CH 35

Chapter 35 from “Miniature Garden Chemister part 2 – Miniature Garden”

In the middle of the main street is my destination, the Adventurers’ Guild, a three-story building that is more than one size larger than the surrounding shops and facilities. On the first floor, there is a sign above the door with a sword and shield that says ‘Adventurer’s Guild.’

As expected  there seems to be a lot of people coming and going because it’s lunchtime. I had been here once before when I got my ID card. It’s really an indescribable place. After all, I really don’t know much about adventurers. Still, this is the place where the kind receptionist lady had told me about curse slaves. If she hadn’t, then I might not have been able to meet Ikuru.

I quietly open the door and go inside.

Just like the last time I came, there was a long counter at the front. The adventurers seemed to be busy, going in and out to finish their business.

“Ah! Hinami-san~!”

“Thia-chan!”

On the right side of the entrance, I saw Thia-chan and Kiruto-kun waiting for us while sitting on one of the benches. Ikuru and I walked over to them as I told them “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, there was no problem…Oh my, Hinami-san’s hair ornament is such a cute ribbon!

“Oh, thank you. I was also surprised with Thia-chan’s ponytail. It’s so cute.”

“Thank you!”

By the way, because I won’t be fighting, I am not wearing a robe or any equipment. Right now I’m wearing the usual dress with a backpack, and just in case, I have a dagger in my bag for the time being.

On the other hand, Thia-chan had her loose wavy hair tied back in a ponytail with a large white ribbon. We were both matching in that aspect as I was wearing a god’s ribbon.

Diagonally behind her was Kiruto-kun, with his short, light brown, slightly frizzy hair all fluffed up. He also has a sword strapped to his waist and was wearing a chest plate. Yup, he definitely looked like a full-fledged adventurer.

“We meet again. It’s been a long time. Hinami-san, Ikuru-san.”

“Yeah! Long time no see. It’s been a long time, Kiruto!”

“Yes! Nice to see you again, Hinami-sama, Ikuru-san.”

“…Long time no see.”

Oh, Ikuru’s speech became more formal.

I mean, I guess that makes sense. Even though they are nobles, I guess I’ve been talking to them in a super friendly and familiar way…Seeing Ikuru act like this makes me wonder if I’m doing something wrong.

As I looked around the guild, I wondered if Miruru-san and Takuto-san were anywhere…but they didn’t seem to be here. Did they take a wrong turn when coming here?

“Speaking of which, why are here at the Adventurer’s Guild?”

“Oh, yeah. I thought I’d take a beginner’s class that was offered here.”

“Oh, I see.”

I suppose I can stay that I have practical skills as well, but I’m always scared, so unfortunately, I’ll just have to take a beginner’s course for now. As I was thinking about this, Thia-chan said, “Here’s the reception desk,” and led me to the counter where I had first registered as an adventurer. I thanked Thia-chan and immediately told the receptionist that I wanted to take the beginner’s course.

“At the moment, we are offering a one week course for practical skills and a three day course of classroom instruction. Are you sure you just want to take the classroom lecture?”

“Yes.”

“I understand. The first day of the lecture will cover the history, profession and general knowledge of the Adventurer’s Guild and Lettisreel, he second day will cover all matters related to monsters, and the third day will cover medicinal herbs, items and equipment.”

“I see, so it’s three different days.”

“Yes. It will start at 10:00am and finish at 5:00pm with a one short break in between.

Wow, it’s pretty long…5 or 6 hours a day including lunch. I feel like a student again.

“This month’s beginner course begins in a week. Would like to attend?”

“Oh, yes please.”

“Understood.”

The receptionist checks the schedule and writes in the documents. I was both nervous and excited as I watched her. I had never felt like this back in Japan. With how much my heart was pounding, I wouldn’t be surprised if it gave out.

Finally, the receptionist asks me to check the document.

“Ikuru, the class is…”

“I think I’ll refrain. I’ll be busy preparing for the store.”

Right…I thought that would be the case.

Well, Ikuru is strong and has a lot of knowledge. He could even be an instructor if he wanted, couldn’t he?

“Your registration is complete. Please bring this form with you on the day of the lesson.”

“Oh, yes.”

If you looked at what was handed to me. It was a single piece of flimsy paper with a brief description of the meeting time, what to bring, and rules and regulations. I was a little nervous because it was an official document. Also, the rules said that if anybody made noise, fell asleep, or was late during the course, they would be terminated on the spot. I’m not an elementary school student so I won’t do that…But is that really what it says?

“Sorry, sorry, I’m done!”

“Oh, that’s good. I’ve taken that class with Kiruto before, and it’s very thorough in teaching.”

“Really? Then I’ll hope for the best!”

Nodding to Thia-chan, we left the guild as we were finished with what we came here for. Then, just as we were leaving, Alfred-san entered the guild. As usual, he really stands out with his red hair tied back and wearing knight’s armor. Although he looks young, he’s actually older than me…although, my mental age is still older I guess.

“Ah, it’s been a while, Hinami.”

“Alfred-san! Long time no see.”

“Thia just called me in at the perfect time…If Hinami is okay with it, shall I introduce you to the Merchant’s Guild right now?”

“Wow, then please!”

Everyone else followed behind me, and Ikuru lightly greeted Alfred-san. Alfred-san also returned a quick greeting and told everyone that we were going to the Merchant’s Guild. It got everyone’s approval. It seemed like everyone was coming along, but Kiruto-kun timidly raised his hand and said that he actually had some business to attend to.

“I’m sorry, but I actually have an Adventurer’s Guild training course I signed up for, and it will be starting soon.

“Oh, that’s right…I’m pretty sure it’s with the adventurer Kiruto has always admired, right?”

“Yes!”

“Is that so. Then you should go soon so you won’t be late.”

Thia told him to head out, as she remembered. Kiruto-kun smiled and said, “I’m looking forward to it.”

Sword training…It’s amazing. As expected of a fantasy world. I wonder if they do use wooden swords or something? There’s no way they would use a real sword, right? If that was true, I’d be too scared to join, myself.

“Well, then it can’t be helped. Go on ahead and work hard, Kiruto!”

“Yes, I’ll be leaving now!”

With Alfred-san’s approval, Kiruto-kun went back to the guild alone. I didn’t really pay much attention to their conversation, but I would definitely give my full attention when we got to the merchant’s guild. It’s not like I didn’t want to listen to the scary parts or anything like that…Nope, definitely not that….

“Well then, let’s go.”

“Even so, it’s just across the street, you know?”

Saying that, Alfred-san gestured to the building across the street with his chin. Hmm? There was a building at the corner facing the main road. Is that the Merchant’s Guild…?

When I walked up to the front, I could tell that it was a deep structure, and there was a space where about three carriages could be parked. I see…because they are merchants, many people would need space for their equipment and carriages. If you included this space, it might even be bigger than the Adventurer’s Guild.

“Hey, Ikuru, have you ever been to the Merchant’s Guild before?”

“No, but the building in every town is this big. On a global scale, there are less Merchant’s Guilds than the Adventurer’s Guild, but the Merchant’s Guilds have better facilities.”

“Oh, I see…You really do know everything, Ikuru!”

When I thanked Ikuru for telling me, he replied saying that it was common sense while giving me a stunned look.

“Excuse me. I would like to see Mariage. Is she in?”

While I was talking to Ikuru, Alfred-san quickly entered the Merchant’s Guild at his own pace. Hey, wait a minute! I haven’t mentally prepared yet…!

Thia-chan also followed suit while sighing at her brother. Looking at it…isn’t this the same pattern where I’m the only one who’s nervous? As I was thinking that, even Ikuru began entering the building, so I hurriedly grabbed on the edge of his shirt to stop him.

“Huh? What is it, Hinami-sama…?”

“Umm…I’m just nervous, so please don’t leave my side…”

Ikuru made an exasperated face, but he still stopped and turned to me. Ah, that a relief. For now, I’ll just take a deep breath and enter calmly. Just as I was thinking that, Ikuru went around behind me and starting pushing me into the building. I couldn’t stop my feet and slowly stepped into the Merchant’s Guild.

“Really, how can you be so nervous with just this?”

“Ikuru…ugh…”

Ugh….This is just like Ikuru.

Okay!! I’ll just have to tell myself with confidence that I want my own shop! Of course, I was still nervous….I wonder if this is the kind of tension one feels when they go to a shareholders’ meeting.

I hope the Merchant’s Guild Master is a good person…

Shifting my face away from Ikuru, who is behind me, and looking forward, I see a beautiful white room. There are several sets of desks and chairs, perhaps to be used as a business meeting space, and three reception counters lined up at the back.

***

“Hmmm, so you’re Hinami, right?”

The Master of the Merchant’s Guild, who promptly sits in front of me, has long honey orange hair. From her beautiful hair, I could see here drooping fox ears peeking out from the gaps. She was wearing a blouse with a cardigan, and a chic black skirt with tights. Her blouse was slightly unbuttoned at the top and you could see her necklace hanging down from her neck. That, and the way she positioned her legs really made her look incredibly sexy.

I was sitting in between Alfred-san and Thia-chan. Ikuru was standing behind me instead of sitting down because he was on escort cuty. The couch was so soft that it was actually a bit hard to endure fully sinking my body into it.

“I’m the master in the Merchant’s Guild…Mariage Ruston. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m Hinami Kusunoki. Um, I’m a chemister…!”

“Oh, you don’t have to be so nervous, okay?”

Smiling, Mariage says to me, “I don’t bite.”

“It’s just as I told you the other day. I can guarantee the quality of the potions Hinami makes. I am requesting for a merchant’s registration as well property enquiries for a new store location.”

“Yes…that’s right. As for the potions, I have already been briefed by Salina about them, so I don’t have any problem with it.”

Mariage-san never took her eyes off me as she held the documents and listened to Alfred-san’s explanation. This is bad. The pressure is getting to me. My hands were getting really sweaty when Mariage-san suddenly asked me to properly introduce myself.

Introduce myself? Huh!? Okay, so maybe this is like a part-time job interview…

If that’s the case, then I should be able to do it at least a little. I remember learning a lot back in the old days because I had wanted to get a job with a good company. Come to think of it, that’s what happened, so I was digging up knowledge that I thought I wouldn’t have to use anymore.

That’s right, I had even practiced my one-person interview in the bathroom, and had also practiced introducing myself many times.

I take a breath while bowing my head.

“My name is Hinami Kusunoki. Today, I have come to ask for permission to register with the Merchant’s Guild and to open up my shop, “Hinami’s Miniature Garden.”

I take a deep breath to calm myself down and continue.

I planned out what I was going to say, leaving out the parts regarding the reason for the store and about god. I will do my best!

For now, it’s time for a serious battle between me and Mariage-san about becoming a merchant.

Although I say that, it’s not like there really is a battle going on between us. It just that my current enthusiasm is making me feel really cool. Well, I will try my best!