd jobs with a lot of manual labor, so I hadn't been able to rest much.
However, using this holiday, there was something the two of us had to do.
That was going to the real estate agent.
"How about this? This is a popular apartment among adventurers. It has three rooms, and above all, it's fully equipped with a bath and toilet."
A young clerk at the real estate agency was introducing properties they owned.
For my part, I wanted to choose one immediately. However, Novem was cautious.
"How much is the price?"
"Let's see... six silver coins to move in, and after that, fifty large copper coins per month. I think it's quite affordable."
"...Could you show me the next property?"
(Eh, we're still looking?)
It was already the fourth one, but I accompanied Novem to another apartment. In terms of location, it was convenient and close to the guild.
However, it seemed there were many properties for adventurers because ordinary people didn't want to live near the guild.
The next apartment was narrower than the previous one. But it was dirt cheap.
"This one is a real bargain. One silver coin, and thirty-five large copper coins per month!"
Since the clerk recommended it, I felt it was indeed cheap and seemed just right. Since it was just Novem and me, I thought it would be fine even if it were narrow.
However, Novem didn't seem to like it and was looking at the room seriously.
A voice spoke from the Jewel Orb.
'You should avoid this place.'
It was the Third Generation's voice. Recently, it felt like the rules were being broken. I wanted them to refrain from interfering as much as possible for my sake, but almost everyone except the Fifth Generation would chime in even if I said so.
I confirmed in a whisper.
"Why?"
'Just a feeling, but it's a bad vibe. The previous place would be better than this. Or rather, the wallpaper has been replaced... only that part looks suspicious.'
The Third Generation's opinion was "just a feeling."
"Eh, um... I think I dislike this place a bit?"
Trusting the Third Generation's opinion, I opposed it. Then, Novem seemed to agree.
"I agree. Could you let us check other properties?"
"...I understand. (Sigh, I wonder if they can tell after all...)"
Hearing the clerk mutter something, I wanted to know what they were hiding, but at the same time, I felt it was better not to know.
As a result, we decided not to move into an apartment.
As a result of Novem's choice and the coordination of the ancestors' opinions, what was chosen was not an apartment, but a detached house.
It was a rental, but it was a reasonably spacious house.
It needed maintenance, but it was eight silver coins as a down payment and sixty-five large copper coins per month. It was spacious, and it seemed like a house that could still be improved if we put effort into it.
There weren't many houses in the neighborhood, and it didn't feel like they would increase... No. On the contrary, they were said to be decreasing.
"It was for a limited time, but in two years, we might move by then, so it's just right, Riel-sama."
"Y-Yeah... but I feel like an apartment would have been better since the distance to the guild is closer?"
Since we had few belongings, the move seemed like it would be over quickly. We could have hired a company to clean, but Novem and I began cleaning it ourselves, saying it was our own home.
It was a house designated as a redevelopment area, and it had been decided that it would be demolished in two years.
Because of that, there weren't many houses around.
I won't say there were none at all, but considering the scale of Darion, it was a somewhat lonely residential area. I wonder what will be built here after the redevelopment?
"The neighbors also seem to be adventurers. As expected, we think the same things."
Yes, and moreover, there were many adventurers in the neighborhood.
Because it was for a limited time, the price was cheap for the property.
We had obtained a spacious house with a bath and toilet. I had no complaints. However, the reason the ancestors chose this place was a bit cruel.
'With this, no matter how much we make a racket, it won't be a nuisance to the neighbors!'
That was it.
Among them, marriage with Novem was a decided matter. In other words, they chose this place so that we would hurry up and engage in marital activities.
(How could I do such a thing while being monitored by you guys!)