The Adventurers’ Guild is located just past the busy commercial district. A long line of adventurers at the counter is each preparing to take on a quest. While some adventurers work solo, most form parties. I’ve heard that anyone or any party can accept the Guild’s quests. However, if they fail to complete the quest within the set period, they face a penalty fine. So, it’s essential to choose quests that match one’s abilities.
"Sign me up."
When my turn comes, I ask the blonde-haired receptionist with ringlets to register me. All the receptionists here are attractive. With around 70% of adventurers being men, it makes sense. Beside me, another adventurer is trying to sneak glances down the receptionist’s neckline. My theory doesn’t seem too far off.
"Thank you. Please fill out your name and the deity’s blessing you carry."
I write my name and blessing on the form and hand it back to the receptionist.
"So, your name is Master Sai, and your blessing is from the goddess Amalia."
The receptionist’s expression hardens slightly at the mention of Amalia. It’s subtle, and most wouldn’t notice, but she likely doesn’t know the goddess Amalia, as the goddess of creation is generally unknown.
"This is your adventurer registration card. If you lose it, it costs three large silver coins to reissue, so please be careful."
I listen to a few more explanations.
"Understood."
Now I’m ready to take on quests.
"I’d like to accept this quest."
Quests are posted, so I’ve already chosen one. No one else seemed interested, so taking it won’t trouble anyone. If anything, the Guild might appreciate clearing out a neglected quest.
"Yes, but… huh?"
The receptionist glances back and forth between me and the quest paper. What’s wrong?
"This quest involves gathering materials for a red dragon taxidermy. Even for you, Master Sai, a newly registered adventurer, this seems overwhelming."
A red dragon is a supreme creature at the pinnacle of all life. Just one could destroy a small nation, so her concern is understandable. But for me, defeating a red dragon isn’t difficult—actually, it’s simple.
The quest requires collecting materials for a red dragon taxidermy, meaning I must bring back the red dragon’s body relatively undamaged. The reward is 1,000 large gold coins. However, if I don’t complete it within ten days, I’ll face a penalty of 100 large gold coins.
"It’s fine. Please process it."
"No, it’s not fine! This is a red dragon we’re talking about!"
I can hear her without the need for shouting. I’m right in front of her, after all.
"Collecting materials for a red dragon taxidermy. I understand the quest requirements. If I fail, I’ll pay the penalty, so go ahead and process it."
I don’t have the 100 large gold coins to cover the penalty, but I’m confident enough in my ability to handle a red dragon.
"That’s impossible! What’s a newly registered adventurer thinking?!"
"Being newly registered doesn’t restrict me. Any adventurer can accept any quest."
"There’s always one person each year who thinks they’re so strong they can take on a dragon."
The receptionist says this with exasperation, and the adventurers around us start laughing. They’re all mocking me, and the other receptionists look at me with disdain.
"So, you won’t let me take the quest?"
"Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous!"
*Sigh…*
I let out a deep sigh.
"Well, if you insist, I’ll give up on the quest."
"Yes, that’s the sensible choice!"
The receptionist smiles smugly as if she’s won.
"There's no way a novice could hunt a dragon. Go cool off and come back another day."
"Why not let this fool charge at a dragon and die? Just process the quest, hahaha!"
Why do they think I can’t defeat a red dragon? What do they know of my abilities? They’re no different from my father, only seeing the surface and ignoring the reality.
Utterly unpleasant.
I leave the Adventurers’ Guild and head straight to Johnson’s shop.
"Master Saijar."
"Johnson, I’m not Saijar anymore."
"Oh, my apologies, Master Sai. The mansion’s furniture will be delivered tomorrow, but what brings you here today?"
"I have a profitable proposition for you, Johnson."
"Oh, a profitable proposition, you say?"
With a cheerful expression, Johnson’s face quickly turns businesslike. I explain the situation at the Guild and tell him I’d like him to handle the red dragon’s sale.
"I see. Since the Guild refused it, there’s no issue with me handling the red dragon. Very well, I’ll take full responsibility for selling it."
"Glad to hear it."
"Given the rarity of a whole red dragon, it should bring in at least 1,500 large gold coins. We’ll take a 15% commission, and 25% will go to taxes, leaving 60% for you. Does that work for you?"
Sixty percent of 1,500 large gold coins is 900—not bad.
"No, I’ll take 40%. After taxes, you can keep the rest."
"Thirty-five percent as a commission? That’s very generous, but since you risked your life to defeat a red dragon, I’d suggest a 50/50 split."
"Johnson, you’re far too modest."
"No, no, it’s more than enough profit."
"In that case, I’ll take 50%."
"Yes, I’ll make sure it sells for a high price."
"There’s no rush; I have seven dragon corpses."
"…Wait, that many?!"
"Just happened upon them."
Actually, Pal hunted six of them.
"Ahahaha. I wonder how the Duke will regret losing you in the future."
"Whatever happens to that family is no concern of mine. Whether they rise or fall doesn’t matter to me."
The rank of a Duke is the highest noble title outside of royalty. Though it’s hard to imagine them falling from power, politics is unpredictable. Tomorrow, they could lose a political battle and be ruined.
Leaving Johnson to handle the sale of one red dragon, I exit his shop. Selling all seven at once would drive down the price per dragon, but selling them gradually will result in a large sum. Even just one would allow us to live comfortably for years.