I Am Not A Goblin Slayer

Chapter 472: Chapter 273: The Female Blacksmith (Part 2)

They have come to share the intelligence discovered at the Brenan Mine.

No matter what, notifying the local guild in advance is a responsible action.

Otherwise, if something unexpected happens, and they cause a situation they can’t resolve, endangering the lives of a town’s residents, they would be sinners.

Upon hearing that there is a self-sufficient, unknown monster town still existing in the Brenan Mine, Jon’s expression immediately turns very serious.

Gold and Silver Town is neither too far nor too close to the Brenan Mine. If those monsters were to come out from underground one day, the first place they are likely to strike would be Gold and Silver Town.

Having such a monster nest nearby is indeed like having a bone stuck in the throat.

”I really appreciate the intelligence you gathered; it’s incredibly valuable!”

Jon stands up, feeling restless.

Even though he could find many excuses, such as the long-term stable external environment, the insufficient number of foreign adventurer flows, and severe resident loss.

But objectively speaking, allowing such a nest to develop near the town without any action is a dereliction of his duty as the head of the Gold and Silver Town Adventurer’s Guild.

”How about I treat this scouting as a low-level three-star commission, and once it’s verified, I’ll reward you with 40 gold coins. Of course, this is just for this scouting; there will be no shortage of future rewards for you.”

Jon asked.

”Okay.”

Gauss nodded. Discovering the monster nest’s intelligence wasn’t too strenuous.

It was mainly thanks to Ying.

”Thousands of monsters... and in a mine, this is a bit troublesome.” Jon scratched his head.

The numbers are unknown, and the terrain is very tricky.

If it was outside Gold and Silver Town, assembling forces with town walls, watchtowers, and other defenses, he wouldn’t be too worried.

But now, they must go deep into the monster’s territory, which is a different matter.

Even if all adventurers in Gold and Silver Town are rallied, many people may not join such a dangerous commission.

By then, they might only be able to gather some soldiers.

But in the mine’s environment, numbers don’t count for much.

He actually has another option: to request assistance from the higher-level adventurer’s guild department. But for certain reasons, he wants to make a struggle first.

He turned his gaze to Gauss and the others in front of him, suddenly looking as if he saw a lifeline.

This team’s strength is undoubtedly excellent.

Even though they haven’t formally engaged, he faintly senses an oppressive aura from Gauss.

”Brother Gauss, are you willing to accept the commission to clear the monster nest at Brenan Mine?”

”Of course.” Gauss nodded.

That’s what he came for.

With so many gathered monsters, even without a commission, he would be reluctant to miss it. Moreover, there’s a hefty reward now, giving him even less reason to refuse.

Hearing Gauss’s response, Jon breathed a silent sigh of relief.

”How can the Gold and Silver Town Guild assist you, whether in manpower, resources, or anything else, we’ll do our best to provide.”

Jon quickly promised.

He isn’t someone who lacks insight.

He noticed Gauss has been calm and confident since entering.

This indicates that Gauss should have some assurance in dealing with those troublesome underground monsters.

”Since President Jon said this, let’s not delay any further.”

Gauss nodded.

”In terms of personnel, we don’t need lower-level adventurers to join us.”

”It’s about having strength in quality, not quantity. Increasing numbers may only expose our presence and alert the monster nest prematurely.”

”Of course, no problem,” Jon nodded. ”If you need, I can accompany you.”

”I’m a level 6 Ranger.”

Gauss glanced subtly at his ”beer belly.”

Frankly, the first impression of this middle-aged uncle doesn’t match the ranger profession too well.

It’s likely because he became complacent after ”settling down,” with a lack of basic daily training, isn’t it?

This means Gauss must prepare for the fact that he may not even have the normal strength of a level 6 professional.

Although he had this suspicion at their meeting earlier, realizing it now made him secretly shake his head.

”President Jon should stay in Gold and Silver Town, just in case anything unexpected happens.”

Gauss thought for a moment and gave him some face.

Jon also relaxed.

”Besides, I have another good hand I can recommend to you.”

”Oh? Please tell, President.” Gauss nodded, indicating for him to continue.

If there is a suitable helper, he doesn’t mind bringing more people.

Although extra temporary members might take the credit, the commission naturally prioritizes safety.

More skilled hands mean more security.

”Forget it, come with me. Judging by the time, that person should be there. We’ll meet face to face. I’m not sure if they would be willing to participate.”

Jon thought for a moment, glanced at Gauss, hesitated, and then got up and walked to the door.

”It might work out...” he murmured quietly to himself.

Gauss and the others exchanged glances.

Jon seemed a bit hesitant when mentioning the person.

Is the person difficult to get along with?

With this worry in mind, Gauss and his group followed Jon.

They went down the guild’s stairs, crossed the tavern in the first-floor hall, and went out onto the street.

Jon continued to lead Gauss through the streets and alleys.

Finally, they arrived at a blacksmith’s shop on the outskirts of the town.

”A blacksmith?” Gauss thought silently.

He seemed to understand why Jon was unsure if the person would take the commission.

Generally, blacksmiths with such a stable job, even if they are professionals themselves, are unlikely to take risks for commissions unless seeking higher ranks.

”Jon! It’s you again!”

”When are you going to settle the balance for the weapons your guild ordered?”

Gauss hadn’t even stepped into the store yet.

He heard the voice before seeing anyone.

A loud and rugged female voice boomed from inside the shop like thunder.

Shortly afterward, Jon’s rather chubby figure was thrown out of the shop.

Yes, thrown out.

Gauss quickly dodged instinctively.

Jon landed on the ground with a thud.

”Oh! My old back!”

He rubbed his lower back, embarrassed upon seeing Gauss and the others’ gazes, and quickly stood up.

”Hehe, the contract’s payment deadline hasn’t arrived, so there’s a slight delay with the balance, but it’s not a big issue.”

He explained.

”Forget about that, old man!” the voice from inside shouted again, ”I don’t care about contracts. You promised this week. If it’s not cleared, I’ll go to your tavern and tear down your guild!”

Gauss looked toward the blacksmith shop’s doorway.

A tall and muscular woman came out.

She was solid and built like a wall. The moment she emerged, Gauss felt a palpable increase in the surroundings’ pressure.

Height-wise, she was half a head taller than Gauss.

But what caught the eye was her broad and sturdy build, capable of dwarfing several average people with her width.

She wore a leather apron marred with many small holes burnt by sparks, and her exposed arms were muscles defined with clear lines, covered in coal dust and sweat stains.

She had auburn hair tied hastily, with a few strands sticking to her forehead with sweat. She wasn’t unattractive but not delicate either.

Her face bore the natural flush of someone accustomed to working near fire.

Her eyes sharp, brows furrowed, and she impatiently wiped her hands with a coarse cloth.

”Jon! Stop mumbling there!” Her voice was loud. ”Why are you here this time? Speak quickly, my furnace doesn’t wait for you!”

”I’m here to introduce a few people to you.”

Jon pointed at Gauss and the others.

”There’s a lucrative commission now; are you interested in joining their team?”

”Get lost! I can’t even finish my work at my mother’s shop, and here you are with your people...”

The woman followed Jon’s gaze and turned her head, gasping, her words stuck in her throat.