The East Village had been fully operational for a week, and after accomplishing all the major requests, I finally made my way back to the original town.
"Good work, Shin. That trio was happy—and now your workload should finally ease up a bit."
Guildmaster Guildmaster's words referred to the fact that I had successfully passed on the methods for hunting birds and fishing to Cart, Van, and Lilie. Since this was all tied up with an Adventurer's Guild request, I was in the Branch Manager's office sharing information and chatting, which was essentially my report, when...
"Well, you see... ha ha ha..."
I remarked with a strained, dry laugh, and Jan-san, the Branch Manager, raised an eyebrow at me.
"Huh? What's wrong? Didn't it go well?"
"No, it went fine, but all three of them... They said things like, 'Now I can repay the village I was born in!' and 'With the skills Shin-san taught me...' and 'I'm going to build all sorts of things in my village!' It's practically guaranteed that they'll leave this town and return to their hometowns eventually."
In particular, those three were users of Fire Magic and Earth Magic, and they had been involved in the construction of the sewage and water systems in the East Village. It was understandable that they would think, 'If we can do this, we can do it in our own village as well.'
"Well, that's... that's just how things go, I guess. But hey, some of the little brats in the orphanage now will be adults in two or three years. You can teach them instead."
I appreciated the comfort, but what he was basically saying was that I would have to continue supplying the town with birds and fish all by myself for another three years. Plus, that was assuming the next generation wouldn't be able to use offensive or support magic. I could only pray the three musketeers didn't leave the town until then.
"Guildmaster! Shin-san! You guys here!?"
Raid-kun burst into the Branch Manager's office, flinging the door open—and was instantly smacked across the head.
"Stop that! Learn to knock already!"
Milia-san approached the table where Jan-san and I were sitting, clutching a stack of documents. Raid-kun followed, rubbing the side of his cheek.
"S-sorry, ya know! Anyway, the renovation thing is all finished, we got 'er done!"
"Even though it takes up twice the space... once you've experienced that, there's no going back, is there~?"
They were talking about the town's toilets. I hadn't just been focused on the East Village's development; I'd also simultaneously tested things I wanted to try there and fed the successful results back to the town. I'd improved the showers and planted what looked like fruit trees near the waterways that I'd found in the forest and mountains, but the biggest upgrade was undoubtedly the toilet.
I had introduced a 'washlet' (bidet) to this world, but it was a portable type. The mechanism of a built-in sprayer that only came out when in use and then retracted was simply impossible to reproduce in this world. So, I took a completely different approach and created a 'washlet-only integrated commode.'
It required manually refilling the water and pressing a lever like a water gun, but I installed it right next to the 'regular commode.' At first glance, it looked like there were two toilets in one stall, but one was for excretion and the other was for washing your backside. It was a brute-force solution, but I remembered that some countries overseas did something similar back on Earth, and I ran with it.
Milia-san mentioned it 'taking up twice the space' because of this, but it seemed to be well-received, which was a relief.
"Speaking of which, is the East Village development finished?"
"Yes, mostly—and the new seasoning is finished fermenting, too."
At that, the young man and woman cut in, full of interest.
"I heard about that! It's the new thing, not like the mayonnaise, right!?"
"When can we eat it!?"
"Next year."
The air in the room froze at my answer.
"Huh...? Uh, w-when did you say?"
"In one year."
"W-what about the... soonest?"
"Six months, at the very earliest."
The Guildmaster gave a wry smile as the two slumped in disappointment, their hopes crushed with every question. But it couldn't be helped. This seasoning wasn't difficult to make, but it absolutely required time.
It was Fish Sauce¹—the kind known as nam pla or nuoc mam. The process was simple: put the fish in a jar, pot, or other container, add about a quarter of the fish's weight in salt, cover it with a wooden drop-lid to prevent contact with air, and then seal it tightly. And then you let it age for six months—preferably a year.
Right now, there were about three hundred jars filled with the mixture being stored in a man-made cave on the mountain across the river from the East Village. Also, among the cooking utensils Count Doorn had given me, there was what looked like a glass bottle, so I had ordered about a hundred more glass bottles from the merchant Carman-san.
When it came time to retrieve it after aging—
I won't think about that right now.
"...What's wrong, Shin? Something else bad happen?"
The Guildmaster's voice snapped me back to reality. No good, I got lost in my thoughts again.
"N-no, nothing at all—though I was wondering about the winter. How did the townspeople manage their diet during that time?"
Raid-kun and Milia-san, having recovered from their shock, answered my question.
"Mostly the grains harvested from the fields, ya know."
"Before Shin-san came to this town, meals were basically vegetables, grain, and the bread made from them, after all."
I had heard bits and pieces of this information, but my main question was,
"But grain is harvested once a month, right? Can you still harvest grain during the winter?"
This time, Jan-san shook his head.
"The harvest definitely stops in the winter. Instead, the harvest volume increases by about threefold around autumn."
I see. That meant they had enough to last for about three months.
"Otherwise... sometimes people would bring in a monster or animal they hunted..."
"But some years they don't come at all, and you can't really count on it. And even when they do, it's incredibly expensive," the two explained, throwing their hands up in resignation. The Guildmaster then shifted the topic to something more optimistic.
"But this year, we have the mayonnaise Shin made, and we can make fried food now. We even have shellfish available in the town... Speaking of which, do those shellfish keep multiplying in the winter?"
"I plan to keep the water-channel temperature constant and monitor the situation. The waterway for the shellfish is relatively small, unlike the one for the fish, so I think it should be fine."
And so, while exchanging small talk, I gathered information and learned about how this world typically survives the winter.
* * *
"Phew."
Back in the inn, I sat on my bed and decided to organize the information about surviving the winter and the things we'd discussed at the Guild. I already knew this world's food situation was generally poor, but the conclusion was that winter would be harsh.
Water would freeze, snow would fall, and people would stop venturing outside the town unless they had an urgent need. Naturally, one would assume requests and work would drastically decrease, but apparently, people with Fire Magic would be hired to melt the ice and snow on the town roads, and the increased time spent indoors meant there was more work for craftsmen and Earth Magic users to repair furniture and houses.
The real hit was to the Silver-Class and higher jobs, as escort requests for travelers and merchants would dry up. However, those of Silver-Class and above received a monthly stipend, so they wouldn't really suffer.
At this point, it seemed like a fairly complete life cycle, but...
According to Raid-kun and Milia-san, whom I spoke to after leaving the Branch Manager's office, life was barely sustainable for even the Bronze-Class² because Jan-san was still the Guildmaster of this West District Branch and was good-natured enough to look out for them. It makes sense why he always told me to 'give the Bronze-Class some work'...
Apparently, in other branches, it was not uncommon for the population to 'decrease' in winter, with some adventurers even ending up as slaves. Compared to that, this town now had an increasing number of permanent employees for maintaining various facilities, so not only Guild members but also town residents were calling in distant relatives to move here.
I might even get consulted about expanding the town at this rate... I thought, when—
"Shin-san, are you there? You have visitors."
I got up from the bed at Claire Age-san's voice and opened the door to greet them.
"Visitors... for me?"
"The two you fought. That couple from the Royal Capital."
Ah, Claudio-san and Olga-san. I had heard they were relaxing in town now after providing guard and security services for the East Village for a while. Had something happened? In any case, I went downstairs.
"Long time no see, Shin-san!"
"...Though I guess it hasn't even been three days, has it?"
The two were already seated at a table, eating.
"Hello, Claudio-san, Olga-san."
I bowed my head lightly to greet them.
"Shin-san is always so polite and gentlemanly. Unlike some people."
"You're right. Definitely different from a certain rude Viscount³."
It seemed they had already started drinking. I was bothered by their flirting right in front of me, so I urged them to get to the point.
"What brings you here today?"
"Ah, well—we've decided to head back to the Royal Capital."
"Both Clau and I are stationed at the Royal Capital Headquarters, so we can't be away for too long, or it gets noisy. We just wanted to stop by and say goodbye."
They were opponents I had fought (as a test) and colleagues who had helped me with various jobs, so it wasn't strange for them to come and say goodbye 'personally.' I sat down and listened to them further.
"That's very thoughtful of you. ...Did you speak to the Guildmaster?"
At my question, the two exchanged a look.
"We took care of that first, but..."
"There's something we absolutely wanted to tell you."
"?? Something to tell me?"
It was still too early for dinner, but the dining hall was somewhat crowded. I leaned closer to the table, and they responded by lowering their voices.
"You know Baron Locke, right?"
Baron Locke. The name of the person I wanted least to remember popped out of Olga-san's mouth. I nodded in affirmation. He was the noble who tried to kidnap Pop-kun and Nico-chan, the children from the tapping dance group. I was certain he hadn't been charged with a crime but had been forced into retirement through a succession.
"...Has he done something?"
"You don't look surprised. Well, I figured you might have guessed. That guy absolutely hates you, Shin-san. It's totally misplaced resentment, of course. He was even blabbering to us, saying things like 'I'll pay you a reward if you break one of his arms.'"
I almost shouted in surprise but managed to hold it in.
"Is it okay for you to be telling me this?"
"It wasn't a formal request or anything, and we never said we'd accept it. There's no non-disclosure agreement on whatever he chose to say right in front of us. And we didn't take any advance payment, either."
They were quite detached, or perhaps businesslike, about it. I crossed my arms and pondered Olga-san's words.
"Hmm... I wish he would just behave."
"You can't underestimate a noble, you know. When a Baron is in the Royal Capital, his pride can be even higher than a regional lord's, you know."
I scratched my head, exasperated, when Olga-san spoke up again.
"In any case, it's better to be careful. Also, we suspect that if he plans to strike, he'll target the East Village."
"Huh? Why there?"
Claudio-san put his hands together, resting his elbows on the table in front of him.
"Well... he must know the town's combat strength—your actual power—by now."
"The East Village, on the other hand, is lightly guarded—and it's where you started all your new projects. If he wants to harass you and make you look bad, that's the first place he'll go."
I didn't want that village to get dragged into this over something so petty. But he was a noble who would plot kidnappings and human trafficking...
"I understand. Thank you for the information. I'll consult with the Guildmaster later."
"No, thank you. The 'temporary Magic Power enhancement' you taught us really broadened my offensive options, Shin-san."
Ah, the pitching form.
"And me! That ring you gave me to make aiming easier? My accuracy has dramatically improved thanks to that."
The gunsight. Well, I'm glad it helped.
"Besides, we were involved in that village's construction, too. We wanted to tell you before we went back to the Royal Capital."
"We put in all that work, ya know. It would leave a sour taste in our mouths if he messed it all up."
It seemed the things they built and helped with had indeed grown on them. I thanked them, saw them off, and then had the innkeeper prepare a few dishes. I headed back to the Guild Branch while it was still bright out.
* * *
"...Hmm, that possibility definitely exists."
The Guildmaster agreed with the possibility of an attack on the East Village while he ate the chicken cutlet sandwich Claire Age-san had prepared for me.
"Seriously, hasn't that guy learned his lesson...? munch, munch"
"Nom, nom, Guildmaster, this time, leave all the bones but the neck for me, please."
Raid-kun spoke while eating a white fish fry sandwich, and Milia-san was having a tuna-mayo sandwich.
"The Baron himself won't come. If anyone comes, it'll be a bunch of guys like a lizard's tail—people he can cut off without any problem."
I listened to Jan-san's reply to Milia-san, and I thought, that's still bad.
"Wait, I defeated a Glantz and shot down a Wyvern, right? Would people still come at me? Unless it's for a challenge, like Claudio-san and Olga-san."
The young man and woman thought for a moment, but the older man answered,
"It's probably the difference between seeing it with your own eyes or not. The four others who came for a test besides those two gave up, and a lot of people won't believe it until it's right in front of them. Also... in your case, there's the lack of information."
"Lack of information?"
I asked, surprised by the unfamiliar phrase.
"The residents of this town generally don't travel to other lands... and the Glantz and the bandits were executed, so there's almost no opportunity for people to hear about Shin's achievements from those who know. The only one who survived an encounter and was left with a painful memory is that Baron Locke."
"And that person is planning something, ya know."
"He didn't even fight Shin-san, so..."
I could only nod in agreement. It made sense.
* Killed a Giant Boar: → No eyewitnesses in other lands.
* Defeated 'Bloody Axe Ogre' Glantz: → Lots of town people saw it, but they barely travel to other lands (the end of the line).
* Shot down a Wyvern: → Blocke-san and Dunder-san were with me, but they barely travel to other lands (the end of the line).
The only one who travels frequently is the merchant Carman-san, who goes to the Count's house and the Royal Capital, but the weight of the information he carries is probably more about the town's lifestyle and business dealings.
"If he's going to attack—hiring bandits to raid the village is the most certain approach. If he wanted a piece of the village's profits, he could try to work behind the scenes, but that would be difficult to hide from Count Doorn's house."
I had no counterarguments to the Guildmaster's point, and I agreed completely. For the purpose of simple harassment, attacking quickly and escaping is certainly the safer, lower-risk option.
But what should I do? I wanted to establish a defense system as quickly as possible. Perhaps he saw the impatience on my face, because he continued speaking.
"Don't look like that, Shin. We still have time. To be exact—the Baron will only start moving after those two return to the Royal Capital."
The three of us, including myself, looked bewildered, and Jan-san explained his reasoning.
"Claudio and Olga are famous adventurers in the Royal Capital. They're considered Gold-Class in strength. Given their personalities, if a bandit attack were to occur, they would definitely respond. So, if he was preparing something, the starting gun for his operation will be when he knows they're back."
The three of us nodded at the Guildmaster's words.
"That's right, ya know. It takes about five days by cart from here to the Royal Capital..."
"That's at least ten days, plus another day to the East Village... it would take even longer if they were walking."
I see. That meant I had a decent amount of preparation time.
"...I will go to the East Village to prepare the defenses. I'd like to put in a request with the Guild."
The highest authority in the room raised a hand.
"Anyone but me can move. For combat, Raid, Gil, and Luce would be the most suitable, wouldn't they?"
Since the Glantz attack, it had been an unwritten rule that either the Guildmaster or I had to remain in the town. So, it would have to be someone other than him.
"Yes, that sounds right. And—the Boomerang Squad... also, the people I recently taught close-quarters combat to. Oh, Jan-san, do you still have the Glantz's axe?"
"That thing? Of course I still have it. Sometimes I use it... or rather, I'm the only one who uses it."
He can even handle that enormous axe... As expected of a Weapon Master. ⁴
"Whoa!? Shin-san, you're finally going to use that thing!?"
Raid-kun was suddenly excited, but I shook my hand vertically in front of my face.
"I will use it, but... I don't think I'll be using it the way you expect, Raid-kun."
Raid-kun and Milia-san tilted their heads simultaneously at my answer, and Jan-san gave a wry chuckle.
* * *
—Five days later. Royal Capital, Forloise—
In a certain mansion, a skinhead man received a report from one of his subordinates, his face alight with joy.
"Is that so? Is that so...! 'Toughness' and the 'Silver-Haired Witch' have returned! Send word to those men immediately! Tell them to burn that village! I don't care if people die!"
Baron Locke, though forced into retirement, had been plotting his revenge against the man named Shin who had foiled his kidnapping attempt, waiting for his chance. And upon hearing of Claudio and Olga's return, he put his plan into action.
"However, according to the rumors... Claudio and Olga were defeated by this man, Shin. I think it might be better not to get involved further..."
The Baron shouted at another man, a butler-like figure named Fred, who had not been the one to deliver the report.
"Silence, Fred! This is all your fault to begin with! If your Concealment⁵ hadn't worn off that day...!"
Fred closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"...But the subsequent reenactment and investigation confirmed that there was no issue with the Concealment. If you are not satisfied—may I have my leave?"
"Guh..."
The Baron was speechless for a moment at his answer but quickly regained his bluster.
"Hmph, fine. This time, it's nothing complicated like hiding people or bringing them in. It's a job even an idiot can do."
He sat down heavily in his chair, intentionally making a loud noise.
"...Baron, at least... include someone who can use Area Search in the operation..."
"I know that! Because you are so persistent, I added one person! Are you satisfied now? Honestly, it's an expensive nuisance."
The operation itself, which is just for harassment, is a waste of money, the thought went unsaid, and Fred simply remained silent.
* * *
—One week later. East Village—
"Phew. Nothing happened last night either."
I was checking the various 'traps' I had set up for repelling the bandits.
"You still think they'll come at night, Shin-san?"
Raid-kun, one of the adventurers who accompanied me, asked from behind.
"If Baron Locke's goal is harassment, it will definitely be at night. They'd sneak in under the cover of darkness, set fire to things here and there, and escape while we're busy putting out the fires—that's the lowest risk for them."
Hearing that, Raid-kun crossed his arms and groaned, "Hmm..."
"I don't think there will be a daylight raid. More importantly, make sure you get enough sleep during the day, alternating shifts. It would be terrible if you couldn't move when it mattered most."
"Y-yeah, you're right. I'll go grab some sleep now!"
The young man replied with a big stretch and then disappeared in the direction of the inn.
"Well, I'd bet the crucial time will be tonight or in the next two or three days..."
My defensive strategy and policy this time was devised by considering what the enemy would do if they intended to harass us. As I said before, sneaking in, setting fires, and escaping would be the quickest way. So, the first step was to restrict access to the gates.
Although the village had gates to the East, West, North, and South, I banned passage through all but the West Gate, which faced the town. We gave a vague excuse about maintenance and repairs—and since the West Gate was the main point of contact with the town, it was essential to keep it open.
"Shin-san, thank you for your hard work."
"Raid-niichan told me to come. The Boomerang Squad and I are going on patrol now!"
Gil-kun and Luce-san arrived together. Lieben-san, the Vice Captain of the Boomerang Squad, was with them.
"Sorry to trouble you, Lieben-san, as you're not even Guild-affiliated."
"Oh, not at all. I was a part of this village's development, after all. I'm not exactly unrelated to it."
During the day, people specializing in long-range magic and the Boomerang Squad kept watch. Without night-vision goggles, projectiles used at night without a clear light source could easily result in friendly fire.
I didn't expect a daylight raid, but we couldn't let down our guard. So, I, Raid-kun, and the close-quarters combat squad guarded the village at night, while they handled the daytime security. However, this day-for-night schedule was quietly taking its toll on my middle-aged body. I wish they'd hurry up and attack... Thinking such thoughts, I headed back to the inn.
* * *
—After sunset, when the village had fallen silent...
A group of just under ten people watched the village from a distance. All of them had their faces covered with cloth masks, advertising their illegal status by their very appearance.
"...What do you think?"
"The only concentration of people is at the West Gate. The other three gates are almost completely unguarded. It's almost unsettling."
The man who appeared to be the leader explained to the rest of the group.
"Baron Locke-sama told us to follow the instructions of you, the one who can use Area Search magic. We're counting on you, boss."
"So, what should we do? Which of the three unguarded gates should we use?"
The subordinates urged an attack, but the leader said,
"...Normally, if it were a trap, they would leave only one of the four gates unguarded. But this time, three out of four are unguarded. It's almost like they're saying, 'Attack from anywhere.'"
The subordinates looked at each other at the leader's words, but—
"The three gates—I'll go through the North Gate. Two of you, come with me. Send three men each to the East and South gates. We'll invade simultaneously, starting thirty minutes from now. As planned, we'll set fire to the buildings and then escape."
"I-is that safe, boss?"
One of the subordinates asked nervously, but the leader replied,
"I haven't sensed any Magic traps. If we attack simultaneously, they won't be able to cope. Not unless they have ten times our numbers."
And under the cover of the night, their shadows began to move.
* * *
"...! I've got a reaction on the Area Search! Shin-san, they're here, ya know!"
Raid-kun, who was guarding the West Gate with me, reported.
"Direction?"
"Just as you predicted, they're approaching the gates other than this one!"
Hearing that, I pulled a string at eye level. This string was a classic alarm system, like the ones seen in period dramas—a wooden board connected far away that would shake and make a clattering sound. It was called a naruko⁶, and since it used no Magic, the sound shouldn't be detected by the enemy if they were still far away. This was the first warning to our allies.
I had actually placed close-quarters combat personnel at each gate, but they would never register on a Magic detection system. I had gotten more details from Raid-kun about Area Search, and as expected, it detects Magic power, whether large or small. In other words, detecting an enemy's presence requires the premise that the enemy has Magic power.
So, with their apologies, I had sealed their Magic every night before they started their shift.
...There's no way they could use Body Enhancement or anything like that...
And once the shift was over, I would restore their Magic. I had been repeating this process because I thought it would make the enemy approach without caution—and the strategy had paid off.
* * *
"Boss, any signs of them?"
"...No. There's no activity at the West Gate, either. It's time. Let's go."
As they approached the village, they saw wooden gates that looked like they were half-finished with repairs. There were ropes strung across them, likely to prevent entry.
"...I see."
"?? See what, boss?"
Pointing at the gate, the leader answered his subordinate's question.
"They were being cautious, at least. You can see signs of reinforcement. But they didn't manage to finish before our attack."
He climbed over the rope and put his hand on the gate. It was locked and wouldn't open.
"Should one of us go in first and check things out?"
"There's no Magic reaction. There's no need. We'll invade simultaneously as planned. Don't make any noise."
With that, he leaped up onto the top of the gate and looked out over the village. In the darkness, he saw an empty scene. At the man's beckoning, his subordinates started dropping into the village one after another.
"...Alright, let's go. Those of you who can use Fire Magic, start setting fire to any buildings you see. The rest of you are backup in case something happens."
At his command, they ran forward—
"Gah!?"
"Ugh!?"
"Woaahhh!?"
At that instant, the ground beneath their feet caved in. A few seconds later, a light was shone on them, confirming what had happened. They looked down to see they were buried up to their knees in mud, their movements completely sealed despite their agility. And when they looked up—
"I-it can't be... there was no Magic reaction..."
They saw the Guild members, holding up torches and using Fire Magic for light, gathered and looking down at them.
* * *
"So, how is it? Is everyone okay?"
"No damage on our side, ya know! Also, one guy tried to run away from the pit trap, but I caught and captured him!"
Raid-kun proudly reported the success of the defense.
There was no Magic reaction to a simple pit trap. I had set the trap thinking they wouldn't expect anything that didn't involve Magic, and they had fallen for it perfectly.
Despite the commotion, the villagers came out in full force in the middle of the night, gathering in the central square to see the captured bandits. I looked at the faces of the bandits one by one and spoke to them with a smile.
"Well, well, I'm glad we made it in time. We were just about to hold the unveiling ceremony. I didn't think we'd get to use it right away, though."
The intruders were confused, not understanding what I meant, but their gaze was drawn to a large object covered with a cloth. Then, Gil-kun and Luce-san vigorously pulled the cloth off, and the object appeared with a dull gleam.
"...Gasp!?"
"T-that's...!"
Yes—what they saw was the giant axe of 'Bloody Axe Ogre' Glantz. It was stuck halfway into the ground, its blade asserting its existence like a macabre monument.
"Well, it's late tonight... let's save the execution for tomorrow. Whether it's to be bisected, beheaded, or if you have any other preference, we'll honor your wishes. Oh, and you'll get breakfast! The food here is excellent, I can assure you! Now, good night."
Upon hearing my words, the bandits collectively slumped in despair.
Summary:
Shin's practical approach to problems in a magical world continues to both frustrate and save him. After finishing up his engineering projects, he's faced with the very real threat of revenge from the disgraced Baron Locke. The Baron's arrogance and Shin's deep understanding of common sense lead to a brilliant, non-magical trap: the simple, effective mud pit.
The final blow isn't a spell or a swing of a sword, but pure psychological terror—the unveiling of the monumental Glantz Axe, a trophy of ultimate power, is enough to break the will of the caught bandits. It's a defense battle won with brains, not just brawn.
Character Insight:
Shin is fundamentally a practical engineer and project manager. His greatest value is his ability to apply Earth-logic to a magic-logic world (Washlet, Nam Pla, the Pit Trap). He's exhausted by his responsibilities but his loyalty to the town drives him. Baron Locke is a study in entitled, wounded pride, blinded by his own arrogance and relying on flawed Magic-based assumptions, a flaw Shin expertly exploits. Fred and the Guild members show the spectrum of realism against the Baron's delusion.
Behind the Scene:
The 'bidet' solution is a fantastic example of a low-tech workaround for high-tech features, a recurring theme for Shin. The fish sauce is a long-term investment that shows Shin thinking months ahead for the town's prosperity. The entire defense rests on the simple reality that magic users rely on magic detection, making a non-magic trap the ultimate surprise. The Glantz Axe is a powerful object, not just a weapon, but a symbol of the town's power and Shin's history.
T/L:
The Fish Sauce¹ Fish sauce is called gyoshou (魚醤) in Japanese, and the text explicitly mentions Nam Pla and Nuoc Mam. It's a condiment made from fermented fish that takes a long time to mature, hence the year-long wait. ↩
The Bronze-Class² Bronze-Class is the lowest rank of adventurer in the Guild. They are often the most financially vulnerable, which is why Guildmaster and Jan-san often try to get them work. ↩
The Viscount³ Viscount is a noble title, one rank higher than the Baron who is causing trouble. Olga is subtly insulting Claudio's manners by comparing him to a Viscount, who, despite his rank, is still rude. ↩
The Weapon Master⁴ Weapon Master (Weapon Master) is a class or skill for Jan-san, implying mastery over all types of weapons. ↩
The Concealment⁵ Concealment (Hidden) is a magic or skill used by Fred to cover up the Baron's original crime. The Baron blames him for the original failure. ↩
The naruko⁶ A naruko is a traditional Japanese clapper used to scare birds away from fields, or as a simple alarm system. Shin uses it here as a low-tech, non-magical alarm. ↩
Notes:
• Shin - An average, middle-aged Japanese salaryman who prides himself on his common sense and average abilities. He was forcibly sent to a fantasy world by a God and granted the 'ability' to prevent anything 'outside his common sense' from occurring in his presence.
• Lilie - One of the three new adventurers housed by Shin, she is a striking beauty with waist-length silver-white hair, deeply moved by the simple kindness and good food at the orphanage. Her appearance resembles that of a young noblewoman.
• Cart - One of the three new adventurers housed by Shin, he’s a gang leader type with a grateful demeanor for Shin’s kindness. Short-haired and sporting a typical delinquent/leader look.
• Jan - The sturdy branch manager of the local Adventurer's Guild. He is short, has muscular build, and gray hair.
• Raid - A young, 'normie' adventurer who gets saddled with the job of escorting Shin. He is carefree and friendly but is instantly put on edge by Jandou's ominous warning. He has short black hair, sun-tanned skin, and wears casual adventure gear.
• Milia - The young receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild. She has short hair, tanuki-face like (cute), wears round glasses, and business attire.
• Carman - The Count's official merchant in the town. A professional, elderly man who quickly recognized the unexpected value of Shin's processed fish.
• Claire - The sharp-witted owner of the inn 'Clan,' which was previously famous for its private bath. She is a powerful water-magic user.
• Claudio - A Silver-class adventurer called “Endless Stamina,” known for his toughness, with short chestnut hair, a mild face, an average build with strong arms, and a height of 175 cm. He fights in close combat using Body Enhancement (Boost) and a sword, with Gold-class potential limited by low versatility.
• Olga - A Viscountess and eccentric Silver-class adventurer known as the Silver-Haired Witch, with long silver hair, a youthful face with an adult expression, and a height just under 170 cm. She specializes in Fire, Wind, and Reflection magic, and avoids Gold-class promotion to escape obligations.
• Locke - A minor noble (Baron) arrived in town to illegally procure children, viewing them as profitable commodities due to rumors of their healing magic. He sports slicked-back, shaved hair, wears overly expensive gold-trimmed clothing, and carries an entitled, arrogant expression.
• Nico - Young, small orphan girl, initially tear-stained, wearing simple clothes, later a Shinto-style priest outfit. Abducted with Pop, her fear manifests as exhaustion and silence, eventually clinging to her caretaker.
• Pop - Young, small orphan boy, initially tear-stained, wearing simple clothes, later a Shinto-style priest outfit. Abducted with Nico, emotionally regressed, seeks constant comfort from Ribera-sensei.
• Glantz - A notorious bandit known as 'Glantz the Bloody Axe Ogre' for his massive weapon and brute-force approach. He has muscular build, bushy beard and unkempt hair. He carries a massive, 3-meter axe, and Wears bandit gear.
• Dunder - An elderly yet spry man, recently hired, with a weathered appearance and seasoned, reflective approach to work. He’s pleasantly surprised by his second wind in life, especially after eating wyvern meat.
• Block - A newly hired laborer with a solid, working-class build, he assists Shin with hunting and odd jobs. Straightforward and excited about earning high-value meat.
• Luce - A Bronze-class adventurer, also an orphanage graduate and very close friend of Gil. She specializes in Fire Magic, but can only 'manifest' flames without projection. She has flaxen hair tied in a braid at the back, short stature.
• Gil - A Bronze-class adventurer and recent graduate of the local orphanage. He specializes in Earth Magic (Stone Bullet), but its initial power is weak. He and Luce are close, almost like siblings. He has short hair, slender build, and looks unhealthy.
• Lieben - A tall man Shin hires for his Wind Magic to help create his dried fish product. He has thin, tall frame and slightly tired eyes.