The Guild Master Whose Hobby Was Helping People Found Himself Surrounded by the Strongest, Overly Attached Members - 41

Chapter 41: The Old Man’s Pressure Is Overwhelming

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After Ceres and the old man finished clearing out their things, several hours passed. At first glance, the place didn’t seem to have changed much, but at last, the atmosphere had calmed down. I sank deep into the chair—the only real thing I could call an accomplishment from this incident—and let out a sigh, as though wringing the fatigue straight out of my brain.

“……Peace really is the best.”

Just as I was about to slump down onto the desk as I said that—

“Hey, kid. Come here a sec.”

A low, gruff voice echoed through the room. When I lifted my head, I saw that Rovan-san, who had been sitting at the edge of the counter just moments ago, was now standing. He was glaring down at me. His gaze was sharp, like a beast that refused to let its prey escape.

“W-what is it…?”

“We’re in the same guild now. It’s only natural that we should know each other’s strength… Don’t you think so?”

“A-ah… Right, that’s true.”

I had called him here yesterday, but in the end, I’d been too exhausted and pushed it off until today. Even though he had been waiting since morning, all sorts of Ceres-related chaos had wasted even more time. It was no wonder Rovan-san was upset. This was my responsibility.

“I’m sorry for being late. Your request was to take out the Baby Salamanders, right—”

“Already finished.”

“Huh?”

He said it so casually, like he had just finished some evening grocery shopping. Baby Salamanders were formidable monsters, the kind that would take several B-rank adventurers working together to finally bring down.

Even if he was older now, there was a reason he carried the fearsome title of “Dragon Slayer.” I figured if I sent him with Lisette as his supervisor, he could handle a fairly difficult request… But he was saying it was already done?

I couldn’t help but blink in surprise.

“Um… We only accepted that request yesterday morning, right? When did you even…”

“Defeating that kind of thing only took me two seconds. While you were out yesterday, I wrapped it up and handed two, three tails to the maid girl. They’ll be useful for medicine.”

When he shifted his stance, something rattled inside the pouch at his waist. So he really had done it. Calling Baby Salamanders “that kind of thing,” though…

“…So then, why did you call me?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I want to take a look at your body.”

“Uh… Sorry, but I prefer women—”

“My hearing’s not what it used to be. Did you just say you wanted me to personally test how you fight monsters?”

“I-I’m sorry!”

My head bowed down before I even thought about it. My body was moving on pure reflex. Rovan-san’s lips curled into a grin, as if he was enjoying himself.

“Well, whatever. Whether you swing a sword or cast magic, the foundation is the body. …Come on, let’s head to the training grounds.”

A bead of cold sweat slid down my back.

“R-right now?”

“Time is meant to be used wisely.”

“…I-I have paperwork as the guild master—”

“The maid girl was already doing it for you.”

“…I’ll go.”

Rovan-san didn’t wait for my answer and simply strode away. I had no choice but to stand up and follow him. The stares around me stung.

“Have a safe trip, Shin-sama. Please leave dinner preparations to me.”

“Good luck, Shin-san!”

“Teach me afterwards too!”

“Master! Good luck!”

“I can’t let myself fall behind! I’ll train as well~!”

“Leader! This Ragnar shall also train while gazing at the same sky as you!”

The last two can do whatever they want for all I care.

When we reached the training grounds—I thought I’d at least be handed a wooden sword.

But what Rovan-san pointed to was a wooden crate.

“…Um, isn’t that just luggage, not a sword?”

“A sword is just a tool. What matters is the spine that supports you, and the legs and hips that move you. Now, lift it. That’s where we start.”

His gaze pierced into me, unwavering. Reluctantly, I bent down and lifted the crate—

“Gu… S-so… Heavy!?”

What the hell is in this thing, rocks!?

My arms trembled, my shoulders screamed. From the moment I raised it, my body was already crying out that it had reached its limit. As I let out a pitiful groan, Rovan-san folded his arms and smirked.

“That’s all it takes to max you out? Fine—ten laps.”

“Ten… laps?”

“Across the square. Back and forth ten times.”

“…You’re serious?”

“I’m serious.”

There was no such thing as refusing. So, under the bewildered stares of passersby, I staggered across the square from one end to the other, lugging the box.

“Hi… Hiiihhh…!”

“Don’t whine like that. Steady your breathing. Stop panting with your shoulders.”

“Y-yes sir…!”

As I trudged along, nearly in tears, I could hear the passersby whispering.

“Hey, isn’t that the new famous guild master?”

“He’s… Running around with some huge box?”

“…What a hardworking guy, huh?”

“I-I’m not doing this because I want to…!”

I desperately tried to excuse myself, but of course none of them heard me. On the contrary, I even heard a flustered matron murmur, “How manly…”

“Six more laps.”

“Hiiiihhh…!”

Sweat poured off my forehead like a waterfall, my shoulders felt like they were going to rip apart.

Every time I forced one foot forward, my arms screamed again.

“Kid, straighten your back. Your waist is dropping. With that posture, you won’t be able to protect your cargo—or your women.”

All the women around me are way stronger than I am!

“Come on, your feet have stopped moving. What are they, ornaments?”

“…Gghhh… Haaah, haaah…!”

I clenched my teeth and pushed myself forward. Maybe it was because of how desperate I looked, but before I realized it, a crowd had gathered around the square. Children were waving and shouting, “Do your best!” while a merchant-looking man muttered, “That guy got guts.”

“Three more laps.”

“…Nnghh…!!”

Every time I staggered across the square, applause broke out. My stamina had long since hit its limit, but the bizarre heat of the crowd pushed me forward, until I finally took the last step.

“…I-it’s over…”

I collapsed to my knees, only for Rovan-san’s large hand to grab my shoulder without hesitation.

That palm was big, heavy, and strangely reassuring.

“Not bad. You’ve got guts, at least.”

“More than guts… Right now I need… water…”

My hoarse plea made Rovan-san snort with laughter.

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