The Exiled Knight Takes Up Life as an Adventurer — A Former Captain's Secret Power and His Carefree Days in a Distant Land - Chapter 13

I arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild.

As I scanned the quest board, I spotted a rather unusual request.

“Hm? Urgent request? Merchant escort?”

“Ah, that one. It just came in a little while ago.”

The voice came from behind me.

It was Palma, the guild staff member.

“Morning, Palma.”

“Morning, Mardin. That quest is C-rank. What do you say—interested?”

“Let’s see… escorting a caravan to the neighboring town of Irevs, huh?”

“Yep. The merchant already has a private security team, but they want an adventurer onboard to deal with monsters.”

“Makes sense. Irevs is about a day’s journey one way, so two days round trip.”

If you left early in the morning, you’d reach Irevs by evening.

And since the route runs along a maintained road, monsters shouldn’t appear during the day.

Still, the fact that they’re hiring monster protection likely means they’re carrying something valuable.

“Hey, do you know what this caravan’s hauling?”

“Huh? The cargo? W-Well, it’s probably just local specialties…”

“Fresh fish is delivered by air, right? And aside from that, our only major product is salt. But nobody hires adventurer escorts just for salt. So what else could it be?”

“Tch. Don’t tell me—you already know what it is?”

“Haha. Salvage goods, right?”

“How the hell did you find that out?! You’ve got ears like a hawk!”

Information is everything.

On the battlefield, a single piece of intel can change the entire outcome.

Even out here in the sticks, you never know what connects to what.

That’s why I always make a point to get out and talk to the townsfolk.

“…You got me. You’re right. It’s salvage-related. The client’s one of the merchants who won the bid for a portion of the recovered cargo. Since the amount isn’t huge, he’s planning to sell along the way using land transport.”

“Got it. Then I guess it’s been a while, but I’ll take a guard job.”

“I’ll arrange a meeting with the merchant later.”

“Sure, sounds good.”

“The salvage should be finished by tomorrow. Then the goods will be priced, packed, and ready to go the day after. So you’ll depart three days from now.”

“Roger.”

“Oh, right. Most of the salvage has already been claimed by merchants who bought the rights, but there’s still more under investigation. They’re holding an auction too.”

“An auction, huh?”

“This’ll be your first time, right? These salvage auctions only happen once every few years in this town. They’re seriously worth seeing. As long as you’ve got your Adventurer Card, you can attend. It’s scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Check it out.”

“Yeah, might as well take a peek.”

—

A short while later, the client merchant arrived at the guild.

Escort quests require a direct meeting with the client.

It’s only natural—they’re entrusting their life to someone, so they decide based on that meeting.

We moved into a private room for the interview.

“I’m Zaal Maharl, the merchant leading the caravan.”

“I’m Mardin Lutréze, C-rank adventurer.”

Zaal looked to be around forty.

He had a lean frame, dusky brown skin, dressed well, and wore a turban on his head.

“I’d like to request escort protection from monsters until we reach Irevs.”

“Understood. I’ve been briefed.”

“Forgive me for asking, but what’s your experience with escort missions, Mr. Mardin?”

“I’ve completed several C-rank escort quests. All were carried out without issue, and my clients were satisfied with the results.”

“I see. May I take a look at your subjugation record?”

“Of course.”

I showed him the subjugation record attached to my Adventurer Card.

The subjugation score lists every monster I’ve hunted up to now.

“It doesn’t seem like a large number.”

“No, it’s not. I’ve only been an adventurer for about a year.”

“I understand. For that amount of time, your record is impressive. Very well, I’d like to request your escort.”

Palma, who had been present for the meeting, took out a form.

“Then let’s move on to the contract. This is the official quest request.”

◇◇◇
Quest Request Form

• • Difficulty: C-Rank

• • Type: [Urgent] Escort

• • Target: Merchant Caravan

• • Details: Escort duty from Tirkoa to Irevs

• • Reward: 5 silver coins

• • Duration: Until arrival in Irevs

• • Party: 1 C-rank adventurer

• • Notes: Further details included in contract; Adventurer Tax has been processed.
    ◇◇◇

I signed the request form to accept the quest.

Zaal also signed the client section.

“We’re scheduled to depart early in the morning three days from now. We should arrive in Irevs by evening.”

“Understood. Will the contract conclude upon arrival?”

“Yes, though I’ve arranged accommodations in Irevs. Would you care to stay overnight and return the next day? Of course, I’ll cover the lodging expenses.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll gratefully accept your kind offer.”

Zaal and I shook hands, officially sealing the quest.