Reward Money
Translated by: ME
-Horizontal.jpg)
*****
After bidding farewell to Alice, I made my way to the Alchemists Guild, where I was promptly escorted to a reception room.
As I settled onto a plush sofa, facing the Alchemists Guild’s Sub-Master, Vanessa-san, she presented me with...!
「This is the reward for the recent emergency request.」
(Yes! A bonus! Unexpected income!) Even as my mind cheered, I didn't let a single peep of my inner voice escape.
I tightened my cheeks to keep a grin from breaking out and took the small pouch of reward money Vanessa-san held out.
I wanted to let out a dark, villainous chuckle in my head—Heh heh heh—but...
Fufufufu.... ...Wait.
When I picked up the pouch, it was lighter than expected. In fact, it was small enough to fit in the palm of one hand.
「I wasn't sure of the fair market price for the potions you made, Mia-chan, but this amount accounts for the emergency situation, the herb shortage, and the fact that you stepped up for the request.」
「Th-thank you very much...」
Come to think of it, even if I delivered EX-Potions, there wasn't really anyone around capable of accurately judging their value. In that case, it was only logical to determine the price based on the materials used.
If it’s a specialized potion made from low-quality herbs, the payout won't be much, even if the result is treated as top-tier.
Considering the emergency request was technically for 'standard health potions,' this could be seen as an exceptionally high reward... or so I tried to tell myself.
Whether I was actually satisfied with that logic was a different story.
「I get it. For an emergency request that caused such a massive stir, it feels a bit cheap, doesn't it?」
「Eh!? N-no, not at all. Ha... ha ha...」
「No one else is listening, so you don’t have to hide it. You’re so easy to read, Mia-chan; it’s actually quite entertaining.」
I was being teased by the more mature Vanessa-san, but there wasn't much I could do about it.
After all, this had been a major incident that completely dominated the talk of the Royal Capital—the King himself had even thrown a party to thank those involved.
It would be impossible not to expect a decent reward. If anything, I couldn't help but get my hopes up.
「I actually came here wondering what I’d do if the reward was too heavy to carry home.」
「Oh my. What a lovely little thought. If that were the case, we would have notified you in advance.」
「I see. This was my first time dealing with something like this, so I suppose I over-anticipated.」
To think the compensation for working until I literally passed out could fit in one hand. Still, throwing a tantrum would only sour my relationship with the Alchemists Guild, so I’ll just have to settle for this.
Well, it’s plenty for a bit of extra pocket money. Maybe I’ll treat Alice to a nice meal.
As I was thinking that, Vanessa-san leaned forward, as if about to share something she couldn't say too loudly.
「To be honest, I could have been a bit more generous. But you’re in a bit of a delicate position, Mia-chan.」
I tilted my head at her cryptic remark.
「Is it because I’m an apprentice? But as long as I’m registered with the Alchemists Guild, I should have the right to fair compensation, right?」
「I don’t mean it like that. The problem is the circumstances under which you became an alchemist.」
I kept my head tilted, wondering what the problem could be, until Vanessa-san let out a long sigh.
「You’re a very special case, Mia-chan. You were a receptionist at the Adventurers Guild one day and chosen as the Court Alchemist’s assistant the next. You signed multiple contracts right after registering with us, and then your former fiancé goes and triggers a herb shortage. Honestly, it’s a miracle you haven't faced more jealousy or resentment from those around you.」
It was true that having nothing but good rumors circulating through the city was rare. Since my family is only a lower-ranking Viscounty, it would be normal for other nobles to have a lot more to say.
Though, I suppose I should either thank my former fiancé for that, or blame him...
「I think I’m just being pitied, mostly.」
As things stood, the only talk in the capital was positive. In the beginning, because a noble lady had caused an unprecedented scene by having her engagement broken the day before she was supposed to resign for marriage, I received a lot of sympathy.
Therefore, viewing me as an enemy would just look pathetic, which is likely why no bad rumors have surfaced. As long as I don't stand out more than necessary, people probably won't come after me.
「Well then, want me to fatten up the reward a bit? I can go grab some more from the vault.」
The wild side of Vanessa-san revealed itself as she gave me a wink like a child plotting a prank. I scrambled to stop her.
「It doesn't sound like the Guild Master gave permission for that, so I’m fine with this! Please, absolutely do not do that!」
I wasn't thrilled with the amount, but I had no intention of haggling for more. If this was the result of Vanessa-san’s careful consideration, I decided to be content with it.
「Geez, you’re so stiff, Mia-chan. I was planning to just report it to the Guild Master after the fact and talk my way out of it.」
「Please report things and get permission beforehand. I might get scolded along with you.」
Well, if Vanessa-san was involved, it would probably end with everyone laughing it off. However, the thought of "what if" kept me from being so bold.
If it turned into a major scandal and rumors spread that I was complicit in the Alchemists Guild's embezzlement, my second life would be over before it even truly began.
I had to avoid that at all costs. It would cause massive trouble for Master Clein, who was the one who invited me to be his assistant.
...Actually, I wonder why Vanessa-san—who is basically a walking trouble-magnet—is acting like she's my exclusive representative.
It’s a complicated feeling, somewhere between being grateful and being slightly burdened.
「Mia-chan, are you thinking something rude right now?」
「No, not particularly. I was just thinking it would be nice if you had more Sub-Master work to do, Vanessa-san.」
「My! You’re worried about me! But don't you worry. I’ve shoved all of it onto the Guild Master.」
「I don't even know where to begin pointing out what's wrong with that.」
She usually goofed around like this, but when I recalled her running herself ragged during the monster outbreak, there was no doubt she was the type to step up when it mattered.
She had shown a surprising sense of responsibility then, and I remembered her being very considerate of me.
Even now, she had gone out of her way to think about the implications of my reward. I was just starting to think she might actually be a good person when I reminded myself, based on past experience, never to let my guard down.
「Since it's a bit sad for this to be your only reward, I’ll give you a special bonus from me personally. Would you mind closing your eyes?」
The moment Vanessa-san made that ominous suggestion, my internal alarms went off, and I knit my brows in deep suspicion.
*****
I know that feel. That feel when finish a big job but the reward is lacking.
Thank you for reading. If you want to help my hobby please download and install LDP9 with my link down below. Just Click the small yellow LDPlayer Banner.
OR
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
-Horizontal.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment