After parting ways with the people of the Tower, I mulled over what Lord Meltas said.

“Once the Mage Tower Supporter certification and the Didoa case rewards are finalized, I’ll send word.”

It had been a satisfying visit to the Mage Tower. Despite the incidents, I had gained a lot. I established several meaningful connections with the Tower’s people, and fostering a good relationship with the Tower was practically a given.

When either of those two matters concluded, the Tower’s endorsement would become my new badge of honor. I’d be treated better than most minor nobles, not to mention being freed from the stigma of being a bastard.

At the moment, I had two choices:

1. Sit and wait for the Tower’s response.
2. Do something productive while waiting for that response.

Despite becoming the man courted by Masters and fussed over by the Tower, I remained unemployed and penniless. Over the past few days, I had focused on building goodwill with the Tower, which meant my job search had been delayed.

When I thought about how Pien and Rona had managed to land jobs and achieve independence right away using their respective skills, I felt a sense of unease. Was waiting idly for the Tower’s call really the right move?

Of course, the quality of job opportunities would differ drastically depending on whether or not I had the Tower’s backing.

‘Should I ask Lord Meltas or Miss Didoa for a recommendation letter?’

For a moment, the thought crossed my mind—but I shook my head.

“...No.”

While their endorsement would practically be equivalent to an official Tower endorsement, there was a difference. My actions would directly reflect on their reputations. To maintain a constructive relationship with them in the future, it was best to avoid over-reliance.

“Let’s see…”

I checked the state of my wallet.

“This should be enough to last a few more days.”

Ultimately, I decided to wait a little longer.

---

“It’s taking forever, Mage Tower… At this rate, I’ll end up homeless.”

A week passed, and still no word from the Tower.

Of course, I hadn’t spent the week doing nothing.

Half of my waking hours were used to familiarize myself with the geography and atmosphere of Bondales (and no, this wasn’t sightseeing). The other half was spent refining my newfound strength. I even mixed in physical training to keep my body sharp.

While it would have been more productive to seek advice from Lord Meltas or spar with Heynia, I was still considered an outsider. Just because I had built rapport with some members of the Tower didn’t mean I could treat the place like my personal playground.

The thought of officially joining the Tower did tempt me briefly.

But then I remembered—Tower apprentices regularly took written exams. Having never read a basic magic text, I’d probably need to eat books for every meal just to keep up with their standards.

If they asked me, “What motivated you to apply to the Tower?”  
I’d have to answer, “Money and power.”  
That wasn’t exactly the kind of responsibility I could handle.

"..."

I checked my wallet again.

“Soon…”

It was getting to the point where I could start questioning the efficiency of the Tower’s administrative process.

---

**District 9.**

The area primarily inhabited by affluent visitors and outsiders.

My lodging was located in District 9 of Bondales.

To be clear, I was far from affluent. The reason I stayed in this area was simple:

Anything below this would crush my fragile soul.

With memories of my modern past life and having grown up in a semi-noble environment, my spirit was more delicate than most would assume.

District 9 was the line I had drawn in the sand. If the day ever came when I had to move to a lower district, it would mean I’d sold my soul for money.

And I don’t think I was being unreasonable. Even Pien was staying in District 7, a wealthier area frequented by merchants and visiting nobles. Apparently, the guild master—who happened to be a woman—took pity on Pien’s circumstances and offered her a room.

“Damn, I’m jealous.”

If only I were a beautiful girl capable of charming people into providing free lodging.

---

Lost in thought, I arrived at my destination.

[Morning at Padian’s]

This café was one of the most prominent establishments in District 5, a bustling commercial hub filled with vibrant shops.

In this world, cafés weren’t just places to grab a coffee; they were social hubs where the city’s movers and shakers gathered to network. As such, they were known for their strict hiring standards, which made it all the more impressive that Rona had landed a job here.

With her golden tan, confident demeanor, and natural charisma, Rona was considered top-tier talent in customer service. She had stopped by my lodging yesterday evening, asking me to visit her café today if I had time.

---

When I arrived at the café, it was still before lunchtime, so the place wasn’t too busy. Rona, cleaning a table inside, noticed me peeking in and immediately came outside.

“Oh, you’re here!” she greeted, her usual assertiveness giving way to a surprisingly shy tone.

“How’s it going?” she asked.

“…How do you think?” I replied, smirking.

Despite her time away from her past as a “Golden Sun,” Rona still carried traces of that prideful persona. She frowned, her expression bordering on reproach.

“Look what you’ve done to me…” she muttered, glaring.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Who’s going to think I ruined your life just by hearing that?”

“Isn’t it true…?” she trailed off.

“Most people would call that ‘reformation.’ Or maybe ‘rehabilitation.’”

“Ugh…”

Her face reddened as she squirmed uncomfortably, recalling her past antics. From manipulation to midnight raids under the influence of charm magic, she had a long list of misdeeds. The fact that she now felt shame over it was a testament to how far she had come.

---

After some teasing banter, Rona got to the point. She pulled out a pouch and handed it to me.

“This week’s pay.”

“…And you’re giving this to me because?”

“You’re my master. You should decide my living expenses.”

Her earnest expression made my head spin.

Who would’ve thought I’d ever become the owner of an auto-hunting NPC?

“Excuse me, what?”

---

Before I could process what was happening, a man with glasses approached us. He stood in front of Rona as if shielding her from me.

“Miss Rona, are you okay? Did this man do something to you?”

“…What are you talking about?”

Rona’s timid demeanor evaporated in an instant, replaced by her usual sharp tone.

“Who asked for your help? And why are you helping me? Do you even know what’s going on?”

“I just thought—”

“What do you know? This man is my—”

Rona hesitated, glancing at me.

“He’s my acquaintance,” I interjected quickly.

“Yes, my acquaintance,” Rona repeated, her tone softening as she nodded in agreement.

---

As the misunderstanding was cleared up, murmurs spread among the café patrons.

“Did you see that? Rona acting shy in front of a guy?”

“Never thought I’d see the day. Who is he?”

“…Wait, is she being controlled?”

For some reason, the café onlookers seemed far too invested in this drama.

---

After the commotion settled, Rona apologized for the inconvenience and returned to her work. I left the café, resolving to focus on my own priorities.

---

Elsewhere, Gadena stood frozen, staring at the peculiar sight before her.

The chair—“contaminated” by human energy—was surrounded by delighted spirits, oblivious to Gadena’s presence.

Her pride as an elf warred with the undeniable truth. Whatever significance that chair held, it wasn’t something she wanted to acknowledge.

Yet, the urgency of her situation took precedence. A towering figure in a black robe addressed her.

“They’ve been spotted in Bondales. Gadena, we must act quickly. No matter what, we must secure ‘it’ before they do.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Gadena rose to leave.

“Where are you going?” the figure asked.

“To the Mage Tower.”

“Mage Tower?”

The figure furrowed his brow, confused. After all, there were no mages in the Tower with deeper knowledge of spirit magic than the elves themselves.

Gadena clarified, “Master Meltas knows someone who can help.”

“Another elf?”

“No. The human who created that chair.”

“…What?”

---

### Chapter 44 - Translation (Continued)

Lysir stood before the building, gazing up at the imposing structure.

**[Draphon Adventurers' Guild]**

It was one of the most prestigious adventurers' guilds based in Bondales, renowned for its exceptional reputation.

Lysir’s expression turned thoughtful as he looked at the guild's grand façade. Then, with a small chuckle, he shook his head.

A man who prided himself on self-awareness, Lysir thought to himself:

“No matter how you slice it, a bastard son starting his career at a top-tier company is just shameless.”

Without hesitation, he looked away from the Draphon Adventurers' Guild and said to himself:

“I believe there’s a Dirt Boots Guild nearby…”

According to his research, if Draphon was the undisputed first-tier guild, Dirt Boots was considered a borderline second-tier guild.

“That should be manageable.”

As he turned to walk away, someone called out to him.

“Hey, you! What’s the matter? Why are you leaving without going in?”

“Huh?” he responded.

A lively woman with a laid-back demeanor approached him, her curiosity evident.

Her name was **Kella**, a seasoned adventurer from the Draphon Guild.

“You’ve got business here, don’t you?” she asked.

“Well, I—”

“I’m Kella,” she said, extending a hand confidently. “From the Draphon Adventurers' Guild.”

Her introduction was brimming with pride as she offered a handshake.

“I’m Lysir,” he replied, shaking her hand. “It’s an honor to meet someone from such a prestigious guild.”

“Hahaha, I won’t deny it. Draphon is amazing,” she said with a grin. “So, Lysir, let me ask again—do you have business with our guild? You’ve already come all this way, so why leave?”

“Well…”

“If you’re looking to post a request, let me tell you right now—don’t hesitate. Draphon will never disappoint.”

“Actually, it’s the opposite.”

“Opposite?”

“I was looking to see if there were any requests I could take on.”

“…Hah!”

It took Kella a moment to register his words before she burst into laughter.

“What? You’re an adventurer?”

“More like an aspiring one.”

“Hmm…”

Kella looked him up and down with a critical eye. His polished appearance, composed demeanor, and lack of the usual roughness made her skeptical.

“I’ve been in this line of work for a long time, you know? I can tell at a glance—this isn’t the right field for you.”

“Is that so?” Lysir asked earnestly.

“Just to be clear, I’m not insulting you—it’s a compliment. The adventuring industry is nothing like the romanticized tales you hear. It’s a cesspool for society’s rejects. You? You’re too refined for that.”

Kella patted his arm, her tone almost motherly.

“This is a job for people who’ve got nothing left. You, on the other hand—cute face, good manners, a certain dignity in how you carry yourself. I guarantee you’d last less than a week before swearing off this business entirely.”

“Really…?”

Her words, though well-meaning, could be taken as offensive. Yet Lysir considered them sincerely, his earnest reaction throwing Kella for a loop.

**“This guy really isn’t cut out for this…”**

Just as she opened her mouth to dissuade him further, Lysir’s expression turned serious. Without a word, he veered into a nearby alley.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Kella called out, quickly following him.

---

They didn’t have to walk far before an unusual scene unfolded before them.

“A wolf?”

It was a young wolf, not yet fully grown, surrounded by figures cloaked in black robes.

“…What the…?”

The hooded figures turned their attention to Lysir and Kella, who had stumbled upon them. After a tense moment, one of the cloaked individuals drew a strangely-shaped blade and charged at Lysir.

**“Fast!”**

The attacker’s movements were beyond what Kella expected. His speed and precision suggested he was no ordinary thug—possibly a warrior of the third tier.

“Lysir, get back!” Kella shouted, drawing her sword to defend him.

The situation was grim. The attacker was likely too skilled for Kella to handle, even with a full party. She quickly resolved to create an opening for escape.

But before she could act, a sudden gust of wind erupted.

**Thud!**

The charging attacker was flung back and slammed into a wall with bone-jarring force.

“Guh—!” he groaned, collapsing unconscious as the impact drove the air from his lungs.

“…”

Everyone, including Kella, was stunned into silence.

---

Lysir, for his part, was just as bewildered.

---

A man who prided himself on being self-aware, Lysir now realized how deeply flawed his perceptions had become.

Most people lacked the ability to immediately gauge an opponent’s power at a glance. They weren’t like assassins who trained under guild masters, sorcerers who dabbled in forbidden arts, or elves with centuries of experience.

Yet, after multiple encounters with exceptional individuals, Lysir’s sense of scale had become thoroughly skewed.

**“Wait… wasn’t this guy supposed to have a hidden trump card?”**

When the cloaked attacker had charged at him, Lysir had assumed he must have some hidden ace up his sleeve. So, he had responded with full force—only to find himself overreacting.

“W-what did you just do?” Kella stammered.

Lysir stared blankly at the unconscious attacker, utterly confused.

**“That’s it? That was your plan? Charging at me with no backup?”**

The other cloaked figures grimaced, realizing they had severely underestimated their target.

---

Kella, meanwhile, was reevaluating everything she thought she knew about the seemingly harmless “aspiring adventurer” standing beside her.