Paintbrush Summoner – 87

Chapter 87 – The Awaited Scarab Guild

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After returning from the war and making a full report to Ling (she was quite exasperated), Menew returned to the inn. He meant to sleep no matter what.

In the meantime Ralph and Mofusen traded information.

“So, the army has not used it yet.”

“Yes. What about you?”

Totto shook his head.

“This is not poison, so you cannot make an antidote.”

“Indeed! But do you understand the principle?”

He nodded. However, he did not look very confident.

“Understand…well…I guess. But not really.”

What did that mean? They wondered, but decided to wait for Menew to wake up.

They would eat dinner at the inn that evening. And so after doing some shopping, they returned to find that Menew had finally woken up.

“Morning… Ah…that smells nice.”

“We have some food. We thought you might be upset if we just left you here. And so we brought you something.”

They pulled out about twenty sandwiches from a paper bag.

People who use a lot of magic energy tend to eat a lot, and so they had guessed that Menew and Kanon would have quite an appetite.

And so it was no surprise when the two tore into the bread ravenously. In fact, the others were worried that the two would choke on their food.

Some of the bread was filled with sweet and spicy yamyam beef, as well as spicy vegetables. And the others were filled with fish and mushrooms.

Ralph, Totto, Mofusen and Mr. Wal all ate one of each. Stan took a few bites from Totto.

In other words, Menew and Kanon ate six. 

“Ah…that was a lot.”

“Wuff.”

Menew and Kanon stretched out with satisfaction. And then he turned back to Totto.

“Sorry I couldn’t talk to you immediately. How were things here?”

“Yes. As this medicine is not poisonous, there is no antidote. However, it has an effect that is similar to your Enchantment.” 

“I see. So that’s why you understand the principle, but do not understand.”

“Magic energy accretion is a field that is still being studied. If it is merely sticking two things together, I and other alchemists can do that, but since the effect disappears with time…it seems close to an Enchantment.”

Menew crossed his arms and thought about it.

(What is this… It seems like we are close…but…)

“Hmm… I see. Thank you, Totto. I may ask you to do something later.”

“I understand. So it is on hold for now.”

As Menew could not find a solution, he continued to stare into space and think. 

Mofusen then madea suggestion.

“Ah, why not go to the Scarab Guild for a change of pace?”

“Yes, I will go!”

Menew answered immediately.

Apparently, he was very curious about these scarabs that always kicked him. Menew liked new things.

“I am interested as well!”

“…”

Ralph alone looked like he felt this was all going to lead to something troublesome. However, if the two ‘children’ were going, then he had no choice but to accompany them.

The Scarab Guild was in the guild district, which was in the center of the town.

“Thi-this is…”

“Clearly, this is the Scarab Guild…!”

The first impression they got was that it was flashy.

Scarabs with large, bird-like wings were flying all over the place.

They had a shiny green and black color with golden edges.

It looked quite familiar to Menew. They really were the messengers of the gods.

They were currently stuck all over the top of the entrance to the two-story wooden building.

“Hohoho. I suppose it is unusual for foreigners like you. But many villages around here have smaller versions of these.”

“I see…”

Regardless, Menew was excited to go inside, and he put his hand on the door.

Ralph looked more serious and cautious.

First it was the forest, then in the large street, and then…

“Ouch!!”

“Ah! Sorry. Are you alright?”

Menew looked surprised as he opened the door. But the woman who bumped into him fell to the ground.

Her hair went to her shoulders and was tied into two ponytails. She was wearing worker clothes and boots. But she also had strong, beautiful features.

“Are you outsiders!? Don’t open it so suddenly! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

She said in a rather thick accent.

“Damn it. Nevermind that. I better find Bamble and Gaine…!”

And then she dashed outside. Menew looked at her back in stunned silence.

Ralph realized that he had been right to dread this. Surely this was the start of some trouble. However, if that was the case, he would try and solve it as quickly as possible.

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