Volume 4 Chapter 18 It Seems To Be Expected, But...
I was about to say no to the request for more investigation, but Karan spoke first.
"This is a different topic from the investigation. Right now, the additional investigation of the cave isn't confirmed. However, it's not entirely unrelated."
So, this probably happened before I agreed to help with the reconstruction work. Still, it was sudden news, and I was surprised.
"Wait a minute. I'm happy about Yukina-sama's promotion. But isn't it a bit too soon? Yukina-sama became a 4th rank not too long ago. I've never heard of someone becoming a 3rd rank in such a short time."
Even though I'm happy as a subordinate, as a mercenary, I have some doubts.
Gram muttered deeply in response to Mikage's point.
'When you defeated the Kobold King, Mikage was saying something like, "You could have been promoted to 3rd rank," even though she had just formed a master-servant relationship. It shows that Mikage is growing.'
Back then, Mikage had just formed a master-servant relationship, so her mood was a bit strange. It's not a story from a long time ago, but it feels somewhat nostalgic.
"This is also my first time since becoming an employee of this guild. But, can you try to recall the events you encountered after you were promoted to 4th rank in order?"
I wonder what that means.
As instructed, I start counting with my fingers to confirm.
First, I defend the village from a Goblin attack.
This event leads to the discovery of magic circles for summoning that are placed in a cave nearby.
Then, I quickly sensed the presence of summoning magic circles and sneaking demon within the royal capital. I informed the royal palace about it to minimize the damage to the royal capital.
After that, I rushed into the royal palace to rescue the royal family and Aina, who were targeted by demon, and held off the demon's attacks until the Brave arrived.
Unofficially, there's also the matter of cutting down the evil dragon summoned by the demon, but it's kept under wraps to maintain the Brave's reputation. Ordinary people like Karan shouldn't know about this.
However, what's widely known is probably the story about buying time until the Brave arrives. Other details may only be known after some investigation. Well, it seems like the guild has a good grasp on them.
"...When I think about it again, this is amazing. Even I, who have only recently become a mercenary, can understand it."
Aina said deeply, and Karan nodded slowly.
"To be honest, even if just one thing was missing, it could have caused significant damage to the royal capital. If you contributed greatly to preventing that, it's impossible not to appreciate it."
Normally, the achievements of a mercenary are obtained along with the completion of a request, but this time the scale of the story was different. There was even a fear that the country could collapse if things went wrong. It's not surprising.
Although I thought of it as someone else's problem, the strange thing is that I am actually the person involved. Especially the matter of breaking into the royal castle, my mind was filled with thoughts of Aina rather than the country.
But objectively speaking, this is pretty amazing. I really want to say, "Did I really do this?" I don't know the world well enough to say that this is 'no big deal'.
"To be honest, I was planning for you to accumulate a few more achievements by taking on some other requests before telling you this story."
"Did you decide that this case is worthy of that achievement?"
This is a chance to get clues about an event that shook the country. If I made that breakthrough, even if it's different from the original request, it would be more than enough.
"Also, from what I've heard, your judgment seems accurate. I believe you're ready with the mindset of a 3rd rank mercenary. Are you satisfied now, Silver Flash?"
"Yes, of course. I wasn't unhappy to begin with. As I said earlier, Yukina-sama's promotion is great news. But─"
Mikage nodded but still looked concerned.
"Still, it's a bit out of character for you."
"You're right. I feel the same way."
But it was Karan who brought up my promotion within the guild in the first place. That's probably what Mikage is curious about too.
"I've been active as a mercenary for a while and have been involved with the guild as a staff member even after retiring. That's why I know."
Karan directed a gaze at me as if piercing through me.
"Yukina-kun. You mentioned earlier that the recent incident was a coincidence. But since becoming a mercenary... no, since coming to this royal capital, how many 'coincidences' have you encountered?"
I felt a shiver run down my spine.
It wasn't fear. Nor was it intimidation.
The friendly-looking staff member in front of me suddenly seemed like a seasoned warrior who had survived many battles.
"You know, there are people in this world who attract those 'coincidences' regardless of their own will. And top-tier mercenaries like those in the 2nd rank undoubtedly possess that quality. Including Silver Flash, who's by your side."
Mikage once told me.
Karan, too, was a highly accomplished 2nd rank mercenary in the past. He was said to be so skilled that he might have even reached the 1st rank.
His words carried the weight of numerous accomplishments and experiences.
"I have expectations for you, Yukina-kun. I see your talent, which has been consistently building up achievements since coming to this royal capital. That's why you've been promoted. I want to see you excel in higher ranks."
It's not that I'm not happy to hear someone say this, but I couldn't help feeling a mix of emotions as I listened.
'It seems like he appreciates your talent for attracting troublesome situations, partner. It might be a bit complicated for you though.'
Even though I didn't say it out loud to avoid ruining the mood, I got Gram's message loud and clear.
Anyway, I also hope to be promoted to 3rd rank.
In the past, I would have been hesitating at this point, but now I have women I want to make happy.
I have a goal of becoming a man that these women can be proud of.
Promotion to 3rd rank is the first step towards that. My ultimate goal is to reach the 2nd rank like Mikage.
When I told Karan about this, he happily agreed.
"Well then, I will officially recommend your promotion to the higher-ups in the guild. You might need to complete some requests as part of the test, but with your current skills, it shouldn't be a problem."
"I'll do my best not to disappoint that expectation."
I shook Karan's offered hand firmly in mine.
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