Walking in Another World

The more we work together, the more the jealous stares turn lukewarm, like they’re just watching over us.
I guess when they see Rurika giving me instructions, it feels more like a big sister teaching her little brother.
Sometimes people even wish me good luck.

We keep accepting various quests, my pockets get fuller, and my guild rank goes from E to D.
It’s around this time that Rurika and Chris are also promoted to rank C.

This also means it’s time to say goodbye, but something crosses my mind.

“So we’ll be leaving in five days… Are we going to rest in the meantime? Accept quests?”

Rurika asks, probably to Chris and not me.

Her eyes are on an escorting quest.
It’s a one way trip that will take ten days, and it says people can accept even if they don’t have a carriage.

The destination listed is close to the Beast Kingdom of Lath, so they’re going to head that way when they’re done.

Chris looks at me like she’s thinking about something.
She’s probably remembering that being promoted in rank and accepting an escorting quest means it’s time to break up our temporary party.

“Then Rurika, about that escorting quest… Can I accept it with you two?”

Both Rurika and Chris are surprised to hear me say this.

“I don’t know what an escorting quest is like, but if it’s all right with you, I want to do it while you teach me about it.
Assuming I won’t get in your way, of course.”

“…We told you before, we’re going to the Beast Kingdom of Lath.
That means we won’t come back here together.”

“Yes.
Apparently I can take a horsebus between towns and cities, so worst case scenario, that’s how I’ll come back.
There are different quests in guilds in different cities, right? I want to see what they’re like.”

“…Then let’s check if we can accept it as a three person party.
Apparently it’s a medium-sized caravan, so they’re probably looking for a lot of people.”

We bring an escorting quest to Mikaru, and she seems kind of worried.
I’m sure it’s because other guild employees and adventurers already knew about Rurika and Chris, and they had already declared that they would be leaving to another country when they were promoted in rank.
That means I have to tell Mikaru what I just told Rurika and Chris.

I go back to the inn to tell the innkeeper about this too, and then we go meet the person that put out the request to confirm the details.

We buy what we need, and since I have some free time, I accept delivery quests to level up.
Making some extra money doesn’t bother me either.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t been here, have I?”

The fourth quest takes me to an area I hadn’t been to before.

I avoided this because I heard it’s less safe.
I just happen to find someone I’ve met before, who tells me this area is centered on the pleasure quarter.
He wishes me good luck with a big smile, and leaves.

Pleasure quarter… So nighttime activities? It looks like some places are open during the day too.

I look around while checking the map, when suddenly I feel my sleeve being pulled.

When I turn to look, I see someone I know, but didn’t expect to find here.

“What are you doing here?”

I hear this person’s voice, that sounds lower than usual.

When in doubt, ask a question back, but I feel like that’s not a good move here.
I can’t see them because of the hood, but I’m sensing something from those eyes.
Something like bloodlust.
I don’t think I did anything wrong, but I’m getting chills.

“I-I’m here on a delivery quest.
Why are you here, Chris?”

I stuttered.
This strange feeling of nervousness makes my mouth dry.

“I’m looking for someone.”

“Looking for someone?”

“Yes… We stand out too much here, so let us talk somewhere else.”

“Can you wait a moment? I’m going to deliver this.”

I start walking, and Chris follows me.
No, I really am just here to deliver something.
I’m not going somewhere weird.

I finish my delivery, and the person that accepts it looks at me oddly.

We didn’t walk much, but I’m tired.