The Paper User: Exiled for a ‘Trash Skill,’ Awakens True Power and Rises with Two Unique Skills ,Volume 2 - Chapter 33

Chapter: Baron Ganock

Alber and the others haven’t changed a bit.

I let out a sigh.

It doesn’t matter who’s stronger or weaker, and yet they always act like it does.

“Yakumo.”

Riza approached me.

“I want to thank you properly. Really, thank you.”

Riza grasped my hand.

“If you hadn’t saved me, Tet would have killed me.”

“Tet was strong, after all.”

“Yes… strong, and I was completely deceived.”

Riza exhaled softly, a trace of sadness on her face.

“I really am such an idiot… We spent weeks in the same party, and I never noticed Tet’s true identity.”

“That’s not your fault. Normally, you don’t doubt your party members.”

“…You’re kind, aren’t you?”

Riza’s expression softened.

“Yes… you tricked me too.”

“Huh? You were tricked?”

I tilted my head.

“Did I do something?”

“That’s it.”

Riza pointed at the E-rank plate on my belt.

“You’re insanely strong. You don’t seem like an E-rank at all.”

“No, I’m still weak compared to real adventurers.”

“A weak adventurer couldn’t have defeated the Plant Dragon.”

Riza lightly tapped my head.

“Your paper ability is also incredibly useful. To me, you seem like an A-rank or higher adventurer.”

“A-rank or higher…”

I was glad to be praised, but that was a bit too much. I only defeated the Plant Dragon because Kinako supported me.

“I’ll become stronger.”

Riza’s eyes met mine, serious and determined.

“By the next time we meet, I’ll be stronger.”

“…Yeah. See you somewhere again.”

We shook hands firmly, our gazes locked.

◇ ◇ ◇

Entering the orphanage grounds, I saw Director Flora talking to a portly man in expensive clothes.

He appeared to be in his late forties, with brown hair slicked back. His shirt was a glossy white, paired with dark gray trousers.

That man… he’s a noble. Could it be…?

I heard his voice.

“I said, provide a guarantor.”

“That’s far too sudden, Baron Ganock.”

Director Flora’s face showed concern.

“We have been paying rent properly, even the increased amount.”

“I know that.”

The man—Baron Ganock—clicked his tongue in displeasure.

“But payments are always just on time. As a landlord, it’s natural to worry about when they might fail.”

“Finding a guarantor isn’t that simple…”

“Then leave this place.”

“Wha—!”

Flora’s face went pale.

“What will happen to the children if this place is gone?”

“They can live in the forest. Then they won’t have to worry about rent.”

“There are monsters and thieves in the forest.”

“That’s unfortunate but unavoidable.”

Baron Ganock’s gaze was icy.

“The forest is dangerous, yes, but not all bad. You won’t have to pay rent, so you can eat better food, right?”

“But that’s—”

“Regardless, without a guarantor, there will be no new contract. You and the children will leave.”

“Please wait!”

I called out to Baron Ganock.

“Hm? And who are you?”

“I’m Yakumo. An adventurer who grew up in this orphanage.”

“An adventurer, huh.”

He narrowed his eyes and glanced at the E-rank plate on my belt.

“And what do you want from me?”

“Can I serve as the orphanage’s guarantor?”

“Ha? You’re an E-rank adventurer. That’s ridiculous.”

Baron Ganock waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a dog.

“If you want to be a guarantor, become an A-rank adventurer or higher. Then I might consider it.”

“A-rank or higher…”

I pressed my lips together firmly.

“Yakumo.”

Director Flora touched my arm.

“Thank you, but it’s okay. I’ll find a guarantor myself.”

“But… what if you can’t?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll manage somehow.”

Seeing Flora’s wrinkled face smiling despite everything pained me.

She was smiling so I wouldn’t worry.

If only I were stronger… I could have been the guarantor. Or at least earn enough to buy the orphanage land.

“Enough.”

Baron Ganock adjusted his slicked-back hair.

“If you want a contract, find a proper guarantor. Not some weak adventurer like this.”

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