CHAPTER 34 THE MONEY-GRUBBER AND THE VIRTUOUS MAN

I suppose Ill have to go through some tedious procedures to become an adventurer

Merc felt troubled after hearing Lukas explanation.

There had never been any such processes when she was still living as Estert. Back then anyone could become an adventurer as long as they were an adult and paid the Guild entrance fee of a silver coin. The annual charge of one blue silver coin, or 50 silver coins, had been out of reach for most people, but as long as they paid the first entrance fee, they could be an adventurer for a year.

Even if they were poor, as long as they had talent, they could amass the sum in a year by fulfilling requests and getting the rewards. Estert had been able to continue being an adventurer in this manner as well.

He had worked hard to become a Grade 1 Adventurer. His choice to give up what little he had to become an adventurer hadnt been wrong. However, with the current system even that wasnt allowed.

Most individuals had never met a Grade 4 or higher adventurer, much less asked for a recommendation from one.

Good grief. How did it turn out like this

Merc, you dont have a recommendation?

Thats right. Youre the first adventurers Ive met, after all. Of course I dont have one.

Should I write you one?

What?

Luka proposed to Merc, who appeared to be feeling under the weather, with an unusually bright smile for her. When Luka noticed Mercs eyes fly up to stare at her, she quickly extended her right palm towards her.

Huh?

Five silver coins.

Youre charging me?

The market price is 10. Five because were acquaintances. Im selling it cheap.

I-I see

What a money-grubber!

It was true, however, that a person in need of a recommendation would pay five, if not ten, silver coins. However, even if one managed to obtain a recommendation it wasnt certain that they would pass the exam. Merc began by inquiring about a concern she had.

By the way, can you take the exam multiple times with one recommendation?

No. One recommendation is for one exam.

Figures.

If you were recommended but failed, it meant you werent deserving of a Grade 4 Adventurers recommendation.

As a result, youd need to get a new recommendation and have your skills reassessed. It was inconvenient, but it was also rational.

What will you do? You cant take the exam without one.

Um

Lukas gaze seemed to be constantly pressuring Merc to make a choice. Merc believed that witnessing Lukas seductive smile was worth the money, but she also feared that she would come to regret it later.

I did receive a prize for defeating the Ghezo Velche, so its not like I dont have the money, but

Merc slowly reached for her pouch as she pondered her options.

Whats up? Are you talking about the exam?

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Jonahim, who had been flirting with Elea up until this point, swooped in and inquired happily.

Come to think of it, Merc, youre taking the exam, arent you? Do you have a recommendation?

No, I dont. Im talking with Luka abou

How about I write you one. After all, youve been quite helpful to us.

Huh? Really? How much?

How much? I dont need money.

Jonahim said casually. Hearing him mention that, Merc instinctively shifted her gaze to Luka, only to be surprised to see her look up at Jonahim.

Tsk

This woman

Luka turned around and began murmuring something after clicking her tongue, seemingly upset that her bargain had been spoiled. A dark, sorrowful aura could be seen wafting above her, causing Merc to believe she had done something wrong.

W-Well Jonahim said hed write one for me for free, so

Merc turned to Jonahim when she had persuaded herself.

Can you really write one for me?

Sure. But itd be hard to write it here. Ill write it when we get to the inn in the city. Would you mind staying with us until then?

Of course not. In any case, I was going to stay with you until we got to the guild. By the way, the town thats right ahead of this forest is the City of Ende inside the Lezau Duchy, correct?

Thats right. Our party has its base set at the Duchy. After being hired for an escort mission, we arrived in the City of Ende and noticed the elf villages request for the subjugation of the Ghezo Velche.

I see

The Lezau Duchy was a small country with a long history, situated just below the continents center. It had previously been a vassal state of the neighboring Kingdom of Egelmun, and was ruled by Duke Lezau, a noble from that kingdom.

However, a peoples revolution had occurred as a result of the Egelmuns oppressive rule, and the kingdom had been reduced to ruins. As a result, the territory had split into parts, with only the Lezau Duchy remaining.

The Lezau Duchy is still ruled by the Lezau family to this day1.

Isnt the Lezau Duchy an unusual country with only one Guild branch?

From what era is that information? A branch can be found in both the City of Ende and the Town of Gard. A new branch recently opened in the City of Logholt, and small branches can also be found in rural areas.

Really?

During Esterts time, the Adventurers Guild had only one branch within the Lezau Duchy. Back then, the Lezau Duchy2 hadnt been very large, and there hadnt been many adventures. It had always been lacking something.

Merc was astounded to learn how much it had changed in only 15 years.

I see. This will be my first time visiting the City of Ende in over 15 years. I guess the roads will have changed a lot as well.

Merc continued to stroll through the forest with Jonahim, while being reminded that a considerable amount of time had gone by. Luka and Elea were whispering behind them, but their quiet voices were quickly muffled out by the sounds of the forest.

The peculiar air that lingered around the forest reminded Merc why it was called the Forest of Illusion. It gave her the impression that Magic Beasts were about to emerge from the crevices between the thick, overgrown trees.

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As usual, this forest is quite unpleasant. Im amazed that Law is willing to come here.

Merc found the environment that most elves would describe as comforting to be extremely unpleasant. Most likely due to her previous life as a human. Regardless of the fact that she wouldnt get lost in it due to her elven body, she couldnt say it was a place she desired to visit.

Oh! We can see the end.

After talking casually with Jonahim, Merc suddenly noticed the end of the forest and hurriedly walked forward, as though forced out by it.

Finally!

It was finally time for Merc to set foot in the mysterious realm3 known as the human world after leaving the village, traversing the dreary forest, and crossing the barrier.