Transmigrated as a Ghost

"Everything looks to be in order. You are now officially registered for the operation to retake the old capital." Vivi said, looking quite pleased.

After a bit of careful consideration, Marcus figured that there were more positives than negatives to accepting the mission. They would almost certainly become privy to information that would have been difficult to obtain on their own and having a large force to draw the attention of the hordes of undead that resided in the city would be incredibly beneficial.

As for the fact that technically the ghost king's core would belong to the kingdom of Houten, Marcus figured it would be fine to ignore that clause in the agreement. Even if they were found out, he imagined that the worst that would happen was needing to pay a fine and getting reprimanded by the guild.

"Thank you for speeding along this process Vivi. Now if you would not mind showing us to the guild hall's exit, we will be on our way."

"Oh, I was just doing my job." Vivi said with a quick bow. "Ah, but your party is not from Houten, so if you want, I can arrange for transportation and a guide. You'll be expected in Fortress City Armadura within ten days, and I would hate for any of you to get lost on your way."

Marcus was about to turn down Vivi's offer, but Mrazivý stopped him with a quick telepathic communication.

'It's true that we could probably arrive faster if we just go by ourselves, but where is the fun in that. Even if we arrive at Armadura tomorrow, we will just be stuck waiting around until things get started. There is no need for us to rush around everywhere. A slow leisurely journey is not bad every once in a while.'

Seeing the pleading look on Mrazivý's face, Marcus agreed to accept Vivi's offer of a guide and a ride.

"Of course, we would be happy to have an expert on the area show us around, and it is true that we don't have a vehicle, so transportation would be appreciated."

"Understood, I will get that prepared for you if you just wait here for a little while."

Like a whirlwind Vivi then left the room.

"We certainly are receiving the royal treatment here." Lilia commented once Vivi was gone.

"Yeah, back in Borealia the guild staff never acted like this." Alaric said, agreeing with Lilia.

"I think it is likely just because of the current circumstances. The guild hasn't been established here for very long so there are likely not many strong native adventurers. They are probably counting a lot on foreign adventurers to add the extra manpower they need to take back their lost city. On paper our group here possesses three mithril rank adventurers, two platinum ranks, and six gold ranks.

Even though they don't know what our true capabilities are, they can tell that we are a party that brings with it a great deal to the table. It only makes sense that they would want to give us a warm welcome if it means we will lend our strength to their cause." Miguel said, giving his explanation for their stellar treatment.

For around five more minutes the eleven of them continued with idle conversation and enjoyed some refreshments provided by the guild until Vivi came back.

"Pardon the wait. It took me a bit longer than expected, but I managed to find the perfect guide for all of you and a caravan that will be heading to Armadura tomorrow that will be more than happy to have you with them."

'That took her longer than expected. She was only gone for a bit more than five minutes. How quickly does she normally work?' Marcus thought.

Still, Marcus was perfectly fine with the expedience and listened to the details of the arrangements that Vivi had made for them.

For their guide, Vivi had pinned down a local silver rank adventurer that was already planning on heading to Armadura. However, for the caravan, she had actually brought several tags that adventurers would take when accepting a posted job.

"Naturally you do not have to accept the request to act as guards for this caravan and I can get you all accepted as normal passengers as well. Though, I image that in the case something comes up you all would be likely to jump in to help anyway, so you might as well get paid for your efforts."

She then showed them the generous compensation they would receive for acting as guards for the massive caravan bringing supplies and personnel to Armadura. It was all almost a little too good of a deal for just a few days' work that could end up being completely peaceful.

'There is little doubt she really wants us to join this caravan. The question though I why?' Alaric said over telepathy.

Swiftly the eleven of them talked it over and decided to try and figure things out before accepting.

"You know, we are grateful for the guide and finding this caravan for us, but we don't really want to travel with such a large group. Are there perhaps some smaller traveling traders we could go with? Or even just a normal carriage service we could use would be acceptable." Marcus said, putting on an apologetic expression.

As he asked for another means of travel Vivi's smile twitched slightly but she quickly caught herself.

"I'm afraid there is not much else heading towards Armadura within the next couple of days. A private vehicle could likely be procured, but it would be expensive and less accommodating than the caravan. My uncle happens to own a fair-sized alchemy shop that has a contract with the kingdom to deliver potions and will be a part of the group leaving tomorrow.

I planned to speak with him and make sure that all of you would receive the very best treatment."

"I see. But your uncle must have regular guards that he relies on. We would not want to ruffle any feathers with them."

"Please, there is no need to worry about something like that. Your party is made up of esteemed high-ranking adventurers, anyone would be happy to have you all along as guards. Also, the majority of the usual guards my uncle hires are not currently in the city, so you should have nothing to worry about in that regard." Vivi said, a look of desperation in her eyes.

'Looks like we are getting closer to the true reason she wants us to join this caravan. Still, I feel like there is something else.'

With a bit more effort Marcus was eventually able to get Vivi to spill everything.

The main reason she wanted them to join the caravan was because it currently lacked sufficient protection by a wide margin. Most of the capable combatants that were normally within or around the city had headed off to Armadura to participate in the upcoming operation.

This had left the city with far less personnel in it than usual, and criminals that normally slinked in the shadows had become bolder. There were apparently often attacks in broad daylight lately and the skeleton crew of guards that remined to police the capital had their hands full.

"Just last week a group of ruffians made off with a shipment of mithril ingots and have yet to be caught. This only encouraged other criminals to act up and try to earn an ill-gotten fortune. Even some normally law-abiding citizens that are down on their luck have been caught resorting to thievery since so many of the city's veteran guards went with the army to Armadura.

I'm just worried about my uncle, which is why I was hoping to get your party to join up with his caravan. I am sorry for trying to mislead you all."

Vivi bowed her head deeply and apologized to Marcus and his companions. She then told them that she would make other arrangements for them to travel to Armadura.

Yet, before she left the room, Marcus topped her.

"No, I think we will go with the caravan. It is not like you lied to us at any point, even if you did hide some information. There really aren't any other groups that are going to be traveling to our destination in the next few days, correct?"

"Yes, the one my uncle is a part of is the only one leaving in the next few days. There is another one scheduled to depart in five days, but it would likely not deliver you to Armadura on time. Of course, I can rent some carriages and coachmen for your party if that is what you want. You really don't need to join the caravan."

"As I said, we will be fine acting as guards for the caravan your uncle is a part of. It's been a while since we have done any escort work, and it could serve as a good change of pace." Marcus said. He could see enthused looks on several of his companions' faces. It seemed that they were excited to have the opportunity to travel with a large group and beat-up on some thieves.

"I cannot thank you all enough. Of course, the pay I quoted you is accurate. Though, I can probably get more if you feel it is necessary." Vivi said.

"No that is not necessary. The amount being offered is already nearly double the usual rate for adventurers of our ranks. If you could direct us towards a good inn, that will be enough."

"Okay, I will go and book rooms at the best inn in the city." Vivi said, rushing out of the room.

When she returned, she informed them that she had reserved four large suites for them at a heavy discount since she was good friends with the owner's wife.