Huh.

　The girl sat down on the ground and sighed.
　She couldn't hear the demon's voice anymore. It looks like the next 'Dark Bear' won't be coming.

''Thank you very much...''

　The girl bowed to the boy.

'I can't thank you enough for saving me from a dangerous situation.
It was a pleasure to meet you.

　The boy shook his head, as if embarrassed.
　Once again, he was about the same age as himself.
　If he was a nobleman, he would have been old enough to be taught by a tutor just before he entered the school.

(I didn't know there was such an amazing wielder in a region far from the royal capital. Even though he was about the same age as me, he wasn't afraid of demons at all. If I had made a mistake, I would have been attacked by the Dark Bear myself... and yet he saved me... what courage...)

　The girl involuntarily clutched her chest.
　She couldn't stop her heart from racing.


Thank you, boy!　That's awesome, you!

　Unaware of the girl's agitation, the old warrior spoke up.

'Are these bats your errand boys?　You're amazing. There aren't many people in the Magic Guild's educational institutions who can control their magicians to this degree. That's quite impressive!
No, these kids were strong to begin with.
...Is that so?
Yeah. I was just feeding them. Then we became friends.
...there were some powerful bats in there.
'You'll have to be strong to live in the mountains where the demons come out. More than that.

　The boy's eyes looked straight at the girl.
　The gaze was so strong that it almost made me feel pressured.

'If you're a local, you won't go into the 'Dark Bear' nava. People from outside will not enter this mountain without a soldier or adventurer's escort. What brings you guys here?
'No, no we're not...'
'Don't blame the young lady. We were told it was safe here.
To whom?
"To a tutor in the service of the Baron Grossaria, a fellow named Kachel-Megen.
...Oh, I see.

　The boy looks like he's swallowed something bitter.

'That bastard.
Are you, by any chance, a member of the Barons of Glossaria?
No, he's just a hunter.
A mere hunter with magic?
I'm an expert magician.

''That's right.
''Even so, you are very good at it. If it were you, you could join the 'Magic Guild'.
Are you from the 'Magic Guild'?
...What?
I have a pretty good idea what you're talking about.
Yes. I'm sorry I'm late.

　The girl stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes.
　Then she looked at the old man standing behind her.
　You'll be able to meet his gaze, nod, confirm something and then...

'I am the one who is assisting you with the exam. My name is ... well ... my name is Clara-Listez.
I'm Barnes, the Lady's bodyguard.
''In a few days, there will be an examination for joining the 'Magic Guild' around here. We are here to preview it. We don't want there to be any danger or injustice.
Don't tell anyone in the estate. There would be too much commotion if I told them in advance.
So that's what happened.
You've been a big help. If you don't mind, may I have your name?
Can't I be a hunter with no name?
'There's nothing wrong with that. You are our benefactor.......yes.

　The girl touched behind her ear and removed the hair clip from her silver hair.

'Here's something for you in return.'
No, no, there's no such thing.
'What?　If you're a hunter, don't you try to turn what you get from the hunt into money?

　The girl held her mouth and laughed.
　The boy looked troubled.
　I wonder why. Looking at his face, my heart grew warm in my chest.

'Because of us, the 'Dark Bear' material has been burnt to a crisp. Please take this as its replacement. Right?
Thank you very much.
"Hmm.

　The girl, Clara, took the boy's hand and placed a silver hair clip on it.
　For a moment, the thought of what to do if the boy refused to take it, crossed my mind.
　However, the boy honestly accepted the hair clip for me.

''You really helped me. Please say thank you to your bats, too.

　The girl again bowed deeply to the boy. The old man does the same.

'If you hadn't rushed to us, we wouldn't be alive by now. It was truly........amazing. I guess that's what you mean by 'like a gale'...
You .............
What?
I was just like my son's stupid daughter, you know.
"..................Do you have grandchildren?　No way.
...it's nothing. I'll take you back to the foot of the mountain.

　The boy then led Clara and Burns to the foot of the mountain (foothills).
　Clara and her friends' carriage was hidden in the woods at the foot of the mountain.
　At last Barnes wanted to thank her, but the boy refused and went away.

'He was a wonderful man, wasn't he?'

　Clara murmured with a sigh.

''That fighting ability at such a young age. He has the courage to aim at a demon's vital point with a single blow. I wish someone like him could be near me.
As a bodyguard. Miss.
''Yes. I would have given that person my real name if I could, but...
You saved my life. But you'll get your chance soon enough.
''With that person, there's no need for the 'Magic Guild' exam. I'd love to have him as a member of my entourage right away.
The knight who stands at the right hand of the lady. It's a position that we all aspire to, isn't it?
Does Barnes think that's the person who's taking the test this time?
I'm sure of it.

　The old man, Barnes, axe in hand, nodded with satisfaction.

'That boy is Xellos-Grossaria. He must be the one who wants to join the 'Magic Guild'.
Is that right?
Is there something wrong?
'Teacher Kachel's report states, "Blonde hair. Tall. Polite nobleman.'
'Hasn't it sunk in, young lady, that you can't rely on that one's words?
Kachel's father was a brilliant man.
In any case, I believe the boy is Xellos-Grossaria. If it was someone else, then the guy in Kachel is missing out on that much talent. If that's the case, then that guy should be expelled from the guild as soon as possible!　I'm sorry you had to go through that with your daughter!

　The girl, Clara, did not hear Burns' words.
　The image of the boy from earlier still lingered in her mind.
　A mysterious hunter. A combat ability that could defeat demons in an instant. And the bats that were too strong.
　He knew about the 'Magic Guild' exam. If he wasn't Xellos-Grossaria........................who did he say he was?

'And.........You know someone who looks like me,'

　Clara shook her head.
　I need to find out a bit more about the Barons. She had that feeling.