The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 29

Chapter 29   After the party

The day after Lilianne conquered the “Mine Dungeon,” Laurent was once again summoned to the mansion of Count Elson.

Wondering what it could be about, Laurent headed to Count Elson’s mansion. However, he was startled to see Lucius at the dining table.

“Oh, you’ve arrived, Laurent.”

“Count Elson, um, what is the meaning of this?”

“Rejoice, Laurent. It seems Lucius will be supplying silver to your guild.”

“What!? The ‘Golden Hawk’?”

“Indeed. Well, have a seat.”

Laurent sat down at the table with Lucius, as Count Elson suggested.

The food was brought out.

Sharing a meal with his nemesis was an exceedingly strange experience, and Laurent couldn’t help but feel uneasy the entire time.

“I’ve heard about the disputes between you two,” Count Elson said, causing both Laurent and Lucius to flinch.

“It seems you have split the alchemy guilds in the city in half and are fiercely opposing each other. I’ve also heard that you’re causing trouble for the suppliers in the city.”

“……”

“Both of you must have your reasons. However, I ask you to cool your heads, sheathe your swords, and work together for the development of the city and alchemy, won’t you?”

“Since it’s a request from you, Count, we can’t refuse. Our guild, the ‘Golden Hawk,’ will let bygones be bygones and join hands with the ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ for the sake of the city’s development,” Lucius said, seizing the initiative and showing a deferential attitude toward Count Elson.

Count Elson then looked at Laurent.

“I’m… if you will supply us with silver ore, then… I have no particular objections…”

“Very well. Then it’s settled. From now on, cooperate with each other regarding the distribution of resources.”

Laurent and Lucius signed the document in front of Count Elson.

The document stated that if either party was in trouble due to a shortage of ore, they would supply ore to each other at an appropriate price based on the current market value.

Hiding their inner hostility and wearing false smiles, the two men firmly shook hands and formed a temporary agreement.

“Well, I’m glad. Now that you two have reconciled, alchemy in this city will surely flourish even more.”

Count Elson nodded in satisfaction, oblivious to their true feelings.

“Now, ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ can also participate in the silverwork exhibition. Normally, the purpose of the noble’s exhibition is to select and present one silversmith from within the territory, but this time, we’ve been allowed to participate as a special joint effort. Charl from ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ and Daevin from ‘Golden Hawk’ will collaborate on an entry. I expect both guilds and both individuals to do their best to make the exhibition a success.”

From the next day, silver ore was supplied to ‘Spirits’ Workshop,’ and the workshop’s operations resumed as usual.

Just as the snow-capped mountains eventually experience snowmelt and reveal wildflowers, hidden truths eventually come to light, and the tangled information began to resolve.

The quest reception announced that the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ had conquered the ‘Forest Dungeon’ and the ‘Mine Dungeon.’

Simultaneously, it was announced that a new A-class adventurer had been born.

(This can’t be…)

Wilkes stood in shock before the quest reception’s bulletin board.

A notice on the board announced that the archer, Monica Velmare, had been promoted to an A-class adventurer.

(This is impossible. She was a dropout archer with low agility. This has to be some kind of mistake. This shouldn’t happen…)

It was officially decided that Laurent would take on the role of instructor supervisor for the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

At the same time, he was appointed as an executive of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

Wilkes would be working under Laurent.

Of course, the prior promise of being a special advisor to ‘Golden Hawk’ with Lucius was now void.

No communication came from Lucius to Wilkes.

(This kind of thing, I will never accept!)

Having boasted to Laurent and suffered a complete defeat, and then being abandoned by Lucius, Wilkes couldn’t accept his loss and left the town.

After that, no one knew of Wilkes whereabouts.

The adventurer town was abuzz with talk about the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

The rapid progress of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ this month was quickly attributed by the sharp-eared townspeople to the sudden growth of Monica, Shaqma, and Euphene.

Monica was already an A-class archer, and it became widely known that it was only a matter of time before Shaqma and Euphene also rose to A-class.

The three of them went from being unknown rookies to suddenly becoming some of the most prominent adventurers in town.

They were in high demand everywhere they went.

No matter where they went in town, people asked for their handshakes and begged to talk to them.

Minstrels sang songs praising their bravery all over town, artists painted imagined scenes of their heroic deeds, and storytellers turned their exploits into tales for everyone to hear.

The alchemy guilds all vied to create weapons for them, and adventurers scrambled to forge connections with them.

However, the presence of the appraiser behind their rapid growth, the skilled trainer who had recently joined the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ remained a subject of rumor among only a few.

“Now, to celebrate our latest dungeon conquest, cheers!”

Shaqma cheerfully raised his cup in a toast.

“Cheers!”

This was the town’s tavern.

The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ had rented a room in the tavern to celebrate their successful dungeon conquest with a banquet.

In attendance were the regular members of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ the external adventurers temporarily recruited for the dungeon conquest, and Laurent and his team from the ‘Spirits’ Workshop.’

Laurent was drinking with the members of the ‘Spirits’ Workshop,’ seated with them for the occasion.

“Well then, let’s have a toast too, Laurent.”

Charl held out a goblet to Laurent.

“Hey, you’re supposed to be over here.”

Ranju took the goblet from Charl and handed her a glass of juice instead.

“Aw, but I can drink too, Ranju. Give it back!”

“If I let you drink, the guild will get in trouble. Besides, elves aren’t supposed to drink alcohol.”

“Ugh, but I want to drink too!”

“Charl, it looks like the food is here.”

Laurent pointed to the meat dishes being brought in.

“Huh? Yay, meat!”

Charl quickly forgot about the alcohol and turned her attention to the food.

“But is it really okay for us to be here, celebrating with the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’?”

Arri asked Laurent hesitantly.

“It’s fine. This dungeon conquest was possible because of everyone’s hard work. Plus, ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ and ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ will be working more closely together from now on. It’s beneficial for everyone to hear the adventurers’ stories, and I’m sure many adventurers also want to interact with the alchemy guild. Look, they’re already coming over.”

“Laurent, thank you for your help during the dungeon conquest.”

The adventurers who had been part of Laurent’s team came over, greeting him with cups in hand.

“Charl, you’re here too!”

“Monica!”

Charl and Monica quickly started chatting warmly.

“Laurent, who is she?”

One of Lilianne’s team members asked Laurent curiously.

“She is the one who crafted the silver weapons for Monica, Shaqma, and Euphene.”

“What! She made the ‘Silver Iron-Breaker Bow?”

Immediately, Charl was surrounded by those interested in the silver weapons.

Laurent made sure the other members of ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ could also interact with the adventurers.

“This is Arri, who was responsible for refining the ‘Spirit Light Stones’ this time.”

“Oh, so you refined the ‘Spirit Light Stones’?”

“We’ve heard of your excellent skills. They say you prepared the ‘Spirit Light Stones’ faster than ‘Golden Hawk’.”

“Arri is the best refiner in town. She’s the heart of ‘Spirits’ Workshop’.”

“Oh no, that’s not true.”

Arri looked embarrassed but not entirely displeased.

Ranju, on the other hand, needed no introduction from Laurent. He was already mingling with the sturdy warriors and seasoned adventurers, holding his cup aloft.

“Hey, I heard your guild made the ‘Silver Iron-Breake Bow’.”

“Make a silver weapon for me too.”

“Our weapons are expensive. They start at 500,000 gold per piece.”

“Wow, that’s beyond my reach.”

“That’s the price of a good wagon.”

“How about a drinking contest, young one?”

“Sounds good. If we win, you’ll make us a weapon for free.”

“Sure, but if I win, you’ll buy a weapon for 1,000,000 gold.”

“No way, let’s just drink normally.”

“Hey, don’t back out now.”

The group burst into laughter.

After ensuring that all the members of ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ were well integrated into the celebration, Laurent headed towards Lilianne’s table.

“Thank you very much for inviting me, Lilianne.”

“Oh, Laurent, you don’t need to be so formal. You’re already a member of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’.”

Lilianne spoke clearly, though her cheeks were slightly flushed.

She didn’t seem very drunk. She had barely touched her drink, taking only small sips when offered.

Perhaps, like Laurent, she was mindful of her position and wanted to ensure others enjoyed themselves.

“Thank you. But I still have my role with ‘Spirits’ Workshop’, after all.”

“Hehe, you have a lot on your plate, don’t you? So many titles.”

Lilianne giggled.

They sat next to each other for a while, chatting.

They reminisced about the day they vowed to defeat ‘Golden Hawk’.

From the establishment of ‘Spirits’ Workshop’ to the exhibitions, and Laurent’s appointment as a special advisor.

“It’s been a long journey to get here,” Lilianne said, as if reminiscing about distant memories.

“Yes, but this is just the beginning. I don’t think ‘Golden Hawk’ will just stay defeated.”

“You’re right. We have to stay vigilant.”

As they talked, Monica, Shaqma, and Euphene approached.

“Laurent, we’ve heard you’ve officially been appointed as an instructor for the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’. Congratulations.”

Each of the three brought a bottle of sake, poured into Laurent’s cup as a token of their gratitude, and then sat down beside him.

Unexpectedly, Laurent found himself surrounded by four young women.

“Laurent, are you having fun? Wait, you haven’t had anything to drink! You need to drink more!”

Shaqma, clearly quite inebriated, started to pester Laurent.

She was already pretty drunk, suddenly hugging Laurent, pushing her cup to his lips, and nuzzling his cheek like a playful puppy.

“Shaqma, you seem pretty drunk.”

“That’s not true. I’m not drunk at all.”

Despite her words, Shaqma suddenly started to tear up.

“Ugh, Laurent…”

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden?”

“I’m so grateful to you. I didn’t have confidence in myself as an adventurer, but thanks to you, I managed to get promoted to B-class. You’re really a goddess of victory to me!”

“To me, you all are the goddesses of victory.”

“A kiss to bless the goddess.”

Shaqma kissed Laurent on the cheek.

To Laurent, it felt more like being licked by a puppy than receiving a kiss. Her petite stature only reinforced that feeling.

Laurent patted her on the head, while the other three watched with amused smiles.

“Ugh, Laurent…”

Shaqma kept repeating herself, clinging to Laurent.

Meanwhile, Euphene sipped her drink expressionlessly, and Monica stood quietly in the background, smiling awkwardly.

After a while, Shaqma passed out, using Laurent’s lap as a pillow and falling asleep.

“Good grief, this girl. She’s technically our superior, too. Sorry about this. Can I get a blanket?”

Euphene detached Shaqma from Laurent and took care of her.

“Huh? The ceiling’s below and the floor’s above? That’s weird. The world’s upside down,” Shaqma muttered, lying on a bench.

“Monica, come over here,” Laurent called, and Monica hesitantly sat next to him.

“You three are amazing, conquering that dungeon.”

“No, no, it’s all thanks to you, Laurent.”

“But you’re the one who finished off the Turtle Dragon, right?”

“Yes, but I keep wondering if it’s okay to be praised like this. It was mostly because of you, Laurent.”

“That’s not true. Defeating the dungeon was your achievement, a result of your hard work and talent. You deserve the honor. Be proud of it.”

“Do you think so? If you say so, I’ll try to.”

“Yeah, you might feel out of place with all the changes now, but you’ll get used to it in time. Just be patient.”

“Congratulations again on becoming a chief, Laurent,” Euphene said, sitting next to Laurent after moving Shaqma aside.

She got close enough that their shoulders and knees almost touched.

“I always thought you were better than Wilkes from the start. He’s so ordinary. And then he ran away instead of admitting defeat. How pathetic. Compared to him, your courage is something else, Laurent.”

“Ha ha, thank you.”

“Hey, Laurent. Have you already decided on next month’s training plan?” Euphene asked, peering into Laurent’s eyes as if probing for information.

“Well, why do you think that?” Laurent asked.

“It’s expected that the conflict with the ‘Golden Hawk’ will intensify. I can’t imagine someone like you wouldn’t have a plan. You’ve probably thought about everything from strengthening existing units to creating new ones, haven’t you?”

“I can’t hide anything from you, can I? You’re right, I have a lot in mind.”

“I knew it. What kind of plans are you thinking about?”

“I can’t say just yet. Some details still need to be worked out, and it’s not the right time or place to share everything. Just know that I’m preparing a lot.”

“Oh, come on, tell me,” Euphene said, taking Laurent’s arm and speaking in a slightly playful tone.

It was unusual for her, who was usually so detached and dry with everyone, to show such a gesture.

“No can do. There are grown-up reasons for keeping things under wraps.”

“Oh, but I’m already an adult. Want to test that out?” Eupehen pressed closer, intertwining her arm with Laurent’s and pressing her chest against his arm.

Laurent smiled wryly.

“Haha, I didn’t mean it that way. I don’t think of you as a child. It’s just that some business matters need to be kept confidential, even from subordinates. If you were to get too involved in the management side, it might distract you from your main tasks.”

“Don’t worry. Even if I hear about management challenges, I won’t neglect my own duties. I can excel as an adventurer and also contribute to the management.”

“I see. You might indeed be capable of that. But if you want to be involved in those discussions, you’ll need to become an executive of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ first.”

“You’re so distant, laurent. You could tell me just a little bit.”

“What’s going on? You’re acting quite differently. This isn’t like you.”

“Okay, Laurent, let me ask you directly. Can I become an A-class healer?”

“Yes, you can.”

“Really? That makes me so happy!”

“In fact, you need to become one. We’re counting on you to reach that level.”

“Then, prioritize my training next month. This month, you focused on Monica.”

“Of course, I expect you to work even harder. The competition with the ‘Golden Hawk’ will intensify. We need you to give it your all.”

“Yes, I’ll do my best. I want to become a squad leader like Lilianne someday, and eventually be your right-hand!”

“That’s the spirit.”

“Laurent, while exploring the dungeon, I had some questions about unit operations. Can I ask you?”

“Sure, go ahead. I’ll answer as best as I can.”

Monica had been feeling uneasy while Laurent and Euphene were talking. laurent had been giving Euphene all his attention. She was surprised to see Euphene being so forward. Monica wanted to talk to Laurent too, but she couldn’t be as assertive as Euphene.

(If only I had stayed talking with Charl…)

Monica listened to their conversation with a sullen and gloomy expression.

“So, about formations on uneven terrain…”

“In such terrain, the deployment of archers becomes crucial. But rather than me explaining, it would be better if Monica did. Monica, can you explain?”

Monica’s face lit up as Laurent turned to her. For her, laurent speaking to her was like a drop of water in the desert, a ray of light in a dark cave, a piece of bread to a starving person—a blessing from above.

She quickly started explaining, eager and breathless.

“Yes. In terrain with elevation differences, we need to consider factors like sunlight, wind direction, the structure of buildings, distance from enemies, and distance from allies. Occupying high ground can extend our range, so we might overlook the distance from our allies. However, no matter how high we are, if we become isolated from ground forces, we become easy targets for the enemy, so we—cough, cough.”

“Haha, you don’t need to rush so much when speaking.”

“Ah, sorry. I got carried away…”

Monica blushed and looked down.

“I’ll listen to you till the end. Take your time and speak.”

“Yes…”

(Laurent cared about me properly. He’s really a kind person.)

After that, Monica leaned forward and joined the conversation, competing with Euphene.

Laurent carefully balanced the conversation between the two to avoid any mistakes.

Meanwhile, Lilianne, without intervening in their conversation, calmly watched the two girls trying to attract laurent’s attention, swirling the grape wine in her glass.

“Hey! Where’s the MVP of this time, the appraiser Laurent?”

A drunken man shouted loudly.

He was one of the warrior men.

This sparked the crowd in the center of the banquet to start looking for laurnet.

“Hey, you’ve been chilling here all this time. That’s not cool. You gotta join the fun too. Come over here!”

“A toast to our appraiser!”

“We’ll continue to rely on you!”

Laurent was dragged into the center by the big guys, slapped on the back, pulled around, and forced to drink.

“Man, I give up. I’m not really good with alcohol…”

Laurent, inebriated, heard the laughter of children and the sound of someone running across a table.

Charl was running on top of the table with a flushed face, while Ranju chased after her.

“Hey, you! Wait up, you brat! In the end, you drank, didn’t you?”

“Hahaha!”

The people around burst into laughter as they watched the two.

Most of them found it amusing, clearing plates and bottles for Charl.

Though Laurent was handled a bit roughly, he finally felt the happiness of being recognized and rewarded for what he had done.

It was the happiness of finally finding his place.

Eventually, the banquet reached its peak and it was time to disperse.

Among the participants were those pleasantly intoxicated, those completely drunk, and those still lively.

The energetic ones helped the drunkards and began their journey home.

As the organizers, Laurent and Lilianne stayed behind to ensure everyone returned safely, making sure no one was left sleeping on the roadside.

Monica and her group of three, as well as Ranju’s group of three, were sent home first.

For those who were too drunk, they stayed by their side until they recovered a bit from the night air.

After ensuring everyone made it home safely, laurent decided to accompany Lilianne to her house.

“That was fun, Laurent.”

“Yeah, whoops.”

“Are you okay?”

Lilianne lent her shoulder to the swaying Laurent.

Her tall figure was just the right support for him.

“Sorry. I think I may have had a bit too much to drink too.”

“Hehe. It’s okay. Let’s just go home like this.”

The two walked along the night road, supporting each other’s shoulders.

“Are you okay? You’re not feeling sick?”

“No, quite the opposite. It feels good to be able to get drunk and have fun with people I can call friends after a long time.”

“You were being surrounded by young girls and getting all the attention. They’re all lovely girls, so you must have enjoyed it, right?”

“Haha, no way.”

“With your current status, you have your pick of the litter, don’t you?”

“Don’t say that. They’re my subordinates. There’s no room for any weird feelings.”

The two reached Lilianne’s home.

“Thank you for today. Well then, I’ll be…”

“Oh, be careful.”

Lilianne took Laurent’s hand and supported him once more.

“Sorry. I’m being troublesome again. I always seem to trouble you.”

“It’s okay. I’d rather you rely on me more.”

“You can’t keep saying that. You’re in a position of authority now. You need to be more responsible.”

“You’re quite stoic, aren’t you? But are you okay? With that kind of gait, you won’t make it home. Maybe you should rest a bit?”

“You’re right. I’ll take a short break by the roadside and then head home.”

“There’s no need to stand out here in the cold. How about coming up to my place?”

“Huh?”

Laurent instinctively glanced at Lilianne.

Her face was closer than he had realized.

Her eyes, feverish, gazed into his.

Unbeknownst to him, she had already wrapped her arm around his.

And she leaned into him.

Even through their clothes, he could feel her fullness and softness.

It was the body of an adult woman, different from the girls like Euphene and Shaqma.

With just a slight movement, he could touch her lips.

Laurent instinctively turned away.

“Hey, Laurent. Stay the night, won’t you? It’s fine, right?”

“No, Lilianne. That wouldn’t be appropriate between us.”

“Why do you always say that? It’s because of you making me so strong that I’ve been carrying this heavy burden alone for so long. Bearing the responsibility of an A-Class alone…”

“Lilianne…”

“Isn’t it okay for me to have a little reward for all my hard work? Come on, Sensei?”

Laurent felt dizzy being called “Sensei” by Lilianne.

She remembered being taught by him and continued to thank and respect him.

And now, she was offering herself to him, body and soul.

Her heart remained the student from those days, but her body had matured into womanhood even more.

Overwhelmed by the happiness before him, Laurent lost track of time.

Guided by her, he passed through the door and was led to the bed.

The door to the house they entered remained closed until the next morning.