Chapter 24: Some battles cannot be won, ever.
In front of Kousuke and Viare’s view is the adventurer’s guild hall.
After the events at the Amasera dojo, the two leisurely spent a day at their inn and became bored and restless. Therefore, the two decided to head to the guild to alleviate their excess free time.
The scale of this city was much larger in comparison to St. Beria and the guild hall reflected that difference. The tournament being held here in the city may had some effect, but crowd here was also larger.
「You’ve always came as a tag-along, but is Viare registered as an adventurer?」(Kousuke)
「I am. All staff members are required to register」(Viare)
He thought she might need to register, but it seemed it was unnecessary.
Since St. Beria is considered the two’s hometown, the guild hall there was aware of their circ.u.mstance. Kousuke was the only one accepting requests with Viare coming as a volunteer only. This way, even though they were considered a duo, the reward for completion was only for Kousuke. It wouldn’t be sensible to extort more from the clients and they were trusted to not “double-dip”. However, this wasn’t St. Beria so the two did not have to worry.
【TL: Hometown = Origin of registration】
The guild hall here was unaware of the two’s circ.u.mstance and Kousuke was worried about Viare’s registration status.
「Well then, I guess you don’t need to register here」(Kousuke)
The two entered the building and immediately approached the odd-job request board. Since they were only trying to kill some time, they overlooked all the requests that required them to leave the city. Either way, those quick and easy requests that required a light trip out of the city were all taken by the tournament contenders as a warm up preparation.
While staring at the board, Viare nodded once and spoke out what she decided.
「I’ll choose something that I should be able to do」(Viare)
「Hm? We’re not doing one together?」(Kousuke)
「Mm. I wanted to try going solo for once」(Viare)
If she did a request with Kousuke again she would end up relying on him too much, so she thought. To become more independent she pressured herself to confidently and successfully finish a request on her own.
She was confident in success actually. She intended to take on a similar request she’s done in the past with Kousuke. It’s better than doing something completely new since she would be likely to succeed and there would be less worries and doubts.
This was her first step to grow as a person. 【TL: Remember Kousuke’s dream and tear scene? Yup, that’s her motivation】
Without explaining her real motives, Viare shrouded it by telling Kousuke that she’s unable to keep up with the type of requests he takes. Telling him the truth? It was too embarra.s.sing for her.
「This time around we’re not in it for the money so I don’t mind matching with your pace you know?」(Kousuke)
「You should pick something you like instead of worrying about me. I’m choosing one for myself for a reason」(Viare)
With the way the conversation was going it seemed like he would tag along so she tried to stop him.
「….. Then let’s go with what you suggested. I hope we can find something suitable」(Kousuke)
「I hope so too」(Viare)
The two began skimming through the request board.
Kousuke searched for a request that he could learn something new from while Viare searched for an easy-to-complete one.
Viare’s eye halted on a singular request.
「I think this one’s good」(Viare)
The content of the request was for a nanny. Thanks to the tournament, the time people had to care for their children dwindled so the parents and guardians sought for temporary nannies and babysitters through the guild.
She was used to caring for children since she grew up in an orphanage. It was an excellent first choice for her.
「So you found one already? As for me… I think I’ll give this one a shot」(Kousuke)
The request Kousuke pointed out was from a sharpener. Rather than a request to sharpen something, due to the increase in business, the store required an extra helping hand organizing the sales and paperwork. There’s no way a professional would allow an amateur take over his or her job just because they’re busy though. There was also an additional requirement of being able to read and write attached to this request. It was crystal clear that the underlying implication of this was to have some experience in doing menial and routine duties.
The two confirmed the addresses of the requesters and went separate ways in front of the guild hall.
Fifteen minutes later, Kousuke arrived in front of the sharpener’s store.
「h.e.l.lo~」(Kousuke)
He greeted loudly as he entered, but found only an empty counter in front of him.
The shelf behind the counter was lined up with various blades that looked recently sharpened. It ranged from kitchen knives to swords and spear tips. The fully a.s.sembled weapons that were large like the full spear and axes were leaning against the wall beside the shelf.
「No one’s in? Maybe someone’s in the back…」(Kousuke)
Sucking in a deep breath, Kousuke gave a loud shout towards the back of the store.
「h.e.l.lOOO!」(Kousuke) 【TL: HI!】
「Yes!! Coming!」(???)
With a few crashing and clattering sounds coming from the back of the store, a man dressed like a craftsman came out.
「Hey there! I was too focused on my work and didn’t notice you coming in. Welcome to my store, Izazaki. Our motto is “Whatever the blade, we’ll bring it back to perfection”! How may I help you today?」(???)
「I’m not a customer」(Kousuke)
「Not a customer? Then what business has brought you here? Are you possibly here for an apprenticeship? I’m too busy for that right now, wait until after the tournament’s over」(???)
「I’m not here to apply as an apprentice! You requested some a.s.sistance through the guild, right? I’m here to fulfill that request」(Kousuke)
The man’s expression was blank for an instant before he suddenly clapped his hands, as if recalling something. Seeing his reaction, Kousuke suddenly felt that the request was already fulfilled.
「OH! That request!」(???)
「Was the request already fulfilled?」(Kousuke)
At Kousuke’s question, the man rapidly shook his hands in denial.
「No no! It’s been a while since I set up the request so I just a.s.sumed that there was no one coming anymore. You’re a lifesaver! I can finally focus solely on my work with your a.s.sistance!」(???)
「So is it safe to a.s.sume that I’m hired?」(Kousuke)
「Yup. Come with me behind the counter. I’ll explain the details of your work」(???)
At the man’s beckoning, Kousuke followed him. 【TL: Yea.. the word used was “beckoning” creepy right?