Chapter 143: Unfortunate Leak

- Abelis Academy City, Adventurer’s Guild Local Hall, Room B - Rose's POV –

After making sure that Ignis had left the silver haired old man gestured for me to take a seat across from the rest of them. The first two, those that had accosted the S-Ranked Adventurer, also took their own seats next to a man that had been completely silent up to now, his measured gaze gave me chills seeming as though he were a spider, always ready to move in for the kill.

Settling into my own seat I briefly noticed that it was quite comfortable for something that ostensibly only the rough and tumble Adventurers would be able to enjoy. It seemed out of place, like most things since I began my “test”.

[Okay, so first things first allow me to introduce myself. My name is Burnell Forrest. I’m the Guild Master of the Abelis region. You may have heard of me by my alias Crimson Flash.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[I suppose I’m next then. I am Orlais Beupre, I assist Guild Master Burnell with his duties.] – Assistant Orlais

[Bob. I kill people.] – Bob

The first one to speak, after offering me some tea first, was the person that had drawn the sword on Ignis. The so-called Guild Master had already sheathed his weapon, but I’d noted the thin blade and handle design that reminded me of the rapiers from my old world. Considering his speed, the red cloak and his weapon it was likely that his old adventurer alias was referencing how fast he killed. A dangerous individual amongst dangerous people. Especially that Bob, his eyes unnerved me.

[Excuse his rudeness he’s… not the talkative sort.] – Assistant Orlais Beupre

[Ahem! Pardon my late introduction, I am Lady Rose de la Amchier. May I ask… your names?] – Rose

[Ah you mean are we nobles? Short answer is no. In our homeland all individuals are honored with family names, regardless of status. We’ve done away entirely with the practice of raising a group of people above another. Sadly, it seems that such a thing has not yet spread to the rest of this continent. But enough about that, on to more important things.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

Giving me an apologetic look I decided to brush aside the man with serial killer eyes staring directly at me, although that was difficult considering. I was curious about one thing though. In my life I’d only really interacted with Nobles for the most part. A few non-Nobles of course but among them the only ones with secondary names were the former. Luckily however I’d not have to put my etiquette training to use except in the loosest of terms since it seemed that the other party’s would rather not stand on ceremony. Alls the better to be honest.

[I understand that there is some sort of interview process? I’m surprised that the Guild Master himself is participating honestly. And my proctor? S-Rank?] – Rose

[Ah, well to be honest as well none of this was exactly standard protocol. All of your friends passed through the normal testing process. It was only you that we kept a… special eye on.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[I see… and may I ask why?] – Rose

So, I was correct. The Guild had almost certainly taken a special interest in me. Given my reception it was fairly obvious at this point. The question was the why? Depending on the answer however I may need to defend myself…

[To be frank, it’s because of your identity.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[My… identity? As a noble?] – Rose

[Don’t play coy woman!] – Bob

[Bob, enough.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[Tch!] – Bob

[Excuse his outburst. He gets… excitable. But he is correct. To be frank we’re aware of your status as the next Demon King.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

- Abelis Academy City, Adventurer’s Guild Local Hall, Room B - Rose's POV –

Shit! Oh shit oh shit oh shit! They didn’t mince words at all did they? No allegedly or even a mention of rumors. I mean sure the entire Arena had heard me called that, and some locals had initially avoided me, but everyone had assumed that the Church were using me as a scapegoat. Even those that looked at me with suspicion within the city had slowly vanished as my actions in the Arena had covered any suspicions they might have had. What Demon King saves an entire city at risk of their own life afterall.

Need to keep a poker face, maybe he worded it that way to get something?

[Ah, you mean the claims of the Church of Light, correct? Their accusations have caused me nothing but trouble in recent months.] – Rose

[Yes. The habitual need of the Church to start a so-called “Holy” War. I have no interest in such things and of course take none of those rumors at face value.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[Then?] – Rose

This… wasn’t good. I’d hoped that the Guild had just taken the Church’s claims too seriously, something I’d at least be able to argue myself out of. But from the Guild Master’s reaction it was extremely clear that their naming me as the Demon Lord had little to do with their assertions. Same as Gilgamesh they likely had some way to determining my status but I needed to find out for sure!

[Do you know how the Adventurers Guild came to be?] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[I… don’t. As far as I’m aware such knowledge is kept strictly within the higher ranks of the Guild?] – Rose

[You are certainly correct in that but what might interest you is the identity of one of the Founders. Orlais.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

Turning towards his assistant with an unexpected question he gestured for the younger man to continue where he left off. The situation seemed to be dangerous still but at least they were interested in talking. Maybe I’d get out of this intact?

[My turn I suppose. You might be aware of this, but the Adventurers Guild has existed since just after the Demon Lord of Chaos. What you, and most others, are not aware of is that one of the reasons it was created was to watch for signs of future Demon Lords. Tasked by the Summoned Hero Takumi.] – Assistant Orlais

[Wait what?!? But I thought that the First Summoned Hero…?] – Rose

[Died? Well yes, he certainly did. Although it’s not common knowledge, the Hero, and all of his party members, sacrificed themselves to end the blight of the Demon Lord of Chaos.] – Assistant Orlais

[Then how?] – Rose

Not true, but they didn’t need to know that one of the Hero’s companions was still alive, more or less, and kicking. Well unless it became extremely pertinent to my survival at least. Maybe I could use that old bastard’s name to buy me some time if it came down to it?

[It seems that the Hero was more than aware that he might fall during the battle with the Demons, as a result he left a will of sorts with a certain individual. One that would compel him to seek out the next incarnation, and end them.] – Assistant Orlais

[…!] – Rose

[Don’t move.] – Bob

Time to leave! Tensing my muscles for a quick flight out the far doorway I started planning my escape within my mind. Only to have that escape end almost immediately when a certain serial killer lookalike stood in my path. Could I fight my way past him?

[Please sit back down Lady Rose de la Amchier. Currently we have no wish to harm you.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[…I apologize if I don’t exactly find that reassuring with (Hannibal Lector) looking at me like I’m a piece of meat but… fine.] – Rose

[(Hannibal Lector)? What a… ominous sounding phrase. But rest assured, Bob is only here to facilitate the safety of the Guild. We keep him on quite the tight leash as I’m sure you’ll see. Bob, sit down.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[Tch!] – Bob

Seemingly unconcerned that I’d toppled over my chair while fleeing the older man just politely righted my seat before gesturing for me to sit once more, Bob watching my every move menacingly. It was likely a smart idea to play along for now as, despite their words, they didn’t seem too interested in killing me any time soon. And it wasn’t like they needed to get me to drop my guard. Bob had handily demonstrated that he was much more powerful that me without even touching me. If I really needed to fight my way out, I was screwed.

[Now where were we…? Oh yes, Demon Lords. You must understand when we first heard credible rumors of your identity we were quite concerned. Several of the higher ups even advocated for an assassination of all things. What stayed our hand was the possible ramifications of stirring up the monsters nest.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[…] – Rose

[Anyway. The ultimate decision was to wait and see. Leading to now.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[I… see? And what have you decided?] – Rose

And now the moment of truth. It was obvious that the Guild wasn’t sure how to treat me. They were in a similar situation to Gilgamesh when he’d found me, and I’d been taught by that old bastard. Hopefully the Guild came to the same conclusion.

[First of all, I am happy to say that I was one of the proponents for leaving you be. Happy because my decision was proven entirely correct. The Guild has chosen to leave you to your own devices, for now.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

- Abelis Academy City, Adventurer’s Guild Local Hall, Room B - Rose's POV –

Instant relief filled me as I realized that I was safe for now. Same as that old bastard they’d decided to just keep an eye of me. Although I needed to figure out how everyone kept finding out my identity quickly before someone that wasn’t interested in not killing me learned what I was. I’d ask Gilgamesh again, he wasn’t super open about how he did it before but with this new information he’d probably change his tune. Couldn’t have every group on the continent knowing my identity for sure.

Although speaking of changing tunes…

[Phew… Ah! But what about my Adventurers F-Rank admission?!? I can’t fail now!] – Rose

[Hahahahaha! That’s what worries you? You just found out that the Guild is keeping a close watch on your actions, and you’re worried about failing a class?] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

[What? It’s important. Do you have any idea how much extra lessons Auntie Laura will put me through if I fail something like this?!?] – Rose

Shuddering at the thought of the kind of hell Auntie would put me through if I failed a freaking F-Rank test I felt a different kind of fear fill me. One that had less to do with death and more to do with something far worse. Disappointment.

[Wahahaha! I like this kid! Has her priorities straight!] – Bob

[H-Huh?!?] – Rose

[Hah… Let me introduce him one more time. This violent idiot here is Bob. Also known as the S-Rank Adventurer Titan.] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest

Luckily, I was shocked out of my depressing line of thought by an unexpected source. Bob, the taciturn terrifying mountain of a man, had turned from Hannibal Lector into Patch Adams. The 360 degree change in personality sending me reeling as I struggled to keep up with the fact that he, also, was an S-Rank! I’d been considered important enough for TWO S-Ranks?!?

[Nice ta meetcha! I hope I didn’t scare you too much earlier. I was told to be intimidating so… Anyways sorry bout that. Anyways how bout it boss? She in?] – Bob, S-Ranked Titan

[I see no reason to keep her from it. In both ability and temperament, she’s shown herself to be exemplary. I’m happy to present the F-Rank Adventurers Plate and License. Congratulations!] – Guild Master Burnell Forrest