Volume 1 Chapter 18 Someone Is Angry, But...
Upon returning to the Mercenary Guild, I reported the completion of the Big Rat extermination request. In addition, I delivered the proof of subjugation of the Kobold, which included their teeth and the fur I had skinned. While Kobold fur is considered cheap compared to other leather products, it is more durable than livestock fur and is used as material for mercenary armor. Although the quality is still low, it is suitable for the armor of novice mercenaries.
"Thank you for your hard work. There were a lot of them today, too."
From the woman at the guild counter, I received the reward for the extermination request and the meat of the Big Rat. Additionally, I received a bonus for the Kobold extermination.
"I really appreciate it. Nobody usually accepts the Big Rat extermination because it doesn't pay well and doesn't provide much recognition. However, they breed so quickly that neighboring farmers constantly request the extermination, so the requests keep piling up."
"It's great to have a good income left over."
"...Just between you and me, lately, Yukina-san has been earning the most in the 5th or 4th rank."
The receptionist whispered quietly. It was a precaution to avoid causing a commotion among the other mercenaries. They were well aware of the rough characters they dealt with on a daily basis in this area.
"I mentioned it's a good earning opportunity, but the truth is, there's something bothering me──"
I relayed to the receptionist the situation of being repeatedly attacked by the Kobolds and the fact that all the attacking Kobolds were actually starving.
"I see, so that's the case..."
The receptionist placed a hand on her chin, lost in thought.
"If it's nothing, then that's fine. It's just a bit concerning."
"Actually, the voices of mercenaries who are actually out in the field are very valuable information. And, Yukina-san's work is much more thorough compared to other newcomers."
The mention of "thorough" likely referred to the condition of the delivered materials. Except for immediate situations, I try my best not to damage monster materials any more than necessary. This would result in a better purchase price.
"As a fresh recruit, it's common for newcomers to think that all they have to do is hunt down monsters. But in that regard, Yukina-san's skill is so impressive that it's hard to believe you're only a 5th rank."
"Well, no matter how much you provoke them, they won't react."
It's just a matter of being experienced, but I don't feel bad about being praised.
"...Actually, the number of kobold subjugation cases has been unexpectedly increasing among other mercenaries. However, it seems that people don't pay much attention to kobolds because they are considered weak compared to other monsters, so we don't receive much detailed information. That's why Yukina-san's information is really helpful, to be honest."
"I'll pass that information along to the higher-ups in the union," the receptionist said, and then we had a little more conversation before I moved away from the counter.
While heading towards the exit, I talked with Gram. The guild building was filled with other mercenaries and staff, and voices of conversation and anger could be heard everywhere. With all this noise, it wouldn't seem unnatural for Gram to speak in a regular voice.
"So, what are we going to do now? Are we going to visit Oppai-chan again?"
"I think there's another way to call her."
Indeed, Kyunei's breasts are excessively large, but even so, there should be some other way to refer to her.
"My partner is quite something too."
"──Whoa!?"
It seems my thoughts slipped out of my mouth. But it's only natural for a man's gaze to be drawn to those breasts that assert themselves so much, even in casual clothing. Especially considering that I'm engaged in the mercenary business for the sake of doing various things with the owner of those breasts. It can't be helped, yeah.
'Sorry for making up a mysterious excuse, but be careful up ahead.'
"Whoa!"
Gram suddenly switched the conversation to telepathy channel. Following his voice, I looked ahead and saw a person walking towards us. I hurriedly avoided them and just before we passed each other, I confirmed the appearance of the person.
"──Whoa, they're huge!"
Perhaps because I was reminded of Kyunei's breasts until just now, I involuntarily blurted out my honest impression upon seeing the size of the woman's breasts as we passed each other.
'Ah, you said it.'
Gram's exasperated voice left me unable to argue this time.
As I passed by that woman, I noticed something unusual on her head── fox-like, animal ears that humans don't possess. In this country, Arcus, they are a rare race called Beastmen. Behind her body, around the buttocks area, a silver-colored tail of the same color as her ears swayed vigorously.
Her clothes was quite different from those who live in Blesstia. The closest comparison would be the robes worn by humans in the church. The outfit emphasized the color blue overall.
One word could describe the breasts that were prominently displayed by the attire── magnificent.
And apart from the breasts, what caught my attention the most was the sword she carried on her waist── but I didn't have the luxury to observe her appearance any further.
After all, the Beastwoman was clearly looking at me with an unhappy expression. I had a rough idea of the reason.
"...What did you just say?"
Her sharp gaze pierced through me, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver down my spine. She may be beautiful, but the pressure contained in her gaze was tremendous.
"Um, if I've offended you, I apologize. I'm sorry."
It's obvious that things will only get worse if I try to smooth things over clumsily. I sincerely bowed my head.
She stared at me for a while, then her gaze shifted from my face to the spear on my back.
"A spear user... I see. You're the rumored Rat Killer, aren't you?"
I sensed disdain and contempt mixed with her tone.
If it had been whispered in the shadows, I might have ignored it, but being openly ridiculed like that made even me frown.
'Hold it, partner.'
──Gram?
The telepathic channel from the spear on my back conveyed no hint of joking.
'That fox girl. She's probably so strong that even you wouldn't beat her. And what she's carrying at her waist is──'
Unlike the swords commonly found in this country, it was long and slender with a single-edged blade and a slight curve. It was quite large in size, but it was truly a mysterious sword.
'Anyway, don't pick a fight. At least not for now.'
After being warned by Gram, I tried to distance myself from the woman who wielded a sword (?) by saying "Well then, I'm out."
"Oh, so you're not going to argue back?"
However, just as I was about to leave, the silver fox woman behind me threw some words at me.
"Even if you're a coward who enjoys bullying weaklings like Big Rats, as a mere mercenary, I expect you to show some spirit."
Saying that, she turned towards the counter and started talking to the staff there.
──I wonder what that was just now.
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