26 - Day Off
For an adventurer, one of the important things is having a day off.
Naturally, they do not go out and fight monsters every single day.
Similarly, no adventurer takes on chore-type requests every day.
Resting the body is important, but regular maintenance of equipment is also necessary.
If you possess expensive equipment, the maintenance costs are correspondingly high. However, the maintenance itself also takes time.
It would be problematic if it failed to be useful in a pinch.
For that reason, Zelfie-san had instructed us to take appropriate days off. Zelfie-san's guidance policy was to stop us if we overdid it.
If we weren't doing something necessary, she would point it out. And she would explain what was necessary in advance.
She was doing things that were incredibly obvious, but I heard that among the instructors, some are the type to make them polish their skills in actual combat, as befits an adventurer.
While thinking that it was a good thing such a person wasn't our instructor, I spent my days off reading books in the guild's archives, which I had started visiting.
However, this time I was not alone.
"...What?"
I was facing Aria across the only desk in the narrow archives.
She, too, had been keeping her distance from me since the previous incident.
Yet, today we were facing each other in the archives like this. I thought she could have just shifted her timing, but since we lived on the same cycle, the time convenient for me and the time convenient for Aria inevitably overlapped.
"It's nothing. I mean, are you actually reading?"
Aria pointed toward the pile of books stacked beside me. She herself had open a book that Zelfie-san had told her to read.
It was a book primarily about party roles.
In contrast, since I had nothing in particular to research, I repeated the process of picking up random books and reading them.
"I'm reading. I like reading books."
I like it when I can immerse myself in a story.
After all, it allows me to avoid thinking about unnecessary things. Since the age of ten, reading time had been a time when I could escape from reality.
"I mean, why are you reading a book about agriculture? I can't believe the guild keeps books like that."
The Second Generation answered Aria's question instead of me.
However, unlike with Novem, his treatment was rough.
Depending on the situation, you go to nearby villages to help with farm work. Darion probably grew too large for those kinds of requests to come in. I mean, you didn't even know that!
The city probably grew too large, and they stopped relying on the guild for those kinds of farm work requests. However, the books alone remained in the archives.
I softened the Second Generation's words and conveyed them to Aria.
"It was probably necessary in the past. I imagine there was a time when the guild in Darion took those kinds of requests too."
In fact, the agriculture-related book I had was a bit old. However, the Second Generation and the book-loving Third Generation seemed to be watching with interest through my eyes.
The cheerful Third Generation, while looking at the book, told me to turn the page.
Seeing this kind of technological progress really makes me envious. If such methods existed, our era would have been a bit better. Technology is important... Riel, could you turn the page for me?
Reading books is likely a hobby for me.
But the ancestors are different.
They seem interested in new technology and in knowing how different the modern era is from their own.
Basically, everyone except the First Generation greedily seeks out technology and such.
This made me realize that they really were lords.
"...Are you planning to try your hand at agriculture next?"
Aria asked me while directing her gaze back to her own book. This was the first time Aria, whose body had become mobile again, had spoken to me like this.
"No, I was just curious."
In truth, I was reading about the use of magic for agriculture.
It could be said that the techniques for using magic to enrich life are polished every day. However, there are also implicit rules.
A rule that one must absolutely never finish a job using only magic.
This seems like a wasteful rule, but for me, I thought it was considering the consumption of magical power.
For magic users... especially those who use only magic as a weapon, the depletion of magical power is a matter of life and death.
Such specialized magic is, as expected, often used by those who excel in magic.
I thought it was a rule for that purpose, but it seems other reasons existed as well.
There are things you can't learn from books alone.
By actually going out and living, I feel that strongly. However, I didn't feel that reading books like this was a waste.
In contrast, Aria seemed to be poor at reading books.
She looked at the book with a difficult expression.
It wasn't that she couldn't read, but perhaps it just didn't suit her nature.
Her clothing was one thing, but for a young lady, she was an active girl.
"Do you hate reading books?"
"I don't hate it. I'm just not good at it. I was made to read a lot in the past, but until recently, I didn't have that kind of free time."
Father and daughter, and it seemed the father lived a life soaked in alcohol without working.
In such a family environment, Aria must have struggled.
She still doesn't speak directly about the past, but I can imagine it through conversations like this.
The First Generation sympathized with such an Aria. Basically, the First Generation is the only one who sympathizes with Aria.
You've struggled, Aria-chan.
To that opinion, the Second Generation spoke coldly.
I can sympathize with the part about being made to struggle by one's father. No, perhaps it's empathy.
The relationship between the First and Second Generations really feels like nothing but coldness.
If I carelessly asked if something had happened, the Second Generation's emotions would explode and he would consume a massive amount of magical power, so I couldn't ask.
After that, a while passed.
After the conversation died down for a bit, I finished reading my book and placed it on the pile of books.
I had read all the books I brought.
Looking at the height of the sun, it seemed like a good time to return home.
"I'm going back, but what about you, Aria?"
I stood up and picked up the books to return them to their original positions.
Aria, perhaps not having finished reading yet, glanced at me and shook her head.
"I'm not done yet, so go on ahead. Tell Novem that... I'll be late."
Having received the message, I tidied up the books and left the archives.
The guild is busy every day.
Because even while we are resting, there are adventurers normally working.
Leaving the archives and passing through the second floor where the reception is, adventurers were forming a line today as well.
As usual, only Hawkins-san's line was short.
He's a kind person who does his work meticulously, though.
Brown skin and a shaved red head. Additionally, it was immediately obvious that there was armor of muscle beneath his shirt.
His body was large, and he looked strong enough that the average adventurer was no match for him.
In fact, many veteran adventurers admire Hawkins-san and call him "Boss." Or, they simply don't oppose him.
In such a state, newcomers would probably be too scared to approach.
Despite responding politely with a smile as always, newcomers didn't flock to him.
In contrast, the reception counter where the beautiful staff member was had a huge line.
Many of the adventurers lining up there were young men.
They were likely drawn in by the beautiful receptionist, but that also seemed to be a source of solace for adventurers doing dangerous work.
The Second Generation let out a "good grief."
Why do they do such useless things? Just by looking at her personality, you can tell she probably already has a man she's dating.
I'm out of touch with romance, so I can't say much, but if she's that beautiful, she probably does have a man she's dating.
Looking at her, was she in her late teens?
Considering the marriageable age, it seemed like an age where it wouldn't be strange if she were married.
No, the marriageable age for commoners is different.
I remembered that the marriageable age for nobles is said to be early, so the marriageable age for common women is later.
I've heard that healing magic has improved and human lifespans are extending. Because of that, I read in a book that the marriageable age is also extending.
Therefore—.
I mean, is she a spinster for not being married at that age? She seems like a property with considerable problems.
To the Second Generation's harsh evaluation, the Seventh Generation answered.
Isn't that age normal now? It's different from the old days.
The Seventh Generation, who is relatively recent, says there's no problem with not being married at that age.
In fact, there is a gap of over a hundred years between the Seventh and Second Generations.
Their values must be considerably different.
Getting bored of vaguely watching the line, I headed for the stairs to descend from the second floor where the reception was.
Then, a party of three was coming up the stairs.
The party of young men and women had two men holding a sword and a spear. They were likely the vanguard.
And there was a mage wearing a robe and holding a staff, making it a well-balanced party.
Though, that's with the caveat that they only have three people.
Since those three were coming up side-by-side, I stepped aside.
"Oops, sorry. We were talking and didn't notice you."
The man who looked like a swordsman with a sword hanging at his waist seemed slightly older than me.
Looking at the hilt, it was clear it was well-used, and perhaps because he was skilled, there was an aura to his posture and the way he walked.
Similarly, the tall man holding a spear also seemed powerful.
"Be careful. If you're flirting, you'll bump into someone and be a nuisance. Sorry about... huh?"
The man holding the spear looked troubled upon seeing my face.
Then, the woman holding the staff shouted.
"You, you're Riel! With the blue hair and eyes, there's no mistake. You're 'Riel the Foolish Son'!"
Hearing that, my expression became subtle.
Laughter echoed from the Jewel Orb.
It was the First Generation.
Gahahahaha, it seems it worked out well! You should be happy, Riel!
I nodded, thinking he didn't know how I felt.
Then, the swordsman-like man covered the woman's mouth and apologized.
"What are you saying, hey! S-sorry. She's not a bad person, but she's a bit loose-lipped, or something... sorry."
To the swordsman-like man, I said I didn't mind and accepted the apology.
"You, think more before you open your mouth."
Beside him, the man with the spear was exasperated with the female mage.
"B-but... sorry."
They seemed to be an adventurer party two or three years older than me.
Perhaps because they had accumulated a fair amount of experience, they had more of an aura than the other young adventurers.
"I'm [Rondo]. And the one with the staff is [Rachel], and the one with the spear is [Larf]. Nice to meet you."
Since they greeted me, I gave my name as well.
"I'm Riel. Nice to meet you."
When I said that, Larf-san, who held the spear, put his hand on his chin and looked at me. After looking from my toes to the top of my head, he smiled.
"You're completely different from the impression I heard in rumors. You look like you're quite capable."
As he said that, Rondo-san also crossed his arms and nodded.
"True. In that case, are the rumors fake? Oops, we have work to do. Sorry, but we'll take our leave. I hope we can talk more leisurely next time."
As the three headed for the reception, Rachel-san gave a small wave at the end.
"See ya."
They didn't seem like bad people. When people think of adventurers, the image of thugs is strong, but serious adventurers like them certainly exist.
The Third Generation evaluated them after hearing the conversation.
It's good that they don't swallow rumors whole. Well, it means there are people who evaluate Riel with their own eyes. That's good, Riel.
(No, I started being called 'Riel the Foolish Son' because I acted exactly as you guys told me to... well, whatever.)
Occasionally, there are adventurers who cast mocking glances at me, but there are also people like Hawkins-san and Rondo-san's group.
Thinking that made me feel a bit more at ease.
"I'm home."
Novem came out of the kitchen to welcome me back.
"Welcome home, Riel-sama. Oh, were you separate from Aria-san?"
Novem, wearing an apron, was likely preparing lunch.
When I told her that Aria said she'd be late, the smell coming from the kitchen made me hungry.
"She said it would still take some time, so she'll be late. That aside, it smells great."
When I looked toward the kitchen, Novem giggled and said, "Lunch will be ready soon," and went back.
While I was wondering what was for today, I received a harsh evaluation from the Fourth Generation.
...Riel.
Since Novem wasn't nearby, I replied in a low voice.
"What is it?"
You're completely hopeless. I thought I'd stay silent, but you're just too hopeless. Why did you leave Aria-chan behind? And where is the thank-you for Novem-chan, who made lunch for you? Let's be a little more considerate! It's nerve-wracking just watching you!
Recently, I've come to realize that this person must have been made to struggle by his wife.
He probably suffered terrible things unless he did that much.
"He says this, but what's the Fifth Generation's opinion?"
When I asked the Fifth Generation, a response that sounded like a snort came back.
Don't mind him. Fourth Generation—Dad—is a bit sick. He cherished Mama too much and treated her too much like a princess... because of that, I struggled too.
It seems every generation has various problems.
As I went to wash my hands, Novem called out to me on the way.
"Riel-sama, were you able to make up with Aria-san?"
Novem's question was one concerned with the relationship between me and Aria. At the same time, I felt I understood why Aria went to the archives with me today.
"No. But we were able to talk a little. Sorry for making you worry, Novem."
When I said that, Novem gave a wry smile.
"You noticed?"
"I can tell if she suddenly starts talking to me today. I figured something must have happened."
Novem took off her apron, folded it, and placed it on nearby furniture.
"I think Aria-san has had many hardships, so please look after her a little."
I averted my gaze from Novem, nodded, and immediately went to wash my hands.
――At the guild reception, Hawkins stretched since today's work was finished.
"It ended safely today as well."
The middle-aged female staff member working next to him replied while patting his shoulder.
"Indeed. Everything just keeps coming to me. But your side has started to get lines recently too, hasn't it?"
"I wouldn't mind if a few more lined up, but it's not going very well."
The middle-aged female staff member praising Hawkins smiled and stood up to begin preparing to go home.
The beautiful staff member who was furthest back was already gone since she left early.
Hawkins tidied up the documents and tools at hand, wondering which adventurer was treating her to a meal today.
Once work was finished, cleaning his desk—the counter—thoroughly was Hawkins' rule.
The staff member who entered in place of the beautiful staff member seemed troubled, having discovered unprocessed documents during the handover.
Hawkins called out.
"What's the matter?"
"Ah, Hawkins-san... actually, some documents came up that I wasn't told about during the handover, and I'm troubled."
"Again?"
She could be called the poster girl of the reception, with a good face and a good figure, but in reality, this kind of work performance was the problem.
For adventurers who visited the reception for her sake, small problems were actually welcomed as they allowed them to talk to her longer.
But from the perspective of other staff, she was a nuisance.
Even if she were moved to the back office, she made many mistakes, so that was also a problem.
Above all, the beautiful staff member's father was a guild executive.
Hawkins had also been told by his boss to look after the daughter, so he lent a hand wherever he could if problems arose.
However, it seemed that such an environment was not good for her.
"I've told her to make sure the handover is thorough."
"It's not Hawkins-san's fault. Other staff members act cool and comfort her, saying 'this much is fine.' She seems to think that's okay too."
Recently, she had come to dislike Hawkins giving detailed instructions regarding work and stopped talking to him much.
The middle-aged female staff member seemed to either dislike the beautiful staff member from the start or had no intention of looking after her.
"The ones who suffer are the adventurers... so, what kind of document is it?"
As Hawkins took the document, his gaze became stern.
"Sorry, I'm temporary, so I don't understand the meaning of this document."
Originally, a back-office staff member was acting as a proxy at the reception.
Even if they could do most of the work, there were many things they didn't know. In such cases, Hawkins and the others were supposed to follow up.
Hawkins thought he could process this document himself, but there was something that bothered him.
"...Where was this document?"
"It was among the documents in the drawer."
Opening the drawer, there were many documents haphazardly clipped into binders.
As if they were forced in... I taught her to handle documents carefully.
While exasperated, Hawkins decided to check if there were any other problematic documents for now.
"I'll check all the documents in here. Also, could you check if any executives are still here?"
"Y-yes!"
The staff member, noticing that Hawkins' demeanor had changed, ran off.
Hawkins sat in the chair, took out the document-related items from the drawer, and checked and arranged them.
"...Come to think of it, I haven't received a report that they've returned."
He remembered the male instructor who had spoken to Zelfie before.
Since he wasn't the one who processed the documents, he hadn't asked about the period. However, he felt it wouldn't be strange if they had returned by now.
He didn't work at the counter every day.
In such cases, the staff member who took over the handover would handle the work.
While having a bad feeling, as Hawkins checked the documents—.
"...Bad feelings really do come true."
There, a document appeared where the scheduled date had passed.
It meant they hadn't returned, or were in a situation where they couldn't return. Immediately, Hawkins went to the back to look for the other half of the Guild Cards stored at the guild.
He looked for the six Guild Cards of the instructor and the five young adventurers he had brought along.
The Guild Cards used for confirmation in emergencies were normally stored in a place out of public sight.
But it was just as Hawkins thought.
Picking up the six Guild Cards, he confirmed the names.
"There's no mistake."
With a stern expression, Hawkins gripped and showed the Guild Cards with horizontal lines carved over the names—.