Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 97

 "Seems like 'Flash' is interested in talking,"

Seriana began discussing the contents of the letter during our usual nightly briefing.

"He wants to become my exclusive escort and travel to Zelkis with me next year upon our return. Alek, Sera, well done. And he also mentioned wanting to meet in person, so he's asking for a convenient date. He said the day after tomorrow night would be fine. Sera, could you convey this to him in the morning?"

"Not immediately?"

"I have prior engagements. Despite being a double-title holder, I can't change my plans for commoners."

"Oh, I see..."

Well, he's certainly a big shot, but it's just becoming her exclusive escort. It's not like it's enough to change her other plans.

Seriously?

"Don't make that face; I'm sure the other party understands as well. But what's more intriguing is that he mentioned wanting to bring someone along. Any idea who that might be?"

I shook my head, indicating I didn't know.

Well, as far as I know, he's always solo, traveling all over the place like some powerhouse.

What about the two of you?

"Flash" usually hires support or teams up on-site, but he primarily operates solo. I've never heard of him partnering with anyone specific."

"Same here... could he be an adventurer?"

"Ah... that's a possibility too. Well, there's no use pondering over it. Sera, if you can, ask him about it tomorrow."

"Got it."

I wonder who's going to show up?

... Maybe his wife or something?

◇

"How ordinary..."

In the adventurer district, there's a quaint three-story inn near the central square. This is where Jighart is staying.

There's a sign on the wall with prices written on it: two silver coins per night. That's roughly 2,000 yen in Japanese currency. Considering it's the capital city of a kingdom, the price seems reasonable, although there may be differences in service. It's conveniently located just off the street from the adventurer's guild, so it's convenient for adventurers, but that's about it.

When we arrived in the capital city, we used "Hideout" in the carriage, but other than that, we either rented out an entire inn or stayed in the lord's mansion. He could afford it if he wanted to, but he truly has no interest in extravagance.

"Well, whatever. Excuse me."

"Huh? What do you want, kid?"

"Ugh..."

The ground floor serves as a dining area, with tables lining the entrance and stairs leading to the accommodation area further back. It's a fairly common layout. Inns I've visited in Zelkis were similar.

However, I wasn't confronted by a stern-looking man.

Inside, there are several groups of men seated, surrounded by the smell of alcohol and mildew... It's almost like a scene from a Western movie.

What should I do... should I challenge them to a duel?

"The Mueller family, huh... Jighart?"

An elderly man emerged from the back, looking somewhat sluggish, but he seemed to understand my purpose from my apron.

Since the letter was delivered by one of the inn's children, he must be the innkeeper.

"Yes. Jighart is here to deliver a response from Lady Seriana."

"Hmph. Third room with the red sign on the third floor."

With that, he returned to the back.

"Ah, thank you."

The old men whispered to each other, perhaps because Ziguharuto's name came up, but I wonder if they didn't hear anything at all?

If not, then he's just some unrelated scary guy...

◇

After climbing up, I arrived on the third floor after passing through stairs that seemed like they'd make me trip several times.

There was a person collapsed in the corridor on the second floor, but they smelled of alcohol, so they were probably just drunk.

I feel like I understand the direction this inn is taking a little bit.

Anyway, Ziguharuto's room with the red sign indicating his stay was at the farthest end.

A corner room... kind of professional, isn't it?

"Come in."

"Hyaah!?"

Just as I was about to knock, Ziguharuto's voice came from inside the room.

The old man did something similar, but he must still be sensing something.

Scaring himself...

"I'll come in then."

I entered the room, but it was dim because the window was closed.

"Yeah. Sorry to disturb you so early in the morning."

Saying so, Ziguharuto opened the window.

With the sunlight streaming in, the room became visible.

And there was Ziguharuto in just his underwear...

"Hyaah!?"

Sitting on a chair next to the bed was someone incredible, with their face divided into black and white halves.