The next morning Alina awoke to the sound of birdsong.
The light of the morning sun streaming through the window cast the room in a soft glow. Alina rose from her bed, opened the window and took in a breath of fresh morning air. Rows of orange-coloured roofs lined up outside, and the clock tower could be seen in the distance. The slumbering city had come alive with activity.
But despite the delightful scene, Alina felt gloomy.
‘I got found out…’
She muttered, sighing heavily as if to blow away the refreshing morning air.
What should I do? I knew I should’ve roughed up the bastard a bit to make sure he keeps his mouth shut. Then again, if I do anything to a guild top-brass, I’ll may end up being sacked…
As a dangerous plan flashed through her mind, Alina shook her head hurriedly.
‘What should I do?’
She returned to her bed with unsteady steps, as if being sucked in, and fell on it with a thud.
‘Aaaah, I’ve had enough of this…’
She muttered, her head buried in the sheets, all sorts of resentment pouring out like water from a breached dam.
‘I don’t want to do anything I want to escape from reality I don’t want to go outside I want to stay home forever!’
As she flung her limbs around like a child, Alina let her true, unvarnished feelings spill.
Alina lived in a quiet residential neighbourhood, not exactly the most prestigious in the city, but certainly not the kind of place a fledgeling adventurer could afford to live in on their salary. There’s no stubborn tank here, no customers to be mindful to. No mountains of paperwork, no burdensome personal relationships. No overtime. Here is a paradise on earth, an oasis of peace, where she can do as she pleases while time flows solemnly by.
‘Aaaaah, I want to stay home forever.’
Even this young lass of seventeen could, thanks to the stable and reliable occupation of the receptionist, take out a mortgage. She was able to borrow a huge sum from a moneylender and make a large purchase. Like that, she was able to buy the paradise that was her home. Huzzah. Viva receptionist. The job of the adventurer is unstable and they could die at any moment. Their reliability is low, and as such they can’t borrow money or take out a mortgage. It’s impossible.
‘I knew it, being a receptionist is the best. I’m not gonna let them fire me.’
With her face buried in her bed sheets, Alina hardened her resolve.
****
After the capture of the Belfla dungeon, today too was a peaceful day at the Ifühl Counter—that was, until that guy showed up.
‘Jade! What should I do to become a better tank?!’
‘Please sign my weapon!!’
‘Can—can I shake your hand?!’
Only a few hours passed since reception hours opened at Ifühl Counter, but the place was already chock full with adventurers. Notably, an unusually large crowd was gathered around one table. At the centre, surrounded by adventurers, was a young man with a red relic arms great shield—Jade Skleid.
Alina, careful not to pay any attention to the throng of people, calmly went through the quest commission procedures, but as if to add to her displeasure, a series of shrill voices came from behind her.
‘Ahh, mister Jade. You’re such a hunk.’
‘If I wave at him, do you think he’ll wave back?’
‘He’s looking this way! Our eyes met!’
The other receptionists had gathered at Alina’s counter, which was the closest to Jade, their eyes burning with ardent desire. Thanks to that, the only counter that could process quests was Alina’s. Even though they were supposed to be on duty, they looked like they were itching to jump out, shrieking like banshees all the while. She wanted to question their work ethic, but the one who really annoyed her was that man.
Why is this guy sitting here!!?
Jade appeared at Ifühl counter earlier than anyone else, straight after opening hours, and had been sitting there since, claiming he was here to “investigate the Executioner”. From the moment they noticed the Silver Blades’ Jade, the adventurers surrounded him, and word that Jade was at Ifühl Counter spread like wildfire. Like that the reception was filled with adventurers, lust before lunchtime.
Alina grimaced and cast her gaze outside the window. Beyond the rows of orange roofs, the clock tower was about to strike twelve. Come on, ring the afternoon bell already. Alina craved for the lunch break to start. She just wanted to leave there as soon as possible.
‘Mister Jade, let’s eat lunch together’
With the sound of pealing bells, the whole reception staff jumped the counter and flocked around Jade, shoving the adventurers out of the way.
‘Move out of the way, you lot.’
A quiet, dignified voice scolded the receptionists who were scrambling for Jade. It was Sue. The moment she knew Jade was there, Sue went out of her way to freshen up her make-up and put her hair in a spirited bun, making her look even more beautiful as she walked up to Jade with full of confidence.
‘I will keep master Jade company… oh my, master Jade?’
But Jade was no longer there.
