When I arrive at the Hunters Association, I head to the reception because I don't know where Branch Manager Garry's office is. Also, the girl at the reception is freaking hot—charming, too. Her breasts barely fit in her uniform. She looks to be around eighteen, I think. The name on her tag is Clara. I know her; she's Garry's niece.
When she notices me, she smiles brightly.
"Hello, Mr. Kafka. It's good seeing you here. Branch Manager Garry is waiting for you in his office." (Clara)
After hearing her sweet voice, I come to a conclusion—she's too good to stay at the Association. I'm going to recruit her. Plus, she can show me the way to Garry's office in the meantime. Win-win.
"Hey Clara, I'm always happy to see you, too. By the way, if you're not too busy, can I talk to you about something?" (Kafka)
When I say that, she looks like she just won the lottery. She immediately shakes her head.
"No, no sir, I'm not busy at all! What do you want to talk to me about?" (Clara)
She looks eager. Come to think of it, in this novel, I'm supposed to have a harem of beautiful girls and women. Is this some kind of hint, or am I just overthinking it?
"Great, but there are people around here. You don't mind talking while we walk to Garry's office, do you?" (Kafka)
"Oh, of course! I know how busy high-level hunters are." (Clara)
High-level hunter, huh? That's true for normal hunters. I'm different. I'm always free, dumping all my guild work on Kate.
"Then please, lead the way." (Kafka)
She looks a little surprised but starts walking. I follow her, keeping enough distance so it doesn't look like I'm lost—and so I can talk comfortably.
"Clara, do you want to join Rising Sun?" (Kafka)
She stops in her tracks and looks at me like I've hit her weak point. From the story, I know she once took the entrance test for our guild, Rising Sun, but failed. After that, she quit being a hunter and started working at the Hunters Association. I'm going to use that. People don't easily forget their dreams. Her expression shifts from shock to a bitter smile.
"Mr. Kafka, you're in the mood for joking today." (Clara)
"I'm serious." (Kafka)
I'm not backing down. I'm the main character; things are bound to go my way.
"It's been four years since I quit treasure hunting. I'm just a receptionist now." (Clara)
"I've been thinking about this for a while. Our guild house doesn't have a receptionist, and you're perfect for it. You can restart your training there, too." (Kafka)
She blushes.
"W-what do you mean I'm perfect for it? I'm sure you can find someone better than me." (Clara)
Theory confirmed. She's one of the heroines in my harem.
"No one is better than you. And besides…" (Kafka)
I lean closer and whisper in her ear.
"I personally want you to do it." (Kafka)
She hides her face behind her hands, her cheeks turning bright red.
"Do you not want to work for me?" (Kafka)
"No, I do!" (Clara)
She suddenly shouts.
"I-I mean, everyone in the Imperial Capital wants to work in Rising Sun. I want to accept your offer, and I'm very glad you asked me. But I'm working at the Association right now. If I say I want to quit, I don't know how Uncle—I mean, Branch Manager Garry—will react." (Clara)
"Leave that to me. Start preparing to join my guild." (Kafka)
"Yes, sir!" (Clara)
We reach a wooden door with a tag that reads "Branch Manager."
"Looks like our talk ends here. I'll leave you, Mr. Kafka. And thank you for the offer. See you later." (Clara)
"See you." (Kafka)
After she leaves, I open the door. Garry sits in his chair—tall, muscular, almost inhuman. His presence feels intimidating.
"Oh, you actually came. I thought this time I'd have to go to you myself." (Garry)
"Hey Garry, what do you want to talk about?" (Kafka)
I want to leave quickly, so he should get to the point.
"Don't act like you don't know why I called you here." (Garry)
I seriously don't have a clue what's going on.
"I hear you found the Ring of Malakor—the one the elves have looked for over a thousand years. It may be nothing to you, but it's a big deal. You know how badly elves treat humans who aren't mages. Your guild is the only one in the Imperial Capital with a party full of elves." (Garry)
Oh. So, this is that arc.
I find a cursed ring important to the elves, and my childhood friend and party member Luke turns into a stone statue. Now that I understand what's happening, I can handle it. I practically know the future. The original main character is known for knowing everything—but he doesn't actually have that ability. I do, because I've read the novel. If I play my cards right, I can enjoy this world without doing much work.
"Yeah, Garry. About that—you know Luke, right? We're going to Sylvaris, the legendary city of the elves, to remove his curse." (Kafka)
"Sylvaris? The homeland of the elves? No human has ever reached there in history." (Garry)
"Because of the Ring of Malakor, the royal family invited us. Eliza and the members of Starlight will guide us." (Kafka)
He looks serious.
"Kafka, you will be the first human to reach Sylvaris. We have very little information about it. The elves rarely interact with humans, and their royal family never leaves. Any information you gather benefits our country. If possible, ask if we can open a branch of the Hunters Association there." (Garry)
Unbelievable. Elves hate humans, and he wants me to ask that? Still… this is my chance.
"Fine. I'll ask. But I have one condition." (Kafka)
He narrows his eyes. "What condition?" (Garry)
"I want to recruit Clara into my guild." (Kafka)
"Clara? After she failed the entrance test?" (Garry)
"Now is the right time. We need a receptionist, and Kate could use extra help." (Kafka)
"Did you talk to Clara?" (Garry)
"Yes. She agreed immediately." (Kafka)
He sighs. "If you think this is right, I trust you. But she's my niece. If anything happens to her, you answer to me." (Garry)
These people really have blind faith in the MC.
"Don't worry. See you after we return from Sylvaris." (Kafka)
When I leave, Clara stands outside nervously.
"What does Uncle say? Can I join Rising Sun?" (Clara)
"He has no problem. Come to our guild house tomorrow and meet Kate." (Kafka)
"Yay—I mean, y-yes, Mr. Kafka! I'll come first thing in the morning!" (Clara)
She looks happy. I'm happy, too. It's good having beautiful faces around. When I return to the guild house and enter my office, Kate is waiting inside.
"Welcome back, Mr. Kafka. How was the meeting?" (Kate)
This is the life. A beautiful woman in her early twenties greets me with a warm smile.
"He wants me to convince the elves to open a branch there. Garry asks too much." (Kafka)
"That's because he trusts you. It's difficult, but there's nothing you can't do." (Kate)
At first, I enjoyed this VIP treatment. Now it scares me. Their expectations are too high.
"Oh, before I forget—I recruited Clara as our new receptionist and your assistant. She starts tomorrow." (Kafka)
"Clara? The receptionist from the Association? Did Garry agree?" (Kate)
"Yes. Everything's settled. It reduces your workload." (Kafka)
She smiles softly.
"Assisting you is my pleasure. Clara is a good choice. I'll help her settle in and arrange everything." (Kate)
"Thanks, Kate. You're the best." (Kafka)
I hug her. She doesn't resist, but she keeps it professional. Then she leaves without a word. She's beautiful, she trusts me, and I know she's one of the heroines in my harem. But she always keeps a neutral expression. It's like I know she likes me, but I can't prove it.