After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 233

Chapter 233: The Missing Adventurers

“This makes the third party in a week. Something’s wrong.”

“You’re right. They’re seasoned enough to know their own limits. They wouldn’t venture that far in.”

The head of the Stuttgart Adventurers’ Guild branch and my childhood friend—who, for some reason, seems to get along quite well—exchanged words. Both of them were deeply concerned about the series of recent incidents where adventurer parties failed to return.

The Baden territory, now home to vast farmlands and a precious mithril mine, isn’t exactly rich but holds decent prospects for the future. However, its main industry used to revolve around serving adventurers—offering lodging, food, and supplies.

For us, the “Forest of Evil” is an obstacle to development. But for adventurers, it’s a prime hunting ground, filled with monsters that yield valuable materials and magic stones when defeated. The forest’s outskirts harbor weaker enemies, while deeper areas promise tougher foes with greater rewards—a straightforward appeal that made it a popular hunting spot.

Over the past year, the town has grown larger and more vibrant, with new eateries and general stores opening. This has encouraged adventurers to settle down and work in Baden. Naturally, merchants catering to adventurers followed, moving here from other towns, and the territory’s economy began to flourish.

But all of that hinges on the perception that this is a “safe place to earn money.” If comrades, who were supposed to be hunting in areas suited to their abilities, start disappearing one after another, it’s only natural that some would decide to move to safer places, leaving this town behind. A drop in adventurers would hurt the shops and taverns that rely on them, so this issue isn’t something we can ignore.

“Alright, I understand. The development work has calmed down a bit… I’ll join the search team this time. Let’s see… I’ll take myself, Zeri, and Nicole for support. Of course, Lutz is coming too. Don’t worry, I’ll have Michaela guard you.”

As expected, she’s diving into this headfirst. Well, I suppose there’s no helping it. But honestly, if I go along, I’d just be a liability. With Gretel’s magic power skyrocketing since her pregnancy, my “mobile battery” ability isn’t even needed for a search mission.

Sensing my hesitation, my resolute childhood friend shot me a piercing look.

“Lutz, you’re planning to venture deep into the ‘Forest of Evil’ with Beato to reach the forest dwellers’ village soon, aren’t you? You need to build up your fieldwork experience.”

She lifted the corners of her mouth into a smile, but the expression felt more intimidating than cheerful. I could only nod meekly, admitting defeat.

Just five minutes into the forest, the dense trees blocked out the sunlight, leaving the surroundings dim. Everywhere looked the same, and I quickly lost all sense of direction. All I could do was follow my dependable childhood friend’s back.

Even in this confusing environment, the adventurers dispatched from the guild moved steadily and confidently deeper into the woods. That’s professionalism for you, I suppose.

One of the adventurers pointed ahead and reported something to the search team leader. Among metal attribute magic users, some possess a “detection” skill. Such individuals are valued as thieves in adventurer parties, and this woman seemed to be one of them. Judging by her behavior, did she spot a monster?

“Helga, what’s the situation?”

“Yes, about 200 meters ahead, there’s a group of monsters. Approximately fifty of them.”

“That’s a lot. Do such large groups normally appear this close to the outskirts?”

Helga, a wind mage picked up from among war slaves, was skilled in “scouting,” a common ability for wind magic users. That talent got her brought along. Now she, too, wore a silver lilac on her collar. No doubt Gretel lured her in with promises of rewards—or maybe hints about receiving my “seed.” She was brimming with enthusiasm.

My childhood friend, hearing Helga’s report, tilted her head thoughtfully. She wore a focused, professional expression, different from her usual cheerful demeanor, and I found myself mesmerized. Even in my previous world, I was more drawn to women engrossed in their work than those who dolled themselves up with seductive smiles. That’s why I ended up marrying someone from my workplace. Watching her serious profile now, inappropriate thoughts began to creep into my mind.

Unaware of my wayward musings, my wife returned after a brief discussion with the team leader.

“Let’s go. Fifty low-level monsters don’t even warrant my attention.”

Gretel licked her lips lightly, and once again, I found myself entertaining improper fantasies.