NOVEL WEB chapter 87 - Divine Cat Mii-chan Returns to Quinto
Chapter 87: Divine Cat Mii-chan Returns to Quinto
I’m back in Quinto and currently in the Guild Master’s office at the Hunter Guild.
“I’ve been expecting you.”
“Is that so?”
“I’ve received instructions from the headquarters. The Hunter Support Loan System has been approved. It won’t be immediate, but it’s expected to start within the year. Are you satisfied?”
“I won’t know until it actually begins. If they start being stingy with loans, it’ll be pointless.”
“The headquarters is aware of that. They plan to include hunters among those who will assess the loans. It’s to ensure the voices of those on the ground are heard.”
“I hope that’s the case.”
“You don’t seem very optimistic.”
“I just don’t believe the current culture will change that quickly.”
“That’s something we’ll have to see. The Guild Masters have been given discretion on this matter. There are probably quite a few who won’t want to take on the risk. Change will have to come gradually. For the first time, you could say, hunters have made their voices heard. This has been reported to all guilds. Any Guild Master should understand what would happen if they did something foolish.”
“I’d like to believe that.”
“Nero-kun, unfortunately, you’ve also received a notice. You’ve been suspended for two years. Since you’re not a permanent employee, you avoided being dismissed. If you choose to resign, you’ll be given severance pay and preparation funds. You should discuss it with Serion and make your decision.”
“So, they’re essentially asking me to resign on my own terms…”
The Guild Master let out a heavy sigh as he spoke, “I can’t say anything more on the matter. Headquarters seems to be taking this issue quite seriously, but the reputation of the Hunter Guild is also at stake. The fact that the instigator was one of our own has been reported to all guilds and is now widely known. For headquarters, allowing a staff member to sue the guild and win is not something they can let slide without consequences.”
“So, that’s why they want me to resign on my own terms…”
“In two years, people will likely have forgotten your name. When that time comes, return here. I’ll hire you back.”
I couldn’t help but sigh. “Two years… What am I supposed to do for a living during that time? I’ve got two heavy eaters to feed, you know.”
The Guild Master handed me two cards—Hunter certification cards, one for me and one for Perro.
“I had these made especially for you. While you can’t work as a guild employee, there’s no problem with you being a hunter.”
“Are you telling me to go risk my life now?”
“My official signature is on those cards. Whatever you do, they’ll serve as your identification.”
“I understand. I’ll use them with gratitude.”
“What do you plan to do now?”
“First, I’m heading to Quinto and Quarto. The Queen also asked me to observe the situation there. What’s the current status?”
“The knight orders, infantry, and mercenary units are already on the move. Hunters are being sent there as well. It’s going to be a big battle.”
While they might not yet know about the Goblin King’s emergence, it was clear that they understood the gravity of the impending conflict.
“Alright, let’s get going.”
“Mii~”
I told Sumire that we’re heading back to Quinto as we left the gates and let her run freely. Even if we’re delayed, we’ll probably reach the city of Sesto.
We arrived in Sesto just as the sun was setting. At this pace, we should be able to reach Quinto by tomorrow. To think it only takes two days between the royal capital and Quinto now… Sumire has gotten much faster and her stamina has really improved.
The next day, shortly after leaving Sesto, we overtook the national infantry units, supply units, and mercenary units. They’re still this far back? Sumire kept speeding ahead, and we even passed through Settimo, overtaking the knight order near Quinto.
One of the knight order’s battle horses chased after us, but since we had no business with them, we ignored it. The knight’s battle horse couldn’t catch up to Sumire and quickly disappeared from view. Sumire, you’re something else!
“Mii~”
Why is Mii-chan looking so smug?
We arrived in Quinto just after sunset.
“Quinto, I’ve returned!”
“Nero, what are you saying, nya? My butt hurts more, nya~”
Perro’s right. My butt hurts too. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to this.
Well, I guess we should head to the Hunter Guild, even though I’m not really looking forward to it…
“Mii…”
When I took Sumire to the guild’s stables, the usual stablehand was there. He mentioned that it must have been tough for us and said he’d take care of Sumire, urging me to go see the guild master as soon as possible. I thanked him and left Sumire in his care.
As I entered through the usual back entrance, I ran into Eva.
“Nero-kun!”
“I’m back…”
“Sigh… It seems you made quite a scene out there.”
“Haha…”
“Welcome back, Mii-chan. It looks like you’ve made some new friends too.”
“Mii~”
“Perro nya.”
“Nya.”
“Gaou.”
“I’ll take care of these little ones, so you go ahead to the guild master’s office.”
“Sigh… Understood.”
The guild is at its busiest time of the day. With the recent call to gather hunters, the number of people has increased significantly.
I knock on the guild master’s office door.
“This is Nero.”
“Come in.”
Once inside, Guild Master Serion stops writing and looks up at me.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
I sit on the sofa, and Guild Master Serion comes over to pour tea for me himself.
“You really made a splash. Celtyo was a man with a solid reputation at headquarters. He was even said to be a potential successor to Zesto. For headquarters, it must feel like they’ve been slapped in the face… No, it’s actually quite a thrilling story! Well done!”
Guild Master Serion laughs heartily, slapping his knee.
“Because of that, there are some who have lost their jobs here…”
“What are you saying? The one who slapped Celtyo’s face with his own staff ID…”
“Guh…”
“You knew the risks. Sacrifices are part of following the righteous path. Just accept it.”
With that, the guild master takes out a leather pouch from his desk drawer and hands it to me.
“This includes compensation for your work in Quart.”
I check inside and find gold and silver coins. It’s quite a substantial amount. Later, I count it and find three hundred thousand Leto.
The guild headquarters certainly is generous.