Merchant Noble is out (2/3 chapters for today)

 

 

Scout

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The kingdom’s capital, Horimas, had lost its former glory after being occupied by Leo.

Even during the day, no one dared to walk the streets. Despite the clear skies, the city was shrouded in a gloomy, rain-like atmosphere. Places that were once lively taverns had become vacant, and the gardens of noble estates were overgrown with weeds, untended. Fat stray dogs, whose source of food was unclear, roamed freely.

The capital, once bustling with noble children, merchants, and artisans from all over, had now emptied, with everyone fleeing to their homelands. The citizens who had once made a living by catering to out-of-town visitors had fallen into poverty, and public order had deteriorated so badly that even in the city center, robberies occurred in broad daylight.

The Adventurer’s Guild had shut down, leaving many adventurers without work. Most had come to the capital for jobs, so they had no choice but to return home. The absence of adventurers, who had handled menial tasks and maintained the city’s security, was a significant reason for the capital’s unrest.

Adventurers often worked in groups, but with the disruption, many parties were disbanding, leading to conflicts across the city.

“Hey! Wait up! Just hold on a little longer!” (??)

“No. We haven’t had work for two months.” (??)

“The Adventurer’s Guild is going to reopen soon!” (??)

“We’ve waited two months hoping for that, but my savings are about to run out. I became an adventurer for the freedom to work anywhere in this world. There’s no reason to stay in a capital where the guild is closed!” (??)

“But…” (??)

“Enough.” (??)

“Oh, Master!” (??) (TLN: Master = Shishou/師匠)

“If he’s that determined, let him go.” (Master)

“Master, thank you for everything.” (??)

“Take care of yourself.” (Master)

The adventuring party, led by an elderly man known as “Master” by adventurers throughout the kingdom, was one of the top two strongest in Horimas. But now, one after another had left, and only two remained.

“Master…” (??)

“Where are you from?” (Master)

“The Baron London’s domain.” (??)

“Then the turmoil here likely hasn’t affected that area much. For now, return to your homeland.” (Master)

“What will you do, Master?” (??)

“Me? I’m old now. I’ll probably retire somewhere and take it easy.” (Master)

“Surely, you’re joking. A first-rank adventurer like you can’t retire so easily.” (??)

“Well, I’ll rest for a while.” (Master)

The last adventurer looked back repeatedly as he left, and the old man sighed deeply as he watched.

“I thought I’d spend my remaining years guiding adventurers, but now I’m all alone. All I have left is my reputation. Now, what to do…” (Master)

Just then, a voice called out from behind.

“Polo-dono.” (??)

The old man, hearing his name, turned to see a woman standing there in a cloak. She wasn’t quite a girl but still quite young. Judging by her masculine attire, she was likely an adventurer. Many female adventurers dressed as men for practicality.

“You’re the 1^st Class adventurer, Polo-dono, aren’t you?” (??)

“That’s right. Do I know you?” (Polo)

“No, this is our first meeting.” (??)

“Then, introduce yourself first. I don’t know you…” (Polo)

Pollo trailed off mid-sentence when he noticed the 2^nd Class badge hanging around her neck.

“No, I do know you. Though only by your nickname. You’re called the ‘Adventurer from Another Dimension,’ right?” (Polo)

“I’m honored that a 1^st Class adventurer remembers me. My name is Rishu, 2^nd Class adventurer.” (Rishu)

“With someone as young as you, there’s only one 2^nd Class adventurer across the entire continent. It’s impossible to forget you.” (Polo)

“Since we’ve met, how about a drink?” (Rishu)

Polo was about to ask why Lichu was in the capital, but she beat him to it by inviting him for a drink. Over the past few months, most taverns in the kingdom’s capital had closed. After some effort, they found a quiet place still in business.

“So, what does an old man like me have to offer?” (Polo)

After a brief silence and a toast, Polo finally broached the subject. Rishu straightened her posture and faced him.

“I am currently serving Baron Warden, and the Baron has decided to establish a new adventurer school. We’ve been searching for someone capable of teaching and guiding novice adventurers. When we thought of you, Polo-dono, I was sent to offer you the position.” (Rishu)

As she poured Polo another drink, Rishu explained that Baron Warden was building a new school in Mikanda, and Polo had been chosen to teach there.

“A teacher, huh? But I’ve lived my life as an adventurer. Teaching isn’t exactly my thing…”

“With so many disciples who admire you, what are you saying, Polo-dono? Even just a small portion of your expertise would be enough to guide the next generation.” (Rishu)

“Well, I suppose…” (Polo)

Polo spoke in his usual laid-back manner.

“—Mikanda, huh? I’ve heard that ever since the merchant nobility took over, they’ve been pouring efforts into development, but there are limits, right? Sure, in my younger days, I used to work tirelessly in remote regions where no one lived, but now, I’d prefer to spend my remaining years in a bustling city. I appreciate the offer, but I’m not inclined to spend what little time I have left in the countryside.” (Polo)

Rishu seemed to realize that she wouldn’t get anywhere with Polo’s response. After a while, she gave up on recruiting him and instead enjoyed chatting about their adventures.

“Sorry about that. Thanks for the drink, even though I turned you down. Be sure to thank Baron Warden for me.” (Polo)

By the time they left the tavern, Polo was completely drunk. After all, when a young woman pours drinks, it was hard not to overindulge. Rishu had to help him stagger outside.

There, several men were waiting.

What were they doing in a secluded spot with so few passersby?

“An old man and a woman, huh?” (??)

One of the men muttered under his breath. Both Rishu and Polo immediately realized they were being referred to. The men, who had been sitting with their legs splayed out, rose to their feet and blocked their path.

“Hey, you two. Leave anything valuable behind.” (??)

The men drew their swords.

“The last time I came to the capital, I didn’t have this kind of experience.” (Rishu)

“The capital’s security has gone downhill.” (Polo)

Their drunkenness vanished in an instant.

One of the men approached Rishu, clearly underestimating her because she was a woman.

“Hurry up and hand over your—” (??)

Before he could finish, his head flew off. Rishu had drawn her sword.

“Am I still drunk…?” (Polo)

Polo muttered in disbelief. He hadn’t seen Rishu’s blade move at all.

“Y-you…!” (??)

The remaining six men charged at Rishu all at once. However, by that time, Polo had already drawn his own sword.

Ten seconds later, the men were all lying on the ground, gravely injured. Being seasoned adventurers, Polo and Rishu were able to synchronize their movements perfectly, defeating their attackers with ease.

Wiping the blood from her sword, Rishu beamed.

“As expected of you, Polo-dono. I still haven’t given up. Please, come to Mikanda! We need you to train the next generation.” (Rishu)

“Well, I don’t know…” (Polo)

“The capital only needs a few months—no, just half a month to stabilize! Please, I’m begging you!” (Rishu(

Sensing an opportunity, Rishu became even more fervent in her persuasion, lowering the bar with each request.

Polo began to think that perhaps a short-term stay wouldn’t be so bad. After all, he didn’t have much work in the city. Since she was being so insistent, maybe he should take her up on the offer. And besides…

Rishu’s sword draw was the fastest he had ever seen. He grew curious about the kind of lord she served and thought it might be worth meeting them.

“If you insist…” (Polo)

When Polo nodded, Rishu jumped for joy. Despite her cool demeanor, her smile had an innocent, girlish charm to it. However, there was one thing that still bothered him. As Rishu quickly tried to lead him to the Warden Household’s estate, Polo asked her.

“Oh, Rishu, one last thing… Was it really just a coincidence that we were attacked?” (Polo)

After a brief pause, Rishu turned around, still smiling.

“Heh, what a strange question. Weren’t you the one who said the capital’s security had deteriorated? And besides, if it was all staged by me, I wouldn’t have killed those thugs.” (Rishu)

“That’s true enough.” (Polo)

If it had been a setup, there would’ve been no reason to kill the attackers. Polo convinced himself he was overthinking it and followed Rishu.

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