Chapter 22
On the road from the Knights' headquarters to the Adventurers' Guild.
The three of us walking along were me, Surena, and Lucy, who had tagged along for some reason.
Does Lucy have nothing better to do? You're the commander of the Mage Corps, after all.
"We're deeply grateful for your help, Sensei."
"H-ha ha ha... I mean, I appreciate that, but how much help could someone like me really be?"
Surena whispered, her delight plain to see.
Surena could easily be described as a spirited beauty, with a certain masculine air about her. I hadn't realized she could make a face like that, too.
I once compared Kuruni to a dog, but Surena would be more like a well-trained hunting hound. Though I doubt she's quite so gentle in reality.
"But aren't you being a little too modest?"
"Not at all. I think I have a pretty accurate understanding of my own abilities."
Lucy, walking on my other side, offered a mild rebuke.
Well, modesty, huh?
My swordsmanship was decent, but I didn't have any especially outstanding physical abilities. I was really just an old guy who was a little stronger than average.
I had managed to beat Henblitz-kun, the Leberio Knights' vice-commander, partly because our styles happened to be a good match. But my fight with Lucy had practically ended in a draw—if anything, it was closer to my defeat.
I didn't think I could call myself strong, even if someone held a knife to my throat.
"Well, I suppose that's part of your strength, and part of what makes you who you are."
"...Then let's just leave it at that."
"Heh heh, Lisandera really does like Beryl, doesn't she?"
Surena was as blindly devoted to me as ever.
It made me uncomfortable to have a Black-Rank adventurer who traveled the world praising an old guy like me. By any measure, both socially and in terms of ability, Surena was far above me.
Good grief.
This old man just wanted to live a quiet life.
And with both Surena and Lucy here, I was once again attracting some painful stares from everyone around us.
Maybe I should get used to it by now, but the feeling that I didn't belong was overwhelming.
Fortunately, the Adventurers' Guild was just a short walk from the Knights' headquarters.
We chatted as we walked, and soon we'd arrived.
Surena strode ahead like she knew the place inside and out, with Lucy and me following along.
Seriously, what did Lucy come here for? Does the Mage Corps have nothing to do?
"It's me. Is the guildmaster here?"
"Yes. Please wait a moment."
She went straight to the reception desk and made her brief request.
The receptionist was used to this, too. At Surena's words, she immediately disappeared into the back.
"Ho ho, sorry to keep you waiting."
After a short while, an elderly man with conspicuously white hair came out.
He was accompanied by a tall man wearing glasses.
"Master, I've brought you Beryl Gardenant, the man I've recommended."
"Um, I'm Beryl Gardenant. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm here too!"
I supposed this was the sort of situation where I should introduce myself.
And Lucy, could you step back a little?
"Well, how very courteous of you. I'm Nidas, head of the Reberis Kingdom branch of the Adventurers' Guild. The gentleman beside me is Meigen, my assistant."
"...I'm Meigen. Pleased to meet you."
I returned their greetings with a slight bow.
Nidas was probably about the same age as my old man. His completely white hair and beard, along with the deep wrinkles etched into his face, made his age clear.
Though his manner of speaking and expression were gentle, he had a sturdy build and a firm stride. He was clearly in good shape—or had been in the past.
Given that he was the guildmaster, perhaps he'd once been an adventurer himself.
The tall man called Meigen, on the other hand, had only offered a very brief greeting before turning an unmistakably wary gaze on me.
He looked a little younger than me. His indigo hair was neatly combed back, and even through his glasses, I could see his sharp eyes.
Hmm, that look. It reminded me of Henblitz-kun when we first met.
Well, even if Surena had recommended me, it was only natural to have questions when some unknown old guy suddenly showed up.
Especially since this was about training rookie adventurers.
The question of whether I was someone they could entrust with the lives of their precious adventurers would inevitably matter. Whether or not I could meet his standards aside, from my perspective, Meigen's wariness seemed perfectly reasonable.
"If it's a recommendation from Lisandera, the 'Dragon Twin Swords,' and the commander of the Mage Corps, I see no reason to object. I look forward to working with you."
"Y-yes..."
No, that's where I wish you'd object.
I wanted him to say, "Hold on a minute." I was nothing but anxious about this.
"Please wait."
As I exchanged greetings with a knot of anxiety in my chest,
Meigen halted us in a cool tone.
"Meigen, is something the matter?"
At Nidas's question, Meigen gave a small sigh and continued.
"It's certainly a wonderful thing to receive recommendations from both of you. However, we at the Adventurers' Guild don't know anything about Mr. Gardenant's abilities. I still have some concerns about relying on uncertain information and entrusting him with the lives of our precious adventurers."
Meigen calmly stated nothing but the facts.
That's it, Meigen-kun. Keep it up.
"You mean you don't trust Sensei?"
"Oh? Are you saying my word isn't good enough, Meigen?"
Surena's demeanor changed. She looked ready to fly into a rage.
Lucy, too, began to radiate an ominous air.
Please don't. That's exactly the sort of thing I don't want.
"That's not what I mean. I would like you to clearly demonstrate whether Mr. Gardenant is qualified."
Even under pressure from two people at the top of their fields, Meigen didn't back down.
His sharp gaze pierced me.
I wasn't intimidated by something like that, but his gaze seemed to hold genuine concern for adventurers rather than hostility.
"Hmm. Meigen, what would you do in this situation?"
Nidas asked Meigen in his usual unhurried tone, remaining perfectly composed.
At first glance, Nidas and Meigen seemed like polar opposites, but I had to assume they worked well together as the people running the Adventurers' Guild.
The two of them probably shared their opinions openly and found ways to reach an agreement.
"I've heard that Mr. Gardenant is the teacher of Lisandera, the 'Dragon Twin Swords.' If the two of them were to spar, we'd be able to see what he's capable of."
"Huh?"
A strange sound escaped my throat.
Seriously?
There was no way I could see myself winning a spar against a Black-Rank adventurer. Maybe it would be a good way to demonstrate my abilities, but I felt bad about crushing the expectations that had already been raised so high.
"Oh, that's a splendid idea. I'd like to see it myself."
Lucy, don't you encourage them, you...!
"If that will satisfy you, I have no objection. And if I'm sparring with Sensei, naturally I'll give it my all."
Please don't. Don't come at me with everything you've got. This old man will die.
"I see. Mr. Gardenant, are you all right with that?"
"...Yes, I understand."
At Nidas's question, I had no choice but to answer feebly.
I mean, it's not like I can refuse. Surena's all fired up, too.
Damn it. How did things end up like this?