About three minutes passed while waiting for the girl to return.
The Lightning Dog was sleeping peacefully while the Sodane Mew was staring at me with calm eyes from the counter.
I sat back in the chair, lost in thought.
I wonder what got the Lightning Dog so excited just a while ago. It seemed restless and unsettled. Did something happen earlier?
The girl came back with a flutter.
Earlier, she wore a red skirt, but now she had a white one.
She elegantly poured tea into a stylish teacup and placed it gently in front of me.
“Please have some tea. I’m sorry for showing you something so unsightly earlier.” (?)
“Huh? No, I didn’t see anything.” (Wilhelm)
It was obvious from her eyes that she didn’t believe me.
“Was it pink?” (?)
“What are you talking about? It was a pure and lovely white, right? White suits a girl so well. It’s a color that looks good on cute girls, ah—” (Wilhelm)
Oops. The girl looks dejected now.
“No, seriously, I didn’t see anything.” (Wilhelm)
Spending such a long time as a shut-in sure took a toll on my conversation skills. I walked right into such a simple trap.
“I can’t believe I showed you something so embarrassing…” (?)
The girl weakly and unsteadily sat in the chair opposite me.
While facing each other across the small table, the girl avoided eye contact and combed her hair with her fingers.
“Did your skirt end up like that because you were playing with the Lightning Dog earlier?” (Wilhelm)
“No, I wasn’t playing with it. It was startled by the sound of the underwater volcano eruption this morning and couldn’t sit still ever since. I wanted to calm it down so I took it out of the cage, but then it started going wild…” (?)
“Huh? Underwater volcano eruption?” (Wilhelm)
“It’s been happening quite frequently for a few months now… Apparently, there’s been a lot of intense tectonic activity at the bottom of the sea, causing these sounds. When it erupts, bits of volcanic rock fall into the city. It seems to be a rare occurrence in history, happening every few decades or so.” (?)
“Oh, I see. I’ve been out of touch with current events lately.” (Wilhelm)
Well, being a shut-in, I hardly get any information from outside my room.
The girl eventually regained her composure and sat up straight. I could feel that her atmosphere had shifted into work mode.
The girl’s eyes were a beautiful deep crimson and those eyes were staring directly at me.
“*Ahem* Well then, let me introduce myself again. I am Anastasia Milkyway. I would be very happy if you could call me either Ana-chan or Anya-chan.” (Anya)
She gave me a bright smile.
She looks significantly younger than me. Maybe by around five years or so. Even though she’s still a child, she’s so responsible that it’s admirable.
Here I am, already seventeen, and a shut-in.
Meanwhile, this girl is working from such a young age. Anya sure is dazzling…
“Now then, here at this guild, we accept various quests from clients. Our guild name is based on the king of mythical dragons, the <Grand Bahamut>. Here at <Grand Bahamut>, we aim to fulfill quests quickly, diligently, and efficiently.” (Anya)
Despite being young, she’s so composed. She speaks politely, clearly, and slowly, making it easy to understand. I can’t help but respect her. If I was around her age, I wouldn’t be able to pull this off.
“<Grand Bahamut>, huh? When you say that the guild name is based on the king of mythical dragons, you’re referring to the famous dragon from the stories, right?” (Wilhelm)
I recall it was a tale where the protagonist, a girl, tries to save her country from a crisis. To accomplish that, she embarks on a journey to find the legendary Bahamut which is said to be at the edge of the world.
“That’s right! When I was little, my parents read that book to me countless times. It’s my favorite story. Bahamut is strong, kind, and wise, and I admire him.” (Anya)
I didn’t miss the sparkle in Anya’s eyes as she said that; it was shining like a sky full of stars.
“Heh, would you want to meet Bahamut if it existed?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, of course. But he’s a dragon that soars in the sky, right?” (Anya)
“Well, yeah. But if the opportunity arises, I’ll show you.” (Wilhelm)
“Huh, have you actually met him before?” (Anya)
“No, I haven’t, of course.” (Wilhelm)
Well, I’m just saying that being the genius that I am, I might be able to find a way to meet him.
Bahamut is pretty massive, so you can’t just bump into him in the city. I’ve read research materials describing him as mountain-sized. It would be quite a spectacle if something like that showed up in town.
“Well, maybe someday.” (Anya)
Anya gave me a warm and friendly business smile. She probably thinks it’s impossible. Well, it’s not.
“So, what brings you to <Grand Bahamut> today?” (Anya)
“Well, it’s not exactly a matter of business…” (Wilhelm)
She tilted her head in curiosity.
“It’s a bit embarrassing, but I got kicked out of my house by my father. He just told me to go to this guild and that I’ll understand once I get there. There was no other explanation.” (Wilhelm)
“I see. I understand your situation completely!” (Anya)
“Huh? With just that?” (Wilhelm)
Anya looked like she knew something.
“Yes, Wilhelm Wondersky-sama, welcome to our guild!” (Anya)
She even knows my name.
What’s going on? Anya’s face lit up like she just met a charming prince. The already beautiful Anya became even cuter somehow.
“We haven’t met before, have we? Oh, by the way, just so you know, my family is a very renowned noble house, but you don’t need to be formal or anything. Feel free to call me Wil.” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, Wil-sama.” (Anya)
Did I meet Anya somewhere before? I have no recollection at all. We’re a major noble family, so maybe we casually exchanged greetings at some social event without me realizing it.
“Robert-sama mentioned to us at <Grand Bahamut> that you, Wil-sama, would be coming. However, he also mentioned that you’re like the mold sticking to your room, and it would take about a week to get you out. Yet, here you are, stepping outside in just one day! You’re truly amazing, Wil-sama!” (Anya)
I’m being praised just for going outside…?
Seriously, father, why are you introducing your beloved eldest son in such a way to a cute girl? Comparing me to mold… Unbelievable.
“The sunlight outside must have been quite intense, and walking through crowded places must have been challenging. Yet you managed without getting lost. I really think that Wil-sama is amazing. I sincerely respect you.” (Anya)
“Well, well, hahaha! I mean, I get it. It’s kind of impressive, but…” (Wilhelm)
When a cute girl praises you, your spirits naturally lift. I might have unconsciously straightened up, and my expression might have become more confident.
Anya seemed to notice the change in my demeanor and responded with a warm, maternal smile. That made me even happier.
“I’m looking forward to seeing your future endeavors, Wil-sama.” (Anya)
“Endeavors? Me? I haven’t been told anything by my father. Does Anya know something?” (Wilhelm)
I asked while sipping the tea.
Wow, this tea tastes great, it’s even comparable to that of a prestigious noble house.
I could tell that Anya brewed it with care. Her kindness seemed to seep into the flavor.
If this were at my home, my tea would be brewed more carelessly. Sometimes, they’d deliberately wait until it was cold before bringing it to me.
It feels like I’m finally drinking proper tea after a long time.
“Yes, we received a message from your father, Robert Wondersky-sama. He not only suggested making you a member of our guild but also mentioned that he wouldn’t mind if you lived here permanently, working day and night.” (Anya)
“Hold on a sec!” (Wilhelm)
That damn father of mine, what on earth is he saying?
Anya just smiles.
Cute. This smile is irresistible. In other words, there’s no escaping from this guild.
“Oh, by the way, he mentioned that he purposely didn’t tell you anything beforehand.” (Anya)
“Seriously?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, seriously.” (Anya)
But this girl is also peculiar.
What pleasure does she find in making a shut-in neet like me, who has been holed up for a year, a guild member, and making me work?
It’s natural to assume that such a person won’t work seriously, right?
“Anya, do you really think I’ll work properly?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, Wil-sama is an excellent man.” (Anya)
Uh, her expectant gaze is dazzling.
It’s been a while since I received a gaze that wasn’t disdainful. I think she genuinely expects me to work with a pure heart.
I might have no choice but to work. I can’t let this cute girl down.
“Why the heck did this happen?” (Wilhelm)
“Well, you see, it’s because my father and Wil-sama’s father were close friends.” (Anya)
“Seriously?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes. The two of them got along very well and often went out for drinks together.” (Anya)
“Hee, I didn’t know my father had friends outside the aristocracy. He had friends among commoners too?” (Wilhelm)
“Robert-sama used to visit our house as well. He brought sweets or alcohol as gifts, and he often gave me pocket money.” (Anya)
“He hasn’t given me pocket money for over a year…” (Wilhelm)
“Apparently. They even ended up talking about arranging a marriage between their children someday.” (Anya)
“That sounds like typical talk during a drinking session. If anyone’s going to get married, it would be my younger brother. He’s handsome, talented, and has a good personality.” (Wilhelm)
“But Wil-sama is also talented and very handsome?” (Anya)
“Eh, well, I don’t know about that hahaha.” (Wilhelm)
I sure am getting praised a lot today. Getting praised this much, I wonder if I’ll die by tomorrow.
It’s been a while since I’ve lived without being denied or shunned.
“Just the other day, Robert-sama brought it up to me. He said something along the lines of ‘If you want, I can give you my eldest son to be your husband.’” (Anya)
How far is my father going to go to treat me like a nuisance?
When I was born, he used to dote on me so much… I think.
“When I enthusiastically accepted the offer, Robert-sama was overjoyed.” (Anya)
Anya’s cheeks turned completely red, from her nose to her cheeks.
The gaze of a woman looking at me as a man.
So cute.
“Haa… What kind of story is my father telling to such an innocent girl? By the way, I’ve started to notice something. Could it be that this guild is in trouble to the point where they need me?” (Wilhelm)
People say that in difficult times, they’d even borrow a cat’s paw1.
In other words, Anya is in a situation where she even wants to borrow the help of a shut-in.
So, when she consulted with my father, with whom her family has had a long-standing relationship, it probably led to a situation like, “You can use Wilhelm,” or something like that.
From my father’s perspective, it’s a good excuse to get rid of me, who’s stuck in the room.
Oh well.
Anya’s beautiful face was dyed with a tinge of sadness. It seems my speculation was correct.
“To be honest, it’s quite embarrassing.” (Anya)
Anya’s beautiful eyes cast a shadow.
“At our guild, Gran Bahamut, there are hardly any members… Well, actually, it’s just me, my friend, and Mew-chan.” (Anya)
“Only three people, huh? That’s quite lonely. Is Mew-chan also a friend?” (Wilhelm)
“She’s over there.” (Anya)
“Mew…” (Mew-chan)
Looking over, the magical beast, Sodane Mew, seemed a bit down.
“I see. So that’s Mew-chan. In other words, you’re in a situation where you’d even borrow the paw of a magical beast.” (Wilhelm)
I see, I understand now.
They are lacking a lot of manpower. No wonder they would even take in someone like me.
“When my father was around, the guild was more prosperous than it is now.” (Anya)
“I see. What happened to your father?” (Wilhelm)
“He passed away due to the epidemic last year…” (Anya)
Her expression became extremely somber.
“Oops, sorry. I asked about something painful.” (Wilhelm)
“No, it’s something I brought up, so please don’t worry about it.” (Anya)
The epidemic, huh? I vaguely remember it being widespread about a year ago.
I was already a shut-in around that time, so it didn’t concern me at all. It felt like something happening in a different world.
“Sorry, but I have another tough question.” (Wilhelm)
“It’s okay. What is it?” (Anya)
“Is the management of this guild okay?” (Wilhelm)
Running a guild is no walk in the park. You can’t sustain it with just kids, friends, and a magical beast.
If it was the combination of the strongest manager, the mightiest adventurer, and the most powerful magical beast, maybe it might work. But Anya doesn’t seem like that type, and Sodane Mew is a moderately powerful magical beast. With this setup, I think the guild’s management is quite unsustainable.
“No, not at all.” (Anya)
Anya directed my attention to the bulletin board.
“I’m embarrassed to admit, but as you can see, we have a pile of requests…” (Wilhelm)
Despite the small size of the guild, the bulletin board was quite large, and indeed, it was filled to the brim with quests. Some are even stacked two or three layers deep.
It seems the guild is overwhelmed with quests, and they are struggling to keep up due to a shortage of guild members.
I guess this is where I come in.
If I can clear those quests, I might be able to return to my room, no, my paradise.
“I see. I’ve got the general idea. I’ll take care of all those quests.” (Wilhelm)
“Are you sure? It means going outside the city.” (Anya)
“As long as I can handle the muscle pain. Probably…” (Wilhelm)
“It’s quite hot today, you know?” (Anya)
“Once in a while, you need to break a sweat.” (Wilhelm)
Otherwise, you might forget how to sweat, and I don’t want to catch that kind of illness.
“Do you remember how to swing a sword?” (Anya)
“Once you get the hang of it, it sticks with you.” (Wilhelm)
“You’re such a reliable person. As expected of Wil-sama desu.” (Anya)
Hehe, feel free to rely on me as much as you want.
You’re talking to a person who was once known as a genius.
I’ll swiftly clear all those quests like the wind.
“Well then, shall we proceed with your guild membership registration?” (Anya)
Anya stood up happily.
“Oh, I don’t have an adventurer’s card. I might still have one at home, but I can’t go back now.” (Wilhelm)
“No problem. We’ll make a new one for you here.” (Anya)
“Sorry, but I don’t have any money…” (Wilhelm)
I didn’t bring any money with me. I mean, I was kicked out by my father without a chance to prepare. I don’t have anything in my hands or pockets.
“No problem. Our guild is currently running a special campaign for new members, and we’ll create one for you free of charge.” (Anya)
Seriously? Those are quite expensive.
But I guess that’s just how dire the situation is right now.
Anya went and took out a new quest book from a nearby shelf.
I signed the guild membership card and the quest book, infusing a bit of magic power into both. This magic serves as a personal authentication and is needed for formal procedures.
Alright, it’s done. With this, I’m officially a member of the <Grand Bahamut> Guild.
Being a guild member is quite convenient when handling quests as the quest progress is automatically recorded in the quest book via magic.
When I looked at Anya, her eyes were shining with joy. Apparently, I was the first new member since her father’s passing. Until now, looks like people had only been leaving, making the situation more difficult.
“Mew-chan, Mew-chan, let’s do that.” (Anya)
Sodane Mew repositioned itself next to Anya.
It seems like the two were practicing something together.
Anya, in an adorable manner, cleared her throat with a small cough and spread her arms wide, while Sodane Mew did the same.
“Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
Ah, this feels kinda nice.
I’m genuinely being welcomed.
At home, I was treated like an unwanted nuisance. But here, I’m being genuinely welcomed. What a difference in atmosphere.
Gah, I think I might cry.
“Thank you. Let’s do our best together.” (Wilhelm)
I extended my hand.
“Yes! I look forward to working with you!” (Anya)
I shook hands with Anya’s small hand and also with Sodane Mew’s large and fluffy hand.
Alright, now that I’ve come this far, let’s give it my all on the quests.
*Grrrrrrrrrrrr*
That was the sound of my stomach just now.
Even I was surprised by the thunderous rumble—it sounded like the roar of a large magical beast or something.
I guess going outside for the first time in a year and walking around the town consumed more energy than I thought. Embarrassing. Super embarrassing. Once I became aware of it, my hunger only grew.
Anya let out a cute, bubbly smile.
“Well then, shall we start with a meal?” (Anya)
I felt sorry, but since I didn’t have any money, I ended up needing them to treat me. I couldn’t help but feel a bit pathetic.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
I found a series I wanna pick up after finishing my other ongoing series, so I plan to switch to posting chapters alternatively between this and the new series afterwards. I’m like 70% through my other ongoing series, so almost there.