Chapter 378: The Most Important Thing

　With Zion as their new companion, Tauro and his group were discussing whether to return to the city of Caxart.

　Ggrrrl

　At that moment, they heard a stomach growl.

“S-sorry! While I was in the dungeon, I only brought along some portable food to accompany me…”

　Zion apologized, his face turning red with embarrassment.

“Ahaha. Sorry, we didn’t notice that either. Well then, let’s have a meal here before heading back to  Caxart.

　Tauro also asked Drago to join them for dinner.

　On the way.

　When asked what they wanted to eat, Drago answered curry hamburger, Ragune said pork cutlet curry, and Ankh said anything would be fine. However, Zion asked, “What’s curry?”, so they decided to eat at a curry restaurant produced by Tauro.

　When they arrived in front of the curry restaurant, there was a statue standing there.

　Of course, it was Tauro’s.

　The statue was a full-body image with a slime slab on his shoulder, curry in his left hand, a spoon in his right, and a big smile on Tauro’s face.

“I haven’t heard about this statue. ……?”

　Tauro was reminded of a statue that stood in front of a certain chicken shop in from previous life, but he  was more embarrassed than anything else and his face turned bright red.

“Being a …the leader…has it hard, too.”*

　Ankh sympathizes, feeling embarrassed about this.

“What’s the matter? ─ ─ Oh, this? I guess I have to deduct points for not having a pork cutlet on top of the curry.”

　Ragune pointed out as she peered at the statue of Tauro.

“I think it’s just so wonderful that Tauro-sama is a statue!”

　Zion is a complete Tauro devotee.

　I’m not likely to hear a word of denial.

“…By the way, what is this slime on your shoulder?”

　Zion pointed to the statue of Tauro and tilted his head.

“Ah, I haven’t introduced you to Zion yet. Pella, break out of your disguise.”

　Tauro called out to Pella, who was disguised as a belt.

　As if she had been waiting for this, Pella released her camouflage and hopped onto Tauro’s shoulder.

“What? A slime that can camouflage itself?!”

　Zion stares at Pella seriously, amazed.

“This is my partner, Pella, a subspecies of Emperor Slime. She usually mimics the surface of my belt or armor to protect me.”

　When Tauro introduced Pella, she bounced lightly on his shoulder and then jumped onto Zion’s shoulder.

　Then, after rubbing itself against Zion’s cheek, it leapt over to Tauro and disguised itself as a belt.

“That’s amazing! I’ve never heard of a slime like this! The Emperor Slime Pella… it’s so cool!”

　Perhaps happy to be praised by Zion, Pella, disguised as a belt, trembled.

“It seems that Pella likes Zion too. Well, let’s get back on track and have a meal.”

　Tauro was still concerned about the presence of the statue, but he led everyone into the restaurant.

“I’ve never eaten anything like this before!”

　Zion was surprised at first when he tried curry for the first time, but was soon captivated by the taste.

Today is like a welcome party for Zion, so make sure you eat a lot.”

　When Tauro suggested this, Zion was delighted and asked for a second helping.

　He was refilling his drink again and again, but then he seemed to have cooled down and blushed.

“S-sorry. I’m the only one who ended up eating so much…”

“Oi, oi, the leader says it’s good! We’re all friends, don’t be shy.”

　Ankh cautioned Zion against being too reserved.

“That’s right, Zion. Besides, this is my fourth curry with pork cutlet! There’s no need to be shy!”

　Ragune soothes Zion, her mouth smeared with curry.

　No, in Raguna’s case, It wouldn’t matter if she overeats again and gets fat.*

　Tauro was inwardly rebuking.

“…Thank you so very much. It’s been a long time since I’ve been treated so kindly.”

　Zion is on the verge of crying.

　Zion lost his mother when he was just a little over ten years old, and was left alone and in a difficult position when he was picked up by a team of heartless adventurers and forced to carry their luggage using slave magic.

　During that time, he lived his life without ever experiencing the kindness Of others.

　And now, for the first time, he can be together with Tauro and the others, who he can truly call his friends.

　Zion was overwhelmed with emotion.

“Zion, you’ve had your fair share of hardships. I know that because I’ve had my share too.”

　Tauro, too, had gone through a miserable experience before he awakened to his ability to “remember his past life,” so he was no stranger to the situation.

“I cannot thank you enough, Tauro-sama. From now on, I will use my body as a shield to protect you!”

“Ha-ha-ha. I’m sure Pella will do that for me, so don’t worry. From now on, I would like you to enjoy your life as an adventurer as a member of the team “Black Golden Wings” and as a friend.”

　Tauro wished that Zion, who had come through so much hardship, would enjoy his life from now on.

“… Tauro-dono…. I understand. I will dedicate my life to Team ‘Black-Golden Wings’!”

　No, that’s not it!

　Tauro was inwardly annoyed, but he thought that he would try and change his mind from now on.

　From there, Zion gave a detailed account of his life.

　His mother, who was bereft, was ill.

　And his father died just before he was born, so he was all alone in the world.

　That’s why Zion says that Tauro and the others, his first friends, are the most important people to him.

　It’s a little heavy-handed, but I understand the sentiment.

　I feel the same way.

　As a loner in the world, it’s important to have friends you can trust.

　Tauro would like to respond as a companion that Zion could feel that way about.

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