The Hunter’s Town of Dryden
Dryden is a town of livestock and hunting.
Surrounded by several dairy farming villages, Dryden thrives as a small urban hub connecting them. Villagers come here to buy goods from the city that they can’t get back home. For outsiders, the main attractions are leather goods, cheese, and other dairy products. Oh, and horses—though those are damn expensive.
“Thanks for the escort. You really helped me out. Next time you’re free, I’ll be sure to hire you again.”
“Certainly. If the opportunity arises, please don’t hesitate to make use of our services.”
Artemis is a small but elite group—skilled, no doubt. But beyond that, their looks definitely play a big part too.
Just look at that merchant leader we just said goodbye to—he was practically drooling.
“If I’m paying anyway, I’d rather travel with pretty girls than a bunch of scruffy men.” That’s just basic male instinct. I get it.
But whether that’s enough to justify shelling out for a Gold-class party… eh, that’s debatable. Then again, rich guys probably don’t care about that kind of thing.
After parting ways with the client, we headed to the guild to report.
The Dryden branch is always busy, dealing with monsters that attack nearby villages or unwelcome visitors wandering down from the Latrelle Peaks.
Honestly, as a reincarnated modern guy, Dryden feels more like an adventurer’s guild than Legol does. Legol’s just gotten too prosperous—there aren’t many exciting quests left. Not that I want excitement, mind you. I’d rather not risk my life every damn day.
Given how rough-and-tumble this guild branch is, the atmosphere tenses up a little when unfamiliar guild members from another branch walk in.
“…Artemis, from Legol.”
“So that’s them…”
But Artemis’ reputation has spread even here in Dryden, so no one bothers us.
Well, more accurately, nobody in their right mind would pick a fight with a Gold-class party inside the guild building.
Just because they’re mostly women doesn’t mean they can be underestimated. Skills and enhancements have a way of shattering expectations.
“It feels kinda nice walking behind Artemis.”
“Mongrel-senpai, you wanna join?”
“Hard pass.”
“What even…? Well, it’s probably thanks to Sheena-senpai and Nastassha-senpai. Their presence keeps the air tense, so weirdos don’t mess with us.”
“Huh… Though, I think it’s less Sheena and Nastassha and more…”
I glance toward Gorilliana-san. As usual, her sharp features are cast in shadow, her expression unreadable. If anything, she looks pissed.
…Probably everyone’s just scared of Gorilliana-san… Yeah… I won’t say it out loud, though.
“Hey, hey, why’s there a Sunglaire here?”
“Worst.”
“Kukuku…”
Wait, so I’m the one getting harassed?!
Is this one of those things where guys target me to show off in front of the cute Artemis girls?
You kidding me…? Should I whine to Artemis and ruin their impression of you? Or maybe ask Gorilliana-san to beat the crap out of you…
“Got a problem with us or somethin’?”
While I’m brooding, Raina steps forward.
Whoa, whoa, hold up, Raina. This isn’t like you. That’s not your role.
“…The hell’s this guy?”
“This man’s a proper guild member from Harpelia, working with us on a joint quest. Not Sunglaire. That kinda talk ain’t cool.”
“…With that gray hair?”
“Hmph.”
At Raina’s straightforward words, the men lurking in the guild corner shut up.
Sheena and the others must’ve sensed the commotion too—their sharp glares probably helped.
No further jeers came.
“We’re done with the report and free-hunting paperwork. We’ll split the reward later, so let’s head out for now.”
“Roger.”
“Yeah!”
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We left the guild, its atmosphere now soured. The men glared daggers at me—but provoking them here wouldn’t do any good. Mostly for Artemis’ sake.
If it were just me, I’d happily talk back and start a brawl. But I can’t embarrass Raina and the others.
“Ugh, those guys were the worst!”
Ulrika whined the second we stepped outside.
Well, yeah, they sucked. But that’s just how guild members are. Other branches are usually like this. Expecting the same cozy vibe as our home branch in Legol is pointless.
“Mongrel-senpai, you should’ve talk back. You’d usually be provoking fights by now…”
“What do you take me for…? Well, you’re not wrong.”
“Just lettin’ ‘em talk smack ain’t good, y’know…”
“…Yeah. You’re right about that.”
I pat Raina’s head gently.
“H-Hey, stop that…”
“You should learn to handle things more maturely, Raina.”
“…Did I do somethin’ wrong?”
“Nah. I appreciated you sticking up for me.”
Personally, I think…
It’s not about being Harpelian or Sunglaire. There are good Sunglaire folks too—they’re just regular people. I want Raina to understand that.
In this world, saying that might be pointless. She might never get the chance to see it firsthand. Maybe I’m just burdening her with useless morals… But I can’t help thinking it.
“I’m tired from the long trip. Let’s just get to the inn and grab some food.”
And then Nastassha, completely oblivious to the mood, drops this line.
Well, the atmosphere was getting heavy, so I’m grateful for the change. But still.
No way she actually thought about that. She’s just tired and hungry.
“Hehe… Right. Let’s stay at Dryden’s inn tonight and head to the lake first thing tomorrow.”
“Yay! Hey, hey, Leader, what’re we eating? Where should we go?”
“I’m fine with anything.”
“Um, me too…”
“I wanna eat some good meat. Artemis’ treat, yeah?”
“Oh? Are you joining Artemis, Mongrel?”
“Nope, just kidding. I’ll pay properly.”
“Ahahaha!”
In the end, we ate pork sauté at a restaurant slightly removed from the guild, then stayed the night at an inn.
I half-expected Ulrika and me to room together as the guys, but we got separate rooms.
Ulrika ended up sharing with Raina.
…Now that I think about it, is it really okay for teens of opposite genders to share a room? I wondered.
The next day. We left the inn while it was still dark and boarded a carriage bound for Lake Zahia.
Not that there’s some fancy shuttle service—we just paid to hitch a ride with a farmer heading that way.
I often catch rides like this too, but an all-girl party must make it way easier. I’m past jealousy—now I’m just impressed. Not that I’m saying being born female gives you an advantage or anything… But damn, women are impressive.
“Lake Zahia has lots of tasty waterfowl. But the terrain’s a bit rough, so local hunters don’t go there much.”
“Huh. So it’s a hidden gem. Locals usually sniff those out quick.”
“Nah, around Dryden, there are way more profitable hunting grounds. The birds are good, but other spots pay better.”
“Damn. The Dryden branch’s really hustlin’, huh…?”
In my head, Dryden’s always been about brutal monster fights—g
rinding tough quests for cash like crab-fishing. But some areas are empty, huh… No wonder they’d be pissed if Legol poached their members.
Sorry, Dryden branch… But Legol’s gonna keep growing… Really, sorry…
“The ride’s getting bumpier. Be careful not to bite your tongue.”
As we neared the farm, the road worsened, shaking the carriage violently.
Not that I’m complaining—it’s a farm cart, not built for comfort. Feels like I’m on a damn spaceship.
“Ngh!”
“Ulrika-senpai, you okay?!”
“Ah, haha. Bit my tongue a little…”
“A-Are you alright…?”
“I’m fiiiine…”
Yeah, let’s not play astronaut. Nobody’d get the joke, and tongue-biting sucks.
Plus, today’s food would probably sting if I had a cut…
Ugh, I’m already starving, and we haven’t even caught anything yet…
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