Chapter 428: Shock Therapy?
“By the way, I’m going to be away for a while due to work. Dean and Chris are too,” Retze said while dealing out cards.
“That includes Ash as well,” came the reply. So that means the Butler is going too.
“Are you going somewhere?”
“Oh. The request I turned down must have been passed on to you,” I asked just as Dinoss spoke up.
“I can’t say the details, but it’s probably the same request that went to the lord. A semi-forced request from a certain noble through the Guild,” Retze sighed, looking like he wanted to groan.
“It seems King Wolf Balmoa turned it down, and now it’s come to us,” the Butler said, his tone unchanged but slightly weary.
“I’m not taking any requests that would separate me from my family, and the Adventurer’s Guild in Kanum has no authority over me.”
“Ugh. You should just go to Amedeo in the Fortress City,” Dinoss suggested, sounding like he had reached out to some capable Adventurers among the Gold and Silver ranks after being turned down.
“The Fortress City stands out too much, so they probably avoided it. I don’t like the semi-forced part, but the reward for the request itself isn’t bad. Plus, once they successfully complete it, Dean and Chris will get a boost to their reputation as newly promoted Gold Rank Adventurers.” Retze shrugged, but it felt ominous.
I was tasked with bringing preserved food to Retze and the Butler. Since there were others, I prepared general items like dried meat and dried mushrooms.
When I handed over the finished goods, they showed me the magic circles they had bought for their adventure. There were magic circles for warmth and for providing drinking water—looks like they stocked up on magic stones as well.
Preparing magic circles that they hadn’t taken before means—Retze probably carries them for emergencies—but they must be going somewhere that will take a long time or where it’s difficult to procure supplies along the way. Or perhaps they’re in such a hurry that they won’t have time to hunt along the way.
I hope they prioritize safety. If I knew where they were going, I could scout ahead like last time and ask the Spirits for help.
It seems they’re taking Vine-chan along, and Ash has his bracelet…
I haven’t crossed paths with the Gods lately. I want to meet them to ask about my body and the mechanics of Teleportation.
The moment I want to meet them, it becomes difficult to do so. As winter approaches, the rainy days increase, making my time in the fields irregular. I sense the presence of the Gods visiting, but we keep missing each other perfectly.
“Well, I’ll probably meet them eventually.” I hugged Rishu between my legs, enjoying the fluffy warmth.
I stroked Rishu while watching the fire in front of the Fireplace. We had just been playing tug-of-war and fetch indoors, so it was time for a break.
Days like this happen sometimes, but Rishu’s cuteness is healing.
Now, with the rain falling on the House and Kanum, and everyone seeming busy, I decided to head to the Island. The sunlight was bright and glaring, causing everyone to walk in the shade. I still remember how Soleil gave me a strange look when I mentioned that in Kanum, people go outside just to sunbathe when it’s sunny.
“Oh…!”
As I strolled through the alleyways of the Island, I was met with a face that looked like it had just received a shock!
…A guard?
“I humbly request to be added to Nii-sama’s ranks!” He suddenly dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
His enthusiasm was so different from before, but this guy is… Custard Cornet—no, Bartolone. What is he doing here? Does he want to work on the Island? Is he looking to naturalize?
“With Soleil’s permission, I am currently temporarily assigned to the guards and assisting!”
Soleil, why did you let this troublesome guy…!
“This Bartolone is in awe of Nii-sama’s skills! I have also apologized to the Changelings and received their forgiveness. I do not wish for a position as a swordsmanship instructor. I would like to start over as a member of the guards, please, please!”
Bartolone bowed his head even lower.
Soleil, couldn’t you have kicked him out? Or did you keep him around for the sake of the Sword Master’s name? Which is it?
“…”
I was at a loss for words, unsure of Soleil’s intentions.
If Soleil, who cares for Faramia the Changeling, thinks it’s fine, then maybe it’s okay to let this troublesome guy have a job. I don’t spend much time on the Island anyway.
“Welcome back, my lord.”
And then Auro appeared.
Ah, I was planning to ask Haulon how to hide my magic power.
“Bartolone has been training soldiers for the past few days, and relations with the Island’s residents are good,” he whispered the information I wanted to know.
“…If Auro and the others think it’s fine. But if things get too tense, I’ll kick him out.”
“Yes! Thank you! —And my thanks to Auro as well.”
Bartolone lifted his face and smiled at Auro. He had looked gloomy before, but now he seemed to have shed that demeanor. Is this his true personality?
It’s better than being gloomy, but what do I make of this old man’s face filled with sparkling expectations?
It seems the Island has gained another strange person.