Chapter 33: The Guild Of Valor
“We’re leaving the store to you, Rheta!” Kyouka waved at the part-time student she had hired, trusting her with the store.
Nith waited outside, not caring much about the student. He hadn’t even bothered to learn her name and didn’t think anyone would be foolish enough to do anything suspicious to the store.
“Leave everything to me, Ms. Kyouka!” the girl yapped, as Nith had predicted she would. It was another reason he left the store before Kyouka.
Outside, Nith glanced over at the other businesses. Each building occupied more space than Kyouka’s wooden shop, blending perfectly with the main street’s scenery.
Anyone in poor attire looked out of place amid the vista of the thoroughfare and its businesses. It was particularly noticeable with Kyouka’s customers coming in and out of her store, but that was part of its charm.
Nith stood out in the crowd, stealing glances. His grim expression, hunched posture, high-quality black cloak, and the long blue spear with a golden blade resting on his back made for quite an unusual figure.
A few children pointed at him.
“This spear is too heavy for him!” one exclaimed.
“Poor uncle!” another added.
Then they burst into giggles, but quickly quieted down when Nith’s gaze fell on them.
Kyouka emerged from her store just in time to notice the commotion, becoming Nith’s saving grace. She tugged at his cheeks, showing the frightened kids that he wasn’t as scary as he looked.
He tried his best to maintain a neutral expression.
The witch waved at the children and sent them back to their parents with a sweet smile. Then she pulled down her long hat to cover her eyes, coiling her arms around Nith’s left arm and pressing her dazzling face close to his.
“Off to The Guild of Valor!” she declared.
“Yeah,” Nith nodded, ignoring the bewildered stares from the crowd.
–
The Guild of Valor was a newly established complex tucked away in the northern part of the capital. This section sparkled even from afar, thanks to the vast castle of Mythverios Crest perched at the northern end, overseeing the entire capital.
From that grandiose vantage point, tiered like a stage, noble families boasted their unique estates, all aligned with the royal crest carved into white granite.
“So pristine, I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some shady dealings going on here,” Nith remarked as he walked along the clear marble pathway, where he could see his reflection as if in a mirror.
Hugging his arm, Kyouka replied, “I could see that coming from a mile away. It’s been a while since I visited a noble street. Noblewomen really know how to dress up and put on a show.”
“Yeah, that’s what you’re focused on,” Nith snorted. “Do you think she’s trying to blur the line between commoners and nobility?”
“It could be her intent,” Kyouka nodded. “Adventurers’ guilds sometimes get hired by noble houses for dirty work, after all. From a noble’s perspective, it’s better to hire someone competent than to risk their own forces, which cost a lot of money to maintain.”
Nith’s question didn’t come out of nowhere; he had observed a few people dressed in dirty rags and leather armor, trudging along the marble pathway, much to the nobles’ displeasure.
No one paid much attention to Kyouka and Nith, thanks to Kyouka’s high-quality alchemist attire and Nith’s black cloak, which concealed most of his clothing.
Finally, they reached a part of the street where no one looked out of place. All around them were people with whom Nith and Kyouka could find common ground.
A massive gate loomed before them, guarded by two bulky men encased in steel armor.
Nith didn’t bother with introductions or unnecessary words. He simply took out the invitation from his inventory in a motion as smooth as Valora’s sleight of hand.
He handed the invitation to one of the guards.
After confirming its authenticity, the men gave Nith and Kyouka a hearty welcome, opening the gate for them. Once inside, the couple witnessed a new world, hidden from prying eyes.
A world where commoners and nobles were interwoven. Facilities like warehouses, training halls, and reception areas were accessible to everyone, regardless of their status. Nobles didn’t shy away from exchanging points with those outside their circle.
“Seems like she’s already succeeded in blurring the lines,” Nith observed.
Kyouka shook her head. “Not entirely… those nobles are just sons of barons. But nobles are nobles, so maybe you have a point.”
“Enough prying into her business,” Nith cracked his neck. “Let’s cut to the chase and see what kind of benefits this guild offers.”
Receiving an invitation and touring the guild was one thing; joining it was another.
Nith led Kyouka to what he assumed was a reception area.
Inside, the vast wooden counter was divided into several booths, behind which women in official attire stood, checking documents and items presented to the guild.
A board on the side displayed information about danger zones, dungeons, monsters, and quests available to anyone.
From the murmurs around them, Nith gathered that the more lucrative quests were on the second floor. For example, a quest to serve as a bodyguard for a merchant and his carriage—one of the best jobs, as it often involved doing little more than enjoying a trip to another town.
It was Nith’s turn to speak to a receptionist.
“Welcome to The Guild of Valor. Are you here to sign up or report on a quest?” asked a tall woman with a bust so large Nith questioned whether it was real.
He shook his head. “We’re here to learn about the guild’s benefits. We haven’t decided which guild is best yet.”
The woman nodded professionally. “I see. Before we begin, may I ask about your occupation? If you don’t have one, that’s fine as well. I just need to know where you see yourself.”
Nith replied, “I see myself adventuring around the world, beyond the borders of The Mythverios Kingdom.”
Kyouka smiled. “I see myself following this hunched idiot and opening potion stores in various strongholds.”
