Kays Translations

Chapter 183 – A Day Approaching Winter

“Um, sorry about that. Slime got stuck in my ears, and I couldn’t hear well. I want to join your party; what do you think?”

Kasim persistently pressed on, but Lutz’s expression remained unchanged. It was a face that showed a slight touch of exasperation in its emotionless state.

“Whether we form a party or not is a question before the main issue. As I said earlier, I’m not an adventurer; I’m a blacksmith.”

“Why is a simple blacksmith here? Couldn’t survive on blacksmithing alone, so you decided to do adventuring on the side, right?”

Becoming an adventurer required no special qualifications. Unlike other professions, there was no need to apprentice at a workshop and start from the bottom. You could register as an adventurer and start activities on the same day you decided. Therefore, many adventurers also engaged in other jobs. The number of adventurers varied with the seasons, and it was said that “winter is the season for adventurers.”

Apart from the high risk of death, being an adventurer was convenient.

It was not entirely unreasonable for Kasim to think of Lutz as a part-time adventurer. The splendid ax leaning beside Lutz was an impressive sight. Believing someone who carries such a thing and claims to be just a blacksmith would be foolish.

The combination of a hero and a self-proclaimed blacksmith with an impressive ax. Kasim’s plan to sneak in here and have a good time had suddenly fallen apart.

“Indeed, we’re not best buddies. I understand your sense of caution, truly. However, precisely because of that, isn’t there a need for both of us to make an effort to get to know each other?”

“I really am not an adventurer. I just came to treat Ricardo to a meal as thanks for him taking care of me.”

“Oh, no! What in the world, is there no god in this world!?”

“Don’t you hate gods who frequent taverns?”

Kasim clutched his head, collapsed onto the table. In the meantime, Ricardo, in high spirits from his victory in the brawl, returned.

“Hey, I won, I won. Violence is truly something.”

He stopped, looked at the man sitting at his table with a puzzled expression. Moreover, for some reason, his food had decreased.

“Hey, Lutz-san, who is this guy?”

“The guy who was expelled earlier. Seems he’s looking for a new party.”

“Oh…”

Certainly, now that it was mentioned, he seemed familiar. He had intended to kick the chair away, but pity had welled up, so he left him as is. Ricardo sat in another chair, ordered new food—on Lutz’s tab.

“By the way, that former leader guy, he seems to have already found another party.”

Huh, surprising. Lutz answered

After arbitrarily expelling his friends, the party disbands, he picks a fight out of spite, and getting thoroughly beaten, he had managed to return.

Indeed, it seemed that the world of adventurers operated with a unique set of values. In other professions, one might have to escape if they made the town unbearable.

The leader had returned as an adventurer, and the other two companions were welcomed into different parties. In the end, the situation returned to Kasim being the only one expelled.

With a thud, Kasim raised his head. His eyes, gleaming like those who had found prey, were directed at Ricardo.

“Hey, Hero-san, how about it? Are you recruiting members or something? I’m a useful guy.”

“I’m fundamentally a solo player.”

Although he had once wished for companions, recently, that sentiment had faded. Considering the dangers of Tsubaki, it was easier to go solo. Even if he were to form a temporary party, it would be better with those like Lutz and Josel who understood the circumstances. Explaining the risks and how he obtained Tsubaki from the beginning was troublesome.

“Ugh… My plan to sneak into a strong party and effortlessly become popular is ruined. Hey, can I order something else too?”

With such audacity, he could probably survive anywhere. Lutz decided that he didn’t need any further assistance beyond treating him to a meal.

Kasim had misunderstood one thing. Indeed, by following Ricardo and others, one could gain wealth and fame. However, the jobs that came their way were tremendously dangerous and troublesome.

He would come to realize this firsthand on another day.

On a day when the approach of winter was imminent, a visitor came to Lutz’s blacksmith shop.

It was the leader of the lumberjacks, a man named Kevin with whom Lutz had some acquaintance.

Despite being close to fifty, he had a robust and muscular physique, always laughing heartily with a wide-open mouth.

However, on this particular day, Lutz couldn’t easily recognize the man as Kevin.

Not only was he not laughing, but he also wore a gloomy expression, and his usually well-groomed beard seemed greasy and gave off an unkempt impression.

Lutz, with a puzzled expression, was informed by Claudia, “It’s Kevin, the lumberjack.”

And so, it took a whispered reminder for Lutz to finally notice.

“Kevin-san, what brings you here today? Is it for sharpening, or do you need a new axe?”

When Lutz asked, Kevin put on a lonely expression, and after a brief pause, he responded.

“… It’s the opposite. I came to say that I won’t be placing any orders for a while. I might not request anything ever again.”

Lutz and Claudia exchanged puzzled glances. Despite bringing in numerous axes, praising Lutz’s sharpening skills, why would he suddenly say such a thing?

“For the Count’s retinue, reducing the unprofitable jobs is probably good news, right?”

Kevin’s indifferent words irritated Lutz, and he was about to respond when Claudia spoke up first.

“Kevin-san, as far as I know, my husband has never slackened his efforts at work. If your current words reflect your true feelings, we will refrain from further transactions with you.”

Although her tone was gentle, there was a clear intention of refusal. It was then that Kevin finally realized he had behaved rudely, apologized, and bowed his head.

“Kevin-san, what happened? We won’t force you to say, but…”

Whether he should speak or not, Kevin hesitated for a moment. However, feeling regret for his earlier outburst and hoping that, given his connection with the Count, they might speak up on his behalf, he reluctantly opened up.

“The village was attacked by monsters, and there were many casualties. I came to inform after returning from requesting the Count to subjugate them.”

Even hearing that the village was attacked, Lutz couldn’t quite grasp the situation.

Despite being close to old age, Kevin had a terrifyingly robust physique. Picking a fight with such a muscular old man would be either a drunk or someone seeking self-destruction. Even the adventurers, who were like a showcase of foolishness, wouldn’t pick a fight with him.

Although the other lumberjacks weren’t as formidable as Kevin, they were all strong individuals trained in felling. Moreover, they carried axes with them regularly. Considering their combat capabilities, it might be better to dismiss the entire knight order and hire them instead. It was hard to believe that a significant damage occurred just because monsters attacked.

However, Kevin, now visibly worn out, told the story. Even then, Lutz found it difficult to believe.

“… I’m sorry for bringing up such a strange story.”

Kevin stood up, ready to leave. As he did, Lutz hastily called out.

“Um, Kevin-san! What kind of monster was it?”

Frowning, Kevin turned back. His expression seemed to say, “Why would you ask such a thing now?”

Well, since it’s already out in the open, there’s no need to hide it. With a heavy sigh, Kevin spoke.

“It was a Flame Demon.”

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