Chapter 14

“Whoa, you’re a traveler, huh? You must be pretty tired from your journey, but welcome to Tracion, the Eternal Night’s Sanctuary!”

I had prepared this temporary new identity in advance.

Introducing myself as a Beastman traveling across the Demon Emperor’s Nation, I also mentioned I was desperately seeking mercenary quests for quick cash due to running out of funds.

She listened calmly to my long story and welcomed me with a bright smile.

Of course, since I’d never even been outside Tracion, let alone traveled, her pure reaction made me feel somewhat guilty, but fortunately she didn’t seem suspicious at all.

Frankly, I was worried she might find my current appearance suspicious, but it seemed that concern was misplaced.

Considering the countless travelers who visit the guild daily, my appearance probably wasn’t particularly unusual.

Just as I began to relax, unfortunately, that peace didn’t last long.

For one simple reason:

The words that came from the receptionist’s mouth were enough to put me on high alert once again.

Naturally, knowing nothing beyond the basic information that completing quests arranged by the guild earns money meant any unexpected variable could emerge at any moment.

And unfortunately, my vague unease quickly became reality.

“So, could you show me your Empire Citizenship Card first?”

“…Huh? What?”

Completely unexpected talk about an Empire Citizenship Card.

Thinking the conversation would immediately move to quests, I was taken aback when this topic arose.

While I did have some general knowledge about citizenship cards, I hadn’t anticipated being asked for one at this moment.

Moreover, as merely property of my owner, an automaton like me couldn’t possibly obtain such a card. With my voice full of confusion, I could only respond awkwardly.

But ironically, after observing my reaction, she soon nodded as if reaching a plausible conclusion.

“Oh, right… You said you’re from the Demon Race and are traveling, so not having an Empire Citizenship Card isn’t unusual.”

“But what if lacking a citizenship card means I can’t take quests?”

Worried about this possibility, I trembled inwardly until the receptionist’s indifferent voice reassured me.

Judging from her reaction, it seemed not having a card wouldn’t prevent me from taking quests.

Since it was impossible for an automaton to obtain a citizenship card, this was truly fortunate news for me.

However, just as I was about to ask if there would be any disadvantages for not having one, her next question left me speechless.

“So, could you tell me your name? I’ll check the other regional guild branches’ records to confirm your credit rating and combat level…”

“Um… This is actually my first visit to any guild branch in the capital…”

“You’ve never visited another guild branch despite being a traveler?”

Interrupting her mid-sentence with a timid voice, the warm atmosphere quickly turned into an awkward silence.

Her eyes shifted from curiosity to growing suspicion.

Ah, this is bad… Really dangerous!

Instinctively, I knew failing to handle this situation could lead to serious trouble.

Indeed, claiming to be a traveler who’d never visited another guild was contradictory and suspicious.

Especially considering Mark’s earlier statement that even small towns had guild branches…

Never visiting a guild while traveling was clearly illogical.

Trapped in this difficult situation with no way to retract my previous statements, our gazes locked as the tension reached its peak.

Right then, a brilliant idea struck me.

“To be honest… I didn’t want to reveal this, but I was in an accident in the past that severely damaged my face. Since then, I’ve developed a habit of unconsciously avoiding crowded places. That’s why I’m visiting during these late hours when there are fewer people…”

“Originally, I avoided guilds altogether, but unfortunately my financial situation has become dire, leaving me no choice.”

If Mark had seen it, he would have marveled at my impressive acting.

Combined with my current appearance, completely covered including wearing a mask, this last-minute backstory about trauma seemed convincing.

Though I had no certainty it would work.

If the receptionist was naturally skeptical and distrustful, it might not persuade her.

Fortunately, she appeared to be quite trusting.

“Oh, I see… Traveling without ever using a guild must have been incredibly difficult for you. It’s wonderful that you’ve overcome your trauma to come here now.”

All traces of suspicion vanished, replaced with sympathy and compassion in her expression.

As the atmosphere returned to normal, I internally sighed in relief.

Had I been a burly or muscular man, things probably wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.

However, despite being fully covered, my small frame and cute voice made me appear exactly like a young female beastman traveler trying to hide her scars.

These elements naturally influenced her judgment and suspicions.

That said, this appearance had its own distinct disadvantage.

“Yes, thank you Miss Karin. What a lovely name! Since this is your first time visiting a guild, to accept mercenary quests we need to evaluate your combat level…”

“Um, would you consider looking at other types of quests instead? Frankly, I’m concerned about someone so young handling mercenary work…”

“We have many less dangerous options available, and I’d be happy to help you review them.”

After introducing myself as “Karin,” she nodded while reviewing documents but soon expressed concerns, offering alternative suggestions.

This was somewhat expected.

Regardless of appearances, it’s generally unusual for a young girl like me to take mercenary quests.

Though I did browse other options as suggested, most weren’t suitable given my circumstances and financial needs.

Instead, this reinforced my resolve.

Raising my bandaged arm determinedly, I tried to demonstrate my capability.

“I may look this way, but I’m really strong! Please give me a chance – I promise you’ll be surprised!”

Despite my earnest appeal and shining eyes, seeing my thin, bandaged arm only made the receptionist give an awkward smile.

Her attempts to persuade me continued for a while but ultimately failed.

By then, she seemed to have fully accepted that I wouldn’t change my mind, sighing softly.

It was apparent she thought my combat rating would be too low for me to qualify for quests anyway.

Given my genuine confidence in this area, I was even more determined to prove myself.

Just as we were heading upstairs to the combat evaluation room, we unexpectedly encountered someone.

“Ah, Guild Master? You’re still here so late?”

“Hehe, I’ve got some pending work. Unfortunately, I’ve had to stay this late. By the way, who’s this?”

An elderly demon gentleman with kind white hair wearing the same guild uniform as her.

His presence alone commanded considerable authority – this was none other than the master of this capital guild branch.

The single person responsible for overseeing all guild operations in each branch, akin to a store manager.

Meeting such an important figure here was completely unexpected, making me unable to hide my surprise.

Once again, I silently thanked myself for wearing the mask as I observed their conversation.

After hearing a brief introduction about me from her, the elderly gentleman smiled warmly and spoke.

“I see… So I can call you Karin-san, correct? Welcome once again to our branch.”

“My name is Rohaim, the Guild Master of this capital branch.”

“Hearing about a young person like you wanting to take mercenary quests has piqued my interest. Since we’ve met like this, I’d like to observe your evaluation test.”

“But Master, it’s already late. Shouldn’t you go home soon…?”

“At this hour, whether I leave now or a bit later makes little difference. Could you please grant this old man’s request?”

With formal greetings and introducing himself while simultaneously expressing his desire to observe my evaluation, the Guild Master looked at me expectantly.

Naturally, as someone who prefers to avoid attention, this was an unwelcome proposal.

However, refusing his purely curious request felt difficult.

Moreover, the elderly demon Guild Master possessed a certain indescribable aura from years of experience.

Not oppressive, but subtly making refusal feel uncomfortable.

After briefly contemplating, I accepted his invitation.

Building rapport with the Guild Master wouldn’t hurt, especially since the currently empty guild meant his presence wouldn’t draw unwanted attention.

Thus, our group of three proceeded, exchanging light conversation along the way, eventually arriving at our destination.

Various facilities designed to measure physical strength and basic combat abilities.

Calmly observing these unfamiliar devices for the first time, we finally reached an unusual apparatus whose purpose was difficult to discern.