LIGHTNOVELSTORY chapter 29 - Mii-chan arrives in Quint
29: Mii-chan arrives in Quint.
The attack in that village seems like a lie now. Before noon on the sixth day since leaving Quart, Nero and the others arrived in the city of Quint without any incidents.
Whether it was thanks to Mii-chan’s cat litter set or just a coincidence, he wasn’t sure.
Here, Nero had to say goodbye to Zef and the Alter Trading Company’s caravan. The caravan would continue to visit several Alter Trading Company branches in the upcoming towns.
“Nero-san, please be careful on your way back.”
“Follow the Hunter Guild’s instructions.”
“Zef-san and Faren-san, please be careful as well.”
“Mii…”
They would now unload their cargo and load new goods, preparing to depart early the next morning. Mii-chan seemed to regret parting with Bamu, who had become a good friend.
However, Nero had no time to rest. He had to head to the Hunter Guild. Fortunately, he was dropped off near the guild, so it was a short walk.
Upon reaching the reception, he was greeted with:
“Do you need something from the Hunter Guild?”
Ugh, this pattern again—being mistaken for a child. Indeed, men in this world are generally well-built, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t smaller people. Even if Nero is on the shorter side, he’s still 170 centimeters tall. He’d had his height measured at the Quart guild, so it was accurate.
“Even so, I’m a staff member of the Hunter Guild in Quart,” Nero said, handing over the Hunter Guild staff identification and letter he had received from Pamir.
The receptionist, with a skeptical look, took the items and went to the back.
After a while of playing with Mii-chan, a man came from the back and guided them to an inner room. After waiting a bit longer, an elderly woman entered.
“Welcome, Nero-kun. I am Eva, the head manager of this guild. Nice to meet you.”
What a surprise… She seems to hold the same position as Gaius. It’s like night and day—or rather, heaven and hell!
Though she was elderly, Eva had a dignified appearance, suggesting she was quite a beauty in her younger years.
“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”
Oh no, I must have stared too much. Even though she’s elderly, I was caught looking intently at her face…
“I’m sorry. I always thought that a head manager would be like Gaius…”
“Hohoho… That one is special. Other cities have ordinary people as head managers. Aside from Gaius, how is Pamir?”
“I’m always in her debt. She’s very well. As for Gaius… I’m not sure why he’s here…”
“Hohoho… Pamir’s letter mentioned taking care of you and Mii-chan. Is this little kitten Mii-chan?”
“Mii-chan,” Eva cooed, “She’s such a well-behaved kitty. May I hold her?”
“Mii~”
It seems like Mii-chan and Eva are having a conversation without me… Oh well, I handed Mii-chan over to Eva.
“My, such a glossy coat. As a woman, I’m quite envious,” Eva said, clearly enjoying Mii-chan’s company.
Well, of course. Mii-chan drinks a universal potion every day, and whenever we’re at the guild, the ladies brush her. I never miss a chance to brush her myself outside of that. Her coat is indeed glossy.
After Eva had her fill of cuddling Mii-chan, she finally returned to the present.
“About the return trip,” she said, “the caravan heading towards Quart is scheduled to depart in twenty days. You’ll be traveling back with them, is that alright?”
“I think that will be fine. I have some things I’d like to do in this city.”
“I’ve arranged for you to stay at a guild-designated inn, free of charge, of course. Also, if you could help out at the guild starting in the evening, that would be great. Pamir’s letter mentioned that you’re skilled in appraisal. Our guild’s buying counter is quite busy.”
“Understood. However, I won’t be able to handle detailed appraisals.”
“I understand. We would need you to do core appraisals, similar to what you did before.”
“If you provide me with a general list of core values, that should be manageable.”
“Is it okay to start today?”
“Yes, please. I appreciate it.”
“There’s one more thing I’d like to ask. It was mentioned in the letter that while you’re working, we’d like to hire Mii-chan as well. Is that alright?”
“Mii~”
“It seems like it’s okay.”
“Our female staff could use some relaxation as well…”
As expected from the chief, she must be dealing with a lot of stress. Compared to that, Gais-san seems…
For now, I decided to head to the inn they arranged for me.
Upon arriving at the inn, I mentioned that the Hunter’s Guild had made the arrangements. I was told to manage it myself and given a key. There was no sign of a dining area, so it looks like I’ll have to prepare my own meals. The room was small, with only a bed and what seemed like a wall-mounted shelf or board. Simple is best, right?
“Mii…”
Don’t say anything, Mii-chan. It’s free, after all. Let’s just think of it as a place to rest comfortably.
Since I hadn’t had lunch yet, I decided to wander around the city a bit. I bought lunch from a street vendor and had it in the park with Mii-chan.
The city of Quint is smaller compared to Quart. It feels either quaint or cramped, depending on how you look at it. The overall size of the city is similar, though.
While wandering around the area near the Hunter’s Guild, I found a public bathhouse. It was open even though it was only just past the second bell. I decided to check it out.
The elderly woman at the counter explained that because there are many craftsmen in the city, they have to stagger the hours to accommodate everyone. Many craftsmen start work early and finish by noon, so this timing works well.
I was asked if I wanted to go in, but since Mii-chan was with me, I said I’d come back later. The woman kindly offered to take care of Mii-chan, and I accepted. Of course, I made sure Mii-chan was okay with it.
And of course, I treated myself to a full course!
“See you later, Mii-chan.”
“Mii~”