In the evening, after finishing treatments, I received a report from Pal on today’s patient count.

“Twenty-eight third-class citizens and thirty fourth-class citizens. The total earnings are 7,100 guild (equivalent to seven large silver coins and one small silver coin).”

“Good job. Let’s lock up and get something to eat.”

Just as I was heading to lock the door, it burst open with a loud ring of the doorbell. In walked a large, muscular man with green hair, accompanied by four equally burly men.

“Are you Sai?” the green-haired man demanded without introducing himself. Who does he think he is?

As I eyed him with a puzzled expression, the man’s eyes widened with irritation.

“Why won’t you answer!?”

“You guys again?” Pal remarked.

“Gah… we waited until everyone was gone to come here!”

Ah, so these were the troublemakers from earlier today. Pal had a look of wariness—she must’ve given them a hard time earlier.

“These pests dared to address Master Sai without respect. If they do it again, I’ll cut off their pathetic bits,” Pal declared.

The five men went pale, clutching themselves in fear.

“Don’t be so harsh on them. So, who exactly are you? And be mindful of how you speak.”

I shot a glance at Pal as I addressed the group, pressing them to answer.

“We’re with the Adventurer’s Guild… sir,” stammered the green-haired man.

“Uh-huh, and your name?”

“I am Darnan, head of security… sir.”

Since he’s head of security, I assumed he’s a fairly important figure in the guild. It seems they sent someone high up to address the matter seriously.

“So, what do you want with me?”

“We… suspect that you, Lord Sai, may have breached the Adventurer’s Guild’s regulations. We need you to come with us… please.”

“Right now?”

“If you could, yes.”

“Fine, let’s go.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“Guess that means dinner is off for tonight. Solderick, can you take it back?”

Solderick appeared from behind Darnan and his men, causing them to flinch as he seemed to appear from nowhere.

“Pal, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

“Wait—?”

Darnan’s eyes widened when I called out to Pal.

“Pal and I are a package deal. If you’re saying I can’t bring her, then I’m not going.”

“…Understood, sir.”

Darnan and his men kept their distance as they led us to the Adventurer’s Guild. Are they really that intimidated by Pal? What exactly did she do to them earlier?

The Adventurer’s Guild Ordreat Kingdom Capital Branch. That’s the official name of the branch where I’m registered. The guild itself operates across nations, with its main headquarters in the neighboring empire’s capital.

As far as I know, the Adventurer’s Guild has a Grand Master at its headquarters who oversees all adventurers and guild staff. Each branch is run by a Guild Master, who adapts the guild’s operations to the local needs and customs.

They led me into a conference room-like space within the guild.

“Why don’t you take a seat too, Pal?”

“I prefer to stand so I can react quickly.”

“You think the guild would try something?”

“There’s a chance, however small.”

Pal is so cautious. Even now, she’s maintaining an enemy search skill to detect any hostility. I’m aware of two people listening in above the ceiling. Though they aren’t flagged as enemies, Pal must sense them too, and she remains on guard.

The door opened, and three people entered. The first was Darnan. The second was a woman around 30, with blond hair tied in a bun and piercing blue eyes that gave her a strict, no-nonsense look. She looked highly serious and inflexible. The last was an elf with long silver hair that seemed to flow despite the lack of wind. The elf paused and stared at Pal upon entering, a hint of bitterness flickering across his face. I recalled hearing about a past Elf War between elves and dark elves. Old grudges might still linger, so I’d need to be cautious.

“Thank you for waiting. I am the Guild Master of this branch,” the elf introduced himself.

“I am Rozie, head of the Procurement Department,” added the serious-looking woman.

Three high-ranking officials just to confront a mere adventurer like me? Are they planning to gang up on me?

“I’m Sai, and this is Pal.”

Pal gave a small nod. Rozie didn’t seem too pleased with our attitude.

“So, what can I do for you?”

“I’ll explain,” Rozie said as she began.