kscans

Chapter 124 - To the Shibuya Guild

After finishing our experiments, Kaede-chan and I went out to buy some winter clothes. Since Kaede-chan was buying some cute outfits, I bought some clothes too.

Not for myself, but for Eleanor-san. As usual, Kaede-chan picked them out for me.

Eleanor-san only had fall clothes, so I bought some for winter, but honestly, the closet in my apartment now has more clothes for Eleanor-san than for Okita-kun. I don’t think men own that many clothes, but it seems women really need a lot of different things. It was a real pain.

After our somewhat tiring shopping trip, we went home and spent the rest of the day relaxing together.

Then came the next day, the day I had to go to the Shibuya branch. I figured my black robe might be a bit much, so I decided to wear the white sweater and brown long skirt I bought yesterday. It wasn’t me who had to apologize, but the black robe felt like I wasn’t taking it seriously. I thought it would be better to go in proper attire.

I tied up my hair, finished an early lunch, and left the house shortly after noon. From Nerima Station, I hailed a taxi and headed for the Shibuya Guild. After about thirty or forty minutes, I arrived at my destination, the Shibuya Guild.

I got out of the taxi and looked at the building.

Like the guild in Ikebukuro, it was a building with a large sign that read "Adventurer Guild Shibuya Branch." However, there were two security guards standing at the entrance. Considering Ikebukuro’s guards were only stationed out back, I figured the Shibuya branch must have a lot more people.

I gave the guards a nod as I entered. Inside, I found myself in a lobby with a reception counter, just like the Ikebukuro branch. This one, however, was larger, and had more receptionists. From what I could see, they were all women.

Are these the beauties I heard about, the former gravure idols and whatnot? But wow, it’s crowded.

The lobby was packed with a number of people unthinkable in Ikebukuro. They were all sitting or standing around, not lining up at the counter.

Seeing this, I looked at a machine near the entrance. A sign was posted on it. "For assistance, you will be called in order. Please press the button and take a numbered ticket."

So that’s their system for dealing with the crowds. No, this is what’s normal. My senses have been dulled by the Ikebukuro Guild.

I pressed the button on the machine and took the paper with my number on it, then looked around for an empty sofa to sit on. But there were no free spots.

Can’t be helped. I’ll just have to stand and wait.

I moved over to a vacant spot by the wall and decided to wait to be called. While I waited, I looked at my phone and observed the adventurers around me.

They were all probably waiting for their turn, just like me. I couldn’t tell if they were about to go adventuring or had just finished and were waiting to cash in their materials.

What stood out most, besides the sheer number of people, was that there wasn’t a single other woman. Besides myself and the receptionists, everyone in here, from the young adventurers to the veteran-looking ones, was a man.

It’s seriously all guys.

As I looked around while checking my phone, I made eye contact with a few of them. They were probably curious about me. I mean, it’s not for me to say, but being the only woman here, and a famous witch at that, it’s natural I’d draw attention. Still, no one seemed like they were going to approach me.

That wasn’t because I was unpopular or scary, but surely because the Shibuya branch manager had sent out a notice. That had to be it.

It’s not like I was hoping to be talked to, so this was fine. I just wish they would stop pulling out their phones so unnaturally. I doubt they’d take pictures without permission, but they were probably posting online about me. I mean, there were clearly more people fiddling with their phones now than a moment ago.

I hoped it wouldn’t be even more crowded on my way out. I looked back down at my phone and started researching the Crystal of Life again. After waiting for a while, my number was called. I put my phone in my bag and headed to the designated counter.

"Are you customer number forty-six?"

The woman sitting at the counter asked, so I handed her my numbered ticket. As I did, I got a look at her. She was definitely beautiful. Her chest was large, and a button on her blouse was undone. It looked like you could see down her shirt if she bent over.

So this is the famous Shibuya branch. I don’t know which one is the former gravure idol, but this is amazing.

"Yes, that’s correct. What can I help you with?"

After confirming the number, the receptionist looked up at me.

"My name is Eleanor. I have an appointment to meet someone here today. Could you please get the branch manager for me?"

"Certainly. Please wait a moment."

The receptionist stood up and went into the back. I watched her as she went.

Her skirt is so short. This place is something else.

If I had known about this place when I started as an adventurer, this would have been my only choice. But in that case, I wouldn’t have reunited with Kaede-chan.

I doubt I could ever date a girl on the level of that receptionist, so Kaede-chan was the right choice. Kaede-chan is cute too, and on a very high level, but things worked out because I had the huge advantage of being her senior from university. Yes, choosing the Ikebukuro Guild was the right decision.

As I was nodding to myself internally, the receptionist from before came out from behind the counter into the lobby. She walked over to me.

"Thank you for waiting. The parties you are meeting are waiting in the reception room. I will guide you to the one on the second floor. This way, please."

I followed her as she started walking up a nearby staircase.

I can see her underwear.

"You really shouldn’t take the stairs in that outfit," I couldn’t help but scold her, since I was currently a woman myself.

"This is included in my salary. Since you are a woman, Eleanor-sama, I’ll tell you. It’s the kind you’re meant to see, so it’s not a problem."

Whether it’s the kind you’re meant to see or not, from a man’s perspective, it’s all the same. Well, if she’s okay with it, I guess it’s fine. She’s probably paid quite a bit, too.

"Are there any female adventurers here?"

"Not even ten percent. And even when they join, they transfer out almost immediately."

I bet. Now I understand why someone said the Shibuya branch was crude. This is, in no uncertain terms, a man’s world.

As I was thinking I wish I could have come here as a man, we finished climbing the stairs. The receptionist stopped in front of a nearby door.

"Eleanor-sama, it’s this room. The branch manager and Nagaoka-sama are waiting inside."

Nagaoka? Ah, that’s the girl’s family name. Come to think of it, I never even asked for her name. Oh well.

"I see. Thank you."

"Not at all."

The receptionist shook her head and turned toward the door. Then, she knocked.

"Branch Manager, I’ve brought Eleanor-sama."

"Yeah! Come on in!"

A deep, gruff voice came from inside. That must be the branch manager.

"Please, go ahead. I will take my leave here."

"Thanks."

I bid farewell to the receptionist, opened the door, and stepped inside.

The room was bright, with light streaming in from a large window. There were potted plants, and the room was clean. In the center, four two-seater sofas were arranged around a table. A burly old guy and another old guy in a sharp suit were seated there.

As I entered, they both stood up simultaneously. The man in the suit bowed deeply toward me, while the burly man approached me.

"You’re Eleanor, right?" the burly man asked, looking down at me.

He’s huge. He must be at least two meters tall.

"That’s right. I am Eleanor Ocean."

"Right! I’m the branch manager here!"

Well, I figured as much. If this guy was that girl’s father, that would be a problem. He doesn't look like he has a single apologetic bone in his body.

"A pleasure."

"Yeah. Well, have a seat."

At the branch manager’s urging, I walked over to the sofas.

"Nagaoka-san, you can sit down for now too."

"Yes."

The man in the suit called Nagaoka-san, who had been standing with his head bowed this whole time, raised his head at the manager’s words and sat on a sofa. I sat down opposite him. The branch manager sat diagonally from us, positioning himself between me and Nagaoka-san.

"Let’s get right to it. Eleanor, this is the father of Nagaoka Yuuka, who is registered here."

So the girl’s name was Yuuka-chan.

"My name is Nagaoka Souichirou. I am deeply sorry for all the trouble my daughter has caused you. And thank you for saving her when she was in danger."

Nagaoka-san bowed deeply again, offering his apologies and thanks.

"No, no, it was something I did on my own initiative, so please don’t worry about it."

"No, I am truly sorry."

This is awkward. I wish he would raise his head. Besides, it’s not like the girl did anything bad to me, so even if he apologizes, I’m not sure what he’s apologizing for. I mean, I guess he means for the trouble she caused, but that was really the fault of that little brat.

Unsure what to do with Nagaoka-san, who kept his head bowed, I looked at the branch manager. He gave a single nod.

"Nagaoka-san, I understand your apology and your gratitude, so please raise your head."

"Yes."

Nagaoka-san raised his head.

"First of all, while this is a place for apologies and thanks, it is also a place for reconciliation, to review the situation once more and ensure there are no lingering issues between you. I’m telling you both now, let’s not get heated."

I doubt things will get heated. No, he must mean there are cases where they do. I wouldn’t know, but this feels like a trial.

This is going to take a while. I wish we could just end this with a "Sorry!" and an "It’s fine!" Ugh, I want to go home.