𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝

Mercenaries and adventurers who get caught up in battles and die are a dime a dozen, but it can’t be helped.

Even if we were hunting in the mountains, there would have been casualties.

It’s understood from the start that it’s a job with a risk to one’s life.

If you don’t like that, there are plenty of safe jobs, whether it’s being a farmer, a merchant, or a waiter.

Once you become an adventurer dreaming of striking it rich or making a name for yourself, your life is always on the line.

“A letter of commendation has arrived for you, Lionel-san, from General Kytes of the Royal Army.”

One day, when I showed up at the adventurer’s guild, Jennifer spoke to me.

A letter of commendation is a written document praising one’s military exploits and achievements.

Since it’s an official document with the sender’s signature, having one of these can be very advantageous when you want to serve in the government.

“That man is too dutiful. I’ve already received enough reward.”

In addition to the regular reward, there was even an extra one.

Thanks to that, I was able to provide beds for the three girls, and the bath, which had been exposed to the elements, now had a roof and walls.

The clan’s cabin is becoming more and more livable.

I think it’s been upgraded from a cabin to a dilapidated house.

“It means he’s very grateful. It’s not often that someone in a general’s position writes a letter of commendation to a common adventurer.”

“That’s too much respect.”

I shrugged my shoulders.

As I mentioned earlier, a letter of commendation is an official document, so it’s naturally recorded in the history books compiled by the royal family.

In other words, my name will be engraved in history, even if it’s just in a small corner.

It’s such an amazing thing that I can’t feel it at all.

“Also, there are gifts for you girls.”

At Jennifer’s words, the three girls’ eyes sparkle.

If they had tails on their bodies, they would be wagging them with incredible vigor.

The long sword that Asuka received was imbued with magical power. It’s not legendary, but it’s not something an ordinary adventurer could handle.

“Amazing! I’ll name this the Asuka Blade!”

Asuka raises the sword above her head with both hands.

She’s a troublesome customer.

Also, her naming sense is a mystery.

Miliaria received a circlet that amplifies magical power, and Meisha received an amulet with defensive magic, each as a gift.

“Amazing! Let’s name this the Miliaria Talisman!”

“Amazing! I think it’s appropriate to name this Meisha’s Protection!”

The two of them also raise their gifts above their heads.

Where did you girls leave your sense of style?

There must be something more.

“But if we sell all of that, we could move to a slightly better clan house.”

[No! Absolutely not!]

The three of them chanted in unison with great vigor.

Really?

That means we’ll have to live in that cabin for a while longer.

It’s a rather surreal situation for an adventurer who owns magical items to live in a cabin.

As they were making a fuss, someone opened the swing door at the entrance and entered the guild.

Well, it’s not like there’s a limit to who can enter.

Because the person was a familiar face, my thoughts seemed to have run in a strange direction.

“Luke. . .”

Although I said he was familiar, I’ve never seen Luke like this.

His cheeks are hollow, his eyes are sunken, and it’s clear that he hasn’t slept properly for days.

“Lionel. . .”

He approaches unsteadily.

The flame in his eyes, what does it mean?

I stood in front of Asuka and the others to protect them.

And then, Luke, who had stopped in front of me, fell flat on his face.

He put both knees, both hands, and his forehead on the floor as if to hit it.

“Please! I beg you! Come back to the Gold-lined Butterflies!!”

I’ve heard this line before.

Five years ago.

Luke, who had expelled me for pointing out his spending habits, came to apologize within half a year.

Because he couldn’t manage the clan anymore.

At that time, I had a lot to say, but I forgave Luke. Because I believed in our friendship.

I thought he would reform himself.

But that was just a fantasy I had.

“You haven’t changed, Luke. You’re still just doing whatever you want.”

If I warn him, he’ll correct it at the time.

He says he understands.

But that’s all.

After a while, it’s back to the way it was.

And finally, for the stupid reason of being warned about flirting with a woman, he expelled me for the second time.

I might be called narrow-minded, but I’m not in the mood to laugh it off.

“Are you out of money again? Can’t you manage the operation?”

“. . .”

“You can use the savings I left behind. Besides, there’s still the salary you haven’t paid me yet. You can use that too.”

I show him a twisted smile.

“. . .”

Luke can’t answer.

That’s because he’s already spent all of that a long time ago.

That’s the kind of man he is.

He thinks the clan’s money is his money, and the money I’ve entrusted to the clan is also his money.

He doesn’t distinguish between public and private at all.

“Sorry, but I’m not going back. I’ve found a place to be.”

“. . .Even if I beg you this much, it’s no good?”

This much, huh.

You haven’t apologized at all, have you?

If you rub your head on the floor, is that sincerity? Do I have to let everything slide because of that?

“Even if a best friend who’s been with me since we were kids bows his head, it’s no good?”

“You’re the one who fired a best friend who’s been with you since we were kids twice, Luke.”

“You bastard! If you’re going to be so humble!”

He suddenly stands up and reaches for the sword at his waist.

Are you crazy?!

Are you planning to draw your sword in the guild?!

“Draw it? If you draw it, you won’t be able to make excuses anymore, Ojii-san.”

Before I can stop him, Asuka steps forward to block him.

She spreads her arms.

Even Luke can’t act rashly against a child like this.

Without a word, he turns on his heel and leaves.

“Nel-san, I’m sorry. Did I do something unnecessary?”

“. . .No. Asuka probably saved him.”

If he caused a fight in the guild, there would be no hope for Luke.

Not only would he be expelled, but he would undoubtedly be handed over to the authorities and imprisoned.

“Thanks.”

I pat her red head.

“Uh. . .”

Asuka squints her eyes as if tickled.

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