"Lord Jiro, you're the best!"
"Good job out there, Lord Jiro!"
"Hahaha. I'm just doing my job." ［Jiro］
Cheers and claps all over the place, a single man skipped atop the water surface and streaked back to the port. The people greeted him warmly as soon as he was back on land, crowding over him with smiles of gratitude across their faces.
And being the man he is, Jiro returned their greeting with an even brighter smile, nodding and waving as he walked, parting the crowd of people. The gloom and depression is no more, only excitement dancing in the air.
"E-Everyone, steer clear! It's dangerous in the waters!"
Well, it was full of excitement until a ragged group arrived, bearing their weapons by their sides and adorned with light armor. They were adventurers from the guild, ready to rush into battle and risk their lives for the people.
Unfortunately for them, they were just a tad bit too late. Everything was already over before they even arrived, confusion painted on their faces as they watched the blue and tranquil waters, a couple of dead serpents floating motionlessly.
"Wh... What happened..."
"Don't worry about it, I already made short work out of them." ［Jiro］
"V-Vice Guildmaster! You're finally here!"
It was confusion which turned to relief as soon as they heard Jiro's words. In fact, they were so relieved, some of them lost the strength in their legs and gave out then and there, their bodies still slightly trembling.
"Don't be too relaxed yet. We still have some work to do. We still need to make use of those guys before they drift away. Can I leave that to you?" ［Jiro］
"Of course! You can count on us! We'll make sure to dismantle them properly!"
"Good, I'll leave it toー" ［Jiro］
He didn't even finish his sentence, stopping halfway through. On the corner of his always-closed eyes, he saw two familiar figures standing quite some distance away, their backs leaning against the wall as they watched the crowd gather around Jiro.
Of course, those two figures were none other than Grey and Yuna. As soon as their eyes met one another's, the two waved their hands slightly with little smiles on their faces. Jiro, on the other hand, simply gestured a slight nod in response.
"Is something wrong, Vice Guildmaster?"
"Ah, no... I just remembered something important... I'll leave you in charge of the Sea Serpents' materials, alright?" ［Jiro］
"I'm honored! I'll make sure to live up to your expectations."
"Hahaha. I feel reassured. Just make sure you don't overwork yourselves... Oh, and one more thing......" ［Jiro］
Giving out his final instructions, Jiro spent a couple more moments talking with both the adventurers and the fishermen. Neither side voiced out any disagreements and simply nodded along the man's words, putting complete trust on him.
"Then, I'll be heading off now." ［Jiro］
"Yes! Thank you for your hard work, Vice Guildmaster!"
Waving his hand goodbye and nodding along everyone's cheers, and as if he was never there, people quickly lost sight of him. And no, it wasn't because he used his "Stealth" ability, the people were simply too excited about carrying out his instructions that they got too distracted.
With everything now done and finished, Jiro headed straight towards one direction, and that is, towards the two youths who were still wearing their light vacation clothes despite the recent disturbance. They were beaming smiles as he approached them.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Grim Reaper and the Phantom, or... Should I call you the Heroes of Alfrione? Which do you prefer?" ［Jiro］
"Ugh... That's a little embarrassing..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I thought you already got used to it by now." ［Jiro］
A frowning expression on Grey and Yuna's face, Jiro let out a light chuckle. They may have only known each other for a short time, but that short time was enough for them to become acquainted. There was only a light atmosphere about them.
"Long time no see, Grey, Yuna." ［Jiro］
"Yeah, it's been a long time, Mister Jiro." ［Grey］
"Un! Nice to see you again, Mister Jiro!" ［Yuna］
Greetings out of the way, the sound of footsteps soon echoed in the air as three sets of feet started to move once again. A slow and steady pace, moving left and right and through the busy streets, three figures set off to nowhere in particular.
The streets which were once full of panicking people were now calm and back to normal, the merchants selling their wares, the wagons heading back and forth, and the lively noises dancing in the air. It was as if everything was a passing daydream.
"Anyway, I didn't think I'd see you both again, and in Lista too of all places. Did you arrive here just recently?" ［Jiro］
"Yeah. We just arrived yesterday. Though... I didn't think we'd get to see such an interesting sight so soon. It really took us by surprise." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Well, I was surprised quite a bit, too. I didn't think I would be welcomed that way as soon as I got back from my assignment. Really, it's been such a little tough this week. Hahaha." ［Jiro］
Jiro ended his statement with a wry laugh, but it was worth taking note that it wasn't just a "little" rough. He had been tossed around from place to place to deal with a few problems the adventurers couldn't quite solve. It was a hell not many people could dare to imagine.
To top it all off, what greeted him home was news about a bunch of Sea Serpents rampaging near the ports. Yet despite the difficulties of the week, the man could still smile brightly. Quite an outstanding man if there ever was one.
"Mmn... I didn't know Mister Jiro was the Vice Guildmaster. I thought you'd already retired as an adventurer." ［Yuna］
"Well, actually, I did... It's just that the previous Vice Guildmaster retired quite a while back and I kinda got dragged into all of this. And now, I've been dealing with odd jobs here and there." ［Jiro］
"Odd jobs?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. You know monster subjugations, delivery of supplies, dealing with paperwork, and all that stuff. Odd jobs like those." ［Jiro］
Odd jobs... It was quite the way to describe it, but Jiro was not wrong. Not only does he assist the Guildmaster with paperwork, he also deals with the unfinished quests every now and then, especially the higher ranked ones. In short, he's an adventurer with extra steps.
Well, even with the difficulties, he didn't complain about his work. After all, with the money he got from all the years he was active, he wasn't really in need of such a job. Jiro simply loves adventures just as much as Grey and Yuna do, be it paperwork or subjugations. He is ready to take them all on.
Of course, if there was anything he was aiming for in such a line of work, it was to become a role model for the other adventurers. Especially to his children, he wanted to be a father they can be proud of.
"Well, enough about me. You said you just arrived yesterday, correct?" ［Jiro］
"Yeah. That's right." ［Grey］
"Good, then that means you haven't seen the whole of Lista. And as luck would have it, I'm quite free right now. Would you like me to show you around?" ［Jiro］
From one job to another and, just recently, a quick subjugation. Jiro was already busy as he is yet he still offered a hand to the two, an inviting smile floating on his bright face. He really was a great person.
"Would that be alright? Aren't you exhausted, Mister Jiro?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Just who do you think you're talking to? I'm a High-Ranker, you know? And it so just happens that I also grew up here in Lista. So... what do you think? Are you in or not?" ［Jiro］
His convincing words drifting in the air and his hand stretched out towards Grey and Yuna. When he puts it that way, there was no way Grey and Yuna could decline him. All they could do was accept his goodwill.
"Haah... We'll be in your care, Mister Jiro." ［Grey］
"Great, great. I'll make sure you'll have the best experience here in Lista. Please prepare yourselves. This is going to be a long tour." ［Jiro］
A confident declaration rang in the air, a gleeful smile on Jiro's face. And they weren't just empty words. Jiro made sure to deliver on his promise as he led the two all over the town, bringing from one place to another.
From the ports where the waves echoed loudly all the way to the most isolated and open areas of town, no place was left unturned as three sets of steps twisted and turned, heading left, right, and anywhere in the bounds of their sight.
"This is Lista's largest shipyard. It boasts more than a hundred years of history and is one of the oldest throughout all of Alfrione!" ［Jiro］
"And here we have the Kilner workshop. Believe it or not, the previous King actually visited this very shop and bought a lot of souvenirs here." ［Jiro］
"To the left is the town hall. It may not look much compared to other towns, but it's the heart of Lista. Want to take a look inside?" ［Jiro］
One after another, Jiro led Grey and Yuna in and out of many establishments. There were small street stalls and shops, and on the other hand were the largest and most important buildings in town, one not many people could freely access.
Of course, as one would expect from the town's idol, everyone was delighted as soon as they saw Jiro's face. He was just like a celebrity, bringing smiles to those around him. Especially the children, they were really fond of him, looking up to him as their idol whom they want to match one day.
It was also thanks to Jiro's popularity that Grey and Yuna didn't get much attention. They have already learnt their lesson last time, and so, whenever someone asks them who they were, they simply replied that they were tourists. Peace was the best.
The clock continued ticking and the tour continued. As their foot took them where Jiro led them, they visited a couple more places, even ones they visited before. It really was different with a tour guide around. Of course, the best was saved for last...
"And finally, here we are! The market!" ［Jiro］
A loud declaration!
"I'd love two kilos of mackerel, please."
"Tuna! Fresh tuna over here!"
"What do you mean, 20 kiels?! That's too much!"
And what followed after was a cacophony of noises. Be it the soft requests, the loud announcements, or the sharp bargains, there was a lot to be heard. It was like a totally different world, one livelier and noisier than outside.
Though Grey and Yuna have seen a lot of markets from all their travels, a port town really was different. The fishy and salty smell, the always wet floor, the stupendously large amount of barrels here and there, and the large variety of seafood displayed all over the place. It was just like Grey remembered it.
Well, despite the fishy smell, it was still an amazing place. Especially for Yuna who had never been in such a large fish market. The one in Galderia, and even the one in the Royal Capital was nothing compared to it. As expected of a port town.
"Waah～! Grey look! So many fishes! And there's also a lot of weird things! Ah! What are those?!" ［Yuna］
"Now, now, Yuna, you're too excited. Let's calm down a little, alright?" ［Grey］
"Ehh～?! But there's just too many things to see!" ［Yuna］
The inner child inside Yuna had awakened once again, and now, there was only so much Grey could do to calm her town. Her head was turning left and right as her eyes sparkled like the stars in a starry night.
And though it was partly because of a novel sight, as one would expect from Yuna, it was not as simple as that. Be it for cooking or for alchemy, Yuna just couldn't calm down when there are so many ingredients around to see and experience.
She was so excited that she completely broke her character in public, completely forgetting they still have another person with them. And that person was also taken quite aback by such a sudden change.
"Hahaha. I didn't think Yuna would be this energetic. You remind me of my daughter. She's just like you. Hahaha" ［Jiro］
"A-Ah... I mean... It's a wonderful place, Mister Jiro." ［Yuna］
Yuna tried to recover her image with a gentle smile, but it was already far too late. Especially with her embarrassed face, it was easy to tell that it was her usual and true personality. All was revealed to Jiro.
"Hahaha. I'm happy to hear that." ［Jiro］
Well, not that Jiro really minded such a change. Though he was a little surprised, he knows that every person has a secret or two. Rather, he was a little pleased to know that such a perfect-looking model actually had a childish child to her.
"Then, would you like me to show you around in the market? I know a place of two which gives some amazing deals." ［Jiro］
"Ah, we're just thinking of buying some seafood for dinner. It would be great if you could guide us, Mister Jiro." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. It's decided then." ［Jiro］
There was no more time to waste. As soon as Grey agreed to Jiro's proposal, they quickly set off towards various stalls. And the deeper they went inside the market, the livelier the place became. It really was the busiest part of town.
As for Yuna, though she tries to act like her image, she still couldn't stop turning her head left and right with an excited and curious look on her face. It was then that Grey again realized how adorable his girlfriend was.
"Good morning, could I buy some tuna, please?" ［Jiro］
"Of courseー Ah! Lord Jiro! It's been some time!"
"Yeah, it's been quite a while. Sorry, I've been quite busy so I haven't gotten the chance to visit." ［Jiro］
"It's fine, it's fine, we all know how busy you are."
Casual as one can be, the conversation went along smoothly. Grey and Yuna already knew that Jiro was well-liked within the town, but seeing it again in action, they could only be astonished with his social skills.
It was especially intriguing for Grey and Yuna who also bear the privilege of High-Rankers. Though they communicate well with people, Jiro was just on another level, connecting to them. They both wondered how long it would take to get to his level.
"Ah, sorry, I just kept on rambling and rambling,.. You were saying tuna, was it?"
"Yeah, that's correct. I'd like, umm... How many are we getting again?" ［Jiro］
"We'd like twenty kilos, please." ［Grey］
"Hahaha, twenty kilos, was it? Coming right up!"
There was no time to waste. As soon as the fishmonger heard Grey's words, he quickly got to work chopping up a lot of meat here and there, loud chopping sounds echoing as the large cleaver hit the broad cutting board.
And it wasn't just tuna, Grey and Yuna ordered a lot more types of fish from the ones they saw, to the fishmonger's delight. Soon after packing their orders, a series of clinks echoed in the air as the payment coins fell into his hands.
With a simple, swift flick of his wrist, the heavy bags which were once atop the stall table vanished into thin air. Or rather than vanish, they were simply stored inside the "Inventory". Fresh fish is now on stock!
"I hope you enjoy the fishes! Please come back again!"
"Un! We will!" ［Yuna］
There were only satisfied expressions on Grey and Yuna's faces as they finished the purchase. Though it may not last them for long with their appetites, it was enough to experiment new dishes on and make the best out of their sweet time in Lista.
"Now that that's done, should we head to our next stop?" ［Jiro］
A smile afloat on his face, Jiro led Grey and Yuna to a lot of stalls. From fishes, to crabs and shrimps, even kelp and various seaweeds, there was a lot to be seen and purchased with how much variety there was on the market.
Of course, as one would expect from Grey and Yuna, the amount they bought was not something two people could finish even in the course of a whole week. Each of the many stalls they went to, they bought more than a hundred kilos each and also paid thousands of kiels.
Well, even if they were to run out of ingredients, they could simply buy more in the market. Especially with Grey now possessing "Gate", they could simply transfer to Lista if they needed to buy more. It was super convenient.
"Ah! Mister Jiro, do you know where we could buy some sea cucumbers?" ［Grey］
"Sea cucumbers...?" ［Jiro］
"Ah, are there no stalls selling them?" ［Grey］
"No, it's nor that... It's just that not many people buy them outside of those who grew up in port towns like Lista. I'm just a bit surprised is all...." ［Jiro］
A valid point. After all, no matter where one would look at it, the sea cucumber really does look like an underwater worm which is also a little on the bloated side. It doesn't look appetizing at all. Even Grey would hesitate eating it if he didn't know what it was.
Well, it wasn't just the sea cucumbers, many strange-looking sea creatures are not favored by those who grew up away from the sea. Just like sea urchins, pufferfishes, various mollusks, and many more. The sea is just full of alien-looking things.
Thankfully, Grey wasn't one to shy away from such challenges. Thanks to the internet back on Earth, he learned a number of useful information he could use to prepare and cook such exotic creatures. Viva Internet!
"Hahaha. I just know a thing or two about them." ［Grey］
"Alright, if you say so..." ［Jiro］
Jiro a little confused, Grey full of confidence, and Yuna brimming with excitement. Three figures headed out to another section of the market where a myriad of strange and exotic ingredients were found. The deeper they went, the more absurd the items became.
There aren't just normal sea creatures, but even beasts as well. Even some of the Sea Serpents Jiro subjugated just recently were now on display in one of the stalls. There was just too much to get distracted from.
"Oh! Lord Jiro, what brings you here?"
"Nothing much. I'm just touring my acquaintances around. They said they wanted to buy some sea cucumbers. Do you have some?" ［Jiro］
"Huhuhu... If it's sea cucumbers you want, then it's your lucky day! I just got several dozen newly harvested ones! Feel free to take a look!"
The man's words were no exaggeration. There weren't just ten nor twenty, but dozens upon dozens of sea cucumbers stored and iced in the barrels. They were all fresh as well, the salty smell still clinging unto them.
"Waah～! So many～!" ［Yuna］
"Huhuhu! You're really lucky! Had you arrived a moment later and many of these would have sold by now. And people would have already flocked. So, how many would you like to buy?"
"We'd like to buy all of them!" ［Yuna］
"I see, then that makes itー Eh?! All of them?!"
A delayed reaction, and a loud scream rocked the market. The stall owner could only look at Yuna with shock and confusion swirling in his eyes. Meanwhile, the young lady was only sparkling with conduce and excitement, a complete contrast.
"Don't worry! We have the money!" ［Yuna］
"My, how rude of me. I'll prepare your order in a moment."
But the moment the beautiful glimmer of silver coins entered the scene, shock and confusion was no more. All there was was a swift and polite merchant packing the sea cucumbers in the barrels ever so diligently. A smile was painted on his face.
It didn't take long at all before the packing was done, and with the payment at hand, the merchant could not hide his smile anymore. He now viewed the two youths in a different light. He was totally hopeless.
"Thank you for your patronage～! I hope to see you again next time～!"
A satisfied expression on his face, the merchant waved his hands goodbye as the three figures walked away. He then hummed to himself as he looked at the silver coins once again, unable to hide his satisfaction.
After buying sea cucumbers, everyone went around in the market once more to buy more and more ingredients. There was no limit to Grey and Yuna's curiosity. They bought anything and everything that catches their eyes like some sort of collector. Truly terrifying.
"You sure bought a lot... Are you sure they won't go bad before you get the chance to eat them?" ［Jiro］
"Hahaha. There's no need to fret. We have our ways." ［Grey］
"I see... that's reassuring... Then how about weー" ［Jiro］
Grooowwwlllll
Jiro couldn't even finish his words when he was rudely interrupted, and by his own stomach, no less. It was a little embarrassing, a slightly red tint showing on his face.
It was only natural. After all, Jiro skipped his breakfast due to work, and just when he finished, expecting a warm meal, he was greeted by a crisis instead. Then there was touring Grey and Yuna around... In short, he is starving.
"Sorry, actually... I haven't had breakfast yet..." ［Jiro］
"Hahaha, it's alright. Then, how about this? As thanks for guiding us around, we'll cook lunch for you. How does that sound?" ［Grey］
"Oh? Would that be alright?" ［Jiro］
"Of course. You've done a lot for us, after all. So... Are you in or not?" ［Grey］
Using Jiro's own words against him and with the same smile on his face, there was only so much the latter could do. He could only hide the little smile of his as he once again looked at the two youths before him with warm eyes.
"Alright, you got me... I'll be expecting a good meal from you." ［Jiro］
"Hahaha. That's only natural." ［Grey］
"Un! Please look forward to it!" ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 219 END