Who Is the World’s Strongest Appraiser? ~Living in Another World With Satisfying Meals~

I Don’t Think Skills Are Everything

“Working for the Appraisers’ Guild is fun, isn’t it?”

“That’s because you only do it occasionally. If you did it every day, you’d get bored.”

“Have you ever worked for the Appraisers’ Guild, Ali-san?”

“Yeah. When I got injured, I worked there temporarily.”

“Really?”

They were chatting leisurely, having just come out of the Appraisers’ Guild. Today, they had been asked to help out temporarily, using their appraisal skills to get the job done.

Their task today was item selection. Though it sounds simple, the items brought in were often disguised, cursed, or booby-trapped, making it a dangerous job. Ali brought Yuuri along to teach him the proper use of appraisal skills.

Yuuri did his job well. While Ali used his experience and high skill level, Yuuri performed just as well, thanks to his cheat skill, [God’s Eye]. While others struggled to identify disguises and curses, Yuuri could see everything at a glance. He labeled dangerous items with caution notes and moved on.

It was probably a mundane task well-suited to Yuuri.

Repetitive simple tasks can be a great ordeal for some. In fact, some of the appraisers, whether guild employees or temporarily recruited appraisers, occasionally went outside for a breather. Yuuri, on the other hand, worked quietly, chatting only when the office staff brought tea.

“By the way, I was recruited today.”

“Well, that makes sense. And?”

“I declined because I have work at the hideout.”

“That’s what I expected from you.”

Ali laughed in exasperation.

Being recruited directly by the Appraisers’ Guild was akin to being invited to a stable government job. It promised steady income and safe desk work, unlike the dangers of being an adventuring appraiser. Yet, Yuuri declined without hesitation.

Yuuri had no desire for cash income. His basic needs were covered by the clan, and he received regular money from the production guild. He saw no need to work elsewhere. Leaving the Scarlet Lynx hideout would be tougher for him.

It wasn’t about money but about loyalty. Yuuri’s most trusted people were in the Scarlet Lynx. Being far from home, among strangers, he valued the comrades who cared for him. He didn’t need to seek cash income away from them.

Though he understood his job and skills were cheats, he wasn’t attracted to them. At best, he saw them as useful for shopping. Not one to seek thrills with his cheat, Yuuri’s indifference was expected.

Ali, knowing Yuuri’s nature, wasn’t concerned. The reaction from the hideout members would likely be the same. They knew Yuuri loved his peaceful, quiet life, and the environment where he could dedicate himself to chores.

This judgment came from those who could be called family.

“Hey, you there, wait.”

“…Yes?”

“Damn, here comes trouble.”

A clear, somewhat authoritative but beautiful voice called out. Turning around curiously, Yuuri saw a determined-looking girl in a sister’s outfit. A golden cross hung around her neck, jingling softly.

“Are you talking to me?”

“Yes, you. I need to speak with you.”

“Talk, you say?”

Yuuri responded with his usual carefree attitude, though the girl seemed resolute. Glancing at Ali, who scratched his chin in annoyance, Yuuri wondered if her appearance was unexpected or unwelcome.

The twin-tailed sister had a strict, uncompromising expression on her otherwise lovely face. Her sharp eyebrows and strong-willed eyes focused intensely on Yuuri.

“Why won’t you take the job?”

“…Huh?”

“With such excellent skills, not fulfilling your role is negligence!”

“…Ali-san, what is she talking about?”

“Don’t ask me.”

Confused by the angry girl’s words, Yuuri asked Ali, who answered dismissively. The girl was probably referring to Yuuri declining the Appraisers’ Guild job. It made sense, given the guild’s connection to the church.

As they pondered silently, the girl continued.

“Those with superior skills should take on appropriate roles.”

“…So, you mean, it’s natural to choose jobs based on skills?”

“Of course. Those given skills should use them properly…”

“I don’t like that idea.”

“What?!”

Yuuri interrupted her, smiling calmly but with firm eyes. Ali, intrigued, decided to let Yuuri handle it.

The girl, unprepared for a rebuttal, fell silent. Yuuri spoke softly but with a strong will. His usual tone carried an unwavering resolve, showing no anger but a refusal to back down.

“Your words imply that a person’s value is determined by their skills. Those without superior skills are failures, and those who don’t use their skills properly are negligent. It seems like you’re saying a person’s worth depends on their skills.”

“That’s not what I mean! Those with skills should use them correctly!”

“And who decides what’s correct? You? The church? I don’t think jobs should be chosen based on skills alone, and I don’t want work forced on me for that reason.”

“You mean you won’t use your abilities for the world and people? That’s negligence!”

“Why is it negligence?”

While the girl shouted, Yuuri remained calm. Ali averted his eyes, sensing an unusual side of Yuuri. Despite his usual gentle demeanor, Yuuri’s firm stance showed a different aspect of his personality. Only someone with mental strength could continue acting differently, aware of their uniqueness.

Yuuri understood his uniqueness and had a basic grasp of common sense. …More or less.

“I’m currently doing chores at Scarlet Lynx. Is that not useful or valuable work? People appreciate my cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Do you see my work as negligence?”

“That’s not what I’m talking about! You have extraordinary appraisal abilities but won’t use them for the world and people. That’s negligence!”

“Don’t impose your view of my life on me. I don’t need unwanted jobs.”

Yuuri stated firmly. The girl, trying to respond, bit her lip in frustration. Realizing she couldn’t persuade Yuuri, she struggled to find words. Believing in her correctness, she felt her argument should be valid. Yet, it didn’t resonate with Yuuri.

Yuuri knew many “right” answers depending on perspective. He refused to accept her “rightness”. He found it offensive to be valued solely for his cheat skills, which he didn’t choose.

“I might have been harsh, but that’s my honest opinion. Judging me only by my skills feels like a denial of myself, and it’s painful.”

“…Why?”

“You have your beliefs, but please don’t impose them on me.”

With a bow, Yuuri turned away. Ali asked quietly if he was done, and Yuuri nodded. Ali smiled, watching Yuuri return to his usual self, and addressed the girl.

“Sorry, miss. This guy’s an important member of our team. We won’t give him up.”

“Do you say that knowing his power, Ali the Appraiser?”

“Power? Oh, I know it well. His cooking is delicious, his cleaning spotless, and his laundry impeccable. He’s a valuable, important member of our team.”

“…Even you…”

“Remember this well. We’re beings with wills. Skills and jobs are just part of our essence. Treating people like game pieces is your arrogance.”

Ali’s low voice carried clearly through the bustling surroundings. Ignoring the silent girl, Ali walked off. Yuuri, already leisurely heading home, resumed his usual pace.

“Ali-san, let’s have tea when we get back. The pastries I made recently are ready to eat.”

“Great. I’m satisfied with tea, but…”

“No way. Brook will sulk if there’s no dessert.”

“Yeah… He would.”

Chatting as usual, they walked the path to Scarlet Lynx’s hideout. Yuuri, unfazed by the earlier confrontation, was back to his typical self. Ali ruffled Yuuri’s hair, feeling he’d grasped a bit more of the boy’s true nature.

Yuuri wanted to work as a cook, regardless of skills or job titles.