248.【Launch Commemoration Short Story】Ortus Emergency Meeting (Side Gilnandio)

 

 

※This is a short story to commemorate the launch of “Welcome to the Special-grade Guild!” It’s a story from when Meg was a little girl, shortly after arriving at Ortus.

Enjoy…!

 

——

 

“We’re holding an emergency Ortus meeting.”

 

Meg arriving at Ortus has become a bit of a rumor in the city. We were being as careful as possible, to keep her out of sight, but… she’s noticeable and has good looks. There’s no way people could keep quiet after seeing her adorable face, one that’s hard to forget. We didn’t tell anyone to keep it a secret, so the rumors spread.

 

“Ah, um… it’s not like I have a request or anything… but I’m looking for someone.”

“Umm… ah, right, right! I’m here for a pain relief patch for my stiff shoulders.”

“Th-The lunch here’s delicious, you know! I can’t help but to keep coming back!”

 

People from all over the city are coming to see Meg, giving these flimsy excuses.

A missing person? I’m sure it’s Meg.

A pain relief patch? You came here for one yesterday too.

Lunch? There are so many people giving that excuse, the guild’s eating area’s been packed every day.

 

Saura, at her wit’s end, decided to hold an emergency meeting.

 

“Lately, there’s been a scramble for day trip requests among the guild members.”

 

Saura announced this, looking solemn, in the center of the meeting room. Fighting’s prohibited within the guild grounds, except for in the training grounds, so there haven’t been any major incidents. But because of that, there’s been an intense, silent psychological warfare every morning, in front of the posted requests. Those with weaker hearts would probably faint, the amount of aura they were emanating was as bad as if they were actually fighting. More importantly, even Meg was intimidated. I’ve thought about just wiping them all out, so many times.

 

“It’s because they all want to see Meg-chan, even for a bit! The members’ cold war is a nuisance, but I’m also troubled because no one’s accepting the long-distance requests. They used to accept them immediately because they pay well! If things continue like this, we won’t be able to keep up. We’re known for deciding requests based on our mood, so it’s been somewhat overlooked, but… this is a serious issue.”

“With people from the city crowding in, and this, I fear the guild might explode, even if it is Ortus.”

“Gahaha, you’re exaggerating, Schlie, but it’s true that having too many people is dangerous for little Meg and Saura.”

 

That’s right, it’s dangerous. I can’t help but think that I should just wipe them all out. And since everyone’s faces are the same as they are outside, I’ve also stopped taking my mask off. Meg looked sad whenever I did that, so, combined with this current situation, I’m feeling irritated.

 

“Seriously! I’m used to it, so it’s fine for me, but Meg-chan toddles around, so I’m so worried I can’t relax!”

“Hmm, Meg-chan really is cute, so everyone’s always picking her up.”

“They’re all doing it out of concern for her, so it’s still okay, but… there will soon be those who come here for the sole purpose of picking her up.”

“Or maybe they’re already here…”

“Gahaha… capital punishment?”

 

It seems I’m not the only one who’s irritated. The atmosphere’s gradually becoming dangerous. Of course, I have no intention of hiding it.

 

“Well, calm down. It’s easy enough to just crush anyone like that, isn’t it? For now, let’s think of a solution. We’re getting sidetracked.”

 

Ludo admonished us. But he’s also casually saying, “Crush,” so I’m sure he feels the same way.

But Ludo’s right. We returned to the main topic and started to think.

 

 

 

“Hmm, how about reverse psychology?”

 

As expected, most of our ideas were violent, and just as we were starting to fall silent, getting nowhere, Kei spoke up. Kei’s often the one who gives good ideas at times like these, it helps a lot. The senior members all looked at Kei.

 

“Why don’t we just introduce her to everyone in the city? So Meg-chan can at least go for walks on her own, without having to worry.”

 

Schlie continued, seemingly agreeing with Kei’s idea.

 

“So basically… Ortus will be asking the people of the city? Having the whole city watch over Meg? …That might be good. It’s human nature to want what you’re not allowed to have. If we properly introduce her, this commotion might settle down, wouldn’t you say?”

“That makes sense…”

 

I see, so they’re trying so hard to see her because we’re desperately trying to hide her.

 

“…It’s better than them coming all the way to Ortus. And I can glare at anyone who still comes here. And we can use this opportunity to apply pressure, to let them know they’re on their own if they’re persistent.”

“How about we properly introduce her inside Ortus too? There are probably members who haven’t spoken to Meg yet. They might settle down once they’ve had the chance to talk to her.”

 

Even Saura and Ludo were on board now. I’m willing to cooperate, if it’ll resolve this situation.

 

“A welcome party? If so, we’ll need to prepare!”

“A welcome party… I see, Nika, good idea. If we make it a welcome party for Meg, we can naturally invite people.”

“Let’s prepare in secret, without telling Meg-chan. It’ll be a surprise party. I’m sure she’ll be surprised, but I want to see her happy face.”

 

It seems like Ludo and Kei are also eager, after picking up on Nika’s seemingly offhand suggestion. A welcome party… When there’s a new member in Ortus, we usually hold small parties by department, but inviting the whole guild, even people from the city, is an unprecedented event.

 

“Yeah… yeah, that sounds good! We’re doing that! We’ll decide on a date, and everyone will take the day off. That means there’ll be some who’ll have to work themselves to death, but… it’s for Meg-chan. It’s fine if everyone dies once! Right?”

 

Everyone smiled wryly at Saura’s declaration. Our executive officer is capable, and because of that, she tries to perfectly execute anything she’s decided on. If Saura says so, then at least the members here will be worked to death. It’s a done deal. It can’t be helped.

 

Basically, resisting is futile. The senior members, knowing that, shifted gears and started discussing the welcome party.

 

“We can’t invite everyone in the city, right?”

“How about a lottery?”

“Ugh… my condolences to those at the reception desk…”

 

It seemed like Nika, Schlie, and Kei were discussing who to invite to the welcome party.

 

“What’s more important is… what to do with Meg-chan during the day…”

“How about asking her to run an errand? Knowing her, she’ll be eager to do it.”

 

Saura and Ludo were thinking about how to keep Meg occupied. An errand… Will she be going alone?

 

“That’s a good idea! Then why don’t we…”

“But it’s worrying to have her go alone…”

“In that case…”

 

I joined the conversation, and we started discussing the welcome party. Hmm, with this, we’ll be able to safely have Meg run an errand. She can’t be in Ortus while we’re preparing for the welcome party, because she’ll notice. Now it just depends on whether she reacts as expected. …Well, I’m sure she will. Meg’s easy to read.

 

“Alright! We have a general idea! I’ll create a plan today! Schlie, please summarize what we just discussed. Everyone, meet again tonight to decide who’s doing what!”

“““Got it!”””

 

And so, having decided to hold the welcome party in 30 days, we began preparations, making sure Meg didn’t notice. …We’ll have to be careful with those who can’t keep their mouths shut. It’ll probably be fine if the senior members keep an eye on them, but it seems like everyone’s united for Meg’s sake. It’ll be fine either way.

 

Thanks to their efforts, Meg continued about her daily life, completely unaware of the welcome party. And then the day arrived.

Meg, still looking sleepy, as always. Kei was waiting in the hallway, to pretend they’d run into her accidentally. Saura was keeping a watchful eye at the reception desk.

 

Alright, time to start. Meg, I pray that today will be a special day for you.