Episode 10
Night. I’m in my room. Apparently, it wasn’t a one-time thing, but a looping specification.
“…………”
I unconsciously rub my stomach, but it’s properly attached. My upper and lower body haven’t tearfully parted ways.
“…Huh? Isn’t that too strong? Huh?”
I was thinking of hunting some small fry to raise my level a bit, and then figuring out what to do, but the first thing I discovered was a crayfish-like monster.
When I got closer, I was surprised by how big it was, but in RPGs, when small creatures get bigger, they’re usually just small fry.
I approached while deceiving myself like that, but still a little scared, so I tried attacking from a distance with ‘Slashing Airwave,’ but it didn’t even leave a scratch.
I lamented whether I had suddenly encountered a monster specialized in defense, but at that moment, I was grabbed by the crayfish’s claws and bisected before I could even resist, resulting in my death.
“No, no, no, that’s impossible…”
If something like that was wandering near the starting town, the protagonist would never be able to set off. It’s a broken RPG.
Wasn’t it the ancient custom to arrange things so that you gradually get stronger from the lowest-level small fry?
“…………Ah.”
That’s right, I’m not the protagonist. The starting town for me isn’t necessarily the starting town for the protagonist.
This Waslein Territory is either in the middle or the end, anyway, it’s an area you visit later on. If a level 1 small fry goes to such a place, they’ll naturally be one-shot killed.
…………What should I do about this?
The next morning, I was taken to the dining hall by Emi, who had come in place of Shino, who was feeling unwell as before.
“Yes, Father. I am a lone man who wants to test his martial prowess. I have decided to live by the sword and die by the sword. I am prepared not to set foot in my homeland too much until I raise the Tenkaichi banner.”
“You have such resolve… Then I shall say nothing more. Do as you please. …Too much?”
As before, I passionately spoke to Father and Stepmother about living by the way of the sword and got their permission, but the problem starts from here.
“So, Father, I have something to discuss with you for the time being…”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Do you know of any places where monsters that even children can defeat live?”
“…………”
“…………Um.”
“If children around here are going to defeat monsters, it would be the Faugh Cave on Faugh Hill.”
“Faugh Hill, you say, the journey there is…”
“Ah, the Knights escort the children there every year.”
“I see, such an event. Then, would it be possible for me to join them…”
“That’s for children under the age of ten, is that alright for someone who proclaims to be Tenkaichi?”
“Even so, for some reason, I have never defeated a monster that even children under the age of ten hunt.”
“Hmm…”
Yes, the consequences of Father’s machinations must be paid by Father.
“But I suppose, you can’t just walk out of Waslein like that.”
“Yes, I would never do such a foolish thing.”
“Then why not go to the Royal Capital? Around there, you should be able to find weak monsters everywhere without having to hole up in a cave.”
“Hmm, the Royal Capital, you say?”
I see. The Royal Capital is probably the starting town for the protagonist. It seems like there would be plenty of places to play, so it’s not a bad choice.
“Then Father, please arrange for a carriage with an escort.”
“…………”
“Unfortunately, I have no idea how to get there. I’m counting on you.”
And so, I left everything to Father, and the next day arrived. A fairly splendid two-horse carriage was parked in front of the mansion.
To be able to prepare it so quickly after yesterday shows quite the efficiency. It’s definitely not because he wants to get rid of a troublesome person quickly, right? It must be the work of parental love.
“I see, so this will be my beloved car from today on.”
“I won’t. I plan to leave you in the Royal Capital and return.”
“Is that so… Then, are we just waiting for the escort?”
Around the carriage, there’s only Father, me, and the attendant Maid, Shino. To think that the send-off for the boy who was the heir until yesterday is only two people, should I lament the heartlessness of the servants or the lack of Geld’s popularity…?
“Isn’t Shino here as the escort?”
“…Huh? No, no, I know she’s stronger than me, but… huh?”
Is this the pattern where she’s actually a super strong Maid? Is that what this is?
“Shino should be able to keep up with the monsters around here. She should be able to work well enough as an escort.”
What… So she can even beat that monstrously strong giant crayfish?
My image of Shino was that she was cute, kind, a little clumsy at times, and a bit of a crybaby who was actually a bit of a spoiled brat, but the addition of the element of being incredibly strong has made her completely incomprehensible.
Besides, she’s sitting on the driver’s seat. To think she can even do that, she’s a super all-purpose Maid.
Regarding Shino, it was obvious at a glance that she was wary of me. It’s painful.
I thought that the bad feelings had become apparent due to the attempted rape incident, but apparently Geld was clearly disliked throughout the mansion from the start.
She seems to be on her guard so as not to show me any openings, and so as not to unnecessarily upset me.
I had been watching Shino, who had become completely relaxed next to me until recently, so I can clearly see this difference.
To go to the Royal Capital with Shino in this state… this is tough…
Three days have passed since we departed for the Royal Capital. My stress level has reached the limit.
If it was just Shino and me, I would be rambling on and on about incomprehensible things, and Shino would be gently looking at me and chuckling while responding, and sometimes even joining in… it should be such a peaceful space.
But now it’s silent. Just silent. Shino is just looking straight ahead and holding the reins. Even if I talk to her occasionally, she only gives me businesslike replies, and the atmosphere is not conducive to friendly conversation at all.
We sometimes meet during breaks or when staying at inns, but Shino remains expressionless the whole time. Just expressionless.
The carriage is moving at a high pace as if to say that she wants to deliver this baggage and return as soon as possible, and what was supposed to be a leisurely seven-day journey is progressing at such a pace that it feels like we’ll arrive tomorrow or the day after. As a result, the vibrations of the carriage have become intense, and the impact is being transmitted to my back and waist. I can’t take it anymore.
I lie on my back in the empty carriage, emitting something like a groan or a song from my mouth.
“Ah~, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah.”
I pat my belly like a drum with both hands, becoming a fool with my whole body and releasing foolishness from my mouth.
This is my stress relief method that I acquired after becoming a working adult. The trick is to make as loud a noise as possible.
“Aaaaaah, ah-aaah… ah.”
I made eye contact with Shino, who was looking back from the driver’s seat with wide eyes.
Oops. If it were the old Shino, she would have been used to my eccentric behavior, but to this Shino, it probably looks like the disliked young master suddenly broke down.
I know she’s like a different person, but I need to reflect on the fact that I can’t help but think of her in the same way. I have to be careful.
“Um…”
“Don’t worry about it. Men have times like this.”
“I-Is that so.”
I forcefully shut out Shino’s pursuit and end the conversation.
It’s good that the silent, heavy atmosphere is gone, but instead, the atmosphere has become subtly awkward.