Kays Translations

Chapter 167: Worrywart

It had been a week since the dragonkin began full-scale farming.

Thanks to Sheila’s guidance, they were able to grow crops smoothly.

Since it wasn’t a skill-based field, harvest would still take some time, but at this rate, this year’s yield would be vastly greater than before.

Meanwhile, I had been regularly exchanging letters with Milagros. In her latest letter, she reported that the city she lived in had officially decided not to join the Demon King’s army.

That was great news—knowing for certain that Milagros wouldn’t be an enemy. Since she wouldn’t be fighting against us, I hoped she would come visit again.

I wrote that much in my reply, but since traveling here carried risks, she said she would come when the timing was right. When that time came, I wanted to cook for her again, and maybe even teach her about farming.

While I was mulling over such thoughts as I wrote, Velvet appeared. It was her first visit since she came with Douglas, the gourmet hunter.

This time, Donnie was with her.

“Good morning, Velvet, Donnie.”

“Sato, I’ve come again.”

“Is Joel not around today?”

Donnie’s main concern seemed to be Joel, as he glanced around outside.

He looked intimidating, but it was clear he truly cared about his disciple.

“Yes, Joel went on an adventure with Brittany and Lua. Apparently, they discovered an unexplored dungeon, and he was all fired up about conquering it.”

“An unexplored dungeon!? Is Joel going to be okay?”

“Don’t worry. He’s with Brittany and Lua. Those three have already conquered up to the 50th floor of the dungeon in Dungeon City.”

“Now that you mention it, Joel did say something like that… Damn it, I can’t help worrying.”

Donnie was in full guardian mode.

Joel was already growing strong, so there wasn’t much need to worry, but Donnie couldn’t help himself.

“Are you still training Ren and the others, Donnie?”

“Yeah. I’m drilling them hard so they’ll be ready if the Demon King’s army attacks. Mika’s progress especially has been astounding. You wouldn’t think she was once the type to run away. She’s become incredibly strong.”

“I see. I met her briefly during winter, but didn’t get to see her fight. I’m looking forward to seeing just how strong she’s become.”

“She said she’ll participate in the mock battle tournament, so you’ll see then. I’ll be joining this year too, so count me in.”

“Last year I asked you to serve as a referee. This year I’ll be looking forward to seeing you in action as well.”

I continued chatting with Donnie for a while… but Velvet, who had been waiting behind him, glared at him with a look that basically said “hurry up and leave.”

So, Donnie quietly slipped out to help with farming instead.

“Phew, finally. He always goes on and on needlessly.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. So, Velvet… is this about your manga?”

“Yes, exactly. I actually wanted to show you when I drew the signboard illustration, or when I brought the gourmet hunter with me, but things were hectic back then. Can I show it to you this time?”

“Of course! Can I read it right now?”

“Yes. With Donnie gone, it’s fine.”

And so, I got to read her new manga.

This time, the story was about a hero who defeated the Demon King.

However, as the price for defeating the Demon King, he lost his memories. The story followed his journey to retrace the path of his conquest in order to regain them.

At first, the protagonist didn’t understand what was going on, just vaguely thinking he was “lucky” to be called a hero.

He believed he had defeated the Demon King alone, but as he retraced his journey, he discovered he had once had companions.

He listened to the stories of the townspeople he passed through. In the beginning, they told him lighthearted, funny tales about his companions. But the closer he got to the Demon King’s castle, the fewer companions remained, and the stories grew darker and heavier.

Finally, when he stood before the humble graves built near the Demon King’s castle, all his memories returned. Overwhelmed, he broke down in tears, and the story ended.

The way the story shifted from a lighthearted beginning—where he was treated as a hero for reasons he didn’t even understand—to the grim, weighty revelations near the end was brilliant.

Not only had Velvet’s art improved, but her storytelling had also grown tremendously. Her talent was undeniable.

“—That was incredible! Velvet, you’re a genius!”

“R-really? I’m glad you think so.”

“You should absolutely show this to others! The quality is too good to keep hidden.”

“Mm… but I’m still embarrassed. I don’t think I could show it to anyone else.”

“Then how about placing it in the recreation room without saying it’s yours?”

“…That might work.”

“It definitely should be seen by others. Thank you for letting me share it!”

“Why are you the one thanking me…? Ugh, but this really is nerve-wracking.”

With the condition of remaining anonymous, Velvet finally agreed to let others see her work.

I was curious to know how others would react too, so I decided to display it in the recreation room starting tonight.

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