The Great Sage Who Did not Remain in Legend - 23.1

“Eh? Ah, yes. Thank you for your hard work…”

The receptionist at the Hunter’s Guild looked surprised, as if saying, “Really?”

Out of the achievement reward of 10 million G, the guild’s share was 10%, and Iris was paid the remaining 9 million G.

The receptionist was dumbfounded, not expecting the snow flower collection request to be completed at this time of year.

“Here, Iris, this is your money.”

“Th-That’s not right! I only registered; it’s actually Mergin-san’s. I can’t accept the reward!”

“Is that so? With this money, you can stay at a nice inn and won’t have to worry about living expenses for a while.”

When Mergin said that, Iris stared at him intently.

“W-Would it be a bother if I lived with Mergin-san?”

“It would be a bother, yes.”

Mergin said plainly.

Iris drooped in disappointment at being told it would be a bother.

“I see…”

“Well, you can stay until you’re able to stand on your own.”

Iris’s face brightened immediately.

“Yes, please take care of me!”

“Make sure you earn your keep.”

“Of course!”

Mergin spent a few days teaching Iris how to use ignition magic. While starting a fire was easy, controlling a larger flame required training.

“Um, the burner!”

Whoosh, whoosh

“St-Stop, stop it!”

“Hawaawaawa!”

“I’m telling you to stop channeling magic!”

Thud

“Ouch.”

After receiving a knuckle tap from Mergin, Iris finally stopped the flames.

“You almost started a fire.”

“I-I’m sorry…”

Iris seemed to have high aptitude for fire but found it difficult to control.

“This is too dangerous to train indoors. If a fire broke out here, the whole red-light district would burn down.”

“Hai…”

“We’ll train outside starting tomorrow.”

“It’s c-cold.”

Iris answered, receiving another knuckle tap from Mergin.

— Rikka’s Diner —

“Sorry for the wait!”

With winter in full swing, Rikka’s diner was busy with hunters whose work had decreased. However, Rikka was grumpy every day.

“This is troublesome.”

“Yeah, if Mergin shows up, his anger will explode. If he doesn’t come, he’ll sulk.”

The owner and landlady were troubled.