Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 188

 Since I was told to wait on the sofa until Liesel finished writing a reply to Seriana, I sat quietly, and soon tea and snacks were brought out.

Rose was standing behind me, treating me like an honored guest.

But what caught my attention were the two people standing right by the door. I didn’t stare at them, but from this angle, I could see their profiles. One was a slightly gaunt man in his forties, and the other was a man in his twenties who bore a resemblance to the older man.

That older guy is the deputy of the town of Ref, right? I didn't get a good look at his face back then, but since I don’t know any other skinny old guys, I kind of remember him.

So, the one who looks like him must be his son, right?

...Why are they here with Liesel? The atmosphere isn’t exactly friendly, and they don’t seem like welcome guests. And I heard they’re being sent back to the capital soon, so they must be busy... Oh...

I think I’ve figured it out. They said something about promoting the son, and this must be related to that.

...Why now? Winter is almost here, but we passed through there before summer, right?

"Selah."

"Eek!"

While I was suspiciously glancing at them, Liesel suddenly called my name. When I looked at him, he had raised his head and was looking at me.

"Do you remember the name Marcus?"

...Marcus? I can’t think of anyone by that name.

"No, I’ve never heard of it."

"Haha, right?"

He laughed cheerfully, then turned back to his desk and resumed writing.

"It's the young man over there," Rose whispered in my ear.

...The older man hasn’t changed, but Marcus, although his face remains the same, has his fists clenched tightly. Did I upset him?

But really... It's not like I would know the name of the deputy’s son from a town we only passed through for a day. Unless they’re a famous adventurer or something, I wouldn’t have had the chance to hear about them.

"Selah, take this to Seriana," Liesel said.

Feeling slightly awkward, I took the letter from Carlos and passed it to me. It was sealed tightly, just like before.

...What am I being made to do?

"Got it!"

I didn’t fully understand, but I quickly left.

◇

"I’m back!"

"Welcome back. Did you get a reply?"

"Yes. The deputy from Ref and his son were visiting His Highness."

I handed over Liesel’s letter and mentioned what had happened earlier. Although I figured Seriana would know since they wouldn’t just drop by without notice, I mentioned it just in case.

"I know. Do you remember? They tried to promote their son when we stopped by on the way. This time they came to introduce him directly, although he’s older than me."

Seriana started talking while opening the letter.

"Even though Liesel went to the capital, they took too long. They should have come before the rainy season at the latest."

It doesn’t seem promising.

"Yeah, it's been six months. But since His Highness returned, he’s been busy preparing for the rainy season, so they probably understood that."

Why am I making excuses for them? Maybe because I feel sorry for their middle-management plight...

"The deputy's slow decision-making is one reason for the change. Even if Ref is relatively close, we don’t need sluggish people working in this town. If only the person died, it wouldn’t matter, but if my people die, it’s a problem."

Seriana’s people...

Anyway, around here, emergencies usually involve monsters. They don’t speak our language, and we need to act immediately.

"Well... If a monster attacked, we’d be in trouble if they took their time."

Seriana nodded with a look that said, "Exactly."

"The letter said he’s skilled in martial arts, brave, and decisive, but that won’t do."

I could tell she made a big X with her hand. Sorry, Marcus.

"By the way, Selah, have you heard the name Marcus before?"

"You mean the deputy’s son? Rose told me about him."

"That’s right."

She laughed softly, looking mischievous as usual.

Why do they both ask me? ...Could it be some kind of gamble, like hiring him if I knew his name?