Published: July 3, 2025
On June 21st, at 9 AM, I have posted the previous chapter titled "0106 Interlude."
This "0107 Continuous Escort Request" is the second chapter for today.
Capital City of Aberdeen. Adventurers' Guild.
"Welcome. How can I assist you today?"
Ryo peeked into the vacant reception.
"Excuse me, I'm an adventurer from the Naitorei Kingdom..."
As he spoke, Ryo presented his Guild Card to the receptionist.
"Ah, you are Ryo, a d-rank adventurer from the Naitorei Kingdom. So, what brings you here?"
"Actually, I'm looking for escort requests for merchant caravans heading towards the kingdom."
"I see. Indeed, there are a few available... but all of them require c-rank and above... I'm sorry."
"Yeah, I figured..."
The receptionist wore a regretful expression as she informed him that she couldn't meet his hopes.
And that was exactly what Ryo had expected.
To be precise, it was what Sue had expected.
Ryo felt dejected.
(Guess I'll have to borrow money from Ra... I was careless, so it's my fault... It can't be helped...)
Even though it went against his principles, he thought it would be better than causing further trouble for others, as long as he could endure it...
As he contemplated this, someone called out from behind.
"Considering your youth, being a d-rank means you've got some decent skills, right? How about accepting an escort request to the royal capital of the Naitorei Kingdom?"
When Ryo turned around in surprise, he saw a man in his mid-thirties who looked every bit the adventurer.
"Mr. Coon?"
The receptionist turned to him with a questioning expression. It seemed the man's name was Coon.
"Ah, it's about that request. Your build is perfect. Honestly, I thought it was impossible, but this must be divine intervention or something."
"Uh...?"
Ryo completely didn't understand.
Was this some strange request or a suspicious employer?
Just as he was thinking that, the receptionist quietly explained.
"This request is officially through the Adventurers' Guild. Moreover, both the duke and the Guild Master have instructed the reception to cooperate as much as possible. So, Mr. Coon here is the coordinator for the Guardian Adventurers."
Upon hearing that explanation, Ryo looked at Coon.
Coon seemed to have overheard the explanation.
He nodded repeatedly.
Then he added a remark.
"However, while it's an escort request, it is a 'request to be escorted.'"
"...Huh?"
Coon's last comment only added to Ryo's confusion.
As for the details, they would discuss them while moving, and Ryo was taken by carriage.
The others from Switchback watched them off...
Ryo thought he was perfect as Ryo, but the request wouldn't be valid unless the requester acknowledged it.
Thus, he wanted to go with him to meet the requester now.
After all, they were departing tomorrow morning, so today was the only time they had.
So, Ryo got into the carriage with Coon.
"In other words, you want to go with me as a shadow warrior for a certain important person to the royal capital."
"Well, that's how it is. Meals are included, and you won't have to walk inside the carriage. Once we reach the royal capital, you will receive five hundred thousand florin as a success reward. What do you think? It's a good request, right?"
It was indeed a wonderful request... But if it was such a lucrative one, many others would likely want to take it...
"Firstly, you need to be someone who can at least not be distinguished from afar from that important person. You see, all those so-called adventurers have a sturdy build..."
"Ah, yes, I'm quite slender compared to other adventurers."
"Exactly. Oh, wait, I'm not insulting you, okay? From what I can see, you're a mage, right? Mages tend to have that kind of build, and appearance and ability don't necessarily correlate."
As Ryo nodded, Coon hurriedly denied any offense, suggesting he wasn't a bad person at all.
While they chatted, the carriage arrived in front of a particularly large gate.
"Where is this?"
"This is the Duchy Castle. The requester is staying here. See? It's a proper request, right?"
Indeed, speaking of the Duchy Castle, it was the residence of the duke ruling the Duchy of Inberri.