https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-A-Strategic-Analysis-as-Fierce-as-a-Tiger/12810266/
Chapter 52: A Bit of Preparation
Chapter 52: A Bit of Preparation
"First, your initial attitude was too stiff. It leaves a bad impression on the client and might even scare them, which could harm the guild's reputation."
"Um... I'm sorry?" Rod hadn't quite gotten into character at the beginning, and his stiffness was inevitable.
"Second, you didn't verify the client's identity before showing them the mission details. At the very least, you should have asked for their name."
That was true. Rod hadn't even considered that; he had just assumed she was the client... and she was the client!
He decided to mock himself a bit before reflecting on his mistakes.
Rod realized that Mira was teaching him the standard procedure for handling clients, not just being picky for fun.
"Third, there could be errors or last-minute changes in the compensation details, which can easily lead to disputes. So, it's crucial to confirm everything in person."
"Got it, I'll remember that." Rod nodded, then added with a bit of exaggeration, "Thank you, Miss Mira for your guidance!"
Mira took the opportunity to put on a serious face. "Hmm, good attitude. I'll give you ten points. You barely pass!"
Just as Rod was about to respond, Laki's voice chimed in from the side, deliberately mimicking Rod's tone. "Thank you, Miss Mira for your guidance~~~~"
"Ha ha ha..." Laki and part-time server Sally burst into laughter.
"Hey..." Rod felt his ears burning. Being mimicked like that was embarrassing.
Mira remained unperturbed. "Laki, Sally, I'll need your help at the bar tomorrow and the day after."
Sally replied, "Don't worry, I'll drag Izu along tomorrow!"
Laki added, "Yeah, Mira, just enjoy your date!"
Mira corrected her, "It's work."
"Sure, sure~" Laki and Sally giggled as they carried the drinks to the customers.
Their teasing was light and harmless, and Rod didn't even blush. "By the way, I haven't asked what you're doing in Hua Du?"
"It's the 15th anniversary celebration of Weekly Sorasara. They've invited me to attend the gala tomorrow, and I'll probably perform a song or something."
Ah, I see. Large companies often invite celebrities to their anniversaries or annual events to boost morale and influence.
"I'll do a bit of preparation, then." Rod said, "Ferry..."
"The boat is already booked, and we can rent a carriage in Hua Du." Mira said. "Rod, just get ready for the trip."
Of course, it was a mission disguised as a trip, or perhaps a beginner's tutorial.
"Making me look like a dull bodyguard this way."
Mira replied, "That's what a bodyguard's job is. As long as nothing happens, everything will be fine. Just relax."
"…Luckily, my Common Tongue has improved, or I wouldn't have understood a word you said."
No, there's always a possibility of unexpected incidents.
Rod decided to stay vigilant tomorrow.
He also needed to prepare a few things.
The next day, Rod met Mira at the guild and they set off on time.
Mira was wearing a white long-sleeved blouse with a matching narrow tie, simple yet elegant and practical for sun protection.
She had on a yellow A-line skirt that covered the hem of her blouse while accentuating her slender waist. A small bag in a similar color hung from her waist.
Her pale pink high-heeled sandals made her small feet and exposed ankles look even more delicate.
As they stepped out of the guild, Rod naturally took Mira's suitcase, allowing her to free her hands to put on a beige sun hat.
Mira adjusted her hair under the hat and casually asked, "How about it, feeling nervous on your first long trip?"
Rod replied, "I’m not nervous at all, especially with Senior Mage Mirajane Strauss accompanying me."
Mirajane laughed, "Then I, Mirajane Strauss, can rest easy."
The two of them playfully exchanged yesterday’s ‘inside joke,’ chatting and laughing as they walked.
Mirajane noticed that Rod kept adjusting his backpack after walking a short distance and asked, "Speaking of which, what’s in that big backpack? It feels heavier than my suitcase."
Rod said, "Just some essentials for a long journey. I’ll show you once we’re on the boat. I’ve also prepared something for you."
"Is that so? I’m looking forward to it."
...
In Magnolia, there was no need to look for a specific dock. The ferry Mirajane had booked was waiting beside a small bridge on the canal.
It was a small boat with a canopy, big enough to seat four or five people.
The boatman was a middle-aged man who looked quite friendly, wearing a straw hat and showing the marks of years spent in the sun.
Rod handed Mirajane’s suitcase to the boatman first, then jumped onto the boat with his large backpack. He turned around and helped Mirajane by holding her forearm.
Mirajane’s hand also grabbed Rod’s forearm, using it to steady herself as she stepped onto the boat.
"Thank you," Mirajane said to the boatman, then she and Rod bent down to enter the canopy and sat down opposite each other.
"Alright, everyone, sit tight, we’re off!"
The boatman shouted, untied the rope, and pushed off the shore with his oar. The small boat glided away, carried by the current.
Unseen by the boatman, a river crab was swiftly moving forward under the boat, staying about six hundred meters ahead.
This was a scout Rod had sent out before meeting Mirajane at the guild. He had released the crab into the canal and used its perspective to observe the boatman before they set off, finding no issues.
Now, Rod needed the crab to continue exploring ahead, looking for any lurking bandits or water monsters.
When traveling, it’s always better to be cautious.
After thoroughly observing the water and the surface through the crab’s eyes, Rod refocused his attention.
Mirajane sat with her legs together in a ladylike manner, her sun hat now removed and placed to the side.
She was curiously examining the large backpack Rod had taken off, wondering if he had picked up Erza’s habit of carrying a lot of luggage.
"Come on, let’s see what I’ve prepared," Rod said as he opened his backpack. Inside were several crystal balls.
Mirajane’s curiosity immediately turned to shock, "T-These are... Burst Magic Crystals?"
Burst Magic Crystals were one-use magic items. As the name suggested, they were explosive, similar to grenades but with far greater power.
"That’s right, I borrowed them from the guild’s warehouse."
"Why did you borrow these?"
"Because I’m not very good at offensive magic, and summoning monsters might take too long. I brought these just in case."
Rod handed two Magic Crystals to Mirajane, "Take these for self-defense. If anything happens, throw them hard."
"I doubt we’ll need them..." Mirajane tried to keep a smile, realizing what he meant by ‘preparation.’
But Rod had more surprises. He moved a few crystal balls aside and pulled out a book: "And here’s a magic book. Just open it and channel a bit of magic to activate the spells inside. We’ll each carry one."
"Even a magic book..."
Rod continued rummaging through his backpack, "And there’s more..."
The boatman at the stern, steering the ferry, shivered in fear.
(End of Chapter)
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