Chapter: 22 Sermon Time

“That’s Jurg’s fault!”

After that, I was taken to the Mercia family and made to sit in a seiza position. In this vast kingdom, only Rolo Mercia and perhaps his aunt could scold the ‘Heaven-breaking Strike’ Jurg like this.

“You didn’t even consult us, why would you say something like that?”

“I was planning to say it eventually.”

“But even so, why would you say something like that?”

Rolo, who sat in front of me, stared directly into my eyes. Uh-oh. He’s really angry.

“Well, you see, wouldn’t the villagers be uneasy with me around?”

“I asked you the same thing before. But, the development and construction of the town have already started. There’s no need to worry anymore, right?”

“Even if you say that, I’m still resented enough for it to reach the ears of the newcomer Fimia. From now on, I might become a hindrance to you guys.”

Even someone as dim-witted as me could easily reach several concerns. The worst part is that by Rolo defending me like this, there’s a possibility he might lose his place too. Even though I’ve become a bit more reliable, considering my past mistakes, I understand that the villagers find it hard to trust me. If Rolo and Fimia are going to continue to do well in this village—or maybe this developing city—removing me, a source of anxiety, would be the best option.

“Jurg, everyone will surely reconsider you. Tanto-san, Thomson, they’re already seeing the current you in a different light. Even Conti from the materials shop expressed his gratitude.”

“That’s right. I’ve heard voices appreciating you for protecting the village.”

Slightly overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, I forced a wry smile. I wish they wouldn’t be so desperate about it.

“Calm down. It’s not like it has to be right away.”

“The one who needs to calm down is you, Jurg.”

Rolo stood up with a sigh, extending his hand toward me.

“When you decide to go on a journey, I’ll go with you.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. You said I’m the one who can do it, right?”

Taking Rolo’s hand, I stood up slowly. He used to be so slender, but when did he become so sturdy?

“I’m coming too, you know? Don’t leave me behind.”

“Fimia too?”

No, of course. If Rolo goes, she’ll follow, I suppose. Somehow, that also seems like it would be fun.

“What a lively discussion you’re having, everyone.”

“Saran!?”

As white smoke swirled and took shape, Saran appeared.

I forgot, I had a job to ask him.

“I was wondering when Jurg would finally come to the new city, and here you are discussing departure without me?”

“No way! Don’t complicate things. Sinister Glasses to Malicious Glasses now? And? What kind of consultation were you having while neglecting your work?”

Saran looked at us, tapping his shoes. He didn’t even bother hiding his displeasure. I let out a big sigh.

“Eventually, we’re thinking of going on a journey. Are you coming too?”

“Of course. I’m an adventurer too.”

Pushing up his glasses, the sinister strategist smirked a little.

◆

“Now then, shall we go?”

Accompanied by Rolo and Fimia, I walked upstream along the small river where the gray-backed bear had been before. Although we had arranged the requests that Saran had prepared with Kati’s help, we couldn’t just leave everything to others and do nothing.

So, we also headed into the unexplored area.

In the pioneer town, there are also fledgling adventurers. If necessary, we could also provide support.

“That said, I had no idea there were unicorns in this area.”

“Yeah, I’ve only caught a glimpse, but they’re around.”

The unicorn Almirage is a large rabbit about the size of a bear. Not only is it large, but it also has a horn on its head, which is a precious material in alchemy. In the northern part of the continent, there is also a monster called the unicorn, which also has a horn, but you don’t see it around here.

Saran’s goal is the unicorn Almirage itself.

The horn is a material for medicine, the fur is used for coats by upper-class nobles, and the meat is rich in nutrients and high quality. In short, it is a delicious monster that attracts adventurers just by being ‘there’. If things go well, it could be excellent publicity for the ‘Pioneer City Malhas’.

“I saw it a bit deeper in. It’s a bit dangerous for newcomers to the unexplored area. It’s a tasty job, but let’s take it down ourselves.”

“If we manage to defeat it, could we get some of the meat? I’d like to let my younger brothers taste it.”

“Bitz is fine, but isn’t it a bit early for Arco to have monster cuisine? Are you sure it’s okay?”

“It should be fine. Besides, from now on, won’t monster meat be more common on the dinner table? I want to treat them to the most delicious one first.”

“Understood,”

I nod to Rolo.

Indeed, there are people who, once they have a bad experience with the meat of a monster, develop a strong aversion to it. This is especially true for children.

“Well then, let’s go with enthusiasm!”

“Yeah. Well, once we find it, I’ll be the one to take it down.”

This time, I brought a large crossbow with me. I purchased it with party funds during the ‘Silhasta’ era, and to avoid any trouble, I left it in Advante… but Saran kindly brought it along for me. Since I have it, I might as well put it to good use.

“It’s quiet, but I don’t sense any presence.”

“Yeah, the Scarred Beast… did it retreat deeper?”

As always, the appearance of monsters is abnormal, but there has been no sighting of the scarred beast since then. While we can consider this a ‘good thing,’ the anxiety is too great.

Wise monsters are frightening. If they have survived for a long time and caused actual damage, it’s even more so. Although Saran is hurrying, if a large-scale stampede were to occur now, the newly started pioneer city, along with Malhas, would come to an end. We need to quickly organize our forces and eliminate the monsters in this area.

“Hmm?”

While gazing into the forest ahead, I catch sight of something moving.

“Hey, Rolo… did you see that?”

“Yeah. It was a person, and moreover…”

“It looked like Albert, right?” 

We exchange a strange sense of unease and gaze intently at the depths of the forest where someone just disappeared into.

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