It was supposed to be their first free time in a new city, but they were apparently invited to the lord's mansion in the evening.
Therefore, "The Red Oath" planned to visit the guild early in the morning to collect their reward and then tour the city. Since they had come all this way, they wanted to see what kind of city it was. They also wanted to buy souvenirs for Rennie.
"Hey, shall we go sightseeing in the city together...?"
"โYou guys stay back!โ"
The three members of "Flame Wolf" who tried to call out to Mile and the others were chased away by Vera and Ginny.
"Come on, let's go!"
"Yes... yes..."
First, they went to the guild, and in the end, "Flame Wolf" went with them.
"Good work. This is the reward from the guild. It's not much since it wasn't a formal request, but the reward for the bandit extermination, which was a standing request from the merchants, is three gold coins per bandit, and the share from selling them as criminal slaves is seven gold coins, making a total of seventy coins for seven people. The forty others, while not technically bandits, were equivalent, so it's three gold coins each, totaling one hundred twenty coins for forty people. In total, one hundred ninety gold coins. It's less than the effort, but this is the money provided by the merchants of this city, so please bear with it. The lord will also contribute some, so it should be a decent amount..."
At the guild, they were led to a second-floor meeting room where the guild master handed over one hundred ninety gold coins. About sixteen gold coins per person, which is roughly one million six hundred thousand yen in Japanese currency. It was supposed to be a job worth twenty-four silver coins, or two hundred forty thousand yen, but for the four members of "The Red Oath," it amounted to over sixty gold coins, or over six million yen.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Give everyone one gold coin each, and the rest, Mile, you keep it."
Reina, who was uncomfortable carrying large sums of money, instructed Mile to store most of the reward in his storage. Besides, carrying over sixty gold coins was a bit heavy.
Originally, all the party's money was managed by Mile. During the party's activities, all income and expenses were managed as a common fund, used for necessary expenses like lodging, repairs, and replacements of front-line weapons and armor. Otherwise, the front-line members who directly defeated bandits would receive the reward, making it impossible to manage, and support and healing mages in the back-line would all quit. It would also be unfair to burden the front-line members with the rapid wear and tear of their equipment. Therefore, except for individual income during solo activities, everyone's money pouches were one.
For personal expenses, everyone received an equal amount of allowance, and sometimes it was divided equally on the spot. Some parties might have differences in shares based on individual ranks or the duration of party membership, but "The Red Oath" were all classmates, so they were equal. They were not the type to think about varying the allowance based on job or strength.
Therefore, the share Mile received for transporting the merchant's goods in his storage was also part of the party's income, as it was earned during a party mission.
Mile, who managed the storage, was responsible for the financial management, but when there was a large income he didn't know about, it was understandable that Pauline lost her composure. She counted the contents of the large pouch Mile took out from storage every night, with a creepy smile...
"One gold coin each. Spend it all today!"
"โOh!โ"
Reina's words were met with enthusiastic responses from the three.
Of course, they couldn't drink alcohol or visit suspicious places.
At most, they would enjoy some good food or buy souvenirs. Since they didn't have to worry about carrying the goods, everyone planned to shop to their heart's content.
"Come on, let's go!"
"...In the end, we didn't even use a tenth of it..."
Reina, looking tired.
Originally, everyone except Maevi was frugal. They couldn't afford to waste money. Even if they ate something a bit expensive, a small girl's stomach could only hold so much, and they weren't eating exotic delicacies. The quality and variety of clothing, hunter equipment, and preserved food were better in the capital, so there was no need to buy them here. Bulky items were also a concern, as the four-person room wasn't very spacious, so they couldn't buy much. In the end, Mile bought a large amount of local specialties like dried and smoked fish, which were abundant in this coastal city.
"Let's go soon..."
The sun was already setting, and it was time to head to the lord's mansion.
On the way back to the inn to meet the others, Mile proposed something.
"Hey, about this mission, what if we say that 'Dragon Breath' and 'Flame Wolf' did most of the work, and we mainly provided support?"
"โHuh?โ"
Reina, Maevi, and Pauline looked confused.
"Why do we have to do that! We want to build our reputation and aim for B-rank!"
"If you're a noble and can become a knight at a young age by reaching A-rank... But I don't mind..."
Pauline, at least, seemed indifferent, but Reina and Maevi were not convinced. It was understandable.
"Actually, I think this mission might lead to various complications. The royal palace, the Albion Empire, other countries, nobles, politics, war... I don't think it will lead to war immediately, but I have a feeling there will be many troublesome issues. If four young girls are part of the 'twelve guards who defeated forty soldiers,' I think it will attract a lot of attention and trouble..."
"Besides, we just became C-rank hunters. B-rank is still a long way off. It might not be good for newbies to stand out too much..."
Mile's explanation made Reina and Maevi think.
"Hmm, you might be right... Standing out too much can be a disadvantage. Maybe we should focus on improving our skills for now..."
"Umm, you might have a point..."
Maevi's words made Reina reluctantly agree.
After hearing this, the members of "Dragon Breath" nodded in understanding. The three members of "Flame Wolf" also seemed to understand.
In the end, someone needed to be recognized for the achievement, and "Dragon Breath" was a party close to B-rank, so it was socially acceptable. They also had the strength to handle any trouble. Therefore, the story was that "Dragon Breath" led the effort, "Flame Wolf" played a major role, and "The Red Oath" supported the merchants. The merchants and drivers were in the carriages and didn't see the details of the battle, so there was no risk of the story leaking.
"Flame Wolf," who needed to build their reputation and attract new members, was grateful to receive the credit and smiled, thinking this would attract many applicants.
"You guys, do you know the fate of parties that overhype their strength? Do you understand why the girls are trying to hide their true abilities? ...You'll die."
Bart's words made the three members of "Flame Wolf" hang their heads.
"Well, your intentions aren't bad, and I understand the need to recruit. So, for this mission, it's fine to say you did a good job, but when talking to potential members, be honest about your true strength. Lies lead to ruin."
"โYes...โ"
They fully understood that "Dragon Breath" and "The Red Oath" had extraordinary skills and saved them from certain death. Their sincere reflection on their overconfidence reassured Bart.
The lord, who had the same name as the city, was Lord Amros.
"Great job! If that had continued, my territory would have lost trade with the capital and fallen into poverty. I'm very grateful!"
A subordinate named Connelly, a soldier, had called him "stingy" before, but he seemed to be a decent noble who could properly thank hunters. The meeting was set up as an equal conversation around a large table, with food and drinks served. The dishes were served on large platters to make it easier for the hunters, who might be unfamiliar with etiquette. It seemed he was genuinely welcoming them.
"Seeing that you defeated forty soldiers unharmed, even with children among you, is truly impressive. How about staying in this city? I can promise you good treatment."
This might have been an attractive offer for a mid-level C-rank hunter who prioritized safety, planned to retire after turning forty, and save money to open a small shop with their spouse. However, for a party close to B-rank, a young party with a cute female back-line member aiming to build their reputation, and "The Red Oath," it wasn't a very appealing offer.
The capital had a wide variety of requests, many merchants, and frequent caravan missions. There were also many material collection requests. High-difficulty requests from the country and those beyond the local guild's capabilities were also assigned, meaning there were many dangerous but high-reward and promotion-point missions.
The lord, of course, knew this. He probably said it out of politeness or with little expectation.
After that, he offered a reward of three hundred gold coins, and everyone, especially "Flame Wolf," was overjoyed. They were in a state of excitement. Moreover, it was one hundred coins per party, increasing their share and further boosting their enthusiasm. For them, who were in financial trouble, it was like a dream. If the forty were just bandits, the reward wouldn't have been this generous. It seemed the lord highly valued their achievement in thwarting a foreign plot and capturing the culprits.
...If they were just bandits, capturing them and selling them as criminal slaves would have earned them a decent amount, but the lord's offer was even higher, a generous consideration.
After hearing that the lord had personally interrogated the captives last night and sent a letter to the king this morning, everyone was relieved that he was not an accomplice. They were also asked to have the person who persuaded the captives to cooperate with the kingdom explain it directly to the escort team from the capital, as it would make the captives feel more secure. They discussed this with the merchants.
Back at the inn, after discussing with the merchants, it was decided that "Flame Wolf" and "The Red Oath" would escort the caravan back, while "Dragon Breath" would stay in Amros to accompany the captives. The royal palace would likely act based on the messenger Fergus sent, so they were probably a day ahead of what the lord expected. Even if it seemed safe, they didn't inform the lord about sending their own messenger.
"We'll tell the guild that 'Dragon Breath' was requested to stay, and we'll report the mission as completed with an A rating."
"Thank you, we appreciate it."
The merchant's words were met with a slight bow from Bart.
Of course, they couldn't afford to be accused of "breach of contract" for this achievement.
The general meeting of the caravan was dismissed, but "Flame Wolf" and "The Red Oath" stayed to discuss the return journey.
"Shall I take command on the way back? Your party is larger, but we have more C-rank hunter experience and more front-line members for quick command. I know 'The Red Oath's' capabilities, so I won't give any unreasonable orders. You can trust me."
The leader of "Flame Wolf," Brett, spoke, and the four members of "The Red Oath" agreed and nodded.
"Thank you. I'll explain the escort plan. Mile, who can use magic for scouting, will be in the lead carriage. Reina, who is good at attack magic, will be in the last carriage to repel any pursuing enemies. Maevi and Pauline will be in the third carriage, ready to support either the front or back.
Each of us will have one front-line member and one mage to guard. This joint mission is a good opportunity to learn from other parties and their methods. Do you have any questions or comments?"
"I don't have any issues with the plan, but can I ask one thing?"
"Sure, what is it?"
Reina glared at Brett and asked.
"Why am I called 'chan' while Pauline is called 'san'? I'm older than her, so why am I 'chan'?"
"โEh...โ"
The three members of "Flame Wolf" were shocked by this new information.
"11-12 years old..."
"Then, let's work together from tomorrow..."
A few minutes later, Brett declared the meeting over, pressing his pounding heart and smoothing his slightly singed hair.
"Mile, how did you meet the other three?"
"They're all from the same class at the hunter training school and were roommates. So..."
Mile, sitting on the roof of the lead carriage, and Chuck, sitting on the driver's seat.
The driver's seat was a bit narrow for three people, and since Mile was light, she could sit on the roof without causing any damage. They needed to show their presence as guards, so they couldn't hide in the cargo area.
Chuck never turned back to talk to Mile.
Positionally and height-wise, turning back would mean looking up under Mile's skirt.
Mile was defenseless and didn't seem to mind if Chuck turned back, but once, when Chuck tried to turn back, he received a strong elbow from the old man sitting next to him. The old man's previously friendly smile turned into a scary one, and he whispered in a low, threatening voice.
"I'll kill you, you bastard..."
After that, Chuck was very gentlemanly.
Following Brett's strict order to "get along and invite them to join the party when they reach the capital," Chuck tried to talk to Mile.
Even without Brett's order, Chuck was grateful for being saved from a soldier's attack and for the treatment of his severely injured left arm. Mile was honest, cheerful, and cute, and her magic and sword skills were B-rank level. He wanted her to join the party and, if possible, have a deeper relationship. In a few years, he would be twenty, and she would be an adult, so he planned to deepen their relationship gradually...
Unaware of these thoughts, Mile happily talked to Chuck, and Chuck felt hopeful about the positive response.
If the old woman were there, she might have whispered.
"Hehehe, Mile, what a naughty girl..."
In the third carriage and the last carriage, similar scenes were unfolding.
Pauline, who was completely ignored, quickly gave up, and Brett discussed sword techniques with Maevi. Daryl, the spearman, noticed that Reina, who didn't react to compliments about her appearance or magic, was very interested in "Flame Wolf's" past failures, lessons learned from various jobs, and tips for monster hunting. The conversations were going well, at least from their perspective.
However, for "The Red Oath," it was also beneficial to hear various stories from slightly older young hunters, and Mile thanked them by serving orc meat for dinner.
(But it's always orc meat... Sometimes, it would be nice to have less fatty, healthier meat... Goblins can't be eaten...
Ah, how about ogre meat? It's less fatty and healthier than orc meat.
Realizing that no one in this world would understand her joke, Mile slumped in disappointment.
After dinner.
"Today's 'Japanese Fuka Talk!'"
The members of "The Red Oath" looked forward to the familiar start of Mile's story series, but the members of "Flame Wolf" were confused. Ignoring their reactions, Mile began her story.
"Tonight's story is about three female beastkin knights, 'The Three Beast Sisters.'"
And Mile's story continued.
"Thus, the thirty-something unmarried fox beastkin, known as 'Aramis,' and the young cat beastkin from the countryside with a hugging habit, 'Nyanko,' meet..."
Bwah!
A few people choked, but Mile continued.
"Then, Nyanko asked Aramis, 'Sister, how old are you?'...