The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 100

Chapter 100   Hot Spring Trip

Medes arrived in front of the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ atelier but couldn’t bring himself to go in. He kept wandering in front of the store, unable to make a decision.

“Damn it. Why do I have to bow my head to that Laurent? What did I do wrong? The one at fault is Gilbert, isn’t it? The Quartet also called Laurent a fraud and got completely fooled by Gilbert’s trickery… Especially Edgar! He was the one in charge of countering ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ in the first place! And now, he’s trying to pin all the responsibility on me amidst the confusion.”

As Medes pondered for a while, more people began to pass by. Not wanting to look like a suspicious person forever, he finally decided to enter the shop.

However, Laurent was not there. Due to continuous hard work, he was on a long vacation.

“Damn it. Here we are struggling with a shortage of ores, and he’s on vacation of all times…”

Meanwhile, Laurent was visiting a hot spring town on the eastern side of the island with Monica. The volcanic region of ‘Dragon’s Island’ was famous for its hot springs, especially on the eastern side where high-quality springs were concentrated, making it a popular tourist spot.

It had been Monica’s wish to visit this place with Laurent. To reward her for helping with work despite being on vacation, Laurent decided to use his long-awaited break to spend time with her.

Monica, thrilled to be alone with Laurent, eagerly opened a pamphlet and started talking about the places they would visit.

“The shop we’re going to has famous dragon buns that they serve with dragon tea. And the ‘Dragon Spring Inn’ we’re staying at tonight not only has high-quality hot springs but also offers a breathtaking view of the sea and cliffs from the open-air baths.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

Laurent was impressed by Monica’s knowledge of the tourist spots. Her ability to gather information was exceptional, even in such situations.

“There’s a dragon bun shop on the way to the inn, so I thought we could stop by there before heading to our lodgings,” Monica said.

Laurent chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“Well, I just thought you seem to know this island much better than I do, even though we’ve only just arrived.”

“I… I really wanted to go sightseeing with you, so I did my best to research everything,” Monica said, looking down shyly.

“Monica…”

(She went out of her way to look up all this information for me. She’s such a sweet girl.)

If he had met her before Lilianne, he surely would have fallen for her.

As they walked to the inn, Laurent and Monica enjoyed the bustling tourist spots, savored the local delicacies, and marveled at the scenic views.

At the inn, they soaked together in the private open-air bath attached to their room. The hot spring was even more effective than its reputation suggested, and the view spread out below was stunning.

However, Laurent found himself more captivated by Monica than the scenery. Monica sat on the edge of the bath, entranced by the view. Her voluptuous figure wrapped in a bath towel couldn’t be hidden.

Laurent thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, the hot spring, and Monica in her towel. Later, back in their room, they shared some drinks.

They slept in separate futons that night.

Medes waited in front of the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ on the day Laurent was supposed to return. Ever since then, he had been enduring the cold stares and complaints from those around him.

From the Quartet, he received silent looks that seemed to say, “Still can’t get the ores?” From the ‘Knights of Hail,’ he received complaints like, “Can’t you start manufacturing the equipment yet?”

Medes spent his days bowing his head here and making excuses there, and finally, today had come.

(Now, after making me wait so many days, there’s no way he’ll refuse to trade.)

As Medes thought this while waiting, he saw Laurent approaching from the distance. Someone was walking beside him.

“Huh? Medes?” Laurent called out as he noticed Medes.

Medes glanced at Laurent and Monica. He couldn’t help but take a second look at Monica.

(Damn, he’s been out playing with a woman while we’ve been struggling.)

“Medes, what are you doing here so early?” Laurent asked.

Medes’s eyes darted around nervously, and he shivered.

“Umm… Nothing at all?” he muttered, then turned and walked away.

Laurent and Monica watched him leave, puzzled.

When Medes returned to ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ Lizetta immediately cornered him with questions.

“Oh, Guild Master. You’re finally back. How did the negotiations with ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ go? Have you secured the ore? Did you speak with Laurent?”

Medes made a face like he had swallowed something bitter.

“…Sigh. No, I haven’t!”

“What!?”

Medes tried to retreat further into the building.

“Wait a minute. What about the request from the ‘Knights of Hail’?”

“Shut up! There’s no deal with ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’ Who would want to do business with them anyway? Damn it!”

Medes threw his hat on the floor and stormed off.

Lizetta was left stunned, watching him go.