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The royal capital Lindblum is apparently not technically a castle town.

The royal castle seems to be built on land adjacent to the capital rather than within its bounds, and as such, the royal family supposedly has no involvement in Lindblum’s administration.

It’s instead managed by representatives of the various craftsmen and merchants who live in the capital.

Of course, the kingdom still sends knights to help maintain public order, so it’s not like their relationship is bad.

Just going off what I’ve heard, it sounds like a pretty decent city.

In some ways, the country’s system seems a bit closer to the modern world.

“Hmm… Seimu-san, you are no ordinary adventurer, are you? You seem to fully grasp what I just explained and understand how it relates to city-building. Moreover, you cooked unfamiliar dishes during our journey with a level of skill not typical for most adventurers. No offense, but adventurers generally aren’t known for their education. I don’t intend to pry into your background…however, I believe you could shine on a very different path. I hold you in high regard.”

“Eh? No, it’s nothing like that…” (Shizuma)

I have been talking in-depth with the Merchant-san more and more, but maybe I let my guard down a bit.

I mean, I’m a Japanese person who’s completed compulsory education…

I know at least the basics of how society functions and a bit of history, so I thought I was just following along with what he said, but I guess that stood out in a bad way.

“If you’re even capable of doing calculations, I’d hire you right now as both a bodyguard and employee of my company.”

“Haha… If I’m ever out of work, I might take you up on that.” (Shizuma)

“I’m being serious, Seimu-san. The merchant world is always hungry for talent.”

Crap, I underestimated merchants in a real fantasy world.

Yeah… I guess in a world where going to school isn’t the norm, it makes sense that merchants would want someone who’s educated…

“Merchant-san, Merchant-san, what about me? Am I wanted?” (Melt)

“Haha, miss, I’d love to hire you as a salesgirl.”

How cute. Melt really is soothing just to watch.

Good for her. She’s already found herself a job.

“Seimu, I see a big city up ahead. That must be Lindblum.” (Melt)

“Ooh!” (Shizuma)

I followed Melt’s words and looked in the direction of the carriage. There, I saw city walls stretching so far that the ends weren’t even visible.

It looked just like a city-state.

“We’ll be heading straight to our own shop, but Seimu-san, you’ll be getting off at the guild in Lindblum, right?”

“Yes, I plan to submit a transfer request there.” (Shizuma)

“What should I do?” (Melt)

“Let’s register as an adventurer there.” (Shizuma)

“Got it! Wow, becoming an adventurer… It feels nice to have a title.” (Melt)

Makes sense. The title of adventurer does have a cool ring to it.

Maybe I should register with the guild using a form other than Seimu, just in case.

I’ve already shown my face to my former classmates as Seimu. It can’t hurt to have other usable identities and appearances prepared.

Plus, I promised to share some information with Melt. I should also think about how to act when using a different appearance.

And so, rocked by the carriage, we moved forward into Lindblum —a city far more vibrant than the Kingdom of Golda.

——

“Wow… This is amazing… There are so many beastkin in the city… I can’t believe it…” (Melt)

“You look happy, Melt.” (Shizuma)

“Yeah, I’m really happy… We weren’t hated at all! Everyone’s just living normal lives in the city! I can be like them too, right!?” (Melt)

Seeing Melt speak so emotionally while looking around the city made my chest tighten.

She spoke casually about her past, but maybe deep down, she has been bottling up loneliness and despair over how poorly she has been treated.

It’s true. Beastkins live alongside humans here like it’s the most natural thing. There’s no difference in their clothing, and it’s common to see them laughing together.

This must be what the world was always meant to be like.

Golda really is the odd one out, no doubt about it.

But… What’s going to happen to my former classmates who are being used by that twisted country?

If a war were to break out, I’d definitely side with this country.

“There it is, you two. That’s Lindblum’s ‘Unified Guild.'”

“Unified Guild?” (Shizuma)

“Indeed. This capital is vast. While there are many guilds run by different factions, having them scattered all over would be inconvenient. So the blacksmiths guild, housekeeping guild, adventurers guild, explorers guild, and more are all located in this one building.” 

“Wow! I didn’t know there were so many kinds!” (Shizuma)

Seriously!? Then even characters with crafting jobs can register at the right guild here!

That’s a relief, in case anything happens.

“Melt, this is where we get off.” (Shizuma)

“Okay. Wow, it’s a huge building!” (Melt)

“Right? It’s massive.” (Shizuma)

It’s about the size of a shopping mall, really.

There might even be a guild better suited to Melt than the adventurers’ one.

“Well then, this is where we part ways. However, I’d like to discuss the purchase of that raw gem in more detail. Would it be possible for you to visit our company in the next few days?”

“Ah, understood. Where is it located…?” (Shizuma)

“This is known as Guild Street. Our company is based in the Commercial District. If you head there, you should find it easily.”

“Got it.” (Shizuma)

I better remember that.

I waved the carriage off and approached the door of the Unified Guild… But when I turned, Melt was nowhere to be found.

Wait, where did that fox go!?

“There you are! Melt, what are you doing?” (Shizuma)

She was staring curiously at some goods displayed at a flower shop a little distance away.

She vanished the moment I looked away… So worrisome.

“Ah, Seimu. Look, they’re selling flowers. I didn’t know flowers were something you could sell.” (Melt)

“Ah, right. This might be new to you since you lived in the mountains.” (Shizuma)

“Yeah, I never thought flowers without medicinal properties could be sold. My grandma used to sell herbs and processed goods to traveling merchants, though.” (Melt)

So that’s what surprised her.

“See, flowers are pretty, right? But in cities, they don’t grow easily. That’s why people buy them to plant in their yards or decorate their homes.” (Shizuma)

“I see… That’s a lovely idea. If I ever buy a house, I’ll plant lots of flowers in the garden.” (Melt)

“Haha, sounds good.” (Shizuma)

Hearing Melt share such a sweet dream made the shopkeeper lady smile fondly.

…I really should find us a good house.

Partly for Melt’s sake…but also because I need a secure, secret base to test the abilities of all my characters.

I’ve got way too many storage characters. Ones that were downgraded and shelved for various reasons.

Some of them were sealed away because they were too broken for the game’s class balance and made things boring.

There are even class combinations that were unofficially banned online because they made the game too easy.

No matter how many nerfs they got, some combinations were fundamentally taboo due to their broken concepts…

And this isn’t a game world. There probably aren’t any restrictions here.

I might even be able to stack buffs and use other things freely.

“Seimu, what’s up? Why are you grinning? Are you that excited about planting flowers?” (Melt)

“Eh? Ah, no, it’s nothing. Anyway, let’s head to the Unified Guild.” (Shizuma)

Whoops. I got carried away with my desires and fantasies.

I made sure not to take my eyes off Melt again and headed for the Unified Guild.

“It’s huge inside too! Super huge! Seimu, what do we do!? Where do we go!?” (Melt)

“Don’t shout like that, people will laugh. First…let’s go to the reception desk to get you registered as an adventurer.” (Shizuma)

“Got it… I’ll finally become the adventurer Melt…” (Melt)

Too late. Everyone around us is already chuckling.

Don’t laugh! She’s new here! She lived in the mountains!

——

There were several reception desks, but I couldn’t even tell which one was for the Adventurers Guild.

I can’t read the letters. Maybe… Maybe one of my character bonuses could help me learn. I do have a character with the Scholar class.

I need to test that soon.

“Seimu, I think the Adventurers Guild is over there.” (Melt)

“Oh, right. You can read, huh Melt?” (Shizuma)

I might not be able to live without her anymore.

Damn… I thought of her as a little kid or younger sister, but now I’m totally relying on her for everything like this…!

Please teach me to read later.

“Welcome to the Adventurers Guild reception. How can I help you today?”

“Hi, I’m an adventurer from the Kingdom of Golda. I came to submit a transfer request.” (Shizuma)

“You’re transferring from another region, correct? Then please show your guild affiliation tag.”

When I explained my business at the reception, I was asked to present my tag.

I have one. It looks kind of like a tiny microchip.

Probably magic? I’m not really sure.

“Seimu-san… Your request history is…only one escort mission? That’s an unusual record.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Actually, I was encouraged to transfer early on, and that escort mission was kind of tacked on for me.” (Shizuma)

“I see, so that’s what happened. As for your combat ability…it’s rated extremely high. And to be acknowledged by her no less… We’ll recognize you here as a Ruby Rank Adventurer, someone eligible to take on combat-related requests going forward.”

“Sorry, but that’s the first time I’ve heard that term.” (Shizuma)

“That’s understandable. Golda doesn’t use this system. Basically, it’s just a way to classify the kinds of requests you’re allowed to take. Think of it as a guideline.”

I see? So it’s like the common F to S rank system?

It seems that normally someone registering for the first time isn’t allowed to accept missions involving potential combat.

—The Rock Rank is for beginners who can only accept safe collection or labor requests within the city.

—The Augite Rank is for those a bit more experienced, who are permitted to handle collection outside the city or short-distance deliveries.

—The Crystal Rank, which allows taking collection requests in areas where monster encounters are possible.

—The Topaz Rank, for those who can now accept requests specifically aimed at defeating monsters. Considered a step out of beginnerhood.

—The Emerald Rank, for full-fledged adventurers allowed to take requests with potential for human conflict.

—The Ruby Rank, granted to those whose combat abilities are acknowledged, permitting requests where lives may be on the line.

—The Sapphire Rank, given to those who’ve made great contributions to the guild.

—The Jewel Rank, awarded to individuals recognized by the nation, granted with status and honor.

…Or so they say.

What’s with this country? Do they have a thing for gems?

Wait, doesn’t that mean Ruby Rank is actually quite a high rank…?

Why did it turn out like this? Was that combat test I took at the reception desk really such a big deal?

It kind of feels like they inflated my rank just to shoehorn me into that escort mission.

“No, if the reception —rather, the combat instructor at the Golda branch acknowledged you without hesitation, then I’d say your combat ability really does match Ruby Rank without any issue.”

“Is that so…” (Shizuma)

That sadistic-seeming lady must’ve actually been pretty impressive.

“Um, I have one more favor to ask, if that’s alright?” (Shizuma)

“Yes, what is it?”

“Actually…” (Shizuma)

I push Melt, who’s been idly hanging around looking bored, forward.

“I’d like to request an adventurer guild registration for this girl.” (Shizuma)

“Oh, it’s my turn!? Sorry, please make me an adventurer!” (Melt)

Melt declared brightly and cheerfully, and the receptionist smiled at her with a warm expression.

“My, how rare. Are you a white tiger-kin, miss?”

“Eh? Ah, yeah, I’m a white tiger-kin.” (Melt)

Hmm? I feel like Melt hesitated for just a moment there.

“How old are you? Can you write? You’ll need to fill out this form.” 

“I can do it! Is it okay if I write it here?” (Melt)

“Yes, please use the desk next to us.”

I followed as Melt moved over and asked about what had caught my attention earlier.

“You paused a bit when she said white tiger-kin, didn’t you?” (Shizuma)

“Yeah. I might’ve mentioned it briefly before, but I’m actually a silver fox-kin. But they’re thought to be extinct, so I figured it’s better to keep quiet about it. You can’t tell anyone either, okay? Promise me.” (Melt)

Then Melt whispered this into my ear quietly.

“Got it. Then in return, keep my secret safe too, alright?” (Shizuma)

“Okay, I swear I won’t tell anyone.” (Melt)

So she’s a rare species, huh.

The fact that she could judge for herself that it was better to hide it shows she’s probably smarter than she seems.

Well, she does look like a high schooler, but her mannerisms are so childish it’s hard to tell.

After finishing the paperwork and handing it in, it was time to evaluate what rank she’d be given.

Since the procedure would take a while, Melt was led into another room, and I was allowed to accompany her as a guardian.

Now then…how will they assess this girl?

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