Cheat na Kaineko no Okage de Rakuraku Level Up

The official A-rank promotion exam takes place in the guild’s room.

However, as soon as I entered the guild’s room, Aria said—
“You already look like an A-rank adventurer to me.”

“Maybe it’s because I leveled up. I’m at Lv 29 now.”
“That’s amazing! You could even be S-rank at this point!”

“I just wanted to level up enough so I wouldn’t be embarrassed as an A-rank.”

Thanks to quite a bit of studying, I think I scored well on the exam—although it’s not graded instantly.

Next, I had to write a short essay. The question asked for a declaration of intent, so I wrote about wanting to become the strongest adventurer in this country and fight seriously.

The results will be announced later.

I went down to the bar on the first floor, where Misha and Lena were waiting.

“Let’s not drink just yet. I want to toast to the good news.”
“It would suck if I failed.”
“There’s no way you’d fail, Master. You just need to score 70% to pass, right?”
“Still, what if something went wrong, like the answer sheet misaligning.”

I won’t feel relieved until the results are back.

On the other hand, I’m well-known due to the tournament, so other adventurer customers didn’t look down on me.

“You really do have a different aura.”

“Just by being here, we can tell you’re someone of ability.”

I wonder if that’s really true, but being praised feels good.

About 30 minutes later, Aria comes in.
“Congratulations, you passed the written exam!”
“Yes!”
I instinctively strike a victory pose.

“Congratulations, Master!”
Misha hugs me tightly and even gives me a kiss, which I happily accept.

“You two look so good together!”
Not just Lena, but the surrounding customers also applaud.

“Drinks are on me tonight! Enjoy, everyone!”

“Congratulations on A-rank!”
“Another amazing adventurer is born!”
“Really awesome!”

Being an A-rank adventurer must be a point of pride for the town.

I got completely drunk that day.

Lena, in particular, was red-faced.

“Ah, this is good! Haven’t had booze this great since my days as a thief!”

“Hey, don’t say stuff like that!”
I quickly cover her mouth.

“Mmm, mmm…”
It seems safe now, so I let go.

“Sorry, Master… I got a little carried away.”
“If people find out we’re harboring you, we’ll all be in trouble…”

But it seems some adventurers overheard.
“Huh? A thief? What are you talking about?”
“Ah, it’s nothing! Nothing!”
“I wonder what happened to the thieves who used to be around here.”

This is bad!
The conversation is clearly heading in an uncomfortable direction!

Just then, Misha comes over with a plate of new glasses.
“Here, forget about all that trivial stuff. Here’s some new, expensive liquor.”
“Oh, much appreciated!”

Nice save, Misha.
I mumble in my mind.
Right, right. I usually forget, but Lena is a criminal.

Even if she doesn’t seem like a bad person, she’s still a criminal.

I might need to be more careful.

However, a few days later, something strange happened.

It seems someone has been lurking around our mansion.