I Became the Maid of the Lout Prince-Chapter 489: E-rank promotion test (1)

As soon as I entered the guild, the receptionist greeted me with news about the promotion test to advance to the next rank.

"The promotion test... No, wait, an E-rank promotion test?"

"Yes, Miss Lily. Based on your recent activities at the adventurers' guild, you've qualified for the promotion test."

"And what’s so great about ranking up?"

"Well, the level and rewards of the requests the guild assigns to you will increase. Additionally, the E-rank adventurer badge can serve as proof of credibility not only within this guild but in other regions as well. You’ll also gain access to some internal facilities, like the guild library."

Pretending not to know, I asked questions as if I were clueless, and the receptionist kindly explained everything about the guild's structure, from A to Z.

I gave a nod as if I’d understood and continued my usual silent assassin act.

"I’ll take the promotion test. How does it work?"

"The E-rank promotion test is divided into two main options. You can either take an aptitude test within the guild or complete a request at the E-rank level. Since assassins often struggle with solo E-rank tasks, most opt for the internal aptitude test...."

"I’ll take the E-rank request."

"...I had a feeling you’d say that, Miss Lily."

An internal aptitude test probably involves sparring with a guild member of moderate skill. They’d likely consider me at the E-rank level and hold back to some extent. The issue is that I don’t know how to gauge my opponent’s strength or how much force to use.

I’m used to fighting with everything I have, but holding back? Honestly, that’s no easy feat. Besides, who knows, maybe a B-rank adventurer might show up, and holding back won’t even be an option.

And it’s better to be alone if I end up needing to use magic or summon a spirit. It’d be noticeable, but if it comes to the worst, I have nothing more valuable than my own life to protect.

"In that case, I’d like to assign you this goblin nest extermination request for your E-rank promotion test."

"Give it to me."

"However, this request requires at least a three-person party, so I can’t assign it to you alone."

"...Anything else? Something I can do solo?"

"We do have solo tasks, but they’re only available once you’ve officially become an E-rank adventurer. If this task isn’t acceptable, you’ll have to take the guild’s internal aptitude test."

"..."

A duel with an unknown opponent. (Risk of not holding back properly. Could lead to an accident.)

vs.

Clearing a goblin nest with two unknown adventurers in a three-person party. (High chance of me having to carry the entire mission solo given my skill level.)

It was a damned balancing act, and neither option was appealing.

I felt slightly more comfortable with the former, but the latter seemed less likely to lead to an accident.

Clearing a goblin nest is something I could handle on my own, no problem. The real issue was the potential hassle if I ended up with a man hitting on me.

‘...Still, safer is better.’

I wasn’t thrilled at the thought of doing all the work alone, but ranking up would be beneficial. The more money, the better. Whether I stay in Ironhold for a year to save as much as possible or settle down here for a quiet life, getting a promotion as quickly as possible was necessary.

"I’ll do it. Party hunting."

"Understood, Miss Lily! Fortunately, there are two F-rank adventurers also up for promotion, so you can form a party with them!"

"...Tch. Do whatever."

Even as I clicked my tongue, the receptionist continued preparing the party formation with a smile. Seeing her quick response, it was obvious she intended for me to join a party from the start.

Given my solo performance as an assassin, she likely thought I could achieve even more by regularly participating in party hunts.

I could practically see what she was thinking, but I didn’t mention it. It was only a promotion test, after all, so why make waves?

"Hello. Are you Sister Lily?"

"..."

As I was waiting for my guild-assigned party, a girl’s voice called out beside me.

"...Who are you?"

"My name is Mirif Aurelia-Niel, a trainee priestess of the Aurelia Order. The receptionist told me to join Sister Lily's party for the E-rank adventurer promotion test, so I came to introduce myself."

"Mirif Aurelia-Niel?"

"Just call me Mirif, Sister Lily."

"...Sure, Mirif."

A trainee priestess from the Aurelia Order. Makes sense—a priestess can’t go out on her own, so she’d have to rely on party tasks to rank up.

At least it wasn’t the worst-case scenario of being surrounded by men. If the frontline member also turned out to be a woman, this could actually work out.

"Are you up for a promotion too? Haha, this is awesome!"

"Oh, are you taking the E-rank promotion test too, Brother?"

"Yeah. It’s my lucky day, getting to party with such pretty ladies. Looking forward to it."

"...Hah."

Life rarely goes as one wants.

One look at his lecherous eyes, which clearly held motives beyond party hunting, and I couldn’t help but sigh.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

"What’s your name, Brother?"

"Baum. People call me 'Baum the Iron Sword.'"

"Is that so? You must be quite skilled with a sword, Brother Baum."

"Heh, that’s right! Wanna see? I just slice through anything that dares cross my path with a swift slash!"

...What a load of crap.

As soon as we left the village and started toward the goblin nest, this guy was spouting nonsense and showing off like a fool.

‘Baum the Iron Sword.’ As if there are swordsmen who don’t use iron swords.

Swinging his sword around sloppily, wasting his energy in exaggerated movements, even Mirif, with her priestly patience, looked dumbfounded.

-Whoosh! Swoosh! Whoosh!

"Ha! H-how was that? That’s the famous three-slice technique of the Baum style!"

"...Brother, you certainly have a lot of stamina. I guess that’s why you’re so confident against monsters?"

"Haha, exactly! You’ve got an eye for talent, being a priestess and all!"

Poor Mirif, having to humor this idiot. Meanwhile, he was completely oblivious to her tactful hints, getting even more excited as he swung his sword around.

So this is how trainee priests do their training if they can’t enter the academy. Suddenly, I felt a new level of respect for all the priests in the empire.

"And it’s not just for monsters! My strength isn’t limited to combat, if you catch my drift!"

"Excuse me?"

"My skills serve me well with ladies too—in bed, that is... oops, too soon for the ladies? Haha!"

"..."

"..."

...Shit.

Maybe I should just kill this guy and skip town.

It’d been a while since I encountered a guy with no skills, trying all kinds of sleazy moves just to impress women. A strong urge to kill welled up from deep within me.

Right, most people outside the ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) academy were like this. At least in Luminoir Academy, they were civilized, educated enough to have some standards.

"Hey, why’s the assassin lady so quiet? Shy, are we?"

"..."

No. I just want to drive my dagger through your throat, but I’m holding back. If I opened my mouth, I wouldn’t be able to stop the insults.

"I get it, I’m quite the catch. No wonder you’re speechless around me."

"..."

"So, do you always wear that mask? How about showing me your face?"

He was reaching toward my face, so I slapped his hand away with as much force as I could muster.

-Smack!

"Ow!?"

"Don’t touch me."

"Y-you didn’t have to hit me that hard...."

"..."

"...Hmph, nasty-tempered girl."

Baum grumbled under his breath but backed off, moving carefully to Mirif’s side. Being a priestess, she couldn’t curse him out, so she just patiently put up with his nonsense.

Thinking about how this could easily turn into an all-male party, I imagined two versions of myself in my head, each trying to persuade me in different directions.

"Just kill this idiot and go with Mirif. He’s useless anyway."

As tempting as that was, killing him would ruin my plans for a peaceful year in Ironhold. I just wanted a quiet year.

"Hey, that’s ridiculous! Ignore the dumb advice and get a grip, Lilith!"

"What do you mean, dumb...."

Yeah, I guess murder isn’t exactly reasonable. He hasn’t tried to kill me, after all.

The guys in the alley last time were clearly threatening. And once this promotion test is over, I won’t have to see him again, so...

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"Not here! Save it for the goblin nest! You could kill him in the chaos and make it look like an accident. Blame it on the goblins afterward!"

"You’re a genius! Sure, it’s a bit extreme, but let’s just put up with it until we reach the goblin nest."

...Aren’t these supposed to be the ones telling me not to kill him?