Life in Another World as a Maid Mage
04 Escort Request
Reception and conversation room at the Tris branch of the Adventurers Association (Guild). Originally it was a large inn hall (lobby) that welcomed many guests and boasted a size that accommodated a large number of people, but only today, when the majority of adventurers belonging to the Tris branch gathered, I couldn't help but remember how cramped it was.
Regular meetings are held once a month and at the beginning of the month. Business contacts, explanation of precautions during activities, introduction of new subscribers, etc., are the main contents.
"― ― The difficulty and danger of activities will jump exceptionally in the coming season due to strong cooling and snowfall. Most beasts slow down with hibernation, but instead, more beasts become active during the winter period. As you know, they're the ones with the highest level of difficulty. Particular attention should be paid to grade D and below. Don't take personal requests by mistake. Be sure to go through the union (guild) when asked to do so directly."
The words of the guild master Zach echo in the hall. Each one is in the right place, listening to his words. Some wrote down what they had heard in their notebooks, and some listened eagerly as if they would not miss a word.
"Then, there is no snow so far, but it may snow while moving in the future. Be careful with this when accepting a request. You can't march in the snow without a skilled leader. We leave it to our discretion to move near the highway on the flat land, but when entering a special place such as a forest or mountainous area, always have two or more experienced snowmarchers - as much as possible class C or above. Look, during the winter months, just moving around will increase the number of dangerous places. Never be alarmed. If you're not sure, it's best to keep it close to requests."
Zach cut off his words and then dropped his gaze on the documents at hand.
"Many adventurers die during this period. Some people freeze to death for lack of preparation, others get caught in an avalanche. Yeah, this avalanche, but be careful when you split into the mountains. An avalanche is likely to occur in places with slopes and puddles. In places like this, you should refrain from attacking the surroundings like big moves and magic. May trigger an avalanche. Unfortunately, five people lost their lives last year in an avalanche that magically set fire to this slope. Similar reports have been received from other branches. Keep a summary of where avalanches are likely to occur and precursors on the bulletin board, so you can read them carefully later. Do you have any questions so far?"
Looking around the room to make sure he had no opinions, Zach took over the words.
"--I think many others know that the recent rebellion in the Empire has led to an increase in the number of refugees in the border zone. The Knights seem to be paying a lot for this response, not much to say, but it seems that the lack of manpower has made the maintenance of security in the territory a little bit weak. This season is likely to witch more Beast Crusades and Cleanup requests than ever before. In addition to this, some bad qualities may slip into the refugees, so be careful about this - oh, I don't think so, but if you protect the refugees, you should leave them with the Knights for now. And..."
Once the words were cut off, Zach made an annoying expression and showed it.
"I don't know what this rebellion is all about, but it seems the Empire's adventurers are getting in and out more and more."
The indoors became noisy on purpose.
Adventurer of the Dolgust Empire. Nobility has entered the Adventurers' Association (Guild), and the possibility of promotion is determined by status. Inevitably, the quality of adventurers is worse than in other countries, and in recent years there have been successive opinions that adventurers' associations (guilds) throughout the Empire should be suspended and expelled.
"As you know, most of them are of poor quality as adventurers... and inhumane. Because common sense is prehistoric and unreasonable, please try not to get involved as much as possible even when you meet. Although not yet available in Tris, there appear to be several reports of trouble at branches in areas close to the southern border. If you get in trouble, don't worry, just let me know - that's all from me. Nothing in particular. Goodbye, I will dissolve today."
Zack, who seemed to have no questions or opinions as a result of the silence, signaled the dissolution and the indoor air relaxed. Each was dissolved and divided into those who went out, those who looked for a request form, those who viewed the bulletin board, and those who exchanged information with other adventurers.
"Ah, there's a request from Theoli."
Remembering things he didn't want to remember about the Empire, Alec looked up at the dialogue he had heard. Looking at the posted request, the colleagues were looking up a request slip.
"It's true. Uh, unfortunately, I can't because I'm going away for a while at your request. Damn, I missed his cooking."
"The point is that you have a shiori meal on the way. What do we do now? If we don't decide now, we'll get it right away."
"Ah, then I'll take it!
"Idiot, you're still C-Class. Difficulty B. Most summoners aren't good for escorts. It's an auxiliary position."
"Ghhh...."
Behind the group talking, peek into the request form.
"Request for escort. Difficulty B. Return to the pale forest. The Wizard's Return. The reward includes meals on the way. Client: Theori Izumi"
From the flow of the story, they decided not to entrust it. Without hesitation, when I took the request form from the bulletin board, I heard "a" from the surroundings.
"If you don't want to take it, can I take it?
Some laughed bitterly at the wind of helplessness and said, "Please," while others repented because they could not abandon the practice. It seems that Ciori's request is highly competitive. Including meals, it is also the cooking of Shiori. I can be convinced because the condition is the condition.
"Sorry. I'll take it."
Then, one or two requests that were likely to be cleared on the road were repaired. When I handed the request form to the receptionist at the counter, Zach smiled casually looking sideways.
"I knew it. I thought you'd take it."
"... what is that?"
"No? It doesn't mean anything. It's just..."
Invited by his fingertips, he whispers to his face.
"Don't do it on the go because you're alone."
I was so worried about Zach's dialogue that I frowned on him.
"... you're going to imitate me without such restraint. What do you think I am?"
A smile appeared on his face as if he had given up somewhere just in case when he shoved his shoulder down. Then you will have a real face. His gaze is turned to the other side of Alec's back. Looking back, I saw Shiori talking to Nadia in fun.
"Well, go carefully.... I don't know the exact location, but it seems to be near the scene (...). Take care of him."
…… Okay, okay. "
Reflect for a moment on the inclusive way of saying it, and then the point of convergence nods.
― ― The place where Siori first met Ruli. Near the labyrinth, which was also the scene of an abominable incident for her.