The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley”

| The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley” | Next Chapter>>

~~ Adventurers’ Guild Counter ~~

Hehehe… Asley has become so strong and sturdy. He’s really come into his own!

Anyway, it sure has been a slow day today. Itsuki, our temporary hire, looks exhausted from working so many days in a row. Maybe I should let her go early.

Hmm, all right — If it stays quiet until five, I think I’ll do just that.

In the meantime, I’ll tidy up the quest board. It’s great everyone is so lively, but they really should put the papers back where they belong. I’ll make a sign about it later.

“Duncan, do you have a moment?”

I turned around to see the ever-adorable Irene standing there. I’m so jealous. Could she teach me her magic circulation method?

“What’s up, Irene? There aren’t any S-rank jobs today.”

“That’s fine. I just want to test a new spell. Do you have any quests involving monsters with high magic resistance?”

This is one of the perks of the Adventurers’ Guild. You can find monsters that match your needs, and it’s perfect for someone like Irene to test her spells. Though, lately, we’ve had receptionists who can’t even keep track of these details.

“How about this one? It’s a B-rank monster.”

“The Satellite Golem… If I remember correctly, it has antennae on its head to call its allies, right?”

“Exactly, Irene. If you cut off the antennae early, it’s an easy job.”

Irene flashed a chilling smile.

Oh dear, that face REALLY ruins her cute looks.

“That sounds perfect. I’ll go destroy them.”

She’s definitely planning to let it call its friends so she can test her spells more. What a troublesome girl.

After Irene left, the clock chimed five.

Now, what to do… oh, I almost forgot!

“All right, Itsuki, you can go home now. Someone else will cover tomorrow, so come back the day after.”

“Got it!!”

I love her energy. Yes, being full of energy is the best!

“G-good evening…”

“Well, well, Lina, why so far from the counter? You can come closer, you know.”

She’s standing three steps away from the counter. What’s going on? Oh, she stepped back again.

“Um… I’m looking for a C-rank monster hunting quest. Preferably something with a bit of a challenge.”

“Let’s see. For someone of your A-rank like you, how about this one? The Kanglerwight. It’s a fierce monster, living a wild life. It’s not inherently evil but has been causing trouble lately.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Hehehe… That outfit looks great on you, by the way.”

“Y-you think?”

It’s a cute pink outfit. Did she pick it out to show Asley, I wonder? Ahh, youth. So wonderful~~

“Oh, and is that a new staff I see? It looks quite valuable. Is it the same as Hornel’s?”

“Oh, yes – I got it from Sir Gaston. It’s pretty amazing — I want to get used to it soon.”

Her small hands are gripping it tightly… so cute. I wish I could be as young as her again.

“That explains you wanting to fight C-rank monsters. But be careful. Remember what happened to Haruhana last time. Don’t overextend, all right?”

“Yes!”

After handing Lina the quest paper, she ran out of the guild.

As she left, Haruhana walked in.

Well, well… now that she’s here, things might get busy.

“Haruhana, what brings you here today?”

“I’ve been doing a lot of monster hunting lately, so I thought I’d take a gathering quest. Do you have any recommendations, Duncan?”

Hehehe… it’s times like this that remind me how nice the kids in Beilanea are. Everyone works so hard.

“For a D-rank like you, how about these two? One is from a major commercial guild, for gathering fever-reducing herbs. The other is collecting Red Goblins’ redwood staves, which are good for brewing medicine for the current epidemic. Both deadlines are coming up. How about it, Haruhana?”

“Understood. I shall accept both.”

“Thank you~~! That’s a great help~~”

Having confirmed the habitat of the Red Goblins, Haruhana left the guild with her usual impeccable bow. Despite her youth, she’s grown at an extraordinary rate. I was surprised when she first joined Team Silver as a warrior. The two Siler guys who saw her potential and brought her in were quite remarkable themselves, too.

“Duncan, it’s been a while.”

“Well, if it isn’t Hornel, Idéa, and Midors. It has been a long time. What have you all been up to?”

“Student council duties have kept me busy…”

“That’s right, Duncan! It’s gotten so bad that he’s been having US help with his work!”

“Exactly! He even had me doing secretary tasks — Look, I’ve got bags under my eyes!”

Idéa pointed to the dark circles under her eyes. Yup, it definitely looks bad.

“Oh dear, those are some deep circles… Uhuhuhu♪”

“That sounds… a bit suggestive, doesn’t it?”

“Stop right there, Midors. You’re making me imagine things.”

“You can’t handle that workload? Then you’d never make it in the student council.”

Hornel adjusted his glasses with a practiced motion. Heh, he’s starting to remind me of Warren, the infamous Black Emperor.

“I avoided the student council because I hate EXACTLY that kind of tedious work!”

“I’m with Idéa on this one.”

“Heh, you’re missing out. The student council work at the prestigious Magic University is highly coveted. Many would kill for the opportunity…”

Uhuhuhu, that’s true. Personality can really hold back one’s advancement. Speaking of which…

“Hornel, I heard you’re joining the Royal Capital Magic Guardians with Lina. But what about Idéa and Midors? Have you decided on your career paths yet?”

Idéa and Midors exchanged glances. Hmm… It looked like Midors had feelings for Idéa, but Idéa’s attention was on Asley, who had just returned to town recently. 

This might end badly for Midors… Still, I support him! And if he fails, I’ll comfort him. Oh, but I belong to all the Guild patrons! Duncan, oh, Duncan… this is so conflicting!

“Actually, we’re planning to join Team Silver.”

“Yes, we owe our current skills to those three – Blazer, Bruce, and Betty.”

“Oh? Really?”

“H-hey, that’s news to me!”

Apparently, Hornel hadn’t been informed, either.

“Well, this is the first time we’ve mentioned it.”

“Yeah, first time.”

“If you’d told me sooner, I wouldn’t have made such a hasty decision!”

True, but it seems they intended to keep it from Hornel all along. Their faces said it all.

“Nah, man, you’re not joining Team Silver.”

“What!?”

“Because you’re Hornel Adams, that’s why. The Adams household might not be that big nowadays, but they’re still nobility. Having a scion of their house become an adventurer, even in a famous team, would tarnish the family name.”

“Exactly. Our parents work for the commercial guild. No one gets hurt.”

“What the hell, guys!? I would get hurt! …A-ahem…”

Hornel reacted sharply to Midors’ words, though he quickly controlled himself.

His face turned bright red, like a ripe apple. Boy,  oh, boy… I want to eat him up~~!

“Well… Haha, that was unexpected, wasn’t it, Idéa?”

“Yes, I didn’t think he’d be so shaken. It’s the first time I’ve seen him show so much emotion.”

“Stop looking at me like that! Duncan, please say something!”

“Oh? Ah, umm, yes, don’t tease him too much, you two.”

I mustn’t let this get out of hand. I need to support the youth who will lead the world’s future…

Oh? Hornel’s stepped back a few paces.

What’s going on?

“And also…”

“Yeah.”

Idéa and Midors exchanged knowing glances.

Idéa’s smile, full of hidden meaning, exuded femininity.

“You need to join the Royal Capital Magic Guardians.”

“Right. After all, our student council president is heading there!”

“What!?”

“Hahahahahaha!”

“The president needs the vice-president by his side, right? Hehehe!”

Ahh, youth.

“Gah… listen, you two! As vice president, I’ll see to it that you both repeat a year!”

“Oh, go ahead! If it means this fun student life continues, I’m all for it!”

“Yeah, can’t believe we have just one more year left at the Magic University. Three years felt long but flew by quickly.”

“Good God… don’t get sentimental on me all of a sudden! I’ll want to REALLY make you repeat a year, you know…”

Idéa and Midors exchange glances again. They really are in sync.

“Well, there’ll be plenty of rivals over there, but if it’s you, Hornel, there won’t be any problem.”

“Yeah, except for one person.”

After Idéa’s words, Hornel’s face turned resolute, almost manly — Boy, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this look of his.

“…Hmph. I don’t intend to lose to him.”

“We’re counting on you, boss! Hahaha!”

Oh, it’s great! Seeing guys with their arms around each other like that! Uhuhuhu… I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.

Such a precious sight to etch into my mind♪!

Oh, right, I have work to do. The adventurers will be coming back to rest soon.

“So, what will you three be having today?”

“No need to ask, Duncan — we’ll take today’s special, as usual.”

“Yeah, your choices are always spot on, Duncan.”

“I’ll have the special, too — it’s interesting to see what you come up with.”

Uhuhuhu, these troublemakers have become so compliant. Maybe it’s because of Asley and the Silver boys’ influence. Of course, Irene’s efforts might have something to do with it too… Anyway, I’ll miss these kids when they spread their wings. They gladly took on the monster subjugation request I was having trouble with — adventurers like them are hard to come by.

As I watched the three stride out confidently, I felt a pang of nostalgia. Suddenly, a new visitor arrived… quite unexpected.

“Oh, Dallas! What brings you here?”

“I heard Asley is back in town. Thought I might run into him…”

“Hmm… I wonder if he’ll come today? Are you short on time?”

“Actually, yes — I have to leave again by nine.”

“Got it. Relax in the back — I’ll get something for you.”

He’s as stoic as ever. I wonder if Dallas has his eyes on Asley too?

That kid is really popular lately, and with his recent efforts, he might soon be up for the S-Rank promotion exam. We’ll see…

“Thanks. A drink would be nice.”

“Not beer, right? You don’t drink alcohol, if I remember right…”

“Mm-hm.”

“Then I’ll give you some of my hot milk…”

“Nah, I’m more of a juice guy.”

Oh, still so curt. But that’s charming in its own way♪

They call him the Scarlet Blade — I used to work with him too. He’s always been as solid as a rock.

While I’m well-suited to being a receptionist, Dallas seems destined to be an adventurer until he dies. I hate that he’s so intense, but that’s just the way it is.

After bringing some fruit juice to Dallas in the back and taking a breather, an adorable guest arrived.

“Oh, Natsu! Finished with today’s monster hunt?”

“All done!! Listen — Blazer was SUPER awesome today!”

Uhuhu, I knew it already, but hearing Natsu say it means Blazer must’ve done something special.

“I’m back.”

Oh, Blazer has a scratch on his cheek.

“Whoa, what happened to you? Did you encounter a tough enemy while helping Natsu?”

“Yeah, yeah! A huge, black—-“

W-WHAT!?

“-—Ogre with a spear suddenly jumped at me!”

…Oh. That must’ve been an Imperial Ogre. I thought it was something else… ugh, I really need to get my head out of the gutter!

“Blazer carried me away in his arms, but he got a little hurt!”

“Oh dear, that sounds rough. Blazer, where was this?”

“Just west of Beilanea, near the Forest of Deeprooted Sins. Normally, you’d encounter such monsters inside the forest, but it must have caught Natsu’s scent from downwind. Ogres like to eat human children, you see…”

We organized a subjugation squad before, but once they take root, they’re hard to eradicate.

“Got it. I’ll look into it a bit more on my end.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Here, here!”

Natsu places the completed hunt request form on the counter.

I process it, exchange it for money, and hand it to her. She then pays for her milk with some of her reward.

She once told me this is her favorite part of completing a subjugation.

When I place the special rich milk on the counter, she gazes at it with wide eyes and scampers off to the back. Despite her speed, she never trips… how does she do that?

“Blazer, would you like some beer?”

“Yes, please.”

“By the way, Dallas is in the back. It’s been a while, right? You should go say hi.”

“Sir Dallas is here? Understood.”

“Here you go.”

Blazer, beer in hand, heads to where Natsu is. He takes a seat next to Dallas, and Natsu squeezes in between them.

Perfect! They look just like two doting dads with their child. Oh, how I wish I could join them.

“Hey, Duncan, what’s with that look on your face?”

“Shh — don’t bring it up. That’s the kind of face people make when they’re up to no good…”

“Oh, whatever are you talking about? …A-anyway, look! The adventurers are back!”

The entrance to the guild has suddenly filled with a long line of adventurers.

…Oh dear, maybe it was a mistake to send Itsuki home early.

“Duncan, I’ve got my documents!”

“Duncan, seven beers, please!”

“Duncan, can I ask you something—”

“Hold on, everyone. I’m doing my best for you all!”

Uhuhuhu, such cute kids. Thinking that some of them won’t be here next year is a bit sad. But to avoid that kind of tragedy, I have to do my best too.

Yeah, I’ll work hard!

“It’s here! Duncan’s special move: ‘Love for All Fifty!'”

“Awesome! Carrying fifty beer mugs stacked five tiers high on one tray, with one hand — how is that possible!?”

“Whoa! I’ve never seen this before! I’m so glad I came today!”

“Drink up, everyone! If you pass out, I’ll take care of you… PERSONALLY!”

“”……S-sure…””

Oh my, everyone’s drinking a bit slower now. They must be shy around me. Really, such adorable kids.

As the guild bustles, Dallas comes up to the counter with Natsu.

“Looks like time’s up.”

“Oh, is it that late already?”

“The bill, please.”

“What a shame. I’ll tell Asley you stopped by.”

“Thanks.”

“Dallas, you’re leaving already?”

Natsu clings to Dallas’s leg, though she’s just gripping the loose fabric of his pants.

“Yeah. I’ll see you later.”

“…Promise you’ll come back!”

“Of course. You’re a good girl.”

She really IS a good girl. That was the perfect puppy-dog look, Natsu!

“Here’s your bill. See you next time.”

“Bye-bye!”

“Come again♪!”

Uhuhuhu, there’s something wonderful about the back of a hardworking man.

Stay strong, Natsu. A woman grows strong by watching the man she cares about walk away, hoping for his safe return.

“…Dallas is really gone, huh?”

“Don’t worry, he’ll definitely come back. He’s a man who keeps his promises.”

“By the way, Duncan, I’ve noticed you sound a little more serious with Dallas compared to everyone else — what is that?”

“Oh, you could tell? Uhuhuhu… well, that’s a secret.”

Natsu pouts at my words. Aww, she’s so cute.

“C’mon, that’s not fair, Duncan!”

“Hehe, being a woman means having some secrets♪.”

“C’mon, Duncan, you’re not supposed to mess with kids like that!”

I turn around to see—

“Bruce! And Betty, too!”

Natsu runs towards them. Bruce reaches out to pick her up, but she heads straight for Betty instead. Poor Bruce looks so disappointed… I’d love to go comfort him, but I’ve just received another order.

Even so… there’s something captivating about a warrior woman and a brave little girl together.

“By the way, I ran into Dallas out front! Man, It’s been ages!”

“Uhuhuhu, he said he’d come back to see Natsu again.”

“Really? Natsu, that was your first time meeting Dallas, right? How did you become friends with him in just one day?”

Betty seems amazed at Natsu’s natural charm.

“Those two made quite the sight together, Betty.”

“Blazer, tell me more about it in the back!”

“Hahaha, that sounds great! Duncan, two beers!”

“Sure thing! I’ll bring them over♪!”

…Whew.

It’s getting late. The second group should be returning soon.

As I pour the beers, I hear lively voices from outside the guild.

“We’re back, Duncan.”

First, Irene.

“Professor Irene, what was that magic earlier!?”

Following her is Hornel.

“You’re so loud, all of you…”

“But professor…! You obliterated all those Satellite Golems in an instant! How can we not be curious?”

And here’s Midors, with his broad shoulders.

“We won’t let it go until you tell us!”

Irene is cornered by Idéa.

“You all have school tomorrow. It’s time to go home.”

Oh, even Trace has tagged along. That’s unusual.

“All right, fine, I’ll explain it just a bit… really, just a bit. Although, even that will be a lot…”

“”Really!?””

[The Silver trio is in the back, by the way♪!]

I make eye contact with Irene, pointing towards the table where the Silver members are seated. She heads that way.

Irene really has softened over time, hasn’t she?

“Duncan, two of the daily juice specials and three beers, please!”

Hornel orders for the group and follows Irene.

The juices must be for himself and Trace. It’s touching to see how considerate Hornel has become. It warms my heart♪!

“Two more daily juice specials, please.”

“Oh, welcome back, Lina and Haruhana. Got it. Irene’s about to start talking, so you should hurry♪!”

“Yes!”

“Thank you.”

The two of them rush to the back table. It’s rare to see such a large group here at once~~

Still, they’re all so thoughtful. They wait to hand in their hunting reports until they see I’m not too busy, likely thanks to Team Silver’s influence. They’ve grown so much.

I have to do my best, too!

By the way… where are Asley and Pochi? Why haven’t they shown up yet?

As the rush settles, the guild’s doorbell chimes. Finally, perhaps?

“Excuse me! I heard Miss Lina was here! Is that true!?”

“Oh… I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Yes…? Whatever do you mean by that?”

“Oh, never mind, Egd. Lina in the back.”

“Ohh…!”

“But be careful — Irene’s there too.”

At this, Egd’s face flushes, and he starts looking around nervously.

He’s such an adorable little boy.

Makes me think he’s still got a lot to learn. Maybe I should mention this to Dragan later.

“”A moment of your time, please?””

Suddenly, I notice a two-headed snake towering over the counter. Wow… his body is incredibly thick.

“You are… if I remember correctly, Tzar, was it? Lala’s Familiar?”

“”Yes. We apologize for the late visit, but We would like to register this child as an adventurer.””

“Wow! This place is stupid awesome! It smells like booze everywhere!”

“Oh, Lala-chan hasn’t registered as an adventurer yet? Got it. I’ll prepare the paperwork, so please wait with the others in the back.”

“”Much appreciated.””

“Mucho gracias!”

Uhuhuhu… Another lively kid joins our ranks! Lala seems quite skilled, and her presence here will be an excellent learning experience in many ways. I’m excited to watch her grow.

Tzar’s abilities are exceptional, too. With him supporting Beilanea, I feel motivated to do my best!

We watch over Lala’s registration, process numerous orders, and see the adventurers off to their lodgings for tomorrow’s work.

It’s already past eleven. Natsu looks sleepy; perhaps it’s time to call it a night.

Just then, the bell rings — not the sound of someone leaving, but someone entering. The tone differs slightly depending on whether it’s pushed or pulled. I’ve learned to tell them apart.

Their conversation reaches me before I can turn around.

“Why did you run off at that moment!? You ruined my carefully prepared concoction!”

“I don’t get it! What’s with Operation ‘Dynamite Pochi’ anyway? You said I’d get a bombshell body, but all I got to do was hold a dynamite stick and charge at the monster! That’s not what I signed up for!”

“I said you’d go ‘boom boom’! You just misheard and twisted it into something else!”

“Oh, so THAT’s why you were so surprised when I accepted! If you knew I misunderstood, you could have corrected me! YOU FOOL!”

“Hey! You called me a fool again, you damn furball! Fine, I’ll put a Brainwashing Contract on you later!”

“Let’s not do that!”

“Of course, I won’t! That’d make you BOOOOOORING!”

“Thank you!”

“You’re welcome!”

The adventurers in Beilanea’s guild watched this exchange closely.

After all, they’re this Guild’s iconic infamous duo…

Natsu, who had been sleepy, is now wide awake and laughing. Irene, who had been whispering her secrets, is exasperated. Hornel, listening in, reacts with a jolt. Midors is smiling wryly. Idéa’s eyes gleam with interest, as do Lina. Haruhana is covering her mouth, laughing, and Trace follows suit. Betty’s face reads, ‘Here they go again.’ Blazer seems oddly pleased. Egd and Bruce are laughing so hard they’re pounding the table. Ah, the table’s broken. Those two are dead meat.

“Duncan, give us some food!”

“Pochi needs sugar! And juice for me, please!”

“Hehehe, welcome, you two!”

All right, here we go again – The night is just beginning♪!

| The Principle of a Philosopher by Eternal Fool “Asley” | Next Chapter>>