The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

In this world, a year is divided into ten months.

In the four-season Kingdom of Mataisa, winter is from January to March, spring is April to May, summer is June to August, and autumn is September to October.

During winter, snow piles up in the eastern region near the sea, apparently blocking many roads. Even in the royal capital, it occasionally snows lightly, but it doesn't accumulate. Incidentally, since my and Saaya's hometowns are west of the capital, we never saw snow.

Even without snow, when transportation is limited to walking or horse carriages, even road freezing is troublesome, slowing down logistics and raising prices. Partly due to this, each school apparently has a two-month winter break.

The student dormitories remain open because some students can't return home due to snow, but conversely, they're completely closed during summer break. Summer vacation is the entire month of July, but since it's only one month, some students from distant regions can't go home.

Many of these students apparently work part-time jobs and live in boarding houses just for the summer.

"I see. So Mamared-sama's inn becomes a summer boarding house for students?"

"That's right. Apparently, I have to move out by the end of the month, which is troublesome. Fortunately, I have enough money, but if I stay at a nice inn, I might disturb others with the sounds and smells of dissection... What should I do?"

"Well, at a cheap inn, people are more likely to accept that kind of thing."

It's precisely because the environment is poor that she can be free. What Mamared is seeking is freedom rather than comfort.

She really feels like a true adventurer. It's hard to believe she's royalty.

By the way, we're sitting near the quest board in the Guild's tavern. It's still before noon, so no one else is here.

Mamared glances at the empty quest board and says,

"There don't seem to be any requests for mutant specimens lately. Should I enter the dungeon instead?"

"If you're looking for mutant specimens, I wouldn't recommend the dungeon. Dungeon monsters are essentially replicas created by the dungeon based on the World Tree's information."

"So you mean mutations due to natural environments and such don't occur?"

"At least, I've never seen one before."

"I see. Then I don't need to act as a dungeon conqueror. Besides, I dislike dungeons. I can't dissect anything there either."

"That's true."

Dungeons aren't suitable for researchers. They're too literal, for better or worse.

Mamared was thinking hard with a troubled expression.

By the way, you might wonder why I'm listening to Mamared's life counseling in the middle of the day?

The answer is simple. I was free too.

The diligent adventurers of the royal capital guild quickly accept even high-difficulty requests. There are hardly any quests left undone, and when I came leisurely hoping to do a solo quest after a long time, only low-rank miscellaneous quests were left.

I had a late breakfast with Mamared, who was also troubled by the lack of quests, over an hour ago. Since then, we've been having this life counseling session somewhat by default.

"If Tanya-san is prioritizing mutant specimens for you, you can't really enter the dungeon. It might be best to take single-day requests so you can show up at the guild every morning. Though it'll probably be mostly miscellaneous tasks."

"But then, the monsters..."

"It's also important to steadily complete requests to rank up to B-rank."

Mamared is C-rank. Even if an A-rank equivalent mutant appears, she can't accept it due to regulations. In the reverse case, if Tanya mediates, she could accept it, so there should be no downside to raising her rank.

"That's true. Eventually, becoming an S-rank adventurer and dissecting all kinds of mutant specimens is my dream."

"T-that's quite a dream you have."

"But will it be alright? If I show up for low-rank quests, I feel like I might surprise people. I am a princess, after all."

"...Indeed."

If someone put out a request for carrying luggage and a princess showed up, they'd be shocked. Ordinary citizens wouldn't have the courage to make royalty do menial tasks, creating a situation that benefits no one.

"Personally, I want to be treated equally by anyone if we're in an equal relationship. But as royalty, it's a fact that I receive certain recognition and constraints. Although I think there's no distinction in status as an adventurer, society probably doesn't see it that way. I never imagined such obstacles until I became an adventurer."

"That's true. It can't be helped since you're a princess. It's already extremely unusual for you to be living alone like this."

"I'd like to set a good precedent for the future... At least, I want to make a name for myself as an adventurer to the point where I get designated requests. A situation where people can say, 'Leave it to Mamared.'"

"Isn't that already the case with mutant specimens?"

"Not yet. It's because Tanya-san is fulfilling my wishes, not because of my own abilities. I'm always indebted to Tanya-san, so I'd like to repay her somehow, but—"

"Then how about we go to the new restaurant in the West District together next time? With Mamared-sama there, we probably won't get ripped off."

A voice suddenly called out from behind.

Tanya was standing there with a bright smile.

"A restaurant? That sounds nice. Let's go."

"Great! And Mamared-sama, guess what? A designated request has come for you!"

"Really? Please tell me the details!"

"Sure thing!"

"Mamared-sama, that's great news. Well then, I'll be—"

"Ah, Ruruk-kun, wait."

I was about to stand up, but my sleeve was pulled.

"Me too? Isn't it Mamared-sama's designated request?"

"It is, but I have something for you too. First, here's Mamared-sama's request form. The content is 'Monster Investigation' at 'Souka Plains', planned for 10 days including travel time, and the client is 'Ikaho Trading Company'. Ikaho Trading is a fairly large company with a branch here in the Mataisa royal capital. The request comes from the deputy branch manager there. What do you think about this, Ruruk-kun?"

"It seems like a standard request, but is there something concerning you?"

"Well, Mamared-sama is royalty, right? I can't be carefree enough to mediate a designated request without any caution."

"That's true, but... Is the client trustworthy?"

"'Ikaho Trading Company' itself is. But if they're making a designated request for Mamared-sama, it's strange that at least the branch manager doesn't come out. As a matter of etiquette."

"I agree. When meeting with royalty, it's common for the highest-ranking person in the organization to show their face."

"Is that so?"

I don't know about the customs of noble society or social circles, so if they say so, it must be true.

"So, do you have a request for me too?"

"Yes. Regarding this request, I want Mamared-sama to accept it. If nothing happens, that's fine. ...But if Mamared-sama is being deceived, I want you to help her out."

"Tanya-san, I don't like being treated so specially. As an adventurer, I'm prepared for dangers."

"It's not like that, Mamared-sama. Actually, there's more to the story—"

Tanya went on to explain about Ikaho Trading Company.

Apparently, for this designated request, the deputy branch manager, who is the client, will also accompany them. However, since it's an investigation quest, it doesn't include guard duty. They say they'll hire separate guards, and the client side will cover meals and food expenses during the journey. This itself isn't strange, but it seems that the monster investigation doesn't really relate to Ikaho Trading Company's main business activities.

Of course, the Adventurers' Guild pays attention to designated requests and verifies the reliability and background of the requests. This monster investigation is about researching the ecology of suspicious monsters appearing on the plains, which is a common request, and it makes sense to ask Mamared, who has extensive knowledge about monsters.

But it's puzzling why Ikaho Trading Company is conducting this investigation in the first place. After all, Ikaho Trading mainly deals with medical supplies, isn't well-versed in monster-related material trading, and isn't employed by the noble who owns that area.

"So, it's a big company, so it's highly trustworthy, but when you think about it, it's a bit strange, right?"

"That's right. And there's one more thing... If Mamared-sama accepts this request, there's a designated request for Ruruk-kun, and it was made by Luney Trading Company."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, right after Ikaho Trading left, an important person called a manager from Luney Trading came and designated Ruruk-kun as a conditional request. Hey Ruruk-kun, what's your relationship with Luney Trading?"

"...A regular customer, I guess?"

I'm not surprised by Luney Trading's information network and speed anymore, but I can't think of any benefit for Luney Trading to pay the request fee to watch over Mamared. Maybe Luney Trading owes a debt to the Mataisa royal family and wants to protect Mamared.

But well, one thing I can say is:

"If Luney Trading is behind this, then those concerns are probably more than just paranoia."

"You think so too? That's what I thought."

"So you mean I'm being targeted?"

"The possibility seems high."

"...I see."

Mamared looked a bit disappointed.

It's not something to be happy about when your first designated request is likely to be a trap.

"Mamared-sama, you don't have to accept it if you don't want to. I feel like the risks and returns aren't balanced."

"No, I'll accept it. If our concerns turn out to be unfounded, I'd be missing out on a good opportunity."

"I see."

"Besides—"

Mamared slightly softened her usual calm expression.

"Even if something happens, you'll protect me, won't you, Ruruk-sama?"

The next day, at the eastern gate of the royal capital.

"Once again, it's a pleasure to work with you, Princess Mamared."

"Likewise, Ripard-san."

After officially accepting the designated request and meeting this morning, both parties quickly prepared and left through the eastern gate.

The deputy branch manager of Ikaho Trading, a man named Ripard, was a thin, small middle-aged man. He wore a seemingly kind expression and kept bowing repeatedly.

Since it wasn't a guard request, Mamared was also seated in the carriage. It seemed to be a high-quality carriage, and while it didn't have flashy decorations, it had suspension, making for a comfortable ride. Suspension is essential for long-distance travel.

How do I know this? Because I'm also riding in the carriage.

Of course, hidden on the roof.

Ikaho Trading had arranged three guards, who seemed to be employed guards rather than adventurers. Their average level was 35, neither high nor low. Well, since we're not passing through dangerous areas, there's nothing particularly strange about this.

"It's planned to be a four-day journey one way. Princess, if you feel any discomfort, please don't hesitate to let us know. We'll do our best to accommodate you."

"As I mentioned earlier, I'm an adventurer now. I'm not a guest, so please treat me as such."

"No, no, the request is for monster investigation at the destination. Until then, we'll treat you as our guest and provide every convenience, so please don't hold back."

"...I see."

Mamared looks displeased.

She's alone in the carriage with a man she just met. Moreover, it's clear that he won't treat her as an equal, so it seems quite uncomfortable for Mamared.

"But I was surprised, you know. When I heard that Your Highness had become an adventurer, I thought my eyes would pop out."

"Is that so? However, being an adventurer is just a means; my main purpose is monster research."

"Yes, yes, I'm well aware. You're still wearing your trademark white coat, so I didn't think you had a change of heart or anything."

"...Excuse me, but have we met before?"

"Once, when Your Highness was still small. The white coat you're wearing was all prepared by our company. I was humbly present at the first fitting."

"I see. I apologize for my rudeness earlier. I'm sorry."

"N-no, not at all! Please raise your head!"

Oh, so they were acquaintances after all.

It's understandable that a company with direct business routes to the royal palace would have high credibility. I wonder what Luney Trading is cautious about.

After that, Mamared and Ripard continued their trivial conversation bit by bit. As expected of a deputy branch manager, Ripard was skilled in conversation and maintained his smile even when Mamared seemed bored.

That day passed with just traveling in the carriage, nothing special happening.

It takes two days by carriage to reach the next town, so today we're camping.

When we arrived at the camping point, there were already about three groups resting: two groups of adventurers and one group of merchants from a shared carriage. The atmosphere was friendly.

When Mamared stepped out in such a place, almost everyone was shocked.

"P-Princess?! W-why are you in a place like this!"

"N-no way... Was the rumor about royalty becoming an adventurer true?"

"Y-Your Highness! Please use our campfire!"

Mamared looked genuinely displeased at the surrounding reactions, with some people trying to get close and others distancing themselves.

This camping point, being close to the royal capital, had many passersby. Another group of adventurers came in and started camping, so it became like a campsite with tents and campfires scattered about.

However, it seemed there weren't many people bold enough to make a ruckus in the presence of royalty, so there was a somewhat tense atmosphere throughout the camp.

Mamared looked bored throughout.

The next day, we moved as scheduled.

Although the weather deteriorated slightly with passing showers, the speed didn't decrease because all the roads around the royal capital are beautifully paved. Thanks to "Domain Arbitration," I didn't get wet from the rain while lying on the roof, enjoying a comfortable rooftop life.

That day, we arrived at the neighboring town before dusk, so we got a high-class inn.

Since Ripard paid for Mamared's lodging, naturally Mamared was in the room next to his in the same inn. However, since I'm following in secret, I obviously can't take a room on the same floor.

I secretly spoke to Mamared when Ripard and the guards weren't looking.

"I'll take a room above or below. If none are available, I'll take a nearby room. I'll report back later."

"You could stay in the same room. In that case, to my wife—"

"I'll pass."

"Then please let me know when you've decided on a room."

In the end, I got a room diagonally below. That's because Mamared's room was the best room on the top floor. Moreover, it came with a specialized guard and a butler.

"I've got nothing to do, huh."

Originally, my main job was night watch.

The main road to Souka Plains is a trunk road from the royal capital, so we frequently pass by peddlers. Even if someone were to attack, there are many potential witnesses, patrolling soldiers, and few hiding places on the open road. If anything were to happen, I think it would be at night, but it's a difficult situation to make a move so far.

Is this...

Am I actually on a trip disguised as a designated request?

The designation fee is generous, all travel expenses are covered, and I'm just lying down during the move.

"What exactly is the job of an S-rank adventurer..."

Saaya would definitely be jealous if I told her. I'll keep it a secret.

Just as I was thinking that, as if I'd raised a flag, I got a communication through the guiding stone. Of course, it was Saaya.

"Hello, Ruruk, are you free now?"

"Yes, I'm free."

"What are you doing today? Seori said you've moved away from the royal capital."

"...It's a quest."

"Hmm. It's not a cheating trip, is it?"

"It's a solo escort mission."

"I see. Give me the details later. And souvenirs too."

"Yes. Good luck with your dungeon conquest there."

"Of course. ...By the way, why are you speaking so politely? You're not hiding something, are you?"

"Not at all."

A woman's intuition is scary.

That's how I spent that night.

Of course, no suspicious characters came to the high-class inn, and the day changed peacefully.

The third day was also spent moving.

Gradually, we encountered fewer traveling groups, and the scenery became quite desolate. There were patches of untended forests, and from here on, we started encountering many monsters.

However, we were just observing from afar, and they didn't approach us. At most, they were C-rank monsters, so even if they came close, the guards could handle them easily.

The weather was a bit hot as expected for early summer, but comfortable when clouds were present. Unlike Japan, the air is dry here, so it's pleasant in the shade.

It was while I was gazing at the sky, listening to the clip-clop of the carriage, that it happened.

"Please stop."

Mamared, who had been looking out the carriage window, suddenly raised her voice.

Ripard immediately instructed the coachman to stop.

"What's the matter?"

"There's a large monster ahead."

"Eh? I-I can't see anything..."

The road looked no different. It's understandable that Ripard looked anxious and confused.

"Almirajes are scattering and fleeing to the left and right. There aren't many reasons for Almirajes to flee without maintaining their herd. In addition, several Orthroses are showing similar reactions. Considering the territorial nature of Orthros, we can assume that a monster more threatening than a pack of Orthroses is approaching."

"B-but Your Highness, there's no other road—"

"It's here. It's fast."

"What?"

True to Mamared's words, the ground tremors gradually approached.

What was approaching from the front was a surprisingly huge horse.

It was the horse monster Bicorn, with two horns on its head.

However, its size was clearly not normal. Regular Bicorns are about C-rank monsters, but this one appeared large enough for even a giant to ride, clearly possessing power and speed on par with an A-rank monster.

That was undoubtedly—

"A mutant specimen!"

That's the biggest smile I've seen since the journey began.

Mamared jumped out of the carriage. Pushing aside the frightened guards who had turned pale, Mamared revealed an expression befitting a mad scientist and drew her long sword.

"What beautiful fur! Come on, bring it on!"

The battle between the excited pervert and the giant Bicorn began.