?


    "Are you from...Sunny Town?"


    Pam, the Branch Chief, held the letter with trembling hands.


    However, she quickly regained herposure, knowing she could not show any signs of weakness in front of the younger folk.


    "I hail from Sunny Town, whereas Heloise is not..." Felix was mid-exnation when Pam stopped paying attention, her focus shifting to the letter in her hands.


    She was eager to confirm if it bore the familiar handwriting of Oleg.


    Upon opening the letter, Pam''s eyes met the wild and hasty scrawl she hade to associate with Oleg. She could barely contain her joy, as if she had seen Oleg himself.


    She unfolded the paper and read each line intently, hoping to find words meant for her. But much to her disappointment, it was a letter of rmendation, devoid of any personal messages.


    — (Ah...of course.)


    Pam sighed quietly to herself.


    — (After all...I''ve only taken up my post here two months ago. It''s only natural that Oleg wouldn''t know.)


    With a sigh, Pam once again turned her attention to the young man named Felix and the young girl named Heloise.


    "A letter of rmendation...I see. It''s about the "Aqua Nest." I didn''t expect you to arrive so soon."


    Pam returned the rmendation letter to Felix, then informed him that the "Instructor" responsible for assembling the "Labyrinth Raid Team" had yet to arrive in Delis Town. However, she offered to assist in arranging amodations.


    "There''s no need for trouble, I just didn''t expect we would be the first to arrive...by the way, hasn''t Delis Town chosen its representative yet?"


    Felix''s question hit a sore spot for Pam, who had been grappling with this issue recently.


    The operation of Delis Town''s Quest Guild was in a poor state. When Pam took over two months ago, she was overwhelmed by the mess she had inherited.


    Indeed, even to this day, she had yet to find a suitable recement for the racist receptionist.


    "Yes, we''re still looking for the right candidate."


    Pam could only provide a vague response, but Felix, perceptive as he was, quickly seized upon the opportunity.


    "In that case, would Delis Town consider mypanion, Heloise? Her abilities are quite remarkable, you know."


    At Felix''s suggestion, both Pam and Heloise let out a surprised "Huh?" However, Felix paid no heed to their reactions, focusing on Pam as he continued to make his case.


    "As far as I know, the representatives from various ces need not necessarily be locals, right, Lady Pam?"


    Pam gave a stiff nod, feeling as though Felix had seen right through her.


    Indeed, if Heloise were willing to represent Delis Town, it would be a great boon to Pam.


    Even without seeing Heloise inbat, the way she carried herself was enough for the experienced Pam to discern her formidable abilities.


    — (But why would this Felix willingly offer such a beneficial arrangement to us Delis Town…?)


    As the saying goes, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. Pam suspected that Felix had something in mind, a sort of "trade" perhaps.


    .


    "Indeed, in that case, Lady Heloise, would you be willing to represent us? If you consent, I will negotiate with the mayor on your behalf."


    Pam, the Branch Chief, was a woman of action, and seeing that Felix had extended an olive branch, she decided to seize the opportunity.


    If Felixter made an exorbitant demand, she could always find another representative. After all, Delis Town was the gathering point for the Labyrinth Raid Team, and there were no costs in terms of travel or time.


    "Lady...? Hehe, the apostle of the Nefarious Tiger King is satisfied with this title!"


    Heloise was pleased with the respectful address. As for representing Delis Town in the Labyrinth Raid Team, since Felix was also participating, she saw no harm in joining as well.


    And so, in the office of Pam, the representative for Delis Town was decided in a few words.


    Later, when the Quest Guild posted the announcement, the bounty hunters of Delis Town were green with envy, but that''s a story for another time.


    .


    "So, is there anything else I can assist you with?"


    After securing the representative for Delis Town, Pam, understanding the situation, proactively asked Felix.


    She knew that such a beneficial arrangement wouldn''te without a price.


    "There''s nothing major... However, there is a minor issue I''d like your assistance with," Felix responded, presenting his condition as Pam had anticipated.


    "Please, speak your mind. If it''s within my capabilities, I will do my utmost to assist," Pam assured him.


    Felix then asked for a pen and paper and sketched a small, elongated snake.


    He exined to Pam that this was a ''Parasitic Blood Serpent'' that could infest a human body in its egg form, hatch, and proceed to infect the host. Uponpletion of the infection, the host would explode and die.


    "I''m afraid I haven''t heard of such a malevolent entity," Pam admitted after hearing Felix''s exnation, her spine chilling at the thought.


    Heloise seemed to be shivering at the side as well.


    "If one wanted to eliminate or expel such a creature from the body, do you have any suggestions or methods?" Felix continued to inquire.


    Pam pondered for a moment before advising Felix to seek the aid of the clergy at a church. However, a small ce like Delis Town didn''t have a church.


    "I will ask around in Delis Town. If I find any information, I will let you know immediately... Also, if I may ask, is someone you know affected by this malevolent creature?"


    Felix heaved a deep sigh before answering, "A dear kin of mine."


    Seeing the sorrowful look on Felix''s face, Pam''s impression of the young man changed.


    She had initially thought he was just a reckless young bounty hunter, but it seemed that his flippant demeanor was just a fa?ade.


    "I understand. I''ll do everything within my power."


    .


    After leaving the Quest Guild, Heloise followed Felix to the inn rmended by Pam.


    Along the way, Heloise asked about the Parasitic Blood Serpent. She was curious why even Felix, the messenger of the Benevolent Deity, couldn''t deal with it.


    Felix exined that there were restrictions on the use of divine power, and as a messenger of a benevolent god, he couldn''t use his powers on himself or his kin.


    Heloise nodded, only half-understanding, and quietly mused that being an apostle of a benevolent god wasn''t an easy job.


    Before long, they reached the inn. At this point, Felix asked Heloise a question.


    "By the way, Heloise, would you mind sharing a room with me tonight?"