Seeker 155

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Chapter 155. Female Merchant Eslyn

We, who had taken on the quest to head toward Griffin Mountain, met the client at the designated location. 

It was in front of the fountain at the center square, located midway in the town.

"Hey there, you adventurers who took on the quest." 

The person who called out to us was a young woman slightly older than us. 

She seemed to be in her early 20s. 

She had red hair and wore glasses, giving off a sharp impression. 

She must be Eslyn, the merchant who posted the quest.

By the way, behind the client were three muscular men. 

It seemed like they were her subordinates. 

At first glance, they appeared much more physically capable than us, but they likely didn't possess the adventurers' strength.

Next to the men was a fairly large cart, loaded with mining tools such as pickaxes.

"But all three of you are quite young. Are you sure about your capabilities?" 

The client added as she looked towards us.

I extended my right hand.

"Yes. Although we are a party of three, we're confident in taking on an A-rank quest."

"Hahaha, that's reassuring. Well, the Adventurer's Guild should have checked that part, so I won't ask to see your stats. As long as you do the job properly, I won't have any complaints."

Eslyn shook my hand firmly after taking it. 

Well, I haven't undergone a Guild check since the initial registration.

Although I was level 25, it seemed like subsequent checks weren't necessary.

After releasing my hand, Eslyn pointed her thumb toward the cart behind her.

"I think it was mentioned in the quest request, but it's about confirming the job's details. We are going to the abandoned mine on the middle slopes of Griffin Mountain to mine a certain rare mineral there. However, as the name suggests, Griffin Mountain is known to be inhabited by 'Griffins.' So, including encounters with other monsters, I'd like you all to serve as our escorts."

"Understood. Griffins should be no problem for us to subdue."

"You seem confident. And it doesn't seem like empty boasting. It's that quiet confidence backed by strength? Am I wrong?"

"Well, yes."

After all, having fought an Aerial Dragon, I was more confident. Overconfidence wasn't good, but we had an objective view of our abilities.

By the way, Griffin's strength was far below that of an Aerial Dragon, let alone a Wyvern. 

Although it might have some boss-like strength, it was an opponent that seemed insignificant to us now. 

I might even be able to defeat it alone.

Also, they said that monsters other than Griffins appeared on Griffin Mountain, but according to the Monster Encyclopedia data, none of them seemed to be of considerable strength.

"Well then, if you're ready, let's depart right now. I'm counting on you today, adventurers."

Eslyn gave the command like that and was about to depart—when something happened.

A rustling started, and the surroundings began to stir.

On one of the side streets leading to the central square, people were moving aside.

Breaking through the crowd was a group of about a dozen people.

At the forefront of the group was a middle-aged man who seemed to be a merchant.

He was plump and adorned himself with jewelry and extravagant clothing, giving off an unmistakable air of wealth.

Seeing him grin, Eslyn's face turned unpleasant.

The middle-aged man approached Eslyn and spoke to her.

"Eslyn, it seems you're starting some new, petty business again."

"What is it, Goldo? Have you come to meddle again? Just asking, do you have any business here?"

"You should already know the reason. Stop with these trivial businesses and come to me already. I've said I'll welcome you as an executive."

The man called Goldo said that and licked his lips. 

Seeing this, Kazane-san and Yuzuki instinctively held themselves and took a half step back, visibly uncomfortable. 

On the other hand, Eslyn, while wearing a thoroughly displeased expression, didn't falter as she responded.

"Is that what it's about? In that case, you should know our answer as well. It's a refusal. Besides, even if it's an executive position, you'd probably make me do something like being your mistress. This isn't a joke."

"Gufufufu, there may not be much difference either way. I'm saying that I'll buy you and provide you with a luxurious life."

"There's a huge difference, and either way, I have no intention of becoming one of Goldo's lackeys. So, if you're done here, could you please disappear somewhere? Just looking at your face is making me nauseous."

"Tch, you're as cheeky as ever, little girl. That's what I can't resist about you. However, even I, who usually show generosity, am getting tired of this. Don't keep holding onto your stubbornness forever. It's about time you become more obedient."

Amidst such exchanges, I suddenly felt a gaze on me and looked towards the entourage behind the merchant Goldo. 

Among them was someone sending me an intense glare. 

It was one of them.

Wearing equipment that suggested he was an adventurer, he was a burly man. 

His face wasn't visible as he had his hood pulled low, but he had a beard around his mouth. 

I felt like I had seen that appearance somewhere before, but where was it?

When our gazes met, he turned his face away as if to hide it. 

Suspiciously obvious.

Meanwhile, the argument between Eslyn and merchant Goldo was finally coming to an end.

"Eslyn, if you keep angering me, you'll come to regret it."

"You're always so naggy. I'll climb to the top on my own merits and become a greater merchant than Goldo. You can wait with bated breath."

"Hmph, you're an insolent little girl who never learns her place. You know I'm Goldo, the powerful merchant who rules this area. There's something seriously wrong with you talking back to me like that. If you really won't become mine, fine. You'll come to understand your place."

With an unpleasant expression, merchant Goldo departed with his entourage. 

The burly man who seemed like an adventurer glanced at me and followed Goldo before leaving.

Eslyn let out a deep sigh.

"Well, well, there just had to be a fly in the ointment before we set off. Anyway, let's go again properly this time."

Saying that Eslyn finally left the town. 

We also followed her out of the town, advancing on the road toward Griffin Mountain.