A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation

“‘Guild-hosted Party Competition for Team Cohesion Test,’ is it?”

“Yeah.”

Rizel and the others, who had come to the guild as usual to receive quests, tilted their heads at the words spoken during the request acceptance procedure.

The bald-headed guild staff who continued the procedure with a magical tool nodded without taking his eyes off his work. Was it just a feeling, or did he carry an air of resignation?

“It was decided on a whim by the guild master to hold it tomorrow, so we’re hurriedly gathering participants. If you guys join, it’ll create buzz and attract customers.”

They were being treated like a drawcard.

However, Rizel nodded, thinking that the Adventurers’ Guild of Astarnia always seemed to do interesting things, whether it was the monster popularity vote they heard about from the leader of the theater troupe "phantasm," or the display of dungeon items at the Shipboard Festival—they never failed to appeal to the citizens.

Though it might be called a popularity grab, it basically meant that the guild was telling the hot-blooded adventurers to get along well. It was better to be familiar and approachable.

“But Jil really hates these kinds of things, right?”

Rizel glanced up at Jil, who was supposed to be the biggest draw with his “single sword.”

Sure enough, Jil gave a displeased look, and Rizel smiled softly, thinking it was probably impossible to force him to participate without a very strong reason.

“No, just participating is fine for two people. There are several events planned, and they want each party to select two people who are good at each event to participate.”

Though the parties varied in size—four, five, or six members—it was difficult to set a fixed number of participants, so the competition was apparently designed for pairs to test their team cohesion.

Curious about the event, Rizel tried to ask subtly but was not told any details. They said it was to ensure fairness, but Rizel and the others suspected it simply hadn’t been decided yet.

“So, have you decided to participate? The entry fee is one silver coin.”

“If the leader wants to participate, I’ll go with you.”

With the procedure finished, Rizel received the Guild Cards handed over by the staff, and smiled mischievously at Eleven, who was peeking over.

Generally easygoing, Eleven didn’t dislike such things. But if Rizel didn’t participate, he likely wouldn’t be interested either.

“Shall we give it a try? It sounds fun.”

“Got it.”

“Jil, please come watch.”

“I’ll just watch.”

The staff nodded, seemingly relieved that Rizel and Eleven would participate, folding his arms and stroking his goatee. Although it was a sudden event, the number of spectators would likely increase. The citizens of Astarnia loved festivals and would gather for events, and the more attendees, the better.

“The start will be at the bell toll of ten in the morning. Entry fees will be collected then.”

“Understood.”

After a brief explanation of the venue, the staff watched Rizel and the others leave.

He knew the three of them were close. Saying they were close felt a bit off, but if they formed a party and didn't fall out, then from an adventurer’s perspective, they were quite close.

Still, he thought, they didn’t seem to have much team cohesion.

“They really don’t look like they have any team cohesion…”

Though he encouraged them to participate, the staff stroked his goatee with an indescribable expression, watching the trio who seemed very individualistic and not cooperative.

Astarnia, facing the sea, had two beaches.

The harbor spread out around the royal palace, with the northern and southern beaches farther out. Both beaches had white, beautiful sand and blue seas, and were beloved playgrounds for the citizens.

Usually, children run around, adults dive into the sea, and lovers stroll along the southern beach, but today it was crowded with all manner of people, young and old alike. In the middle of the beach hung a large banner boldly proclaiming “Guild-hosted Party Competition for Team Cohesion Test.”