Me?

　Ms. Illtimina's face was one of disbelief.

　Mr. Kilt nodded.

''That's right. You are the new 'Golden Mark Demon Hunter' of the Kingdom of Shumuria.
..........

　Speaking of which.

(Mr. Kilt, you've been working on a lot of things for a while, haven't you?)

　In the Arun Divine Kingdom, he said that he would get some recommendations from His Majesty the Emperor and the generals.

　In the Kingdom of Shumuria, he also said that he took a pledge from the king, and I remember him visiting other adventurer's guilds as well.

(All for this?)

　Finally, he found out why.

　Solstice grabbed her sister's arm and shook her hard.

'That's amazing, sister Irna!　Gold Seal, Gold Seal!
..........

　But in contrast to her happy sister, Illtimina-san's expression was dull.

　She looked back at Kilt-san and slowly asked.

''Why?''
Hmm?
Why me?　I don't think I can handle such a large role. And I have no desire for it.

　Clearly, I answered that.

(What...?)

　Mr. Illtimina seemed to want to decline the title, the pinnacle of adventurers.

'I've been watching you, Kilt,'
..........
''That's why I understand. I will never be a 'Golden Mark Adventurer'. I will never be as good as you.

　Mr. Illtimina.........

　But Mr. Kilt shook his head, shaking his rich silver hair.

　Then he says.

''Warawa, I've seen you too, Irna.

　He laughed.

I'm sure it's a mental thing. But it may have been a mental thing, as you lacked the stability of your powers after learning about your body three years ago.
..........
But when you met Merle, you changed. Your mind, once so unstable, is now stable.

　Quilt's hand is placed on my head.

　Shucks, shucks.

　He laughed at her, patted her on the head, and then Kilt looked at Illtimina again.

''Your recent growth is blinding. Your abilities have already reached the realm of the 'Golden Mark'.
But, sir.

　Iltimina's white hand was raised in front of Iltimina's face as she tried to argue, but Kilt's white hand was raised to block her face.

''Don't compare it to a strawberry.''
..........
'This is still nine years, almost ten, of being a 'golden seal'. It's not going to be so easy to catch up with this Kirto Amandes, is it?

　Mr. Kirto chuckled.

''But you're good enough to be the 'Golden Mark Demon Hunter'.
..........
You know that there is a difference in ability between the same adventurer ranks.　Even if it's a Gold Mark, it's the same thing. Even if it's a Gold Mark, you will still need to devote yourself to it.

　Ms. Illtimina's lips were drawn together.

　A stray light wavered in her crimson eyes.

''I don't have the same kind of popularity as you.

　A mumbling voice.

　Indeed, many adventurers would gather at Kilt-san's place when she showed up at the Adventurer's Guild. However, I've never seen such a scene around Illtimina-san.

(............)

　Mr. Illtimina had an image of someone who was somewhat isolated.

　Mr. Kilt cowered his shoulders.

'I don't need popularity.'

　His thumb indicated the disappointing beauty, Mr. High Elf.

'Even a guy like this is a 'golden mark'?　And yet, I'm doing my job.
..........
..........

　Mr. Colontude merely glanced at Mr. Quilt and said nothing.

'All I need is results,'

　Mr. Kilt said in a strong tone of voice.

'And you have continued to produce results next to your straw man until today. From now on, as long as you continue to do the same things you've always done, that's all that matters.
..........
And there's another reason I want you to be the Golden Mark Demon Hunter.

　Another reason?

　Beyond our gaze, Mr. Kilt slowly opened his mouth.

'It's for Merle's sake,'
"Merle?

　At that name, I felt the color of Illtimina-san's eyes changed.

(.............Bbo, me?

　On the other hand, I myself am puzzled by being named.

　Mr. Kilt says.

'Irna, I know why you are allowed to be with Marle and the others. Do you understand why Marl is allowed to be with the warriors?

　?

　I don't know what the words mean.

　Iltimina was the same way, "That's........" she stammered.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one. It's not just a matter of time before you find yourself in a situation where you have to be protected by the kingdom. What do you think the reason is that he is allowed to be with an individual?
..........
The answer is simple. That's all there is to it, because I'm the Golden Mark Demon Hunter.

　Mr. Kilt assured him unequivocally.

''The highest rank of adventurer, the title of 'Golden Seal' has that much power.

　The voice that announced it was heavy.

　It was inhabited by the weight of having fought to keep the peace in the Kingdom of Shumuria until now.

　Mr. Kilt looked at his hands.

'We have fought until today, and the straw has lived. But even in the battles to come, they may not be alive.'

(...what?)

If anything happens to the straw, Marle and you will no longer be together. You will be forced to come under the control of the Kingdom, or you will be forced to come under the control of the new Golden Mark Adventurer, whose replacement you have declined.
..........
In order to avoid such a situation, Warawa thinks that you should receive the title of 'Golden Mark'

　Straight golden eyes pierce through Illtimina-san.

(.....................)

　I, too, stared at her white profile.

　Ms. Illtimina closed her eyes and was silent for a few seconds, then eventually opened her crimson eyes.

　There was a strong light of determination in them.

''I understand. I accept that proposal.''　

　I replied in a clear tone of voice.

　Kilt-san nodded with a satisfied 'Mm'.

　Then Illtimina-san looked back at me as she looked up and stroked my cheek with her white hand.

''I'm not sure.......but for Marle's sake, I'll be the 'golden seal'.

　Her eyes are moist.

　The heat of their touches makes my heart heat up.

".........Illtimina-san.
"...Merle.

　I called her name sadly and she hugged me.

　Geez.

　A sweet smell.

　Her silky hair tickled my neck.

　Solstice made a 'oh dear' face and Mumpa-san smiled with a hand on her cheek, 'oh dear'.

　Mr. Colontude and Poe are friendly and expressionless.

　And Mr. Kilt nodded at us.

Mm. You can grow strong together.　

　He laughed so gently.


　◇ ◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇


　When the talk was over, it was evening.

　Mr. Colontude headed to the 'Adventurer's Guild, Grasslands Singing Ears', the oldest in the kingdom to which he belonged, and decided to stay there.

''........Poe?''
Yes, sir.

　They have a short conversation and communicate with each other.

　Apparently, Poe is also taking them to "The Singing Ears of the Meadow".

　I guess that's where they'll be based for a while.

　I see them leave.

See you later, Poe-chan.
.......................

　I nodded, the same 'Son of God'.

　I looked over and saw the other High Elf looking at me grudgingly.

I'll see you again, Mr. Columcude.
Yeah. See you later.

　She smiled happily, her long ears falling down.

　So we stood in front of the guild building and watched the big and small backs leave the street.

'Oh dear, I suppose that's a wrap,'

　Mr. Kilt muttered.

　Mr. Mumpa nodded, "Yeah,

'But I have a lot of work to do now, don't I?　I have to contact the orphanage, and I have to call Asbel and the rest of you, and I'm going to have to hide what's going on and explain the situation.

　Sighing, the pure white beastman.

(........................Being in charge is hard work in any world.

　I think of myself as someone else.

　Mr. Kilt chuckled.

Well, good luck with that. You're on it.
I know. It's what I do. ...So, as for Marle, you'll tell him hello from Kilt-chan, won't you?
Hmm?
Don't tell me you've forgotten.

　Mr. Kilt stared at me.

'Oh, oh, I remember. I haven't forgotten you.

　No, you just said 'I remember', didn't you?
　You forgot, didn't you?

'Right. Well, I don't have time for this, so I'm going back to the guild.
Mm-hmm. I'll take care of it.

　Then, with a fluttering white fluffy tail, Mr. Mumpa walked into the building.

　Mr. Kilt exhaled heavily.

''...........''
..........
..........
Hmm?

　Noticing everyone's dumbfounded stares, Mr. Kilt coughs out a cough.

　Then he gets a raw, serious look on his face.

Merle, I need to talk to you about something important.
Yes.

　I nodded.

　Then Kirt-san, lit by the setting sun, said.

''Your adventurer rank will be 'White Mark' from tomorrow.

　And.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


　With the idea of talking about the details, we moved to 'Kirt-san's room' in the Adventurer's Guild building.

　The setting sun was turning the room red.

　We also prepared drinks, and as we all sat down on the sofa, I opened my mouth.

''Well, am I really going to be the 'white mark'?'''
Yes.

　Mr. Kilt nodded clearly.

'Isn't it great, Marl!　You don't think it's unheard of to be a 'white seal' in six months, do you?
Uh-huh.

　Mr. Illtimina is happy to see me, as if it's my own business.

　But I want you to wait a minute.

　The adventurer ranks start with red, then blue, white, silver and gold.

　After red, it's blue.

(But I'm 'white'?)

　That confusion is a big deal.

　Mr. Kilt seemed to sense it.

Make no mistake. You'll be a jump to the White Label.

　He said it clearly.

(But why?)

　I don't know why.

"You don't seem to be aware of it, but you have accomplished many quests that the Red Seal would not have been able to accept.
Oh, really?
Hmm. ...Well, that's because of the "Golden Mark", the warawa.

　Kirt-san explained before he did so.

　Kirt-san is the 'Golden Mark Demon Hunter'.

　On the other hand, I'm the 'Red-marked Adventurer'.

　Originally, there wasn't a rank difference that would allow us to form the same party.

　Nevertheless, since we were together, I was forced to experience the quests that Kirt-san ordered.

　The difficulty level was actually not at the level experienced by the 'red-marked adventurer'.

''I think Marle survived well,''

　I survived well........I was far enough out of my natural rank to get that impression.

(I'm sure it was the three of you protecting me.)

　I think so.

　But regardless of the process, the experience has greatly enhanced my abilities.

In fact, during our deliberations, there was even talk about whether or not a blue mark was acceptable.

　Well?

But the adventurer who defeated the wyvern by himself could not be given a blue mark," he said. So they decided to skip a grade and make it a White Mark.
..........

　Kilt-san laughs bitterly.

　By the way, I heard that in order to raise your adventurer rank, you also need to complete the achievements up to that point and the special quests designated by the adventurer's guild.

''What more do you need to achieve and complete the Great Labyrinth of Arun, which has been unattainable for more than 20 years and has been unattainable for more than 20 years, than to continue to complete the Quest for the Golden Mark?

　That's why he was also exempt from that special quest.

(Yi, is that okay?)

　Both of these things would not have been possible without the help of everyone else.

　I'm sorry that I'm the only one who gets a piece of the pie.

"Idiot.

　When I told him this, Mr. Kilt was angry.

On the other hand, there are many things we couldn't do without you. Isn't self-evaluation an important part of life?
Okay, yes.

　I had to shrug my shoulders and nod.

'Well, that's not the case. Be a 'white seal' quietly.

　Kilt-san laughed at that.

　By the way, the guild will take care of the procedures and such tomorrow.

''Hmph, I'm glad to hear that, Marle.

　Iltimina-san seemed happy as she wrapped her hands around mine with both of mine.

　Her smile made my heart lighten.

''Yes, Illtimina-san will be a 'golden seal' too, and we'll rise in rank together.
Yes, really.

　We laughed at each other.

　By the way, I heard that up to the Silver Mark, adventurers' guilds that have been approved by the Kingdom can upgrade their ranks on their own.

　But for the Gold Mark, approval from the royal family, the kingdom, and other adventurer's guilds is also required.

(That's why Kirt-san, there were so many things going on.)

　You've been laying the groundwork for Mr. Illtimina for a long time now.

　Then it occurred to me.

(Huh?　(Maybe if we both move up in the ranks...)

　My gaze turned to the other girl.

'Could it be that Solstice is also a 'silver seal'?
What?

　Solstice, you look surprised.

　The three of us looked at Mr. Kilt.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's not gonna happen.
..........
..........
..........

　Mr. Kilt was denied with difficulty to say.

　I'm sorry.........

　Solstice glares at me with a Buddha's face.

　Gesch.

　He kicked me in the leg lightly.

'Well, it doesn't matter. It hasn't even been a year since I became a 'white seal' and I wasn't expecting it.

　She told me so.

　Her sister giggled too.

　But Mr. Kilt has a serious look on his face.

No, I'm not saying there wasn't talk of that, but...
What?
Is that so?
Hmm. To tell you the truth, I think Sol is just as good as a "silver seal". But the problem is his age.

　Age.....

The 'Silver Mark' is the highest adventurer's rank except for the 'Gold Mark'. The head of most adventurers' guilds is a silver mark. And as a result, they are naturally burdened with the responsibilities and duties of the kingdom and its people.
..........
But Sol is thirteen years old. He is a minor. I don't think he's ready to shoulder such a burden.

　I see.

(Quilt really does have us in mind, doesn't he?)

　Solstice nodded in agreement.

'I'm still fine with the 'white mark' too.
Yes.
'Yes, don't be in a hurry. Sol still needs to grow up slowly.

　Ms. Illtimina smiled as well.

　Kilt-san also laughed.

''In a way, Irna, the 'golden seal', is the hardest to deal with.
Yes, sir.
"Yes, because when he receives the title of 'Golden Seal', he will receive it in the Shumurian Cathedral, where it will be unveiled to the people and a word from the King.
...Yes?
Just be prepared for it while you can.

　Kilt-san smiled brightly.

　In contrast, Illtimina-san's complexion quickly grew worse.

''Can't I decline the 'Golden Seal' now?''
Don't.

　Mr. Quilt once and for all.

Well, it's for Merle. Good luck.
..........

　Miss Illtimina looked at me.

　sizzling sound

(What?)

　He hugged me as if he were using me as a hug.

"...I'll do my best, Merle. Please give me courage.
Uh-huh.

　Illtimina says to herself, nuzzling her face into my hair.

　Solstice gives me a dumbfounded look.

　Kilt-san smiles somewhat happily and lightly rubs his shoulder.

''Oh dear, that should make you feel a little lighter.

　The current Master of the 'Golden Seal Demon Hunter' muttered and slowly brought the cup of tea to his mouth.