Guildmaster led us into the building.
Inside, the ceiling is high and it’s quite spacious. At the entrance, there was a long table with a reception sign. It seems that this is where the reception desk is located. At the end of the reception area, there were several couches like a waiting room in a large hospital. And when I looked at the far end, I could see a large double swinging door. I wonder if the Gate of Trials is behind that door. I want to take a peek.
But Guildmaster walks in a different direction.
[This way.] Guildmaster
There was a door in the direction Guildmaster was walking. I suppressed my feeling of reluctance and followed Guildmaster. The room was a bit large, with tables and chairs set up like a conference room.
[Well then, have a seat] Guildmaster
We did as we were told and sat down on the chairs.
Then, Guildmaster served us tea. Dwarves have an image of drinking alcohol, but as expected, they don’t drink early in the morning.
[How can you be so laid back?] Yuna
[It happens every year. We’ve been preparing for a few days now. All we have to do is wait for the guild staff and the smiths to arrive.] Guildmaster
Guildmaster prepared tea for all of us, then sat himself down on a chair.
[You look excited.] Yuna
[Well, you get to see an apprentice blacksmith grow up. Dalton’s apprentices are looking good this year. There are also a few others I’m looking forward to.] Guildmaster
Guildmaster speaks happily. He’s like a father who watches over his children as they grow up. He looks like he would be a good teacher at an orphanage. Then, Guildmaster turns his gaze to me.
[Missy, you’re dressed as a Bear, right?] Guildmaster
[That’s right, but...] Yuna
I shouldn’t look like anything but a bear.
[Is that kind of style popular in other cities?] Guildmaster
Rojina-san told me not to worry about it. He was still concerned about my outfit though. But it was too much trouble to explain, so I’ll just answer appropriately.
[It’s popular.] Yuna
[Yuna-oneesan!?] Fina
Fina, sitting next to me, was surprised by my response. What’s so surprising? Maybe it will catch on. And if it does, it will be a problem.
[Just kidding. It’s my favorite outfit, so I hope you don’t mind.] Yuna
[Well, no matter how one looks, it’s different for each person.] Guildmaster
Don’t look at me like you pity me. I don’t dress up as a bear because I want to. I wear it to live.
[So, do you girls know Ghazal and Gordo?] Guildmaster
[You know those two?] Yuna
[Of course, I know. I know all the blacksmiths in this city.] Guildmaster
[All of them?] Yuna
[It’s only natural since he’s the Guildmaster. Besides, a good new blacksmith is always remembered.] Rojina
I don’t know how many people there are, but, amazingly, you know them all. I can’t even remember people’s names, so, weirdly, you know them all. The idea I had earlier that he was everyone’s father might not be a joke.
[How are those two doing?] Guildmaster
[They’re doing fine.] Yuna
[Well, I was disappointed when I heard the story of them leaving the city, but I wish they were fine. So what did the ladies come here for? Did you come with your father?] Guildmaster
He’s asking for my father even though I wasn’t a kid, but Fina is with me. What’s making him worry is whether the person inside this costume is a child.
[Surprisingly, it was just the three of them who came to town to buy some pots and pans.] Rojina
Guildmaster looked surprised at Rojina-san’s words and looked at me like some strange creature.
Of course, he’d be surprised to hear that us three girls went here on our own. Rojina-san explained that he was making our orders of pots and pans.
[Well, the pots Rojina makes are very popular. You’re in luck, girls. This eccentric old man won’t make it unless he’s in the mood.] Guildmaster
[Because of that, you can’t ignore Gordo and Ghazal’s acquaintance.] Rojina
That saved me from having to look for it in other stores. In addition, I got a discount on the price. I have to be grateful for that.
[So, today, you girls came to see Rojina and the Gate of Trials?] Guildmaster
[I only met Rojina-san by chance. And I was just curious, so I came to have a look.] Yuna
[Even if you just came to take a look, you can’t see it inside.] Guildmaster
[I thought maybe I could watch it from the outside, but I guess not. I was just hoping I’d get lucky and be able to join in.] Yuna
I was wondering if there was a possibility that something might happen to the adventurers on the day of the event and some of them might not be able to participate. But even if that were to happen, no one would ask me, someone, who’s dressed as a bear, right?
[You want to participate? Are you trying to be a blacksmith, Missy?] Guildmaster
Guildmaster looked surprised. I’m the one who’s surprised. How do I look like I’m aiming to become a blacksmith?
[No, I’m not. I’m the one handling the weapon.] Yuna
He looked dubious at my words.