Chapter 109: Guildmaster Klara

POV Eliza

“So you are Eliza. Sana has explained your situation to me, but please describe it again in your own words.” <Klara>

“Yes, guildmaster.” <Eliza>

I was quite nervous and stuttered a few times, but I managed to explain my experiences properly. The guildmaster kept asking questions about my report, especially about the three dead adventurers. When I finished my report, she looked at me thoughtfully.

“May I ask a question, Guildmaster?” <Eliza>

“If I can answer it.” <Klara>

“Why were the three of them able to trap me? They seemed very experienced, as if it wasn't the first time they'd done it. Someone must have gotten suspicious beforehand. Or was I their first victim?” <Eliza>

“Unfortunately, it happens when scum try to get rich off supposedly weaker people. In any case, the three of them haven't committed any crimes in Tyros that we know of.” <Klara>

“Then I really was their first victim. Fortunately, I escaped with my life. But isn't there a way to recognize such murderers in advance?” <Eliza>

“Unfortunately, it's not that easy. As far as I know, every murderer is given the title of murderer. You can see someone's status with our Appraisal Stone, but it's not stored anywhere. To recognice this, another person would have to see the status of the murderer and also disseminate this information. But that's not the only problem.” <Klara>

“What other problems are there?” <Eliza>

“There's a skill that allows you to change your own status and conceal certain information. The skill is called Concealment and, depending on the strength of the skill, you can counter the Appraisal skill. You probably already know that Appraisal must be at least advanced to be able to see the status of other people. Accordingly, the skill Concealment must be at the same rank in order to counter Appraisal. If the skill Appraisal is higher, you can also recognize the skill Concealment. I don't need to mention that the skill Concealment is forbidden, as it is mainly used by people who have something to hide. The Church of Lumos already forbids its possession.” <Klara>

Lumos again, although I can understand it in this case. Nonetheless I shouldn't complain, without my own skill concealment I would surely be dead or further enslaved by now.

“Then we'll never know if the three of them have killed before. I wasn't able to see the status of the three of them and I didn't take them with me. Apart from being too weak, I didn't want to carry dead people around with me. That would only have caused problems. Although I'm probably in trouble now too, since I can't back up my story.” <Eliza>

“That's right. Did you capture a personal item from him?” <Klara>

“No, unfortunately nothing. Just normal equipment and I didn't have a witness either.” <Eliza>

“Never mind, because I believe you. I'm a good judge of character and I don't get the feeling you're lying. Besides, your body speaks volumes.” <Klara>

“How so?” <Eliza>

“Your initial nervousness disappeared more and more, especially when I told you that I believed you. You're either very good at pretending or you're honest, but Sana also believes you and she has a good feel for people too.” <Klara>

“Thank you very much, Guildmaster.” <Eliza>

“Don't let us down, Eliza. We have great faith in you, which is why we accept your quest as completed. Sana will give you the reward when you go back down. But I would like to make one more point.” <Klara>

“Which one, Guildmaster?" <Eliza>

“You seem to have been able to win against three adult men over level 30 in battle alone. With that, you should consider taking the C Rank exam.” <Klara>

“C rank? Already? I haven't been an adventurer that long.” <Eliza>

“I think you're strong enough for it. Most C rank adventurers have improved their class. You're either ready for it or close to it.” <Klara>

“Guildmaster, how do you know that? You possess Appraisal, don't you?” <Eliza>

“An advantage of a long life with experience.” <Klara>

“I'll think about it, Guildmaster.” <Eliza>

“If you have no more questions, you may go now.” <Klara>

I bowed and left the room. Outside, the last of the tension fell away and I could breathe normally again. Then I went downstairs to Sana. Despite the unexpected encounter with the guildmaster, I still had one unpleasant thing to do, which I found difficult just thinking about. By the time I got to Sana's, I was already feeling very tense again.

“There you are again, Eliza. But you're so tense again. Didn't the conversation go well?” <Sana>

“It didn't. Guildmaster Klara was very nice, but she couldn't solve all my problems. To be honest, I didn't even tell her about it so as not to cause her any trouble.” <Eliza>

“That doesn't sound good at all. Is it that bad?” <Sana>

“It is for me. There were witnesses after all, at least indirect ones.” <Eliza>

“But that's good. They could confirm your story.” <Sana>

“That's not my problem. You have to know, these witnesses were the heroes and the way they are, they won't believe me. And then I'll be in real trouble.” <Eliza>

“Oh, I can imagine. You don't want to have anything to do with them, do you?” <Sana>

“Yes, that's true. The less I have to do with them, the easier my life becomes. That's why I'm so glad to get the quest recognized. And as a D rank adventurer, I can operate in other cities without any problems." <Eliza>

“Does that mean you want to leave the city? That would make me and others very sad.” <Sana>

“Me too, you can believe me. I like Tyros and its inhabitants, but problems with the heroes aren't worth it. But I'll come back when the dust has settled. I hope things have calmed down by next winter and I can spend it here again.” <Eliza>

“I can understand that, and if you come back safe and sound next winter, we'll all be waiting for it.” <Sana>

“Thank you, Sana. Unfortunately, I don't have much time before the heroes show up here, so I'll take my leave now. I want to leave Tyros today.” <Eliza>

“Then give me your license quickly so I can update it.” <Sana>

I gave Sana my license and she disappeared into the back, then returned with a small bag.

“Here, your license. You know you can get a replacement at any guild branch. And here's a little extra reward for you. Anyone who tracks down a traitor among the adventurers will receive a bonus for eliminating them at the same time. Will you accept another travel quest?” <Sana>

“No, better not. I trust you not to tell the heroes where I'm going, but I want to be flexible. So please forgive me for not telling you where I'll be traveling.” <Eliza>

“It's okay, Eliza. I understand you. I wish you all the best and come back safe and sound.” <Sana>

“See you soon, Sana.” <Eliza>

I said goodbye to Sana and left the guild quickly. My first stop was the Red Deer to pick up the rest of my luggage. Then I went to Lirella to let her know that I was going traveling.

“Oh, hello Eliza. I wasn't expecting you today. Did something happen?” <Lirella>

“This is probably unexpected, but I'm leaving Tyros, I've got wanderlust and now that the snow has melted, I want to go. Besides, I've heard that the heroes are in the city and you know that I want nothing to do with them. So now seems like the right time.” <Eliza>

“Oh dear, Weyn's going to be unhappy. Are you planning to tell him about it in person? He'll be back in a few hours.” <Lirella>

“No, unfortunately not. I want to be on the road by then so I don't have to travel at night. Can you let him know?” <Sana>

“Yes, no problem. When will you be back?” <Lirella>

“If everything works out, I'll be back for the winter at the latest. When I spend the winter with you, I can relax because I feel so good. I love being with you two." <Eliza>

“Oh dear, you're embarrassing me. You are always welcome here and Weyn will be waiting for your return. I wish you a safe and successful journey, Eliza.” <Lirella>

“Nothing will happen to me. After all, I'm a D rank adventurer and I know how to defend myself. Take care, Lirella.” <Eliza>

“Hear, hear, big words. See you in winter, Eliza.” <Lirella>

I said goodbye to Lirella and got some supplies for the journey. Then I left the town heading east towards Murembach. I didn't cover my face as I did so, because I intended to let the guards know that I had left the city. When I was out of sight, I turned north into a small wood until I could no longer see the road.