Published: July 4, 2025
"Finally, we were able to deliver it safely..."
"Yes..."
The words were murmured by Jun Luo, the leader and a third-rank adventurer, in a voice filled with exhaustion.
In response to him was Baliri, the mage and strategist.
The other three members—Chunk, the scout; Shun Li, the healer; and Roso, the swordsman—were equally fatigued, merely nodding in agreement.
When it comes to third-rank adventurers, they are recognized as top-tier individuals, akin to high-level adventurers.
To see such individuals exhausted is quite unusual...
By the way, among these five, only the younger swordsman Roso is a fourth-rank adventurer...
However, in terms of capability, he is already on par with the other four third-rank adventurers.
Once he gains some more accomplishments, he will surely become a full-fledged third-rank adventurer.
The reason why these five talented individuals were so fatigued was that they had struggled to deliver documents to Earl Bashu Roshu Ten, the lord.
When they left the town of Boago, they had heard that the lord was staying at an inn called the "Moonlit Banquet Pavilion," which faced Holy Emperor Square.
Since the lord had previously made this inn his regular lodging in the imperial capital, the five had arrived at the "Moonlit Banquet Pavilion" without any issues.
And they sought an audience...
"I’m sorry, but Earl Bashu and his party are no longer staying here."
"What?!"
"They checked out five days ago."
"W-where did they go?"
"I'm afraid I don't have that information."
It goes without saying that the five were devastated by the innkeeper's words.
Most critically, the inn did not have any information on where Earl Bashu and his party had moved.
Normally, one would expect them to keep track of such information, right?
In truth, the higher-ups at the "Moonlit Banquet Pavilion" had been informed.
However, handling such information requires careful discretion.
Especially regarding Earl Bashu, who had reportedly been attacked within the imperial palace, caution was necessary.
As a result, the temporary staff member that the five spoke to had not been informed...
It was a blunder that was uncharacteristic of a first-rate inn.
That being said, mistakes do happen.
For those who fall victim, it doesn't end there.
The five wandered around the imperial capital.
They searched throughout the imperial capital.
They scoured every nook and cranny of the city...
At one point, they even visited the "Dragon Spring Residence," which was quite far from the center.
As a result...
"I never expected they would be at the 'Crystal Pavilion' on the opposite side of Holy Emperor Square."
"That was a complete blind spot."
Jun Luo, the swordsman, murmured, and Baliri, the mage, nodded in agreement.
The five had initially checked the inns near Holy Emperor Square.
They had indeed checked...
"But the gate of the 'Crystal Pavilion' was closed, so we decided to come back later."
"That was a mistake."
Chunk, the scout, muttered, and Shun Li, the healer, nodded repeatedly.
Roso, the silent swordsman, shared their fatigue but remained focused on a single point.
"What's wrong, Roso?"
"No, Jun, it's nothing."
Roso averted his gaze, blushing in response to Jun Luo’s inquiry.
However, the other four understood the reason behind Roso's actions.
At times like this, Roso is simply hungry.
"I'm hungry too."
"So am I."
In response to Jun Luo's words, Baliri, the mage, nodded emphatically.
The other two echoed their agreement.
Naturally, one gets hungry after wandering around.
Moreover, now that their pressing concern had been resolved... the hunger that had been forgotten resurfaced.
"Alright, let's go eat."
With that, the five entered a dining establishment facing Holy Emperor Square.
It was a place that featured "Noodle Soup with Wheat Noodles" as one of its signature dishes.
"This noodle has a sweetness to it while also having a nice elasticity."
"Don't act like you're eating for the first time and making refined comments; remember, you’ve already finished your second bowl."
Ryo made a remark with the air of an instant noodle critic, while Abel pointed out the precarious situation.