Chapter 41: The Brave Man Returns to the Association

Elan City, Adventurers’ Guild

The receptionist was handling task handovers for adventurers.

As she sent off the next one, she saw Fratina approach.

Fratina had reported her mission to confront Lucia here before, so the receptionist froze, rubbed her eyes, and stared.

“Am I seeing things? You’re… the Hero?”

Fratina nodded.

“It’s me. I’m here to handle a task.”

The receptionist paused, recalling Fratina’s mission.

“But… that task was deemed a failure by the guild.”

“No worries. I was here to officially abandon it anyway.”

Fratina wasn’t shameless enough to claim she’d defeated Lucia.

Her main goal was to drop that mission and check for new ones suited to her.

Though she’d clashed with Londe, as a Hero, slaying monsters and bandits was her duty. She wouldn’t avoid working in Londe just because they’d offended her.

“I’d like to know if there are any commissions suited for me.”

“Hm…”

The receptionist pondered.

As a cornerstone of continental stability, the guild had countless daily tasks, but most were for novice adventurers—overkill for Fratina.

High-level tasks were rare and not always fitting.

After some thought, she pulled a commission from the pile and smiled at Fratina.

“Come to think of it, a band of thieves has been causing trouble near Elan City. They hide in the forests, using nearby villages as bases. When Londe’s army moves to suppress them, they go dormant, only to resurface and rob merchant and supply caravans once the troops leave. It’s a headache for Londe.”

The thieves weren’t strong, but their ability to hide from large forces made the task unsuitable for big adventurer groups. A small, elite team was needed, and the receptionist deemed Fratina perfect.

Fratina, learning why the task was hers, considered it briefly and agreed.

These thieves troubled Londe. Clearing them out might ease tensions with the kingdom.

Relations weren’t completely broken; there was room to mend things.

She nodded.

“Alright, I’ll take the commission.”

“Good.”

Fratina signed her name in the logbook and took the commission.

It listed the target and basic info—villages near Elan City—but specifics required her own investigation.

‘I should let Lord Lucia know…’

Glancing at the midday sky, Fratina headed to the inn.

*

Meanwhile, after leaving the market, Lucia had caught unwanted attention.

Sensing heated gazes behind her, she cursed inwardly.

‘I’m too naive about this world. I forgot not to flash wealth.’

Now, some who’d eyed her beauty also coveted her money, emboldening a few to tail her despite the risks.

Lucia knew she had to stick to crowded areas.

An alley would mean getting cornered, forcing her to reveal her true form publicly—a mess for Londe’s elite and the Church.

Just then, several men quickened their pace, shouting, “Miss! Miss!”

Their speed and yells parted the crowd, closing the gap with Lucia.

Hearing their words, her heart sank.

‘Classic trafficker tactic—pretend they know me and drag me off.’

Turning, she saw rough-looking men approaching.

Her roast meat wrap lost its appeal. She stuffed it into her satchel and ran.

Her dash caused a stir in the crowd.

But in her small girl form, without dragon strength, she wasn’t fast. The men gained ground.

Soon, they surrounded her.

The leader grinned sleazily.

“Miss, don’t throw a tantrum. The master’s waiting. Come home with us.”

His cronies shouted to the onlookers, “Nothing to see! Our young lady ran away, and we’re bringing her back.”

Lucia’s refined air convinced the crowd she was a noble’s daughter. Though the men’s shabby attire raised doubts, no one dared intervene, resuming their business after a glance.

“What are you doing? I don’t know you!”

Lucia shouted, calling for help.

“Save me! These are traffickers trying to kidnap me!”

Her cries painted a picture of a spoiled heiress fleeing home, hoping to rally the crowd against her “servants.” But the men’s menacing looks deterred any heroes.

Instead of dispersing, the crowd regathered, drawn to the drama.

Meanwhile, Fratina, returning to the inn, noticed a blocked street.

Hearing a familiar cry for help, she instantly pushed through the crowd toward the commotion.