Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Ortega Magic Tower
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A tower run by mages, operated under the creed that "the knowledge accumulated by this generation must be passed down to the next."
It's treated as a holy site of learning across the continent, a place of education where all seekers of knowledge flock.
And for merchants, it's a fresh opportunity to unload goods related to magic.
"Innkeeper! Two black beers here!"
"Three black beers over here too, please!"
And here, Veil—who had the unheard-of idea of opening a tavern in this holy site of learning that no one else could dream up—was gazing contentedly at his shop, which was packed to the brim.
Veil, a former mid-level adventurer, had gotten the notion to open a tavern in his hometown of Ortega as retirement age approached, and he'd put it into action right away.
For travelers far from home, nothing beat a casual drink in a good atmosphere as a moment of pure relaxation.
"Sigh, failed again this time."
"Maybe I should quit adventuring and open a place like this?"
Not just for simple rest, but plenty came to unwind from the stress of their studies.
Veil could only give thanks to the structure of this city, which inevitably drew crowds and built up stress in the process.
'At this rate, no worries about old age.'
Among former adventurers, those like Veil who had secured a comfortable retirement were exceedingly rare.
Most couldn't forget the taste of the money they'd earned during their adventuring days and had forgotten how to live ordinary lives.
But Veil was the type to live contentedly with what he had.
'What should I get for our anniversary gift... A necklace would be—'
Just as Veil was toasting his successful life in his mind and pondering a happy future—
"You know that one? I nearly died to the Monster Master the other day!"
"What? You ran into Sion?"
The topic brought up by a group that looked like wandering adventurers snapped him right out of it.
Sion—a name that had been coming up frequently in the shop lately.
The Master of Ortega, and one of the Seven Stars who defeated the Demon King: the Grand Archmage Sion.
'White-haired old hag whose head's gone snowy with age, face hidden behind a mask, and a voice so creepy you'd never want to hear it twice in your life.'
Veil had never laid eyes on her himself, but he'd heard more than enough stories to be sick of them.
"Yeah, that's right. The other day, I was just passing by the gate when she suddenly grabs me!"
"And?"
"Out of nowhere, she asks, 'Excuse me, which way to the Liena Swamp?' Come on, does it make sense for the Magic Tower's Master not to know that?"
The most common topic buzzing around the shop lately was Sion's bizarre antics.
Suddenly asking for directions, pointless questions about the weather.
Haggling over prices, tossing out lame jokes—her actions were full of inscrutable behavior.
"So, what'd you say?"
"Of course I gave her proper directions. Didn't want to piss her off and end up murdered."
"Lame."
"No, the real creepy part starts here. After I tell her, she suddenly spins around and heads off in the complete opposite direction, then lets out this super chilling 'Hehe.'"
The bad news was that most victims of these antics felt deep terror and a sense of personal threat from Sion.
Because of that, talk was swirling about formally protesting through the Magic Tower or imposing stricter regulations on her.
Well, from Veil's perspective, her actions were boosting his sales, so he didn't mind much.
As the two adventurers vented their complaints about Sion without restraint—
"Her voice is disgustingly creepy, and when she laughs, she looks like a total monster. I never want to run into her agai—"
-Bam!
Someone flung open the door—no, kicked it wide—and stormed into the shop.
"Wh-what the?"
An explosive bang that was hard to believe came from just opening a door.
And with that explosion came a mage, deep hood of the Magic Tower's signature robe pulled low, striding into the shop.
"Ah... sorry..."
'Ugh...'
A voice so eerie it made listeners grimace involuntarily, belonging to a mysterious figure shrouded head to toe in mask and robe.
In Ortega—no, on this entire continent—there was only one person who dressed like that.
"S-Sion...!"
The Grand Archmage, Sion.
She had come to my shop.
…
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[These are achievements we can knock out together. Bundle them up and handle them all at once.]
Following Lily's suggestion, I'd devised a plan to clear multiple achievements at once.
And so, my destination today was the one and only tavern in Ortega: Veil's Haven.
Of course, taverns didn't hold particularly fond memories for me.
[Sion! How about a drink to celebrate the victory?]
[...No thanks.]
[Haha! Not into booze? Then let's grab a meal together!]
[...I'm going ahead to sleep.]
One reason I'd been pestered endlessly by that hero during the subjugation party days was because I "wouldn't drink with him."
'Why drink booze in the first place?'
Honestly, from my perspective, I couldn't comprehend why anyone would patronize a place like this.
Booze was, simply put, a foul-tasting drink loaded with alcohol—a tasteless, unhealthy beverage that people went out of their way to consume.
If you love it that much, buy it and drink at home. No idea why they'd drag themselves to a tavern.
Still, I'd come here because this tavern was the perfect spot to knock out several achievements in one go.
Lost in idle thoughts, I'd arrived at Veil's Haven before I knew it.
I didn't go in right away. Instead, I stood before the door and took a deep breath.
"Hoo..."
Don't get nervous. It's not peak hours anyway.
Just dash in, snag the achievements, and bolt. You can do this, Sion!
"Haa."
After several deep breaths, I kicked the door open—
—Bam!
'Oh right.'
This isn't my room.
"Wh-what the?"
I'd unintentionally drawn every eye in the place with full force.
Because of the unintended racket from my entrance, all gazes in the shop locked onto me.
"Ulp... S-sorry..."
The stares made me feel a slight urge to vomit, but I apologized first.
"..."
Don't... don't look at me like that, please.
My room door's hinges are rusted, so it only opens with exactly this much kick.
Thankfully, they seemed to accept my sincerity. One by one, people looked away and resumed chatting with their groups.
A few still glanced my way warily, but this was good enough.
"Hehe."
Whew, what a relief. If they'd kept staring, I might've run.
-Crash!
?
"S-sorry... everyone. M-my hand slipped..."
Not even a well-off-looking adventurer, so be more careful.
That expensive "carbonated bitter water with alcohol" you bought just spilled everywhere.
"I-I'll clean it up, sir!"
The adventurer who'd dropped the glass looked almost ashen, bowing and trembling as if the booze itself was precious.
Is it that heartbreaking to lose the money?
No longer my concern, I sat at an empty table and waited for the server.
"Would you... like to order?"
G-gah!
The server zipped over the instant I sat, startling me into nearly yelping.
"I'm Veil, by the way. First time here? May I recommend something?"
Probably meant as hospitality for a newcomer, but sadly, it only made me uncomfortable.
Why couldn't people realize that leaving someone alone could be the real kindness?
"...From here—"
Still, I had to order something.
"—to here."
My finger pointed from the very front of the menu to the very end—the entire thing.
"...Everything?"
The server understandably questioned if I'd really ordered that much.
No need for words; I just nodded twice.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Unique Grade: FLEX[Success]
Don't ask me—the achievement said to do it.
One down.
"...Oh, and..."
Better handle it all at once instead of calling him back later.
"Everything... except one beer... give the rest of the drinks and snacks... to the other patrons."
"...Pardon? You mean you're treating all the other customers—"
Nod.
No need to speak.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Rare Grade: Drinks on Me Today![Success]
Second success. Good start.
But compared to the last remaining achievement, the first two were like child's play.
"Um... Veil... sir."
After a few more deep breaths, I called back the server who'd started to leave.
"...Yes?"
It's okay, Sion. You can do this.
You've practiced a million times for this moment.
Resolution set.
All that's left is to go for it.
"They say... when siblings fight... you always... take the younger one's side... What do you call a world like that...?"
"...Well... I'm a former adventurer... not well-versed in scholarship... so I wouldn't know."
Perfect—Veil's fully absorbed in my question.
Now's the chance. Drop the finishing move, Sion!
"It's a pathetic world... 'cause it lacks any 'brotherly bias'!"
This one's gotta land!
"...Pardon?"
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Common Grade: King of Humor[Achievement Condition: Make the other person laugh at least once with a killer pun.]