Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 154

Deciding to accept Klaus’s request, I headed to the guild to investigate the Terra Phios Marsh.

From what Klaus told me, it seems there are quite a few peculiar monsters, so thorough preparation seems necessary.

If anyone at the guild knows about monsters and the land, it would be Rabis, a guild staff member.

That’s why I’m heading to the guild, but as I walk, I suddenly think, why did I fall for such a simple provocation?

I don’t regret taking on the request itself, but I wish I had accepted it more gracefully.

“Ugh, I feel like I’ve been toyed with by Klaus’s whims!”

Reflecting on my past self with a scratch of my head, I arrived at the guild.

Even today, it’s the same old place where tough adventurers hang out in a bar, but that’s what a guild is.

As I’ve become more acquainted with them through activity, I’m not as intimidated as I was at first.

Thinking of peeking at the usual routine of the bulletin board before heading to Rabis’s place, suddenly the adventurers stand up and come over here.

What’s going on?

“Hey, Shuu. Got a moment?”

My acquaintance, Razo, calls out like that.

Behind him is his party member, Erik, and there are many other familiar male adventurers.

I’m used to tough adventurers, but being surrounded like this is still scary.

“Y-yeah.”

I really hope that I don’t do something wrong and get beaten up… or something like that.

When I nervously asked, Razo replied with a serious expression,

“You… you came out of ‘Aroma Forêt’ yesterday, right? How was that place?”

“Huh?”

“Oh, trying to play dumb won’t work. Erik saw you coming out of that shop yesterday evening.”

“Yeah, I confirmed it with my Clairvoyance skill. Shuu definitely came out of that shop.”

Erik said firmly, nodding at Razo’s words.

That might be an abuse of the scout profession’s skills. However, seeing how serious they are, I couldn’t make such a comment.

“Well, yes, I did go there.”

“”Oooo!””

Since there’s nothing shady about it, I answered honestly, and the adventurers started buzzing.

“I was curious about the store because it had a beautiful older sister, but I wasn’t able to go.”

“I was interested too, but I felt intimidated by the stylish atmosphere.”

“Is that place even meant for guys to go in the first place?”

“Mmm, not sure. From what I’ve seen, only women go in there. Shuu’s the first guy I’ve seen entering.”

“It does have a slightly erotic vibe, but do they offer that kind of service?”

“On the surface, it’s all legitimate massage, but behind the scenes, it might have those kinds of options! Sounds great!”

The adventurers started discussing the shop amongst themselves.

It’s like high school or college students gossiping about shady downtown areas.

Anyway, what’s clear is that the male adventurers here are very interested in that shop.

“So, Shuu, how was that place?”

“The aromatherapy massage was really relaxing.”

“And, um, were there any… extra options or something like that?”

“I wouldn’t know about that. I just got a regular massage.”

As I said that, the adventurers were visibly disappointed.

“What, seriously? Bummer.”

You can tell from Razo’s words that they were expecting those kinds of options.

What are they expecting from an aromatherapy massage shop? They should apologize to Cecilia, who runs it seriously.

But, I can’t blame them entirely, as I was curious myself. That’s just how men are.

The disappointed adventurers dispersed.

However, that shop was really good. Setting aside any weird prejudices, I want people to experience that massage and understand its quality firsthand.

“Sure, they might not offer those kinds of options, but just chatting with the beautiful staff at Aroma Forêt and getting a massage with aromatherapy can genuinely be soothing.”

As I muttered that, the adventurers who had dispersed immediately returned.

Then, Razo, glancing around, whispered to me.

“…So, how exactly is the massage done?”

“Um, well, first—”

I explained the process of the massage at Aroma Forêt to the curious adventurers, including Razo, who was eager to know.

As I spoke, the adventurers showed increasing excitement with each detail, listening intently until the end.

“Erik, I’m going. To that shop.”

“We’re a party. We stick together no matter what.”

It seemed like my explanation had completely changed their minds. The adventurers, including Razo and Erik, had determined looks in their eyes.

Not a single one of them mentioned anything about being too intimidated to go because it was too stylish.

♦ ♦ ♦

“Hello, Rabis-san.”

“Hello, Shuu-san! There are plenty of requests for you today as well! Take your pick!”

As I checked the bulletin board and headed to the reception, Rabis placed a stack of documents with a cheerful smile.

A heavy thud echoed, indicating the weight of the pile. It looked to be about thirty centimeters thick.

“I’ve found some gathering requests that seem interesting and right up your alley—”

“Ah, sorry, but unfortunately, I’ve already decided on the next request I’ll take…”

As I stopped her lively explanation, Rabis’s expression turned dismayed.

“Eh?! Then what about these requests here?!”

“I’ll have to decline.”

“N-no way…”

Rabis slumped onto the counter, ears drooping.

I felt guilty for not being able to accept the requests she had chosen.

Just like last time with the Aromashroom gathering, she must have selected requests she thought I’d like. Seeing the sticky notes attached to the request forms confirmed Rabis’s effort.

I felt sorry for her going through all this trouble.

“However, this time I will be handling a nomination request, so please forgive me.”

As I said that, Rabis, who had been crestfallen, suddenly straightened up.

“Was this requested directly by the client?”

“Yes, Klaus requested the collection of toxic materials. This is the request form he submitted.”

I handed the request form, as requested by Klaus, to Rabis.

“…Normally, the requester is supposed to bring the request themselves, but I suppose it’s fine.”

Although she looked a bit unsure, it seemed she would still proceed with the formalities properly.

“Collecting toxic materials from the Terra Phios Marsh, huh? It might be quite challenging, but with your skills, Shuu-san, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’ll take a bit of time to process the paperwork, but will you be departing soon?”

“No, I hardly know anything about the marsh, so I thought I’d ask for your guidance, Rabis-san.”

“I see, gathering information is important. Leave it to me, as a guild staff member.”

Whether it was because she was pleased to be relied upon or not, Rabis patted her chest and explained about the Tera Phios Marsh.

Summing up the information she provided, the general information is the following:

The marsh receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, leading to muddy ground over a wide area, making footing difficult.

Sudden dense fog can obscure visibility.

Due to the dimly lit marsh, mushrooms are abundant and of good quality.

There are also natural caves, and the ores obtained through mining are of high quality. There are places where massive crystals are formed, offering beautiful scenery.

She also informed me about the main monsters inhabiting the area, as well as rarely encountered dangerous creatures.

“Such are the characteristics of the marsh. Do you have any questions?”

“Is there anything I should prepare before heading there?”

Dealing with terrain as peculiar as that of the Ladeo Volcano often requires some form of preparation to make gathering activities feasible.

“Considering the materials you’ll be collecting this time, antidotes or detox potions are essential. It might be wise to have both on hand in case of emergencies.”

I’ve already stocked up on antidotes at Klaus’s shop, so it’s just the detox potions I need. I have a few in my magic bag, but I should ask for recommendations on how best to use them.

“You’ll also need tools for collecting toxins, shoes that are easy to walk in even on muddy ground, and a change of clothes in case it rains.”

“Ah, right. I’ll need tools specifically for collecting the essential materials.”

I’ve been considering this somewhat casually, but the materials I’ll be collecting are toxic. Naturally, I can’t touch them with my bare hands, and I’ll also need special containers to store them.

I had some vague ideas about the latter, but I completely overlooked the former.

“What should I do…”

“Regarding that, I think you can resolve it at Saffy’s shop. She’s made gloves and containers using the skin of Black Slimes, which have properties like antidote and acid resistance.”

“Wow. You’re really acting like a guild staff member today, Rabis-san.”

“Wasn’t I reliable enough normally!?”

“It was a joke. Thank you for your thorough guidance.”

I thanked Rabis for her advice and left the guild.