Chapter 4: It's too hard to show off in front of an expert_1
Raeshan continued working at the counter without pause.
One adventurer after another stepped forward, drawn by curiosity at first, then staying because his work was fast, clean, and precise.
He did not flirt, did not smile unnecessarily, and did not show favoritism. Every form was checked carefully, and every reward was counted correctly.
Because of that, the flow at his counter became the smoothest in the entire hall.
His movements were steady and efficient.
Nearby adventurers slowed their steps.
Whispers spread through the hall.
"He's really good at this job."
"I thought he was just a pretty face, but he actually has skill."
"Brains and beauty… perfect husband material."
More adventurers began drifting toward his counter, choosing his desk even when other counters were free.
The line in front of Raeshan's counter slowly grew longer.
Outside the Adventurer Guild
A beautiful, mature woman in her early thirties, with white hair and grey eyes, walked toward the Adventurer Guild. She wore an adventurer's outfit that clearly showed her experience.
Her name was Rivena, a B-rank adventurer of the Adventurer Guild. She had come today to check if there were any good quests available.
Soon, she stood in front of the Adventurer Guild building and entered.
As she stepped inside, she expected the usual noise of adventurers chatting and shouting to greet her. Instead, the guild was unusually quiet.
The strange scene puzzled her.
Her eyes soon noticed a long line in front of a single receptionist counter. Other counters were open, yet everyone seemed to be lining up at just one.
Another thing caught her attention. The male adventurers looked upset, as if they had just encountered their worst enemy.
Normally, female adventurers were surrounded by men, but today the men were the ones being ignored.
Rivena noticed an empty counter and started walking toward it, but something suddenly caught her eye.
All the adventurers standing in line were women. The receptionist behind the counter was a man, and he was the most beautiful man Rivena had ever seen.
She stopped in her tracks.
For a moment, she simply stared.
The man behind the counter wore the standard guild uniform, yet it looked strangely fitting on him.
His features were calm and refined. His expression was gentle as he spoke to the women in line. His voice was low and clear, carrying just enough warmth to make those listening lean a little closer.
"Next, please."
The woman at the front nearly tripped over her own feet as she stepped forward.
Rivena narrowed her eyes slightly as she watched the scene. It was obvious now why the guild hall felt so different today.
So that's how it is, she thought.
She glanced around. The men pushed to the back wore expressions filled with frustration and jealousy.
Some crossed their arms. Others muttered under their breath. None dared approach the counter.
Rivena let out a quiet breath and shook her head.
She turned back toward the empty counter she had planned to use. After a few steps, she paused again, her gaze drifting back to the long line of women.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"…Guess I can wait in line like everyone else," she murmured.
Without hesitation, Rivena changed direction and stepped into the line.
The moment the adventurers noticed her, they reacted immediately.
One by one, they stepped aside, making space for her.
"Please, go ahead."
"You're B-rank adventurer Rivena, right?"
"Take my place."
The offers came naturally, without complaint.
Rivena paused, slightly surprised by how easily it happened.
In Town, B-rank adventurers were rare. Only a few stayed long term. Most preferred larger cities, where quests suited their level and the pay was much better.
But River Town was different.
It stood near the Blue Mist Forest, a dangerous region filled with monsters. B-rank adventurers came here mainly for hunting or short-term work.
Rivena was one of them.
To lower-ranked adventurers, her presence carried weight. Giving up a spot in line was a small price if it earned goodwill.
A favor from a B-rank adventurer could mean safety, support, or opportunity in the future.
Rivena looked at the women who had stepped aside and gave a calm nod.
She accepted the spot without fuss.
Rivena moved forward and stood at the front of the line.
The women behind her did not seem upset. Some watched her with admiration, while others whispered quietly.
No one complained. This was simply how things worked.
Raeshan lifted his eyes as she stepped closer.
"Good morning," he said politely.
Rivena met his gaze. Up close, his appearance was even more striking. His eyes were clear and calm, and there was quiet confidence in the way he carried himself.
"Morning," she replied.
"I'm looking for available quests."
Raeshan nodded and reached for a stack of quest papers.
"Are you working alone today?"
"Yes."
"Rank?"
"B-rank."
A brief pause followed. The women behind her leaned in slightly, listening.
"I see," he said, his tone unchanged.
"We do have several quests that may suit you. Most are related to the Blue Mist Forest."
Rivena raised an eyebrow slightly.
"As expected."
He selected a few papers and placed them on the counter.
"Monster hunting requests. The difficulty is higher than usual, but the rewards match the risk."
Rivena read through the quests Raeshan had laid out.
As he said, most were dangerous hunts deep within the Blue Mist Forest. After a while, she reached for a herb-gathering request.
Just as she was about to choose it, her eyes shifted.
Partially hidden beneath Raeshan's hand was another quest paper.
Rivena pointed at it.
"I want that one."
Raeshan paused and followed her finger. He pulled the paper out and placed it on the counter.
Material of Razorback Dire Boar
B-rank party hunt
Location: Blue Mist Forest, inner zone
Target: Razorback Dire Boar
Raeshan studied her carefully.
"This is a party hunt," he warned. "It's meant for a full B-rank team, not a solo adventurer."
Rivena lifted her gaze and met his eyes.
"I know."
Her tone was calm, without hesitation.
"I'll take it alone."
Raeshan frowned slightly, his hand resting on the quest paper.
"I can't recommend this," he said. "This request isn't meant for a single adventurer. Even B-rank parties approach Razorback Dire Boars with caution."
Rivena did not argue. She simply waited, her expression steady.
Raeshan hesitated. He was about to pull the paper back when a voice spoke from the side.
"Let her take it."
Both of them turned.
Behind the neighboring counter stood Mira, her eyes fixed on Rivena. She had been watching the exchange in silence.
Raeshan looked uneasy. "Mira, this quest…"
"She knows the risk," Mira interrupted. "If she's confident enough to choose it, that's her decision."
Mira leaned slightly against the counter and added, "B-rank adventurers don't make reckless choices lightly."
Rivena glanced at Mira and gave her a small nod.
Raeshan let out a quiet breath. After a moment, he slid the quest paper forward.
"…Very well," he said. "But if things feel wrong, retreat immediately."
Rivena picked up the paper.
"I always do."
***
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