It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 1: The Platinum-Ranked Adventurer

Episode 1: The Platinum-Ranked Adventurer 

The ferocious roars of monsters filled the air. The desperate cries of the escort soldiers followed. Trembling inside the carriage, Pamela Jérôme Reinach, the daughter of a count, listened to those sounds. 

Her legs shook with fear. It made it impossible to stand properly. Even so, curiosity compelled her to peek outside through a gap in the crutain. 

On the twilight-drenched land, humans and monsters clashed. A creature resembling a large humanoid continued to emit threatening growls, “Voff, voff!” From the forest, more of its kind emerged one after another, as if summoned. 

The escort soldiers were gradually being driven toward the carriage. 

“No matter what, protect the young lady!” 

“Ohh!” 

They responded in unison. They hadn’t given up yet, but it was clear they wouldn’t last much longer. A creeping sense of despair began to settle over the battlefield. 

Then, a flash of light streaked across the scene. A heartbeat later, the monsters collapsed like puppets whose strings had been cut. 

“I’ll lend a hand! Silver-ranked adventurer, Ernest. I’ll take care of these things. Fortify the carriage’s defenses!” 

A black-haired man wielding a radiant sword shouted as he dashed toward the monsters. 

As night fell, darkness swallowed the battlefield. But the glowing sword illuminated the area like the sun. Inspired by its brilliance, the escort soldiers found renewed courage and charged forward. 

Pamela watched the scene from the curtain’s gap. Monsters fell one after another, felled by the radiant blade. The sight was reminiscent of a hero straight out of a tale. 

Before the stunned escort soldiers, the largest of the monsters collapsed with a heavy thud. That was the turning point. The remaining monsters fled into the forest. 

Silence enveloped the area. 

Faintly, the distant neighing of horses could be heard. But soon, even that was swallowed by the darkness. 

Ernest turned toward the carriage as if nothing had happened. 

Pamela’s teary eyes met his brilliant gaze. 

At that moment, she fell in love. 

She was thirteen years old at the time. 

Two years later, after completing her coming-of-age ceremony, Pamela presented her parents with an outrageous plan—one she fully intended to carry out. 

It goes without saying that her parents looked up to the heavens and held their heads in their hands. 

—

With a *thud*, the Earth Dragon collapsed to the ground. It resembled a massive lizard. But its scales were so tough that even blades made of mithril couldn’t cut through them. On top of that, magic barely had any effect. 

In the Adventurers’ Guild, it was widely believed that no one could possibly defeat such a creature. But that wasn’t true. When I swung my sword of light at it, its head separated cleanly from its body. 

As expected of me. 

“As sharp as ever! Master’s magic sword is incredible. To behead a top-ranked monster so easily! And to think you excel in both magic and swordsmanship—just as expected of you, Master!” 

From the shadows of the trees, a white cat-like creature, Shiro, approached silently. Its long tail was raised in excitement. 

“What’s with all the praise, Shiro? Do you want something?” 

“Hmph, is it really so strange for me to compliment you, Master?” 

It was unusual. What was the catch? ………..Ah, of course. It must be after Churutoro. I recall a new flavor was recently released. 

Despite being a summoned beast, it had an insatiable craving for cat treats. Even though they had no real effect on it. 

“Fine, Shiro. I’ll buy you the new Churutoro flavor when we get back to town.” 

“Really?! Yay!” 

Shiro leaped like a Slime, confirming my suspicion. 

Come to think of it, I’ve never heard of summoned beasts needing to eat… but whatever. 

After storing the Earth Dragon’s corpse in the spatial magic [Abyssal Pit], I activated teleportation magic [Heaven’s Gate] and returned to my base town. 

By the time I arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild—located on the first floor of a wooden building that looked like a stack of crates—night had already fallen. 

Only five or six people remained inside. The rest had either gone drinking with their comrades or were setting up camp while keeping watch for monsters in the wilderness. 

I was probably the only one reporting a completed quest at this hour. But if I wanted to avoid drawing attention, this was the best time. 

“I’m here to report a completed request. Platinum-ranked adventurer, Ernest.” 

I presented my adventurer card, the request form, and the proof of my kill—the Earth Dragon’s head—to the receptionist.

“I-I’ll process it right away, so please wait a moment.” 

Just as they said, the guild staff immediately started moving in a flurry. There was no real need to be in such a rush or on guard, though. As I stood there with a sullen expression, I noticed the tense atmosphere around me. 

Jeez. This always happens when I show up. Is it me? Am I the problem? I barely managed to swallow the sigh that almost escaped. If I sighed here and drew the attention of other adventurers, it’d be a hassle. It’s best not to stand out. Keeping completely still, I silently waited. 

“We apologize for the wait. We’ve confirmed everything. Here is your reward. Also, we have a message from the Guild Master.” 

“A message? What is it?” 

“Yes. He said, ‘Come see me tomorrow morning.’” 

Huh… Did I do something? I racked my brain so hard it felt like I was about to get a fever. But I couldn’t think of anything. I wanted to say, “No thanks,” but I owed him from my rookie days. So I couldn’t exactly refuse. A cold sweat ran down my back. 

“…Understood.” 

—

The next day. 

I headed to the Adventurers’ Guild at a time I usually never showed up. 

“Hey, look over there. The ‘Ace’ himself is passing through.” 

“Yeah, the Guild Master always says, ‘That guy’s gonna be the greatest adventurer in the world.’ Honestly, I can’t stand him.” 

“He’s a solo adventurer, right? Must be because he doesn’t trust anyone.” 

The moment I stepped into the guild, the whole place started buzzing. Man, this takes me back. This is exactly why I hate coming here at this hour. The hushed whispers around me were loud enough to hear clearly. 

Ignoring them completely, I walked straight to the reception desk. 

It’s not like I chose to end up like this. Who in their right mind would willingly take on the hardships and dangers of adventuring all alone? 

Sigh… What a day. If the Guild Master hadn’t summoned me, I wouldn’t have come during such a crowded time. 

“Ernest. Call the Guild Master.” 

“Y-yes! Right away!” 

The receptionist girl hurriedly retreated. …Am I really that scary? I don’t mean to be, but… Apparently, since I became the youngest-ever Platinum-ranked adventurer, all sorts of strange rumors have spread about me. 

Oh well. I’m starting to get used to these reactions by now. Hmph, whatever. If anything, it’s actually convenient that fewer idiots try to mess with me. 

Even now, I could hear someone behind me whispering, “Who does he think he is?” 

I saw your face, buddy. 

A lot of adventurers talk all they want, knowing I won’t bother responding. But from my perspective, I just don’t want to deal with pointless drama. 

I already get enough attention just walking through the streets. Mostly from women, though. Being handsome is such a pain. 

Standing perfectly still, I waited in silence. 

Before long, the Guild Master, Geoffroy, came from the back. 

Geoffroy was an adventurer up until about five years ago. His rank was one below mine—Gold-ranked. A large, muscular man with a shaved head. When kids see him, they either shut up or burst into tears. A truly sinful man. 

Now, having settled down with a family, he serves as the Guild Master of the only Adventurers’ Guild in this town. I guess everyone has their own tastes. If even a gorilla-headed bald guy like him can get married, I should be able to build a whole harem. 

“……….Hey, Ernest. You’re thinking something rude right now, aren’t you?” 

“Nope. Anyway, why did you call me here at this hour?” 

Suppressing the slight panic at having my thoughts somehow read, I kept my face expressionless. Do I really show my emotions that easily? I was pretty confident in my poker face…….. 

“Hmph. Whatever. I’ve got something I want you to buy.” 

“Buy?” 

I tilted my head in confusion. That’s an odd thing to say. The Guild Master knows perfectly well that I don’t need weapons or armor. What’s he up to? What is he trying to get me to buy? 

“Just shut up and follow me.” 

With that, the Guild Master stomped out of the guild. 

I followed behind him, my steps heavy as if I were under a slow-motion spell. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine things would turn out like this………………..