”Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
Sofia asked, having finished her explanation.
”How does the Guild handle disputes between adventurers? What happens if I’m attacked by bandits or other adventurers?”
”The Guild doesn’t intervene in personal disputes between adventurers, as a rule. However, we do step in when it involves fraud or matters related to the Guild. As for bandits, unless you can capture and transport them, make sure you kill them. If you let them escape, they’ll just attack someone else next. If your opponent is another adventurer, they’ll come at you with intent to kill – so fight accordingly. In that case, you won’t be held liable for injuring or killing them. If the case is questionable, the temple’s inquisitors will make the judgment.”
I still had plenty of questions, but let’s call it there for today. It was my first day in the Other World, and I’d already had enough.
”That was really helpful,” I said. “If I think of anything else, I’ll ask.”
As I thanked her, Sofia started blushing and fidgeting, looking all shy. Huh? When a beauty like that acts all flustered, the gap is just too cute. I could watch her all day. Can I just take you home with me already?
She looked at me as if steeling herself, then spoke.
”I have a request for you, Yu-san. Would you consider making me your exclusive receptionist? As your exclusive receptionist, I’d still handle regular Guild duties, but when you come in, I’d prioritize you above all. I could also help you prepare for expeditions and other tasks. How does that sound?”
An exclusive receptionist – maybe this was what Eigil-san had mentioned. When a beautiful woman like Sofia looks up at you with flushed cheeks and teary eyes, there’s no way you can refuse.
”Yes. I’d be honored. In fact, you don’t have to stop at exclusive receptionist – you could be my exclusive bride, you know?”
My inner voice had spilled out, all of it.
Sofia’s face turned even redder, all the way to the tips of her long ears. In a voice so small it was barely audible, she said:
”Yes. I’m off for today. I’m free tomorrow – would you hire me as your guide? Yu-san, you haven’t booked a room yet, have you? It’ll be a bit pricey at this hour, but I’ll reserve one for you.”
Wait – she said yes. But which yes? To the bride thing? Or just to the guide thing? I was totally thrown by the sudden development. And what was that about a guide? And wait – I hadn’t booked a room! Crap, I’m gonna end up sleeping on the streets…
”I’ll be in your care, then.”
That’s what I ended up saying.
”Then please wait for me in front of the Guild – I’ll get ready quickly.”
I stood there, dazed, watching her hurry off.
I stepped out of the Guild building and leaned my back against the red brick wall, staring blankly at the city. It was already dark, but street lamps at even intervals lit the cobblestones. This must be May Street – even now, it was bright and crowded. Light spilled from nearby shops, and lively voices drifted out. Probably a tavern. It seemed like a good town, full of life. Can’t say what goes on behind the scenes, though.
Summary:
Sofia the receptionist finishes explaining guild policies and then makes a personal request to become the protagonist’s exclusive receptionist, leading him to blurt out a marriage joke. She responds with a shy “yes” and immediately offers to be his guide the next day, leaving him flustered and confused about which proposal she actually accepted. The protagonist finds himself without a room for the night and dazedly watches her rush off, then steps outside to process the chaotic evening while observing the lively night city.
Trivia:
- The protagonist is on his first day in the Other World and has not yet secured lodging.
- Sofia’s long ears mark her as an elf, though her specific subrace is not detailed.
- The Guild does not involve itself in personal disputes between adventurers.
- Bandits are to be killed on sight unless capture and transport are feasible.
- Killing another adventurer in self-defense does not carry legal consequences.
- The temple’s inquisitors adjudicate questionable cases.
- May Street remains busy and well-lit even at night.
- The protagonist previously discussed the exclusive receptionist system with Eigil-san.
- Sofia’s “yes” was given to both the marriage joke and her guide offer, creating ambiguity.
- The protagonist’s inner voice frequently betrays his true thoughts.