The Quest Guild finds itself amidst intrigue and peril, and Tyler’s own situation hangs in the balance.
Upon entering the Cat Girl Restaurant, he spots Granny Kasi and the others.
Granny Kasi diligently reports Tyler’s circumstances daily to that evilkind known as the “Earthly Ghost”, a fact Tyler discerns clearly through his mind-reading abilities. 𝒐𝔳𝒍xt.𝐂𝒪𝑀
However, the identity of “the other observer” concerns him even more.
Days pass, yet he remains clueless.
On one hand, he faces a confession countdown to death; on the other, an unknown enemy that could strike any moment.
Despite the dual mental strain, Tyler relishes his dinner as usual.
Having experienced tumultuous times during his youth, he finds the present turbulence bearable.
As long as his family remains unharmed, Tyler remains unflappable.
.
“By the way, Banning, we’re planning to set off for Gudetown in a few days. Would you like to join us?”
Mr. Marik, the leader of the Traveling Merchant Caravan, extends an invitation to Banning at the dinner table.
“Brother, brother! Let’s go together, let’s go~!” Tocchini bounces over and wraps her arms around Banning’s, adopting a clingy demeanor.
“Thank you for the invitation, but I plan to challenge the trial in Sunny Town in a few days, so I won’t be joining you.”
Banning gently declines the caravan’s offer while patting Tocchini’s head.
“Eh? Young man, trials are dangerous, have you thought it through?”
Granny Kasi’s eyes widen, her gaze filled with concern for Banning.
On the surface, she appears to care for him, but in reality, she frets over unable to monitor him if they part ways.
“Yes, I’ve considered it,” Banning replies with composure.
“You’re truly a fearless calf… Banning, what level of difficulty will you be attempting in the trial?”
Lawrence of the Traveling Merchant Caravan becomes intrigued by Banning’s challenge, as trials always draw attention.
Passing a trial signifies unlocking the gateway to the next stratum, and one’s power ceiling immediately elevates.
In the realm of combat occupations, even a single rank difference can be as vast as the heavens and the earth.
“The first level of difficulty, the White Trial.”
“Ah, I heard that Sunny Town has a limited number of White Trials.”
“Yes, I’ll find a way.”
Lawrence chats with Banning enthusiastically, while Granny Kasi listens silently beside them.
She knows deep down that persuading Banning to join them is impossible now.
Initially, Granny Kasi had hoped to coax Tocchini into helping her convince Banning, but Tocchini now cheers for Banning’s trial instead, not only failing to aid Granny Kasi but even unintentionally thwarting her plans.
-(Left with no choice, I shall feign illness and stay in Sunny Town alone.)
.
After dinner, Tyler purchased some discounted dishes at the Cat Girl Restaurant and headed alone to the impoverished area to visit the demi-humans
Although the crisis of carrion rats had been halted, ordinary rats still pervaded every crevice. The intermittent squeaks echoing from the shadows were a testament to the poverty of the slums.
“Is anyone here? I’ve brought some food.”
The area lacked luminous magic stone, so Tyler lifted the bag in his hand and called out. Soon, demi-humans emerged from their homes.
Just as Tyler began distributing the food, a familiar blonde figure appeared.
“Lord Banning, what brings you here?” Emilia also held something in her hands, apparently coming to aid the demi-humans this evening.
Gazing at Emilia’s feigned nonchalance, Tyler knew she would be here tonight, partially to “ambush” him.
“I’ve brought some food for our friends here. Tocchini told me that everyone here is kind-hearted,” Tyler answered calmly.
In this situation, it seemed as if Tyler had fallen into Emilia’s trap, but in reality, Emilia had fallen into Tyler’s.
What Tyler wanted to see was Emilia becoming aware of his presence without her realizing it.
.
Emilia and Banning stood among the demi-humans in a harmonious atmosphere.
If not for the “encouragement” of her demi-human friends, Emilia might not have dared to be alone with Banning.
After a brief moment of brewing, Emilia initiated the purpose of her ambush tonight.
“Lord Banning, may I ask you a question?”
“Please do.”
“Why do you repeatedly reject merit?”
Emilia’s goal for the evening was to convince Banning to accept his due credit.
Banning hesitated slightly before replying, “I have social anxiety and dislike the feeling of being the center of attention.”
“Eh…?”
Emilia was taken aback by this unexpected answer.
However, upon reevaluating Banning, she noticed he indeed appeared to be a loner and had few friends in Sunny Town.
But this was not enough to dispel her doubts.
“Why did you give the merit to me instead of someone else?” Emilia asked again.
“That’s a second question.”
Emilia was once more at a loss for words.
(Is Banning really that difficult to get along with?)
“Lord Banning, I’m troubled by this undeserved credit, and I’d like you to at least help me clear things up.”
Emilia decided to be more direct, determined to express her grievances tonight, as she didn’t know when she would have another opportunity to confront Banning.
“Isn’t merit a good thing? Why are you troubled by it?”
“You may think fame and reputation are desirable, but I don’t. I’m extremely troubled.”
As they spoke, the atmosphere between Emilia and Banning grew increasingly tense.
“Mother, it seems that Sister Emilia and Brother Banning are arguing.”
“Hush! What do children know? Leave adults alone.”
The demi-humans nearby tactfully withdrew to a distance.
They enjoyed the meal brought by Emilia and Banning, and gleefully watched the unfolding drama.
Emilia and Banning debated a while, but due to their differing values, they could not reach a consensus.
At this moment, Banning proposed a solution.
“Alright, I can help you with this, but I can’t do it for free.”
(Does he mean he wants payment…?)
Emilia thought it over and decided that as long as the price was reasonable, she could accept it.
“Name your price.”
Unbeknownst to Emilia, she was somewhat muddled at this point.
If someone were to help her sort it out, they would realize that Emilia had initially gained undeserved credit, and now, unwilling to accept it, she was about to pay for it – making this a rather unprofitable “deal” for her.
“Name a price…taking money would be too uninteresting…Ah, I’ve been wanting to learn potion-making lately. Help me buy some beginner’s books on the subject, okay?”
Surprisingly, Banning’s request was quite reasonable.
Upon hearing this, Emilia thought it over and had a vague feeling that she might be at a loss.
Books on potion-making, though not as expensive as magic books, were still not cheap.
“May I ask, who will cover the cost of the books?” inquired Emilia.