The grand building towering before Akari was… absolutely dazzling.
Marble pillars reached up to the sky, crystal chandeliers shimmered through the windows, and a red carpet led straight to the entrance.
Akari blinked twice. "...Are we seriously eating here?"
Beside her, Mia tugged her sleeve with a bright smile. "Of course, Miss Akari! Papa said we'll eat something special today!"
(Special? This place looks like a royal palace! Not a restaurant!)
Inside, the air smelled of butter, roasted meat, and elegance itself. Waiters in tailcoats glided across the floor like ballroom dancers. Akari tried not to make any noise as she followed the Duke and his daughter, feeling like a cat that accidentally wandered into a noble's mansion.
When they sat down, the Duke gestured kindly. "Please, order whatever you like."
Akari froze. "A-Ah, I'm fine with just bread and water!"
The Duke chuckled. "Nonsense. You deserve a feast."
He turned to the waiter and began giving detailed instructions that sounded like poetry—
(Medium-rare steak with enchanted pepper sauce? Is that even legal?)
Akari sat stiffly, unsure whether she should breathe too loud or not.
After the waiter left, the Duke looked at her again. "I must thank you once more for saving my daughter."
Akari shook her head rapidly. "P-Please, don't thank me too much! I just… happened to be passing by!"
Mia giggled. "Miss Akari's so modest!"
The Duke smiled. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Duke Erick Garner, and this is my daughter, Mia Garner."
"...Eh?" Akari blinked. "Wait—DUKE?!"
She almost stood up in panic. "I-I was so rude earlier! I didn't even bow—should I kneel now or—"
"Hahaha, no need," the Duke said, waving a hand. "Formality is unnecessary between us. You are my daughter's savior, after all."
Mia nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Miss Akari is my hero!"
(Hero... me?) Akari smiled awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "Haha… that's way too much credit, Mia-chan…"
Then, Duke Garner took out a small velvet box and placed it before her. Inside was a silver pendant, engraved with a rose-like emblem that glowed faintly with magic.
"This is the crest of our house. Keep it with you. If you ever face trouble, show this. It will protect you in any kingdom."
Akari's eyes widened. "T-That's too valuable! I can't—"
But the Duke's gaze was calm yet firm. "I insist. Consider it a promise of safety from my family to you."
In the end, Akari bowed deeply and accepted the pendant. "Then… I'll wear it with pride. Thank you, Duke Garner."
To ease the tension, Mia leaned forward curiously. "Miss Akari, why are you wearing a maid outfit?"
"Eh—ah—this?" Akari fidgeted. "My grandmother gave it to me as a birthday present. I just… didn't have the heart to stop wearing it."
"Wow!" Mia's eyes sparkled like jewels. "It looks amazing on you! You look like a cool battle maid!"
(Battle maid? Is that even a thing?)
Before Akari could reply—grrrooowwl!
Her stomach growled loud enough for the nearby waiter to pause mid-step.
Akari froze. Her face turned bright red. "I—I swear I didn't mean to—!"
Duke Erick laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Don't hold back, Miss Akari. Eat to your heart's content!"
"Papa's right! You need to eat lots!" Mia added.
And she did. Steak, creamy soup, crispy bread—every bite felt like a blessing.
(Oh gods… this food tastes like heaven. I could die happy now.)
When they finished, the three stepped outside under the afternoon sun.
"It's time we part ways," the Duke said warmly. He handed her a small pouch. "Take this. Some pocket money."
"Wha—this is too much! I can't—"
"Please. Consider it travel support. And visit the Moon Inn. Tell them the Duke of Garner sent you and show the pendant—they'll treat you as a special guest."
Akari blinked in awe. "Special guest?! That sounds… fancy."
The Duke chuckled. "It's only natural. You're the hero of my daughter."
Mia hugged her tightly. "Bye, Miss Akari! Visit us again, okay?"
Akari smiled gently. "Of course, Mia-chan. Thank you… both of you."
As the Garners' carriage disappeared down the street, Akari sighed.
(What a day… I just entered this kingdom and already got involved in a noble's quest. Am I secretly a chaos magnet?)
She looked down at the pendant, the gem glinting under the sunlight.
"Still… I'm really glad I saved her."
Later that day, Akari found herself wandering the busy market street. Her eyes caught a group of rough-looking adventurers entering a hall with a giant sign:
"Adventurers' Guild – Kingdom of Solemn Branch."
Her heart skipped. "This must be it!"
Inside, the smell of sweat, leather, and steel hit her nose. Adventurers of all races and builds filled the room. Some laughed over ale, others checked bounty boards or cleaned weapons.
And then—she noticed the stares.
(Ah… yeah. Maid outfit. Not exactly standard adventurer gear.)
Trying not to die of embarrassment, she marched straight to the counter—where a tall, neat man with glasses stood, speaking politely to another adventurer. His calm tone and handsome face made Akari pause.
(Wow… he looks like he stepped straight out of a romance novel.)
When their eyes met, she realized she'd been staring. Again.
He smiled faintly. "Miss? Can I help you?"
"Ah! Y-Yes! I want to register as an adventurer!"
He chuckled lightly. "Of course. But before we start—being an adventurer isn't easy. There are dangers, injuries, even death. Are you prepared for that?"
Akari straightened her back, her golden eyes burning with resolve. "Yes. I'm ready. I came here to challenge myself."
The man's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Good answer."
He handed her a paper form. "Please fill this out."
As she scribbled, he patiently explained the guild rules, ranking system, and quest procedures. Akari listened intently, taking mental notes like a diligent student.
Once she returned the form, he glanced over it. "Akari Sato… rookie swordswoman, huh?"
He looked up. "I'm Arthur, senior receptionist here. Welcome to the Solemn Adventurers' Guild."
Akari smiled brightly. "Thank you, Arthur-san! I won't let you down!"
Arthur smirked. "Let's see about that. You'll need to pass the Adventurer's Oral Exam first."
Akari froze. "...Oral exam?!"
Arthur chuckled. "Don't worry, it's not that scary. Come with me, I'll explain the details."
As Akari followed him, she couldn't help her thoughts from wandering—
(Okay, focus Akari. You're here to start your new life, not to admire the first handsome NPC you meet. Stay calm. Stay cool.)
And so, with her pendant shining faintly against her chest, Akari took her first step toward becoming a true adventurer.
Skill Log – Akari Sato
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Class: Swordswoman / Maid
Skills:
Basic Swordsmanship (Lv. 2) – Mastery of sword handling; improved precision and balance.
Observation (Lv. 1) – Can analyze opponent's movement and estimate weak points.
Vine Hostages (New Skill) – Summons living vines that immobilize multiple targets at once; strength increases with emotional intensity.
Mana Sense (Lv. 1) – Detects nearby magic presence and flow.
Healing Thread (Lv. 1) – Generates fine mana threads to close small wounds.
Battle Instinct (Passive) – Reaction speed increases in combat situations.
Cooking Talent (Passive) – Greatly enhances the taste of any cooked meal.
Current Title:
"The Duke's Heroine"
"Maid of the Silver Vines"