Chapter 18.2 – Ladies Night at the Guild

"Alright, there's normally a skill exam with me personally, but you've already had one, so I approve. Just let Melanie know to take care of it when you go down there. Here, take this." (Gerard)

Gerard hands me a paper out of his desk. Not my area of expertise, but it looks like some sort of authorization. Sweet. Oh yeah, I should ask.

"Hey, Gerard, out of curiosity, how do you go from A to S-rank?" (Mizuki)

Gerard snorts at me as he responds.

"Oh, that? You have to get the leader of a country to endorse it. Don't worry, though, with your mouth, a king is more likely to give you an execution than an endorsement." (Gerard)

Oh Gerard, you sweet talker. I smirk back at him and shrug, then leave his office to head downstairs.

As I descend the stairs, I notice a crowd forming around the reception area. The focus of the crowd seems to be…three very familiar women. Melanie sees me returning and looks at me with pleading eyes. What's going on?

It's around this time that I can make out comments from the crowd.

"That blonde girl had every elemental affinity!? Is she cute? I can't see her under that hood."

"Hey, little puppy, you should join our party, we'll make sure you're trained well!"

"Woahhh, is that the girl who blasted John through the door the other day? Hey, I don't see that twerp around, you want to join us for a drink?"

Crap…no wonder Melanie was scared. Nina alone might kill them over that last comment. I quicken my pace towards the crowd, but before I get there, I hear another voice ring out.

"Alright you pack of animals, clear out! Just ask John, no means no! These ladies are already in Mizuki's party, and I'm sure he's better company than you lot."

A mix of jeers, boos, and laughs come from the assembled crowd, but they slowly start to disperse. As the crowd clears, I see a familiar face standing next to Nina and the others. I smile fondly at the only adventurer that Nina liked.

"Hey there, Levi, I appreciate it. I was dreading how to handle that situation when you stepped in! Also, I didn't realize that you thought so highly of my company." (Mizuki)

Levi looks at me in surprise as I finally walk up next to him and the girls. He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, but he smiles.

"Well, I've just got a high opinion of Nina, you know. I doubt she hangs out with losers. After all, she knew exactly what to do with John. As for stepping in, don't mention it. I was trying to save the crowd, too. You don't seem to attract timid party members." (Levi)

Well…he has a point, actually. Even Alto, the most reserved of the three, could not be considered timid. Nina decides to interject at this point.

"Fufufu…hello again. My opinion of you has improved even further. If you keep this up, I'll have to recommend that Mizuki take you as our final party member!" (Nina)

Levi looks confused, but he rolls with it.

"Hahaha, you've seen through my master plan, Nina! So, Mizuki, did you end up accepting that job that Gerard wanted to talk to you about?" (Levi)

"Well, kind of. Let's just say it worked itself out and we got the credit. Speaking of which, Melanie, could you process this for Nina and me?" (Mizuki)

I hand over the A-rank paperwork, and Melanie nods. Levi is looking at me skeptically.

"It worked itself out, huh? Well, even if I believe that, I somehow doubt that you don't deserve the credit for it." (Levi)

I shrug at him and turn my attention to Melanie. I hand her my card.

"Hey, Nina, good news. If you hand Melanie your card, we'll be promoted to A-rank." (Mizuki)

Nina nods and hands Melanie her card, then Melanie disappears to the back. Alto and Zara are staring at me patiently with raised eyebrows. Oh, yeah, my bad.

"Alto, Zara, this man here is named Levi. He's an A-ranked adventurer in the guild. For future reference, if you ever find yourselves needing to trust another adventurer outside our party, he's the only one I recommend." (Mizuki)

The two of them raise their eyes in surprise and look Levi over again. Zara speaks out first. Alto seems content to remain silent.

"My name's Zara. If Mizuki says you're worth knowing, then it's good to meet you." (Zara)

Zara, direct as always, holds out her hand to Levi. He makes a curious expression and shakes her hand.

"Nice to meet you, Zara! It's funny that Mizuki says that, because I just finished telling my party members that they should never make an enemy of him. I guess his outlook was a little nicer than mine, but mine was a compliment in its own way!" (Levi)

I take the opportunity to clarify something to Alto and Zara covertly.

[You two, for clarification, this man has never seen me use any magic or impressive physical abilities. As far as he's concerned, I don't have magic. However, he seems convinced that I'm dangerous, which is the reason for his comments. Don't overestimate his knowledge about me and let anything slip.] (Mizuki)

I see slightly widened eyes from Alto and Zara that let me know they heard me, but they give no other reaction. Good.

I address Levi casually, making a gesture to dismiss any concerns of his.

"No offense taken. I'm just confused by this vibe of mine that makes you take me so seriously." (Mizuki)

Levi meets my question with a smile, but his eyes are curious and wary.

"Oh, nothing I can put my finger on. It's like that feeling you get when you're on the edge of a cliff. My instincts just tell me that respecting your boundaries is important, but I'll be fine if I do." (Levi)

Can't say I've ever been compared to a rock formation. I wouldn't call it an insult, so…I'll mark this one as a win. I joke back at Levi.

"I'm like a cliff, huh? You say the most romantic things, Levi." (Mizuki)

Levi gives me a weird expression, then clears his throat and walks away with a farewell.

"Ehem…well, anyway you guys take care! See you later, Mizuki, Nina. Nice to meet you Zara and Alto." (Levi)