When I reached the carriage, an old man with blond hair and a balding crown got out of the carriage. The man seemed to have a certain dignity about him. Maybe it was the clean-cut blonde hair and goatee. Meyer opened his mouth, kneeling down to the old man as he got out of the carriage.
「Your Excellency, we have been assisted by someone here. Although there was some damage, it was not catastrophic and we were able to destroy all the monsters.」 「Well, I’m saved. Let me say my gratitudes. But first, Meyer, let’s hurry up and treat the wounded. Unfortunately, we must bring back the bodies of those who have been killed by monsters. Instruct them to stow the bodies in their magic bags.」 「Ha, I respectfully obey. Your Excellency, I know I am being unreasonable, but I promised him a reward for his help to our side, and I ask for your kind consideration. Then, I will go instruct my subordinates.」
The old man whom he called ” Your Excellency ” nodded like a hawk at Meyer’s reply. Seeing this, Meyer also ran toward the knights under his command.
「Well, my name is Harvey von Campbell. I’m a duke in the kingdom of Midogal.」
So this old man is the Duke. I’ll say my name too.
「I’m Louis, and the girl behind me is Eleanor. I’m sorry, but I have to say this first. I’m not rooted in any country, much less a citizen of the Kingdom of Midogal. Also, since I’m an adventurer, I don’t have any reason to be humble to the nobility, so I’ll just talk to you normally. If you don’t like it, tell me right away, and I’ll just take my reward and walk away.」 「That’s no problem, because I’m not going to be arrogant to the people who helped me. I am not such a small man. Ohohohoho」
Hmm. The current exchange has raised the stock of Harvey von Campbell in my mind. Well, it’s not like I’m going to do anything just because it went up. I don’t want to be used by the nobility. However, some of the knights are staring at me. I don’t care, though.
「What would you like in terms of rewards, …… money, armour, or magical items?」
We don’t need weapons, etc., because we will eventually make our own good ones.
「I think I’ll settle for money.」
Hearing my words, old man Harvey took out a small bag from the magic bag at hand. There seemed to be some money in it, and he handed it to me.
「Here’s your reward. There are five platinum coins inside. Can you confirm that for me?」
I took a peek inside the sachet I received from Harvey, and then stored it in the【Item Box】. I’m not sure what the market rate is for a reward, but I could probably stay at a high-class inn for eighty days with just this. In addition, I thought for a moment that I could treat the injured knights and get a reward for it, but it seems that the Duke household had recovery personnel. They’re not fully recovered, but they seem to be recovering from their injuries without any problems. I was a little disappointed, but I took what I could get, just as I was about to leave, Harvey called out to me.
「Where are you guys headed?」
He suddenly asks me where I’m going, and I give him a suspicious look. He had been doing so for a while, but he didn’t seem to be doing anything particularly devious. Well, I can at least tell him where I’m going.
「We’re on our way to Midoria to visit acquaintances. I haven’t decided how long I’m going to stay there, but I’m sure I’ll be back on the road at some point.」
Hearing those words, Harvey seemed to be thinking about something as he played with his beard with his fingertips. After a few moments of waiting, the old man in front of me opened his mouth with a look of inspiration on his face.
「Hmm, I see. I’m on my way back to Midoria, coming back from my official duties. There have been some casualties in my Order, and my guards have been reduced. So, why don’t we ask you two to escort us? How about three platinum coins for the escort? You can make yourselves at home in the carriage, except in case of emergency. We’ll be arriving in Midoria in roughly six days.」
I thought about it for a while and thought, “Isn’t this a pretty lucrative request?” So I decided to take it.
I returned to the city of Roizen. I’m inside the Adventurer’s Guild, an incredibly luxurious room.
「I’ve heard from everyone.」
Andreu, who led me here, said.
He looks slightly proud.
「I heard you were like a demon.」
「Don’t worry about it. I didn’t do anything major.」
「You’re kidding. By a conservative estimate, Yuuki-sama alone did the work of several hundred people. The opinions of the adventurers, both favorable and cynical, were common on that one point.」
Was there really cynicism?
「But more importantly, are you okay? It looks like you sealed that place off, but could something happen to break the seal?」
I ask, remembering Mari.
Fiona also said that there was nothing there to begin with, and suddenly Mari happened.
Compared to that, now that the seal is there, the danger must be higher.
When I asked him about it, Andreu answered with a straight face.
「It will be handled as a matter of utmost importance by the Adventurer’s Guild. I plan to have a B-rank adventurer or higher attached to me to constantly monitor the area for anything unusual. To be honest, if it weren’t for Yuuki-sama, the front line there would have been breached, and the ever-increasing number of monsters would have swallowed up the two cities of Roizen and Reiuse.」
（We’re rather lucky if that’s all. My armies have overrun the former empire from one end to the other. Give it time, and this country would have been destroyed.)
Eleanor is getting slightly better at this. We’ll deal with this later.
I looked at Andreu with a straight face and asked him something that made me even more curious.
「I’m going to have to make the rounds. That’s all well and good, but wouldn’t it be better to make them disappear than to seal them up?」
「We’re having trouble there, but we’ll let them find a way. We’ll have the adventurers in our guild work on this as a top priority quest. It will be a big financial loss, but we can’t help it.」
「I see. I’ll look out for them.」
「Can you do that for me?」
Andreu’s eyes sparkled. As he said, he would be happy if I did that.
「And by the way… Because, frankly, I have other things I need to do.」
「That’s fine. If you’re Yuuki-sama, even if you’re a lone adventurer, you’re more promising than most.」
I’m going to be talking on a lot.
Well, but I know what he’s talking about. I could sense the seriousness of Andreu’s words.
「And with that………」
Andreu’s tone suddenly became heavier for some reason. Is there something he’s having trouble saying?
「What’s the matter?」
「I was wondering if Yuuki-sama would be interested in joining the Adventurers Guild.」
「Join the Adventurers’ Guild?」
「Yes. As you know, the rank of an adventurer’s guild is determined by the merits of the guild in resolving requests and the reputation of the adventurers who belong to it.」
I don’t know, but I kind of understand somehow.
「For a long time, our guild has been without an adventurer we could call our ace to the public.」
「What about Alexis?」
When asked, Andreu slowly shook his head.
「He’s a good man, but he’s never achieved anything decisive. Also, perhaps because of his personality, he often makes mistakes in important areas.」
「Ah, there are people like that, aren’t there?」
「So, as an ace, ……」
Andreu’s words were muffled, but he continued to stare at me.
Alexis can’t do it, but I’ve got a strong appearance.
Honestly, I don’t feel bad about it. No, I rather that that, I feel good.
「We will, of course, pay you a reasonable stipend. We will try to facilitate you this in some of the cities where our guild has branches.」
He has made some substantive proposals. Not a bad proposition.
I accepted Andreu’s proposal and decided to stay in the adventurer’s guild.
After we finished talking, we walked out of the guild.
It was getting quite dark outside and I tried to warp back to the mansion.
「Uh!」
That’s where I’ll be approached.
I turned around and saw a female adventurer who looked like a magician.
「You …… just now.」
I remembered her face, but I never heard her name, come to think of it.
「My name is Io Akos!」
「Io, huh? I’m Yuuki Kakeru. You can call me Kakeru.」
「Kakeru-san, ……thank you for what you did earlier.」
「Yeah. Are you okay?」
「Yes, because Kakeru-san rescued me.」
「……Looks like you’re injured?」
I point to her arm. It was wrapped in a torn piece of cloth, stained red with blood.
It looks like she was just given first aid.
「Did you get it taken care of properly?」
「Excuse me! I just wanted to see you, Kakeru……」
「Just a minute.」
I pulled out a magic ball (white) from my pocket.
I then used it on Io. The ball emitted a gentle light that enveloped her entire body.
「How is it?」
「What about ……? Oh, my injury.」
Io was surprised. She unwound the wrapped cloth. The skin was so smooth, there was not a scratch on it.
I used the magic ball for the first time, and it works pretty well. Well, I was told that if you’re not dead, it will work.
「Kakeru-san just now? Did you also use healing magic?」
It wasn’t magic, but I didn’t want to explain it, so I just faked it.
Io was busy being surprised and her eyes twinkling.
「So, what do you mean you wanted to see me?」
「Yes! Ummm……」
Io squirmed, finding it hard to say.
Eventually, she spoke up as if she had made up her mind.
「Please let me join your party, Kakeru!」
She bowed her head as best she could and asked.
I was a little surprised.
In my party? I mean, I’m creating a party?
I’d never thought of forming a party before.
「Umm, can’t I?」
Io looked up and asked timidly. She has eyes like an abandoned puppy.
「No, it’s just a little unexpected and surprising. I’ve never had a party before. Io was the first person to ask me to partner up with her.」
「I am the first ……」
Io, for some reason, looked subtly pleased.
I thought to myself.
Reasons to refuse and reasons to let her in.
There’s no reason to say no to …… nothing that really bothers me.
Reason for inclusion. If I were to really form a party and bring in a companion, I’d rather have someone beautiful and pretty or cute and pretty than a guy anyway.
For that, Io is perfect. She’ s a little plain in her magician-like outfit, but she still looks cute enough.
That Io is staring at me. She’s waiting for my reply.
「All right, let’s get a party going.」
「──！Thank you!!!」
Io was as happy as if she had won the lottery.
「Let’s talk more tomorrow. Come to my mansion.」
「Yes!」
I showed her where the mansion was and left Io.
A party with girls, yeah, I’m getting a little excited thinking about it calmly.
I return to the mansion in an excited mood.
By the way, I don’t know where they heard about it, but there were some male adventurers waiting for me in front of the mansion, and they said the same thing to me.
Some of them had a twinkle in their eyes that said, “I admire you!” There were some who had a twinkle in their eye, but they were …… men, so I turned them all down.
Ten days have passed since the first request was fulfilled. In the meantime, I was still accomplishing my daily requests at a pretty good pace. Because of this, I was able to raise my adventurer rank to D rank, even though I was only accepting requests from nearby areas.
「Now that Eleanor has been strengthened a bit, it’s time for us to head to Midoria, the royal capital of Midogal. I was hoping to move up a few more ranks, but I guess that will have to wait until I get over there.」 「We’re going to Midoria! I’m sure we’ll be safely reunited with Airi and Lisa!」 「Un, I hope I can see them safely, but I don’t have much information about Airi and Lisa, all I know is that they’re probably in Midoria, so they won’t know what I look like now over there either. Besides, they wouldn’t even know that we are coming. Well, I’ll introduce them to Eleanor when we get there safely.」
Looking at her abilities including my homemade weapons and armour, I’d say she’s about the lower B rank. Her skill level is still low, but it will increase with the〈Accelerated Skill Growth〉. I was able to transfer the〈Status Enhancement〉to her, so she should be getting stronger at an accelerated rate. I can make even better weapons, armour, and accessories as my〈Craft Master〉skill level increases. I had just paid for my lodging in advance, so I decided to leave Sumeria without accepting any more requests. After buying some supplies that we were running low on, and some meat skewers for a quick bite on the way, we headed out of the city. By the way, this is how Eleanor’s status is now.
After resuming our journey, we were already inside the Kingdom of Midogal, passing through several small villages and towns. There has been no trouble whatsoever. On the road, I’m training Eleanor as we go. Before we left Sumeria, we went to buy a carriage, but it seemed there had been a large order a while ago and they were just out of stock. So we had to give up the carriage, and are now moving on foot along the road with the forest to our left. As we walked with the tranquil scenery in our sights, we heard voices and sounds of people fighting in the distance. If you walk a little faster, you will see a group of demons, such as the Orc General, Orc Leader, Orc, Ogre General, Ogre Leader, and Ogre, fighting against a group of humans who look like a knight order. I took a closer look at the group and saw that they were in a formation surrounding an expensive looking carriage, and because they were fighting while protecting it, the speed of eradication was slow. There was also a lot of damage on the Knights’ side, and some of them were already running out of steam. I decided not to help them because I don’t like nobles after what happened with Alfred. I don’t think all nobles are pricks, but I just can’t shake the bad impression. I could have just walked right past it, but I had a few thoughts, so I took a look from about 20 meters away.
「Master, are you going to help them? Are you going to leave them alone?」 「Well, I’m just keeping an eye on them for now, but there’s something strange about those monsters, isn’t there? They’re not coming towards us.」 「That’s what I was thinking. I think they’re just trying to get to the carriage.」 I’ve just 〈appraised〉 the ogres, and they seem to be in a state of 〈taming〉. That means there’s a tamer who’s manipulating them. And that tamer is making them attack.」
As I’ve been convincing myself, I hear Eleanor’s voice from the side.
「What is a 〈tamed〉 state or a ‘tamer’?」
Yeah, I don’t know, considering the environment she’s grown up in. I explain it to her.
「This is something I learned from the library. It seems that there is a skill that can be used to tame monsters and make them listen to you. I’m not making it up. And I’m not particularly interested.」 「Do you have such skills?」 「Ah. That skill is called 〈Taming〉. And you say that the monsters that are being used are in a state of 〈taming〉. I also heard that the people who prefer to use those skills are collectively called tamers. I’ve heard that〈Taming〉has a lot of restrictions, but we can disregard that for now.」 「I’ve learned a lot!」
As Eleanor and I were talking about this, the largest man of the knights came running towards us, leaving the battle to the others. And he speaks to me in a loud voice while being polite.
「I’m sorry for speaking to you so abruptly, everyone. My name is Meyer, Commander of the Private Order of Duke Campbell in the Kingdom of Midogal. I am ashamed to ask for your help. Would you please help us? Of course we will reward you! As it is now, we may be able to drive away the enemy, but the damage will be much greater. You exude the air of a strong man. I’m sure you can easily defeat an opponent that is too much for us to handle. It seems to me.」
He has the air of a powerful man, and he’s from a duke’s house. Let’s see what we can do. I open my mouth, feeling neither eager nor reluctant.
「I’m not sure if this is a power struggle or some kind of conflict of interest between the two sides. I don’t know about that, but I don’t know what’s going on in either camp, so I need to think twice about giving in to one side when I don’t know anything about the other.」 「I’m afraid you’re right. …… I’d say we have our side of the story, and the attacker has his side of the story. I can’t tell you the details, but what I can tell you now is that at least we are not at fault. It pains me that I can’t say anymore, anything else would have to come from the Duke……」
Hmm, what should I do? It’s a monster that’s attacking them, and it’s not the individual I see over there, but I have a grudge against the Ogre General, so why not do it? And this Commander is quite polite.
「All right, I’m going to take care of this now, so let the other knights back off a bit and just defend. Eleanor is still no match for the Ogre General, so stay with the Commander and watch near the carriage.」 I understand! I just want to be able to fight more and more as soon as possible!」 「Are you serious?! That’s great! ‘m sorry I can’t help you, but I look forward to working with you.」
This level of enemy is no problem at all, so I’ll just get it over with. First of all, in order to defeat the Ogre General and the Orc General that are in control, I’ ll have the other monsters take a【Down Burst】 at once to slow them down. Then, I fired an【Air Thrust】at the Orc General, killing it in an instant. At the same time, I used a combination of〈Blink Walk〉and〈Air Walk〉to unleash a flying triangle kick at the Ogre General, snapping its neck. The monsters were on edge now that I’ve defeated both the Ogre and Orc generals, so I’ll take out the rest at once. Also, since the monster’s leadership has started to break down, I will check for damage to the rear. What I saw was Eleanor with a satisfied look on her face and the knights of the order looking astonished. The back of the carriage seemed to be fine, so I sped up even faster to kill the monsters. After I had killed all of them, I continued to search the area vigilantly, but there was no sign of the tamer who seemed to have conjured the monsters. Feeling that this battle was over, I quickly stored the defeated monsters in the 【Item Box】. I then turned to walk towards Eleanor and the Commander.
I took a quick look around and confirmed the status of the battle.
The adventurers are clearly exhausted, but the monsters are still being defeated one by one.
As soon as they defeat a monster, a new one springs up.
Every once in a while, an adventurer or two will be killed.
There is no replenishment of adventurers.
Because of that difference, the adventurer’s side is being pushed.
f that’s so, then ── reduce the numbers!
I ran out to the front with Eleanor.
I smashed a skeleton in half from the side that was sparring with an adventurer.
「And you are……?」
Upon closer inspection, the raggedy adventurer looked at me curiously.
There’s no time to talk. I quickly ran to the next monster.
If I find myself in the middle of a battle, I will intervene and kill the monster with one blow.
While reducing the number, I made sure that there would be no more damage on our side.
I ran through the battlefield. After I passed, the bodies of the monsters piled up.
As I repeated this, the battle situation slowly changed.
The adventurer who was freed up by my help went to help the other adventurers.
With more people, we were able to defeat the monster when we attacked together.
That’s how we beat them, and that’s how we pace ourselves.
The tide has turned. The adventurer’s side was pushing back.
Just then, an adventurer slashed at me.
「Onoreeeeeeeee!!!」
It’s a young male adventurer. Eleanor effortlessly catches the long sword that is swung down from the top.
「You’re the leader of the monsters!」
「What are you saying?」
「Don’t play dumb! You give off such a ominous aura!」
The man said, annoyed.
……
Uh, yeah, I guess so.
Eleanor’s black aura is that way no matter how you look at it.
I mean, this army of monsters is originally hers.
I can’t help but be misunderstood.
To be honest, this guy is about right.
「Wait, that’s not who he is!」
Another adventurer came from behind and stopped the man.
I saw that it was one of the people I had just saved.
「What the hell are you talking about?」
「It’s true! You have to believe me.」
The man stopped moving. I could see the hesitation clearly.
I didn’t have time to explain, so I just let him go and moved on.
I knock them down, and knock them down, and knock them down.
After defeating a certain amount of monsters, I noticed something.
The monsters you’ve encountered are new. Unlike the previous ones, I don’t see any signs of a fight.
That means they’ve just been born.
「Does this mean that the pace at which we beat them has completely outpaced the pace at which they are regenerating?」
（Looks that way.）
「So how do I stop them from being born altogether?」
Now that I have some time to spare, I ask Eleanor how to solve the problem.
（Well…）
「Well, it was your power, wasn’t it?」
（If it were still under my control, I could stop it like it was breathing, but this is the first time it’s happened.）
「……」
I was speechless. It’s a very delicate subject and I can’t retort.
「I’m sealing it.」
A female adventurer said from the side. It’s the magician-looking woman I just saved.
「Seal?」
「There’s a specialist on standby. Once we’ve wiped out the monsters, we’re supposed to go to the summoning point and seal it off.」
「So all I have to think about is wiping this thing out.」
「Yes!」
The female adventurer nodded vigorously.
Her eyes stare straight at me.
Eyes of expectation and trust.
「If that’s the case, let’s kick it up a notch.」
「Eeeeeh, you mean you’re not serious yet?」
「Yeah, well.」
I nodded. The woman was growing more surprised.
Because up until now, I’ve had to help.
It took a lot of effort to save the ones who was in the middle of fighting monsters. It’s fine if I’m helping those in melee combat because we can sync up, but for others like magicians and archers, they’re often already pinned down and in close contact when I come in to help.
If I gave it my all, they’s would get caught up in it, so I had to hold back and fight pretty hard.
But I can give it my all from here.
Just when I was ready to give it one more try.
「It’s, It’s really bad!」
「Uuwaaa, what the hell was that?」
There were shouts of fear from the people around me. We’re all looking in the same direction.
I looked in the same direction.
There was a giant with horns and fangs, and a fierce-looking face.
I’ve never seen this monster before.
「What the hell is that?」
（Sandros, the king of hell. My ……well, I guess you could say it’s my trump card.）
「Hell ── that’s a big name.」
（By the way, that’s enough power in itself to change the course of a battle.）
「Oh, come on.」
I was a little dumbfounded. I can’t believe you came here with such a secret weapon.
As I was going there, a group of adventurers came running from that direction. They ran away from the direction Sandros was in.
「I didn’t hear anything about a monster like that.」
「I can’t fight against with that!」
The adventurers, who had never fled before even when the situation was unfavorable, fled one by one.
If I was told that it was the emperor of hell, I would be convinced with its impactful appearance. …… Well, it can’ t be helped.
The panic is contagious and the front line is on the verge of collapse.
「Where he is now is where monsters are born, right? I was thinking earlier, that place is near the cave where Mari was.」
（Looks that way.）
「If that’s the case──」
There’s not a moment to lose. If this continues, there will be a total collapse.
I used my warp feather to fly to the cave where Mari was.
「Uwa!」
I was surprised. It was as if a large wall had instantly appeared in front of me.
I jump back a step. So I took a closer look and realized that it was Sandros’ leg.
Up close, it looked like a wall.
Then my vision cleared and I saw a dozen adventurers lying around me.
Sandros got them, huh …… It hasn’t been that long since this guy came out.
Suddenly, Sandros looked at me, as if he had noticed me.
「Guooooooooooo!」
It suddenly roared towards the sky and then stared at me.
「Isn’t he getting angry all of a sudden?」
「Guooooooooooo!」
「And he’s staring at you. Wasn’t he your subordinate? What did you do?」
（I guess it was a bad idea to tie them up in contracts and make them work for free for hundreds of years.）
「It’s clearly the cause!」
That would make me angry. It’s only natural for the so-called ” Emperor of Hell” to be angry when treated like that.
Sandros swung down the weapon he was holding.
It was a large sword, almost five meters long, like a machete.
Eleanor is poised to receive it. Gashin. There was a shockwave around me, and a fallen adventurer was blown away.
It’s not enough to be passive.
I latched on to Sandros from here.
I flew at it just before the second slash came and cut off its arm. His arm flew off in the direction of the day after tomorrow and snapped a tree with a snap.
「Guooooooooooo!」
Sandros shouted more and more with bloodshot eyes.
He threw a punch with his remaining arm. I avoid it and run up the arm in one fluid motion.
When I got to his shoulder, I jumped towards his face.
「Guooooooooooo!」
More roaring, more quivering in the air, more rustling at the hem of my clothes.
I held Eleanor at the ready.
「I have nothing against you, but you need to disappear from here!」
With both hands, I swung Eleanor down and cracked Sandros in the skull.
The fallen Sandros stared at me with bloodshot eyes until the end.
「Is he going to resurrect too?」
（Given time.）
「Now they’re going to hate me.」
That’s what I thought, but well, I had no choice.
After that, I went around killing the remaining monsters.
The battle was coming to an end at an accelerated pace, and soon the adventurer in charge of the seal arrived to seal the point where monsters are born – Mari’s cave.
The matter was settled, and a victory cry was raised around me.
As we both enter the Adventurer’s Guild, I feel eyes on us. But that was soon gone. Yesterday’s incident must have been effective. I feel like everyone in the adventurer’s guild is giving off an aura that they don’t want to get involved. Well, it’s easier for me, too, because I can’t be bothered to do what I did yesterday. So I went through the request board, but of course there was nothing good at the F and G ranks.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Cleaning up the city Request rank: G Reward: Three copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: I want you to clean up the city. Note: Location will be specified at the registration desk.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Pet Search Request rank: G Reward: Three copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: You need to find a missing pet. Note: You can ask about the pet’s characteristics at the reception desk.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Dog Walking Request rank: G Reward: Three copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: I need you to walk my dog for two hours. Note: You can ask for the location of the client’s residence at the reception desk.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Defeat Slimes【Perpetual】 Request rank: G Reward: Three copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: Defeat 10 slimes. Note: Each time you kill 10 slimes, it counts as one achievement.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Gathering Medicinal Herbs【Perpetual】 Request rank: G Reward: Three copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Content: Collecting 10 bundles of medicinal herbs Note: Collecting 10 bundles of medicinal herbs will result in one achievement.
【Request Form】 Request: Defeat Wild Wolves Request rank: F Reward: Five copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: Defeat five wild wolves. Note: Defeating five wild wolves counts as one achievement.
【Request Form】 Request Title: Defeating Goblins【Perpetual】 Request rank: F Reward: Five copper coins Rank points earned: 1 point Number of people who can receive request: No limit Description: Defeat 10 goblins. Note: Each time you kill 10 goblins, you get one achievement.
I’m wondering if I can get a little more reward for the defeat-type requests, since I’ll probably be able to get materials that I can sell if I properly dismantle the monsters I hunt. I have money earned from duelling, but I need to earn more. I decided to take on the F-ranked Defeat Wild Wolves. I’ve heard that you don’t have to bother with constant requests, you can just go to the guild counter with the proof when you’ve accomplished them, so let’s kill some slimes and goblins and collect some herbs. When I took the request form to the reception counter, I felt that the receptionist was a little scared of me. Maybe I shouldn’t stay in this city too long. I have to go to Midogal, too. But since I have to strengthen Eleanor, it’s quite difficult to find the right balance. I learned a new〈Map〉skill during training this morning, but it’s still not very useful. We will have to earn our way out of this, even if it is inefficient.
【Map】 It allows me to auto-map an area centered on myself (radius skill level x 20 meters). It can also be combined with 〈Detection〉.
Once we got the request, we moved out of the city. I use my skill level 1〈Map〉to search for wild wolves, goblins, slimes, and medicinal herbs. The basic idea is to let Eleanor take them down, and I’ll back her up.
We took a lunch break in the middle of the day, but in the end, thanks to the hard work we put in until the evening, we were able to achieve quite a lot. We killed 22 wild wolves, 44 goblins, and 63 slimes, and got 90 bunches of herbs. When we returned to the guild to report the accomplishment of the requests and sell the materials, they were surprised by the large amount of materials…… The receptionist, who had changed her mind, took proper care of me after that.
「The results are 15 points for the G-rank requests and 16 points for the F-rank requests, for a total of 31 points. So Louis-sama and Eleanor-sama will each be ranked F, and their rank points will be 12 points minus that amount.」
Did today’s request alone raise our rank? The always-on system is nice and easy.
「As a reward, you will receive four silver coins and five copper coins for fifteen G-rated requests, and four silver coins for eight F-rated requests, for a total of eight silver coins and five copper coins.」
Yeah. I knew it, but the rewards for this rank range are low. But will the price of materials be good?
「The buyout is 22 wild wolf pelts for one silver per piece, 22 wild wolf magic stones for five copper per piece, 44 goblin magic stones for two copper per piece, and 63 slime magic stones for one copper per piece. The total of these will be four gold coins, eight silver coins, and one copper coin.」
With the reward for completing the request and the purchase, I ended up with five gold coins, six silver coins, and six copper coins. This is still a little short of the 10 days of innkeeper’s fees I’ve already paid, but I’m sure I’ll be able to earn more as my rank rises, so I’ll return for today and try again tomorrow. On the way back, I point out to Eleanor the problems I had with today’s battle. After returning to the inn, I ate with her, took a bath with her, and slept with her. Of course, I was a little more moderate at night…… Thus, our first request went off without a hitch.
I left the Salamus Trading Company, telling them to deliver everything I bought to the mansion, and thought about it as I wandered around at random.
I guess I can get one lottery ticket for every three hundred silver.
I didn’t get all the details of my purchases.
I was given one when I paid for the Miu and three hundred silver spent for the painting.
When I bought a batch of bracelets for 1,600 silver, I got five.
If that’s the case, I think it makes more sense to think of one lottery ticket for every 300 silver.
That being the case, there is one thing that bothers me.
It reminded me of a list of prizes at the lottery.
The fourth prize was a fifty percent discount shopping coupon.
I’m wondering if I get one for every three hundred or one for every one hundred and fifty when I shop with a fifty percent discount.
I want to draw the lottery.
I have a total of seven lottery tickets right now, and cow I’ve come this far, I’d better save up three more tickets and draw eleven in a row.
That’s nine hundred silver coins, and I don’t think I’ll be able to accumulate that quickly.
I thought about it for a moment and moved on, using my warp feather.
To the wilderness between the cities of Roizen and Reiuse. I just rode through it on horseback.
So I say to Eleanor.
「I need you to send out the zombie soldiers.」
（Army of the Dead? What’s going on?）
「Just do it, please.」
Eleanor was able to access that lottery room, but I’m pretty sure she couldn’t see the lottery ticket over here.
I couldn’t be bothered to explain, so I asked anyway.
（You’re pushing me around. That’s not very nice.）
Eleanor said, but right after that, something gradually took shape in front of my eyes.
She complains about it, but she didn’t say she wouldn’t do it.
I regripped Eleanor.
I want to hunt skeletons and zombies and get lottery tickets.
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
「Eh?」
（Eh?）
I heard my voice and Eleanor’s.
Eleanor had summoned the skeletons, but they hadn’t appeared.
Instead, a girl appeared.
A young girl in a maid’s outfit, I remember seeing her somewhere before.
「……The ghost in the mansion?」
I became convinced as I mumbled.
Yes, it looks like the ghost I defeated at the mansion.
However, she doesn’t have the evil spirit-like feeling that I experienced at that time. She looks transparent, but other than that, she’s just a normal girl.
(Where am I?)
「……It’s between Roizen and Reiuse.」
(I know where Roizen is, but Reiuse?）
She seemed to be able to carry on a normal conversation.
「Eleanor, what’s this all about?」
（I’d like to know too!）
「Where are the zombie soldiers?」
（I’ve been trying to summon them for a while now, but they’re not responding. What the hell? This has never happened to me before.）
Apparently, it’s not a lie. Eleanor’s voice echoed in my head because it sounded like she was in distress.
「Try moving this ghost in and out as if you were moving a zombie soldier in and out.」
(Okay)
The ghost maid disappeared and then reappeared.
Once she disappeared, she reappeared.
「Looks like you can do it.」
（Why?）
「How would I know?」
All I know is that Eleanor’s summoning went from zombie soldiers to this girl ghost.
That and the fact that there’s no easy way to get lottery tickets anymore.
（My name is Tania, Tania Chitiakis.）
「I’m Yuuki Yuuki Kakeru. Do you know who I am?」
Tania stared at my face.
（Ah, the person who came into the mansion!）
「Ah, you remember.」
（(I remember now. ── I’m so far away from the mansion?!）
「You couldn’t leave before?」
（Un, I was trapped there for a long time. It was boring, and people on the outside seemed to be having fun, which made me angry, and I began to envy them.）
「I guess that means you’re a location bound ghost.」
I could almost see the main points of story.
I don’t know why, but it means that I was able to get the earthbound ghost out of the mansion through Eleanor.
（Could it be that Kakeru took me out of the mansion?）
「I can’t be sure, but I’m thinking it might be.」
（Really?! Thank you!）
Tania hugged me. You’re a ghost and you can’t hug me.
(Thanks, Kakeru!)
When I saw Tania’s bright smile, I thought this was much better than skeletons and zombies.
When I returned to the villa, I found Andreu of Andreu Trading Company had arrived.
I’ve always sold mountain oxen to him, but this is the first time I’ve seen him at the mansion.
We sat across from each other in the parlour.
「Can I help you?」
「I have a favour to ask.」
「You mean the mountain ox?」
「No, that’s not a problem at all ……, but if you could continue with mountain ox and help me with I’m about to ask you to do, that would be great.」
「What’s happening?」
「You know about Alexis, don’t you?」
「Alexis…… Oh, those four.」
Andreu nodded.
Alexis is the name of the leader of the quartet that first led him to join Andreu Trading Company.
I went to the trading company to deliver mountain oxen almost every day after that, so I saw him a few times and even talked to him a little.
He was an ace in the Andreu Trading Company, but he was also the guy who was surpassed by me.
「What’s wrong with Alexis?」
「He’s been seriously injured.」
「Hm?」
I furrowed my brow.
「In fact, a few days ago, monsters started appearing in certain places in large numbers. Originally, it was an empty area, but because of its sudden appearance, the adventurer’s guild in Roizen received a request to take it down. By the way, I’m also involved in the management of the Adventurers Guild.」
Adventurer’s Guild, I didn’t know there was such a thing.
「The monsters are not that strong. However, the speed at which they were multiplying was unbelievable. The Adventurer’s Guild investigated and sent in almost all of their adventurers. That’s where the battle became fifty-fifty.」
「I’m starting to get the picture. Alexis was injured badly when he was sent out there.」
「Yes, and to make matters worse, Alexis’ entire party was seriously injured. So much so that they won’t be able to move for a month. With Alexis and the other three out of the picture, the battle situation went from bad to worse.」
「So you mean you want me to do something about it.」
「That’s what I mean. Of course, you will be rewarded Honestly, I’m in the biggest pinch since the founding of the Adventurers Guild, and I’m willing to pay whatever it takes.」
「Got it.」
I responded immediately.
Defeat monsters and get rewards.
I might even get a lottery tickets while defeating them.
It was a request that I had no reason to refuse.
In order to defeat them, I was registered as an adventurer with the Adventurer’s Guild.
They want to make it look like they were defeated by someone who belonging to the guild.
That’s fine, but I didn’t like the fact that …… I had just been registered and was ranked D.
I know that’s where I’m supposed to start at first, but I asked her and she said Alexis was an A. I decided to move up in rank when this was all over.
The people from the adventurer’s guild led me to a place where they said there were a lot of monsters.
「Hey, something looks familiar around here.」
（……）
Eleanor didn’t respond.
「And that monster thing looks familiar.」
（──♪）
Eleanor whistled in my head.
It’s a bit too deliberate.
We were led to the forest where we saved Mari a few days ago.
Fighting the adventurers in the distance are skeletons, zombies, and other familiar monsters.
「I’ll be lecturing you later.」
（It’s not my fault!）
I pulled out Eleanor, who was emitting a black aura, and headed towards the monsters.
When the monsters noticed us, it looked at me and Eleanor and backed away, clearly spooked.
I’m sorry, but unlike the …… soldiers, I’m not letting you guys go.
As I walked out of the Adventurer’s Guild, I looked at Eleanor next to me and thought more deeply about the feelings I had just become aware of. Do I love ……? Looking back, I …… spent my days training single-mindedly after I left Airi and Lisa. Wielding swords, casting spells, and using a variety of skills. I couldn’t help but think to myself, “Did I do something wrong in my head that time?” Nevertheless, I still managed to make it through, and I think it was all down to sheer willpower. To never let it break, to never let it bend. It is the power of the will to establish the absolute self. With a vow to never give in to unreasonable violence and to never give in to unreasonable power. Hmmm, I’m a little off in my thinking. Anyway, I guess it’s because I’ve been living such a life for so long that seeing Eleanor so attached to me like this makes my heart grow fonder. After all, I haven’t smiled in a long time. It was definitely Eleanor who reminded me to smile for the first time in a long time, and it’s one of her charms. She probably doesn’t realize it herself, but her demeanor is tender and soft. here’s something reassuring about that――.
「Master? Do I have something on my face?」
I think I’ve been staring at Eleanor too long, and she’s tilting her head in puzzlement.
「No, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about how fortunate I am to have met Eleanor.」
When she heard my comment, her face gradually turned red. Yeah, it’s just plain cute. Earlier, at the adventurer’s guild, she got jealous of the receptionist. Even though we have just met, has she fallen for me? To be honest, I don’t really understand the subtleties of men and women. Even for Eleanor, who seemed so straightforward, I was lost. If she’d told me straight, I’d understand as expected.
「Master, do you really think so?」 「Ah, it’s true. Let’s go get some groceries and sundries.」 「We have to go!」
After walking around the city for a while, Eleanor, who was moving her eyes impatiently, tugged on my arm.
「That meat and fruit looks delicious!」
As she said this, drool was dripping from her mouth. I bought both of the things Eleanor pointed at and tried the fruit and the grilled kushiyaki skewers. Just because I felt like it looked good too. I know I’ve just eaten at the inn a while ago, but I can’t help but think that it looks delicious in the food stalls. And I don’t know why, but I think she’s good at finding good food. I she just good as a glutton? I walked around eating, thinking silly things like this.
「Hmm, this tastes better than I expected.」 「It’s delicious! I’m happy to be with my master, and to eat good food!」
Eleanor mouthed the words and showed a charmed expression. And then I saw it, and my heart surged. Huh, why does she look so happy? Are you really that happy? Do you really believe in me? I still don’t fully trust Eleanor, though. The proof of this is the collar of slavery around her neck. The fact that I still haven’t removed that thing – that’s shows how I feel. Still, Eleanor gives me that look. Up until now, she had lived through a painful past. As far as I’ve heard, she was not loved by her parents and was used by them from a young age, becoming a slave. …… Still, she has never shown any sign that her past was painful or anything like that since she came to be with me. When I see Eleanor like that, I feel ridiculous that I’m the only one who doesn’t trust her. I can tell from the way she behaves that she is exposing all of herself to me. …… Well, there is also the power of 〈Intuition〉. I hate being betrayed, but I am convinced right now that she will never betray me.
「Master? The sauce is spilling out of the meat and onto your hands!」
Eleanor tells me, and I notice. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a shame……. What I was just thinking about is embarrassing and I need to make sure she don’t find out.
「I guess I was just a little spaced out ―― hey!」
Suddenly, I felt something soft on my hand……
「This sauce ―― it’s delicious! It’s a waste!」
This girl was forcibly saying the words, while licking my hand …… no, licking the sauce from my hand.
「Fuuー It was delicious! 」 「Ahaahaa」
I unconsciously erupt into a fit of laughter. What? That’s too funny! How much of a glutton are you! Huh, she really is so innocent, isn’t she? Eleanor tilted her head when I suddenly started laughing. I said to her.
「If you want to eat that much, I’ll buy you more.」 「Is it true? I’m so happy!」
Eleanor said, hugging me. I’m tempted to take off the collar of her slavery, but there’s no way I’m going to do it in the middle of all this traffic.
「【Clean】」
After using magic to clean up my hands, which were covered in Eleanor’s saliva, we headed towards the stall we had just left. After that, I bought some small sundries and some groceries, especially vegetables and fruits. No matter how much money I have, it’s never enough, so I’ll have to fulfill requests as soon as possible. As it is, I can’t buy anything that looks delicious and expensive. With these thoughts in mind, I returned to the inn with Eleanor.
◆ ◆ ◆
「Eleanor, you ate a lot earlier. Would you like to skip dinner?」 「It’s all right!」 「So, yeah, ……, don’t push yourself too hard, okay?」
Master is very kind after all. He worries about my stomach.
「I can still eat!」 「O, oh. I’m going to lie down for now, so if you need anything, just let me know. My stomach is full……」 「I understand!」
Then the master lay down in bed. I think about it as I watch him. The day I met this person…… For me, it was a fateful encounter ―― that day. It all began that day. My world has changed since then. I used to live a life without dreams and hopes, but since I met Master, every day has been radiant. Master―― He killed the bandits in no time at all, he is so strong and awesome! He has all sorts of seasonings and delicious meats, awesome! He can make baths, set up wards, and he’s good at camping! He even transferred his new skills to me! When it comes to seasonings, 『Yakiniku no Tare』 is one of the best! Waa, be careful, be careful. I was drooling a little. I can’t stop drooling just thinking about it, that thing is dangerous! But I can’t stop ……! Ah, Master’s hands were delicious just now, too. The sauce and the master’s taste combined to create an unknown flavour. That being said, I’ve never heard of transferring skills, and it’s too awesome. I’ll use the skills Master gave me to get stronger and stronger, and strive to be with him forever and ever! It hasn’t been long since I met my master, but my heart has been captured by him. Anyway, he’s so kind, so gentle that I’m in a mess. He bought me a lot of clothes, bought a scarf to wrap around me to casually hide my slave collar, and even made weapons and armour for me. We are allowed to eat at the same table, and every day is fun. And the best part of all was that he protected me from being passed on to other adventurers at the adventurer’s guild. I have been a slave since I was born, not knowing my mother and not being loved by my father. As such, it was my first experience of being protected by someone, and it was the first time I learned that being protected was so heartwarming and reassuring. It was then that I became aware. I was sure I was starving for affection……. I’ve only known Master for about a week, but I don’t think I can resist anymore. I’m afraid to think about what will happen if he rejects me. But I don’t want to put a lid on this feeling. I’m sorry I’m such a cheeky slave. Yet …… Yet I am …… He has given me the radiant colours of my world…….
◆ ◆ ◆
「Master, may I have a moment? I have something to tell you.」 「Hmm?」
As I was resting, Eleanor spoke to me.
「I’m sorry interrupting your rest.」
She bows her head and apologizes to me. Hmmm… I was just lying down because my stomach was so full, so I didn’t mind. What’s does she want to tell me that’s so important? Is it that she don’t want to travel with me because it’s hard? In spite of my doubts, Eleanor began to speak.
「I am very, very grateful to you, Master. It’s hard to put into words. I’ve never been able to feel love in my life.」
I know because I’ve heard that part before. More importantly, her shoulders were shaking. Is it cold? That thought crossed my mind for a moment, but I quickly reminded myself that it was not. I don’t feel cold because I’m with her. Could it be that she’ s nervous? But …… why?
「I didn’t get any love from anyone ……, not even my parents, and I didn’t have anyone to give it to or room for it. But when I met Master, I felt a love growing in my heart. I am grateful to Master for so many things.」
Is love growing inside Eleanor?
「I love …… master. I love you! I know I’m a slave and I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I want you to let me love my master. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. So is it …… please ……let me …….」
Was I the one to whom this girl’s affection was directed? …… She began to cry at the end of her confession. If I refuse, there is no place for her feelings to go, and more importantly, considering her position as a slave, I can’t just say『goodbye』because it didn’t work out. Still – she confessed to me even though she knew it was such a risk. I remembered what had happened earlier when we were shopping. A year and a half of seeking only strength, and during that time, my mind was exhausted …… and it was Eleanor who healed me. I can be sure that she and I can …… live together. There’s also the matter of Airi and Lisa……. First and foremost, I want to respond to her sincere feelings. As soon as I made that decision, I hugged her as she sobbed. Eleanor looked me in the eye, and I met her gaze in response. Then she shut her eyes. I didn’t have any experience with this in my previous life either. …… And yet, this is what she’s doing to me. With that in mind, I silently pressed our lips together. How long had I been doing that? I was so nervous about my first kiss that I wasn’t sure how it would feel, but I slowly, slowly moved my own lips away from Eleanor’s lush lips. I looked at her face and saw that the tears had subsided, but they were still running down her cheeks a little
「Eleanor. Are you going to follow me for the rest of your life?」 「I’ll follow you all the way to …… all the way! I’ll follow you everywhere!」
After she said that, she hugged me. What I was thinking about when I was shopping, is now the best time to do it? I thought about that and went straight to whispering in her ear.
「Thank you for loving me. Not as much as Eleanor, not yet. …… Still, I think I love you. I will take this opportunity to free you from slavery. From now on, I want you to stay by my side, not as a slave, but as a person, a girl named Eleanor. Always …… right?」
When I finished, the force of her hug became very strong. This, I can endure because I’m me, okay? No matter how weak Eleanor still is, any man around here would be screaming, you know? While thinking about this, I remove her scarf. The collar of slavery can be released by the person who is the master, simply by channeling magic with the intention of releasing it. I channeled my magic and released Eleanor. I place the collar in the【Item Box】.
◇ ◇ ◇
I notice that something soft is on my chest. When I looked down to find the cause of the weight, I found Eleanor lying there, looking exactly as she had when she was born. This girl is soft, smells good, and is comforting. However, I have to do my best to get up because I’m going to take a request today. With this little bit of determination, I managed to wake up and cast my life magic【Clean】. Then I changed my clothes and went to the inn’s garden first to do a little training. On the way to training, I was greeted by the innkeeper’s lady and by other guests of the inn, and I felt that the customers here seemed to be good people. When I returned to my room after finishing my workout, Eleanor seemed to be awake as well. And as soon as she noticed me, she hugged me. She seemed to have a little trouble walking on her way to hug me. Seeing this, I felt bad about myself, thinking that I had worked her too hard yesterday.
「Eleanor, are you all right?」 「It’s okay! I was so happy!」
She replied with a fawning smile, and I patted her head as she did so. I’ve freed her from slavery, but she still prefers to call me Master. Also, the slave collar is no longer there, but she liked the scarf and it looks like she’ll keep it around her neck. We’ll have breakfast together and then head to the adventurer’s guild. The innkeeper didn’t say,「Did you have a good time last night? 」 If she had said that, I would have been too embarrassed and would have destroyed this inn.
I left Helene. She had her head down in embarrassment.
The way she glanced at me was very cute and adorable.
「Umm……」
「Un」
「Women from royalty can only have one man in their lives.」
「Huh?」
I wondered what it meant. I knew immediately.
I’m the first, and I’ll always be the only one.
That’s what Helene is trying to tell me.
「Yeah, I understand.」
「It is difficult for me to be at Kakeru-sama’s side right now.」
Helene looks saddened.
「What you just said is enough. I’ll be waiting.」
「──Yes!」
Thus, Helene became my woman.
☆
The next day, as I was relaxing in my house, Miu came into my room with something.
「Master, a letter for you.」
「A letter?」
I received a sealed letter from Miu. On the front is a coat of arms that I’ve seen before.
「From the Salamus Trading Company.」
I don’t know what it is, but I can’t believe they sent me this.
I open the envelope and take out the paper inside. I look at the opened letter.
（The bill, for this girl?）
I heard Eleanor’s voice in my head. I can’t read, so I didn’t know what to do, so I’m grateful.
「Well, when I bought Miu, they said they’d send me a bill later, so that’s this.」
「Is that mine? ……Ah.」
「What’s wrong?」
「Three hundred silver coins …… I’m so expensive.」
「Three hundred, huh?」
I don’t know what the market price is, but it’s hard to imagine Salamus ripping me off now, so I guess that’s about right.
「All right, let’s go pay him.」
Using my warp feather, I went to the Salamus Trading Company with three hundred silver coins to pay for Miu.
The number of silver coins was a bit bulky and difficult to carry.
「Indeed, I received three hundred pieces of silver. Here is the title deed.」
Salamus gave me a nice piece of paper with a lot of words written on it.
「We look forward to serving you again.」
「Yeah, if I need anything,I’ll let you know.」
「By the way, Yuuki-sama, have you heard the rumour that the kingdom will soon be issuing a new currency?」
「Huh?」
I was a little spooked.
Maybe it’s about the bills I suggested to Princess Iris.
Of course, then I would know, but I decided to play dumb.
「That’s new to me, does that happen often?」
「No, basically not, except when the king is replaced.」
「Is that so?」
I heard a lot of rumours about paper money. The basic idea was a variation of what I had suggested to Princess Iris. That’s about right, considering it’s just a rumour.
The only thing that was new to me was the idea of determining the unit of currency. Maybe they will name it Yen or Dollar or something like that.
「On another subject, I’ve been wondering about it for a while now. That sword that Yuuki-sama has on his hip could it be……」
「Yeah? Oh, you mean Eleanor.」
I lifted the magic sword and showed it to Salamus.
She’s been much more quiet and cooperative lately, but I still carry her around with me because she’s dangerous when touched by others.
「The magic sword Eleanor. I didn’t know you had such a thing.」
「I’m telling you, I’m not selling it.」
I remembered that Salamus was a merchant, and I made sure to mention it.
When I left the trading company and tried to use the warp feather to return to the mansion, I noticed that there was something in my pocket.
When I took it out, I was surprised.
It was a lottery ticket. I must have used up all my tickets in the previous eleven consecutive raffles, so how did they end up in my pocket?
I had a hunch.
Miu’s deed.
Miu bought with three hundred silver coins. Shortly after that, I got a lottery ticket.
「Does that mean I get a lottery tickets for buying something?」
In modern Japan, this would be a normal story, but since it was a different world and a slightly different lottery, I couldn’t be sure.
So I decided to experiment.
I have nearly 2,000 silver coins in cash.
I took it all and went to town.
I used one silver coin to get a meal, but no lottery ticket appeared.
I went to a tailor and had several maid’s outfits made for Miu. It costed me ten silver, but I didn’t get any lottery tickets.
I bought a lot of things at various stores, and I spent about a hundred silver, but I didn’t get any lottery tickets.
Shopping does not cause lottery tickets to appear?
Then there are two possibilities.
Maybe it’s because I bought something from the Salamus Trading Company, or maybe it’s because I made an expensive purchase.
「Welcome. Oh, isn’t it Yuuki-sama? How can I help you?」
「Hey, there’s something I need you to get for me.」
「I’m at your service.」
Salamus said with a merchant’s face.
Well, let’s do some normal shopping first.
「I want to get some furniture. Some of the ones in my mansion are old and shabby, and I want to replace them.」
「Yes」
I told Salamas what furniture I wanted to replace for now.
「How about twenty-five …… silver coins for those?」
「Please」
I counted out twenty-five silver coins and handed them to Salamus.
「Thank you again. We will make arrangements right away.」
「Please」
Say, wait a minute.
There were no lottery tickets.
I wonder if it has anything to do with the Salamus Trading Company, and if so, how much do I have to spend?
I told Salamus the other thing I had been thinking about.
「I want paintings.」
「Paintings, sir?」
「Yes, a framed painting, like the kind that hangs in a parlour. I don’t know much about paintings, so you’ll have to make do with three hundred silver.」
Three hundred silver is the same price as Miu. It’s a price that could have yielded a lottery ticket.
「Yes, sir.」
「Okay, here are 300 silver.」
「I’ve certainly received it. This will take some time to procure…….」
「I’ll leave it to you.」
It’s an expensive purchase and a very general order, so that’s about it.
It’s more for a lottery ticket than anything else.
I rummaged through my pockets.
Then.
「There it is.」
I got a new lottery ticket, which I hadn’t gotten earlier.
This is the second one, along with Miu’s.
So I can get it for …… expensive purchases.
Once that’s determined, I won’t hold back anymore.
I went to Salamus (He couldn’t see the lottery ticket) wondering why I got a lottery ticket, so I took out all the remaining silver coins.
「I have about 1,600 silver coins, what can I buy with them?」
「…… is a unique proposition.」
Salamus says with a faint smile.
He’s right, from his point of view it certainly is.
But from my perspective.
It’s like asking for as many lottery tickets as I can afford with this money.
The actual shopping can be anything he deems it should be.
「I’ll be with you in a moment.」
Salamus retreated once then brought something on a tray.
A gold bracelet, inlaid with jewels.
「What’s this?」
「This is something that’s very popular among the upper class. It’s what someone would give women, he claims as his own, in his harem to wear.」
「Huh?」
「This is just a sample. It is a way to assert that the woman belongs to you, so it can be tailored to each customer. Basically, gold bracelets and jewellery.」
That’s really interesting.
An item that declares being a possession of my harem?
I don’t have a chance to use it at the moment, but I’ll buy it.
「That’s 1,600 silver.」
「That would be 4 items, if that’ s all right.」
「Ah.」
I offered him the remaining silver coins along with the cloth bag.
Salamus counted them.
「I’ve certainly received it.」
The moment Salamas said that, another lottery ticket appeared in my pocket.
Since it was a duel, we decided to borrow the guild’s arena. Eleanor and I, Zuan and the rest of the party, all move there. Onlookers also seemed to come to watch in order to pass the time, and they took their places in the audience in large groups. The guild staff had also arrived, and they were going to give us the signal to start the duel.
「Master, please do your best!」
I responded to Eleanor’s cheers with a wave of my hand.
「So before we begin the duel between Zuan-sama and Louis-sama, we will confirm the stakes. The bet was that if Zuan-sama won, Louis-sama would give Eleanor-sama and two platinum coins as payment. If Louis-sama wins, Zuan-sama’s party shall pay three platinum coins. If the loser does not have enough money to fulfill his wager, he will become a debtor slave after the duel. The Adventurer’s Guild will act as an intermediary in the process. The game is won or lost until one of them dies or surrenders.」
After listening to the guild staff, we both took our positions on the starting line, about 10 meters away from the center of the arena. Zuan holds a large axe in his hand, and I take out a mithril sword from the【Item Box】. That’s when I felt the crowd buzzing.
「Then let the duel begin!」
As soon as the duel started, Zuan came at me, swinging his axe. But the move came too late. It’s so slow, it almost makes me yawn. Even though that’s a joke, I’ll figure out how to proceed with the duel. I thought for a moment that it would be tasteless to kill him instantly, but then I reconsidered that the duel was not worth the time. There will be a request after this. I chose to end it quickly. Then I move to Zuan’s side in an instant before flashing my sword at him. Now the arena was silent. I don’t think anyone here could have understood what had just happened. Zuan was swung his axe at me, then the next moment, his arms and axe were on the ground. Even Zuan was dumbfounded, as if his thoughts hadn’t caught up with his condition.
「You still want to continue? If you do, I’ll cut off both of your legs next, okay?」
My voice carried well in the silent arena.
「Ooowwwwww, it hurtssssssss, my arm, gaaaaahhhhh!」
As soon as I called out to him, Zuan seemed to realize that he was in pain. But I guess Zuan didn’t hear my question, because he broke down in tears and fell to his knees. Blood was gushing out of the wound at a great rate. I used my【Heal】to heal the wound. I didn’t bother to heal the missing part, I just closed the wound. If I close the wound in this way, I will need 〈Light Magic〉level 8 to recover the missing part. The only people with such power are the Pope of the Episcopal State of Elen Garde and those in similar positions, as well as a few adventurers in the EX and S ranks. If the wound is still open, though, level 6 〈Light Magic〉 will heal the missing part. Zuan may still be in pain, but the confusion seems to have subsided a bit now that the wound is closed.
「I give up! I surrender, please don’t take both my legs! Eeee!」 「Louis-sama, the winner!」
The guild staff, who had been frozen in place like everyone else, pulled themselves together and declared me the winner. The arena erupted in cheers as the referee announced the match. This is how my first duel ended so easily.
Afterwards, Eleanor gave me a words of appreciation. Zuan and the other three were ranting and resisting, but they successfully became debt slaves. I took the three platinum coins from the guild staff and left the arena. I’m not sure if Zuan can make it as a slave without both arms. After the duel, which I could not lose, was over, I suddenly thought. Even though it was inexcusable to think about it, I wondered what would have happened if I had lost Eleanor. When I imagine it, I feel pretty bad about it. Thinking about it, I realized that I do like her, even though we have only been together for a short time. Aside from that, I thought that I could finally accept a request, but I had to spend a lot of time on the procedures after the duel. So I decided to not take any requests today and return to the inn after shopping for sundries and groceries.
Arrows are raining down on us. I can see a squad of enemy soldiers with bows outside the fort.
It is obvious that they are concentrating on this one point. I think they saw Princess Helene, so they concentrated their fire on her.
「Fuuu!」
I swung my magic sword and repelled all the arrows that were about to hit Helene.
They flew in one after another, but I had knocked down every last one.
I left the arrows that were obviously off target.
They stab the ground. A safe zone like a crop circle was created around Helene and me.
「Awesome……」
「What swordsmanship!」
Princess Helene and Fotis marveled.
More arrows flew at me, but this time I turned to Princess Helene ── my back to the arrows ── and knocked them all down the same way.
「Now that I’m here, you’re safe.」
「Yes……」
Helene regained her smile.
Yeah, that’ll do.
However, this time, when she saw me, her expression changed.
「That sword …… is it Eleanor?」
「What?!」
Princess Helene said, and Fotis’ eyes widened with a snap.
They stare at the magic sword I’m holding.
「Eleanor…… is this girl?」
「The magic sword Eleanor. A legendary magic sword that corrodes one’s heart and devours one’ spirit.」
「That shape, and that ominous aura. I’m sure of it, Eleanor. Please step back, Your Highness!」
Fotis stepped in between Helene and me.
……Yes, he is correct. His knowledge is correct, and Fotis’s actions are correct as a knight protecting the princess.
It makes me a little sad though. I can’ t help but feel a little sad when he does this, though he doesn’t know that I’m fine with this girl.
I tried to explain and clear up the misunderstanding.
「Fotis-sama!」
This time, a soldier’s shout interrupted him. He’s a soldier on lookout.
「What’s wrong?」
「Enemy reinforcements have arrived to the front of the fort.」
「Are more coming …… numbers?」
「There must be a thousand of them!」
「A thousand! You traitorous Kirill, you’ve turned almost all of your forces against us. Do you really want Her Highness’ life so badly?」
Fotis spat vexedly.
「Kuuu, now it has come to this──」
「Other than that, how many soldiers are left here?」
Fotis answered with a wary look in his eyes.
「It’s about …… fifty.」
Fifty people, maybe that’ll work. If it doesn’t work, I’ll just do it in several rounds.
「Gather everyone here.」
「What are you going to do?」
「It’s fine, just hurry up.」
I hurried him on. However, Fotis refused to budge.
He hesitates. I don’t think we have time for that at all.
「Fo──」
「Fotis. Do as Kakeru-sama says.」
「……Ha」
Princess Helene said. Then Fotis reluctantly obeyed and ordered the soldiers to assemble.
They were all together as the last of the soldiers dashed from the gate of the fort.
I took out my warp feather.
「Let’s go, then.」
「What are you──」
Fotis asks. I ignored him, as I didn’t have much time.
I thought back to the route I had taken to get here. I thought to myself about warping collectively to Euboea, the closest city with the absence of enemies.
The scenery switched and we were now in Euboea.
I looked around me.
There’s Princess Helene, there’s Fotis, and there are soldiers with wounds all over their bodies.
I’ve brought them all. It’s a success.
「What, this is …… Euboea?!」
「What the hell is this……?」
「I’ll explain later. More importantly,now that we have warped here, is it safe here?」
I ask Fotis to make sure.
「Ah, aaaahh. It should be fine here.」
「I see. Then I’ll leave you in charge here.」
「Leave it to me? What are you going to do?」
「Princess Helene. I’ll be back in a bit.」
「May the fortunes of war be with you.」
Princess Helene answered immediately.
It’s like she knows what I’m going to do.
I used my warp feather to get back to the fort.
「There’s no one here. What’s going on?!」
「We’ve got nothing but bodies!」
「Nonsense, they were here a moment ago.」
Just in case, I warped into the shadows I’d already set up.
I could hear men bellowing all over the place.
It’s good to see that they’ve rushed into the fort with no soldiers left to protect it, but they’re surprised to find that there’s not a single person alive.
「Okay, let’s do this.」
(What are you doing? ）
「I let Princess Helene escape unharmed, and I thought I’d beat these guys here.」
(All by yourself?）
「Aaah. Fotis looked tired, and the soldiers under his command were all wounded. I’d be better off on my own.」
That was just a pretext, but what I really meant was──
（Whatever, you just want to impress Princess Helene, don’t you?）
The magic sword had guessed right.
「…… you can read minds, can’t you?」
（If you act like this, everyone would notice.）
…… Well, I guess that’s true, too.
(Look at me, I’m so cool.)
She teased.
I was a bit annoyed, so I carried my magic sword and left the shadows.
「！Hey! There’s one here!」
The soldier searching for us found me. He shouted out loud.
Enemy soldiers began to gather around me.
I think the talk was about a thousand people.
This is the first time I’m dealing with this number. The highest number so far is the army of dead spirits summoned by the magic sword, but that number was around a hundred, so in terms of numbers, it’s about ten times as many.
I think I can manage. And if I can’ t, I can just warp away.
「Ah, no.」
I reconsidered.
I took out the warp feather.
The enemy soldiers in front of me, I warped behind them.
I slashed his defenseless back with a kesa kesagake (diagonal slash from the shoulder down).
The soldier collapses, unable to resist.
There was another beside him. He was startled by the sudden event but as per the previous example, I warped behind him and slashed his back.
Warp and slash.
（It’s a terrible fight.）
The voice of the magic sword echoed in my head, and despite her words, she seemed to be enjoying herself.
I smiled with my mouth open and headed towards the enemy soldiers.
I slashed him head-on.
He repelled the attack and slashed in counter.
I warped and slashed his back.
I swung my magic sword and slashed at random.
I slashed and slashed and slashed.
「UoooooOoo!」
A soldier jumped me from behind. He came out of nowhere, and the momentum pushed me forward and down.
「What’s this ── Guuuoooo!」
I tried to get up from where I was trapped underneath, but was jumped on by one after another.
A different soldier on top of a soldier, and another soldier on top of another soldier.
People were pouring in one after the other, quickly forming a small mountain.
「Not yet!」
「Somebody get this guy.」
I was completely pushed down to the ground and couldn’t get up because I couldn’t get my strength to work properly.
Another soldier approached me. He thrusts a spear down at my head.
I’m in a pinch.
Yeah, until yesterday.
I used the warp feather.
I warped a meter to the side, leaving behind a pile of soldiers.
I stood up quickly. As if nothing had happened.
I regripped my magic sword and swung it down on the pile of people.
I split the mountain in half.
「Who the hell is this guy ……?」
「He’s a monster.」
「We can’t fight this thing.」
Seeing this, quite a few soldiers lost their will to fight and ran away.
I cut down the one that was coming at me and let the one that was losing his will to fight go.
「Eeeeeei, get out of the way!」
After a while, a man appeared in front of me, pushing aside the soldiers.
His appearance is different from the other soldiers, and his armor is very impressive. This guy’s in command?
「You are?」
「I’m Kirill Slav Who the hell are you? Where’s Helene?」
The man who called himself Kirill. That name sounded familiar.
「You’re Kirill? She said you betrayed Princess Helene.」
「What about it?」
「No, nothing.」
I’m not going to do anything.
Slash!
I swung my magic sword to the side. Kirill’s head flew off.
「There’s even less reason to keep him alive.」
Kirill is dead. The soldiers immediately fell into a panic and ran for their lives.
After spurting blood into the fort’s watering hole, I brought back Kiril’s head via warp and gave it to Fotis.
Fotis was very surprised and asked me how I did it.
All I could say was that I cut and slashed, and I answered accordingly.
Fotis was so surprised.
That was not important.
I mean, I’ve been feeling queasy in my stomach for a while now. What the hell is this?
「I’m…」
「Eh?」
I looked at Fotis, who suddenly took on a serious tone.
「I often say this to my men when they first come back from the battlefield. If you’re having a hard time, go embrace a woman.」
「……」
When I didn’t respond, Fotis also left without saying anything.
I know what he means. In addition, I found out the reason for my queasy feeling in my stomach.
There is a word I often hear.
There is a word I often hear. And.
So that’s what this pang in my chest was about, and I knew it was something to be quelled
It was disgusting that he could see through me, but I thank him for making me understand.
Let’s get to fluffing.
Let’s mofumofu Miu, mofumofu her, and fluffy her thoroughly until morning.
That way it should stop.
I took out my warp feather and tried to warp to the mansion.
「Kakeru-sama」
I heard Princess Helene’s voice. I turn to face her as she approaches.
「I’m glad you’re safe, above all.」
「Un」
「Oh, you have a cut on your face.」
「Eh?」
I touched my face. The place I touched felt a bit slippery.
I don’t think I was attacked at all. …… Maybe I scraped myself when I was pinned down.
Princess Helene took out what looked like a handkerchief and wiped my face.
I can feel her warmth through the silk handkerchief. Her scent tickled my nose.
My heart is in my throat ── it’s burning.
After wiping it, Princess Helene stared at my face.
