Page 196

(Walson)

When it comes to the Adventurer's Guild, what kind of image do you all have of the guild's receptionists?

Is it a demure uniformed lady at the counter saying, "Sir, do you need help finding a suitable quest since you can't read?" or a cute little girl holding up her hand in front of the bulletin board, trying to look adorable like something out of a fantasy anime?

In a more realistic sense, you might imagine someone who used to be an adventurer, possibly one who took an arrow to the knee.

Well, that's indeed the most common impression, but after listening to Alice's explanation, I've come to realize that the guild's receptionists are far from what we might imagine, and these individuals are not your run-of-the-mill staff.

Let's organize the information a bit and start by discussing the receptionists' responsibilities.

Apart from the well-known tasks of assigning quests, exchanging materials, and explaining guild rules, their duties also include scheduling, organizing supplies, and more. Why, you might wonder?

After gaining a deeper understanding, I discovered that their job nature is quite similar to that of a "manager" and, in some aspects, astonishingly resembles that of a "team manager."

Here's how it works: Nearly every "promising and prospective" adventurer team has a dedicated receptionist behind the scenes (except for the folks from the "$Eyes of the Night Cat$," unfortunately).

What does this receptionist do, you ask?

Firstly, they remain on standby at the Adventurer's Guild around the clock, scouting for missions that match the adventurers' requirements. This is necessary because adventurers can't be at the guild all the time, and it would be a waste to miss out on any lucrative contracts during their absence.

Next is the arrangement of food and accommodations at the mission location. Not every receptionist can provide this service, and it depends on the receptionist's connections. Arranging everything before the adventurers arrive at their destination can be challenging in this age when communication isn't as advanced.

Managing the movement of supplies is another crucial aspect. When adventurers set out on missions, they need provisions such as rations, potions, materials for equipment maintenance and replacement, arrows, and other consumables. Special equipment requests are also quite common. During such times, to ensure that the mission is not delayed, receptionists must swiftly utilize their connections to procure all the necessary supplies for the adventurers.

It can be said that once an adventurer gains the favor of a receptionist and establishes an employment relationship, they can save themselves a lot of unnecessary trouble. Moreover, during times of danger, if an adventurer hasn't returned by the stipulated time or has lost contact, it becomes the receptionist's duty to mobilize other adventurers for a rescue mission.

In addition, there are times when receptionists engage in "trade contracts" with each other. This is why I mentioned earlier that they are somewhat similar to sports team managers—it's like trading players!

That being said, you might still have the impression that receptionists are "bookish office workers," especially since many of them are from the [Villager] class. You might wonder, what happens if adventurers bully them or refuse to fulfill their contracts?

Well, let me tell you something.

Picking a fight with a receptionist? If you feel like scratching that itch, go ahead!

Facing pressure from the guild for contract breaches? No, no, no, it's not that simple.

I've mentioned the word "connections" multiple times. Quick mobilization of resources and manpower requires connections, which means that almost all receptionists have some kind of connection to the "Black Market," the shady side of society.

In the Black Market, with enough money, you can buy almost anything, including mercenaries or even the lives of an entire family.

During my conversation with Alice, I couldn't help but notice Dean's mechanical left arm, powered by steam. As mentioned before, steam-powered machinery in a steampunk setting typically relies on [Thermodynamic Core] for sustained operation. This technology was considered a closely guarded secret by the Dwarven Kingdom, and it was not meant to be shared with humans. Yet here it was, incorporated into a small human's prosthetic limb.

This reveals a lot of information.

Firstly, this technology, even if it can be used to create prosthetics, is clearly not designed for humans. Dean's prosthetic is undoubtedly custom-made by a specialized craftsman.

Furthermore, despite both being connected to the criminal underworld, Dean's attitude towards Alice, respectful and fearful at the same time, suggests that someone with considerable influence helped her obtain this technology.

...The snake woman who has been following us all this time—just how big of a player is she in this game!?

She seems to be Derisha's personal receptionist...? When I think about it, that could very well mean that her backing is from a royal family!? Maybe even more than that!

"...That's about it. Any other questions? I'm here to answer them," Alice said, finishing her explanation.

"No, no questions, Miss Alice," I replied, my tone more respectful than I had anticipated.

"Huh? No need to be so formal, you know?" Her gentle smile suddenly turned into something more... devilishly playful!

"No, no, you are too kind."

"Feel free to ask any questions, and don't hesitate to voice your opinions if there's something you disagree with."

"No, I am sincerely appreciative of your thorough explanations. Your words are impeccable in every aspect..."

...

...

In the end, Alice gave me a briefing and instructions to the training grounds before leaving the room.

As for me learning about her other title, "Black Street Serpent," that came much later.