Volume 3 Chapter 17 The Villainous Guildmaster, Returning
About half a month has passed since the attack by the Evil God Dostoevsky, on a certain night.
At the Guild hall of Gem of Heavenly Gift in my hometown.
"Alright, we will hold a welcome back party for the Guildmaster!"
"""YAY!"""
The head receptionist, Katrina, leads the cheer, and the Guild Members smile back.
Today, the Guild is closed.
In the tavern of the hall, all the members of Gem of Heavenly Gift are gathered.
I sit at the head table, looking over them.
...I feel nostalgic seeing their faces after being away for so long.
"Before we start, Guildmaster, please say a few words."
I stand up and look around at them.
"Everyone, thank you for keeping the Guild safe while I was gone."
The Guild Members smile warmly.
"And thank you for supporting our unreliable acting Guildmaster."
"W-wait, Master... that's mean!"
I had left Frederica in charge as the acting Guildmaster while I was away.
"Today, it's on me! Feel free to drink and have fun!"
"""YAY! IT'S ON THE GUILDMASTER! SO GENEROUS!"""
"Thank you, Guildmaster! Now... Frederica, please lead the toast!"
Katrina passes the baton.
She would have refused this role before.
But Frederica stands up and comes to my side.
"Everyone, I truly appreciate all your help despite my many shortcomings."
Frederica is showing her gratitude to everyone but me.
Respect for others, something Frederica used to lack...
I can see her growth.
"Let's all work together as the Villainous Guildmaster's helpers from now on!"
Frederica's joke made everyone go, "Doh...!"
The place erupted with laughter.
"Well then... Cheers!"
"""CHEERS"""
After the toast, the Guild Members started eating and drinking.
Thud, thud!
The Guild Members rushed over to me.
"Waaah! Mr. Act! I missed you so much!"
My disciple Yui was the first to come and cling to my waist.
"I heard from Frederica. You did a great job supporting this useless dog. Good job, Yui!"
"Hehe! That's because I love both you and Frederica so much!"
I gently patted Yui's head as she nuzzled against me.
"Grr... I'll let it slide this time since you helped me... but... the Master is mine... grr..."
Frederica puffed her cheeks and said something.
"Come on, it's fine. Mr. Act belongs to everyone, right?"
Katrina laughed and patted her shoulder.
"Your work was impressive too, Katrina."
More than Yui, it was Katrina who really shined this time.
Without her communication skills, Frederica would have been crushed by the Guildmaster's duties.
"Thank you, Guildmaster. As a reward... how about a date with me for a day?"
""HEY...! NO SNEAKING AHEAD!""
Frederica and the other Guild Members teased Katrina.
Frederica completely blended into the circle of Guild Members.
It seems she really grew while I was away.
"Mr. Act is... SMILING!"
Yui shouted with wide eyes.
"What!? NO WAY!"
The Guild Members gasped and looked at me.
"AH, HIS SMILE IS GONE NOW! DAMN IT! I MISSED IT! MR. ACT'S SMILE IS SUPER RARE! GUILDMASTER──SMILE AGAIN!"
*...Oh dear, those noisy guys.
Seriously.*
*But it wasn't annoying; it felt nice.
I felt a sense of comfort, like I was back home.*
---
The party went on until dawn.
The Guild Members got so drunk that they all ended up staying at the Guild hall.
I went alone to the rooftop of the Guild hall.
From here, I could see the whole town.
The town was completely silent, like it was dead before dawn.
The wounds I got from the Evil God had completely healed.
"Master, the night breeze is chilly on your body."
Softly, Frederica hugged me from behind.
I could feel her warm body.
"The town is back to normal. I'm glad the recovery was faster than I thought."
I took a hit from Dostoevsky's stone spear.
There were no casualties, but the buildings and town showed signs of damage.
Still, now, 2 weeks later, everything has healed completely.
"Thanks to Torio and the Merchant Guild, Donovan helped too."
And they did it for free; they offered to help.
"As expected of the Master, you are liked by people."
"Don't get the wrong idea. I give them treats to make them work for me in times like this."
"Okay, okay, I see."
She squeezed me tighter.
It felt like... she didn't want to let me go.
"...I felt lonely."
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