Kays Translations

Chapter 167: Worrywart

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

Thanks to Sheila-san’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-san. In her latest letter, she reported that the city she lived in had officially decided not to join the Demon Lord’s army.

That was great news—knowing for certain that Milagros-san 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-san appeared. It was her first visit since she came with Douglas-san, the gourmet hunter.

This time, Donny-san was with her.

“Good morning, Velvet-san, Donny-san.”

“Sato, I’ve come again.”

“Is Joel not around today?”

Donny-san’s main concern seemed to be Joel-kun, as he glanced around outside.

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

“Yes, Joel-kun went on an adventure with Brittany-san and Lua-san. 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-san and Lua-san. 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.”

Donny-san was in full guardian mode.

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

“Are you still training Ren-san and the others, Donny-san?”

“Yeah. I’m drilling them hard so they’ll be ready if the Demon Lord’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 Donny-san for a while… but Velvet-san, who had been waiting behind him, glared at him with a look that basically said “hurry up and leave.”

So, Donny-san quietly slipped out to help with farming instead.

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

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

“Yes, exactly. I actually wanted to show you when I drew the signboard illustration, or when I brought the Delicacy 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 Donny-san 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 Lord.

However, as the price for defeating the Demon Lord, the hero lost their memories. The story followed their journey retracing the path of the conquest in order to regain them.

At first, the protagonist did not understand what was going on and merely felt lucky to be treated as a hero.

The protagonist believed they had defeated the Demon Lord alone, but as they retraced their journey, they discovered they had once had companions.

The protagonist listened to the stories of people in each town. At first, they heard lighthearted, funny tales about their companions. But the closer they drew to the Demon Lord’s castle, the fewer companions remained, and the stories grew darker and heavier.

Finally, when the protagonist stood before the humble graves built near the Demon Lord’s castle, all their memories returned. Overwhelmed, they broke down in tears, and the story ended.

The way the story shifted from a lighthearted beginning—where the protagonist was treated as a hero for reasons they did not even understand—to the grim, weighty revelations near the end was brilliant.

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

“—That was incredible! Velvet-san, 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-san 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.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter