Chapter 626: The Journey Back from the Dwarven Autonomous Region

Rogas, a miner and the youngest brother of Chairwoman Gasra of the Dwarven Roundtable Council, met Tauro again the next morning and immediately called out to his fellow miners.

Before long, a group of highly skilled miners gathered—clearly showing how much they trusted him.

When Rogas explained that the new job would be in the neighboring human territory, a few frowned, but—

“The new lord’s character is vouched for by my brothers and sister, so it’s all good!”

Rogas assured them confidently.

“Not just Rogas, but the chairwoman and the others too!? Then it should be fine.”

“I trust Rogas!”

“Me too!”

“Besides, there’s less and less work here anyway. Hahaha!”

“No doubt about it! Hahaha!”

The dwarves laughed together with a cheerfulness surprising for people on the verge of unemployment, and agreed to follow Rogas to the Giro Sugar Viscounty.

“Alright, I’ll head out first with Lord Tauro and the others. You guys get ready to move and come within a month.”

Rogas told his friends that he would accompany Tauro and the others on their return journey the next morning.

“Rogas, you’re coming with us too? You could prepare and follow later, you know?” Tauro asked.

“I’ve gotta inspect the site first and get things ready for everyone to live there, right? Hahaha!”

Rogas replied with a laugh reminiscent of his older brothers, repeatedly slapping Tauro on the back with his thick arms. Each blow landed with considerable force.

“Cough, cough…! O-okay. Then please get ready to leave.”

“I already am.”

Rogas wore only a shirt, heavy overalls, sturdy leather boots, and a few tool pouches hanging from his belt.

Other than that, he carried no luggage—no backpack, personal belongings, or the usual mining tools such as hammers, pickaxes, or shovels.

Tauro found this surprising, since he had expected a dwarf miner to carry his own prized tools.

“Uh… are you sure you’re okay traveling so light?”

“Oh, that? I’ve got [Magic Storage]. Here—”

Rogas pulled a massive battle axe out of [Magic Storage].

“I see. Then you’re all set.”

Satisfied, Tauro mounted the wolf-shaped puppet Garo and headed back to the inn with Rogas. The members of the Busasen Trading Company were waiting there.

“This ride is great! Who made this?” Rogas asked excitedly from Garo’s back.

“Oh, I did. Garo is an autonomous-thinking puppet. Right, Garo?”

“Gau!” Garo barked, then leapt into the air.

“Whoa! Incredible! My brothers’ letters didn’t mention this. Lord Tauro, you’re an extraordinary craftsman!”

As a dwarf, Rogas had great respect for first-class craftsmen, so his admiration for Tauro only deepened.

“Well, it’s more about creativity than craftsmanship…”

Tauro felt a bit embarrassed by the excessive praise.

After returning to the inn and regrouping with the Busasen Trading Company, they quickly prepared to leave Cavern City. Everything was ready, and their dwarf guide, Boze, was waiting.

“Oh, Master Rogas? What’s going on? Are you seeing them off?” Boze asked.

“I’m going with them to the mines in Giro Sugar.”

“Wait, seriously!? Aren’t you one of the mine chiefs here? Is it okay for you to just leave like that?”

Boze pointed out in disbelief.

“Wait—you’re that important!? In that case, you can come later,” Tauro said in surprise.

“It’s fine! I told my sister I’d be going, and I dumped the rest on my deputy! Hahaha!”

Rogas laughed as he climbed onto Garo instead of a carriage.

It didn’t sound fine at all—but since Rogas had mentioned that work had been decreasing, perhaps the handover really was simple.

At least, that’s what Tauro hoped.

Rogas also seemed to have taken a liking to riding Garo. Ankh was already at the front, but Rogas sat close behind him.

“…I’d rather not have a grown man pressed up against me. There’s a belt to secure yourself, so sit properly,” Ankh grumbled.

But Rogas paid no mind.

“Alright, let’s go!”

And with that, they set off.

In this way, Tauro and his party completed both their escort mission for the Busasen Trading Company and their talks with the Dwarven Roundtable Council with great success: they restored relations, reopened the way for trade through a new trading post, and secured skilled workers.

On the return journey, they traveled along the underground highway for several days before reaching the checkpoint.

There, they parted ways with Boze.

“Lord Tauro, take care. I’ll come visit someday,” Boze said reluctantly.

“Of course. You’re always welcome, Boze.”

They shook hands and left the checkpoint.

Later, the group stopped again at the mountain village they had visited on their way there. They informed the village chief and the residents that exchanges with the Dwarven Autonomous Region would resume, delighting everyone.

They likely expected the village to become lively again.

When the villagers also learned that Tauro was their new lord, they held a grand feast in his honor. The celebration turned into a night of eating, drinking, and singing for the entire village, though Tauro’s group provided the food.

Busasen, who was familiar with the village’s situation, joined in the excitement. Tauro, understanding their feelings at least a little, unusually joined the festivities as well, and everyone had a wonderful time.