Chapter 12: Astra's Excursion
Astra has recently thought of a new plan to remain inconspicuous: to become a commoner! Of course, Astra consulted with her parents about this matter.
"Father, mother, I have come today to propose a plan as I wish to be inconspicuous."
Her parents looked at her encouragingly and gestured her to continue.
"I wish to live as a commoner!"
Her parents were shocked.
"D-dear, is she at a rebellious age?"
Her mother asked worriedly.
"I, I don't know. Just where did we go wrong in raising her?"
"Please remain calm and let me finish. I am aware that it would be hard for an eight-year-old who was raised as a noble to live as a commoner on their own, however, I am not going out to live as a commoner immediately. For now, I'm going help out with stores and complete quests from the Adventurer's Guild like gathering herbs. When I turn twelve, I will live independently and only attend major events that I absolutely cannot miss. When it's time for me to enter school, I will register as a commoner."
Astra's father was the first one to fully process the information.
"But, why?"
Obviously, Astra could not just tell them the real reason why she wished to live as a commoner, so she came up with a plausible excuse.
"I wish to experience the lives of the people that we, as nobles, have to lead. By experiencing their hardships, I will be able to understand more about the state of Gardenia."
Astra's parents carefully considered her plan.
"Okay, but under a few conditions for when you'll live independently. First, you must write a letter once a week. Second, you have to come back at least once a month. Third, you must make sure that you are well and healthy."
Astra nodded to the conditions that her mother set and her parents were satisfied with her answer.
"I'm going to start helping with stores tomorrow."
When Astra declared this, her father's serious facade was completely gone and replaced with teary eyes.
"Why so soon?"
Astra tilted her head, not knowing how to answer.
"Because I want to?"
"Astra, could you stay longer?"
Her father looked at her with upturned eyes which Astra did not find cute at all. Astra's mother bonked her father on the head.
"Darling, it's not like she's leaving forever. She's only going away in the day."
"Honey..."
Astra's mother was comforting her father as Astra slipped away silently.
•••
It's Astra's first day of working at a store. She found work rather quickly. A kind lady named Eleanor Kennedy let Astra help out at her fruit stall and even paid her one copper coin for working. By the way, this is the currency:
10 small copper coins = 1 copper coin
10 copper coins = 1 small silver coin
10 small silver coins = 1 silver coin
10 silver coins = 1 small gold coin
10 small gold coins = 1 gold coin
10 gold coins = 1 white gold coin
10 white gold coins = 1 platinum coin
1 small copper coin is worth about 10 cents on Earth.
"Alice, could you pass me three apples?"
"Yes~ That would be 1 copper coin and 2 small copper coins~"
By the way, Alice was Astra's alias and since Astra rarely appeared in front of people other than her friends, she didn't bother choosing a different appearance.
"My, my, what a cute helper you have there."
One of customers said to Miss Kennedy. Miss Kennedy smiled.
"Yes indeed. I was quite surprised when she asked me to work here for experience."
"How diligent. Well, I'll see you later."
"Thank you for your purchase~"
As the customer left, Miss Kennedy turned to face Astra.
"Anyways, Alice."
"Yes?"
"You've been a great help, so I'll give you an extra copper for your hard work."
"Is that really okay?"
"To be honest, you calculated the price faster than I ever could and get everything done so fast. You deserve more than just two coppers."
"Well, thank you, but I only am working here for experience, so I don't need to be paid at all."
Miss Kennedy looked at Astra seriously.
"... Could you become my daughter?"
"Sorry~ but no. My parents love me very much."
"Tch."
Miss Kennedy looked very disappointed, so Astra took out a candy and gave it to her.
"This is for you, so cheer up, okay~?
"...Are you sure that you absolutely can't be my daughter?"
"Sorry~ I do look forward to working with you more in the future though~"
This was how Astra's first day of working at the shop went.
•••
The next day, Astra visited the Adventurer's Guild to sign up. This time, Astra chose to look like a boy. She didn't want a male body since she found it terrifying, so she only changed her hair, voice, eyes, and clothes. Right now, she had black hair and green eyes. Astra wore a white shirt and short blue pants along with a brown vest.
She signed up with the alias of Edward.
"Hello and welcome. What can I do for you today?"
The receptionist had green hair and purple eyes.
"Um, I'd like to register."
"Can you read and write or would you like me to do it for you?"
"I can do it!"
The receptionist handed a piece of paper and a quill to Astra. The application was very simple and only required the name and age of the applicant. Astra quickly filled it out and handed it to the receptionist.
"Would you like to hear the details of the Adventurer's Guild?"
Astra nodded.
"There are seven ranks of adventurers. The lowest is F-rank and the highest is S-rank. An adventurer can accept quests that are the same rank or below. They can also accept a request one rank higher than their own. Children below the age of 12 cannot accept any subjugation quests unless it's in self-defense.
To advance from ranks F and E, a certain number of quests must be taken. For advancing to E-rank, 10 F-rank quests must be taken. For advancing to D-rank, 20 E-rank quests must be successful.
To advance from ranks D to B, they must pass a test. To advance from A-rank, there must be a recommendation letter from an existing S-rank and must pass a test.
There are three types of quests. One type is continuous quests. They are always on the quest board and anybody can take them unless it requires the subjugation of any monster. These have no risks of failure.
Another type is escort quests. They include escorting merchants and other people. Loss of stocks during escort quests must be paid.
The last type is subjugation quests. Unlike continuous quests, a certain rank is necessary depending on the level if danger. Please remember that failure of escort and subjugation quests will require a report and payment unless there's a special circumstance."
Astra thanked the receptionist and gathered mana grass which was a continuous quest. Mana grass was a necessary ingredient for potions. A bundle of ten pieces would be a small silver coin.
Astra gathered nine bundles and turned them in for nine small silver coins.
Satisfied, Astra returned home.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone