NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57
That day, a postal worker came to my mansion early in the morning.
“Are you Keiji?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
An elderly delivery man got off a carriage and handed me a letter. He was wearing a badge identifying him as a royal employee.
The letter was sealed with “National Important Information” written on it.
“Please make sure to open this yourself. I wish you all the best.”
Wondering why he was praying for me, I checked the contents on the spot.
It read:
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Summoning Order for A-Rank and Above Adventurers
Objective: Retaking the Royal Family’s Tomb
The royal family’s tomb in Lancel Forest has been under monster control for two years, making it impossible to visit. Despite efforts by the guild and the royal army, high-level monsters have thwarted all attempts to reclaim it.
However, the loss of the royal tomb is intolerable for the nation. Hence, we have decided to gather A-rank and above adventurers to undertake its recovery.
– A-rank adventurers can include lower-ranked adventurers in their party.
– A-rank adventurers have the right to refuse, but doing so will result in a permanent demotion to B-rank.
– Failure will not result in demotion.
– Rewards will be issued by the king upon successful completion.
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I see.
I immediately went to discuss this with Misha and the others. It was just mealtime.
“I see.”
Misha, having read the letter, had the same reaction as me.
“Technically, only I need to participate, but of course, Misha will come too.”
“Of course. Who else will protect Master if he’s in danger?”
It seems there was no question for Misha.
And then there was another.
“I’m going too.”
Lena stood up to declare her decision.
“This is the epitome of an adventurer’s dream. I want to demonstrate my skills as an adventurer. Leveling up with just the Boss’s help won’t show my growth.”
“Sure.”
Misha nodded slowly.
“It’s your life. Go and make your mark. I’ll be cheering for you.”
“Yeah.”
I nodded as well.
“Lena, let’s go together.”
“Then, I will take care of things here.”
With Verdonna in charge, not even a single thief would get in.
So, there are no issues.
It looks like a long expedition.
◇
The day when adventurers were to gather at the royal castle was ten days later.
The delay probably stemmed from the lack of convenient communication like mail. Summoning adventurers even from remote parts of the kingdom takes time.
It was my first time entering the Gartred Kingdom’s royal castle, famous for its watchtower visible from the town below.
Showing my letter to the guards, I was quickly led inside.
Crossing the bridge over the moat, another soldier said, “I will guide you.”
The castle’s interior was magnificent, with shiny floors and a red carpet stretching out.
As we proceeded, we descended into the basement. The staircase was wide and grand, not at all like a hidden room.
“Here we are,” the previously silent soldier finally spoke.
A large hall in the basement was filled with about twenty adventurers.
“I’ll leave you here,” the soldier hastily retreated upstairs as if he couldn’t stand being around such monstrous beings.
Indeed, for a regular soldier, a space filled with A-rank adventurers might seem abnormal.
The adventurers turned their eyes toward us. I didn’t recognize any faces.
“Are all these people A-rank adventurers?”
“I don’t think so. A party can participate as long as they have one A-rank member,” Misha pointed out.
True, there seemed to be groups, probably each with an A-rank leader.
There was also an elderly man standing alone, his face scarred, evidently a seasoned adventurer.
“This tense atmosphere is unsettling,” Lena frowned.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“Well, not exactly good,” Misha wasn’t looking too pleased. “Maybe beast-people are more sensitive to such atmospheres.”
Maybe their wild instincts play a part. Not an impossible thought.
Suddenly, a soldier appeared and announced, “The king has arrived!”