◆ Kingdom of Normitz – Rural Area ◆
It has been a little over half a month since we defeated Lafoule, and I’ve been helping with the reconstruction of the ravaged town and the eradication of the Mattango. Due to the roots of Lafoule, some areas have become unstable, leading to restricted access and even instances of ground subsidence. The situation has been quite chaotic.
Thirty-eight dead, seventy-six injured. I can’t tell if that’s a lot or a little, but in the end, it means I couldn’t protect everyone. Still, when the King tearfully thanked me, saying that without me, the kingdom itself might have been lost, I felt a sense of reward.
From east to west, north to south, I’ve run across this country more than I ever thought possible in a lifetime. I took on physical labor willingly and did everything I could to help. When I returned home with a bounty of fruits as thanks, I deeply regretted not having brought Roel along with me.
“They say all the necessary materials will be transported from the Kingdom of Avangarde. Even though we’re friendly nations, it wouldn’t be right to rely on them completely…”
Soldiers from the Kingdom of Avangarde also came to assist with the reconstruction. Thanks to them, the damage to the buildings seems to be getting resolved faster than expected.
“Rua, are these vegetables really grown by the people of this country? They’re so fresh that I’m starting to wonder if there’s anything we can help with…”
Since I’m not well-versed in farming, I had the villagers from Azuma move here. Konoka and the others seemed overwhelmed by the size of the fields and the quality of the vegetables, while the King, on the other hand, was childishly excited, welcoming them with open arms.
“Oh! So this is Azuma’s… I see! So that’s how the fertilizer works!”
“Could you tell us more about the climate around here?”
As the conversation about farming grew more intense, we quietly distanced ourselves from the scene. I had confidently assured them that they could rely on us for all their needs, and with the villagers’ housing now sorted, I felt a sense of relief.
“I’m glad to see so many people around, both here and there.”
“It seems Barm has created a special medicine for the Mattango, so this country will finally see true peace.”
When I noticed Barm was missing amidst all the chaos, it turned out he had been diligently working on the special medicine in the inn’s room. He was so focused that he didn’t even realize the outside was in a state of panic. It’s hard to believe he was so absorbed in his work.
“The Mattango’s den hasn’t been completely burned down yet, has it? If that’s the case, could the kingdom manage it for a while? We can extract the necessary essence for the medicine from there.”
“Understood. As long as we know the manufacturing and usage methods, we’ll be fine.”
Barm received a hefty reward from the King for this incident. Gilbert, who protected the townspeople with his own body, Roel, who defended the King in the fields, and I. After the chaos settled, we were all celebrated like heroes.
Even though everything seemed to be heading toward resolution, I still had two worries.
“Rua-chan! Over here!”
“If I get reborn, I want to wear those shorts!”
“I want you to see my Sonic Spear!”
Fans of the Flower Three Sisters were crowding around me. I thought it was strange that a skinny man with long hair could wield a Sonic Spear, but I had a bad feeling about it, so I decided to stay out of it.
It’s better to be liked than hated. That’s true, but I couldn’t understand why a chubby man dressed similarly to me was breathing heavily and approaching. I wanted him to stop. What was that all about?
“I-I was held by Rua-chan… Aren’t you jealous?”
“Shut up, you pig!”
The situation escalated into a fight in the fields over something I couldn’t comprehend, and the soldiers had to intervene, interrupting the work.
I hate to say it, but they were quite bothersome. If they had this much energy, they should be working instead.
“Be quiet already! Rua-chan doesn’t like people who don’t work!”
With that one statement from Roel, the people who had been grappling with each other suddenly snapped back to reality. After blinking a few times, they stood up and lined up neatly in a row.
They stood straight with perfect posture, as if they had transformed into different people.
“I’ll start working from today!”
“I’ve really wanted to work! It’s just that I didn’t think I was suited for it. I didn’t want to live an ordinary life like everyone else. But now, I feel inspired!”
“Well, well… I guess it’s finally time to get serious.”
Seeing the people reach for farming tools like different individuals, Roel nodded in satisfaction. Could it be that she used me as a decoy? No way. Roel would never resort to such underhanded tactics.
“Roel, I never said anything like that.”
“Rua-chan is watching! Hurry up and learn how to work!”
“Yes!”
I had never heard such an enthusiastic response before. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was really okay.
“Thank you both so much. I express my gratitude on behalf of all the citizens. Some of them are even planning to erect statues of you in the square.”
“Please, absolutely do not let that happen!”
“Please, absolutely do not let that happen!”
I didn’t expect our words to overlap. Perhaps overwhelmed, the King gave a vague response and awkwardly wiped his face with a handkerchief.
“We’ve always thought that as long as we farmed, the kingdom would continue to prosper. However, this incident has made it clear just how complacent we’ve been. It seems we’ll have to adapt to the times…”
Seeing the lonely expression on the King’s face, I wondered if he would rather spend his life just working in the fields than being a king. I had no evidence, but the sight of him, covered in dirt like everyone else, seemed to say it all.
“However, Adventurers are truly strong. From a distance, I even felt a sense of awe watching that massive flower being cleaved in two. Ah, I don’t mean that in a bad way…”
Though he tried to cover it up, it seemed he didn’t have a very high opinion of Adventurers. When we first met, he didn’t give us a good impression, even if it was just for a moment. I suspected he had noticed us when we arrived but chose to ignore us on purpose. Maybe I was overthinking it.
◆ Kingdom of Normitz – Inn ◆
“Oh, Rua-san and Roel-san!”
“Ai, have you recovered?”
“Well, it seems she was quite shocked…”
Mai pointed toward the corner of the room, where Ai was sulking. This was another worry of mine. Ai was apparently devastated by having shown me such a side of herself.
The Berserker skill, Berserk, temporarily boosts combat ability but at the cost of losing oneself. The sight was enough to cool a hundred years of love, and as Mai explained, Ai rarely used it unless in dire situations.
Mi was gently staying by her side, but Ai remained withdrawn like a turtle.
“We’ve been invited to form parties by male Adventurers countless times. Well, most of them were just after Ai-nee and me… After witnessing the Berserk, not a single one remained. While it’s good that the bad apples are gone, it can be tough for us sometimes.”
“I didn’t think much of it, though…”
“I-I’m fine since I didn’t see it!”
“Roel-san, that’s not really comforting…”
Roel covered her mouth in surprise and glanced at Ai, who remained completely still.
Saying I didn’t think much of it was a lie; I was indeed shocked when I saw it. If it affected me that way, Ai’s shock must be immense. I had no idea what to say to comfort her. I’ve said countless times that I didn’t mind, but I already knew that had no effect.
The sight of Mi gently stroking her sister’s head was heart-wrenching.
“Mi, thank you. But it’s okay; I’ve lost all hope for living…”
“What are you saying! We just promised each other that we’d keep going!”
“But… I’m done for…”
“Sister! Sister, hang in there!”
It felt like a huge exaggeration, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had done something wrong. I didn’t truly believe she would die, but the atmosphere in the room was overwhelmingly somber.
“Let’s leave them be, Rua-chan… Time will surely heal this.”
It seemed Roel was at a loss as well. Just as I let out a deep sigh of exhaustion, someone knocked on the door.
“This is Ritta, dispatched from the Kingdom of Avangarde. Is there an Adventurer named Rua here…?”
With her straight red hair and a single strand sticking up from her head, Ritta was standing there. I wondered how long it had been since we last met. The light armor she wore indicated that she wasn’t just here for a visit. It was natural to think she had come to assist with the ongoing activities of the Avangarde soldiers in this country for reconstruction support.
“It’s been a while since you came.”
“Yes, I personally requested the dispatch to the Kingdom of Normitz.”
“If my analysis is correct, Ritta should get to the point quickly. No, Ritta, Squad Leader.”
“Um… right.”
“Get it together, Ritta Squad Leader!”
Emerging from behind Ritta were Irene and Shuri. Irene slapped Ritta hard on the back, wincing in pain, while still addressing her as Squad Leader. I wanted to ask what was going on, but it seemed they had something important to discuss, so I decided to hold off.
“Um, actually, I have a request.”
“Ritta Squad Leader, be more assertive!”
“Y-yes! Um! Actually, I have something I want the two of you to do!”
“You don’t have to imitate the King…”
I shared Irene’s exasperation and felt the same way. The conversation was going nowhere. It was clear that Ritta was still getting used to her role as Squad Leader. I was somewhat pleased that Ritta had risen to such a position, but I wondered just how significant a Squad Leader really was.
“I-I have something I absolutely want you two to do.”
I had planned to set out for a journey after taking a breath, but it felt wrong to turn down Ritta’s request. But was this even a request?
“I would like you to participate in the negotiations with the Garden of Beasts.”
“…What?”
“Ritta Squad Leader, you need to summarize and explain from the beginning… No, I’ll explain.”
“Um, Irene. What is the Garden of Beasts?”
“Actually, monsters from the Garden of Beasts have settled in the Port Town of Suluard, which is north of here. So far, there hasn’t been any damage to the town, but they are demanding that we bring a few representatives to discuss matters with them. If no one shows up within a week, they threaten to annihilate the town…”
“What?! Alright, I’ll take them down!”
“Calm down, Lua-chan. You don’t understand. Irene, what exactly is the Garden of Beasts?”
I couldn’t afford to feel embarrassed after being scolded by Roel. According to Irene, the Garden of Beasts is a vast empire in the jungles of the former Ballad Continent, now ruled by the Beast Master Pansard. They refer to themselves as the Garden of Beasts and are said to be the largest faction within the Demon Lord Army, now nearly uncontrollable. This great empire of beasts was encroaching upon the continent where the Kingdom of Avangarde exists. Even if it was a negotiation, the other party consisted of monsters. The plan was to form a subjugation team while also complying with their demands.
“We’re also getting help from A-Rank and B-Rank Adventurers. But I want you, Lua and the others, to participate in the negotiations, not the subjugation team.”
“Why? What should I do?”
“Lua, who has defeated the main forces of the Demon Lord Army, should be a figure to be wary of. With you present, I believe they won’t dare to act carelessly.”
“Is that so…?”
I had my doubts, but I was eager to help. But why would the Demon Lord Army initiate negotiations? Up until now, the Twelve Demon Generals had seemed like the type who wouldn’t entertain discussions. Perhaps there were various types within the Demon Lord Army.
“I’m sorry, but I need you to prepare for departure right away.”
“Right now?”
“It’ll take about three days to reach Suluard Port, but since we’re dealing with monsters, it’s best to leave as soon as possible to avoid any sudden changes in their behavior.”
“Okay, understood. Roel, is that alright with you?”
“Sure, I don’t know if there’s anything we can do, but…”
Though they mentioned negotiations, I felt it was more like they were taking the townspeople hostage. It was exactly the same thing that Glaive from the Comet Wolf Brigade was doing. We had no choice but to go. We had to do this.
“The town is already occupied by the monsters, so please don’t provoke them, Lua.”
Why did she specifically call me out? After I had resolved to do this, it felt like my thoughts had been read. Had Ritta become capable of such things in the time I hadn’t seen her?
◆ Port Town Suluard ◆
Suluard Port Town is said to be the next gateway to the continent after the Kingdom of Avangarde, located along the coast. It’s quite a large port town, usually bustling with Adventurers and merchants, lively enough to rival Avangarde Castle Town. From here, one can even take a ship to the now Beast Garden-turned Ballad Continent. With one of the two gateways—Suluard Port—being compromised, Ritta and the others were in a frenzy. Even if it was compromised, it didn’t mean it was destroyed, and I thought that way until we arrived in this town.
“Lu, Lua-chan. There’s a Vampire Beast over there…”
The Vampire Beasts that had attacked the port town of the Ballad Continent were lounging around, their sharp gazes fixed on various spots in the town. No one was out and about, and the monsters roamed freely, acting as if they owned the place. Other than that, the town hadn’t been particularly ravaged; it was just eerily quiet.
“This is infuriating. Should we take them down?”
“Please, really stop! If the negotiations are ruined because of you, it’ll be your fault, Lua!”
Seeing Ritta genuinely trying to stop me made it clear that this was serious. If those monsters went on a rampage, the casualties would be unimaginable. Reflecting on my reckless thoughts, I felt regret. But it was frustrating. That Soldier Leo, sitting there with a smug grin, seemed to be relishing in our predicament. Grooming himself as if to say he didn’t care about us humans at all.
“As representatives, where should we head, Captain Kirkton?”
“They say we will be discussing matters at that tavern over there.”
The representatives present were the King, Prime Minister Belmund, and the guard, Kirkton. The higher-ups at the castle had strongly opposed the King accompanying us, but he had pushed through to come this far. I wondered if everything was alright back at the castle.
“That place, huh? By the way, this will be my first time stepping into a tavern.”
“Such places are not meant for someone of your stature, Your Majesty. To designate such a location is quite the insult from those beasts.”
The King, surrounded closely by several soldiers and Kirkton, was curiously examining the tavern, from the roof to the door. In front of the door stood a monkey-like, hunched monster keeping watch. Upon noticing us, the monkey monster let out a screech and hopped over.
“Are you the representatives of the humans?”
“Yes, we’ve come to negotiate. This is the Kingdom of Avangarde’s…”
“Get in already! That esteemed one is waiting impatiently!”
Just as Kirkton was about to introduce us, he was cut off, letting out an annoyed huff.
“By the way, there are quite a few representatives, aren’t there?”
“Don’t mention it. When weak humans come before us, it’s only natural to feel intimidated. Just coming here deserves some praise.”
“Ki-ki! That’s right!”
The monkeys laughed together, and ignoring them, the leading soldier placed his hand on the door.
◆ Suluard Port Town Tavern: Seafarer’s Table ◆
“Ha-ha-ha! You’ve come, humans! Look at all these monkey faces lined up! Ha-ha!”
“We’re the monkeys here, boss.”
“That’s right! Ha-ha!”
What struck me first was the chaotic state of the room. Chicken bones were scattered everywhere, and shards of broken bottles littered the floor. A foul odor wafted through the air. The source of this stench was obvious—it was horrendous. The moment we stepped inside, we all instinctively pinched our noses at the overwhelming stench. The monkey sitting on a tavern table, using it as a seat, was clearly the boss. He was munching on chicken while sizing us up, as if judging our worth.
“We’ve come as representatives, as requested.”
“I am Sogok, the captain of the 139th squad of the Garden of Beasts! Believe it or not, I’m a hundred times smarter than you! Show some respect, you lot! Ha-ha!”
The King didn’t even get a chance to speak, let alone Kirkton. The monkey named Sogok seemed to have no intention of negotiating. It felt like he was deliberately trying to provoke us.
“Hmm! You, could it be!”
“M-me?”
“Yes, you! The rumored Lua?”
“How did you know?”
“Ha-ha! Of course I know, monkey! You’re the strongest among us! This is bad, really bad! I can’t even compare to you! I see, I see, so that’s how it is!”
The boss monkey gleefully stuffed more chicken into his mouth. He spat out a bone he had been chewing onto the floor and then grabbed a bottle, downing it in one go.
It was unexpected. There had hardly been anyone among my opponents who could sense such things. Perhaps it was a wild instinct. Just when I thought the monsters would attack the Abyss Cave, some of them fled in fear instead. I believed that those creatures had some primal ability to detect my strength. This Sogokku might possess something similar.
“However, with the rumored Lua here, even I can’t help but feel a bit intimidated. Honestly, those monkey-brained fools are thinking too highly of themselves.”
“The monkey-brains are us, boss.”
“Kya-ha-ha! That’s right!”
“…So, I’d like to start negotiations soon.”
I could feel a distinct irritation radiating from Kirkton. That high-pitched laughter was already unpleasant, and now we were in this cramped room. Looking closely, I noticed the shopkeeper was surrounded by the monkeys, forced to cook for them. Just seeing the uncle’s pale, trembling face as he stirred a pot was enough to ignite my anger.
“I’ll make the first move. The townsfolk’s fate depends on my mood. If you mock me or make me uncomfortable, that’s the end of it. Though, bringing the rumored Lua here has already put me in a bad mood, you know,” he cackled.
“Boss, if you’re going to say that, it should be a nail, not a spear.”
“Oh, right, right! Kya-ha-ha!”
Even I could understand that much. Perhaps I had finally encountered someone dumber than myself.
“Let’s get straight to the point. What are your demands?”
“Can I just say it? You don’t have any right to refuse, you know?”
“Let’s hear it.”
“In the Garden of Beasts, human hunting is quite popular. Lord Pansard loves to have his fun. If someone manages to escape within the time limit, they’re given something essential for survival: clothing, food, shelter. For a human starting completely naked, all of those would be desirable, right? But it seems we’re running low on stock. So, how about you send us about a thousand humans from this continent?”
Before I knew it, my hand was on my sword. There was no negotiation to begin with.
◆ Shin Report ◆
Today’s report
I thought I wouldn’t find Lafoule’s kitsune around, but it turns out she was here, selling oil.
All sorts of unpleasant things have been happening all over town, and for a pure-hearted Shin, it was all too overwhelming.
To think Lafoule would go so far as to strip humans of their bones and let them collapse!
But they say humans can’t compete with greed, and Rua is even less likely to.
That’s what I think.
That kitsune was a nuisance, always flirting with the Demon Lord, and now that she’s gone, I feel relieved.
Still, that Lafoule, who was practically invincible when she was at her peak…
And then there’s Pansard, who seems to be playing too much.
That guy doesn’t have a clear sense of purpose. He eats because he wants to eat, plays because he wants to play, hunts because he wants to hunt.
This incident is just another game for Pansard.
However, as a result of poking at that brat’s nerves, it seems he’s about to charge into the Garden of Beasts with that momentum.
But maybe Pansard is aiming for that?
Munch munch.