Kana left with a barrel of wine. Chatting with this unscrupulous couple is less fun than hanging out with her drinking buddies.
She also casually took the task list Rhode gave her, planning to rest today and continue working tomorrow.
Wendy silently noted this strange wine-loving lady, guessing that she probably had a good relationship with Brother Rhode.
She sat quietly at the counter, sipping her juice, watching people occasionally come to take on tasks and others come back to report task completion.
People shared with Mira or Rhode about the unexpected incidents they encountered or caused during their tasks. Some happily took their earnings to drink, while others had to dejectedly select another task.
Wendy felt a sense of longing.
She thought carefully and said, "Sister Mira, Brother Rhode, I want to try working too."
"Hmm? Wendy doesn't seem like she needs money, right?" Mira remembered giving them 1.2 million J the other day.
Another human-cat duo, Natsu and Hapi, had been causing a ruckus in the guild ever since they got their money, with no intention of leaving yet.
"I've joined the guild for a few days already, and I want to do something to try it out," Wendy said, clenching her small fists in front of her chest, "Even a simple task is fine."
"Well, it's indeed about time to get familiar with the task process," Mira thought for a moment and smiled, "You're much more eager than some people."
If it weren't for the President pushing him, who knows how long it would have taken for Rhode to go out on his first task.
Rhode wasn't ashamed at all, in fact, he felt quite fortunate. If he hadn't delayed, how could he have ended up going out with Mira?
"Then why not start by choosing a task," Rhode said, stepping out from behind the counter, "Start by looking at the bulletin board. I'll take you through the whole process until you're completely familiar with the guild."
"Okay!" Wendy jumped down from the stool. The high stool in front of the counter was too tall for her feet to touch the ground while sitting.
Actually, looking at the bulletin board was a bit challenging for Wendy, as standing too close gave her the feeling of a little student looking at a blackboard, craning her neck and tiptoeing to see the commission slips posted higher up.
Luckily, Wendy has good eyesight. Taking a step back, she could still barely see, although she had a 'Nabu' obstacle in front of her from further back.
Rhode stepped forward and patted Nabu on the shoulder: "You've been standing here for a while. How about taking a break? Go arm wrestle with Kana."
"Oh? Kana's back?" Nabu looked back, excitedly leaving, "This time I'll definitely win back my drinking money!"
"I'm sorry." Wendy felt unexpectedly downcast. She didn't expect to encounter such a difficulty from the very first step of taking on a task.
Does this mean in the future she'll need Carla to fly her up to see the tasks?
Rhode said, "Hmm... Actually, Nabu is quite a nice guy, you could just have him read it out for you."
For this matter, either Wendy would have to work hard to grow taller or they would have to lower the bulletin board a bit, but doing so wouldn't be very accommodating to others.
Otherwise, maybe they could inquire about whether there's an intelligent floating bulletin board available, further optimizing the task process... But that would depend on technological advancements in the Magic Realm.
"That one!" Wendy pointed to a commission slip on the side for Carla's help.
Carla flew up and tore off the commission slip: "Is it this one?"
"Yeah! Is it okay, Brother Rhode?" Wendy asked Carla to hand the commission slip over to Rhode.
"Helping out at the persimmon orchard?" Rhode looked at the location and reward, "It's quite nearby, not a high reward, could be tiring, and might be a bit boring."
Wendy said, "It doesn't matter because I've never done it before, so I want to try it."
Rhode asked, "What does Carla think?"
"Doesn't matter, it doesn't seem too difficult," Carla figured if Wendy wanted to go, she'd go along.
Rhode nodded, "Then it's settled. Go hand the commission slip to Miss Mira to have it stamped, then you can prepare to head out."
"Mi..." Wendy turned and trotted off, but after taking just two steps, she thudded to the floor with a bang, "Ouch!"
Rhode almost forgot Wendy had this skill, the dull thud even sounded painful.
But Wendy didn't need help from others, she got up on her own, patted off the non-existent dust, and continued her little run to hand over the task slip,
"Are you okay?" Mira expressed concern first. After getting confirmation that Wendy was fine, she helped her register.
"All done." Mira handed the task slip to Wendy, "Next, gather your teammates, confirm the specific details with the client, and you can start working."
Wendy turned to Carla and Rhode, "Shall we head off?"
"No need to rush. I've learned that the orchard is quite large. If it's just the few of us, who knows how long it might take to help out. It's best to go home and prepare a few changes of clothes and necessary living supplies first."
Rhode rarely undertakes these long, ordinary life tasks. Now he thought it might be nice to experience it with Wendy and the others.
Still, preparations should not be skimped... While the two of them were gone, he could sneak a couple of books.
Mira just smiled at him without stopping him. In the past, he probably wouldn't have left with just two books, Rhode had indeed changed a lot.
Entrusting household matters to Mira, also asking her to continue looking into house information.
Rhode bid her farewell with a smack, earning a reproachful gaze.
Wendy and Carla rented a carriage and returned to the guild entrance to meet Rhode.
Rhode didn't mention anything about riding a River Crab because the weather was somewhat cold.
"Is this really necessary?" Carla held the large book Rhode had given her, which was about her size when she was sitting.
Rhode said, "When traveling, it's always good to bring something for self-defense. I'll find you a smaller book next time."
"..." Seriously, there'll be a next time?
Wendy obediently opened her backpack, "Carla, just put it in my bag first."
This was probably equivalent to carrying a bottle of pepper spray—no big deal—even if this 'spray' might be lethal.
The carriage carried them eastward, turning south after a distance.
After about 40 minutes, the three got out of the carriage, with the orchard right in front of them.
There weren't the expected small lantern-like fruits on the trees. Peering over the fence, only bare branches and dead leaves could be seen, though some branches did reach out over the wall, and there were many yellow and even blackened leaves fallen in the corners.
The orchard gate stood open. Next to it was a small house resembling a guardroom, but it was empty.
"There seems to be the sound of scissors over there," Wendy pointed in a direction, her ears very keen.
The two and a cat walked forward, where only a few persimmon trees still had sparse fruits. Most were left with just a few yellow and black leaves.
The ground was littered with scattered piles of fallen leaves, appearing as if they hadn't been cleaned yet.
If left unattended, it could lead to pest infestations next year.
Soon, the three saw a man standing on a tree branch, wearing work clothes, with protective sleeve gloves and a saw hanging from his waist, pruning with scissors.
Below the tree stood a stepladder, surrounded by scattered branches of various sizes.
Encouraged by Rhode's gaze, Wendy asked, "Excuse me... Are you Mr. Puxi Meng?"
The person in the tree paused his work, looked down, seeing a young man, a rather cute girl, and a little white cat dressed in clothes.
This group looked like they were on a picnic.
"Sorry, this is a private orchard, and the persimmons are all sold out."