Who Says I’m Not a Legitimate Adventurer?

On the way back, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed than when they had come.

It was no longer Lance unilaterally lecturing, and Cecilia had also shed her initial stiffness.

However, watching the girl stagger as she carried several heavy petrified crab shells, Lance couldn’t help but estimate in his mind.

This young lady’s Strength and Constitution attributes probably hadn’t even reached the standard 5 points of an average adult.

To prevent this newly recruited teammate from collapsing halfway, once they reached the Tree Stump Camp, Lance decisively stopped a passing merchant caravan carriage that specialized in transporting people back to the city.

The fare for both of them together only came to ten copper coins.

Sitting on the swaying wooden cart lined with dry hay, Lance didn’t immediately review the mistakes from today.

Instead, he took the initiative to talk about the customs and local life of Graystone Town.

In this relaxed atmosphere, Cecilia gradually opened up as well.

She talked about interesting things from her academy life, her troubles as a family heir, and even mentioned the new friend she had just met in the hall today—Yuna.Although Yuna was very enthusiastic, Cecilia felt troubled because she didn’t know how to respond to that warmth, always feeling that she was clumsy with words.

Watching the girl’s lively expressions, Lance leaned against the carriage board, a faint smile on his lips.

At this moment, she had shed that layer of restrained noble etiquette. Wearing a cloak with a bit of dirt on her face—

Only now did she finally resemble a girl of her age.

When they returned to the Adventurers’ Guild, the hall was still bustling with activity.

Lance skillfully led Cecilia to the counter and dumped all the miscellaneous loot from his backpack in one go.

After the clerk finished counting and calculating—

Just the processed crab claws and back shells alone fetched a recycling price of 2 silver coins and 40 copper coins.

Adding the rewards from the three commissions, as well as the 20% special subsidy personally approved by the Guild Master—

The total income from this trip came to 7 silver coins and 74 copper coins.

Looking at the small pile of silver coins, Lance did a quick calculation in his mind.

This amount was about the same as the net profit he would earn from spending over four hours in the attic brewing Hemostatic Ointment.

But the hidden value of this expedition was far greater.

A full 20 points of Knowledge Experience, 110 points of Skill Experience, and the automatic growth in skill proficiency gained from real combat.

These kinds of improvements couldn’t be bought with money.

The clerk handed over a pouch containing the reward.

Lance took the pouch and turned to look at Cecilia behind him.

The girl was standing on her tiptoes, watching the clerk handling the submission. Although she tried to remain composed, the excitement in her eyes was impossible to hide.

This was the first time in her life she had participated in a mission settlement.

Lance untied the pouch and deftly counted out 3 silver coins and 87 copper coins, placing them into his own waist pouch.

Then, he gently placed the remaining half-weight pouch in front of Cecilia.

“This is your reward.”

“Eh?”

Cecilia froze, not reaching out to take it immediately.

Her red eyes widened, filled with disbelief.

“I… I get a share too?”

She had heard that senior students who went on off-campus internships not only received no pay, but even had to pay their mentors tuition out of their own pockets.

At the academy, being able to learn something as an intern was already considered the greatest blessing.

Seeing the girl’s flattered and overwhelmed expression, Lance smiled. He grabbed her hand and firmly placed the pouch into her palm.

“The founder of the Adventurers’ Guild once said something.”

Lance’s tone turned serious.

“The Gods grant you life, and the Guild’s reward proves your value today.”

“Take it. This is what you deserve.”

Lance paused, then helped her curl her fingers around the pouch.

“You did well today, whether it was gathering or processing materials. You’re starting to look like a real adventurer.”

In truth, Lance could have taken all the money for himself.

According to convention, it would have been perfectly justified for him to take all the earnings. Neither Cecilia nor anyone else would have found it strange.

But he couldn’t bring himself to do that.

If he did, how would he be any different from those unscrupulous bosses in his previous life who exploited college students under the guise of “training newcomers”?

Money earned that way would burn in his hands.

More importantly, Lance valued long-term benefits.

He had already seen the potential in Cecilia.

Perhaps in just a few days, this young mage would be able to form effective combat power and participate in battles.

At that time, it would mean double the efficiency in clearing monsters, and rapidly increasing experience gains.

Compared to that, what did a few silver coins matter?

Moreover, these coins might be the first time in this young lady’s life that she had earned money through her own hands and sweat.

The meaning behind it far exceeded the money itself.

If he even skimmed off this, then he truly wouldn’t be human.

Cecilia held the pouch tightly with both hands, as if it were some kind of sacred relic.

After several seconds, she suddenly stepped back and gave Lance a deep bow.

The motion was so large that it startled Lance, making him jump aside.

“Thank you, Senior!”

The girl’s voice was clear and loud, drawing the attention of nearby adventurers.

“Alright, alright, no need to be so formal.”

Lance waved his hand awkwardly, signaling her to straighten up.

“We’re friends now, no need for all that.”

Cecilia straightened up, silently chewing over the word “friends,” then nodded vigorously with a crisp “Mm.”

After leaving the guild, Lance didn’t immediately send her away.

He remembered that on the carriage ride back, Cecilia had been troubled about how to respond to her roommate Yuna’s enthusiasm.

So he brought the girl into a dessert shop in town that hadn’t closed yet.

“You can buy some to bring back and share with your roommates.”

“Sharing food is the simplest and most effective way to build relationships. No one refuses sweets.”

Spending a few dozen copper coins, he selected several local specialty berry pastries and honey soft cakes, had them packed, and handed them to Cecilia.

Lance glanced at the street lamps that were gradually lighting up—it was indeed getting late.

“Alright, let’s call it a day.”

He bid the girl farewell.

He still had a lot to deal with tonight.

Not only did he need to organize today’s gains, but he also had to find that Guild Master as soon as possible to fulfill the promise and get his hands on that Breathing Technique.

That was the key to improving his strength.

“Go back and get some good rest. Don’t forget to write today’s observation report.”

Before leaving, Lance added one more reminder, just to be safe.

“Meet at the usual place tomorrow morning. Bring it to me.”

“Yes! Senior!”

Cecilia stood under the streetlight, holding the pouch and desserts, watching Lance leave. Only after his figure disappeared around the corner did she turn and walk briskly toward the White Oak Manor.