Seymore And The Mayor

Chapter 124 - Seymore And The Mayor

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The biting cold gnawed at us, making every movement a challenge as we swung from building to building, escaping the clutches of the frigid Khione. Fortunately, it didn't dare to follow us, making our escape safe and sound. In my weakened state, this icy pursuit could have been disastrous,

"Ugh, I'm cold, Mister..."

"Bear with it for now, we're nearby," I assured. The young boy's shivering voice reminded me of the harsh reality of our situation. I couldn't fathom why a child like him was left alone in the unforgiving cold, far from the safety of the refugee camp. This kid was pretty lucky I was nearby. Albeit currently, problem right now would be this immense frigid temperature.

Navigating through the snow-laden cityscape, swinging from building to building, I spotted a bustling area filled with people. What surprised me is that, "They're quite organized. That's great."

The crowd was converging towards a grand edifice. Huh, Is that an adventurer's sign? Oh yeah! It's the Adventurer's Guild. In Wintervale City, both the Mayor and the Guild Master jointly governed and developed the city. No wonder the impressive structure.

If that's the case, I'll be needing their strength coming after this. It's important that the person leading this city is properly aware of the circumstances. I need to find them. But first,

I carefully landed on the ground, mindful of the child's fragile state. My abrupt arrival drew the attention of the crowd, eyes locking onto me as I gently set the boy down. Now, first to locate the boy's lost and undoubtedly worried parents...

"Mommy! Daddy!" 

"—?! Baby!" The reunion unfolded swiftly as the little boy spotted his parents in the crowd. He raced toward them; his joy evident as he leaped into their arms. "Ah, I'm so glad."

"Are you the one who saved our boy?" the father asked, gratitude etched on his face. "Thank you for saving our boy. We'll be forever in your debt, truly. But your hands..."

"It'll be fine. Thank you for asking," I assured them, glancing at the frostbitten state of my hands. Turning to the child, I offered a piece of advice, "Go warm yourself, or you'll be sick."

"Yeah! Thank you very much!" The little kid beamed with gratitude, waving at me enthusiastically.

As the family bowed in gratitude, I nodded and took my leave. Now, how do I find the girls. I don't have any ounce of idea on how I would find them... Ah, yeah. My hand.

Taking a Potion from my pouch, I began to drink. Back to the topic, perhaps I could start from the Adventurer's Guild...

"Master!" Amidst my contemplation, a familiar voice resonated loudly. I turned to see more than one person rushing toward me. Seems like I wouldn't need to search for them after all. "Master! You're finally back, you suddenly—?! Master?!"

"—Sai?! W-What happened?! Are you okay?!" Lily inquired, her expression filled with worry.

"S-Sai?!" Lemuen followed, concern etched across her features.

I signaled them to wait momentarily. Soon enough, my arms fully regrew, and I reassured them. Ah yes, Healing Potion in this world really is a life-saver. "I'm alright—Ugh?!"

However, before I could finish my reassurance, someone charged at me, gripping my chest tightly. Such visible concern made me pat the girl who was replaced from her usual demeanor, that being deadpan.

"That hurt, Akari," I remarked sarcastically, patting her head. "Haha, I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Are you seriously okay, Sai?" Seia asked, her ears and tails responding to her worry, drooped down. "Just what happened that even made you into that..."

"I'm fine, guys." I replied. As for Akari, she hasn't responded, still tightly glued to my body. "More importantly, I need to talk to the Guild Master, even the Mayor. We—Ugh..."

"M-Master..." Luna's voice tingled with concern, her eyes teary. "I think you should rest for now..."

"You just lost an arm not long ago," Lemuen added. "Sure enough, the pain hasn't still diminished yet, am I wrong?"

"Seriously, I'm fine," I insisted, although Lemuen was right. The pain and trauma my arm got from being severely cut still hasn't subsided yet. Regardless, "It's just a talk. I assure you the pain will ease later."

"You don't need to worry about that—we know where both of them are," Lara unexpectedly chimed in. "But still, I knew it. The Four Elementals were too much even for you, huh."

"Don't misunderstand," I quickly clarified. "I had to save the kid, so I had no choice but to get hit."

"Heh, that's the words I wanted to hear!" Astra, emerging out of nowhere, grinned and smacked me on the back. Ouch?! "It's impossible for you to be taken down that easily, am I right?"

"Damn you, violent woman. Ugh...!" I rubbed my back to alleviate the pain from Astra's hit. "But of course. It's just the Four Elementals, as if I'll be defeated by them..."

"You're just saying it like they're just your regular enemies..." Lara sighed before adding, "Follow us; we'll get you to both the Guild Master and the Mayor of this city."

"...Behind you," And so, we followed Lara towards the Adventurer's Guild.

* * *

"Wait here; I'll tell the Guild Master that you wanted to meet him," Lara instructed as she left us in the Guild lounge. Contrary to my expectations, the process seemed swift. Lara seems to be pretty casual about it, though.

However, an unexpected issue surfaced.

"..."

"..."

""...""

All eyes within the Guild were fixated on us, and it was understandable. Akari, who hasn't responded since earlier, remained tightly attached to me. Her grip resembled that of a baby sloth clinging to its mother in the face of danger.

Unsure of what to make of the situation, I addressed her, "Akari, I think it's time you let go now. I'm fine, really."

"..."

Turning to the girls, I gestured for assistance, but they, in unison, avoided eye contact. Really? Nothing, Luna?

"Sorry for the wait!" In a hurry, a familiar old face came rushing out of a nearby door, interrupting the awkward silence—it was Seymore. "We're having a bit of serious meeting there, I'm sorry I didn't immediately come to—"

Seymore abruptly halted, his eyes widening as he comprehended the peculiar tableau before him. A brief pause ensued, with Seymore, true to his character, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Sorry for the peculiar sight. Anyway, should we really be staying here?" I remarked.

"I..." Having no way to comprehend the situation, Seymore just heaved a sigh and points his thumb behind him, pertaining us to come inside. "Come,"

"Alright," nodding, everyone followed Seymore.

Supporting Akari, who was still glued to my chest, I subtly surveyed the surroundings.

Despite being a den of adventurers, the interior of the largest Adventurer's Guild in Wintervale City exuded a grandeur that juxtaposed the rough nature of its inhabitants. The mix of modern and antique elements surprisingly complemented each other, creating an impressive harmony. Rad!

"This way," Seymore led us to a large door, an obvious indicator that it was the Main Office for the Guild Master. Until Seymore signaled for us to enter, we waited. "It's them."

"I see. Come in." Seated in the middle of the room, a middle-aged man with tired eyes greeted us with a glare. "Welcome to the Guild's Main Office. Normally, only a few with certain echelons or, on rare occasions, those with S Adventurer Rank can enter. But for now, let's set those rules aside."

Sporting dignified white hair and a formal black coat, this man exuded a tense demeanor. His fierce gaze alone conveyed his position.

"You must be the Mayor of this city," I remarked, gracefully bowing in introduction. "My name is Sai of the Crimsonheart, leader of this group. These are the members. Time's not in our favor, but nice to meet you."

Certainly, I am sure he's not the Guild Master. Hm, I wonder now...

""...""

A sudden silence fell over everyone, with Lemuen cringing behind. My introduction would have been the most graceful if not for Akari still clinging to my body.

"Y-Yeah, I just heard from Seymore..." The man replied, bewilderment still visible despite his efforts to conceal it. "You're quite the bunch, just like Seymore told me about you. Ahem~! Anyways, my name is Redrick, and yes, I am the Mayor of Wintervale City. For now, come, sit."

Following his indication, we settled into two large sofas, facing each other in the center. As we found our places, Redrick initiated the conversation.

"I'll get straight to the point. One of the Four Elementals, Khione, is currently wreaking havoc on our city, and the situation is dire." Redrick explained. "However, just as our hope was waning, Seymore here came back with even good news at hand."

My gaze shifted to Seymore leaning against the wall. When I do so, our eyes exchange glances. He was already looking at me beforehand.

"You know what it is, right? He's talking about you—the man shrouded in mysteries," Redrick remarked. "According to Seymore, you seem to possess greater knowledge regarding Khione. Is that true?"

"It might look unbelievable, but yeah, I have," I replied.

"...I see. Then," After a moment of contemplation, Redrick rose from his seat. Surprisingly, he bowed his head towards me.

"—?!"

"..."

"M-Mayor..."

To everyone's surprise, Redrick, the person who governs a large city in a state of flourishing, was bowing his head straight towards me.

"Our city is in a state of destruction, and many people are going to get killed at this rate. I know you are a foreigner in our city, but may you please help us?"

It took courage to bow with such a position on the line. Despite hesitating, Redrick swallowed his pride and bowed for the sake of his people.

He's just like in the game.

"Raise your head, Mister Redrick," I replied. "Even if you don't bow to me, I would still help you regardless of the circumstances."

Hearing my words, Redrick raised his head, but his eyes remained fixed on me in marvel. Similarly, the girls looked at me with smiles. I hoped they didn't misunderstand,

The reason I wanted to help was for the sake of Khione's loot. The beauty of this city was also a plus, giving me another reason to protect it.

"Thank you very much," Redrick bowed again. "Wintervale City will be forever in your debt, I promise."

"Fufu~! It's so like you, Sai." Lily remarked, a smile on her face. "I'm so glad I'm in the same party as you."

"Now I get why you're surrounded by these girls," Lara added. "Hopefully, it's not just your arrogance, though." As cheeky as ever, huh. By the way, where is Mikael?

"Shut it, I have a reason for this," I retorted, then cleared my throat as I tried to rise from my seat. However, I gave up as Akari was still glued to my body. "Then, this might be unbelievable, but trust me, I know Khione very well. Now, I'll be explaining every detail first, then we'll form a strategy to defeat Khione. Are you guys good?"

Everyone firmly nodded at my instruction. It was the climax and final battle of our journey in the Arctic. I couldn't help but be excited. Haha!