kscans

Chapter 125 - Reluctant to Accept Thanks

I had come to the Shibuya branch and was now in a reception room with the Shibuya branch manager and Nagaoka-san, the father of the girl I had saved.

"A place for reconciliation? There’s nothing to reconcile. To begin with, his daughter didn’t cause me any trouble."

I thought I should make that clear.

"Just listen. If you let these things slide without clearing them up, they can blow up into bigger problems later. That’s why the guild mediates."

The branch manager explained.

"It’s not like I did anything major, though."

"There’s nothing wrong with you saving them. In fact, it’s commendable. If you were registered at this branch, I’d give you a certificate of appreciation."

I don’t want one.

"Then what’s the problem?"

"The Healing Potion, obviously. It’s your fault for using something like that so casually."

Well, I have enough that I can use them casually. Besides, I was in a good mood that day after selling a huge batch.

"Is that so... Her life wasn’t in danger, so maybe it would have been better not to use it."

"I can neither confirm nor deny that. In any case, you used a Healing Potion on Nagaoka Yuuka, correct?"

"That’s right. Unfortunately, I can’t use healing magic."

"Explain the situation at that time."

What a pain.

"It was a while ago, so I might not remember the details perfectly."

"A general overview is fine."

"Let’s see, I was in the Kunaar Ruins when I saw four young adventurers fighting Skeletons. There were five Skeletons, I believe?"

I think that was it. I remember there were more of them than the kids.

"Mhm. Continue."

"I thought it was better not to approach other adventurers, but seeing their skill level and equipment, I thought they might be in trouble, so I watched them for a bit. Then, that girl... Yuuka-san. I saw her lose her balance, and thinking she was in danger, I stepped in to help."

Their equipment was poor, and more than anything, they seemed inexperienced.

"And then?"

"I intervened and defeated the Skeletons. Afterwards, I looked at Yuuka-san and saw her leg was bent in a bad way, so I poured a Healing Potion on it."

"Why did you use a Healing Potion?"

"Do I need a reason?"

"You do. A reason for using something so valuable."

Valuable?

"There’s no value in something like that. It’s the same as water. All I did was give some tap water to a thirsty person. I’m not sure what to say if you’re asking for a reason."

"Hmm. Well, the value of things is subjective. I see. Just to confirm, it was a Healing Potion Lv1, correct?"

"That’s right."

Back then, I couldn’t make Level 2 Healing Potions.

"Alright. That mostly matches the other testimonies, so that’s likely what happened. I have to ask, do you intend to charge for the Healing Potion?"

"I do not. It was something I did on my own. I wasn’t asked for a Healing Potion, nor was I asked for help."

"That’s what she says."

The branch manager looked at Nagaoka-san.

"I cannot allow that. I will compensate you for the cost of the Healing Potion."

Nagaoka-san took an envelope from his briefcase, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward me.

"No, I can’t accept that."

I refused, pushing the envelope on the table back toward him.

"I must insist."

"No, I don’t need it."

Nagaoka-san and I pushed the envelope back and forth.

"Wait, wait! I told you not to get heated."

The branch manager stopped us from our envelope pushing contest. At his words, Nagaoka-san and I released the envelope.

"Eleanor, this is just my personal opinion, but you should accept it."

"Why?"

"There’s a saying, nothing is more expensive than something free. Just take it."

Hmm, perhaps Nagaoka-san wants some peace of mind? Especially since he’s dealing with a witch who is rumored to curse people to death and eat them.

"...Very well. I will accept this."

I said, picking up the envelope.

How much is in here? I’m sure it’s at least 500,000 yen, but I feel like it might be more.

"There’s about 800,000 yen in there."

As I held the envelope, wondering if I should check the amount right here, the branch manager told me.

"That’s too much. The market price for a Healing Potion is between 500,000 and 600,000, right?"

"It’s 500,000 right now. That includes a token of gratitude and compensation for the trouble."

"I don’t need it..."

Gratitude is one thing, but it’s not like his daughter caused me any trouble.

"Just take it. From Nagaoka-san’s perspective, you saved his daughter."

Well, I can understand that feeling, but... Hmm, I guess I have no choice.

"Very well. I will accept it."

"Good. Then, sign here."

The branch manager handed me some kind of document. I took it and read its contents.

Hmm, hmm. In short, it’s a kind of settlement agreement, stating that this amount settles the matter.

After confirming there was nothing strange written in the document, I wrote "Eleanor Ocean" in the signature field.

"Is this alright?"

I handed the signed document to the branch manager.

"Yeah, that’s fine. With this, the matter is considered resolved. Is that acceptable to you as well, Nagaoka-san?"

The branch manager confirmed the document, then asked Nagaoka-san.

"Yes. Thank you for your time, and again, I apologize for the trouble."

Nagaoka-san bowed deeply with his umpteenth apology.

"No, there were shortcomings on our part as well. On the contrary, I apologize again for the lapse, as we are in a position of responsibility for your precious daughter."

The branch manager bowed his head in return.

"Not at all. I will have a stern talk with my daughter. I look forward to your continued guidance."

Come to think of it, she’s still continuing as an adventurer. She’s got guts, and this man is quite permissive to allow it. Well, there might be some circumstances, and I have no intention of meddling in another family’s affairs.

"Understood. Then, this concludes our meeting. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule."

"Not at all... I am sorry that my apology and thanks were so delayed."

Nagaoka-san apologized to me for the delay, then stood up.

"Are you heading to work now?"

"Yes, thank you for making time for me today."

Working adults have it tough. Keep up the good work.

"Is she doing well?"

"She is. She’s at school today."

Well, it’s a weekday, so that makes sense.

"I see... then I’m glad."

"Thank you again, truly, for saving my daughter. Now, if you’ll excuse me."

Nagaoka-san bowed once more and left the room.

"Ah, that’s over. What a pain."

Once Nagaoka-san was gone, the tension left me, and I leaned back against the sofa.

"Phew. This time was one of the better ones. They usually turn into arguments."

The branch manager also leaned back and let out a sigh.

"Really?"

"The person in your position might demand an exorbitant amount of money, or the person in Nagaoka-san’s position might fly into a rage. It varies. This time went well because both you and Nagaoka-san were reasonable, but there are a lot of scoundrels out there."

How unpleasant. The Shibuya branch must be profitable with so many people, but it seems like it comes with a lot of trouble. On the other hand, Satsuki-san is just playing social games in her office all day. I don’t know which is better.

"I won’t be going to the Kunaar Ruins for a while, so I don’t think there will be any more troublesome incidents like this, but I’ve had enough."

"You’re not going to train any newcomers?"

"I am the newcomer."

I’ve only been an adventurer for about two months, so I think I can still call myself a rookie.

"Newcomers don’t usually go to Mireille Road."

So he knows I’ve been to Mireille Road, too.

"That’s fine, isn’t it?"

"Well, I suppose. For the rumored witch, a little higher up is probably fine."

I may be a witch, but I can’t use magic.

"Anywhere is fine with me. Now, I think I’ll be heading home. I want to leave before a crowd gathers."

"I think it’s already too late for that. The lobby is probably already packed."

Information spreads so fast. This is why I hate the age of social media.

"Can I leave through the back door?"

"I don’t mind. But I’d like to talk with you for a bit."

It seems he wasn’t going to let me go so easily. Yup, I knew it.