By the Grace of the Gods (LN) - Volume 1 - Chapter SS3

Behind the Adventurer’s Guild

The night Ryoma registered at the Adventurer’s Guild, the guild employees had gathered on the first floor for their end of day meeting.

“And so, this is the last thing on the list.”

Directing the meeting was the guildmaster. Worgan looked around the room full of employees and addressed them all at large.

“I’m sure some of you are already aware. This afternoon, Duke Jamil, the duke of this area, visited with his family. While he was here, a child named Ryoma Takebayashi registered with the guild. I’d like you all to keep an eye out for him.”

“May I ask a question? What specifically do you want us to keep an eye out for?”

“Report everything to me, no matter how trivial. You may treat him as a normal adventurer. There’s no reason to show him favoritism.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. It’s just that he grew up isolated in the forest. If he looks like he’s having trouble adjusting to life in the village, help him out an indirect manner. Also, one more thing. If you see anyone in the guild giving him trouble, stop them immediately. Say whatever you need to say, just make sure you don’t get in harm’s way. If it can’t be solved with words... stay your hand.”

Worgan’s words contradicted themselves, so an employee voiced their confusion.

“Does that mean we don’t have to stop any physical fights...?”

“If fists start to fly then there’s nothing to be done. If it comes to that, I want you to come to me immediately, even if you have to set your work aside. Don’t just ask any nearby adventurers for assistance. Anyone who rushes it will just cause more damage.”

Worgan continued sternly.

“The kid named Ryoma is fairly skilled, despite being 11 years old. He passed the exam I set up with full marks. Both the regular exam, and my personal test.”

The employees stirred faintly. It wasn’t that uncommon for the practical exam to be passed immediately after registration. Even if someone was newly registered, those who worked in professions such as hunters and soldiers already had the combat skills needed.

However, obtaining full marks was a different case. On top of that, the non-regulated exam that Worgan tested of his own volition was an important lesson for prospective adventurers. But the meddling of the guildmaster who wholeheartedly believed that failure was the best teacher — based on his own experience — was annoying for those on the receiving end.

“Is the boy really that strong?”

“There’s no doubting that he’s strong. It’s just... I can’t see a limit to him. He looks like a regular, ridiculously fragile kid, but the way he held himself and moved around during the exam was something else. It was different from those guys I sometimes see relying on their own talents, more like the result of training... and years of it at that... I just don’t know. He’s a mystery. His appearance, ability, and aura just don’t match up. No matter how low I round my estimates, he definitely has the combat ability of rank C or above.

“Well, at least he seems to have a gentle personality, though that makes him more difficult to understand... At any rate, just treat him has a normal adventurer for the most part. But if anyone picks a fight with him, they’ll be the ones in danger. If any of you try to intervene, you may get hurt too. That’s why you should always come get me first. If you have to rely on an adventurer, make it one rank B or higher. Got it?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good! Managers, make sure everyone in your teams are aware of this. Those who are off today can be informed tomorrow. ...And that’s all for today! Go home or go drinking, whichever it is, you’re dismissed!”

“Thank you!”

“Good work today!”

“Thank you for your work today!”

The employees all exchanged farewells with each other as they gathered their belongings and left the guild behind them.

■ ■ ■

The next day. One employee was visiting the guildmaster’s office.

“Excuse me. I’ve brought the documents.”

“Thanks, leave them over there.”

“Understood. Also...”

“Hmm? Did something happen?”

“I just saw the Ryoma boy you mentioned earlier accepting a job.”

“Oh, already? What job was it?”

“A cleaning job somewhere, I think.”

“Huh? Cleaning?”

“Yes, that’s what he was talking about.”

“I see... I wonder why he chose cleaning of all things?”

“Maybe he wanted to pick something easy for his first job?”

“He is a calm kind of person, so that might be it. But with all his abilities and experience living in the forest, I thought he would go for monster extermination or gathering herbs...”

“Shall I bring the worker in charge here?”

“No, there’s no need for that. Could you pass on a message to send him here when he comes back to give his report? I’ll ask him myself.”

“Yes, sir.”

Thus, several hours later, Worgan met with Ryoma once again. He was yet to know that the new job he introduced would bring forth a shocking incident involving the whole town, and extra work to go with it...