Third Outer World Story Series: Pumpkin Sorcerer - Chapter 71

Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter

“Oh, there you are at last.”

“Ah, it’s you, Pumpkin.”

On the following day in the evening after recounting tales to the three spirits as compensation in kind, Pumpkin descended the mountain to Kunukihappy.

“Hello, Gohey-san. Here is the admission fee.”

“Alright. How did you manage to go to the northern mountain range and come back?”

“Well, I was extremely well-prepared.”

“I see. No wonder you are a B-level adventurer.”

Pumpkin entered Kunukihappy after paying Gohey, who was still serving as the gatekeeper even after three years, the money required for the substantial amount of luggage he was carrying.

His adventurer status had increased to “B” during the previous three years without his awareness as he brought in crops, furs, and honey mainly from Samsara Egg and Maunpir Villages.

How should I put it? 

He supposed that his capabilities were being properly evaluated, but since the main work Pumpkin has been doing was carrying cargo and escorting people, as opposed to subduing magical beasts, it seemed to him that his rank was more that of a merchant than that of an adventurer.

Well, it is convenient in some way, so I don’t mind.

“Please take care of the request fulfillment procedure and the purchase.”

“Thanks for your hard work, Pumpkin-san.”

Putting that aside, having arrived at Kunukihappy Adventurers’ Association, Pumpkin put the materials he had recovered on the counter and reported the accomplishment of this request (it was a request to retrieve materials in the mountain range north of Kunukihappy).

“I understand.”

“Don’t give me a discount just because it’s me.”

“Of course?”

And here, a Spalpkin came from behind the counter and brought the materials on the counter to the back.

Simply put, the purpose of Spalpkin’s presence was to allow ordinary folks to familiarize themselves with Spalpkin.

Spalpkins, after all, were rather distinct from regular humans… In addition, they were a race that unexpectedly surfaced in this world; therefore, if they were released without any precautions, conflict was certain to arise everywhere

Due to this, two Spalpkin were dispatched to the Kunukihappy Adventurers’ Association at the moment, while approximately ten more were assigned to the Kunuki territory lord’s forces on the pretext of race interaction.

As for their progress… well, from what I’ve heard, there didn’t seem to be any problems. They appear to be generally getting along well with each other.

“Hey, Pumpkin.”

“Oh, ojii-san?”

Kozo slowly walked out from the back of the room.

His countenance revealed that he was struggling with something. Though that being said, Kozo was usually in some sort of distress because of his position.

For instance, like those three idiots who were still on the run, or resolving the friction between the Spalpkin and the other races. Pumpkin really appreciated Kozo.

“What’s the reason for your face like that today?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“I’ve known you for three years now.”

So, as a way of repaying the favor, he will just listen to what Kozo has to say, and if it was a problem Pumpkin could solve, he would at least offer to lend a helping hand.

“Well, you are competent and trustworthy enough, aren’t you?”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s not talk about it here. Come a little further in.”

“Okay. Oh, and as for payment, please make sure it goes into the usual account.”

“I understand. I will handle it accordingly.”

Kozo took a quick look around before inviting Pumpkin to the rear of the guild. Pumpkin responded by saying a few words to the receptionist and followed him to the back of the guild.

—————

“Again, why are we in a very secluded room?”

“There are some special circumstances.”

Kozo led him to a small room in the back of the guild.

Without a proper guide, it was impossible to reach the room since it was too far back and accessible only by a special passageway that was enchanted and visibly hidden.

“It’s me. I’ve brought him.”

“Hmm. Come in.”

“Excuse me.”

“Let’s go in.”

Kozo knocked once, and after receiving an answer from inside, Pumpkin stepped into the room.

“Hmm. So it’s Pumpkin. Indeed, he is the right man for the job.”

As soon as he walked into the room, Count Kunuki, whom Pumpkin had grown fairly close to over the past three years, was the first person he noticed.

“I was told that you are the dragon slayer…”

A man in a ceremonial knight’s outfit with a rapier at his waist, who was not as strong as Pumpkin but yet possessed first-rate magic, attracted his attention next.

However, the man’s eyes were evidently clouded with doubt.

Well, I guess I can understand his feelings. I look like a guy who has a pumpkin head with three holes in it that form a face after all.

It was true that by appearance alone, it would be expected for him to not view Pumpkin as very strong. On top of that, he was also suppressing his release of magic power a lot at the moment.

“Can we trust him? Count Kunuki. President Kozo.”

“I would advise you not to be deceived by outward looks. His rank is B because of the volume of requests he’s fulfilled and other responsibilities, but no one here can match his ability.”

“He is also more outspoken and has more tricks up his sleeve than most people.”

The young man sitting at the far end of the room spoke up, and Count Kunuki and Kozo answered the question he had posed.

I am glad they trust me, but… I am beginning to smell some kind of trouble.

“…”

Pumpkin turned to face the young man at the room’s rear.

The specifics of his looks were obscured by the darkness that concealed his figure.

But a thin white magic power that appeared to be more than that of an average human was emanating from the surface of his body.

And from his words, he seemed to be of high status.

“I understand. If the two of you say so, then it must be so. Let me begin the story then.”

The young man then proceeded to explain the situation.

——————

T/N:

The major plots are finally coming in now.