Chapter 100

Medes had come to the front of the "Spirit Workshop" but couldn't bring himself to go in, so he kept wandering around the shop.

(Damn it. Why do I have to bow to that Roland? What did I do wrong? Isn't Gilbert the one at fault? The Quartet also called Roland a fraudster and were completely deceived by Gilbert's tricks... especially Edgar! After all, he was the one in charge of the "Spirit Workshop" countermeasures! He just passed all the responsibility to me in the confusion.)

As Medes pondered for a while, more people began to pass by on the street.

He couldn't keep wandering around looking suspicious, so he finally decided to enter the shop.

Unfortunately, Roland was not there.

It turned out that due to his continuous work, Roland was on a long vacation.

(Damn, that guy. We're having a mineral shortage, and he's on vacation... of all times...)

Meanwhile, Roland was visiting a hot spring town on the eastern side of the island with Monica.

The volcanic region known as the "Island of the Fire Dragon" was famous for its hot springs, especially on the eastern side, where many high-quality springs were concentrated, making it a popular tourist destination.

Monica had always wanted to visit this place with Roland.

Despite being on vacation, Roland decided to use his hard-earned time off to repay Monica for her help with work.

Monica, who was now alone with Roland, opened a brochure excitedly and started talking about the places they would visit.

"The shop we're going to next is famous for its dragon buns, which come with dragon tea. At the 'Dragon Spring Inn' where we're staying tonight, you can enjoy high-quality hot springs, and the view from the outdoor bath is spectacular, overlooking the sea and the cliffs."

"Wow, that sounds amazing."

Roland was impressed by Monica's knowledge of the tourist spots.

Her information-gathering skills were exceptional, even in such situations.

"There's a dragon bun shop on the way to the inn, so I plan to stop by there first before we go to the inn."

Roland chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"Well, it seems like you know more about this island than I do, even though you just got here."

"Um... I really wanted to go sightseeing with Roland, so I did a lot of research."

Monica blushed and looked down.

"Monica..."

(You did all this research just for me. What a good girl.)

If he had met her before Lilianna, he would have undoubtedly fallen in love with her.

On the way to the inn,

Roland and Monica enjoyed the bustling tourist spots, savoring the delicious food and beautiful scenery.

At the inn, they entered a private outdoor bath together.

The hot spring was even more effective than he had heard, and the view from the bath was breathtaking.

However, Roland found himself more captivated by Monica than the scenery.

Monica was sitting on the edge of the bath, lost in the view.

Her plump figure, wrapped in a bath towel, was impossible to miss.

Roland thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, the hot spring, and Monica in her bath towel, and when they returned to the room, they shared a drink together.

They slept in separate futons that night.

Medes waited in front of the "Spirit Workshop" on the day Roland was supposed to return.

Since then, he had endured the cold stares and complaints from everyone around him.

The Quartet gave him silent looks, asking, "Still can't get the minerals?" and the "Hail Knights" complained, "Still can't manufacture the equipment?"

Medes spent his days bowing to some and making excuses to others, and finally, the day had come.

(Well, I've made him wait for days. He can't refuse to do business now.)

As Medes was thinking this, he saw Roland approaching.

Someone was with him.

"Huh? Medes?"

Roland called out when he noticed Medes.

Medes looked at Roland and Monica.

He couldn't help but do a double take at Monica.

(Damn, this guy was out with a woman while I was in trouble.)

"Medes, what are you doing here so early in the morning?"

When Roland called out, Medes's eyes darted around, and he shuddered.

"......S-Sorry...? Nothing, nothing at all?"

With that, Medes turned and walked away.

Roland and Monica watched him leave, looking puzzled.

When Medes returned to the "Dragon's Ember," he was immediately cornered by Rizzetta with a barrage of questions.

"Ah, Guild Master, you're finally back. How did the negotiations with the 'Spirit Workshop' go? Did you secure the minerals? Did you talk to Roland?"

When Rizzetta asked, Medes made a face as if he had bitten into a sour bug.

"......Sigh. The talks... didn't go through!"

"Huh!?"

Medes tried to retreat to the back.

"Wait, wait a minute. What about the request from the 'Hail Knights'?"

"Shut up! There's no deal with the 'Spirit Workshop.' Who would do business with that guy! Damn it!"

Medes threw his hat to the floor and stormed off to the back.

Rizzetta could only watch in shock as he left.