NOVEL WEB Chapter 224.1
Chapter 224.1. The Adventurer’s Guild
Sakimori was observing the newly constructed building along with Ryuko Okubo, the project supervisor. She was a dwarf girl with a wall-building skill. Others present included Shingen, Katsuyori, Karin, Serika, and Yukihana.
Today was the inauguration of this building—the opening of the Adventurer’s Guild.
A large crowd had gathered, eager to become adventurers, waiting for the opening with bated breath.
Well, I get it. It’s a profession that might bring in some money.
[This is the beginning of a modern fantasy, right, Sakimori?]
[It does seem interesting.]
As the ethereal Shizuku twirled in the air, beaming with joy, I agreed. Though not as far as risking my life for money by becoming an adventurer, it’s still a dangerous but lucrative job.
“Now, we ask Mr. Amano, the president of Amatsugahara Corporation, and those who contributed to the establishment of this guild, to cut the ribbon.”
The host, who had been talking about the guild’s founding principles, gave a signal. Wearing a suit, I nodded and placed the scissors on the pink ribbon strung across the entrance. This was the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
All the men were in suits. Shingen, unusually nervous, had a stiff smile. Katsuyori seemed calm, and Ohki-kun was just being Ohki-kun. The women were in party dresses—Karin proudly swished her tail, Yukihana waved to the crowd with a broad smile, almost like an idol, and Serika stood beside me, modestly waving her hand. The kids, Jun and Hana, were excitedly holding scissors, while the usual little girl, unable to reach, was sitting on the shoulders of an unfamiliar girl who seemed to have joined us recently.
Now, once we cut this ribbon, the modern dungeon fantasy from the old stories will begin. Is everyone ready?
With a slight exertion of strength, I cut the ribbon with a snip. The crowd cheered, celebrating with joyful smiles. Other branches of the Adventurer’s Guild are scheduled to open in other places too. I hope many people will use the Adventurer’s Guild.
Finally, this world has taken its first step toward coexisting with dungeons.
Though who knows how it will turn out. But for now, let’s celebrate.
The Adventurer’s Guild has a reception desk like a bank, where anyone can register as an adventurer. The dismantling shops are in separate buildings, designed to minimize the bloody smell. I don’t know exactly what they dismantle. So far, the profitable dismantling includes slimes, giant rats, wolves, sahuagin, and orcs. Hmm, I can’t find any commonality. I can’t even imagine, but let me say one thing:
Who included the sahuagin? I’m not eating any suspicious fish fillets.
“It’s a shame there’s no tavern, right, Sakimori?”
Clinging to my arm like a koala, Serika said regretfully, but there’s no way we’re attaching a tavern here.
“If there was an izakaya attached to the employment office, nothing good would come of it. It’s not just for adventurers; we’re also helping people find regular jobs.”
The Adventurer’s Guild also functions as an employment office. People coming from abandoned town can’t provide any proof of identity. But they can at least register here. By the way, it’s clearly stated that the Adventurer’s Guild takes no responsibility just for registration. Reality is harsh. Sorry, but we can’t take responsibility for verifying the identities of the many untrustworthy people from the ruined areas.
“Well, that’s true. With alcohol involved, people would get bold and start fights.”
The albino girl shrugged, saying it couldn’t be helped. She’s unusually quiet today. I wonder why.
[Understood! This is the perfect opportunity! Serika is playing the modest, adorable wife of Sakimori in front of the crowd! Permission to summon the entire squad!]
Shizuku the Esper. Apparently, she’s uncovered Serika’s plot. It seemed she was right, as Serika gave a wicked grin in response to Shizuku’s telepathic message.
[No way, if Rei shows up and it turns into a lovers’ quarrel, everything will be ruined.]
[Oh… Sakimori-san…]
Tearfully, Shizuku pleaded with me, but what’s forbidden is forbidden. Serika looked triumphant, which made Shizuku start shrieking like a monkey.
[Alright, alright, I’ll handle it somehow.]
To appease Shizuku, I decided to take action.
“It’s a bit chilly, Serika.”
To warm her up, I grabbed Serika’s shoulder and pulled her close, pressing her against me so that her chest squeezed against me too.
“Hyonyaa!”
The albino beauty, her porcelain-like skin turning bright red, screamed and quickly rolled away from me, clinging to the wall. She started growling like a puppy, so she probably wouldn’t be clinging to me for a while.
[As expected of Sakimori-san. Poor timid Serika can’t handle any anymore. I’m also timid, so please do the same for me later.]
The delighted fairy danced through the air. Such an adorable dance. The little girl climbed onto my shoulder. The fairies really are so free-spirited.
Shaking off my thoughts, I ignored the exasperated looks from Karin and Yukihana and addressed Katsuyori.
“So, the Adventurer’s Guild is thriving, but how’s it going behind the scenes?”
“Let’s continue the discussion in the Guildmaster’s room. By the way, the Guildmaster is my father.”
“He just needs to keep a sharp eye on things. It’s perfect for an old man like me who’s planning to retire, and the pay is good.”
Katsuyori started walking, and Shingen grinned. Shingen, you’re being tricked, you know? It’s a fancy-sounding role, but in reality… well, whatever.
The kids, except for the little girl, waved goodbye and left, saying they had work to do.
We entered the Guildmaster’s office. It was quite spacious, with an adjoining reception room. The decor was like that of a mid-level company’s executive office—seemingly expensive but, on closer inspection, everything from the tables and chairs to the furnishings was cheap.
A female secretary was already waiting, and I could see a newly installed telephone. A telephone! We’re civilized people now.
The office also had a sofa and table, so we sat down to relax.
“Ohki. Yukihana-chan would like a cocoa.”
“I’ll have a strawberry shake, nya.”
“I’ll take an iced coffee, please.”
“Got it. And I keep telling you, no shakes, you cat girl!”
As Yukihana and the others quickly placed their drink orders, I turned my gaze to Katsuyori, sitting across from me. Let’s get serious.
For some reason, Shingen was rubbing his eyes and staring at the desk. Is he farsighted?
“Hey, there’s a stack of papers or something? What’s that?”
“We’d like to go digital, but we’re not quite there yet. For now, you’ll have to deal with paper.”