Chapter 117: An unexpected visitor

In the back alley behind Sea Anemone, Tianna spoke at length about the time she met her master.

Sometimes she would laugh as she remembered something, and her unintentionally girlish expression soothed Nicks heart.

My master wasnt really like a noble He wouldnt rely on servants most of the time, and he would stay locked up in his office instead of going home from time to time. At some point I had to start helping him clean.

Thats a little different from the image I had of him in my mind.

Said Nick, and Tianna giggled.

He doesnt feel like a noble when hes amongst nobles, but he sure does here in the Labyrinth City. Hes a little strange anywhere he goes.

I dont dislike people that stay firm like that.

He has always been an understanding person

Tianna sighed with some gloom on her face.

Nick thought what Tianna said felt off. When he spoke to Bellocchio, he found him to be earnest and stubborn. Someone with a strong will, who would do anything to attain his goals. 

He did not feel like someone free and easygoing who placed much importance on the will of his students.

It is strange.

Ou, I was looking for you. Youre training here?

That was when someone called out to Nick and Tianna. 

A sorcerer with frizzy blonde hair, who was Nicks friend, but also his enemy in this match.

Willy?

Hi Nick.

Nick and Willy were not just adventurers, they were also both fans of idols.

They had been going to Agates concerts together, and at that point, it could be said they were friends.

No hard feelings right? I know this is turning into something kind of weird.

Its fine. But moving from party to party as a helper is kind of a weird way to work.

It cant be helped, two of our old party members got married and retired. Me and Marcus had no choice but to keep going as a duo.

Willy shrugged.

So, are you here to scout out the enemy? 

Said Tianna sarcastically.

Yes, thats half of it.

Nick and Tianna stared at Willy, not expecting him to casually admit it.

Im mostly here to give you a message from master Bellocchio.

Eh?

Nick became a bit nervous, but Tianna was not bothered. Instead, she asked a question.

Master Bellocchio? You call him that too?

Yes. Ive been telling him about what its like to be an adventurer nowadays, and I asked him to teach me magic and he accepted.

I see So were both his pupils then.

Its a pleasure, big sister.

Big what? Who are you calling big sister!?

Everyone calls you that, especially the ones that like going to the dragon races and casinos. They say stuff I dont really get with respect like it feels nice to see her gamble and shes becoming a master at playing.

Nick barely contained a burst of laughter.

Hey!

Sorry sorry.

Tianna glared at Nick, who unconsciously apologized.

Tianna sighed, before realizing something and starting to tremble.

Does master Bellocchio know about this?

Ah

Willy struggled to answer, which was basically an answer in and of itself.

Tianna was very troubled to hear this, and startled mumbling and grumbling.

Nick tried his hardest once again not to laugh, as he watched this noble girl behaving like a child having a tantrum. 

Willy, bewildered, cleared his throat.

I get how you feel but I think I should say why Im here already.

Ah, yes, your message.

Master Bellocchio wants to meet you, Tianna.

Just the two of us?

He wants to hear how youre doing, and says you dont have to worry about him making any demands or anything.

Really?

Nick was suspicious.

He also asked me to apologize to you. He said the way he got upset was unbecoming of his age.

What a weird old man.

He really is strange.

Unlike Tianna, a former noble expelled from home, Bellocchio should still be a noble. He had no reason to apologize to Nick, especially considering the latters rude attitude.

He probably just did not care about those things to begin with.

So? What are you going to do?

Asked Willy.

Tianna looked troubled, and peeked over at Nick.

I think its fine. We all got worked up, so I think its good if you can sit down and speak calmly.

But before a match?

The match is the match. We just have to win.

Said Nick, and Tianna giggled.

I guess.

Youre full of confidence uh?

Asked Willy.

Ive conquered Thousand Sword Peak a few times.

I see But keep one thing in mind Nick.

What?

You were in Argus All Martial Arts right? That means Thousand Sword Peak was probably not a big deal for you.

Thats true.

Then you dont know how a party that relies on the back line is going to do it. Right?

What are you trying to say?

Willy smiled boldly at Nicks question.

Its a warning. Youre strong, anyone can see that based on what you guys have done, but still Dont get careless or you might get the rug pulled from under you.

Wha?

Why that is, is a secret. Well then Tianna, master Bellocchio is staying in the lodging house of a magic research facility in the northeast. Its called Thunderbolt Company, and youll know where it is when you get there.

Said Willy before dashingly leaving.

That Willy

What a bold guy

Acting all cool when just the other day he got tricked into buying unofficial idol merchandise.

I dont want to hear about that.

Tianna smiled and shrugged, thinking they were both hopeless.

See you later.

Be careful Are you sure you dont want me to go with you?

Im not a child.

Tianna followed the instructions and chose to go see Bellocchio by herself.

She wiped the sweat off her body and changed into her usual robe, looking once again like a noble young lady.

But thanks. I havent been to the north in a while, so Ill bring you something from there.

No, its fine. Its not like youre going there for fun.

Well, this sort of thing is right up Karans alley.

Nick saw Tianna leave, and realized he had nothing to do.

The other members of his party were training in the Goblin Forest.

The sun was still high in the sky, and Nick was not debauched enough to go to a bar or tavern so early. 

He would forget his moderation and self-restraint when it came to idols, but aside from that, he did not have many hobbies to pass the time on his own.

I guess Ill go replenish my tools.

He decided to do some chores.

While laughing at himself for being a workaholic, Nick went to a place called hammer alley, that was filled with blacksmiths and stores where people could buy tools. 

If the southeast was a slum and the northwest was for the rich and the nobles, the southwest was for regular people. People not poor enough to worry about whether or not they would have food to eat the next day, but also not rich enough to always be thinking about how to spend money in politics. 

Merchants that dealt in relatively expensive items, workers making daily necessities, and workers working in fairly disciplined workplaces.

There were stores aimed at adventurers near the adventurer guilds, but many people burned themselves trying to take care of all they needed in nearby stores. Adventurers did not need qualifications as long as they formed a party. So, many merchants targeted their wallets. Wallets of those were not adept at making and handling money to live. 

Because of this, Nick tended to avoid the stores around the guilds, and instead made his way to hammer alley many times. He would not get ripped off or get involved with weird people there.

Oh? What a coincidence. Do you want to have some tea with me?

This meant that the person throwing this invitation at him was not just some weird person.

Alice?

It was Alice from the Order of the Sun, with her usual fresh smile.

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