Haa... haa...

Lizlina was taking deep breaths, tears welling up in her eyes.

Lizlina, are you okay?

N-no... I'm exhausted... tired...

Oh no! I might have imposed a terrible penalty.

Turning to Gwell, his face seemed oddly strained.

I won't tell anyone. I don't want to end up like that, Murina said, her expression sour.

I won't say anything either, Keith added, looking even more displeased than Murina.

Heh... count me out. Haha!? Only Aid seemed to find it amusing, stifling laughter while glancing at Lizlina's face.

Aid, that's a bit harsh, isn't it?

Um, sorry, everyone. I didn't anticipate things would turn out like this, Duke Baldeck began, bowing his head towards everyone.

It's not your fault, Duke Baldeck, Keith interjected. We also have our share of blame for agreeing to Ellyna's penalty.

Y-yes... I see. Understood, Duke Baldeck replied, looking somewhat unconvinced.

I'm sorry. It's my fault for imposing such a penalty without thinking, I chimed in, feeling remorseful. I should have put more thought into choosing a different penalty.

Don't worry, Ellyna. None of us anticipated this outcome, Ramul reassured me.

Ramul... I couldn't help but think he was rather cold-hearted, yet I felt sorry for him.

However, now that we know this penalty can be effective, I'll be using it in the future, she declared, retracting her previous statement. This woman is ruthless! But then again, I can't say much about others either!

Anyway, Ellyna?

Yes, what is it?

I've brought the reward for the orc extermination mission from before. Take it, Ramul said, handing over three gold coins and eight silver coins.

Thank you.

Also, the orc you defeated was identified as a special individual.

Special individual?

Special individual... does that mean it was a randomly born orc, or perhaps a new species?

However, it's not an unconfirmed individual. Its type is called the Black Orc.

Black Orc?

Yes, it's significantly stronger than ordinary orcs, with only a 1 in 500 chance of being born from a regular individual. However...

However? Go on.

Having five of them around is quite unusual. Perhaps a new dungeon has emerged nearby, and the orc came from there. It would be wise to investigate the grasslands. Also, Aid.

Ramul shifted her gaze from me to Instructor Aid.

Yes?

Has anyone taken on the quest to transport goods to the weapon shop, tool shop, and trading company?

The quests for transporting goods to those places have been issued by both the commercial and adventure departments, but no one seems willing to take them.

As I suspected, Ramul sighed disappointedly upon hearing Instructor Aid's response.

Maybe I should ask about this?

Ramul, why are you so disappointed?

Huh? Oh, well, you see, a shipment arrived from the Babuls continent, but no one is willing to take the delivery quests to the recipients.

There are transportation quests available for both the adventure and commercial departments, with the amount varying greatly depending on the distance, type of goods, and the danger along the way.

Is it because only high-ranked individuals can take them?

It seems common for no one to take on quests in such cases.

No, even E-rank adventurers can take them, and since it's a delivery within the royal capital, the danger is low.

Even E-rank adventurers can take them, and the destination is nearby. In that case, it would be perfect for the adventure department to gain points, so why isn't anyone taking them?

The reason is simple. Due to the appearance of Black Orcs and reports of zombie hordes in the grasslands, there has been a surge in escort requests from the commercial department. As a result, escort fees have inflated to three to five times the normal rate.

Ah, I see. So merchants from the commercial department are either hiring skilled adventurers or gathering a large number of people to travel safely through the still-dangerous grasslands around the royal capital. It seems like they're competing to secure talent by offering slightly higher payments. In the end, it's a struggle for securing manpower, isn't it?

Ah, so the increased escort fees around the royal capital were due to that.

Exactly, President Baldeck.

Upon hearing that, Duke Baldeck furrowed his brow, placing his hand on his head in distress.

It can't be helped. We'll have to handle the deliveries ourselves. Someone prepare a carriage...

President Baldeck?

Hmm? What is it?

All the rental carriages at the guild are already booked, so we can't prepare one.

What!? All the rental carriages are booked? Even in Gozess, out of the ten rental carriages available, all of them are booked?

I see...

I see. Did you anticipate this situation, President Baldeck?

If Duke Baldeck says so, does that mean he had some inkling?

Yes, Ellyna. This is also included in the reasons I mentioned earlier regarding the escort requests.

Is that so?

Rental carriages and escort missions, hmm... they don't quite connect.

As I was pondering this, Ramul chimed in.

Three rental carriages were sent to the grasslands for zombie corpse disposal. The remaining twelve were kept at the guild, but... did the commercial department use them after all?

Yes, Guild Master Ramul. The members of the commercial department took all the remaining rental carriages to transport the magic stones they could harvest from the zombies and for the escort adventures. There are no carriages left.

It'll take time if we have to transport them ourselves. Or rather, before that, we need personnel from the general guild to deliver the goods... Haaa... We're stuck from all sides.

That's right... These three tasks are all requested to be completed by today, and it's troubling.

Duke Baldeck rubbed his beard, looking up, while Ramul remained with her arms crossed, her shoulders drooping, and Instructor Aid pinched his temples, deep in thought.

Duke, would it be acceptable for us to deliver that cargo? Guer inquired, and Duke Valdeck shook his head, prompting Instructor Aid to explain.

Captain Guer, while we appreciate the offer, it may disrupt the discipline of the Comprehensive Guild. However, I acknowledge your sentiment, Aid replied.

I see... my apologies for my lack of strength, Guer responded.

As Guer and Aid conversed, Keith lightly raised his hand and addressed Instructor Aid.

Um, I have a suggestion. May I share it?

A suggestion? Please, Keith, go ahead, Aid encouraged.

Yes, first, we need to confirm. Erlaina?

Huh? Oh, yes, Erlaina responded.

What does Keith want to ask me?

What are your plans after this? Keith asked.

Huh?! Um... well, since the promotion exam got postponed, I thought I might take on some quests around the capital. But...

Right, I see... Ramiel, Aid. Let's assign her the transport quest.

What?! Assign it to me?!

Oh, I see! Since El has a spacious item box, she can handle transport quests!

Oh! Lizlina suddenly chimed in out of nowhere!

I see. However, there might be too much to fit in El's item box?

Is that so? Please show me those documents.

Yeah, here.

Ramiel replied and handed the documents to Keith.

I see. Just visiting three shops. If we tackle one quest at a time, we should be done by lunch, Keith remarked.

Oh, right! If El's item box isn't enough, we can use that!

Lizlina, what was that again?

You know, that! The fast carriage we used to get to the capital!

Ah, she must be talking about the Humvee.

While we could load the items onto it, hmm...

I'd rather not use it in town since strange people might try to snatch it while we're driving.

Let's have her read the contents of the documents first before deciding. Erlaina, please.

Uh, sure.

Keith handed me the documents, and I began reading.

Hmm. Delivering 50 kilograms of tea leaves to the tool shop, 50 kilograms of iron ore to the weapon shop, and finally, delivering six magic tools and four ordinary pieces of furniture, a total of ten items, to the trading company. We need to visit three places for this job.

It seems like a hefty transport quest that would burden an ordinary person, but I think I can manage it.

Yeah, I think I can manage.

What? Is that true?! Ramiel exclaimed, wide-eyed.

Yes, I can handle it, so I'll take these three quests.

...Understood. Let's proceed with the formalities here for now.

Ramiel placed three contracts on the desk and pushed a quill pen and an ink bottle towards me.

I'll check the contents just to be sure.

No problem.

I double-checked the contracts just to be safe.

...Yep, everything seems to be in order.

After confirming, I took the quill and signed my name on all three contracts.

There, all done.

As I handed the documents to Ramiel, she glanced at my signature and turned to face me.

Alright, I'll guide you to where the requested items are. Follow me.

Yes, understood.

Wait a moment!

Just as I stood up, Duke Valdeck inexplicably interjected.

Hmm?

As I said this, I looked at Duke Valdeck with a serious gaze fixed upon me.

W-what is it?

Elrina. Thanks to you, the capital was saved.

.....Y-yes.

On behalf of everyone here, I express gratitude. Thank you, Elrina.

T-thanks... I'm being thanked! Moreover, on behalf of everyone here...

Wa-wa-wait... Wa-wa-wait a minute!!

Now, Elrina. Don't be shy, let's get on with the quest. Thunk!?

Kyaahhh!

She fell to the ground, her face turning beet red and her eyes spinning.

E-El-chan? Get a hold of yourself, El-chan! Wake up!

Lizrina showed signs of panic as she tried to shake Elrina awake, but there was no sign of her waking up, her eyes still spinning.

Duke Valdeck... Perhaps what you said earlier was a bit much.

Huh?

Duke Valdeck turned his gaze towards Aide, his expression growing stern.

If you had simply said 'thank you,' this wouldn't have happened.

Uh!?! You might be right about that. However...

However?

Elrina truly is bashful.

Indeed, that's true. Is there no way to overcome it?

Hmm... But why is she so severely bashful in the first place?

You're right. It's probably due to her upbringing...

Both of you, let's focus on helping El-chan wake up!

Upon hearing Lizrina's words, the two stopped pondering.

That's right. First, let's lay Elrina down on the sofa.

Agreed. Aide and Guer, let's lift her and lay her on the sofa.

Understood.

Roger, Chairman.

Haha, I'll help too.

While Duke Valdeck and the others cradled Elrina, one person stood in front of the door, observing everyone and muttered:

...This could be useful. I'll remember this.

Upon hearing Ramiel's words, the others thought to themselves:

Is this person some kind of devil?

Ugh! Uhh... Huh?

Huh? Why am I sleeping on the sofa? I remember that time... Huh!?

As I pondered, Keith peered into my face.

Close. Keith's face is incredibly close!!

Captain Guerl, Miss Ellyna has awakened.

Is that so. Are you okay, Ellyna? Do you feel any pain anywhere?

Huh, pain? Why are you asking that?

I don't feel any pain, but... why am I sleeping?

Well, you see, El-chan, you were... Huh!?

For some reason, Muriel hurriedly covered Lysrina's mouth.

Y-You were sleeping. You must have been tired!!

Huh? I should have had enough sleep, but did fatigue accumulate without my knowledge? But more importantly!

Um, Lysrina, how long was I asleep?

Huh!? Umph! Phew! ...El-chan was asleep for about an hour!

An hour huh... Huh? Come to think of it, I feel like I heard voices while I was asleep... Oh well! Let's not sweat the small stuff!

I apologize for inconveniencing everyone.

No, don't worry about it, Ellyna. We owe you for many things.

Duke Valdeck waved his hands as he spoke, but why does his face seem tense?

Well, it's about time we leave. Ramuel, please guide us to where the items are placed.

Understood. Follow me.

As we followed Ramuel out of the room, I couldn't quite make out the conversation between Duke Valdeck and the others as we left the reception room.

After following Ramuel like this, we returned to the reception counter of the guild.

Everything is gathered here.

When I looked in the direction Ramuel was pointing, there were packages lined up, presumably the requested items.

They must have gathered them here to prepare for sending them with guild staff.

Yes, I understand. I'll store everything.

Wait! Wait a moment!?

What is it?

As I reached out to put them into storage, the staff called out to me, so I turned my face towards the guild staff, seemingly wanting to complain.

Even if you have an item box, I don't think it can fit everything.

...Hmph! You're naive, guild worker.

It'll all fit. Watch!

I said as I quickly stored the specified items into storage. Then, after confirming that the items were indeed inside the storage, I turned to the guild staff.

How about that?!

As I spoke, I turned around, puffing out my chest with confidence, but for some reason, the staff stood frozen, mouths agape.

Well then, I'll handle it from here. Here's the map indicating the delivery location and the delivery confirmation.

Thank you!

I expressed gratitude while accepting the map and delivery confirmation. I unfolded the map, intending to confirm the delivery location, but the moment I looked at it, my expression froze.

Oh! This map is a mess! It barely has any details! Well, I guess I can ask someone if I get lost, right?

Alright then, I'll be off.

Yeah, be careful out there.

I bid farewell to Ramuel and as soon as I stepped out of the Comprehensive Guild, I immediately scrutinized the map handed to me by that person.

Hmm... This is probably a map of the Eastern District. And all three places are relatively close, so I should be able to finish quickly. But still...

I wonder if this map is accurate... huh?

As I pondered, a communication from the Goddess interrupted my thoughts, and a screen appeared.

Hey there, Elly! How have you been?

I'm doing well, thank you for asking.

I replied while sitting on a bench near the entrance of the Comprehensive Guild.

Yeah, good to hear!

The Goddess sounded pleased, but I couldn't help but doubt whether she truly felt that way. She does have a mischievous side, so I tend not to believe her unless there's a reason to.

Huh?! I sensed something weird from you!

I think it's just your imagination.

She's quite perceptive, this person... or rather, this Goddess.

Anyway, Elly, I have two reports for you!

Not just one, but two.

The first one is... ta-da! To express gratitude for eliminating the zombie horde last time!

Oh, that's great!

Thank you so much, Goddess!

Yeah, yeah! I thought of making those weapons in your storage that require multiple people to operate usable for you!

Making weapons usable by multiple people... What exactly does that mean? Like, am I going to be able to control multiple bodies at once or something like that?

Totally off the mark. Remember those humanoid enemies in that game you used to play?

Oh, yes!

Humanoids. They're robotic dolls in that game, attacking players with various weapons.

I'm granting you the power to summon those enemy characters from the game as allies! Yes, you'll be able to cooperate with the humanoids to operate tanks and helicopters!

Wow!

That's quite helpful! Just having one tank can drastically change the course of a battle!

However! I'll have to impose some conditions on the humanoids!

Huh, conditions?

Yes, the conditions are... You can only summon up to six at a time, and they can only handle vehicle controls and gun turrets. In other words, you can't arm the humanoids with guns and make them fight. I couldn't grant that much power... I'm sorry.

Ah, I see.

It's regrettable that we can't engage in battles with guns, but with six people, we can operate at least one tank. However, if they can only handle the gun turret...

It's understandable about the number limit, but... only gun turrets? So, humanoids can't fight alongside us with assault rifles or similar weapons, but it's okay if they provide support using GAU-19B, right?

Yeah, and since I've enabled them to act independently without orders, humanoids can operate vehicles on their own and provide escort automatically if they're placed on gun turrets.

Well, that's convenient in its own way.

Just be careful, though. The repair costs when they're damaged are comparable to those of an Armadillo, so watch out!

Understood. Thank you, God.

I'll try deploying the humanoids later.

Oh right! You were looking troubled while looking at the map, weren't you?

Yes, the drawings on this map are a bit crude, making it difficult to read.

As I mentioned that and showed the map, for some reason, God began to laugh.

Haha! Indeed, there are different qualities of maps in this world! The one you've been given is the cheap kind that you can buy for four copper coins!

I see. So, it's fundamentally different from the maps in my previous life in Japan.

But you know, there's a way to make the locations easier to understand!

A way to make the locations easier to understand?

If there's a method to make these kinds of maps easier to understand, I definitely want to hear about it!

Yeah, first bring up the menu!

Okay.

After I responded, I brought up the menu as instructed by God.

And then, select the item analysis from the menu and hold up the map to the screen!

.....Okay.

Following God's instructions, I selected item analysis and held up the map to the screen, where a gauge appeared.

Data analysis in progress... Analysis complete. Item name is Map. Do you want to reflect the written map onto the map on the screen? YES/NO

Huh!? What's this? There wasn't such a feature before. Could it be?!

Is this, by any chance, a function that you've added, God?

That's right. Since the accuracy of maps in this world can't be relied upon, I added it. Convenient, isn't it?

It's certainly convenient. Thank you!

As I said that, I pressed YES, and the destination marked on the map appeared on the screen's map. After comparing it with the map I held, I confirmed that there was a marker at the same location.

By the way, weren't you planning to consult the General Guild about buying a house?

I did intend to consult them, but given the circumstances, it didn't seem appropriate. I'll bring it up when I report the quest completion.

Fair enough. But before that, there's something I need to tell you.

What's that? Something the Almighty needs to convey to me?

You didn't do that thing this morning, did you?

Huh?

What's 'that'?

Umm... I'm not sure.

It seems you're clueless about what I'm talking about, huh? Let me give you a hint!

This god sure knows how to tease.

The hint is... never mind! Just kidding!!

What? Why?

I think it's rather unfair to tease and then not tell.

It's more fun not to tell you!

Ugh... just tell me already!

Haha! No way!

I glare at the screen where the god is laughing, refusing to answer.

Sigh... Anyway, sorry to interrupt, but...

Hmm? What is it?

I realize I forgot to mention the reward for completing the next god's request.

May I decide the reward for the next task when it's completed?

Huh? Sure, but whether I grant your wish depends on the content.

Some requests are feasible, others not so much.

I think it'll be fine.

Is that so? Well, just for the record, what's your wish for the next reward?

Well, actually...

After I mention the reward for completing the next god's request, the god responds with a smile.

Alright! That sounds good to me! Consider it done for the next task!

I'm glad it's approved.

Thank you!

Well then, look forward to the next reward! Bye-bye!!

The god cuts off the communication one-sidedly as usual. Well, it's nothing new, so I don't mind.

Now, shall I go deliver my package?

I start walking towards the East District as I say that.