Chapter 8: Charlotte and the Adventurers’ Guild◆

We kept talking as we walked through the crowd. Every now and then, I tossed a smile at familiar faces we passed, but that didn’t stop our conversation.

"Basically, anyone can enter a dungeon. As long as it’s a dungeon, I mean."

"Then what’s the benefit of becoming one of these adventurers?"

"One thing is that the Guild will buy up whatever items you bring back from a dungeon in bulk. Since they control most of the distribution, they also hold a lot of power. Honestly, the bigger factor is that going against them is… unwise."

That’s right—the Guild has money. And it has authority. That authority is guaranteed by the surrounding nations, so not even the underworld dares to mess with it. At best, they try to set up black markets and smuggle contraband.

But that’s still taking a huge risk. I’ve heard plenty of stories about illegal dealers getting cracked down on.

"There are other benefits, but none that matter to you, Riven-san, so I’ll skip those. The most important one is that for some dungeons, you need the Guild’s permission just to enter."

"…What? That’s not what you said earlier."

"I said ‘basically,’ didn’t I? If you want to enter important dungeons, you need the Guild’s approval. For example, the so-called 'Chaos,' the one rumored to hide some legendary treasure."

Chaos—this town’s most infamous dungeon. Its difficulty was said to be the highest. Not just floor by floor, but section by section, the environment shifted unpredictably. Before you even had to worry about monsters, the dungeon itself wouldn’t let people leave alive.

It was said that promising adventurers were being sent in gradually to explore it… but who knows. No information ever reached the streets. And those who returned from there never spoke of what they’d seen. At best, it became the stuff of drunken rumors.

"I see. So if I want to achieve my goal, I need to become an adventurer and get this Guild’s permission."

"Exactly. Oh, but don’t even think about forcing your way in, okay? You’d have a whole nation against you."

There had actually been one crime syndicate that tried that and got crushed. Not just because of the state’s intervention, but because rival groups piled on as well.

Thanks to that, the underworld had been reduced to a three-way standoff. The turf wars over the fallen group’s territory had been… well, quite the mess. Luckily, the Stray Cat Inn hadn’t been affected much, even if the town had gotten unbearably noisy.

"I’ll keep that in mind. I’ve no intention of picking a fight with a nation."

"That’s a relief. Ah, look, the building’s coming into view."

The Guild headquarters was said to be a repurposed castle built in ancient times. It looked every bit a fortress, but was famous for how strange its construction was. For one, the outer walls bore no signs of joints or mortar. They weren’t built brick by brick, but as if the stones had been conjured into shape as an entire wall.

People often said over drinks, "Guess the ancients had some crazy technology, huh?"

"Strange building."

"Even now, no one knows how it was made."

Riven gazed at it with genuine curiosity. He already drew enough attention just by existing, so I really wished he wouldn’t stop in his tracks like that.

Not that I was any better. We both stood out too much. Too good-looking, and his black hair only added to the rarity. Two people walking together with unusual hair colors? Of course people stared.

Enduring the gazes, we entered the building and headed to the reception desk.

"Oh, Charlotte-san. Today—are you here with that gentleman as a party?"

"Hello. Not exactly. I’m here to get him registered as an adventurer. I’m just the escort."

After a light exchange with the receptionist I knew, I beckoned him closer. It was a relief that he was going along with this without complaint—for now. You never knew what might set him off.

He glared at me. Apparently, my thoughts had shown on my face.

"…I’m Riven. Thank you for the introduction."

"Yes, welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild reception. Will you just be registering today?"

"That’ll do for now. I was told, in no uncertain terms, that it’s necessary for entering dungeons."

Riven’s tone had a bit of an edge. Huh—did I annoy him? Was I too familiar? Did I misjudge the distance between us? Was I too optimistic in thinking he’d just let it slide? Cold sweat trickled down my back.

"Then, does that mean you’ve already had some dungeon experience?"

"Yes. Yesterday, I entered a place crawling with moving bones."

"For a beginner, that would be the Catacomb Dungeon. Were you, by chance, exploring with Charlotte-san yesterday?"

"We met partway through, but yes. Why do you ask?"

The receptionist called someone from the back, then told us to wait a moment. Before long, a staff member appeared holding the flag I’d sold off yesterday—the Skeleton General’s.

"Do you recognize this?"

"I do. It was dropped by the area boss."

"And the circumstances of that battle?"

"There were a lot of moving bones. Some were armed. There was even one dressed like a knight."

At first I wondered what this was about, but then realized they were cross-checking the details against my report from yesterday. Not questioning me directly, but him—probably as a safeguard against collusion. Whether that actually mattered, who knew, but at least they had their reasons.

"…As expected, this hasn’t been reported before."

"Hasn’t it?"

"No. But now that we’ve confirmed it, that’s fine. We’d like to hear more details about this later—would that be acceptable?"

"I don’t mind. But can we get the registration done first?"

"Of course. Would you prefer to register verbally, or in writing?"

"In writing."

Things moved along quickly. Too smoothly, almost—but then, that was better than complications.

I watched him from the side as the paperwork got underway. Seriously, this guy looked way too good. It was starting to get on my nerves.

I really wish I’d been born strong and handsome like him. Sure, I’m a pretty girl, but that’s different. In a world like this, just being female is a disadvantage unless it’s peaceful.

"Hey, are you telling me registration is really this easy?"

"Yes. There are basically no restrictions on becoming an adventurer."

…? Riven’s expression turned sour. Was he upset that anyone could become one? Why?

"…Yes, everything checks out. With that, your adventurer registration is complete."

"That’s it? Nothing else to do?"

"You’ll need to return another day to pick up your adventurer card, but that’s all for now."

"I see."

Riven stepped away from the counter and beckoned me over.

When I came closer, he crossed his arms and gave me a look full of dissatisfaction.

Why the intimidation? Couldn’t he be a little friendlier for once?

"It’s done. So, what do we do next?"

"Next—"

"Um, excuse me!?"

Just as I was about to explain, the receptionist raised her voice, cutting us off.

Both of us turned to look. Riven clicked his tongue, clearly irritated. With no choice, we headed back to the counter.

"I’m sorry to stop you, but Riven-san, may I have a moment?"

"…What is it?"

"Could I… have your contact information?"

Her cheeks were tinged faintly pink.

…Wait. Was this what they call hitting on someone? Sure, his face is handsome—too handsome—but still!

Riven, on the other hand, looked utterly displeased. She had to see that look from where she was, staring straight at him… yet she didn’t back down. That was some serious dedication to her reverse-pickup attempt.

"I refuse."

He cut her down flat.

"W-what!?"

"I’m not interested in that kind of thing."

She looked shocked, then turned her glare on me when I came into her line of sight.

Why me!? I didn’t do anything!

"Hey. What’s the holdup? Let’s go."

"Why not just give it to her? It’s only contact info, you know."

The look he gave me was one of pure disgust. Honestly, not even a cockroach crawling out in a restaurant would earn that kind of face.

Good thing the receptionist wasn’t at the right angle to see it. If she had, she might have fainted on the spot.

"…Experience."

"Huh?"

"Bottom line, nothing good ever comes from getting too involved with women. Now hurry up and show me the next place."

…Something bad must’ve happened to him in the past.

Then why doesn’t he just ignore me too, since I’m a woman? What a mystery.

I tilted my head but moved on to lead him through the Guild. That was when someone called out—directly to me.

"Ah, Charlotte-san. Just the person I was looking for."

We turned toward the voice. A pudgy, bureaucrat-looking man was walking over.

Riven gave me a questioning glance—was this someone I knew? Of course.

"It’s been a while, Pete-san. What can I do for you?"

"Yes, well, it’s about—ah, and who is this gentleman?"

This was Pete-san. Back when I tagged along with stronger parties, I’d seen him several times.

Whenever there was an official investigation request involving dungeons, he was usually the one handling it.

"This is Riven-san. About yesterday’s Catacomb Dungeon—"

"Ah, yes, I’ve heard. So it’s him."

Pete-san gave Riven a once-over, as if weighing him up.

Riven wore an unhappy expression but didn’t resist. Funny how he could be so docile at times.

"Hmm… could you both come with me? I’d like to speak with you in the back."

Riven and I exchanged looks. His eyes asked What is this about? I shook my head—I had no idea either.

Pete-san usually dealt with high-ranking adventurers, not small fry like me. Why would he seek me out?

Turning him down would only leave a bad impression. And his eyes were dead serious—this wasn’t a request we could refuse.

I nodded, and followed behind him. Riven, though reluctant, trailed after us.