A Brief Farewell

A few minutes later, the receptionist returned.

“The Guild Master will see you now. Please follow me.”

Vim and Hana followed her and arrived at the branch manager’s office.

“Thank you for your hard work. You’re back quite early. Was it a preliminary investigation or something of the sort?” the branch manager asked, standing up and motioning for them to sit on the sofa.

“No, I have successfully eliminated the source that was causing the high mana concentration in the Eastern Forest.”

“What!?”

A look of pure shock crossed the manager’s face. It was only natural; less than four hours had passed since Vim and Hana had departed. It was a speed that was normally impossible.

“Allow me to explain.”

Vim and Hana sat on the sofa opposite the manager.

“First, the Eastern Forest was saturated with high-density mana. I believe this was the reason high-rank magical beasts were spawning so frequently.”

There are various causes for a spike in mana concentration, but the most straightforward is the influence of a single, massive magical beast, as was the case here. Therefore, defeating that beast causes the concentration to drop.

“We encountered the Knight Order confronting the beast responsible, so we joined the fray. I incinerated it, so the mana levels in the Eastern Forest are currently returning to normal. I also took the liberty of clearing out most of the monsters that had spawned while the concentration was high.”

Even if mana levels drop, beasts born during a high-concentration period retain their strength. Thus, it had been necessary to deal with them as well.

“To accomplish all of that in such a short time…” the manager murmured, looking dazed.

“This is the report for the investigation and subjugation. Could I get your signature here?”

“O-oh, of course!”

Taking a pen from his desk, the manager quickly signed the document.

“Thank you.”

This was the proof that the problem in the Eastern Forest had been resolved. A guild branch manager’s signature carried significant weight.

“If any other problems arise, please contact me at the Guild Headquarters in the Royal Capital. I’ll adjust my schedule so I can come immediately.”

“That would be a lifesaver. Truly.”

Any mail or documents sent to the Guild Headquarters are verified and then forwarded to Vim’s mansion.

“Not at all, it’s my job. We’ll be heading back to the capital now.”

“Understood. Have a safe journey back.”

“Thank you.”

With that, Vim and Hana left the office.

“I should probably say goodbye to Count Dion,” Vim said as they stepped out of the building.

They headed to the Count’s mansion and were shown inside. Count Dion was relaxing in the living room.

“Count, we’re heading back to the capital now.”

“I see. It’ll be lonely without you, but get home safely. You’re welcome back anytime—I’ll have a feast waiting for you.”

The Count spoke with a gentle smile.

“Thank you very much.”

“Ah, that reminds me. Take this with you as a souvenir.” The Count handed over a paper bag.

“What is this?”

“Some high-quality tea leaves. I heard you’ve taken a liking to it, Vim.”

“I’m happy to hear that. Thank you.”

It was true; Vim had recently become quite fond of tea. Back in the Empire, he rarely had the chance to drink it, as it was strictly seen as a beverage for the high nobility. In Leoria, however, even commoners enjoyed tea.

“I’ll take these and enjoy them.”

“Good. This may be unnecessary worry, but do be careful.”

“Yes. I’ll come visit again soon.”

“I look forward to it.”

After saying their goodbyes, they boarded the carriage for the return trip to the capital. Since Rolf was still their driver, they felt at ease. It would take another half-day to reach the Royal Capital. Vim figured they would arrive before it got dark.

“Good work today, you two. Please, relax. There’s very little danger in this area,” Rolf’s voice called from the front.

“Thanks.”

Vim and Hana took Rolf’s advice and let their minds drift. This was indeed a low-risk area, and they had asked Rolf to take a safer, if longer, route. He hoped the return trip would be uneventful.

However, it is a law of this world that such faint hopes are often crushed.

“Master Vim, doesn’t something feel strange?” Hana asked.

“So you noticed too, Hana. It is a bit odd.”

They hadn’t passed a single person for a while, and even if there were no magical beasts, the sounds of birds, animals, and insects had vanished. It was too quiet. Vim closed his eyes and concentrated.

“This is…”

“Is something wrong?”

Vim had experienced this feeling exactly once before. If his senses were correct, this was…

“A People-Clearing Barrier.”

As the name implied, such a barrier discouraged people from entering an area. It was different from the barriers Vim usually used to block attacks; its purpose wasn’t to deflect force, but to ensure no witnesses or bystanders entered the space.

Just then, the carriage came to a sudden, jarring halt.