NOVEL WEB
Chapter 84.4 - The First Year at the Academy - The Wall To The Top (4)
I asked Lily, who had some free time, to help me, and we started arranging glasses and tableware.
After a while, Ted and Gemma returned safely.
Ted and Gemma each held a heavy pot, while Nails and Elliott carried a medium-sized pot together. Elliott was helping him.
"I met him on the way."
I returned from the kitchen. I got a basket from them. Inside were soft-looking bread and a bottle.
"The bread here has a good reputation."
"I see. I'll take it gratefully."
I thanked them and placed the basket on the table.
Then, when I shifted my gaze, I suddenly noticed Ted and Gemma sitting down for some reason.
They were sitting against the wall, with furrowed brows.
"What's going on, you guys?"
"We were accused of stealing."
Stole? Could it be… the order slips?
These guys barged in as usual.
I was relieved, thinking they had completed their errand successfully, but it didn't go well.
Rubbing his arm, Nails returned from the kitchen as well.
"I explained it on the way. They got sent by Alter-sama and should be polite."
"I told them properly! Alter asked us!"
"Alter-sama's full name is Alter Les Reedwald. It's strange to call him by his name. He's the son of a baron, remember?"
Nails says, unusually tight, and the two don't argue back, falling silent.
They seemed to understand that they had failed.
"On the way to the store, there was a dispute…"
Elliott began.
On their way to my house, Ted, Gemma, and the shopkeeper were arguing in front of the store. Nails desperately tried to explain, but everyone was getting heated and not listening.
That's when Elliott showed his student ID and explained that I was his schoolmate and that they were acquainted with him. He also mentioned that they were children and still learning manners and that I would teach them. I'm the one who will teach them. Well, that's fine, but…
I sat in front of Ted and Gemma since they called for me.
"I heard you both aspire to become top-tier adventurers, right?"
The two remained silent.
"Among B-rank adventurers, there are two types: those with overwhelming power and those who are beneficial to the Adventurer's Guild. The Battle Axe of Destruction is a C-rank, and the formidable adventurers known as the Sword of Deep Silence are also C-rank. They are excellent, but not overwhelming. So, are they beneficial to the Guild? In terms of combat power, they are beneficial. However, they lack dignity."
I lifted my face, but their expressions didn't show understanding.
It's a bit circuitous.
"B-rank and above adventurers gain higher recognition. It's not uncommon for requests to come from nobles. What do you think would happen if you approached them with your usual demeanor? You can imagine, right? That's why the Guild seeks dignity from B-rank adventurers and above. They won't value those who can't even demonstrate basic etiquette."
"But we're fine staying at C-rank!"
"Me too!"
They voiced their agreement, and I shook my head.
"If you want to stop aiming higher, that's fine. It doesn't matter to me; you can decide for yourselves. However, as adventurers, it's impossible to avoid nobles. If there are no B-rank adventurers, then it's C-rank, and if not, then D-rank. The day will come when you receive requests. And you'll be looked down upon. Ridiculed. It doesn't matter what intentions you have. They won't consider that. They are such creatures. They genuinely believe that etiquette is the bare minimum requirement for being human. Can you endure being treated that way?"
"…But aren't you a noble too?"
Ted retorted, and for a moment, I was taken aback. Then I burst into laughter.
"That's right. I'm a noble too. Sometimes I forget."
I couldn't stop laughing for a while, shaking my shoulders.
When I noticed, the tension had disappeared from Ted and Gemma.
"You're a weird noble, Alter."
"I get that a lot."
After suppressing my laughter, I stood up with Ted and Gemma.
I didn't mean for them to mimic nobility. Still, I told them to show respect to the clients. Adjust themselves accordingly. After all, one's true nature isn't easily discerned. Show it through your attitude. It's not particularly difficult. Good people and bad people, friends, and others. You're already doing it."
"I don't get it…"
"Don't overthink it. Besides, you have friends you can consult with, right?"
Nails and Elliott nodded.
Ted and Gemma scratched their heads awkwardly.
This incident should serve as a good lesson. From now on, even when meeting clients, they shouldn't show disrespectful behavior.
Now, I'll leave the rest to the young ones and continue my preparations— or so I thought, but I couldn't make it in time.
.𝓬𝓸𝓶