Volume 3 Chapter 24 A Customer With A Quirk
There was a possibility that other customers might come, but for now, I just hung a sign saying I was out.
While I was helping another client, it was quite likely that other customers would come to Nurturer.
It was something I should address first, but the only thing I could think of was to create a suggestion box or something similar.
However, that wouldn't allow for setting specific dates, so I wished there was someone at Nurturer who could take messages for me instead.
Should I hire someone? As I pondered this, a voice suddenly came from right in front of me.
"I did it, Kanna! My job class level went up too!"
"Congratulations, Eric!"
Kanna and Eric, who had requested a job today, were celebrating their growth from monster subjugation.
They seemed to be fresh adventurers who had just become adventurers about a year ago, having met in the town of Hyamars and formed a party.
Both of them were lacking in skills and couldn't join any parties, but they shared a dream of becoming Rank 1 adventurers and bonded over that.
I was surprised because I thought they were siblings or a couple, as it was rare to see a party made up of just 2 people of different genders.
Watching them closely, it seemed like they both had some feelings for each other, which was quite heartwarming.
Since they had become more comfortable with each other during their adventures, I spoke to them in a casual tone.
"Well then, let's wrap it up for today. The sky is starting to get dark."
"Yes!"
Looking up at the orange sky visible through the gaps in the trees, we decided to call it a day.
Both of their job class levels were still at "5," and they were still very much beginners.
Apparently, they wanted to become Rank 4 adventurers in the promotion exam 2 months from now, feeling their lack of skills, which is why they had come to Nurturer.
On the way back, Kanna and Eric had expressions that seemed to say they couldn't believe it as they gazed at their Divine Revelation.
"We haven't been able to grow at all these past few months..."
"After following Mr. Roezé, I was surprised at how quickly my level went up."
"I'm glad I could be of help."
The two seemed happy, smiling as they felt their growth.
It seemed they had been fighting the same monster for a long time and had no idea about the initial divine growth point.
Just by changing their training method a little, they dramatically improved.
The support magic also seemed to boost their confidence, allowing them to face unknown monsters without hesitation.
"Oh, by the way, what about the fee for the request..."
"Since both of you leveled up once during today's adventure, it'll be 600 Flora."
"Wow, that's cheap. Considering how much you've taken care of us."
It seems that Eric is in charge of managing the party's funds, and she hands over 600 Flora to me.
Receiving that made me feel like I was finally doing something like a Nurturer.
"Mr. Nurturer is amazing, isn't he?"
"Huh?"
"There was a strange rumor going around for a while, and you seemed unapproachable, but I had no idea you were such a valuable presence."
When Kanna said that, Eric nodded in agreement.
"Recently, the Demon Lord army has been getting more active, and it seems like the adventurers on the front lines are struggling, so if novice adventurers can grow, it will turn the tide in our favor. I think Mr. Roezé's power will be incredibly helpful!"
"R-Really?"
I felt embarrassed as I scratched my cheek since I had never been praised like this before.
It's true that the growth of novice adventurers is essential to counter the increasingly active Demon Lord army.
I believe that just by helping adventurers who are struggling in the town of Hyamars grow steadily, I can make a difference.
In that sense, it's not wrong to say that the Trainer's power is indeed making an impact.
I was surprised by the two of them, considering I'm in a position to help novice adventurers.
"If we're talking about that, you two have amazing talents too."
"Eh?"
"Eric's 'Weather Magician' can change his magic depending on the weather that day. Kanna's 'Gluttonist' can temporarily enhance various abilities based on what she eats. I've seen others with the same job class among Rank 1 adventurers, so I believe you two will eventually become renowned adventurers as well. Maybe you'll even play a big role in defeating the Demon Lord's army."
Upon hearing this, Kanna and Eric's eyes widened, and they froze.
It seemed they didn't think they had such potential.
By conveying this to them again, it seemed to boost their confidence even more.
"Thank you. With this, we can take on the promotion exam with confidence."
"Can we ask Mr. Roezé for Mr. Nurturer's help again soon?"
"We look forward to your next visit."
As we chatted like this, we returned to the town.
* * *
After finishing my work as a Nurturer and returning to town, I walked home filled with a sense of fulfillment.
"...The effect of advertising is amazing."
I never expected to receive a request from novice adventurers so soon.
At the same time, I realized that many people are still struggling, which naturally motivated me even more.
I want to help those adventurers as a Nurturer.
I want to uncover hidden talents like Rose, Cosmos, Kanna, and Eric, and help them shine properly.
Being able to witness the moment when the seeds of talent sprout is one of the rewarding aspects of this job, so I can't help but feel excited.
While thinking about this, I walked down the street as the town lights began to turn on, arriving at the residential area where my home awaited.
As I walked down the path with familiar steps, I returned close to Nurturer.
I felt a bit happy that I could see the sign clearly even from a distance, and as I walked closer...
"Mm?"
There was actually "someone" in front of Nurturer.
At first glance, it was a "young man" I didn't recognize.
He had shining golden hair and enchanting blue eyes like jewels.
His long black coat gave him a mature appearance.
He wasn't poorly built, and above all, he was quite tall.
Yet, he looked slender overall, making him enviable from the perspective of another man.
This tall young man, who could easily be called handsome, was staring intently at the window of Nurturer.
Was he trying to peek inside? Who is this person?
"Um, excuse me..."
Not wanting to ignore him and go inside, I timidly called out, and the young man turned his sharp blue eyes toward me.
"Mm, what's up? Do you need something from me?"
"Well, I was just wondering what you were doing in front of my place..."
When I said that, the young man widened his eyes in surprise.
"Your place? So, you must be the owner of this 'Nurturer,' right?"
"Y-yes, that's correct."
I had somewhat expected it, but it seemed he indeed had business with Nurturer.
He didn't look like an adventurer at all, so I almost ignored him.
"It seems like Nurturer is quite busy. I've been waiting here since around 'noon,' but I never thought you would come back after evening."
"W-wait, since noon!?"
For a moment, I thought I misheard him.
The current time was already nighttime.
If he had been waiting here since the afternoon, that meant he had been doing nothing in this place for about 6 or 7 hours?
There was really nothing around in the residential area, and the scenery around Nurturer was quite dull, so I was genuinely surprised by his words.
"Y-you've been waiting right in front of the entrance the whole time?"
"Ah, that's right."
"I'm sorry, but since there was a sign saying 'out', wouldn't it have been better to just come back later?"
"No, I wanted to get stronger from the Nurturer as soon as possible. You didn't write when you would be back, so I was waiting like this to make sure I could place my request."
"Um, I'm really sorry about that."
I certainly didn't indicate when I would be home.
That means customers in a hurry can only wait in front of the Nurturer and have to patiently endure until I return.
A sense of guilt starts to bubble up.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't think about that. I'll be more careful next time. Wasn't it boring waiting here the whole time?"
I ask, feeling bad for making him spend his time idly.
The young man shakes his head with a refreshing smile.
"No, not at all. In fact, I had a meaningful time. I didn't even have time to feel bored. Because here... there's a window, right?"
"A window?"
The young man points to the small window of the Nurturer.
There is indeed a window, but what good does that do?
Could it really have distracted him from boredom?
That seems impossible, but...
"...Hehe, still beautiful as ever."
"Huh?"
"Flawless white skin, sharp and clear blue eyes, long eyelashes, and a well-shaped nose. I'm a perfect 'handsome guy' if I do say so myself."
"..."
...I thought I must have misheard again.
Right now, this young man was looking at the reflection of "his face" in the window and calling it handsome, wasn't he?
It seems I wasn't mistaken, as the young man gazed at his reflection with a dreamy expression...
He was captivated by the reflection of his own face in the window.
"Ah, what a truly beautiful face. I could stare at it for days, no, even forever. Even a dirty little window, a mirror full of water stains, or a puddle on the street, if I'm reflected in it... it becomes a magnificent 'painting'."
"..."
Could this person be... something else?
Is he an incredibly self-absorbed person?
For about 7 hours since noon, I realized in this moment the reason I could wait in this place for so long.
The young man had been passing the time for 7 hours just by looking at his own reflection in the window.
"Oops, I got a bit late with my self-introduction. You seem really eager to know my name, so let me introduce myself."
"...No, I don't have that kind of face."
"My name is Suisen. Suisen Pride. Not just my appearance, but even my name is beautiful──I'm the most sinful man in this world."
I said I wanted to help various people as a nurturer, but... I didn't expect to have such a peculiar customer.
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