Chapter 394: Proud Adventurer

　When the village chief and the group from the Eichton Company woke up after being treated for the numbing drug, Tauro and the rest of the Black Golden Wings had rounded up the bandits and captured them.

　When they woke up to find nearly thirty bandits tied up, the village chief and the members of the Eichton Company were simply astonished, and expressed their gratitude as much as they could think of to Tauro and the others who had played such an active role in the rescue.

“As one would expect from the most skilled team of adventurers in the city of Caxart!”

　The village chief looked very satisfied as he praised Tauro and his team.

　After all, he was the one who hired them, so incidentally, he was also the one who helped the representative of the Eichton Trading Company.

　In his mind, he conveniently translated it into something that he, as the employer, had achieved.

“We were also saved thanks to you all, I’m grateful. I never imagined those people were thieves… My guards had warned me, but I am ashamed of my own ignorance.”

　The representative of the Eichton Trading Company said this with embarrassment.

“So, as for what to do with these bandits, we can either send someone to the nearest town and have them bring the territorial soldiers to us, or we can take them from here part of the way…”

　Tauro and his team are escorting the village chief’s family, so they can’t leave their side.

“That’s a problem… I have an unmarried daughter with me. Besides, time is of the essence. I can’t afford to send people running to the neighboring areas and wait for the territory soldiers to arrive, and it would be bad luck to take the captured thieves along with us… Should we just kill them straight away?”

　The village chief says something surprisingly merciless.

“Village Chief-san, you have a daughter who is about to marry, that’s exactly the kind of bad omen, to have her shed blood in a murderous act.”

　Tauro disagreed with the village chief’s polemic.

“In that case, let us deliver these bandits to a nearby town. Our lives and property have been saved. That’s right, defeating bandits is an honor, so when we hand them over, we need to tell everyone about you all. May I know your names?”

　The Eichton representative was grateful for the opportunity to take on such a role and wanted to know the identity of Tauro and the others.

　Tauro and the others briefly introduced themselves.

“…… I see. You are adventurers from the city of Caxart, I see. I’ll remember the “Black Golden Wings” well. I should also thank you for your help. There may be a bounty on these bandits, so Please take this.”

　Eichton said, handing Tauro a large bag filled with money.

“I can’t accept such a large sum of money!”

　Tauro was startled and pushed it back.

“Ha-ha-ha. Mister Tauro, I don’t mean to put it this way, but I am a representative of the Eichton Trading Company. If we had lost our lives here, I think the losses would have been much greater. So this is still a small amount. Also, if you are in any trouble, please contact the nearest branch of the company. We will always be ready to help you.”

　Eichton replied to Tauro and handed him a larger bag once again.

“Even I, as your employer, am proud! Wahaha!”

　The village chief, Arimar, takes this opportunity to appeal to Eichton.

 “Of course, we are grateful to you, Mr. Village Chief. From now on, we will send our people to do  business with your village. I look forward to working with you.”

“Oh, that’s great! The more merchants who visit, the better. Hahaha!”

　As the village chief said, the more merchants coming in and out, the more lively the village will become.

　If this were to happen, the village chief’s popularity will also rise significantly.*

　Tauro was astounded at the village chief’s resilience.

　When they were leaving the group from the Eichton Company, Tauro, so as not to be noticed by the village chief, he introduced himself to Eichton as an inspector from the count’s territory and showed him proof of his identity.

“Oh my goodness! I didn’t know you were Count Graunewald’s personal inspector! I apologize!”

　Eichton tried to kneel down and apologize, but Tauro hurriedly stopped him.

“I forgot to mention it here as well. If you could just mention my name to the territorial soldiers, I’m sure the procedure for handing over the bandit will be completed much sooner.”

“I understand. I will tell them so when I hand them over!”

　After leaving the captured bandits in the hands of the Eichton Trading Company, Tauro and his bridal party proceeded on their journey to their destination, the city of Wasan.

　The village they arrived at that day.

　The bride, the village chief’s daughter, asked to see Tauro this evening to thank him.

　I wondered whether it would be appropriate to meet a Lady before she got married, but I decided that it would be fine if all of us met.

“Thank you for helping us out without causing any harm this time.”

　The girl bows deeply.

　And the servant stands quietly next to her.

“No, we were just fulfilling our job as hired help. Also, it was Zion who played an active role this time, so please tell her.”

　Tauro replied as he brought Zion forward.

“Zion-san? Amazing! How did you manage to defeat nearly thirty bandits when you’re not much older than me!”

　The young lady’s eyes sparkle and she grabs Zion’s hand and stuffs it in hers.

　She must have been a naturally lively person.

　She listened excitedly to Zion’s hurried, bit by bit explanations and seemed to be moved by hef actions, mimicking her hand gestures and movements.

“I wish I could have had an adventure like that too ……”

　After a short but lively conversation, the young lady blurted this out.

“The truth is, I don’t really want to get married yet. But the town mayor over there is a Mage baron. Apparently he’s a favorite of the lord, Count Graunewald… So it’s not something I can refuse… Father is happy about it because it’s good news, but for me it’s… Yes! Everyone, can you take me and run away? If I don’t attend the marriage ceremony, this deal might fall through! …you actually can’t do that, can you? I’m sorry, please forget about it…”

　Perhaps after getting rid of all the pent up emotion that had been building up inside her, the young lady calmed down and came back to reality, answered the question, and then went back to her room, which had been prepared for her.

“…I guess there’s nothing we can do about this…”

　Tauro muttered himself and no one in particular as he watched the young lady leave.

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