Chapter 343: The Pill Bug Once Again
“Got the lunch, Ex-Staff ready, and the collection bag is good to go!”
I checked the items laid out on the desk.
Today is the day for poking around, so I’m feeling more pumped than usual. It might also be because I’m wide awake after escorting the Earth Folk right after Rishu’s walk.
In the end, some of the Earth Folk stayed overnight to work, and those who returned to the Northern Lands were just going home to grab what they were missing. So, it seems the Earth Folk will be staying at the Tower until their tasks are complete.
Ah, I can already hear complaints about my Tower being noisy at night, not just the Spirit’s Branch.
“You’re lively…”
Haulon looked tired even before we set off.
“We’re heading to the Demon Forest, you know.”
“It may seem like I’m just floating around, but I’m actually more cautious during travel than you or Dean now.”
Chris replied to Dinoss’s mutter.
“…”
“…”
Dinoss fell silent, while the Butler’s gaze wandered unusually.
“Is it too late to teach you how to fight…?”
“…It’s probably too late for that.”
The two continued their conversation without making eye contact.
“I want to question why you guys couldn’t do what Retze did, but I also lack confidence in correcting magic-related issues myself…”
Haulon joined the conversation, as if they were holding some kind of reflection meeting.
Today’s members are the main star Haulon, Dinoss, the Butler, Chris, and Retze. Retze is running a bit late because he was called out by the Guild and went to show his face this morning.
Meanwhile, Dean seems to be seriously working.
I tried to invite Ash, but after getting a bright smile from Shiva and a slightly annoyed look from Tina, I received a lesson on not inviting girls to go Pill Bug hunting, so I missed my chance.
Ash dislikes slugs, so maybe Pill Bugs would be fine—no, the chance of finding a slug under a flipped stone is high, so it’s probably best I didn’t invite him.
“Hey, sorry for the delay.”
Retze arrived in less than five minutes, despite the warning of his tardiness.
In this world, ordinary people don’t have watches, so we rely on the rough sense of time from the bells ringing from the church or the Lord’s Tower. Five minutes isn’t really considered late. It’s not like a train is going to leave without us, so it’s all good.
And then we set off into the Forest.
With Haulon’s [Teleportation]—and using my own [Teleportation] as well.
“Oh! To think we could arrive at the forest in an instant…! This is the magic of the Great Mage that has even become a fairy tale!”
Chris sparkled with excitement, praising Haulon.
This is it; if Haulon is by my side, I can do anything, right…?
“You’ve got that weird look on your face again, huh?”
“Is it dangerous when this cat looks at nothing?”
Haulon checked in with Retze!
“Please stop imparting strange things.”
“Not like it’s something worth teaching. It’s just too obvious on your face.”
It’s not obvious, not at all.
“Knight, that last [Teleportation] wasn’t me, you know. But if you’re going to praise me that much, how about I take you to Es for a vacation?”
Haulon winked at Chris.
“Oh, the land of palm trees and sunshine, Es! I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard the Es River, said to embody the essence of the country’s guardian spirit, is grand and beautiful!”
Chris beamed with a full smile.
“With Haulon’s words just now, you must have realized, but it’s very much like you, Chris, to not step in.”
The Butler whispered to me.
Yeah. Normally, he’s overly friendly, but he doesn’t just dive into what people are hiding or their soft spots. Yet he’s aware of those things and is always in a position to help when it counts.
I feel a bit guilty for being so put off by my first impression of him.
“Well, let’s just get this done.”
Dinoss said.
“By the way, what’s the main purpose of today? I haven’t been clearly told.”
Everyone averted their eyes in unison.
“The main event today is Pill Bug hunting.”
“What?”
“Pill Bug hunting.”
Haulon froze.
“Alright, let’s split up and report back to Jean when we find something.”
“Got it!”
Chris responded to Dinoss, who was taking charge.
“Wait! Don’t just brush it off! What is this, are you all sane?!”
Haulon grabbed Dinoss’s clothes, physically stopping him.
“This is important.”
The Butler smiled and bowed slowly.
“Indeed, I found peace of mind through my interactions with Pill Bugs!”
Chris looked like he was about to burst with excitement.
“What kind of religion is that?!”
“That’s a perfectly reasonable reaction…”
Haulon shouted, while Retze responded.
“Haulon, it’s something everyone should experience at least once.”
Dinoss placed his hands on Haulon’s shoulders.
“I’ve poked a Pill Bug before! It was over a hundred and twenty years ago! And by the way, when I was in Es, I also failed to exterminate them!!”
Haulon, long-lived!? Wait, extermination!?
There’s a more dangerous vibe than with Shiva!