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What kind of profession is an adventurer?

To put it bluntly, you could say they’re problem solvers.

The work of adventurers ranges widely from simple hunting, transportation, and delivery to exploration, dungeon conquest, espionage, and monster subjugation, among countless other tasks.

For instance, while there exist adventurers who specialize solely in subjugation, that doesn’t mean they only take on subjugation requests.

Thus, instead of defining adventurers as mercenaries, couriers, or soldiers, it’s more appropriate to lump them together as problem solvers and categorize them within that scope.

That’s why the Adventurer Guild never lacks for ‘requests’ of any sort.

Wherever there are people, demands arise for various reasons, and there are always folks drawn together for rewards, be they big or small.

Even if that applies to the Kingdom of Seophone, known as a backward region on the Europan continent.

“Well, that’s a bit unexpected,” Karem murmured absentmindedly.

No matter how one looks at it, it’s winter.

A time for wilderness, civilization, and relaxation.

However, the first branch of the Coldon Adventurer Guild was surprisingly lively.

“What’s unexpected about it?”

“There are more people than I expected?”

Karem looked around.

Adventurers checking bulletin boards, nobles accepting requests, people sitting in the lobby chatting, servants moving about with trays, and bards strumming their lutes – all that action was happening.

Of course, Karem had never experienced a typical winter in Coldon.

Last winter? Wintersend. If anything, it was even more intense.

Back then, the entire city was clearly ablaze with enthusiasm and passion. Huge bonfires roared in the squares too.

“No, the outside was relatively calm. I thought the guild would be the same, but it’s much busier than I expected.”

“When people live together, various issues naturally arise, and those issues become requests for adventurers.”

Catherine glanced briefly at Karem before handing her staff to Mary.

“Unless a conscription order is issued, the adventurers active in winter are likely those poorly prepared for winter.”

“Ah, I see.”

The first branch wasn’t as lavish as a hotel from a past life, but it was the most splendid building Karem had directly entered thus far, excluding Winterhome.

Accordingly, the lobby on the first floor was spacious and grand.

But the faces of the people were of stark contrasts.

Aside from those who seemed to be REQUESTING something, the adventurers lining up at the reception desk and bulletin board all bore weary expressions.

In stark contrast, the lobby was full of merriment.

Apart from a gloomy minority that seemed to have something on their minds, the tables were bustling with noise to the tunes of bards, while servants scurried around, balancing trays.

“By the way, I feel eyes on us.”

“What do you mean, ‘eyes’?”

Curious, Karem tilted his head, just as he saw the receptionist suddenly leap up and race towards the staircase to the second floor.

“Um, is it over there you were talking about?”

“Well, that person is one thing, but others around us seem to be starting to notice as well.”

As evidence, Karem could see several adventurers and nobles in the lobby glancing over with peculiar interest.

“Being in the inner castle means your skills have been verified.”

“Are you saying you picked up on that with your keen observation?”

“Exactly.”

Catherine tilted her hood down slightly and glanced up at Karem.

“If you want to live, you have to recognize the danger.”

Clearly, her words held truth.

Her robe even looked extraordinary to Karem, who had no fashion sense whatsoever.

A rich, luxurious brown robe that, when shaken free of snow, seemed almost water-resistant, letting the snow fall straight to the floor.

As for Mary, she was dressed in her usual black dress, paired with a white apron and white cap that covered her shoulders and front completely. Wearing so little in this cold weather marked her as anything but ordinary.

Not to mention, she was carrying an exceptionally extravagant staff that naturally attracted gazes.

“Moreover, you’re receiving attention too.”

“Me? Who, me?”

“Yeah. Kid. You.”

“Why?”

Catherine looked up at Karem but suddenly turned her head away, shaking it.

“Just looking at you, it’s clear you stand out as an unlikely companion to those two unusual people, wearing decent quality clothes but still looking quite ordinary.”

Mary nodded along.

“Anyone looking at you would consider you suspicious, don’t you think?”

Karem couldn’t deny that point. In a park teeming with monsters, the most dangerous sight would undoubtedly be a little girl waving her hands happily while holding a textbook.

“So, Contractor. Are you going to take your leave?”

“No, someone is about to arrive.”

“Someone, you say… Ah.”

Mary turned her gaze towards the stairs. The receptionist who had rushed away a moment ago was returning, now approaching them casually.

“I apologize for the delay in welcoming the guest.”

“That’s fine. Please guide me.”

“I’ll take you directly to the Guildmaster.”

They ascended to the second floor, marked as off-limits for anyone other than authorized staff. If the lobby on the first floor served as a space for work and interaction, the second floor appeared much more luxurious, designed for the reception of VIP guests.

*

The Adventurer Guild.

The position of Guildmaster, commonly referred to simply as ‘the guild,’ is by no means a lowly one.

They represent and manage all adventurers in a given town or city, coordinating requests directly or indirectly, ensuring the status of the guild’s leader isn’t lowly either.

Moreover, the standing of the first branch of the Coldon Adventurer Guild is significantly higher than that of other branches in Iceland. This can be evidenced by its placement in the inner castle of Coldon, the largest city in Iceland.

Thus, the status of the Guildmaster of the first branch naturally surpasses that of other Guildmasters throughout Iceland.

“Atanitas, the Chief Magic Consultant! Welcome to the first branch of the Coldon Adventurer Guild!”

But of course, with the presence of the heavens comes the gravity of their laws.

According to the stern law of power, Ulfred, the Guildmaster of the first branch, welcomed the distinguished guests personally outside of the reception room.

Such a greeting was to be expected.

A former S-Class adventurer known as the Great Spirit of Cold.

An archmage of sage level.

The Chief Magic Consultant of the Duke of Iceland.

Just one of these titles would have made her a notable guest, so it was only fitting that Catherine Marigold Atanitas, holding all three, received VVIP treatment wherever she went in Coldon.

Most ambitious people would seize the opportunity to leap even further with a meeting like that.

Ulfred’s feelings while welcoming such an esteemed guest were…

“Oh my God! Why me of all people?!”

Clearly, he was a glaring exception to that norm.

Of course, Ulfred had once been a young adventurer bursting with dreams of higher ranks, wealth, and honor.

However, he eventually came to realize: higher rank, wealth, and honor proportionately increase with the amount of work required.

This was an inevitable phenomenon.

An unchangeable law of nature.

“That’s it! No, it’s a betrayal! Freeman, you traitor!”

Brawls breaking out involving tables and chairs.

Savoring a pint of Eisenvault beer after finishing a grueling quest.

The freedom to lounge in bed all day on a holiday.

He longed for all of that.

But it was already too late.

The former Guildmaster of the first branch had abandoned his position and disappeared. The workload of a Guildmaster, especially in the inner castle of Iceland’s largest city, was nothing short of overwhelming.

Decades passed, and although Ulfred had somewhat adapted to the position of Guildmaster, he still found that people do not change.

He still regretted the decision he made in his youth.

If only he could go back in time, he would find a way to undo it all.

Of course, over the years, the high-ranking Guildmaster had met numerous esteemed individuals. He had even once held a private audience with the Duke of Iceland himself.

However, every time he met another high-ranking person (including himself), work would always crawl upward like a slime from the depths of the city’s sewer to claim his attention.

That’s why Ulfred, while suppressing his true feelings, gulped dryly and faced Catherine.

“…Did I hear that correctly?”

A squeak sounded.

“Your hearing’s right on the mark.”

“Hmm. So, you’re only talking about the stem, leaves, and roots of the Alraune, not the fruit or head?”

Karem drummed his thigh with his finger while casually extending his hand towards the table.

The receptionist who guided them brought over a sizable basket containing snacks that sparked curiosity.

Flat square, triangular, and round shapes that, at a glance, resembled cookies but were too impeccably neat for that.

The smooth beige surface showed no irregularities.

“Indeed, unlike the commonly sought-after fruit and head of the Alraune, other byproducts seem to have limited uses…”

“I can’t visit every alchemist and wizard in Coldon individually.”

Karem picked up the beige snack. The hard yet smooth sensation felt even more puzzling.

There was hardly any moisture. No, it felt more like… oil? There was a peculiar greasiness to it.

In reality, most people wouldn’t easily reach for something unknown, especially if it’s food.

“Yet the smell is quite pleasant.”

The beige treat emitted a sweet-salty aroma, accompanied by a savory cheese scent.

Honestly, if it didn’t look like a toy for kids, I would have happily devoured it.

“Then let’s proceed to draft the request.”

“I’d prefer to get it today if possible. Is that feasible?”

“A request is only a formality; passing the word won’t take long.”

Gulp. Wait a moment. We are definitely guests here.

And the host wouldn’t bring harmful items to the guests.

Karem picked a round beige snack from the basket and took a bite.

Snap!

A crisp, cheerful sound rang out as the snack broke cleanly.

With each bite, the snack left a curious texture behind, as if the crispy layers crumbled apart.

A sweet-salty flavor filled his mouth, coupled with the ever-subtle taste of cheese, and its mozzarella cheese essence grew stronger with each chew.

Karem was certain of one thing.

It was definitely not a cookie.

Yet it could hardly be cheese as well.

Otherwise, Mary, the guardian of flour, butter, and dairy products, would’ve gobbled up every last bit without hesitation.

Still, Mary seemed to like it enough, happily munching on the snacks while tilting her head a bit, unsure of what they actually were.

“Um? By the way, regarding the quantity… if it’s not too much trouble, may I ask how you intend to use the items?”

“Hmm? Do you see something concerning?”

“Not really. However, the number seems rather excessive for mere experimentation.”

“That’s because this isn’t something to be used for experimentation.”

As Catherine firmly stated this, Ulfred started to sweat profusely.

If it’s not experimental materials, then normal uses were all too clear.

And then he was relieved to hear—

“I’ll brew it into a drink.”

“No way!” he exclaimed in shock.

“Excuse me, but the parts of Alraune aside from the fruit and head are highly toxic—”

“I’m aware of that. The poison is eliminated with proper preparation.”

“…I suppose I must personally verify this.”

Catherine understood Ulfred’s reaction.

The Alraune’s toxic effects are limited, but they can easily kill a person. It’s only natural to be cautious.

After all, how much had she doubted until the first taste back at Afterglow Fortress?

And it was shockingly easy to relieve that doubt.

“Then we can just drink it together.”

What the?!

 

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