CH 14

The guild became lively because of the dragon extermination quest.

The departure was after dinner.

The participating members were Rigard and Grave.

It seemed that Teresia would also be joining them. All in all, 20 skillful fighters were going to fight it.

According to Rigard, a small number of elites were required to fight such a strong opponent.

It wouldn’t cost too much. Besides, a large number was difficult to maintain in a long-term battle.

I didn’t know much about fighting, but Rigard confidently informed me. I had the impression he was saying something amazing.

All the preparations were completed—it was time for departure.

Shortly before the date changed.

“I’m going.”

“Alright, be careful.”

“I understand.”

While exchanging those short words, I saw Grave off.

***

The dragon had been sighted in a place North of the city.

There was a valley there, one which was originally a habitat for wyverns and other flying dragon species.

This wasn’t the first time that had happened.

A dragon sighting was confirmed about a year ago.

At that time, the ‘Sword of the Blue Sky’ was also in charge of the extermination.

“The previous dragon was red, wasn’t it?”

“Wasn’t it blue?”

Rigard and a party member were talking while being rocked in the carriage.

Teresia retorted from beside them.

“It shouldn’t matter.”

“No, this time, we’re fighting against the strongest dragon—a black one. Isn’t comparing it with the previous one we fought important?”

“I’ve already forgotten about the previous one. Which means, it wasn’t a big deal.”

“Eh?! Well, indeed…”

“You relent to her to such an extent…”

The party member Rigard was talking to seemed frightened.

Suddenly, Rigard noticed Grave.

Rigard stared at the sword Grave was holding, thinking about something.

“Hey, Grave, why are you so quiet?”

“Am I?”

“Uh-huh. Usually, you’re always excited when it comes to fighting a strong enemy.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

“Yes, you are.”

Because of the consensus between the members, Grave couldn’t refute it.

Grave deliberately cleared his throat and stared at his sword.

“Well, I’ve calmed down. For some reason, I feel confident. No matter what, I won’t be defeated.”

“Huh!? You’re motivated like never before!”

“Hee~”

Teresia laughed meaningfully.

Upon hearing Grave’s resolution, Rigard slapped his knee and ordered Grave.

“Alright, you be the leader!”

“What? Is that alright?”

“Of course, usually, I’m leader. Today, I’m feeling generous, so I entrust that title to you. Are you up to task?”

“Thank you.”

Grave sheathed his sword with a clicking sound.

***

After Grave and the others had departed, the guild was filled with a strange tranquility.

The talkative and loud Rigard was missing, and the guys who often kicked up a fuss together were also gone.

It was time to go to bed, so I should have been happy with the peace…

“…I can’t sleep.”

On the contrary, my eyes were open. I didn’t feel like sleeping.

Why?

Although the atmosphere was soothing, I found it uncomfortable.

“My throat… feels dry.”

I got up and decided to visit the dining room on the first floor.

I left the room and proceeded down the corridor.

Relying on a small light, I groped around the dark building.

The stairs were especially scary.

Their width was only the size of a foot, so if there was a single misstep—

—Garan goton!

“Huh?”

The sound of something falling down?

Indeed. It was definitely that.

“I, is anyone there?”

“Ouch… huh? That voice!”

The voice sounded familiar…

“Liliana!”

“Anna…”

Anna and I sat across each other at the table.

A lantern illuminated the space between us. Only the place where we sat was slightly bright.

“Is your back side alright?”

“Yes, I only hit it a little. What about you, Liliana? Can’t sleep?”

“Yes, I’m kind of restless.”

“Well, the same goes for me.”

“Anna, too?”

“Indeed! At times like this, I’m always anxious and can’t sleep!”

Anxious…

Was the reason for my restlessness the same as Anna?

Indeed, I was probably worried.

However, in my case, it wasn’t about everyone, but one person…

“A, Anna, uhm…”

“What?”

“Is it okay if I ask you something?”

“Hmm? You can ask me anything!”

“Umm…”

It was kind of embarrassing…

“…What kind of person is Grave?”

“Grave?”

“Y, yes… when I went to the city with him today, everyone recognized him.”

“Ah, that’s right! I thought you wanted to ask about what type of girl he liked…”

“Oh, no, it’s not about that…”

E, eh?

Why is my heart accelerating?

“Grave is popular because he is our ace!”

“Ace?”

“Yes! We’re a combat guild, and this guild is also the biggest and the strongest in the city!”

I was aware of that.

“Among them, the boss and older sister are very famous! They’re so formidable, even if all the adventurers in this city were to challenge them, they wouldn’t win!”

“Wow, that’s amazing…”

“Indeed! They’re amazing! At the same time, Grave is the only one expected to be able to defeat them.”

“Eh, what? He’s powerful, too?”

“Yes! Very strong! It’s said that his swordsmanship is better than the boss’!”

I was a little relieved to hear that.

It seemed that I was worried, after all.

“He’ll be fine.”

“I, I see, but, I’m still worried…”

“I understand how you feel…”

I could say with confidence.

If Grave was the strongest swordsman in the city, a mere dragon wouldn’t be able to defeat him—

—especially because he…

***T/N: It’s at this moment Liliana starts to be concerned with Grave, and became even more so as the time progress, for it is not concern, but love… yikes. Too fast, chef!