Episode 29. The Life of a Popular Figure
Episode 29. The Life of a Popular Figure
As we entered the guild, adventurers turned their heads toward the entrance as usual.
I've always thought this whenever coming to the Adventurer's Guild - this habit of staring at the entrance whenever someone passes by must be an occupational hazard for adventurers.
Since they mainly work in life-threatening situations, I suppose they instinctively check who's entering or exiting for safety reasons.
"Hey! That... that person!"
"Woah, uh... an incredible beauty!"
"No, more importantly - why is such a young girl here...? I-Is she nobility?"
Their eyes widened in surprise upon seeing my face, then grew even more astonished when they noticed Camellia behind me.
Children rarely visit the Adventurer's Guild, and Camellia's noble-like beautiful appearance made them unconsciously tense up, adopting guarded postures while stealing glances at us.
Camellia thoroughly enjoyed the situation, giving the men seductive sidelong glances and giggling at their dumbfounded expressions under her charm.
Even though she's young, a succubus is still a succubus. I guess innate nature can't be helped.
"Hehe, Mama. All the men are staring at you and me with stupid expressions."
"Dear... don't draw too much attention. And remember, men are all beasts - don't approach them carelessly or smile at them too easily. Understood?"
"Yeees-"
I unintentionally warned my daughter while recalling my own experience of being assaulted after accidentally charming men.
Of course, unlike me, my daughter could resist males and escape dangerous situations if needed... but it's still better to teach her to avoid such scenarios from the start.
When I glared at the men leering with lustful eyes, imbuing my gaze with killing intent, they finally snapped back to reality, coughing awkwardly and turning away.
I'll remember all those faces that got excited looking at my daughter...
...Haa, I got too worked up. Let's finish our business quickly and leave.
Walking with Camellia to the reception desk, I greeted the smiling receptionist.
"Welcome, how may I assist you?"
"I came to submit a follow-up report for the Goblin Subjugation request in Necri Village."
"Oh, that request was already completed by Rita-nim."
"Huh?"
"Strange, didn't you discuss this? Rita-ssi said you weren't in a condition to visit the guild immediately, so she submitted the report on your behalf..."
"Ah... If that's the case, then it's fine."
Rita-ssi... Despite the inconvenience, she took care of this troublesome task for my sake...
I should properly thank her later.
As I finished greeting the receptionist and turned to leave, she suddenly called out to me.
"Ah, wait a moment! There are several letters addressed to you, Triae-nim...!"
"For me?"
"Yes, four letters arrived. Here they are."
Four? Who could be writing to me?
I borrowed a letter opener from the receptionist, broke the seals, and read the letters on the spot.
Two envelopes had sender information written on them, while the other two were completely blank.
Let's start with the ones with identifiable sources.
~ ~ ~
Greetings, B-Rank Adventurer Triae-nim.
We are the Clan 'Promised Future,' composed of C to D-Rank adventurers.
Having been deeply impressed by your achievements and hearing you're unaffiliated with any guild or clan, we gathered courage to make this proposal.
Would you consider joining our clan?
As a newly formed clan, we acknowledge our shortcomings, but we wish to grow together with companions who'll stay until the end, building the greatest guild.
If interested, we hope to receive a favorable reply.
-Sincerely, Promised Future Clan Leader Karl Royden
~ ~ ~
A clan...
Groups formed by multiple adventurers are called clans, while clans officially recognized by the Adventurer's Guild for their skills and achievements become guilds.
While joining a clan might help lower-ranked adventurers advance despite reduced income, someone of my rank would fare better in a proper guild.
Moreover, I'm not convinced this clan has pure intentions. To me, it just seems like they want to use higher-ranked members to farm achievements.
Joining such clans often forces higher-ranked minorities to undertake unreasonable requests matching the clan's average level.
Setting this letter aside... let's read the next one.
~ ~ ~
Greetings, I'm Scott, personnel manager of adventurer guild 'Sky Troopers.'
With adventurers buzzing about you lately, I decided to reach out.
A newly risen B-Rank beauty adventurer... My personal investigation shows growth potential unmatched for a B-Ranker recently.
Moreover, your close relationship with A-Rank adventurer, the Half-Dragon Swordsman Rita Karyen sufficiently guarantees your credibility.
Hence my proposal - why not join our guild?
As you know, most villages near Pesto are rural, making talented individuals extremely rare. You've likely received letters from others too.
We'll ensure generous compensation so you never feel lacking. I'll personally oversee your rapid promotion within the guild hierarchy.
Please reply if interested. I trust you'll make a wise choice.
-Scott Case, Personnel Manager of Sky Troopers Adventurer Guild
~ ~ ~
Hmm... This one's much more direct.
They must really want to prevent me from joining competitors... But I never planned to join any organization anyway.
While affiliation brings benefits like credibility and stable income, it also imposes obligations.
Being forced to undertake unreasonable missions matching the guild's level, or being conscripted during wars or disasters without considering personal circumstances.
With family to care for, affiliation was never an option before, and remains unchanged even with an expanded family now.
Apologies, but this letter gets set aside too. Next...
~ ~ ~
I like strong women.
But I like beauties even more.
Become my woman, and I'll grant you the position of second-in-command.
-Martial Arts Faction Boss Crom Helnitz
- - -
"...What?"
"Mama? What's wrong?"
"Hm? Ah, it's nothing."
The rude letter's crude brevity made me blurt out in disbelief.
Judging by the name "Martial Arts Faction" and tone, this seems from a criminal organization.
Organizations refer to lawless groups formed by outlaws and ruffians - essentially evil clans or guilds.
Though illegal, their varying power and scale make them difficult for nations to eradicate completely.
I've lived quietly focusing solely on adventuring to avoid unwanted attention... Only to catch an organization's eye for such trivial reasons.
As Camellia says, beauty truly is a curse.
Wait... Then the blank envelopes must also be from organizations...
I opened the final letter and slowly read its contents.
~ ~ ~
If this reached you properly, you must be Triae.
Hi~ I'm Kumo, leader of a certain organization.
No heavy or serious talk - just writing to propose working together.
We're running a small business - a brothel. Nothing illegal, and definitely not asking you to be a prostitute.
I really like you and think you absolutely must join us-
In three days, I'll send someone to bring you.
We'll give you an executive position and hefty earnings, so you must come!
If you dare refuse after this, I'll throw you into the brothel.
That's all, bye~
-Kubozo Organization Leader Kubo Kumo
~ ~ ~
...Haa, this is giving me a headache.
No right to refuse? How do people like this exist?
This is utterly ridiculous...!
"Mama, you look upset. What happened?"
"...It's fine, don't worry."
Only then did I realize my scowling expression and smoothed it out, crumpling the letters into my bag.
After bidding farewell to the staff, I quickly left the guild building with Camellia.
"Mama."
"Yes, what is it?"
"If you're troubled, please tell me. I'm not just your proud daughter, but also a loyal vassal blessed by Her Majesty the Queen."
"Camellia..."
"And we're family, right? You don't have to shoulder everything alone!"
"...*Chuckle*, you're right. Thank you, Camellia."
I smiled gratefully at Camellia's encouragement.
Camellia shrugged with a smug expression, and her adorable demeanor made me chuckle.
Indeed, while my daughter, Camellia is also a high-tier demon vassal inheriting the Succubus Queen's blood.
Though lacking combat experience, Cecilia also grew stronger after becoming my vassal, developing combat abilities beyond just being someone I protect.
Perhaps I should consider relying on my vassals... In certain situations, they might be stronger than me.
"Camellia, shall we go shopping? Let's buy clothes for you."
"Shopping! Yes!"
Since we're out for leisure, I'll deal with headaches later.
At the clothing store, I bought Camellia numerous outfits in various sizes considering her growth.
After finishing our shopping, we enjoyed a delicious meal at a restaurant before returning home.