On my way back from the Mercenary Guild, I was followed by the remnants of Cactus, but I ended up luring them into a dead-end alley; where I eliminated them . I didnāt feel sorry, as unless I dealt with them, theyād keep coming back to try and kill meā¦ But the corpsesā¦Ā
āFuu~ . ā
I took a deep breath, then decided I had to inform the city guard about it . Ā
I explained the situation, even accompanied the guards to the scene to retrieve them . It took a while, even though it felt like a waste . I ended up not having the time to search for lodging . So, I ended up staying the night in the guard stationās lounge . Ā
The next morning, the verification was over, and my statement was acknowledged . I was allowed to leave without reproach . It really was a waste of time, but I was the victim here, not the assailant . I needed to make that clear . Ā
Upon leaving, the first thing I did was head west to the West Metropolis, an inn with luxurious accommodation for a place like Barga . I didnāt want to go to the White Flower Inn, where Schwartz was supposed to be staying to make a distinction . Some people may notice the similarity between the two of us . So, I had to cover all my bases as best as I could . I was just attacked last night, so Iād rather spend more money on a place with better security . Ā
I went inside and called out to the receptionist . Ā
āWelcome, how may I help you?ā
āAre there any open rooms?ā\n
āThereās an unreserved single room . ā
āAlright, Iāll rent it for the month . ā
āThank you very much . ā
I paid the fee, got my key, and headed straight for my room . The rented room had one bed, a desk, a chair, and a closet . The room size was similar to the one at the White Flower Inn, however, it was much more luxurious . Ā
However, I didnāt come here to rest . I replenished my expended weapons and ammo from last night before I immediately left the room . First off, I headed to Marida Company to purchase more non-attribute stones to replenish the CP I spent during the escort request . Aside from that, I also wanted to tell them I was finally going to proceed with the labyrinth conquest . I was going to need sufficient supplies for that .
When the company came into sight, I also saw a wagon stopping beside it; probably to load or unload . Ā
Several strong-looking fellows could be seen around it, maybe escorting it . Last time, the fox beastkin twins, Arum and Silvara, were the escorts . Were they still around? Perhaps, but I guess they werenāt escorting this particular wagon . One of the escorts kept eyeing me . Ā
Ā \nI guess it was only natural to be wary since it was still early morning . There was still some time until the city came to life, so I understand why heād be cautious of seeing a masked individual approaching him .
āHold it right there, you . What are your intentions of coming here?ā
āNo need to get worked up . Is Chairman Marida here, or is the branch manager present? Tell them that Shaft came to visit ā theyāll know . ā
āPlease wait here . ā
The guard went inside the office after listening to me . This was the first time I saw the man, so he probably didnāt know who I was . The other escorts were more familiar with me . They bowed and exchanged light greetings with me once I was noticed . I heard someone rushing from the inside . Marida-san didnāt have such heavy steps, so it had to be Bill-san .
āShaft-an! Pardon me for the wait . The chairman is currently in the royal capital, so Iāll be serving your needs instead . ā
āPlease do then . ā
Bill-san took me to the usual room . Meanwhile, the guard came inside to report me, looked puzzled after seeing how Bill-san reacted . But the other escorts were quick to explain to him who I was .\n\nāAs you wish . The stones will be prepared soon . Thanks to you, the sales of the Bentos have gone well . Recently, adventurers have also started to buy them regularly, so we plan to branch out in Barga . Regarding the food, 3-4 weeks, eh? Please give me a day to prepare that . ā
āOkay, tomorrow morning then?ā
āYes, it should be ready by then . Shall I arrange a variety of food?ā
āYes, please . Make it decently varied?ā
āCertainly . Regarding the contentā¦ Is there anything, in particular, youād like or donāt like?ā
āNo . Anyways, as soon as I get food, Iāll be heading to the Wolf Labyrinth . ā
āHeading out again already after coming back?! Very well then, I will refrain from sending a messenger to the Royal Capital . ā
Afterward, while treated with a cup of good tea, the transaction for the stones was done . During the escort mission, Iād actually expended quite a lot . Especially because I didnāt manage to recover the tomahawk I tossed . My CP consumption turned out greater than Iād expected . In my mind, since I held back from using a lot of bullets, I shouldnāt have consumed that much; butā¦
Thereās nothing else on the schedule today, so I spent the rest lounging about .