Chapter 5

"Good morning!"

The next day, I came to the Adventurers' Guild early in the morning.

It is a building constructed to surround the entrance to the dungeon, a large-scale complex facility with everything from a materials appraisal office to a treatment center, a store, and even a bar inside.

It's a three-story building that has seen better days, but it's actually bigger than my family's mansion, which is a bit of a sore point...

I hide my feelings with a forced smile and immediately call out to one of the receptionists.

"Good morning, Mr. Ryouji! The weather is nice today, isn't it~!"

"Hey, good morning, Miss Sophia. Indeed, the sun is blinding, but your smile is even more radiant?"

"Ha ha, you're so funny! So, Mr. Ryouji, what materials are in high demand today?"

"Well, you see, it's not a joke... but..."

Ryouji shrugs, saying, "You're always so guarded, you know." He is known for being a typical playboy, and he works as a waiter at a high-end bar for women at night, which is why he is better informed than other receptionists.

"Today, we're short on mandrake roots. ...And apparently, a grand banquet for the nobility has been suddenly scheduled for tonight. If you can bring fresh troll breast meat by noon, it will be highly valued."

"Really!? Thank you!"

"No problem. ...Most male adventurers treat me as an enemy and go to other receptionists unless the place is really crowded, so I don't get much chance to talk. If you can use this information, I'd appreciate it."

Ryouji then gives a slightly tired smile. Male adventurers, who tend to be all about physical prowess, seem to really dislike someone like Ryouji, who makes a living off his looks. Since most adventurers are male and many guild staff are former adventurers, he must have a tough time.

...But, Ryouji is a good person, even if he seems like a flirt. He always talked to me, even when I was dark and skinny in my previous life, even if it was just polite conversation.

"Here, Miss Sophia, here's your pass to enter the dungeon. Be careful and don't get hurt."

"Thank you! I'll do my best!"

The dungeon is like a resource mining site, and entering without permission is a serious crime.

I immediately get the pass from Ryouji and head toward the dungeon entrance, which is next to the reception area.

Alright, time to make some money! I need to earn a lot of money as soon as possible to pay off my family and live a peaceful life!

With that thought in mind, I was about to enter the dungeon—when,

"---Is this where the dungeon is!!!"

A beast-like roar echoed through the building!

Everyone, including me and the staff, turned to look at the entrance, where a man with a tattered coat, black eyes, and black hair stood. He had a dog-like collar around his neck, and even wolf ears on his head!

---This guy is 'Mad Dog Wolf,' one of the most dangerous adventurers to approach!

He was once a prince of the Beastman Kingdom, but after losing a war to our country, he was captured and made the king's pet, a humiliating experience.

However, one day, the king said to him, "Wolf, if you want to be free, earn five hundred million gold. If you can't, you'll be a loser dog for life"—

Thus, with a curse collar that can only be removed with the owner's permission, he became an adventurer to earn money, causing trouble everywhere... and died in the wilderness within a year. That's the record of 'Mad Dog Wolf' I know from my previous life.

"…Oh, right. He was my contemporary..."

I hadn't realized it until now. When I was fifteen in my previous life, I had just been forced to become an adventurer and had no mental space. I always felt on edge and never thought to approach dangerous people like him. This might be the first time I've really seen him.

Ignoring my confusion and that of the staff, Wolf looked at the dungeon entrance and grinned, showing his fangs.

"There it is...! Alright, I'm going to kill a bunch of monsters and earn a lot of money! Wait for me, dungeon!!!"

Saying that, Wolf ran at an incredible speed—wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!? He's going to enter the dungeon without going through the reception!? He'll be committing a serious crime without a permit!

Eh, did this guy come to the Adventurers' Guild without knowing that!?! No wonder he caused so much trouble and died in the wilderness!

"Hey! Move out of the way, woman!"

Gah!? He's coming this way! ...Oh, I'm almost right in front of the entrance, of course.

Hmm, if I were my gloomy self, I'd be half-crying and moving out of the way, but I decided to change! I'll be brave and stop my contemporary who's about to commit a serious crime!

I spread my arms and stand in front of the dungeon!

"Wait, wait a minute! You need a permit, or it will be a big problem—"

"Shut up! I need to get free as soon as possible and beat up that king bastard!!!"

Eek, he's not slowing down at all!? If this continues, he'll crash into me!?

Ah, fine, I'll just have to do it!

"Water, destroy my enemy! 'Aqua Ball'!"

"Wha—!?"

Wolf, hit in the stomach by my water ball, flies away dramatically.

He crashes into the wall and immediately passes out, not moving.

...Oh no, I overdid it!!!?

"Great job, Miss Sophia! Everyone, secure the strange dog who tried to enter the dungeon!"

"Y-Yes, sir!"

The unconscious Wolf is tied up by Ryouji and the other guild staff.

I look at him and whisper, "I'm sorry...!"

Thank you for reading!

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