novelraw Chapter 112: The Farmer’s Status
Chapter 112: The Farmer’s Status
“Can I take commissions? Do they require traveling far? Will the… uh, the Adventurer’s Guild cover travel expenses?” The moment Leon heard that the membership fee was only 20G, and that he could earn no less than 500G per commission, he immediately perked up.
“No need to travel far. The Pelican Town Adventurer’s Guild only accepts local commissions.”
Marlon, though not fond of Leon, still explained patiently.
It was because Leon possessed a Galaxy Weapon. And apart from having a rather whimsical way of speaking, he was actually a decent person. Marlon didn’t want to miss such a promising recruit.
“Long have I wandered, lamenting that I’ve never met a worthy master. If you don’t mind, I’d like to pledge myself to you as Guild Master.”
Hearing such a good deal, Leon clasped his fists in salute, solemnly declaring his desire to join the Adventurer’s Guild.
Marlon shot him a disdainful glance. He couldn’t quite grasp the exact meaning behind Leon’s archaic words, but he could still tell Leon was expressing his intent to join—the way he said it was just a bit odd.
“Come on. Let’s head inside and fill out the paperwork.”
In the end, Marlon gestured for Leon to follow him into the Guild.
The interior didn’t impress Leon much—the decor was surprisingly homey.There were no weapon display racks or monster trophies like he had imagined. The hall was bare, not even furnished, the only decorative piece being a bearskin rug on the floor.
What Leon saw most along the two sides of the hall were rows of large barrels. He didn’t need to check their contents—the alcohol scent in the air told him well enough they held liquor.
At the north end of the hall stood a lone counter beside a fireplace. Even in the mild spring weather, the fireplace burned steadily. An elderly man in a coat sat dozing in a rocking chair beside it.
“Gil, open your eyes and take a look at the newcomer,” Marlon called, shaking the man awake.
Gil cracked his eyes open, gave Leon a brief glance, then withdrew his gaze and spoke in a raspy voice:
“Good physical condition. Can’t judge combat skills yet, but your observation is sharp and your gaze is keen. You’ve got potential. A bit too striking in appearance though—better suited for guard or stealth commissions.”
“My appearance is striking?” Leon grinned. “Old man, you’ve got a sharp eye to see that.”
Marlon added from the side, “When Gil says you have a striking appearance, he means you’re handsome.”
“Well, that’s fine too. Still a compliment,” Leon said cheerfully—until Marlon followed up with:
“Heh. Do you know why Gil said you’re suited for guard or stealth commissions? Because being handsome makes you a perfect decoy. You’re what we call a ‘pretty face.’ The type the wealthy young ladies, young masters, and noblewomen adore. They’ll pay generously for someone like you, and they’ll be too busy admiring you to interfere with our actual work.”
“Sorry, but I’m not taking those jobs. I sell skill, not my body.”
If it were just noblewomen, Leon could stomach it for work’s sake—but young masters? No way. He wasn’t about to risk that kind of assignment.
“There aren’t any jobs like that in Pelican Town,” Marlon said. He had only been teasing Leon.
“Come fill out the form. Once it’s done, I’ll send it to the Main Guild. When they approve it, you’ll officially be an adventurer.”
After some banter, Marlon pulled Leon over to the counter. He handed him a yellowed registration form and a battered fountain pen.
“Our branch is this poor?” Leon asked, looking at the worn stationery.
“Gil and I are both brawlers. We almost never handle paperwork, so we’ve never bothered buying proper supplies. As long as they work, it’s fine,” Marlon replied without a care.
Leon resisted the urge to complain. Since Marlon was now technically his superior, he decided to let it slide.
He obediently began filling out the form while Marlon watched, occasionally offering guidance.
“You own a farm?” Marlon’s eyes widened when he saw Leon list “farmer” as his profession.
“Yeah. I run Red Star Farm in Stardew Valley. Didn’t Linus tell you?” Leon asked, puzzled.
“No. Linus only told me a promising young man might come to explore the mines today and that I should teach him a thing or two. That’s all.”
“If you own a farm, there’s a lot I can’t arrange for your training. In the Main Guild, someone with your profession would never pass approval.”
“What, a farmer can’t be an adventurer?” Leon asked.
“That’s not it. It’s just that being a farm owner is far more important than being an adventurer. If the big shots find out the Adventurer’s Guild recruited a farm owner, they’d demand answers.”
“After all, anyone can be an adventurer. But a farm owner is one in a million. Giving up the farm to work as an adventurer would be seen as wasting resources—a disgrace.”
“So there is career discrimination,” Leon muttered.
He’d heard from Lewis that farmers had decent social standing, but only now did he realize how high it really was.
“It’s not discrimination. Yoba favors farmers. A farmer who can grow high-quality crops can stand alongside politicians in the upper class. Nobody wants to get sick or die, and the more powerful and wealthy a person is, the more they fear it,” Marlon said with a hint of bitterness.
“But they don’t understand—without us adventurers keeping dangerous areas in check, they wouldn’t even have a normal life.”
“So… can I still join?” Leon didn’t echo Marlon’s complaint. Every culture had its own values, and this one simply prioritized farming. It wasn’t his place to argue—especially when he was on the benefiting side.
“Of course. You’re joining the Pelican Town branch, not the Main Guild. Here, I make the calls.” Marlon’s tone was firm.