The Crown Prince Who Raises a Side Character

#11 New Adventurer Bern (9) – Preparing a Gift

#11 New Adventurer Bern (9) – Preparing a Gift

When Bern and Blanca submitted their completion report to the Guild, their initial reaction went something like this:

“Goblins kidnapping and coercing humans to steal their technology? A horde exceeding 200, each armored and armed? And their leader possessed intelligence rivaling a human, harboring plans to absorb human civilization? And you two, just the two of you, wiped them all out? Blanca, did you perhaps change career to become a playwright?”

Truthfully, the Guild’s skepticism was understandable. Adventurers embellishing their tales was commonplace, but this was a bit much, even for them.

However, Blanca vehemently insisted they verify her claim themselves, and, enticed by her offer to work as a receptionist for life if proven wrong, the secretary dispatched investigators, figuring it was worth the gamble.

“…Shit. I’ve never seen so many goblin corpses in one place. A few more days and this would be a rotting nightmare.”

“There’s a heavily scorched area deeper inside. Looks like at least a hundred of them were taken out at once.”

“There’s also evidence of people being held captive here.”

At first, the investigators had reacted with disbelief and exasperation, half-stunned, half-amused. But as the investigation progressed, they couldn’t help but harden their faces.

It was already unusual for nearly a hundred goblins to form a single, unbroken force. The fact that this force was equipped, however crudely, and that some even had custom-made gear, was not something to be taken lightly.

These investigators, weathered by many trials, realized that this could potentially become a disaster shaking the entire kingdom.

The investigators’ report, unusually for a Class 2 request, reached the head of the Eastern Branch, who spat out a curse.

“They left things to fester to this point, then disguised it as a simple goblin extermination for us?”

The Branch Head berated the Atra barony, who initially pleaded ignorance. But as the guild continued to pressure them, they retorted, ‘Isn’t it your fault things escalated because you didn’t resolve it sooner?’, turning the tables in a most infuriating manner.

Another page was added to the adventurer’s guild and the nobility’s long and hateful history.

Of course, this was just a battle of egos among the higher-ups.

For those lower down, their immediate compensation was more important.

“Well, we can’t give you any more money.”

Seeing Blanca’s face rapidly sour, the clerk quickly added.

“If you’d reported to the guild after assessing the situation, and the guild had renegotiated with the client before the request, you’d naturally have received compensation befitting the work. But in this case, you resolved it before any renegotiation could happen. Naturally, the compensation has to remain at the original rate.”

“That’s the official reason, but what’s the reality?”

“…The Atra Baron pulled in another noble. They’re stubbornly refusing any additional compensation. They’re daring us to try and take it from them, practically flaunting their belly for us to split open. Even the Foreign Affairs guy was gnashing his teeth.”

Comparing the military might of the Adventurer’s Guild Eastern Branch and the Atra Barony, the Eastern Branch held the advantage.

What military strength could those fools have, who couldn’t even manage their own territory and had to outsource it?

However, if the guild were to use force to ‘collect’ from the barony, they would be turning the entire kingdom’s nobility into enemies, not just the single barony.

The nobles of Virca were undoubtedly vicious and corrupt, but precisely because of that, they reacted sensitively to anything that threatened their authority or the existing system.

“Well, it’s just as troublesome for those b*stards if they can’t outsource to us. Before long, they’ll cut off some underling and say, ‘I had no idea things had gotten this bad’, and then compromise. Just wait until then.”

“No, it’s alright. How can we just wait around, not knowing when that’ll be?”

“…You’re not suggesting I crack open the guild coffer and hand it over, are you? Well, direct payment might be difficult, but perhaps we could absolve some of your debt to the guild.”

“Nothing like that. Just acknowledge it officially.”

Blanca held up three fingers.

“Bern, promote me to Rank 3. Isn’t this enough of an achievement for that?”

“Hey, what you said before starting the quest was ‘Let us take on Rank 3 quests together,’ right? And even that was with the condition of completing three more quests, not just this one.”

“The details of the quest changed, so naturally the reward should change too. I think this achievement is enough of a justification for others.”

“That guy barely got promoted to Rank 2 a week ago.”

“The guild operates on merit, not seniority. Isn’t that what you’re always saying?”

“Tch.”

The clerk scrunched up his face, but finally, he relaxed his shoulders as if admitting defeat.

“But there’s no monetary reward. Even if Atra bows down later, none of it is going to you.”

“Good.”

“Haa. Go on, get out. I’m exhausted just dealing with you.”

The clerk waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly, and Blanca left the office without seeming particularly offended.

A man in the guild’s entrance hall saw Blanca and bowed at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

“Welcome, Big Sister!”

The adventurers nearby started to whisper amongst themselves, and Blanca, her face flushing red, snapped in annoyance.

“I told you to just call me Blanca! What ‘Big Sister’ nonsense is that!?”

“Brother is Brother, and Sister is Sister. How can I carelessly address someone who not only saved my life but also healed my ankle, our benefactor!”

The man named Renya was one of the slaves rescued by Bern and Blanca.

Even within the cave, he’d displayed a particularly quick-witted manner and a sudden knack for changing his tune. Turns out he’d been an adventurer briefly staying in the village when the goblins attacked. Unlike the other slaves who’d used the goblins’ gathered goods as a foundation to seek out new settlements, he clung to the two of them, begging to be given any task, even as a mere porter.

Blanca, catching on to Renya’s sycophantic nature, was wary. But Bern suggested they take him in.

And the reason, truth be told, was quite something.

-Folks like him are unnervingly good at sensing danger. Keeping him around to observe will be handy when something feels off.

‘Let’s get ourselves a canary for the mines!’ How could one even comment on such a statement?

“Did the work go well? My brother asked me to inform you that he’s ordered food at the restaurant ahead of time and to guide you there upon your arrival.”

If only he’d drop that blasted ‘Sister’ business. What’s worse, he’s older than me.

With a sigh that escaped her lips, she followed Renya’s lead for a short walk.

They arrived at a restaurant, not quite top-tier but certainly not cheap, where they joined Bern, who was already seated, and began to converse.

“Negotiations were successful. The clerk is efficient, so we’ll probably get our Class 3 adventurer certification tomorrow.”

“Well done. Renya, how did your matter go?”

“Yes, Brother! The transfer of affiliation is complete! I’m now part of the Eastern Branch, not the Southeastern! I look forward to serving you well! I shall dedicate my life to your service!”

“Wow.”

“Yes, thank you in advance.”

Blanca reacted as if her limbs were curling inward with discomfort, but Bern, for his part, remained unperturbed.

Having experienced all sorts of flattery and subservience as a prince, he found this blatant toadying rather comforting, akin to watching a playful performance, especially when compared to the subtle hints and staged scenarios he was accustomed to.

“Was there any mention of the goods the goblins had gathered?”

“Nothing specific. In the first place, we were supposed to get the by-products, so even if they’d said something, we wouldn’t have felt guilty.”

On the surface, it seemed the two adventurers had only earned public recognition, but reaped little financial reward. The reality, however, was different.

The Goblin Lord had, for the sake of his kingdom, amassed a truly colossal hoard, practically tearing up the surrounding lands to do so.

While things like meat and oil were awkward to transport or offload, hides were a different story altogether.

Laced together into massive bundles, Vern could carry an impressive amount of leather all on his own.

The proceeds from selling it off piece by piece weren’t enough to talk about changing their lives, but it was still a sum worthy of note.

“I hear you have debts with the guild. How about settling that first? If you’re short, you can have my share for now.”

Blanca shook her head firmly at Vern’s suggestion.

“No. That won’t do. It’s one thing to set aside a fixed percentage of our earnings for party funds from the start, but money dealings between comrades should be scrupulous. Plenty of promising parties have fallen apart because they weren’t.”

For Blanca, Vern was a lifeline she absolutely couldn’t afford to lose.

To take a knife to the very rope you’re clinging to just because your situation is dire was the act of a fool.

“Anyway, the guild isn’t going to push too hard as long as they see you’re making regular payments. In fact, with the interest, they’d probably prefer you take as long as possible to pay it off.”

Blanca didn’t mention that before meeting Vern, she hadn’t even been able to manage those ‘regular payments,’ which was why she was stuck working as a receptionist.

She didn’t want pity.

And for that, strengthening their fighting power was essential.

“Official requests will be open to us from tomorrow, once we get our Rank 3 certification. So, let’s all eat, rest up, and meet in front of the guild in the morning. Sounds good?”

“Understood.”

“Yup! Now, everyone, dig in! The food’s getting cold!”

Even as she continued her meal, Blanca’s mind was focused on future plans, not the food in front of her.

‘Buying proper magic items is out of the question with this amount. Scrolls are a stretch, to be honest… Magic potions? Practical, but the fact that they’re consumables is bothering me. Maybe I need to save up more.’

Blanca didn’t notice.

That Vern, watching her lost in thought, wore a peculiar expression.

*

After parting ways with the others.

Bern entered his room at the inn and fell into silent contemplation.

In his ear, the demon from the shadows whispered.

[Such a commendable woman. Even with a man right there who looks like he’d solve anything she asked, she isn’t leaning on him, begging. She’s struggling to catch up. Why not go offer her some comfort? Eh? Really warm comfort, with the body? She’d feel much safer, wouldn’t she? Even if it’s a projection spell, you can still do everything at night, so no worries.]

‘…After staying silent for so long, that’s the first thing you say?’

Lucidra remained unfazed by Bern’s sarcastic retort.

[Well, what else would a demon say? Should I suggest a wholesome morning stroll for the two of you?]

‘Oh, that’s not bad. There’s no point in being a mage who is only good at casting spells, physical training should be incorporated as well. For once, you’re saying something helpful. Please do that more often.’

[……]

Bern couldn’t see Lucidra’s form, but he could roughly imagine the expression on her face.

If he had to guess, it would probably resemble someone chewing on an insect.

‘More importantly, are you perhaps interested in making a deal with me?’

[…A deal? You? What’s gotten into you?]

Even after teaching him the projection spell, Lucidra had suggested various contracts to the crown prince, but each time, Allond had refused her with an iron wall.

Yet, suddenly, the other side was talking about a contract. Questioning outweighed interest.

‘Don’t you know any spells or techniques that would be useful for a mage?’

[If I did, why would you go through the trouble of figuring it out via a deal? You already know a lot, don’t you?]

‘The spells and techniques I know and use were all independently developed by the Empire, so there would be big trouble if they leaked externally. Blanca could even be in danger.’

[Aha. So, you wish to borrow my power? The price?]

‘As the adventurer Bern, I offer you the magic and souls of the monsters I vanquish. You may devour them. The percentage will shift depending on how useful, and how untroubled with consequences, the techniques and spells are.’

[Hold on a moment. I can consume souls and magic on my own without needing your permission, you know? You’re offering that as payment? And not even all of it, but a percentage?]

‘What are you talking about? If I don’t create a pathway with my clone magic, you’ll be tethered to your corporeal form, unable to leave the Imperial Palace. Shall I begin charging tolls right now, perhaps?’

[…You know, if you treated me with even half the consideration you show that adventurer woman…]

Lucidra grumbled, but realizing that Bern was impervious to such complaints, she sighed.

And spoke.

[What about Lifeforce Drain?]