An A-Ranked Adventurer’s - Chapter 15

To The Mountains with The Hunters

Um er, Aldo-san? What business do you have with my father today?

Flora, who was next to me, modestly asked me while we were on the way to her house from the road we took to the vineyard.

Ah, I just thought that since Ive more or less settled down, Id like to meet the hunters of this village

Its still only been four days since youve arrived, no? You had to do all the moving and cleaning, right? You want to start working already?

Flora opened her eyes wide in awe.

Certainly, its just as she said; getting a home, cleaning it, arranging furniture and preparing for mealsStarting a new life was very hard work.

Even though I was confident in my physical abilities, its not like it didnt cross my mind to take about two more days off to relax and watch the field of flowers.

I was helped out by all kinds of people since Ive arrived. Thats why I want to give something back to everyone in this village as well

That is how I strongly feel about it at the moment. Ergys-san, Fiona-san, Aisha, Flora, and Toack; I was indebted to five people in only four days. The truth is that they are people who would take care of people who dont even know anything, and people like me will be bothering them even more with the futon and clothes that I still need.

Its because they all have been supporting me that I want to support them back.

I see. Then, put lots of meat on peoples tables from now on, okay?

Flora said with a carefree smile.

Even when I havent hunted here before, she smiled at me as if she was sure that I would succeed.

I cant guarantee anything, but Ill try

Please do

I answered her vaguely while being pressured by her strange confidence in me, and she responded, seemingly in a good mood.

Why does she have so much confidence in me? Nomaybe thats just what she hopes for. Or is she trying to put some pressure on me? Nah, I dont think Flora is someone like that

As Flora walked away with jaunty steps, I thought to myself that I will need to work hard so I dont betray her expectations.

Ohh? Welcome back Flora. You came back with Aldo-san with you, too, huh?

Fiona-san, who was working in the backyard, said to us when we entered Ergys-sans home.

I guess shes pulling out the weeds since I see her bending over with gloves on.

Oh hello, Ergys-san

As Flora and I approached the backyard, Ergys-san stood up while patting his back.

Hello, hows your home looking?

I finished cleaning the house, and thanks to the furniture I bought from Toack, Im now able to live a normal life

I see

After hearing my report, Ergys-san smiled. However, his eyes were opened wide in shock a moment later.

Speaking of which, I forgot all about your meals. Are you eating okay? Ill give you some if youre starving

Ah, Im eating fine. Toack had let me buy some food off him

I see. Im glad to hear that. I remembered about your furniture but I had completely forgotten about your meals. I was panicking just now

Ergys-san put his hand on his chest, looking relieved after he heard me.

He is human, after all. Sometimes I forget about that.

No, no, even I forgot about it myself

It was thanks to the leftovers from my journey that I did not have to starve the day before yesterday.

Its bad for anyone to forget about their own meals. If there was someone at fault, it wouldnt be Ergys-san.

To end this topic, I will talk to him about what Im here for today.

Ergys-san, I think I want to start working today, so can I trouble you with what weve talked about before? About introducing me to the hunters of this village?

You already want to work even though you just moved in? Its okay to take some more days off, you know?

Since he was worried about the same thing as Flora, Flora and I both cracked a smile unintentionally.

Ergys-san was confused as to what we were smiling at since he had no idea about that.

No, its fine. I want to start working soon, so by all means

Alright. Its a good thing to be increasing our number of hunters sooner anyway. Ill hurry and introduce you to them. Flora, can I leave the fields to you?

Yes

Ergys-san left to call the hunter, Loren-san, to meet me at the town center. So, I went back home to change into my hunting clothes.

I took off my white, short sleeved village clothes and changed into a green long-sleeved shirt, leather gloves, long trousers and leather boots. I equipped a chest protector on top, and a knife in my belt holster.

As I thought, it doesnt feel the same as my long sword

I muttered as I picked up my favourite sword that was wrapped in cloth.

Whoops. Just now, I had picked up my long sword out of habit. After all, I had used this sword for three years. It was this sword that stood with me as I confronted the dragon. It can be said that it was a partner who went through both the rough days and the happy days with me.

Even though we might encounter some monsters, this sword still stands out a little too much.

My sword was crafted by someone who could be called the kingdoms best blacksmith.

It was made from expensive ores such as mithril and orichalcum, with materials mixed in from high ranking monsters. For people who are unfamiliar with weapons, it might look like a sword thats made to look all fancy, but people that know will know from just one look that its not just any sword.

If I pulled this sword out in this village, there would be weird rumors going around. Therefore, I have to seal this sword away.

The long sword thats wrapped in cloth will be left in the back of the closet, and instead, I will use the dagger on my waist as protection.

Then I took out a bow and checked its bowstring.

Yeah, this looks fineHowever, theres not enough of the essential part of the weaponthe arrows

The bow wasnt damaged from the hunts during the journey, but since there was no way to resupply arrows, there were only eight left.

I had completely forgotten. I should have cut some trees yesterday and made some myself in this case.

Nothing I can do, I guess. Maybe I can trouble them to do me a small favor

I muttered as I equipped the bow on my back and a quiver to my waist.

Finally, I finished the preparations by packing some emergency food in a small hemp bag.

I double checked the spot I was going to go, then I jumped out of my house and headed to the town square.

When I reached the town center, there were ladies chatting happily while they did trades with their food today as well.

As I looked around, I thought back to Toacks words from yesterday. All the women in this village were wearing clothes that were no less beautiful than the vivid field of flowers, as there was nothing they wore that would ruin the atmosphere.

If its said that this village is beautiful, then the women here are also beautiful enough to not lose to the village.

When I was enjoying the view of the women in such gorgeous clothes, I noticed that there was a big man with brown hair that was all slicked back, and a young boy with blonde hair standing next to him.

If there was a man with bulging muscles standing in the center where flowers bloomed, of course he would stand out.

Since he was carrying a bow on his back just like me, perhaps he is the hunter Loren-san?

While I was having doubts about it, he started waving his hands from over there as if he took notice of my equipment.

Im Loren, the hunter of this village. Are you Aldo, who the chief was talking about?

Yes, thats me. Sorry to meet you so suddenly without a proper introduction. I hope well get along from now on!

I lightly lowered my head to Loren-san, and he nodded quickly in return.

You have good manners, unlike someone else that I know

Please dont bring up the stories of the past

When Loren nudged the boy with his elbow, the boy answered him with a frown.

From their conversation alone I understood that they were close.

Oh, yeah. This is my disciple, Kyle. Just to be clear, this cute looking kid is not my son, okay?

No, Im sorry as well. Im Kyle, twelve years old. Nice to meet you

Kyle quickly bowed his head and introduced himself after Loren-san introduced him.

Although Im aware they arent father and son from their appearance and tones, I could still tell that they were really close.

Today Ill be teaching you about the mountains here, but I want to make sure Kyle here knows his stuff as well. So, do you mind if we bring Kyle along?

Its only natural for a hunter to take his pupil along in order to nurture him, so I gave him my yes.

Ohh, good. Ive also heard that Aldo was good at hunting from the chief, so how long have you been a hunter for?

Im not a hunter, but when I used to travel, Ive hunted along the way. I have also hunted in mountains before

Since Ive only used a bow for hunting and some special quests, Im not completely confident with it. So, I told him exactly how it is.

I see! There wont be any problems then. Judging from your equipment, you dont seem to be an amateur either so itll be a pleasure to work with you!

While looking at my equipment, Loren-san let out a hearty laugh as he lightly patted my back. Then, we headed out.