The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 12

Chapter 12: The Swordswoman’s Request

“I’m sorry; I got a bit carried away.”

As we moved to a different location to talk, it seemed that the girl had regained her composure. We settled at a table in a secluded tavern typically used for parties and negotiations.

“Before anything else, let me express my gratitude and introduce myself. I’m Aria, and I really want to thank you for helping me back there.”

“I’m Berg. You’re welcome… I guess?”

“Hehe, well, here’s the thing… I know it might sound audacious to ask a favor from someone who saved me, but could you show me your weapon?”

“Why do you want to see it?”

“Well, it’s because it’s a rare drop, isn’t it? I saw what happened back there too.”

It seemed that the voice I heard just before losing consciousness belonged to Aria. If that was the case, there was no point in hiding it, and as long as it wouldn’t be stolen, showing it wouldn’t hurt.

I placed the small dagger I had on my belt on the table. Aria stared at it intensely and reached out her hand, but once again, the black electrical discharge repelled her fingers.

“Close… still no good. Ah, what a missed opportunity…”

“Opportunity?”

“I finally encountered a monster that drops rare items, but I couldn’t defeat it due to my lack of strength. I left home to become an adventurer with the sole goal of obtaining a rare drop…”

With that, Aria collapsed on the table. However, after a moment, she raised her head with a determined look.

“Hey, would you be willing to help me get a rare drop?”

“What?”

“I absolutely must get a rare drop. But I can’t do it alone. That’s why I need your help to defeat that monster.”

In Aria’s eyes, there was a strong determination. I didn’t know the reason, but I understood that she was serious. However…

“…What’s the reward?”

As an adventurer, I couldn’t risk my life just because someone asked me to. Even though I managed to defeat it this time, if I were to face a monster of that level again, I’d want adequate compensation.

“Alright, here’s the deal. When I get the rare drop, I’ll do anything for you. As an upfront payment, I’ll provide you with all the information I know about rare drops.”

“Information?”

“Didn’t you hear a voice when you obtained it?”

I raised an eyebrow, thinking about it for a moment. I hesitated, wondering if I was being played. Aria seemed to pick up on that.

“That voice came from the monster you defeated and the voice of that weapon. Rare drops have something akin to strong consciousness and will, unlike regular items.”

“The weapon’s voice…”

“Besides, one of the unique characteristics of rare drops is that only their owners can wield them. But there are some that can be held without any issue, like yours. It seems yours is quite picky, though.”

“…Where did you get this information?”

Even the guild master didn’t have detailed knowledge about rare drops. Yet, Aria seemed to possess knowledge about them as if she had seen them firsthand.

“From this point on, I’ll tell you if you decide to help me. To make you trust my words, I’ll have to reveal things I’d rather not say. So, it’s your choice: dismiss my story as nonsense or join me.”

I pondered what to do. It was all based on my gut feeling, but it seemed like Aria wasn’t lying and had some complicated circumstances. Accepting might lead to getting involved in troublesome matters.

My carefree life as an adventurer might be disrupted. I had a feeling it might, but…

(I want to help you…)

From the depths of my heart, I couldn’t lie.

“Alright, I’ll help.”

“Really?! You won’t regret it later, will you?”

“No second thoughts.”

Upon hearing my response, Aria burst into a bright smile, almost like a blossoming flower, and did a small victory pose. I wanted to stay longer, but that wasn’t possible.

“So, can you start talking now?”

“Yeah! Since we’re in this together, I’ll tell you everything!”

With that, she removed an ornament from the hilt of her longsword. Underneath it was a carving of a lion and a sword… the emblem of a certain nation.

“I’m Arseria Leesh Mildrea, the third princess of the Mildrea Empire.”

I discarded my right to succession and all that before leaving home, though. With a laugh, she conveyed the shocking truth…