Chapter 83

In the midst of the heat, I greet you from the inn. We have arrived at the capital of the Almond Earl's territory, Olson. I'm Herman. The journey was uneventful, and the Cox Great Lake wasn't particularly strange. The only difference was the variety of resources and enemies. The biggest change might be that it's no longer a salt lake.

The water-loving crystals are no longer available; instead, we can gather flower crystals. They're just different types of crystals, with only the color being different. Everything else is the same. The monsters have changed, though. The Gamiraklub and Carbuncle are gone, replaced by Water Wolves and Lagoon Wolves. We now eat wolf meat instead of crab, which was tastier. However, the fur is quite good. It can't be eaten, but it would make great coats. A Lagoon Wolf is about 5 meters long, so it could also be used for carpets. They seem quite expensive, but since we don't sit on the floor, I'm not sure how necessary they are. Anyway, we haven't delved deep into the magical realm yet.

Today, we're going to hunt the Mizuchi. I've recruited a Mizuchi hunting party through the Adventurer's Guild. They asked for 15 people, but only three qualified. Everyone lacked the required stars. Well, just being able to read the recruitment was a pass. Here are the party members: Luca, male, human, 21 years old, spear user, 6 stars. Julio, male, elf, 151 years old, shield user, 5 stars. Mauro, male, dwarf, 184 years old, whip user, 6 stars. And me, Herman, human, 16 years old, swordsman, 9 and 5 stars. We're a party of four.

Having a shield user is a big plus. It makes hate management easier. He can also summon monsters, so I wonder why he doesn't have a knighthood yet. Probably because there haven't been any parties aiming for the Mizuchi. Everyone has participated in raids and has experience with the Mizuchi, but this is the first time they're challenging it as a party. The other applicants have also defeated the Mizuchi in raids, but we screened out those with less than 5 stars. The shield user is an exception. Even with 5 stars, being able to summon monsters makes a big difference.

"Thank you all for gathering today. Based on our previous cooperation, I believe this party can handle the Mizuchi. Let's give it a try."

"Sure, I think I can handle it alone, but the knighthood was something I wanted, so this is perfect."

"To be honest, I agree. With Julio, it will be easier, but do we really need me and Mauro?"

"I'm a dwarf, not an old man! Shield users are valuable. A reliable shield user can be counted as a combat asset. Julio is often seen in raids. Luca and I will solidify the sides, so please hold your ground."

"Leave it to me. I've faced the Mizuchi many times. This is my first time in a party, but I'll show you I can handle it alone."

"Julio will take the first hit, and Luca and Mauro will pin down the Mizuchi's head. I'll aim for the neck. I want to finish it in one hit, so please hold it down as long as possible."

"Finish it in one hit? No wonder alchemists are different. Normally, it takes a full hour of battle."

"Indeed. If we can finish it in one hit, there must be a strategy. I'll do my job, so don't worry."

"Let's head for the Mizuchi. We'll retreat from Stinaria."

"Of course! Stinaria is tough even in raids. It's too early to risk our lives."

"I don't have the confidence to face Stinaria. I've seen it, but that's it."

"Sometimes we encounter it in raids, but we always run away."

"In the capital, we've defeated multiple Stinarias in a single raid. Maybe our senses are a bit off."

"Exactly, that's why alchemists are so strange. You should be more normal."

"I'm not from the Iron Welcome School, so I'm not combat-specialized."

"Are there stronger people than you, or are alchemists just weird? When I heard you had 9 and 5 stars, I thought it was strange."

"Well, it's thanks to alchemical items. I'll sell them in the store, so please buy them. You'll become stronger than me."

"I wish you were lying. I know about alchemical items, but they're expensive. I've never heard of one that increases stars by 11."

"It was recently discovered. Let's ignore the minor enemies and head straight to the back."

Even saying we'll ignore them, we still have to defeat the monsters along the way. A 6-star user is strong, after all. He's handling the Kelpies with ease. If we had more combat assets, he would have been a noble by now. After about two hours, we finally found the Mizuchi. ...Just one. Perfect.

"Let's follow the plan. Summon the monsters."

"I'm nervous. Here goes. ...They're coming."

"Luca! When it comes, slam it to the ground and pin it down."

"Don't be ridiculous! Even if its mouth is open, I can't pierce it."

"I'll block the mouth, so pin it to the ground from above! Use the pommel if you have to!"

"Here it comes! ...It's pinned!"

"Leave it to me! Hyaah!"

"Haaaaa!"

Julio took the first hit, and Mauro wrapped the whip around the Mizuchi's mouth and slammed it to the ground. Luca then pinned it down. ...Twelve minutes. Flying Sword Dance! Eight slashes. It varies from individual to individual, but I don't know why. Anyway, this means we'll get the knighthood.

"Phew, you really finished it in one hit. You did the same thing as always, but it didn't feel like a battle."

"Exactly. It ended with one thrust of the spear. Normally, the challenge is how to cut off the head from there."

"It was easier for me. A shield user must drink a high-level potion after the battle, so this time, one should be enough."

"Good work. ...Should we hunt a few more?"

"Let's go back!"

So, we returned the two-hour journey. I thought the knighthood was a narrow path, but is it really this easy to get? I'll take it if I can. So, we went to the Adventurer's Guild. We headed to a private room. ...We can't bring the Mizuchi's corpse here, right? What should we do? I rang the bell.

"...Is it you, Mauro? What brings you here today? With Luca and Julio... and this is a new face. You didn't recruit for a raid, did you?"

"Stop calling me old! ...Anyway, these four hunted the Mizuchi. Let us use the back courtyard."

"What?! Four people? One is missing. Did someone die? Who died?"

"We went with four. This new face is an alchemist. You understand, right?"

"An alchemist? From the Iron Welcome School? You've brought in a good one. That makes sense. Alright, come to the back."

We left the room and went to the farthest door. ...It's not marked as in use. They probably don't want it used. Illiterate people might come in. ...It's a corridor. I see. When we opened the door, we were in the back courtyard of the Adventurer's Guild. We brought out the Mizuchi. Mauro carried it because he was the oldest.

"Ah, the Mizuchi. The timing is right, and... it's cut very cleanly. Was the battle time that short?"

"Yeah, this alchemist, Herman, finished it in one hit."

"One hit! That's amazing. You must be from the Iron Welcome School."

"...No, I'm from the Dawn School."

"The Dawn School? You're kidding, right? Only the Iron Welcome School can handle the Mizuchi."

"Actually, we made a new discovery. We created an alchemical item that can make someone strong enough to target the Mizuchi with just one star. I have three stars."

"That's great. It's good for adventurers to get stronger. Now, there are 13 knights in the capital. The lord will be proud. ...Do you understand? Take this to the magistrate's office and register for the knighthood. ...Luca, your wife will be happy, right?"

"Sure. I told her I'd become a knight. ...We need to build a house, though."

"Yes, all four of you need a house now that you're knights."

"I won't be staying at the inn anymore."

"Julio! You don't have a house yet?"

"Shield users only earn a little from temporary raids. They need to drink high-level potions regularly."

"What?! In the Mizuchi raid, don't you get small platinum coins?"

"What are you talking about... Oh, you've only experienced alchemist raids. Understand this: normal raids involve 2,000 people. Getting two large gold coins is good. How many people participated in last year's raid?"

"2,500 for the Mizuchi. Participation starts at two stars. Three parties hold down other monsters, and about 500 people reach the Mizuchi."

"What are alchemist raids like?"

"Usually, about 100 people go and defeat 10 to 20 Stinarias and 20 Mizuchis before returning."

"...Alchemists are really a bunch of monsters. If that's all you've experienced, remember this: knights and mages gather for raids of 2,000 to 3,000 people, usually targeting only the Mizuchi. The loot is divided among the parties, with two large gold coins added. If you get two or three raids a year, that's a lot. Shield users who drink high-level potions regularly are in a tough spot."

"That's the difference. I use private rooms and participate in temporary parties in the magical realm's square for camping raids. Even defeating Kelpies requires a shield user in raids. We surround and defeat them with about 50 people. It's rare to find a party like this, where Herman can handle it alone, and Luca and Mauro support him."

"We usually form parties with two or three-star members, so we can only go as far as Kokodorillo."

"Same here. Shield users reduce the loot, so they're disliked."

"Shield users are very useful, though."

"Shield users shine from Lagoon Wolves onward. Usually, three parties?"

"Right. Five parties are more common. Water Wolves are also around."

"...There's a big difference in perception. Between alchemists and nobles."

"Also, between nobles. Most nobles go as far as Kokodorillo with one or two-star parties. They spend a lot of time training. ...I was confused by the difference between the capital's magical realm and this one."

"Ah, you're a noble who fell to commoner status. Nobles train in the magical realm at school."

"Right. They train with weapons, so they're different from ordinary commoners. ...Alchemists are even stranger."

"...They are. Some can cut off a Stinaria's head in one hit. I thought I was normal."

"You can't expect to defeat the Mizuchi in one hit to be normal!"

"Exactly!"

"I can't argue with that."

"Anyway, you're now part of the nobility. You won't have to pay taxes. They'll be deducted from your noble pension. Ask at the magistrate's office for details. The reward for this hunt is four small magic silver coins."

"Ah, please buy the enemies we hunted on the way."

"Right, you did hunt. I forgot because the Mizuchi was so shocking."

So, we got everything bought and went to the front of the Adventurer's Guild. ...We didn't need to go through the middle. Then, the four of us went to the magistrate's office. It's my first time here. It looks the same everywhere. The walls are covered with documents, but they're not relevant now.

"Welcome. What can I do for you?"

"We're applying for knighthood. These four will become knights from now on."

"Congratulations. You should have a recommendation letter from the Adventurer's Guild. Please submit it."

So, I handed over the document from the Adventurer's Guild. ...I didn't read it, but it was sealed. I didn't want to open it. It's tied with a string, so I can reseal it.

"I've confirmed the recommendation letter. Please wait a moment."

He went to the back. I wonder what he's doing. After a while, the receptionist came back.

"Thank you for waiting. The lord wishes to meet you. Please come this way."

Oh, we're being led to the back. The other members are surprised. This isn't supposed to happen, right? We followed the corridor, turning and heading to the farthest room. The receptionist knocked.

"Excuse me, I've brought them."

"Come in."

We went in. ...It's a dwarf noble. ...Kevin is a dwarf, so that makes sense.

"Well done, defeating the Mizuchi. You have companions. ...And who is Herman?"

"Me!"

"Of course. My brother said you would become a knight this year. You didn't go alone, I see. I appreciate you increasing the number of knights in my territory. I heard you could handle it solo."

"...I could have, but a party is more stable."

"I see. You have a firm resolve not to be consumed by arrogance. Good. I grant you the knighthood. Your pension is five large magic gold coins. Taxes are already deducted, so take this year's portion."

I received a bag. The noble pension is probably ten large magic gold coins. ...Half goes to taxes.

"Alright, that's it. Apply to build a house at the reception. Hire a few servants for the house. It's not mandatory, but I'd like to create more jobs. You can hire adventurers. The details are up to you."

I see, he wants us to use the pension. ...What should I do? I want a cook. I'll hire at least one with culinary talent. Then, a butler and maids. I'll hire about five people in total. I don't know the going rate for wages. ...The house needs servant quarters. There's a lot to think about. What should I do?

"Well, there were some unexpected things, but we need to apply for the house now. Especially Julio and Herman, you probably don't know how. Let's do it together."

That's very helpful. I've never used the magistrate's office. Luca and Mauro might have to vacate their current homes. ...After the house is built, I guess.

"Let's apply for the house. This way, please."

We were led to a room. A huge map of the capital made of leather. ...Wow, each house has a name. This is amazing.

"Alright, where do you want to build? Where's the cheapest?"

"The cheapest is in the southwest area, behind the free market. The land is cheapest in the south. Many other knights have chosen this area."

"Do the prices vary by location?"

"Yes, they do. The land next to the lord's mansion is very expensive. Right?"

"That's correct. There are many vacant houses in that area."

"I want to open a store, so... this area is good. There are many inns... right?"

"Yes, the West Street has many inns. Adventurers use them."

"We've stayed in them, too. ...So, how many vacant houses is the standard for nobles?"

"Six vacant houses is the minimum for a noble's residence. That's enough for one family and up to five servants."

"Wow, that's expensive. What should I do?"

"I'll take six here. South Street, West 5th Street. This area is cheaper, right?"

"I'll take the same area. ...How much will it cost with the noble's residence?"

"Without any special requests, it will be three large magic gold coins."

"Alright, that's reasonable. It's made of wood, so it's understandable."

"I'll take this area. The price shouldn't change much, right?"

"Right. It should also be three large magic gold coins."

"I'll take this area. I'll buy this range and build the house here."

"Whoa, really? What do you need so much space for?"

"For the store and the field. Eight for the house, two for the store, and six for the field, making 16 in total. ...Please build the house on the north side, from North 2nd Street to North 3rd Street."

"That will cost about six large magic gold coins. ...Is that enough for your living expenses?"

"Yes, it's enough. No problem."

"Alchemists really have money. You're spending more than your pension."

"Right. Unlike us, who try to keep costs to a minimum."

"Alchemy is a balance between earning and spending. ...Unless I gather the materials myself."

"Right, you'll delve into the magical realm. ...How long will it take to build the house?"

"Roughly by the New Year Festival. We have enough workers to build in parallel. We'll also recruit porters from adventurers, so there should be enough."

"...Is it okay to have so many workers?"

"The lord's mansion always needs maintenance. We'll reduce the maintenance staff to build the noble's residences. We can handle up to five at once. It's rare to have a party continuously defeat the Mizuchi."

"...That's true. I'll leave it to you. Please issue the deeds."

"Understood."

"...Can you also level the land for the store and field?"

"I'll arrange that."

Well, we've decided on the location. What's next? There's no urgent matter. Maybe finding a wife? ...But I don't have a house yet. I'll wait until the store is set up. Maybe I'll hunt the Mizuchi again. I wanted a dissection area, but I can borrow one from the guild. What should I do to pass the time? Is it okay to delve into the magical realm?

Whether you found it interesting or not, I'd appreciate your feedback. If you could include a rating, that would be great. If you could also provide comments, it would help me improve my writing.

...Probably.