Volume 4 Chapter 5 She Could Support Herself, But...
I had gone to the Mercenary Guild with my updated equipment. Even though only a month had passed since my last visit, it felt like ages, much like when I visited the old man's weapon shop.
By the way, Mikage wasn't with me this time. She had resumed her mercenary activities before me. Right now, she's busy with another job, but it's not too troublesome, and she should be back in a few days.
But even without Mikage, as soon as I stepped into the guild, I could feel all eyes on me.
The reason? It's the guy following me from behind.
"Wow... So this is what the inside of the guild looks like."
Aina, looking impressed, is scanning the building.
She's wearing a deep cloak, making it hard to see her face. Yet, there's this remarkable aura about her that feels out of place. Plus, her chest, rivaling Mikage's, is pushing the cloak tightly.
It's like suddenly a beautiful flower blooming on a rocky hill, casting light. Even those accustomed to Mikage's beauty are speechless at the appearance of this new, delicate flower.
"You shouldn't stand still at the entrance."
"Oh, sorry."
Aina, who had stopped, hurriedly entered the guild upon hearing my words. Perhaps realizing she's with me, a mix of jealousy and slight hostility pierces me through their gaze.
――"So, here comes another beauty trying to catch my attention!" That feeling of jealousy is really strong here.
'Hmm, just as I expected, a typical reaction.'
I accept it as a kind of famous tax. Actually, I'm proud to have such a beautiful person as my lover. But I keep quiet about it because if I said it out loud, most of the mercenaries in the building would probably turn against me.
'Oh, but it seems like it's not just jealousy. Look over there.'
Which way is 'over there'? I casually glance around the building, and my eyes settle on a particular spot. There was a small group of mercenaries, and the way they looked at me seemed a bit different from the others.
It was like they were looking at something amusing. But strangely, I didn't feel uncomfortable.
"Yukina-san?"
"Oh, yeah, sorry. Let's go."
Even though I was curious, I broke my gaze as Aina called out to me, and together we headed towards the reception desk.
"Hi, Yukina-san. What brings you here today?"
"Sorry, but work will have to wait. I'm just tagging along today."
As the familiar staff member greeted us, I stepped aside for Aina. When she reached the reception, she bowed politely to the staff.
"I'd like to register her as a mercenary."
"Is she... the one...?"
"Who else would it be?"
Yes, today we came here for Aina's mercenary registration.
It was her idea to do this.
"Now that I'm no longer a princess but just a commoner, I can't rely on someone else forever. I'll support myself from now on!" she declared with determination.
I had no intention of stopping her if she wanted to work. I thought starting as Kyunei's assistant would be a good idea, but Aina surprised me by choosing to be a 'mercenary.'
Me, Mikage, and Kyunei all hesitated when Aina first mentioned becoming a mercenary... but somehow, before we knew it, she had us convinced with her logical arguments. She's truly remarkable, having dealt with so many nobles in the past as a former princess. Her skill in persuasion far surpasses ours.
So, that's why I'm here with Aina.
The receptionist was taken aback by Aina's beauty, then couldn't help but notice her chest, before finally turning to look at me again. But even if you act all suspicious, it doesn't change the matter at hand.
Aina, on the other hand, just smiled when her eyes met the receptionist's.
"Um... excuse me, may I ask for your name?"
"It's Aina."
"Oh... Miss 'Aina'... is it? ...Forgive me, but you share the same name as the princess of this country."
"Yes, that's true."
She just casually brushed it off, this former princess.
Aina isn't doing anything special with her hair or hiding her face. She's not wearing a dress like she did at the royal palace, but other than that, she's not in disguise.
She's just here naturally, yet no one seems to realize she's a former princess, not even the receptionist right in front of her.
But the receptionist just tilts her head. There's a clear expression on her face, like "No way, really?" But she doesn't bother to confirm if Aina is truly a princess.
No one expects a princess to be in a place like this―― those preconceptions keep people from connecting Aina with royalty. It seems like everyone here, not just the receptionist but everyone else too, shares the same perception.
'Is she doing this all on purpose or is she just naturally like this? Either way, she's one scary princess.'
For now, it seems like the only reason Aina is getting attention is because she's 'pretty.'
"I understand that you would like to register as a new mercenary, but do you know what mercenaries do?"
"They're people who do jobs for clients and get paid for it, right?"
"Yes, exactly. But the jobs often involve rough stuff, you know."
"Of course. But I'm confident in my magic skills."
Aina makes a determined fist and shows her enthusiasm. She also has a 'staff' that assists her when using magic, so maybe it's clear to the receptionist that she's not just a beginner.
The receptionist looks at Aina with hopeful eyes, but she just crosses her arms and looks back silently.
After a moment, the receptionist gives up and sighs, then pulls out some documents from under the counter.
"...Okay, now please read through this contract and then sign it."
"Sure!"
Excitedly nodding, Aina glanced over the document and then signed it.
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