Chapter 136: The Sun, the Moon, and the Sword (1)

༺ The Sun, the Moon, and the Sword (1) ༻

Quicksword Delphina.

The name sounded somewhat familiar to me, yet it also felt like this was my first time hearing it.

The names of the people in this world were so cheesy, like greasy spaghetti or something similar. Thus, it made most of them feel similar and so very hard to distinguish and remember.

Quicksword Delphina.

I felt like I knew someone with that name among the silver-tier adventurers in Kalkata.

So, as I tried to recall my memories concerning that name, a blond short-haired swordswoman, wearing a lightweight armor that exposed her stomach, leaped onto the platform.

"I have arrived!"

It was a dazzling move, jumping in the air and spinning several times before landing, akin to a gymnastics routine.

I couldn't help but wonder why she chose to enter the platform by jumping like that. Adventurers from Kalkata had a tendency to exaggerate and enjoy grandiose displays, similar to YouTubers and their intros during videos.

"That woman is an adventurer from Kalkata? She is indeed quite strong."

Hippolyte, who had been sitting with her arms crossed, offered a few remarks about the flashy adventurer. If Hippolyte, known for her accurate assessments, said that the woman was strong, then she must truly be a skilled adventurer.

Kalkata itself was like an upper-level labyrinth where skilled individuals gathered in droves, so it was only natural for the silver-tier adventurers who hailed from that city to be exceptionally adept and strong.

With a confident expression, brimming in those blue shaded eyes of hers, Delphina shouted toward the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen of Sodomora, I am the adventurer— Delphina from the city of Kalkata! As Sodomora and Kalkata have established a friendly relation, you will see me here often from now on. I will show you the skills of a true expert, different from the incompetent adventurers of Sodomora! Please show lots of love for the White Silver Roses!"

It felt like I was watching a newly debuted idol group, giving their debut speech. However, adventure groups often gave off a similar vibe to idol groups anyways.

Both relied on their fame to make a living, so they needed to promote themselves effectively. As a party leader, Delphina's intention was more likely to draw attention and aggro.

However, it was still true that she dared to belittle the adventurers of Sodomora as incompetent. I became very curious about Hippolyte's thoughts on this matter.

So, in that moment, when I was trying to gauge Hippolyte's expression—

"We're lesser than who now? Who do you think you are? Now that's rich, coming from a country bumpkin from Kalkata like you."

Amidst the commotion, someone loudly sneered in response to her words of provocation.

It was the voice of a man, his tone tinged with a sharp edge, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the corner of the party hall.

In that corner, there was a figure holding a sword the size of a human body. With long, tied-back jet-black hair and a slender and sharp figure, it was hard to tell whether this person was a woman or a man.

However, looking at the eagle-like gaze and a scar extending from the forehead to the cheek, I could see this person was extremely wild and manly.

"I'm Altair."

"It's Altair from the Minerva Guild."

Someone explained the identity of the person.

Altair.

I had also heard of the name of this Altair fellow before. Whenever exceptional adventurers of the Minerva Guild were introduced, the name of the silver-tier adventurer Altair always stood out among them like a shining star.

Although it was my first time seeing him in person, I was slightly disappointed as he didn't match the image of a rugged man that I had imagined him to be.

If my imagination depicted a hulk-like figure wielding axes in both of their hands, this man perfectly fitted the impression of a swordsman wearing a straw raincoat and a conical hat.

Nevertheless, he undeniably looked like a ruthless killer, capable of slaughtering someone like me effortlessly.

"Who are you—?"

In response to the provocation, Quicksword Delphina tilted her head toward the guy and smirked. Her lips curled up cheerfully, but her eyes showed no signs of amusement, which was quite an unsettling scene.

The man spoke.

"You don't know my name? I am the Swiftsword Altair. If you plan to work in Sodomora, it's common courtesy to know the names of your colleagues, you ignorant country bumpkin."

"Swiftsword Altair? Never heard of you. You're not that famous now, are you?"

"What?"

"Also, calling ourselves colleagues. Seems like Sodomora is a place where everyone is so accommodating of each other. I envy you guys. But remember, it's either party or foe on this turf. You are such an ignorant tadpole who doesn't even know the vastness of this sea."

"I simply cannot tolerate such disrespect that goes beyond any and all limits of honor."

"It's the truth. All of you adventurers from Sodomora are incompetent buffoons. That's why you couldn't even eradicate a single Thieves' Guild that has now become deeply rooted within this city."

"..."

Thieves' Guild.

At the mention of that name, Altair remained silent, refraining from saying a word.

Not only that, but people in my surroundings also hesitated to intervene in the conversation— merely exchanging glances with each other without even daring to join in.

Quicksword Delphina, who was standing on the podium, took advantage of the tense atmosphere and continued her speech.

"My White Silver Roses team has confirmed that supplies for the Valdeath Mountain and weapons like catapults were being provided by the Thieves' Guild inside Sodomora. Isn't it interesting? The true enemies are within us. The enemies of Sodomora aren't the cultists who attacked from the outside, but rather the thieves that are deeply rooted within."

I wasn't able to fully grasp the situation at hand, however one thing was sure... that the momentum of Delphina the adventurer who came from Kalkata, was only growing stronger and stronger.

I wondered if there would be anyone here who would object to her audacious remarks. No matter how much time passed, everyone seemed to be just listening to her with an embarrassed expression on her face.

"But I understand. After all, even healers cannot cure their own illnesses. They can't perform surgery on their own bodies or split their own bellies. That's why they borrow the hands of others."

"Are you trying to refer yourselves as the ones who would do it in our stead? It won't be easy though. Those thieves are cunning bastards. No matter how much you try to stab them with your feeble blades, they will only retreat deeper and sharpen their fangs and wait for an opportunity to counter attack."

"I know. But, those rats will definitely come out if you set their hideout aflame. We possess a truly devastating ability of fire and heat. You can look forward to it. Everything will burn to ashes."

"Anyone can spout plausible sounding bullshit these days, can't they?"

Altair, the silver-tier adventurer of the Minerva Guild, turned out to be more patient than I expected.

Looking at his hideous appearance that resembled a cutthroat killer's, I thought he would immediately draw his sword at the first instance of an insult leaking out from Delphina's mouth. But surprisingly, he was quite a cultured individual.

Of course, I also thought that those who resort to violence just because they don't like something were messed up in the head...

It was then that Delphina spoke up.

"Therefore, how about making a wager? Let's see if you, the adventurers of Sodomora, can sever the head of the Hydra before us adventurers of Kalkata are able to."

"Who would fall for such a childish provocation?"

Just as Altair was about to dismiss it with a snort, applause erupted from somewhere.

"Well, that sounds interesting."

It was none other than Margrave Hawkins Sardich, the golden-bearded dwarf, who had been quietly listening to the conversation till now. Hawkins applauded enthusiastically as if he had heard something amusing.

"This is a very interesting talk. A wager should have a supervisor. I shall be the witness. Viscount Clementor from Kalkata, what are your thoughts on this wager?"

"Well, um... That's... I apologize. Adventurers from my city are known to be quite free-spirited..."

"That's the interesting part of life, isn't it? I mean, things don't always go as planned. What would be a suitable reward for the wager?"

The golden-bearded Margrave directed that question to the confident silver-tier female adventurer. Quicksword Delphina drew her sword and pointed it toward our table.

"Of course, it has to be the gold necklace. Today a ceremony to promote a gold-tier adventurer is supposed to be held, right? If we manage to capture and kill the ringleader of the Thieves' Guild before you do, grant us the opportunity to challenge for the position of the gold-tier adventurer."

"I see. It sounds intriguing. However, that might be beyond my authority. I need to ask the parties involved directly."

All eyes turned to our table. Luna and I held each other's hands while trembling in fright at the sudden attention that was placed on us. With folded arms, Hippolyte, who had been listening to the conversation till now, spoke up.

"Fine. I shall accommodate your challenge. It seems that I have been underestimated. Do you think you can win against me as a team?"

"I may have never heard of Altair before, but Hippolyte, I've heard much about your name. The self-proclaimed demigod, the representative of Mars in these lands above. If I were to defeat someone like you, our team's name would spread across the continent, wouldn't it?"

"Or you'll just be forgotten like the many before who have been defeated by me. Fine then, I shall also participate in the upcoming mission to subdue the thieves. I have been itching to do something since I had practically done nothing in the war against the cultists. Ah, no, I misspoke here. Let me correct myself."

Hippolyte stated that she would correct her words before speaking again.

"It's not just me, but we will participate in this subjugation of the thieves. Here are my party members— Hassan of Samaria and L-Luna Knoxdotty."

Hassan of Samaria.

Samaritan.

At Hippolyte's words, I could hear people murmuring some familiar words here and there.

The scattered gazes that were barely present here and there suddenly focused on my black hair, and I felt my head spinning in a daze like no other as a result.

* * * * * * * * * *

The dinner banquet for granting honors ended in a haphazard manner due to the irrelevant discussions, causing the time to run out.

Damn it! This official event of the Margrave ended up being wasted on unrelated conversations, resulting in exceeding the time frame that was allotted for the event.

It made me realize once again how irresponsible the administrative procedures of this world were functioning. Was this really happening?

Honestly, I had high expectations for what kind of reward I would receive in the event. But all I got was a small lightning-shaped badge.

Yes— a mere badge. It was like an accessory that you could wear on your chest.

I wondered if it was some kind of precious artifact, but there were no emerging letters or any indication that the task point had increased when I touched the badge, so I became disappointed.

What kind of badge is this?

Isn't this a bit too stingy? So this the reward for my meritorious deeds during the kingdom's troubling times? A badge?

As I kept walking toward Luna's cabin, staring endlessly at the lightning-shaped badge, Hippolyte, who had tagged along, approached me and started a conversation.

"It's the Traveler's Token You received a good item, Samaritan. There won't be a better reward for you. Even I have a slight desire to get one of these badges, if possible that is."

"The Traveler's Token? What is that?"

"Once upon a time, the gods and goddesses were said to have wandered the world in the form of humans. The Sardich family of Sodomora recognized and accommodated Jupiter, who had disguised himself as a human, so they received blessings and prosperity as a result."

Gods and goddesses wandering the world in the form of humans? It was out of my comprehension.

"Why do the gods engage in such behavior, like wandering in the form of humans?"

"I don't know either. It could be that they enjoy living among humans. Or perhaps they want to meet a partner in these lands and have children born out of humans. Yes, come to think of it, finding a partner is quite an important matter, isn't it?"

Hippolyte cleared her throat before continuing her speech.

"Anyway, the status of a 'traveler' stems from that phenomenon. It is a system that will allow you to be treated as a traveler without being bound by the social hierarchy, just like gods and goddesses who enjoy traveling around in these lands. It is a privilege mainly given to the nobles hailing from the foreign continents and also you, Samaritan."

"So, you're saying that I have become a traveler in terms of my status?"

"Yes."

I thought they would grant me citizenship.

If I was a traveler, then wasn't it just like getting a temporary travel visa? Of course, it was a much better situation than being an illegal resident without a visa like me, but there was still something unsatisfying about all of this.

"Isn't getting a citizenship better?"

"Citizenship is applicable only within the city of Sodomora. But that badge can be used anywhere on the continent. Any house, any inn, any place. If you show that token, they will provide you with a room to stay for a night."

"Oh—"

A badge which would provide me with a room if it were only to be shown. After hearing that, the badge in my hands suddenly felt like it held far more significance than what I gave it credit for. I even started getting the illusion that the badge had gained a considerable amount of weight.

I carefully placed it in my pocket, afraid of losing it.

As I listened to the rest of her explanation, and remembering the influence the Margrave family of Sodomora held, I wondered if this badge could serve as a role similar to a citizenship.

Anyway, having obtained this peculiar passport-like item, I felt somewhat satisfied. So, let's just leave it at that.

"But, Ms. Hippolyte, are you serious about joining forces with us to eradicate the Thieves' Guild?"

"Yes, we will be in the same party for the time being."

Luna trembled at those words.

"Holy shh! I can't believe this. We're forming a party with someone on the level of Hippolyte. Hassan, it seems like we're growing rapidly! I must be incredibly strong now, right!?"

Luna, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, shouted as if she couldn't believe this fact. Dogs started barking after hearing her loud voice echoing through the alley.

However, Hippolyte corrected her words as if she couldn't accept the statement.

"On the same level? You and I are clearly in a superior-subordinate relationship. I give orders, and you guys follow them. It will be a joke to think that you and I are on equal footing, even if the adventurer industry has become laxer these days."

Did Hippolyte also hold some pride regarding this case? She probably wouldn't yield the position of being the party leader. However, upon hearing her words, Luna's forehead furrowed.

Whether she noticed Luna's reaction or not, Hippolyte seemed taken aback nonetheless, her armor clanged due to the jolts that went through her body.

"Ahem, well, however, there is a trend among lower-level adventurers these days that goes by the rule of everyone is equal and fair in a party. I'm willing to show mercy and make some concessions."

"Yes!"

Hippolyte was still the same warrior who didn't back down and responded promptly in front of nobles and other adventurers.

However, somehow, in front of Luna, she became strangely unable to use her sharp retorts, just like when I, Hassan, came face to face with a witch. Did other people know about this? If so, then who?

Apparently, they did their best to prevent even rumors about Hippolyte's defeat against Luna from spreading.

"By the way, Hippolyte."

"What, what is it?"

"Give me my three silvers back! Didn't you break my jar and run away last time?!"

Luna's words reminded me of the time when Hippolyte had last visited Luna's cabin.

I recalled that Hippolyte had done something quite strange, and she had hastily run away, saying she would bring the compensation money for the broken jar.

Three silvers was a considerable sum of money, so it seemed that Luna hadn't forgotten about it even now.

"Tsk, you haven't forgotten about that, huh? But I don't have money right now. I don't carry a wallet or anything."

"You said the same thing last time and didn't return it!"

"I am not someone who would run away just because of 3 silvers. It's just that I'm a bit slow in repaying others. Haven't you heard the saying that Mars' warrioresses never takes money and bail?"

"This is my first time hearing something like that. Since when did such a saying even exist?"

"Since I just made it up, it exists from now on. Hmm, anyway, it's getting late. Look, we have almost arrived at your cabin."

Hippolyte safely escorted Luna and me to the cabin.

I wondered if Hippolyte showed such consideration to save us from any nighttime ambush. For a high-ranking adventurer, she seemed surprisingly considerate.

"Now that we've come this far let me ask you something... Are you two currently living together?"

Hippolyte asked the question as we stood at the entrance of the cabin. It was the first time I had received such a direct question from her, and I felt somewhat embarrassed and unsure as to how to answer that question.

Since Luna had taken an official vow of chastity, if the rumor that she lived with a man spread, her reputation would be tarnished, and she could be seen in a negative light by society.

As Luna and I hesitated, unable to respond properly, Hippolyte spoke up.

"Silence often answers many things. I roughly understand. Let me ask something as the leader of the maiden group. Have you two engaged in any behavior that might create distance between you and us?"

Hippolyte's sharp gaze briefly swept over Luna and me. But as I was already immune to this sort of inquisition after facing Lady Knox, I dared myself to feign innocence.

"Behavior that might create distance? W-What do you mean?"

"Well, obviously, it means... i-it means actions that, uh, will violate her chastity."

"W-What kind of action is that?"

Luna asked innocently as if she didn't understand what Hippolyte was speaking about. Hippolyte's brows furrowed slightly in response.

"Knoxdotty, I know you are quite dense in some aspects, but surely there's no way that you don't know what that behavior entails?"

"I don't know! What does it mean?"

"...That's a serious issue in itself. It means... when a man and a woman... uh, share a blanket... What are you trying to make me say? I won't fall for this trap."

It seemed to me that she had already dipped her feet in the trap though.

Hippolyte shouted out boldly as if throwing down a challenge.

"Anyway, it is something like that. Hmm. Since it's come to this, I'll observe whether you two keep her vow of chastity well for at least a day. So, I'll sleep here tonight...!"