Chapter 14: Quest board

Lylia scanned the quest board lazily, her finger tapping against her chin.

Then her eyes caught a familiar figure standing in front of it.

"Ohhh, Slade!" she called out, skipping toward him with a bright smile. "I’m done!"

Slade didn’t turn around immediately. "How was it?" he asked, still scanning the board.

"It was great, actually!" Lylia said, practically bouncing. She opened her mouth, ready to blurt out everything about her magic... 

But then froze.

'Wait. Announcing to the whole guild that I’m an all-aptitude mage? Yeah, probably not a good idea.'

Instead, she leaned closer, cupping her hand to his ear and whispering with exaggerated secrecy. "I’m actually an all-aptitude mage. And I’m not joking."

Slade finally glanced at her, raising a brow. "…Just like that Archmagus, Grant?"

"That’s right!” she whispered loudly, but it was still technically a whisper. "Just like Archmagus Grant! The receptionist lady even said so, and she was so shocked. Like, kinda really shocked."

Slade went silent. His sharp gaze rested on her for several seconds.

Then he finally spoke, his tone flat. "Coming from you, that doesn’t sound believable."

"Wahh! But I am telling the truth!" Lylia pouted.

Another long pause. His expression didn’t change.

"…Good for you then."

Lylia blinked, then grinned. "So you believe me?"

"Not really," he said plainly. "Though, If that really is true, don’t go announcing it to anyone. From what I can tell, you’re still a greenhorn when it comes to magic. And what's more, you also don't seem to have any background or reputation. People could take advantage of that, or worse."

Lylia crossed her arms and nodded. "That’s what I’m doing right now though, keeping it hush-hush."

Slade’s brow furrowed. "Why are you even sharing this with me in the first place? Didn’t the receptionist tell you to keep it confidential?"

Lylia hummed in thought, then just shrugged. "Why not? Eduart and you are more or less literally the only people I kinda know here. And…” Her voice softened slightly. "I can’t help but want to share good things in me with someone."

"…Do whatever you want. It doesn’t matter to me."

"Fair enough," Lylia said with a bright smile. Then her face turned sheepish. "But honestly? The receptionist didn’t tell me anything about keeping it confidential."

Slade slowly turned his head, glaring at the receptionist behind the counter. The poor woman stiffened and gave a nervous, shaky smile.

Lylia waved dismissively. "Don’t worry though! I am careful, you know. Even if I don’t look like it, I can understand how serious this is. I mean, I’m basically like an Archmagus, right?"

Slade didn’t reply. He just gave a quiet grunt and turned back to the quest board.

"So, are you taking a quest?" Lylia asked.

"Yeah."

Lylia sneaked closer, peeking at him mischievously. "Need help?"

"No."

"Awww, that’s so cold. A swordsman and a mage, don't you think we’d make a great combo?"

"I work alone."

Lylia clasped her hands together dramatically. "Can’t I at least tag along? I want to see how you fight! I have zero experience, and who better to guide me than you?"

"No," he said flatly. "The quests I take have no place for babysitting."

"I promise I won’t be a burden!"

"You will be a burden."

Lylia clicked her tongue. "Tch. Fine. I guess I’ll just go hunt some slimes and horned rabbits or whatever. I still gotta earn some money somehow."

Slade’s eyes narrowed. "…Just don’t follow me."

She smirked. "Wow, even when a young girl says she’s going hunting, you still don’t feel like coming along and watch over her safety?"

"You reached this town on your own," he replied calmly. "You’re capable enough."

"Awww. That's unfortunate. Very unfortunate." She let out a dramatic sigh.

'What a shame,' she thought, nodding to herself. 'I wanted to see him fight again… like when he slew that boar. Though, maybe it’s better not to risk my life just to watch.'

Slade added, "Just don’t go too far from the gates."

“Got it, got it. Thanks, Mr. Slade."

She then glanced at the board. "So, what kind of quest are you taking?"

There were only a handful of papers posted, about less than ten. She skimmed them quickly.

"Hmm, let’s see… this one’s an F-rank, just collecting herbs for a tiny reward. Oh, and this E-rank one wants rabbit pelts. Pretty basic stuff."

"I’m deciding between a B-rank and an A-rank," Slade said.

Lylia’s eyes widened. "Whoa. You’re that high up? What rank are you?"

"A."

Lylia whistled. "Woah, that's fancy. I knew you were cool, but wow, A-rank just sounds… kinda actually impressive?" she then asked innocently "If you’re A-rank, why not just take the A-rank quest?" 

"One of them requires a party," Slade explained. "So that's automatically a no. The other is a dungeon dive. It is time-consuming and dangerous. Though the rewards are generous. Still, I feel like it’s not worth it right now.

"Dungeon?" Lylia perked up. "Like, with floors, bosses, treasure chests… that kind of thing?"

"That’s right."

Her eyes gleamed. "Heh. I so want to grind there someday."

Slade ignored her mumbling and continued. "The B-rank one isn’t as rewarding, but the client’s offering a sword instead of money."

"Ohhh? A special sword or something?"

"Every sword is special."

"…Hoh." Lylia tilted her head, amused.

She scanned the quest details. From what she could tell, the client was an elderly man passing down his family blade to whoever completed the request.

'Doesn’t sound like some legendary relic or anything,' she thought. 'Guess Slade just really loves swords, huh.'

Slade reached for the B-rank paper, decision made.

Lylia immediately hit him with pleading puppy eyes. "…Last chance. Take me with you?'

"No."

"Awww!" she groaned, slumping dramatically.

He walked to the counter while she trailed behind. "Taking this one," he told the receptionist.

"Understood. I’ll mark it as claimed," she said with a polite nod.

Lylia leaned casually against the counter. "Hey, sweetie, we meet again."

The receptionist smiled professionally. "I believe it hasn’t been that long."

"Didn’t you say to me yesterday that I should come back today?" Lylia teased.

The receptionist gave a small laugh. "I sure did. Unfortunately, still no proctors available."

"Aww."

Finally, Slade and Lylia made their way to the door.

Before stepping outside, Lylia spun around, saluting. "Miss lady in green uniform! Tomorrow, don’t you dare forget! We shall meet once again!"

The receptionist blinked in surprise before chuckling softly. "I’ll be here."

With that, Lylia grinned, following after Slade into the bustling streets.