We’re walking towards the exit of Aressa.
We’ve taken a simple commission again today while searching for some Demonic Beasts. You could also say that there was nothing else to do besides this.
「Yo! Another commission today?」
「Nn.」
One of the gatekeepers ― Dert ― calls out to us as we leave. He was the person who admitted us when we first arrived at this town. Thinking about it, we’ve formed a pretty good relationship with this uncle. We pass by almost every day and Fran stands out, so I suppose it was only a matter of time. He’s a nice person. Even to the unsociable Fran, he tries to talk to her every day.
A guardsman showing a different reaction to Fran’s unsociable-and-sour impression at first glance would be understandable, but Dert seems a bit soft. Testament to their relationship building, Fran’s lowered her guard a little.
「Cute, as always.」
… Isn’t this guy just a lolicon?
「That reminds me, are you acquainted with Viscount Alsund?」
「?」
『He’s talking about that guy. The noble who came complaining to the Guild.』
「Ah. Small-Fry Vice Commander.」
To Fran’s words, Dert was momentarily astonished before proceeding to laugh.
「Hahahaha! Yeah, yeah, that’s the one.」
「What about him?」
「Ah, for some reason it looks like he’s searching for little Fran. It’d be best to be careful. Yesterday, some fellow calling himself the guy’s subordinate came here to check if you passed through.」
Hooh. How suspicious.
「Since he’s a noble, he does whatever he pleases in the town… Even more, he seems to have a skill to see through lies.」
「I know.」
In reality, he had the Skill to see through lies. Now, I have that ability.
「So, about that Skill: in the world of nobles it’s something of a godsend. Giving its user the ability to grasp their opponent’s weakness, and allowing quick dispersion of political opponents… Those guys, telling lies is as easy as breathing for them, after all.」
Mr. Dert, I must say, you’re my kind of guy. The type of guy who holds prejudice against nobles!
「Because he has that Skill, even if that Viscount causes trouble his parents crush any complains. And because of that, he got excessively carried away and became prone to doing foolish things. Those actions extend to little Fran as well, so I have no idea what he might want with you.」
「Understood. I’ll be careful.」
「Good to hear. Ah, also on the subject of the Viscount, I caught wind of a slightly dangerous rumor.」
「Rumor?」
「Mhm, it’s from a few days back. It seems that Viscount Alsund’s state has started to become… Odd.」
「How so?」
「Well, he abruptly began acting suspiciously. Just when rumors started appearing stating that he might be becoming mentally ill he committed a terrible fault in the company of Royalty. I don’t know the full details, but apparently his family was enraged — there were even talks this was the last time he wouldn’t be forsaken. Thereafter, it’s just been getting worse and worse. Various rumors like ‘he’s been cursed’ or ‘he’s been possessed by the Evil God’ are flying about.」
Uwaa, and that guy might be stalking us? That’s scary.
「Well, anyways. Take care!」
「Nn.」
Our commission today is to harvest New Moon Grass. Since Fran still remembers where it grows, we should be able to complete it no problem. While we’re at it, we plan on seeing how the development of the Poisonous Swamp is going. If things go well, we’ll find a couple of Demonic Beasts along the way.