"An escort request, is it?"

After arriving at the Adventurers' Guild with Fleur, we immediately submitted the escort request.

"Yes. I’d like these two to take on the escort job, so please process it accordingly."

"Understood. Since the route to the Commercial Capital is relatively safe, this will be classified as a D-rank request."

Unlike last time, the request’s rank was determined on the spot.

"Would you like to accept the request now?"

"Yes, please."

Just like before, we handed over our guild cards to process the request.

"…This is your first time accepting an escort request, isn’t it?"

When the guild staff asked, we nodded, and their expression became slightly troubled.

"Apologies, but for first-time escort requests, an experienced adventurer must accompany you. Even if you meet the rank requirement, you can’t take the request alone."

"Oh, I see… What should we do?"

Fleur looked as troubled as the guild staff. We hadn’t considered that we’d need someone else to accompany us. Thinking about it, though, it made sense—having complete beginners handle an escort mission wouldn’t be very reassuring for the client.

"In that case, we will issue a request for an accompanying escort. Since this was originally a designated request, Lady Fleur, you will need to issue the request for an escort as well."

"Understood. Please proceed with that."

"Acknowledged."

If she wanted us specifically as the escort, this was the only way.

"Is the departure date set for six days from now?"

"Yes, that works."

"Then I will create the request and post it on the board."

"Understood."

With that, we left the Adventurers' Guild after making the necessary arrangements.

By the very next day, we received news that an adventurer had accepted the escort request.

Between crafting and delivering magic bottles, teaching artisans how to make them, coming up with new products, training magic, playing with Nir, and occasionally heading to the mines, six days flew by. We also stopped by Beldran’s workshop once, where we were relieved to find that they no longer needed to shut down.

After checking out of the inn, we headed north, stopping by the Rashiyu Trading Company on the way to meet up with Fleur.

"Good morning. I’m looking forward to working with you today."

"Likewise. We appreciate your support."

After loading the disassembled parts of the Earth Dragon onto the carriage, we took our seats. There was only enough space to sit on the driver’s bench, where Fleur was seated, so Rio and I perched on the back, resting our feet on the edge of the wagon. Since the cargo filled most of the space, Nir followed behind on foot.

"The adventurer who accepted the escort request will meet us at the north gate," Lambert called from the driver’s seat.

"Got it."

Fleur and Lambert were the two representatives of the trading company heading to the Commercial Capital. Though the roads were safe, I felt a bit nervous about taking on my first escort mission. I also wondered what kind of adventurer had accepted the accompanying role.

While I was lost in thought, we reached the north gate.

"You’re the ones from Rashiyu Trading Company?"

"Yes, I’m Lambert."

The voice that called out from the front of the carriage was deep and confident, making me picture a seasoned veteran.

"So, I’m here as the accompanying escort. Where are the rookie adventurers taking on their first escort job?"

"They’re with us. We traveled together from the company."

As I hopped off the wagon, Rio and Fleur followed suit.

The person Lambert had been speaking to was a well-built female adventurer with a greatsword strapped to her waist. She was so tall that I had to crane my neck just to see her face. However, something about her deep voice felt… off.

"N-Nice to meet you? I’m Shu, a D-rank adventurer."

That strange sense of familiarity made me question myself mid-greeting.

"Huh?"

The female adventurer furrowed her brow as she looked at me.

"It’s not your first time meeting her."

Rio whispered, making me snap back to reality.

"Ah, you’re… Alyssa, right? I’m Rio, also a D-rank. It’s nice to see you again."

"Ah, from back then. I’m Alyssa, a C-rank adventurer. Looking forward to working with you!"

"Ahaha! Isn’t this the adorable little boy from before? The name’s Melberit, but just call me Mel!"

"Ufufu, it really is. My name is Frelis. It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

Behind Alyssa stood two more adventurers—a woman carrying a massive shield on her back and another wielding a staff as tall as she was.

Now I remembered. They were the adventurers I met in Fenrir Village, the ones who advised me about the eternal request for SkyWolf Mushrooms and timber sales. I had heard that Alyssa was in a party, and it turned out these were her teammates.

"Oh? So you already knew each other?" Fleur asked.

"We happened to meet while working in Fenrir Village," Alyssa explained.

She then took a step closer, putting herself directly in my line of sight—well, above it. I had to look up even more.

"Anyway—"

She raised her large hand and placed it firmly on my head.

"I’ll teach you everything you need to know about escort missions, step by step."

She said it with unwavering confidence.

"Uwoah!?"

But the moment she noticed Nir, she quickly jumped back, hand on the hilt of her greatsword.