Chapter Text
[chapter eleven]
Once the discussion about the details of the bodyguard mission was thoroughly polished, both parties reviewed every aspect of the plan, ensuring that the safety of the nobleman was of utmost priority.
As the meeting reached its conclusion and the final arrangements were made, the group came to a unanimous decision.
Walpurgisnacht: "It's settled then. We shall meet tomorrow at dawn to set off on this mission?"
"Understood. We have no problem with that."
The young master answered with a hint of bashfulness in his demeanor. He cleared his throat, his cheeks slightly flushed.
"Um, if it's not too much trouble, Miss Walpurgisnacht, would, would you consider joining me for dinner tonight?"
Walpurgisnacht regarded him with a warm smile, appreciating the gesture.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea! In fact, why don't we invite Geraint and Andre as well? It could be a great opportunity for all four of us to eat together and establish some rapport."
"Oh, well, actually, Miss Walpurgisnacht, what I meant was..."
But before he could finish his sentence, he was met with Walpurgisnacht's beaming smile, which made it difficult for him to backtrack.
"Ah, yes, of course! Dining together sounds like a splendid plan."
As they exited the meeting room, Walpurgisnacht began listing the various dining options in the vicinity.
"All right, so we have several choices for dinner. There's the cozy little tavern, The Rusty Mug, which serves hearty meals. Or we could opt for the more upscale dining experience at The Golden Pavilion, known for its exquisite cuisine. Alternatively, we could try the exotic flavors of Spice House, famous for its unique spicy meat dishes. And finally, there's The Garden Terrace, a peaceful garden restaurant with a lovely garden view."
She turned to the group; her expression thoughtful.
"What do you all think? Any preferences?"
Observing Walpurgisnacht's enthusiasm, the young master's initial hesitation dissolved like mist in the morning sun. He couldn't help but smile at her infectious excitement, and any lingering grievances he might have had seemed inconsequential in comparison to her genuine joy.
The young master, charmed by Walpurgisnacht's enthusiasm, chuckled softly and spoke, "Well then, Miss Walpurgisnacht, it seems you're quite the connoisseur when it comes to dining establishments. I trust your judgment. It's your decision, and I'm looking forward to it."
"Leave it all to me.”
[x]
The next morning at the south gate of E-Rantal, the dynamic duo of Walpurgisnacht and Geraint stood regally, their presence commanding the attention of all who passed by.
Behind them, a resplendent carriage awaited, adorned with intricate designs and pulled by a pair of drakes, magical beasts closely related to dragons. Their scaly hides gleamed in the morning sunlight, and their majestic forms added an aura of grandeur to the scene.
The combination of the duo's striking beauty, the opulence of the carriage, and the awe-inspiring drakes captured the gaze of everyone who crossed their path.
While waiting for their client's arrival, Walpurgisnacht couldn't help but voice her concern for the young master's well-being. "I hope the young master isn't too worse for wear after last night's drinking."
Geraint considered her question for a moment before responding with a hint of amusement, "Do you think that the young master would suffer from a hangover?"
He paused briefly, then added, "I don't think so. The 5th-tier version of Cure Poison I cast last night should have dealt with any negative statuses, like a hangover."
Walpurgisnacht nodded in satisfaction, knowing Geraint's magic was more than capable of handling such matters.
Curiosity piqued, she continued, "I wonder what prompted Mr. Völkchenheim to challenge you to a drinking contest so suddenly."
Geraint hid a smirk, feigning ignorance as he replied, "I honestly don't know. Perhaps he just wanted to test his limits."
Sensing that Walpurgisnacht was not entirely satisfied with his answer, Geraint quickly changed the topic as he pointed towards the approaching carriage. "Ah, but look, our client has arrived."
[x]
The carriage, pulled by the drake, raced across a vast grassy plain at incredible speed.
The vibrant green landscape stretched endlessly in all directions, and the duo inside the carriage marveled at the breathtaking speed of their mounts.
Despite the breakneck pace at which they were traveling, the carriage remained surprisingly stable throughout the entire ordeal.
Inside, the group sat comfortably, their conversation uninterrupted by the relentless speed.
The young master Völkchenheim praised Walpurgisnacht for making such a wondrous carriage with just her magic. "Miss Walpurgisnacht, this carriage is truly extraordinary! I've never seen anything like it. You're truly incredibly!"
Andre, the young master's servant, chimed in, his eyes filled with wonder. "Indeed, my lord. I still can't believe that magic can create something this amazing. It's like a work of art."
Walpurgisnacht smiled at their compliments, her eyes reflecting her appreciation. "Thank you both. Magic is indeed incredibly versatile, and its possibilities are limitless."
"Not only is this carriage a marvel of magic, but it's also safer than traditional horseback riding. The drakes are strong and agile, and the magic sustaining the carriage ensures a smooth ride even on rough terrain. Those two alone will keep safety and comfort young master."
"Thank you, Miss Walpurgisnacht. Your consideration for my safety is deeply appreciated. I feel truly fortunate to have such capable protectors by my side."
Andre hesitated for a moment, then cleared his throat. "Um, Miss Walpurgisnacht, if you don't mind me asking..."
Walpurgisnacht, with a warm smile, interrupted him, "You don't need to ask for permission, Andre. Please, go ahead."
Andre nodded and continued, "I was just wondering... both of you are incredibly powerful and skilled, so why aren't you an adamantine-ranked adventurer?"
Walpurgisnacht paused for a moment, her eyes gazing out at the passing landscape. She then turned to Andre, her expression thoughtful.
"To be honest," she began, "I desire to explore the wide world and experience everything it has to offer. I want to meet people, eat delicious food, witness wondrous sights, and so much more. While being an adventurer is a part of that journey, ranks and titles don't hold much importance to me. Hence, it's not something I actively seek."
She continued, her voice carrying a sense of genuine contentment, "I find fulfillment in the experiences and connections I make along the way rather than pursuing higher ranks. It's the journey itself that matters most to me."
The young Völkchenheim's contemplation continued as he considered the implications of Walpurgisnacht's perspective. Her words had indeed given him a fresh outlook on life, one that was markedly different from his own.
He couldn't help but admire her spirit and determination to explore the world, unburdened by the constraints of status or rank. It was a freedom that he, as a nobleman, hadn't fully grasped until now.
As his thoughts deepened, he realized that pursuing a relationship with Walpurgisnacht, despite his admiration for her, might not be in her best interest.
He recalled his mother's words about the beauty of a free bird compared to a caged one. The idea of tying Walpurgisnacht to his side, restricting her dreams and adventures, filled him with a sense of unease and sadness.
He understood that the most profound way to love someone was to let them follow their own path, even if it meant not being a part of it.
[x]
The journey continued in a thoughtful silence, allowing the rhythmic sound of the drake-drawn carriage's movement to fill the space.
Within this quietude, Geraint's sudden yet subtle shift in his seat became quite noticeable, catching Walpurgisnacht's attention.
She turned toward him, "What's the matter, Geraint?"
"We're approaching our destination."
"I see."
Turning her attention to the young master, she said, "It's about time for us to dismount."
The young Völkchenheim voiced his approval of the plan with a polite, "Very well."
Walpurgisnacht then addressed Geraint, saying, "Geraint, if you please?"
Through his mental connection with his summons, Geraint gave the command, and the drake-drawn carriage began to slow down.
Once the carriage came to a stop, Walpurgisnacht immediately cast [Search], her magical senses reaching out to check their surroundings for any hidden threats that they might have missed.
After the spell detected nothing of concern, Walpurgisnacht turned to their client and said, "I've scanned the area for threats, and there are none. It's safe for us to dismount."
"Thank you for your vigilance, Miss Walpurgisnacht."
Geraint: "I'll dismount first."
"I'll follow suit," Walpurgisnacht replied.
Once both bodyguards were outside, they signaled to the young Völkchenheim and Andre that it was safe for them to step out onto the grassy plain.
Geraint extended an invitation to the young Völkchenheim and Andre.
"Before we begin, how about we all take a moment to stretch? It'll help us stay limber."
Andre, wearing a cheerful smile, wholeheartedly agreed with Geraint's suggestion.
"Absolutely! It's essential to loosen up those muscles and prevent any unnecessary strains."
The young Völkchenheim, acknowledging the wisdom in their words, let out a contemplative hum before admitting, "I can't argue with that."
"I'll keep watch while you stretch." Walpurgisnacht added.
[x]
Torkel Karam Dale Völkchenheim stood there, his grip trembling on the bloodied blade he held in his hand. Before him, the lifeless body of a goblin lay sprawled in the grass, a grim testament to his first kill.
His mind raced as a torrent of emotions surged within him. The reality of what he had just done began to sink in. He had taken a life to end another being's existence. It was a stark departure from his sheltered life in the noble's quarters, a world away from the harshness of combat and death.
He looked at the goblin's lifeless form, its grotesque features frozen in a grimace of pain and surprise. The sight of blood on his hands and the metallic scent of it in the air all served as stark reminders of the brutality of the world outside the walls of his privileged upbringing.
The young man's thoughts were a tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts.
As he stared at the goblin, a solemn vow formed in his heart. He would not take life lightly, and he would strive to protect those he cared about without unnecessary bloodshed. Walpurgisnacht observed the young Völkchenheim from a distance, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she couldn't offer him the comfort.
For this was a part of their agreement, a solemn rite of passage that he had to endure on his own.
As the young man continued to confront the stark reality of taking a life, Walpurgisnacht's gaze shifted to the captured goblins awaiting execution. They were a stark reminder of the carnage they had wrought upon the goblin tribe.
Despite their diminutive size, goblins were considered dangerous magical creatures due to their intelligence and ability to employ various tactics. The threat they posed, especially in proximity to a human settlement, was a serious concern.
So they decided to eliminate the entire goblin tribe had been a strategic one, leaving only a selected few for the young Völkchenheim to execute.
Walpurgisnacht watched as the young master slowly steeled himself for the next kill.
She respected his determination and resilience, silently offering her support from afar as he continued to grow.
[x]
As the young master executed the final goblin, he let out a sigh of relief, a mixture of exhaustion and unease in his eyes.
He quickly withdrew from the gruesome scene he had just created, struggling to regain his composure.
Andre, the supportive aide that he was, approached him and congratulated him on completing the task. The young master, still visibly shaken, simply nodded in response.
Geraint praised the young man's ability to maintain his composure throughout the ordeal. "You handled that situation admirably."
Offering her perspective, Walpurgisnacht chimed in, "I hope that this experience will undoubtedly contribute to your growth, making you not only a better man but also a better leader for your people. It's a challenging path, but you're taking the necessary steps."
Basking in Walpurgisnacht's radiant beauty for a moment, the young master momentarily forgot his fatigue, a faint smile gracing his lips as he accepted their generous praise.
With a gentle smile, Walpurgisnacht suggested, "You should rest in the carriage while we clean up the aftermath. It's not safe to leave such a large number of corpses here. Predators might be attracted, and there's a risk of undead spawning if they're not properly dealt with."
The young master agreed with her suggestion, realizing the wisdom in her words. "I'll leave it to you. Thank you for your guidance and assistance."
With that, he headed back to the carriage, ready to recover from the emotional and physical toll of today's activity.
But before he could do so, a terrifying howl cut off his retreat.
A chilling sense of dread washed over the young master as the ominous howl echoed through the grassy plains.
He froze in his tracks, his earlier fatigue momentarily forgotten, replaced by a surge of adrenaline-fueled fear.
Walpurgisnacht and Geraint, still in the midst of cleaning up the goblin corpses, immediately turned their attention to the source of the howl.
The howl continued, growing louder and more menacing, and it was evident that whatever creature produced it was approaching their location with terrifying speed.
The young master's heart raced as he realized that their ordeal was far from over, and a new threat loomed on the horizon.
"What could be producing such a dreadful howl?"
"I don't have a clue, but judging by the sound and its rapid approach, it's a huge-size creature."
The young Völkchenheim snapped out of his fear-induced stupor, quickly approaching the duo. He asked, "What's our plan? Should we run and teleport away?"
Walpurgisnacht pursed her lips for a moment, then replied with a reassuring tone, "No need to worry. We'll handle it."
She turned to her companion.
"Geraint, protect the two of them, while I'll go take a look. [Fly]."
After ascending a few meters, she got a clear view of the approaching creature. She quickly identified it as a Giant Basilisk.
Unimpressed by the sight, she descended and informed the group, "It's a Giant Basilisk. Nothing we can't handle."
Upon hearing her words, the young master and Andre exchanged alarmed glances, their faces pale with fear.
Andre's voice trembling with fear as he painted a vivid picture of the creature's formidable features.
"A Giant Basilisk has thick, scaly hides that are like impenetrable armor, almost impossible to cut through. Their teeth and claws can tear through even the toughest of armor as if it were parchment. These creatures also carry lethal poisons flowing through their veins, capable of snuffing out life. And worst of all, their gaze... their dreaded Petrifying Gaze can turn a man to stone with a single glance, leaving nothing but a lifeless statue in its wake."
Andre finished his detailed description of the giant basilisk's capabilities and then turned to Walpurgisnacht and Geraint, only to find them both staring at him with mild astonishment.
"Is there something on my face?" he asked, a touch of self-consciousness creeping in.
Walpurgisnacht was the first to respond, her tone sincere. "Oh, not at all. It's just that your knowledge about this creature is quite impressive. You've clearly well read."
Andre, now blushing slightly, waved off the praise. "Well, it's just something I've picked up over the years. Nothing special, really."
Geraint expressed his concurrence with a nod. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself, Andre. Even I am impressed. Knowledge like that can be a matter of life and death for those who lack it but a lifeline for those who possess it."
Despite his age, Andre began to feel embarrassed at the duo's praise.
With a cough, he suggested, "Then, should we escape and report the presence of the Giant Basilisk to E-Rantal's officials so they could assemble a hunting party to deal with the creature?"
Walpurgisnacht: "There's no need for that."
The young master protested vehemently, his voice laced with concern. "But it's too dangerous to fight a giant basilisk with only the two of you!"
Andre nodded: "Indeed, it's far safer to face the giant basilisk with a larger group of people."
Walpurgisnacht pouted, feigning disappointment. "You don't believe in me, do you?" She raised her veil slightly, revealing a playful, pouting expression.
As the veil lifted and her face was fully revealed, the young Völkchenheim and Andre were completely starstruck. They found her beauty so profound that their overstimulated minds could no longer process the sheer magnificence before them, and as if overwhelmed by an excess of splendor, their consciousness began to shut down, leaving them in a state of awe-induced unconsciousness. Her allure had left an indelible mark on their senses, rendering them temporarily incapacitated by the sheer radiance of her presence.
Like puppets whose strings had been cut, the two men collapsed to the ground, their bodies unable to withstand the overwhelming beauty that had entranced them. Geraint swiftly moved to catch them, lowering their unconscious forms gently to the ground.
Walpurgisnacht, realizing what she had inadvertently done, quickly lowered her veil, once again concealing her face.
"Are they okay?" Walpurgisnacht asked Geraint, her voice tinged with concern, as she gestured toward the speechless duo lying on the ground, still overwhelmed by her beauty.
Geraint approached the two and performed a cursory inspection before replying, "They seem to be in shock. It's not uncommon when someone is exposed to something beyond their comprehension."
To ease her worries, he suggested, "We could use this opportunity to quickly deal with the giant basilisk while they recover. It's best not to keep it waiting."
In an attempt to alleviate her concerns, he proposed, "Perhaps we can use this opportunity to quickly deal with the giant basilisk."
"How about I handle the giant basilisk?" Geraint offered.
Walpurgisnacht considered his proposal before responding, "I appreciate the offer, but I should deal with it. The basilisk's body could be valuable, so it's best to keep it undamaged as much as possible. So, I'll kill it with a [Mind Destruction], use [Preserve] to keep it from decaying, and then create a wagon so we could bring it whole to E-Rantal."
Geraint nodded in agreement, concern in his eyes. "I understand. You're right; your skills are better suited for this. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"
"Of course, I'll be careful," she assured him with a smile. "Then, see you later."
"See you later," Geraint replied as she flew off to confront the giant basilisk.
[x]
By the time the young Völkchenheim and Andre recovered, it was already dusk.
As he was catching his bearings, Walpurgisnacht's voice cut through his confusion, asking him if he was okay.
"How are you, young master?"
It was then that the young man recalled that he had fainted like a delicate woman seeing blood.
Furiously blushing, he managed to stutter: "I can't believe I fainted like that..."
"Don't be embarrassed. My appearance tends to have that effect on some people. Your reaction was rather mild compared to others I've seen. Besides, it was my mistake to begin with, so I apologize for my carelessness."
The young Völkchenheim, still slightly flushed, managed a nod of acknowledgment. "Thank you for your understanding, Miss Walpurgisnacht. And, well, I suppose it's a testament to your beauty." He glanced at Andre, who was also recovering from the shock. "Right, Andre?"
Andre, his blush fading, nodded vigorously. "Absolutely! Your beauty is truly... breathtaking, Miss Walpurgisnacht."
Walpurgisnacht chuckled softly. "You're both very kind.”
Geraint then arrived carrying a tray that contained freshly cooked meals.
"I hope you're feeling better now. I've brought you some hot meals."
The delicious scent wafted into the air, waking the appetite of the recently awakened duo.
Young Völkchenheim: "Yes, thank you. We appreciate it."
Andre: "That smells delicious. Thank you, Geraint."
"You're welcome. Enjoy your meal. Just be careful; it's hot."
Geraint smiles warmly at the duo, then moves to sit beside Walpurgisnacht.
Ah, so they are in that kind of relationship, the Young Völkchenheim thought, slightly raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, right! The Giant Basilisk! What happened after we lost consciousness?"
"Don't worry; everything is taken care of. The Giant Basilisk has been dealt with, and its body is preserved." She pointed to a nearby wagon where the basilisk's body was being stored.
Hungry for the details and curiosity evident in his eyes, Andre asked.
"Would you mind telling us about the battle with the Giant Basilisk?"
"There isn't much to say. I took it down with a single spell. You see, I used a powerful spell called [Mind Destruction] that targets a creature's mental faculties. The Giant Basilisk, despite its tremendous size and great strength, couldn't withstand the assault on its mind. It collapsed, unable to resist, and that's when I finished it off."
The young master and Andre were both clearly in awe of her magical prowess.
"That's incredible!" Andre exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement. "To think you could defeat such a formidable creature with just one spell."
The young Völkchenheim nodded in agreement. "Indeed, your magical abilities are truly remarkable, Miss Walpurgisnacht," he added with a tone of wonderment, punctuating his words with an astonished "Wow!"
"And it seems that you have harvested a lot of material from it," Andre added, looking at the wagon he assumed Miss Walpurgisnacht made through her magic.
"Indeed," Walpurgisnacht responded with a contented grin. "The Giant Basilisk has generously supplied us with valuable resources suitable for a wide range of applications. For instance, its teeth could be skillfully fashioned into daggers, while its eyes hold the potential to create a Gaze Potion. Additionally, its bile can serve as a foundation for crafting high-quality poison or antidote. And let's not forget that its tendons possess excellent properties for repurposing into bowstrings, and its sturdy hide and bones could be skillfully transformed into durable armor."
Geraint then joined the conversation, offering his insights.
"The meat and blood have potential as a tonic. If one was fortunate, they might develop a minor resistance to poison after partaking."
Geraint's words struck a chord in the minds of the young man and his companion as they simultaneously looked at the freshly cooked meal.
Could it be?
Their contemplative musings weren't left hanging for long as Walpurgisnacht responded to their unspoken inquiry.
"That's right! So, eat your giant basilisk stew, and let's see if luck favors either of you!"
Understanding the value of their meal, Andre was about to protest when he noticed Geraint subtly shaking his head, signaling him to accept.
Andre realized that declining their extremely generous offer would be considered disrespectful to the effort they had made to prepare the tonic.
Casting a glance at the young master, Andre saw that he was grappling with the same moral quandary.
"Then, young master, let us eat and see if we're fortunate," says Andre before taking a spoonful of the tonic.
"Andre."
Mirroring Andre's resolve, he too began to eat the meal, hoping for the fortuitous benefits promised by the tonic.
[x]
As the group settled into their respective tents for the night, Geraint, who had volunteered to be the night watch, gazed in the direction of E-Rantal, a thoughtful expression on his face.
Seeing Geraint's unusual demeanor, Walpurgisnacht approached him and asked, "What's troubling you, Geraint?"
The ancient dragon turned his gaze towards her and replied, "There's something unusual in E-Rantal. A presence, stronger than any I've sensed in the city before."
Ancient dragons like Geraint possessed an extraordinary ability known as [Territory]. This incredible skill allowed them to gain unparalleled insight into everything within the space they had claimed as their own. Whether it was the tiniest insect crawling in the grass or the secrets whispered among the shadows, nothing escaped their vigilant awareness.
Remarkably, even when they weren't physically present in that space, Ancient Dragons could effortlessly perceive the area without any difficulty. It was as if their senses extended far beyond the physical boundaries of their territory, granting them an almost omnipresent awareness.
But the true power of [Territory] extended beyond mere perception. It allowed them to detect intruders, remotely control the environment to a certain degree—such as by moving traps or strengthening them—and wield authority over their claimed space in ways that defied conventional understanding.
Walpurgisnacht then remembered that Geraint had sought her permission to use this skill and claim E-Rantal as his territory. He had explained that doing so would enable him to remain vigilant against any potential threats approaching them, giving them a crucial advantage in their adventures.
Thanks to this extraordinary ability, Geraint had been able to detect the growing numbers of undead in the catacombs beneath E-Rantal. With her consent, he had promptly and silently dealt with them, ensuring their safety and preventing any potential disturbances from the restless undead and those with malicious intentions.
"Are they causing trouble or pose a threat to us?"
"No, they haven't caused any trouble so far, nor do they appear to be a direct threat to us. However, it's worth noting that they ventured into the catacombs, which suggests some connection to the individuals responsible for summoning the undead."
Walpurgisnacht nodded, absorbing this information.
"I see. Can you capture her?"
Geraint nodded.
"Yes. Thanks to [Territory], I can, to some extent, manipulate the earth to bind and imprison her."
"Then, I'll leave it all to you. Good night, Geraint."
With that, she retreated to her tent, leaving Geraint to his watchful duties under the night sky.
"May you have sweet dreams," Geraint answered before focusing on the task at hand.
"Now then, let's deal with the rat."
Geraint's molten gold eyes began to glow brilliantly, shifting into a draconic iris.
Under the ancient dragon's watchful gaze, the earth itself seemed to obey his command, ready to ensnare the unsuspecting intruder.
[x]
The next day, at a crossroad that branched off from the main road leading to E-Rantal, the young Völkchenheim and Andre found themselves standing at the intersection.
On the opposite side of the crossroad, the adventurer duo, Geraint and Walpurgisnacht, stood, their path diverging from that of the young master and his companion.
It was time for them to take separate routes.
Even knowing what her answer would likely be, the young man summoned his courage and approached Walpurgisnacht.
"I've been wanting to talk to you about something important," he began. "I've really enjoyed our time together, and I've developed some strong feelings for you. I can't keep it to myself any longer, so I wanted to confess and ask if you'd like to be in a romantic relationship with me."
Walpurgisnacht listened attentively, her expression gentle but serious. "Thank you for sharing your feelings with me," she replied sincerely. "I genuinely appreciate your feelings. But I don't share the same romantic feelings. I hope you understand that this is about my own emotions and not a reflection of you as a person."
The young man nodded, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "I see. I appreciate your honesty. It's a bit disappointing, but I respect your feelings."
Walpurgisnacht reached out and gently took his hands. "I genuinely hope that you find the love and happiness you're seeking," she said warmly. "You deserve nothing but the best in your life."
"Thank you for your understanding and kind words," he replied, a small smile on his face. "Then, goodbye, Lady Walpurgisnacht, and I hope to see you again."
With their conversation concluded, the young man and his companion bid their farewells, their mission as bodyguards for the adventurer duo now complete.
As the two watched the departing figures of the young man and his companion, Geraint broke the silence.
"I did not recognize the magic you used on the young man," he admitted.
Walpurgisnacht smiled faintly. "It was nothing more than a simple magic to help him find love," she explained.
Geraint nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see," he replied. Then, he turned his gaze to her. "Shall we leave as well?"
Seeing that their client was no longer in sight, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, I believe so," she replied. She then inquired, "How is our captive doing?"
Geraint reassured her, saying, "There's nothing to worry about. I've ensured that she will be able to self-terminate without issue."
Walpurgisnacht simply hummed in acknowledgment and began to walk along.
[epilogue]
As soon as Walpurgisnacht and Geraint stepped inside Guild Master Ainzach's office, they were greeted with warmth and appreciation from the middle-aged man. His eyes sparkled with recognition as he rose from his desk, a welcoming smile gracing his features.
"Ah, Walpurgisnacht and Geraint, it's good to see you both," Ainzach exclaimed, his tone laced with genuine delight.
The two adventurers returned the warm greeting in unison. "Guild Master Ainzach," they acknowledged with respect.
Ainzach leaned forward in his chair, curiosity shining in his eyes. "How was your mission? I trust it went well?"
With a nod, Walpurgisnacht reached into her satchel, retrieving a bundle of herbs carefully collected by Geraint during their assignment. She placed the herbs on Ainzach's desk, her voice filled with assurance. "The mission was a success, Guild Master. We've gathered the herbs you requested."
The Guild Master's eyes lit up as he examined the precious herbs. "Excellent work, as always. You two have consistently proven your reliability."
Geraint nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Guild Master."
Ainzach's expression shifted to a more business-like demeanor as he remembered their pending matter. "Ah, before I forget, your new adventurer tags are ready. Please give me a moment."
With swift and gentle movements, the Guild Master retrieved a small, delicate box from his desk drawer. Inside, gleamed the freshly minted adamantine adventurer tags.
He extended the box toward the two adventurers. "Here are your new Adamantine tags."
Walpurgisnacht and Geraint accepted the tags with gratitude, their fingers tracing the embossed insignia. "Thank you for your efforts, Guild Master Ainzach," Walpurgisnacht expressed her appreciation.
The Guild Master waved off the gratitude, his smile warm and appreciative. "Honest, we should have awarded this after your bout."
"Your kind words mean a lot to us, Guild Master," Walpurgisnacht replied with a gracious smile. "We appreciate your support and the recognition."
Walpurgisnacht carefully placed the harvested materials from the Giant Treant onto the guild master's table, her actions deliberate and precise.
The guild master, intrigued by the unfamiliar materials, inquired, "What are these, Walpurgisnacht?"
She smiled warmly and explained, "These materials were harvested from a Giant Treant residing in the same location as the rare herb we collected."
Ainzach nodded in understanding. "Ah, I see. Just like with the Giant Basilisk, we'll handle their sale."
Walpurgisnacht thanked the guild master for his understanding.
The man responded graciously, "Don't mention it. After all, the guild profits from being the middleman for these types of trades."
With a grin, he continued, "And that Basilisk fang you gave me is more than enough thanks."
The duo simply nodded, acknowledging the guild master's support and the mutually beneficial relationship they had cultivated.
However, a more serious matter was at hand. Walpurgisnacht cleared her throat before breaking the news. "Guild Master Ainzach, we will be refraining from taking missions for a while."
Ainzach's welcoming expression immediately shifted to one of confusion, his brow furrowing in concern.
Geraint quickly stepped in to explain, "We've decided to take a break for some time."
The guild master hummed thoughtfully for a moment before speaking. "You two have indeed been quite busy these past few months. It's only natural to feel a bit exhausted."
With a playful glint in his eye, he continued, "Of course, I doubt it's physical exhaustion that's bothering you."
Recognizing the good-natured teasing in their guild master's words, the duo chuckled.
Ainzach chuckled as well before continuing, "I'd wager it's more of a mental exhaustion. It's important for adventurers to take a step back when need be."
Walpurgisnacht and Geraint nodded in agreement, appreciating their guild master's understanding and support.
The guild master, genuinely interested, asked, "If it's not too intrusive, how do you plan to spend your downtime?"
Walpurgisnacht considered the question for a moment before responding, "Initially, we had planned to head to E-Naeurl."
"E-Naeurl?"
Geraint chimed in, adding some context, "Yes, but when we realized it's practically at the opposite corner of the Kingdom's map, we decided to scrap that plan and opt for something else."
Walpurgisnacht interjected with a smile, "Our new plan is to explore the surrounding regions in E-Rantal."
The guild master's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“Eh?”