Chapter 6:
First Adventure
CAIN HAD FINALLY BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO GO outside the mansion grounds, to somewhere other than the church. Of course, that was under the condition that Millie and Nina were there to protect him. Since he was leaving the protection of the city walls, Sarah gave him some leather armor, a robe, and a short sword, all specially designed to be used by a child.
Cain put on his new equipment in his room.
“Master Cain, you look amazing.” Sylvia complimented him like she usually did. “Even the areas near the city walls are dangerous, so be careful.”
“Yeah, I know. If I get injured, I probably won’t be allowed to go out again, so I’ll be careful.”
After getting his equipment in order, Cain left his room. There, Sarah and Reine were waiting for him.
“Cain, you look great. Although it’s to practice magic, remember that the outside world is dangerous and has real monsters. Be careful,” Sarah said.
“Cain, tell me about what you see once you come home!” Reine said.
“Mother, I’m off. I’ll be back before evening.”
After greeting the two, Cain followed Millie and Nina out of the mansion. The group passed through its gate and entered the city. The city’s main street was paved with cobblestones, and the group followed along it, walking past shops and stalls.
The streets were lively, and it was clear at a glance the city was flourishing. Cain swiveled his head left and right, overwhelmed by all the new sights.
“People are going to think you’re a country bumpkin if you keep looking around like that. Your father is in charge of this place, so hold your head up high,” Millie advised.
“That may be true, but I’m the third son. I’m going to become an adventurer after I grow up anyway.”
“You’re only five years old, yet you don’t come off as a child. Normal kids at your age would be going around everywhere bragging about their father.”
“I was taught by my parents that they have the citizens to thank for their position. The taxes they collect come from the success of the people under them—it’s their hard work that keeps us fed.”
“The Lord of Gracia is famous for his benevolent rule. We also moved here from elsewhere. Public order is pretty good here, and the forest is also close by, so there’s always plenty of work at the guild,” Millie said.
“Yes. Easy to live here. Food is good too,” Nina said.
The two of them liked this city. That was proof that Garm’s policies were working. Cain was extremely satisfied with their replies.
“Oh, if we’re leaving the city, can we drop by the guild first? There might be some information about what we can expect to run into outside.”
“I want to visit the guild!” Cain excitedly exclaimed with a sparkle in his eye.
They continued through the city and arrived at a large, three-story wooden building with a signboard of a crossed sword and shield. They opened the door and entered.
Directly across from the entrance was a receptionist desk. To the right was a bulletin board that had papers Cain assumed were requests. To the left was an area that seemed to double as a waiting area and cafeteria. Despite the early hour, there were already several adventurers sitting there, drinking.
The group headed towards the receptionist’s desk.
“Rudy, got a question—are you free?”
The receptionist, Rudy, was a beastfolk with dog ears. She looked up and answered with a smile, “Oh! Hi, Millie. What are you here for today?”
Dog ears… I bet they’re really fluffy, Cain thought. He was completely captivated, but Millie didn’t seem to be affected as she spoke with Rudy.
“We’re planning to do some training outside the city. We’re here to check if any monsters have been spotted.”
“Horned rabbits and wolves show up from time to time, but we haven’t gotten any new reports recently. You have a really cute little kid with you guys today. Did you take in a disciple?”
Millie moved in closer to the receptionist and whispered, “I’m on a request right now. He’s the son of the Lord of Gracia. We’re planning to leave the city to help him train.”
Rudy rose in a fluster and bowed to Cain. How could she have known this small child dressed in adventurer garb was the son of the ruler of Gracia?
“Let me apologize for my rudeness. I did not know that you were the esteemed son of the Lord of Gracia. I’m Rudy, and I operate the receptionist desk at the adventurer’s guild.”
“Cain von Silford. I’m still five, so I can’t register for the adventurer’s guild, but I’m planning to become an adventurer once I’m twelve. I hope to receive your assistance when the time comes.”
Rudy relaxed upon seeing Cain’s smile. “Oh my, how proper. You can call me Rudy.”
“All right, we’re off then.”
The group headed towards the exit, but one of the adventurers drinking in the cafeteria called out and stopped them.
“Hey! It’s Millie! What’s with the kid? Babysitting is such a chore, come drink with us instead!”
“Yeah, yeah! Drinking with us is way better than looking after a kid! We’ll take care of you tonight as well—I promise you’ll be satisfied.”
The other two adventurers drinking with them cackled, “Gah hah hah hah!” Millie and Nina looked at the drunkards in disgust.
Millie replied in disinterest, “We’re in the middle of a request right now. If you want someone to service you, head to the brothel.”
They once more headed to leave, but one of the men grabbed Nina’s arm. “Hey, did you not hear us?”
“Hey! Let go!” Millie said as she fended off the drunk man.
“Huh? You talking back to the C-rank adventurer, Lord Crosse? You guys are still D-rank. Listen to your betters and service us!”
Oh, it’s one of those super cliché events! Cain’s heart began to beat with excitement. However, at this rate, they wouldn’t be able to leave. He might not be able to practice today.
“Sorry, we’re about to leave. Could you let go?”
Cain stepped forward and smacked the arm of the man grabbing Nina. He had the blessing of the God of War and the Martial Arts skill. The force with which he struck the man’s arm was significantly stronger than what you would expect from a five-year-old. The man let go.
“Ow! Damn brat, who do you think you are?! You’re not getting away with this. Cheeky kids need to be disciplined!”
Crosse’s face turned beet red as he lunged at Cain. Cain used his martial arts abilities to dodge sideways at the last moment. He then slid under the man’s guard and kicked the inside of his knee, causing Crosse’s face to twist in pain. That only enraged Crosse further—a child had evaded his punch and then kicked him.
“This brat is asking for it! Die!” Crosse drew his sword and lunged at Cain.
“Watch out!” Millie shouted.
Perhaps because the man was drunk, his movements were slow. Cain easily evaded the attack. He then raised his sheathed short sword and smacked the man on the chin. He scored a direct blow and knocked Crosse unconscious.
The onlookers were dumbfounded. Although he was drunk, the man was still a C-rank adventurer—and a young child had just defeated him.
“What’s going on?!”
Everyone turned in the direction the sudden loud shout came from. There stood an adventurer of an entirely different class than the one sprawled out on the floor. The adventurer looked to be in his forties and had a buzz cut. He had the air of a seasoned warrior.