kscans

Chapter 22 - Lord Rosen

The day after the Monster Uproar.

I was at the guild. Next to me was Bardos.

There was a full house of adventurers gathered. This meeting was for the rewards and promotions from the recent uproar, and many were chatting excitedly.

Just then, the receptionist arrived.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work yesterday. I would like to talk about the rewards and promotions for this recent matter."

At her words, the surroundings buzzed. The receptionist continued, unfazed.

"First, regarding the rewards… since the uproar itself was a request from the guild, each party will receive a reward of ten small gold coins."

At these words, the adventurers erupted in cheers.

That was quite generous. From what I could see, there were about ten parties here. To give each of them ten small gold coins… they must be loaded, I thought.

The receptionist said, "Furthermore, this money is a token of gratitude from Lord Rosen-sama. The lord was also very pleased. It is truly wonderful that everyone's efforts have been rewarded."

At these words, the adventurers looked surprised, but their faces were happy.

Lord Rosen. If I recall, he's the noble who governs this city of Alum. I've heard that he manages with a strict attitude toward both himself and others. The most famous story is of him bringing a noble involved in human trafficking to justice.

This noble had apparently been kidnapping poor residents of the city and selling them to a trafficking organization, using the city guard to make it seem as though those residents had never existed in the first place, doing as he pleased.

The lord, upon learning of this, gathered information and evidence, and successfully arrested the noble and the city guard, and destroyed the trafficking organization. The kidnapped people were safely rescued. As for those who had already been sold off somewhere, he provided as much support as possible, making arrangements so that they could live without hardship there as well.

After resolving this incident, the lord is said to have bowed his head to the kidnapped people and the anxious residents of the town. For someone in a position of power to personally apologize is, as a human being, a matter of course, but there are no nobles who actually do it. The people, receiving the lord's sincere attitude, did not hurl insults at him, but rather, applauded his noble figure.

Because of this, the residents of this city trust their lord and work hard to be of service.

I've never seen the lord myself. He doesn't go out except for official business, and when he does his regular patrols of the town, I'm usually out hunting, so the timing never works out.

As I was thinking this, the receptionist said, "Next, regarding the parties that will be promoted. Many adventurers distinguished themselves in this uproar, and some have been promoted from D-rank to C-rank. And there are three adventurers who will be promoted from C-rank to B-rank. I will call them by their party names."

The adventurers listened quietly. The receptionist continued, "First, from 'Owl', the leader, Gurumi-san. Next, from 'Iron Fist', the leader, Gaku-san. And finally, from 'Intense Thought', the leader, Shinsuke-san. These are the individuals who defeated Orcs during the uproar. We have judged that their skill is sufficient for them to take on B-rank jobs without issue."

Hearing this, some voices of joy and some of frustration could be heard.

'Owl', a five-person party, all archers. Their marksmanship is reputed to be the best in the guild.

'Iron Fist', a three-person party. The leader is a pugilist with the power to crush a fist-sized stone. His companions are a magician and a staff user.

These two parties were at the top of C-rank, but had been evaluated as lacking the power to be entrusted with B-rank work. But by defeating Orcs, they had proven their skill had reached that level and were promoted.

As for me, it goes without saying that I had defeated not just Orcs, but the Orc King.

I had given the credit for the Orc King to 'Beautiful Sword', but I had still defeated Orcs, so there were no complaints.

And so, I had reached a rank where it wouldn't be a problem for me to team up with Bardos.

Unfortunately, Bardos was not promoted.

The review for becoming A-rank is strict, and requires the king's approval.

I have no intention of becoming one, and I can work just fine as a B-rank.

But for A-rank to be such a high bar… I couldn't help but wonder why 'Beautiful Sword' had come to this city. But that was their business, and none of an outsider's. Come to think of it, I don't see 'Beautiful Sword' anywhere. Where could they have gone?

Meanwhile, 'Beautiful Sword' was at the lord's mansion.

The mansion was of a size befitting a nobleman's residence, but it was not lavishly decorated. Rather, it was simple, but possessed a dignity that was not impoverished.

In one of its rooms, an office, were 'Beautiful Sword' and Lord Rosen von Alum, a man who appeared to be in his late forties.

The lord said, "'Beautiful Sword's leader, Tina-dono, I have heard of your exploits in the Monster Uproar. Thank you for fighting for this city. I hear the Orc King was quite strong. I received a report that you broke your left arm. Has it healed?"

To the lord's question, Tina, looking at her left arm, replied, "No, after that, I used a high potion, and the broken bone has set, but it still hurts. It's not a problem for daily life, but I don't think I'll be able to work as an adventurer for a while."

At her reply, the lord, with a slightly worried expression, said, "I see. For an adventurer such as yourself to suffer such a serious wound, it must have been a battle beyond imagination."

To the lord's admiring comment, Tina said, "Not at all. I often got injuries like this in my rookie days. It was a feeling I hadn't had in a long time, and it brought back a sense of nostalgia."

To the nostalgic-looking Tina, the lord said, "…As expected of an experienced adventurer's words. Each one carries weight, and I can think of no other word but 'wonderful'. I would like to talk more, but unfortunately, I am quite busy, and I am sorry that I cannot enjoy a conversation with such beautiful ladies."

To his words, Tina said, "Not at all. We are just grateful that you have arranged this meeting for us. In that case, we will take our leave."

With that, Tina and the others left the room.

After they left, he sat down in his chair, and just as he had settled down, the door connecting to the next room opened, and the Guild Master came out.

Seeing him, the lord said, "…So, are you certain that the adventurer in question is from the otherworld, Earth?"

To his words, the Guild Master replied, "…I believe there is no mistake. According to Dornet's report, he witnessed him appearing and disappearing from a magic circle he had made in the wall of his cabin. Also, his behavior and words suggest that he is trying to hide it."

Hearing this, the lord nodded.

"I see. For one to arrive during my time as lord means it is a prelude to something happening on this continent. What do you really think about the Orc King, Guild Master?"

To his meaningful words, the Guild Master replied, "I have heard reports of Orc Kings on many occasions. And each time, they have been defeated. However, I have never seen a monster with such healing power. It almost feels as though his appearance was not a coincidence."

At his reply, the lord's face grew troubled.

"…The existence of an abnormal monster. It reminds me of the story from one hundred and thirty years ago, of the 'Seven Demon Lords', one of whom, 'Mestie the Death Controller', tried to turn this country into a nation of the dead and started a war, and was defeated by the A-rank adventurer of the time, the Otherworldly Hero Amsel."

Hearing those words, the Guild Master fell into thought.

"…The 'Seven Demon Lords'. Seven monsters who reign at the pinnacle of all monsters in this world. No one knows their true identities, and only one has ever appeared on the main stage. The others have remained silent, that is the current situation."

"…However, four years ago, the activity of monsters began to increase, and then two years later, he appeared. I cannot believe it is a coincidence. I predict that something will happen. Perhaps even one of the 'Seven Demon Lords' will make a move."

Hearing those words, the lord looked downcast.

"I want to avoid that at all costs. Our current military strength has declined compared to the past. Even if individual strength is there, it is meaningless in the face of overwhelming numbers. All we can do is pray that it does not happen. By the way, I heard that Dornet said something unnecessary. Is that alright?"

Hearing that, the Guild Master's face contorted in agony.

"I believe it will be alright. He is a simple man. He is the type to believe what he is told without question, which is convenient for us. But I have to wonder why Dornet told him about that incident from a hundred years ago. It makes me want to doubt if he has forgotten what happened fifty years ago."

Hearing that, the lord took a breath.

"…Fifty years ago, the monster uproar that occurred when my father was the head of the house. The damage was great, but thanks to the A-rank adventurer at the time, it was resolved, and we came to be called the 'Impregnable City'. If Dornet hadn't said what he did to that otherworlder back then, things might have ended peacefully."

"…But it is a fact that the poison herb incident was half-believed. For that reason, my father tried to cover up that incident. You were involved in that as well, weren't you?"

Hearing that, the Guild Master, with a nostalgic look on his face, said, "Yes, to be precise, my companions and Dornet were also involved. The cover-up was a complete success, and now, no one remembers it. But for two different otherworlders to meet Dornet, it makes one feel a sense of fate."

"…Not only that, but for him to ask to be his disciple is a blessing. He would be useless if he remained weak. Dornet said he agreed to play the part of a stubborn old man. Though he really is a stubborn man."

Saying that, the Guild Master chuckled. Seeing him, the lord said, "Heh, he certainly is. I was surprised when I heard that report, but in a way, it's reassuring. We then ordered him to make him strong, teach him common sense, and finish him as an adventurer. He has completed that job perfectly. However, I cannot overlook the fact that he said something unnecessary. Why did he say such a thing? He might never come back because of it."

The lord said, his face serious. The Guild Master replied, "Perhaps he grew attached to him over time. A month ago, when he gave his regular report, he said he thought it would be alright to tell him the truth. I told him he shouldn't. I asked him if he had forgotten how much damage the past incident caused, and after a little threat, he immediately closed his mouth and left."

"…I felt bad threatening my old friend, but as the master of the guild, I had to harden my heart for the sake of what I must protect. The result is reassuring. He is active as an adventurer and is acting so as not to stand out. At this rate, the Saint's Church will not find out."

Hearing that, the lord was relieved.

"I see. As long as the Saint's Church doesn't find out, there's no problem. After all, after the incident one hundred and thirty years ago, they have been worshipping that hero as a messenger of God. If they find out he came from the same place, they will surely do everything in their power to get him into the Church."

"For us, that would be bad. Once he joins the Church, they probably won't easily permit his dispatch in times of crisis. They would use it as leverage to demand an exorbitant amount of money in the name of donations. The Church today is a gathering of money-grubbers. We cannot allow him to be affiliated with such a place."

Hearing those words, the Guild Master nodded.

"Exactly. After that, the other element to keep him here would be for him to find a woman he likes. Speaking of which, your daughter is in the royal capital, isn't she?"

Hearing those words, the lord's face grew stern.

"Guild Master, even to keep him here, I cannot use my daughter. She is currently working as an aide to an official at the castle in the royal capital for her studies. I have decided that she will become the lord of this city and marry a man of a suitable family. As for him, I ask that you find another woman."

To the lord's voice, tinged with anger, the Guild Master replied, "Please don't be angry, it was just a joke. Well, on this front, I suppose we should take a long-term view. Life is long, after all. Let us believe that he will have a good encounter."

Hearing those words, the lord nodded.

"Indeed. For my part, I shall devote myself to my duties so that these peaceful days may continue forever. And we shall have him work for that peace as well."

To the lord's words, the Guild Master also nodded, and their secret conversation ended.

And so, a story progresses in a place unknown to Shinsuke. When will he learn the truth? No one knows.