“Phew, I’m really glad the negotiations ended without any issues.”

“Good work. It looks like the contract was successfully finalized.”

We left the adventurers’ guild in the royal capital. After discussing future matters with Ruhail, we were able to secure a contract without any trouble.

“There was no way they wouldn’t stock Tetsuya’s products.”

“Indeed! With such delicious portable food, it’s certain that not just adventurers but also other merchants will want it!”

Not only did we negotiate the matter of the compass, but we also had Ruhail taste-test other portable food products to see if they could be stocked in the royal capital’s adventurers’ guild. He agreed without hesitation.

In particular, he was extremely interested in the yokan and chocolate bars that had been packed in preservation pouches. Just like Berna and Ferry, it seems that sweets of this level of quality are quite rare in the royal capital. …Though, originally, they were meant as nutritional supplements.

None of the three of them seemed to think there would be any difficulty in negotiating with Ruhail. Honestly, based on their reactions, I also had a good feeling about it.

“As planned, let’s decide on that matter after seeing how Ruhail handles the compass situation.”

This time, we only discussed the compass. I haven’t yet told Ruhail about the maps and illustrated guides I’ve created using my outdoor shop’s abilities. It wouldn’t be wise to reveal all my cards the first time we meet.

That said, so far, Ruhail’s treatment of us has been completely acceptable. He was considerate toward us, and he also took merchants and the commercial guild into account. …Even though he was in the same party as Rizac, they are quite different types of people.

Once we return to the town of Al-Flare, I’ll consult with Patrice.

“That’s a good idea. The guild master should be fine, but it would still be wise to hear Patrice’s opinion.”

…And also Rizac’s, I suppose. I almost forgot about that.

“Despite what he said, the guild master is quite remarkable. Becoming the adventurers’ guild master of the royal capital is no small feat, especially for a woman.”

“If I fought her one-on-one, I probably wouldn’t win.”

Indeed, for a woman to become the adventurers’ guild master of the royal capital, she must possess incredible strength. …Even Ferry, who can use such powerful magic and summoning spells, admits she wouldn’t win?

“Anyway, now that we’ve accomplished the main reason for coming to the royal capital, I feel relieved. Let’s take today and tomorrow to explore the city together.”

“Ah, it’s been a long time since I last came to the royal capital. It seems like a lot has changed, so I’m looking forward to it!”

With the greeting at the adventurers’ guild in the royal capital successfully completed, our primary objective here has been fulfilled. This afternoon and tomorrow, we’ll take our time sightseeing, and the morning after that, we plan to depart for Al-Flare.

“Alright, let’s head back to the inn and meet up with everyone.”

As we walked back to the inn, I found myself eager to reunite with the others.

…Mainly because I’ve been under the scrutiny of countless eyes for a while now. It’s no surprise—Berna and Ferry are famous adventurers in the royal capital and practically idolized. It was the same at the adventurers’ guild, but even after leaving, the gazes from the townspeople have been relentless.

And to make matters worse, today we also have Lilia, a beautiful woman, with us. There’s no way we wouldn’t stand out. Ever since we left the guild, I’ve been the only man surrounded by these stunning women, and the sheer number of stares directed at me is insane… No, at this point, it’s not just stares—it’s outright killing intent.

Surprisingly, even the women’s gazes are intense. I had heard that Berna and Ferry were idol-level popular in the royal capital, but I really underestimated just how much…

“Welcome back, Tetsuya-san!”

“Tetsuya-nii, welcome home!”

“Angel, Fia-chan, I’m back.”

When we returned to the inn, everyone was waiting for us. Finally, I was able to escape the relentless stares and breathe easy.

“Welcome back, Tetsuya-san. How did the negotiations with the royal capital’s adventurers’ guild go?”

“Dolph, I’m back. Yeah, the negotiations went well. As planned, they’ll test whether they can produce the compass. They also agreed to stock our other products in the adventurers’ guild here in the royal capital.”

“Oh! That’s great news!”

After sharing the results of our negotiations with the royal capital’s adventurers’ guild, everyone seemed relieved. It looks like they were all worried about how things would turn out.

“I’m so glad the negotiations went smoothly! Oh, Tetsuya, by the way, what kind of woman is the adventurers’ guild master, Ruhail?”

The one asking was Lange. He had wanted to come along to the guild as well.

“Um… She’s a young woman, but she gave off the impression of being very capable. However, I couldn’t really gauge how strong she was.”

“I see! Next time we come to the royal capital, I’d love to meet her!”

“…Sure, I’ll think about it.”

Yeah, there’s no need to mention how absurdly large her chest was. If I share that information, it’ll be during a guys-only talk at night.

“Alright then, let’s all go explore the royal capital together.”