136th
*The sun, the moon and the sword
136 ? The Sun, the Moon, and the Sword #1
Delphina of the Sword.
It was a name that seemed like I had heard it somewhere, but also like it was the first time I was hearing it.
The names of people in this world have a strong oily spaghetti-like aspect, so most of them sound similar and are not easy to remember.
Delphinarium of the Sword.
I think there was a guy like that among the Silver Tier adventurers in Calcata.
So, while I was trying to recall the memories in my head, a female prosecutor with her blonde hair tied back into a bob and wearing light light clothing that revealed her stomach suddenly jumped up onto the stage.
“I’m here!”
It was a spectacular move, like a gymnastics jump, where she circled the air several times before landing.
Why do you want to go up like that? The adventurers of Calcutta originally had a tendency to like things that were exaggerated and flashy, like the rising YouTubers.
“Is that guy an adventurer from Calcutta? He’s quite strong.”
Hippolyte, who had been crossing her arms, commented a few words on the sight. If Hippolyte is said to be strong, then it means that her skills as an adventurer are definitely outstanding.
First of all, the city of Calcata is said to be a place that feels like an upper-level dungeon where old people gather, so it is natural that an adventurer who rolls around there in the Silver Tier is strong.
Blue-eyed Delphina shouted at the people with a rather confident face.
“Citizens of Sodomora, I am Delphina, an adventurer from Calcata! Since Sodomora and Calcata have become friends, you will be seeing me often in the future. I will show you the skills of a true professional, different from the incompetent adventurers of Sodomora! Please show lots of love for the Silver Rose!”
It felt like watching a newly debuted idol group. But the adventurer group actually has a lot of similarities to an idol group.
Since they both make a living off of their fame, they need to make sure they promote themselves. Since it’s a party, they’re probably trying to draw more aggro.
But I wonder what Hippolyte would think of the fact that the adventurers of Sodomora were so incompetent that they were dismissed wholesale.
So, at that moment, I was trying to check Hippolyte’s complexion.
“I can’t believe you’re saying I’m more incompetent than anyone else. You’re a novice from a remote place like Calcutta.”
Someone shouts a sneer loudly through the crowd.
Because it was a man’s voice with a sharp edge somewhere, people’s attention was instantly drawn to the corner of the party hall.
There was a person there, holding a large sword that was about the length of a person’s body. She had long, gray hair tied back, and her body itself was quite slender and sharp, so I thought she might be a woman.
Looking at his sharp, eagle-like eyes and the scar on his left eye that ran from his forehead to his cheek, you could tell he was a very wild man.
“It’s Altair.”
“Altair of the Minerva Guild.”
Someone explained it like this.
It’s Altair.
I have also heard of the name Altair. When introducing outstanding adventurers in the Minerva Guild, the name that always comes up is Altair of the Silver Tier.
It was my first time seeing him in person, and I was a little disappointed because he wasn’t the image of a rough-and-tumble man I had imagined in my head.
If what I imagined was a Hulk wielding an axe in both hands, this man looks like a swordsman who would be perfectly suited to wearing a straw hat and a bamboo hat.
Still, it seems certain that he is a murderous bastard who looks strong enough to slaughter someone like me in one fell swoop.
“Who are you-?”
Delphina of the Swordsman tilts her head and smiles, perhaps puzzled by the return of her provocation. The corners of her mouth are raised cheerfully, but her eyes are not smiling at all, which is scary.
The man said.
“Don’t you know my name? I’m the quick swordsman Altair. If you want to work in Sodomora, you need to know the names of your partners, you country bumpkin.”
“Quick Swordsman Altair, that’s the first time I’ve heard that name. You’re not that famous, are you?”
“what?”
“And you’re a partner. Sodomora must be a loose enough place to even consider others. I’m jealous. This place is either a party or an enemy. You frog who doesn’t know how wide the ocean is.”
“I absolutely cannot bear to hear this. I will not tolerate any further insult to my honor.”
“That’s true. You Sodomora adventurers are all incompetent. That’s why you can’t even wipe out one thieves’ guild that’s buried deep inside the city.”
“… .”
Thieves Guild.
At that name, Altair remained silent and kept his mouth shut.
Not only that, but the people who were making a fuss around them were just looking at each other, as if they didn’t dare to carelessly join in the conversation.
Delphina, the prosecutor standing on the podium, takes advantage of the tumultuous atmosphere to continue speaking.
“Our White Rose Team has confirmed that the supplies from the Valdes Mountains and the weapons such as the catapults were provided by the Thieves Guild of Sodomora. Isn’t that funny? The enemy is originally within. The enemy of Sodomora is not the cultists who have set up camp outside, but the thieves within.”
I don’t know what the situation is, but Delphina, the adventurer from Calcata, is very excited.
I wondered why no one stopped him from going out like that. Everyone just listened to the story with embarrassed expressions.
“But I understand. Originally, even a healer can’t cure his own illness. He can’t operate by cutting open his own stomach with his own hands. That’s why he borrows the hands of others.”
“You want to be that healer? It won’t be easy. Thieves are rats. Even if you try to poke them with your cheap blade, you’ll only end up going deeper and deeper inside and grinding your teeth.”
“I know. But rats usually come out when you set fire to them. We have a really awesome firework. You can expect it. Everything will burn.”
“Everyone can make things sound plausible.”
Minerva Guild’s Silver Tier adventurer Altair was a more patient person than you might think.
I thought they might be ready to wield a knife at any moment because their faces looked so ferocious and murderous, but they were surprisingly sophisticated.
Of course, from my perspective, people who pull out their swords because they don’t like something are wrong… .
Then Delphina said.
“So, you want to make a bet? You Sodomora adventurers will behead the Hydra. We, the Calcata adventurers, will behead it first.”
“Who would fall for such childish provocation?”
Just as Altair was about to laugh and move on, a round of applause erupted from somewhere.
“That would be fun.”
It was the golden-bearded dwarf Count Hawkins Sardich, who had been listening quietly to the story. Hawkins shook his shoulders and clapped his hands as if he had heard an interesting story.
“It is a very interesting story. There must be a director in the bet. I will be your witness. Viscount Clementor of Calcutta, what do you think of this bet?”
“That, that-. I, I’m sorry. The adventurers in our city are so free-spirited… .”
“That’s the funny part about life. Nothing ever goes as planned. What would be the reward for a bet?”
The Count of Golden Beard asked the dashing Silver Tier female adventurer. Delphina of the Sword drew her sword and pointed it at our table.
“Of course it’s a gold necklace. I heard that the inauguration of the Gold Tier Adventurer will take place today. If we can catch and kill the leader of the Thieves’ Guild first, you will grant our team the right to duel for the Gold Tier spot.”
“Indeed. That’s interesting. However, that’s beyond my authority. I’ll have to ask the person in question directly.”
Everyone’s eyes were drawn to our table. Luna and I were just holding each other’s hands and shaking. Hippolyte, who was listening to the conversation with her arms linked, said.
“Good. I’ll take you on as much as you want. It seems like you underestimated me. Do you think you can take on this body if you attack as a team?”
“I’ve never heard of Altair before. But I’ve never heard of you, Hippolyte. A demigod who has awakened to divinity. Mars’ earthly agent. If we defeat you, our team’s reputation will spread to the ends of the continent, right?”
“You will be forgotten as one of the many who have been defeated by me. Alright, then I will also participate in this battle against the bandits. When I was dealing with the cultists, I was just fidgeting around because I had nothing to do. No, no, I made a slip of the tongue. I will correct it.”
Hippolyta declared that she would correct her words, then spoke again.
“Not me, but we will join the fight. Our party consists of Hassan, Lu, and Luna Noxdotti from here, Samaria.”
Hassan of Samaria.
Samaritan.
At Hippolyte’s mention, people’s mouths were seen muttering familiar words here and there.
The gaze that had been barely spread out here and there was focused on my black hair, and I suddenly felt dizzy.
* * *
The banquet dinner was delayed by useless conversation and ended in an awkward manner.
Shit, the official event got sidetracked by another story and ended up going overtime.
It makes me realize again how the administrative procedures of this world work. Is this really true?
To be honest, I was really looking forward to what kind of reward I would receive. All I got was a small lightning bolt-shaped badge.
Yes, it’s a badge. It’s like an accessory that you wear on your chest.
I thought it might be some kind of precious relic, but I was disappointed because no words came to mind and no numbers showing that the task had been completed were visible.
What kind of badge is that?
Who took it from the middle? He’s not a person who has rendered meritorious service to the country during the times of poverty. Are you trying to justify it with this badge?
On the way home, I was staring at the lightning bolt-shaped badge, when Hippolyta, who was walking with us, spoke to me.
“It’s a traveler’s token. You’ve received something good. There’s no better reward for you. Even I would be a little jealous of it.”
“Traveler’s Mark? What is that?”
“It is said that the gods sometimes traveled the world in human form. The Sardici family of Sodomora once recognized and treated Jupiter in human form, and this earned them a blessing and made their family rich.”
Gods roaming the world in human form? I can’t understand.
“Gods walk around in human form. Why do they do such things?”
“I don’t know. Maybe they enjoy playing with human life. Or maybe they want to meet a mate on Earth and have children. Yeah, if you think about it, pairing up is a pretty important thing.”
Hippolyte cleared her throat and continued speaking.
“Anyway, that’s where the status of ‘traveler’ comes from. It’s a system where you can be treated like a traveler without being bound by the status system, like the gods who enjoy playing. It’s a benefit that’s mainly given to nobles from the outer continent, like you, Samaritan.”
“So does that mean my status has become that of a traveler?”
“okay.”
I thought it was about granting citizenship.
If you’re a traveler, isn’t it just a tourist visa, not a citizenship? Of course, it was a time when the situation was much better than Hassan, who had been an illegal resident without a visa, but there was something I didn’t like.
“Isn’t citizenship better?”
“Citizenship is only valid in Sodomora. But the badge can be used anywhere on the continent. Any house, any inn. Show it and they’ll give you a room for the night.”
“oh-.”
A badge that requires you to give up a room for one night. When I hear that, the badge starts to feel heavy, like it’s some kind of great symbol.
I put it carefully in my pocket in case I lost it.
Hearing the explanation further, it seems that since the Count’s family has influence within Sodomora, this badge will play a role similar to citizenship.
Anyway, I was satisfied with the fact that I had obtained something like a strange passage ticket. So let’s leave that aside.
“More than that, Lady Hippolyte. Are you serious about joining us as a party to subdue the thieves’ guild?”
“Yeah, we’re in the same party from today onwards.”
Luna flinched at those words.
“… Gosh, we’re partying up in the same position as Hippolyte. Hassan, it seems like we’re growing too fast! I must be really strong!”
Luna, who had been quietly listening to the story, also cried out as if she couldn’t quite believe this fact. Luna’s voice could often be heard in the back alley where dogs were barking.
However, Hippolyte corrected the story as if there was a problem.
“On the same ship? You and I are strictly superiors and subordinates. I give orders and you follow. No matter how relaxed the adventurer industry has become these days, it’s ridiculous to think that you and I are on the same level.”
Did Hippolyte have pride? Hippolyte was the one who couldn’t give up the position of leader of the party. However, Luna’s eyebrows furrowed at that story.
Hippolyta’s armor shook as if she was startled by the sight.
“Ahem, ahem, but I heard that the trend among low-level adventurers these days is for parties to be equal and fair. I’m willing to make that concession.”
“okay!”
She was a female warrior who was not intimidated and responded well in front of nobles and other adventurers.
For some reason, it’s strange that in front of Luna, Hassan is like a witch who can’t use his spirit. Do other people know about this? I don’t know.
The story of Hippolyte’s defeat by Luna didn’t even spread as a rumor, perhaps because of media control.
“Come to think of it, Hippolyte.”
“What, what is it?”
“Give me back my three silver coins! You broke the jar and ran away last time!”
Luna’s words reminded me of the time Hippolyte visited Luna’s cabin.
I remember doing something very strange, and Hippolyta ran away, saying she would bring me the money for the jar she had broken.
Three silver is a lot of money. Luna never forgot that.
“Tch, you don’t forget things like that. But I don’t have any money right now. I don’t carry a wallet or anything.”
“You said that last time and didn’t give it back to me!”
“I am not the kind of person who would skimp on just three silver. It’s just that I am a little slow in paying it back. Don’t you know the saying that a Mars warrior never skimps on money?”
“I’ve never heard of such a proverb before. Where on earth can you find such a proverb?”
“I just made it, so here it is. Ahem, anyway, it’s late at night. I see the cabin over there.”
Hippolyte escorted Luna and me safely to the cabin.
Was he being considerate in case he was attacked at night? He was surprisingly considerate for a high-ranking adventurer.
“I just wanted to bring it up since I came all the way here. Are you guys living together now?”
Hippolyte stood at the entrance to the hut and asked a question. It was the first time she had been asked such a direct question, so she felt somewhat embarrassed and did not know how to answer.
Because Luna was officially a swearer of chastity, if rumors spread that she was living with a man, she would be looked at in a bad light by the world and her reputation would suffer.
It was while Luna and I were mumbling and hesitating without being able to answer.
“Silence sometimes answers many questions. I get the general idea. As the leader of the maidens, I would like to ask, but have you done anything that would make me uncomfortable?”
Hippolyte’s sharp eyes scanned Luna and me. However, I had already become resistant to the questioning from Nox, so I was used to being ignored.
“What do you mean, something that would be considered a street shaming? What, what is that?”
“What is it, of course, of course… . It is an act that destroys purity.”
“What, what is that?”
Luna asks as if she doesn’t know anything. Hippolyta’s eyebrows furrow slightly at that.
“Noxdotty, I knew you had a blind side. Surely you’re not unaware of what that act is?”
“I don’t know! What is that!”
“… That’s a serious problem in its own right. What it is is… A man and a woman… Sharing a blanket… What are you trying to tell me right now? I won’t fall for this trap.”
I think I’ve already dipped my feet in it.
Hippolyta cried out in a desperate manner, as if throwing down the gauntlet.
“Anyway, there’s something like that. Ahem. Since it’s come to this. I’ll have to watch for a day to see if you guys are keeping your promise. I’ll also sleep here today…!”
[Work Review]
I feel like I’ve been holding my breath for too long…
Can’t you take a break and try again?
Anyway, it might come out soon…
