Chapter 38: Newcomer Adventurer—Peluda

The scars of war had not yet healed, and the recent battles had left many wounded. Despite the dedicated efforts of healers, some injuries—especially those caused by Flame Stone blasts—were beyond easy mending.

Several familias residents were still in the midst of rebuilding, making it inconvenient for their adventurers to venture outside. The bottom line: the guild was struggling financially, barely making ends meet. The subsidies they had promised were now set to be postponed.

The Sol family was due the largest share of this aid, especially because their bounty rewards were high. In particular, the elf soldiers trained by the Apate family had all been Level 5, each carrying a significant bounty. The Sol family, having taken down these soldiers, was thus entitled to claim their reward.

"We're experiencing a tight financial period, Sol-sama. Your subsidies may take a bit longer," Saria admitted with a regretful tone.

"What? The guild doesn't have money? How is that even possible?" Sol responded in playful disbelief.

"Unfortunately, it's the truth," Saria replied apologetically.

"In that case, you can pay us in magic stones and forging materials instead," Sol replied, revealing his true intention. From the beginning, he'd suspected the guild would struggle to pay, but he knew they likely held large reserves of magic stones.

"I need a significant number of magic stones. I assume the guild has plenty in stock. Why not use those to settle the debt?" he suggested.

Saria hesitated for a moment, curiosity piqued. "Might I ask, Sol-sama, what you need all those magic stones for?"

Sol's request was so unexpected that it threw her off. While Saria had anticipated some difficulties in the negotiation, she hadn't foreseen this peculiar demand. In Orario, very few families could utilize magic stones effectively, and the Sol family was not among them.

"That's a familia secret," Sol replied, closing his eyes again, signaling that the matter was settled.

With no further clarification forthcoming, Saria reluctantly set aside her questions.

"Understood. In that case, we'll substitute your reward with magic stones and forging materials, at standard guild rates. Do you have any specific requirements?" she asked, ready to accommodate the request.

"Any kind will do," Sol replied. "But make sure to include a range of different qualities."

"I'll pass along your request to the guild leader," Saria responded with a nod. She figured it wasn't her concern if the guild approved or not—her job was simply to report Sol's proposal.

"One more thing—I came to inquire about Riveria-sama's current level," Saria said, her gaze fixed intently on Riveria.

"I've reached Level 6," Riveria responded smoothly, revealing the explanation she'd prepared. "I was planning to update my status with the guild once everyone in the family had completed their 'Falna' updates. I didn't expect you to be so eager."

Given Riveria's impressive feats, her previous Level 5 claim was no longer believable. The guild's trust in her level status was their own concern.

"Then may I update your record when I return?" Saria asked.

"Oh, and a new child recently joined our family. Her name is Peluda. You can register her information at the guild as well," Sol added, intending to complete all formalities at once. He wanted to avoid the risk of Oraunos recognizing Alfia if he brought her to the guild.

"Could I meet her?" Saria asked.

"I haven't seen her since this morning—she's probably exploring outside," Sol replied.

"I'll go find her," Riveria offered.

Peluda was the alias Alfia had chosen for herself. She hadn't been particular about her false identity, so Sol had quickly suggested the name Peluda, and she accepted. Under the "makeup illusion technique," Alfia's true identity was concealed, and Saria saw only a new adventurer.

It was Alfia's 'honor' to join the ranks of Orario's many young adventurers.

Before Saria could linger with Riveria, she was gently but firmly escorted out.

That afternoon, the guild sent a representative with Sol's requested magic stones and materials, as if worried he might change his mind. The materials were valued slightly higher than the agreed payment, and even included free delivery. Perhaps Sol's proposal had genuinely solved a problem for the guild—he'd never seen such efficient service from them.

Over a dozen large sacks of magic stones filled the family's living room, now crowded with the new supplies alongside spoils taken from the Erebus family. The space, once ample enough to hold the entire family, now seemed almost cramped.

Family members peered through the doorway, curious. Although they'd seen plenty of magic stones before, they had never seen such a vast pile gathered all at once. Yet, none of them knew what Sol intended to do with them.

"Alright, everyone, move along! Nothing to see here," Riveria called as she ushered the others out, aware that Sol's plans likely involved some secrecy.

With everyone gone, she returned to Sol, her own curiosity piqued. "What's the purpose of all these magic stones?"

Sol grinned. "Why, it's for the prosperity and growth of the family, of course!"