Chapter 24 Road to the Kingdom (1)
The sun had set, and I was walking through the dark corridor. My whole body ached due to the gruelling work I had gone through during the day.
The cold air struck my skin and gave goosebumps. It was a stone corridor but a first class carpet was laid on it so my footsteps weren’t loud. Groaning from the muscular pains, my footsteps were in disorder.
Shelves decorated with expensive ornants, pretty flowers, knight armours made of silver, and a small light of magical energy. These things ca into my view in the night’s darkness.
But all that felt a bit scary which made walk a bit faster. My quiet footsteps beca a bit louder.
My destination was the chapel at the end of this corridor. I didn’t really have anything specific to do. It was simply a part of my routine.
In that chapel was the statue of the Goddess. It wasn’t real nor did it have the Goddess’ soul or anything. Made out of silver, it was simply nothing more than a statue.
How long did I walk in that dark corridor? But now finally, a giant door was in front of . I used all my strength to push it open. Because that door was heavier than I expected, by the ti I entered the chapel, I was a bit out of breath.
And finally I was inside. In front of was magnificent stained glass that decorated the windows and the ceiling. The faint light of magical energy shone blue, red, gold, green, purple…..in various colours even though it was night ti. It looked so unnaturally beautiful that the silver statue of the Goddess placed at the innermost part of the chapel looked truly divine.
The statue of Goddess Astrarea.
One of the 3 gods that created this world. Ruler of the light and the one that created humans.
In normal temples, people would think that the bigger the statue the better it was but the one here was of the size of a normal human. Maybe that’s why it was beautiful, it felt divine.
I tried to close door quietly but the wooden door made a dry sound that resounded inside the chapel.
It’s not like it’s not allowed to be here late at night but the empty chapel made feel as if I was doing sothing bad.
Just like that, as if being pulled, I walked towards the goddess’ statue.
Even though I was walking over the carpet my footsteps made sound. Was it simply the air that was cold or was the silver statue giving off the chill I felt? I didn’t know but the ntal chill I felt made want to stop in my tracks.
But I didn’t.
I felt as if I was being pulled as well. Slightly, though.
As I walked towards the silver goddess I stretched out my hand—-but stopped right before touching the statue.
Even though I didn’t touch it, I could feel the heat of my fingertip disappear from the coldness of the statue. As if it was frozen, I beca unable to move my finger.
Even though it should be impossible. Giving a wry smile, I removed my finger away from the statue. The silent night was so cold that I could even hear the buzzing in my ears. I was alone in this place. I suddenly beca afraid realizing that and turned back and walked away from the statue.
But, just before that, I felt I heard soone calling my na. Was it a ghost? I looked around for one. In the first place though, it would be ridiculous for a ghost to appear inside a chapel. Thinking that, I sighed. Suddenly, I felt that my eyes connected with the Goddess’ statue.
What did I think at that ti……..I rember it clearly even now.
—–I want to go ho.
.
.
.
When I woke up, I sighed in relief on seeing the worn out ceiling of my room.
Nostalgic—–I couldn’t even call it that but it wasn’t really a good dream that I had.
It was right about when we were summoned in this world. Sohow realizing the peculiarity of my cheat and understanding that I’d be useless; it was a dream of when I was really dessperate.
Learning the art of combat from the knights, reading books till late night and then prayed to the goddess’ statue after getting tired.
That I want to return ho.
[What happened?]
“Nothing. Just saw a bad dream.”
[…….I see.]
It doesn’t ask anything more. From my atmosphere, it must have realized what kind of dream I had. Really, I have a great partner.
Picking up Ernhilde from below my pillow, I rubbed its rim with my fingers.
“Can I sleep the whole day today?”
[Work. Like a cart-horse.]
“………what a cruel partner you are.”
Laughing, I stood up from the bed. Now then, let’s work hard today as well.
.
.
.
.
When I went to the guild, a scene I wasn’t used to was taking place.
As usual , curious gazes from the adventurers were troubleso.
The request put by Souichi and others to take the demon to the capital won’t start after a week. Thinking that I’ll have to go through this everyday till then, I could only sigh.
From Ernhilde’s point of view, it’s a happy thing that I’m the centre of attention but really, I don’t want this.
But those gazes were slightly less today. You’d think that they have finally beco bored of but today they were more curious about a very peculiar and rare request client it seems.
At the counter was a white girl.
Her long hair were kept in a ponytail, and her whole body was covered by a white mantle.
Her petite stature showed that she was definitely a girl, her height was a little higher than my abdon at most. From behind I couldn’t see her expression but I could tell that her appearance must be good considering the amount of gazes fixed on her.
Adventurers——or rather, n were such creatures after all. Even I’d always prefer a cute girl.
And above all, the biggest reason for all the gazes was on her head. Animal ears like that of dog and a fluffy tail that could be seen from the hem of the mantle. Going by her tail, she is not a dog-type beastwoman but a wolf-type.
Beastn weren’t really rare. You’d run into so every now and then inside the town. I don’t know why this girl is attracting so much attention but, well, I’m not concerned with it. I went and took a mo from one of the herb gathering request lists.
At that ti, I didn’t forget to steal a glance of her looks as well. At that, the girl also looked up at . It was sudden, so even I got slightly surprised.
“Need sothing?”(girl)
“No, I just found it rare to see a pure white beastwoman, that’s all.”
“I see. You are a pretty honest human.”
She’s an indifferent girl. That was my first impression.
Considering she sensed my gaze, she must have sharp senses. It’s not rare in beastn though, so it wasn’t really surprising.
I turned towards the receptionist woman to find her making a troubled expression. Her usual smile also felt slightly cramped.
“Did sothing happen?”(renji)
“Well……..she has co with a request but the details are..”
Is there a problem with the details?
Becoming curious at that, I once again looked to my side.
“What request do you have?”
“To take to the royal capital.”(girl)
Hearing that, I looked towards the receptionist again at which she shook her sideways.
Well it can’t be helped after all I guess. I also agreed ntally.
“It’ll be difficult so suddenly. No matter how much you hurry, it’ll take at least 7 days to get there.”
And that too by making the horse run as if its life depended on it. Even then, it probably won’t be able to run for days without rest so it would atleast take 10 days.
When I told her that, the receptionist also nodded in agreent.
But the white girl in front of made a troubled expression.
“Can it not be done faster?”
“Not possible. It would be if there was a better thod to travel other than horses but……there are none like that.”(renji)
I rembered the dragon used by the [Monster Tar] girl. Unfortunately I don’t even know where she is right now.
If it was that dragon, we could reach capital in 2 days. Maybe even earlier. But its useless to tell that to this girl.
“fumu. I see.”
[She has so special circumstances it seems.]
If there weren’t any, she wouldn’t have co to the guild to put a request after all.
Also, don’t sound so happy when soone is in trouble. And, I hate trouble after all. I really want my partner to understand that.
“Are you in trouble?”(renji)
“Yeah, I am. Very much so.”(girl)
Supporting her well shaped chin with her fingers, she went into deep thinking. She must be planning out what to do next from hereon I guess.
The receptionists gaze focused on . Her expression was pleading to do sothing about this girl.
“Are you hungry?”(renji)
“Hm? True, I have eaten only dried at for the past few days but….”(girl)
“Then about having a al first. When you’re hungry, your brain won’t work well either right?”
“……mu. But you know, I’m really in a hurry.”
Saying that she seed lightly irritated.
It must be an important request seeing she wants to stay at the counter even now. At the sa ti, she also seed to be irritated due to hunger as well.
“I doubt it’d be different if you think after taking a al you know? You won’t get an answer just by staying here.”
“Then, will I get one if I fill my belly?”
“Well, who knows. But, at least your brain would work better than when you’re hungry at least.”
The girl looked down while thinking.
I felt that receptionists gaze was urging to try even harder.
“I see. You have a point.”(girl)
“It’s good that you understand. Then, there’s a diner nearby where—”
“But, I’m broke.”
I was about to introduce her to a nearby cheap yet pretty good place to eat and be done with it but those words instantly stopped .
When I looked towards the receptionist, she was also looking at surprised. It seems she had not yet talked about the reward for the request.
“What were you going to do about the reward for your request?”(renji)
“I’ll pay with my body.”
Do you even understand what you just said?
Inside my view, the receptionist was furiously shaking her head sideways. Well, the guild won’t take part in such services after all.
I sighed while thinking that.
“That won’t work obviously.”(renji)
“Why? I may not look the part but I excel at hunting. I have confidence to not lose to any monster.”
Oh, you ant ‘body’ in that sense!
Once again, this ti along with the receptionist, I sighed.
[kukuku, what an interesting beastwoman.]
“Oi, you mimidoshima!” (T/N: mimidoshima is a word used for a woman who has lots of superficial knowledge about sex. I couldn’t think of a an english word suitable for that. Got any ideas? Leave it in the comnts.)
[I don’t know what that ans but I feel like you just made a fool of Renji.]
And the receptionist who couldn’t hear Ernhilde blushed maybe because she thought I said that to her.
Shouldn’t you be angry or refute that normally? To blush like that ans she must be not very experienced. How innocent.
“For the ti being lets have a al. I’m tired.”
“But, I don’t have money.”
“I’ll treat you one al at least. I’m tired, want to take a break.”
[What about work?]
Later.
In this situation, I can’t really abandon this white girl.
“Is it fine?”(girl)
“Yeah. We can think of a solution together while having a al. We might be able to co up with a good idea.”
“umu. You’re a good man it seems.”
On being told that, I didn’t feel any bad vibes from her.
It will hurt slightly in the money departnt but, well, helping people like this may be fine once in a while. Though I wonder whether it can actually be called as helping her.
“It’s my hobby to do one good deed every day.”(renji)
“That’s a very good thing.”(girl)
[This is the first I’m hearing of this.]
Because it’s the first ti I said that. If there really was a person who did a good deed everyday, that person would be called a saint.
“What’s wrong?”
While I was talking about that, a voice ca from behind.
Turning back, I saw a girl with a sowhat dazed expression and a a handso elf standing there. It’s Miss Francesca and Faylona(elf). I hadn’t noticed them since I was focused on my conversation.
Maybe because they have good compatibility, they seem to party together a lot. As a party of an handso guy and a beauty, they do gather attention as well.
“She seems to be in trouble.”(renji)
I pointed to the white girl with my gaze.
“Yeah, I’m very troubled right now.”(girl)
“……is that sothing to say as if bragging?”
Faylona said that with a sowhat amazed voice.
“I’m not bragging.”
[To , she simply seems brazen.]
Well, it sure is not sothing one says while puffing their chests after all. I agreed with Ernhilde.
“Anyway, I’m hungry.”(girl)
“I get it I get it. After talking about food, now you’re focused on that?”(renji)
“I’ve been eating nothing more than dried at and grass for a long ti now.”
“Isn’t that amazing. Sounds great for the body.”
When I said that, she puffed her chest proudly for so reason. I’m not complinting you.
“Why don’t you two also join us? It’s a bit early for lunch though.”
“Well sure. Since you have invited us, I want to co along.”(fran)
Saying that, Miss Francesca looked at Faylona.
“We haven’t even taken a request yet. Do as you wish.”(elf)
“No, I am asking you to co as well.”(renji)
“…..I see.”
Sohow, this guy is stupid in the weirdest of places.
When I looked at him with an amazed gaze, he showed a disappointed expression.
“Well, fine. Then, let’s go to the nearby restaurant.”(renji)
“umu. I leave it to you.”(white girl)
[Is that the attitude of soone being treated to a al?]
I agreed with Ernhilde’s words.
Well, her personality isn’t really that troubleso. After we find a solution to her request, we’ll part ways anyway.
I hate trouble after all.
Saying that inside my head one more ti, we left the guild. Our destination was 2 blocks away from the guild.
Since its main custors are adventurers, its nu mostly has energy filled dishes and lots of alcohol.
And there are many who drink even though its midday. Maybe because Miss Francesca wasn’t used to such places, she seed to be looking around curiously which looked amusing.
[Don’t start drinking, alright?]
I don’t have a hobby of drinking during the day. While listening to Ernhilde, I sat down randomly.
Around the circular table, the white girl sat to my left, Miss Francesca to my right, and Faylona to my front.
Handing the nu to the white girl, I sighed. How did it end up like this. It might be too late for this, but I gave a sigh due to the unexpected expenses.
Just when my wallet had finally gotten a bit thicker. It made realize that I was really too lax with my money.
“I’ll pay for my part.”(elf)
“Obviously. I have no intention of paying for n.”(renji)
“How harsh.”
“Like I care.”
[You’re just too soft with won………]
Could you stop talking like I’m so kind of guy who is loose with won?
I still decide whether to treat or not depending on the person.
“Now then,”
I looked towards the white girl who was focused at the nu. Realizing my gaze, she looked towards .
“What happened? I haven’t decided what to order yet.”(girl)
“At least tell us your na. I am Renji.”
“From there…….? I am Francesca Barton.”
“Faylona.”
“mu. To not have told my na to the one treating , I have been rude. My na is Mururu.”
“I see.”
[…..It seems like you’re being treated as just a purse Renji.]
Yeah, I’m definitely being treated as just a purse here.
What’s up with this girl really. I could not decide how to interact with this type of a girl.
Would it be okay to get a little angry or should I just let it go? Miss Francesca was also giving a troubled look and Faylona had a sour face as usual.
“Alright, I’ve decided.”(Mururu)
“She really works at her own pace……”
Sighing, I told her order to the waiter. But still, its all at dishes, that too, 2 of them. Can she even eat them both? Frankly, her body is small. When compared with Miss Francesca, her smallness is further emphasized.
“I’m the one paying, don’t you leave any leftovers, alright?”(renji)
“There’s no problem. I can actually eat double that amount.”
A glutton with that small body?!
“Who orders 2 dishes when being treated by another in the first place?”
“I’m really sorry for that. Really, I am but……frankly, when I thought of a dish other than dried at, I couldn’t help myself. Really sorry, Renji.”
“……..Dried at isn’t a ‘dish’ in the first place..”
[Seriously.]
I also nodded.
“Well, don’t mind it. I did say that it was my treat. I won’t break my promise.”
“You really are a good guy.”(mururu)
“Oh please. I just find everything troubleso.”
[Are you embarrassed?]
I’m not. Hitting Ernhilde who said a weird thing, I made it shut up.
“Now then, Miss Mururu—-”
“‘Miss” is unnecessary. I may not look like it but I’m a full fledged adult.”
She puffed her chest proudly at that but her body is covered with a mantle so I can’t tell how grown up she actually is.
“Alright, then Mururu, what is your request? While being broke, that is.”(renji)
“Well, there are so deep circumstances behind it.”
“Circumstances?”
“umu. A few days ago, I saved a few adventurers on the highway but later that night, my purse got stolen.”
There’s nothing deep about that, in fact, that’s way too simple to understand.
She got betrayed after helping them. Unable to say anything, we three could only remain silent.
“Well, I wasn’t really mindful about my own money after all.”
“It’s amazing how you were able to travel like that.”
It couldn’t be helped that I sounded almost sarcastic/amazed there.
Money is essential when travelling after all. It’s really weird to hear that you weren’t really mindful of that.
Well, I’m in no position to say that though.
“How cruel….”(fran)
“No, it was my ineptitude that I was unable to see through their true nature. Even though my parents always told to be always suspicious of others.”
“You, still ca along with Renji so easily even now.”(elf)
“…….You’re talking as if I’m so kind of villain, you know.”
“Why don’t you put your hand on your chest and think again?”(elf)
[Well, you hid the fact that you’re a Hero after all.]
Oh that. I’ll say this as many tis as you want but I’m not worthy to be called a hero.
I don’t have the honour that Souichi or Aya have. Thinking that, I breathed a sigh. Well, that guy’s not really serious either, he’s grinning after all. Must be enjoying teasing . What a bad personality.
“Mu…….”
But, when he said that, Mururu’s gaze turned towards . Her gaze contained a hint of surprise as well.
“Will Renji also deceive ?”
“If I was planning to, I wouldn’t treat you to a al, neither would I invite these two.”
If I wanted to trick her, I would lie and then lead her to so back alley. Of course, I have no such hobbies though.
“But well, it would be for better if Mururu was a bit more cautious of people.”
“I see. If Renji says that, I will think about it.”
“Why did my na co up there?”
“Because you treated to a al. I have been taught to always take the words of my benefactor sincerely and seriously.”
“Well, you’ve been taught well it seems.”
“Umu.”
Oh, we digressed from the topic. I did an *ahem*.
“So, why do you want to go to the Royal Capital so quickly?”
“I have sothing to deliver to the witch at the Capital.”
“Witch—-The Sage, eh?”
At that, Miss Francesca and Faylona’s gaze landed on . Mururu made a confused face at that but I simply shrugged my shoulders and turned their gazes aside.
[You won’t co out honest there, which is why you were talked to like that by the Elf.]
“It hurts my ears.”
But still, sothing for Utano-san eh?
Honestly, I can only have a bad premonition about this. I recalled the black Ogre and Orc I fought.
Why I wonder? It’s just that the mont I heard Utano-san’s na, I could only think of that. I can trust my intuition at such tis.
“What is this thing you want to give?”(fran)
“That, I cannot tell. The Spirit God has told to not show it to anyone except the Witch. I apologise.”
I see, that makes sense. Also, for the Spirit God to have given it, it must be sothing very important.
Once again, their gazes turned to but I looked at the ceiling wondering what to do.
[A request from the Spirit God, eh?]
“It’s not a request.”
In the first place, I haven’t decided whether I’d accept this or not.
“That’s why, Renji, is there really any way to get to the capital as soon as possible?”
“I said this before as well but it’d be impossible so suddenly. No matter how fast you go, it’ll take atleast 10 days.”
“I see.”
Even if you get disappointed like that, even I can’t help it.
While we were talking, finally the dishes we ordered arrived.
“For the ti being, let’s fill up our stomachs. Your head won’t work properly empty stomach after all.”
“umu, that’s true.”
But still, an item from the Spirit God.
On hearing the word, Spirit God, I recalled the [Elfreim] continent.
This Imnesia continent where humans live is pretty green but Elfreim is even greener. Compared to how humans live by clearing away nature, the beastn and demi-humans live together with the nature.
That’s why it’s the country of the Demi-humans and Beastn but the rich and impressive beauty of the continent is so great that you cannot forget it once you have seen it.
And the Spirit God is the one worshipped by its people. Such an existence was sending an item to a God SLayer. It’s suspicious, or rather, it’ll definitely lead to so trouble.
“……waa.”
While looking at the white girl stuffing her cheeks full of food energetically, I thought about what to do.
There’s also the request with Souichi and others to take that demon to the capital as well but that’s 10 days later. It’s not much, but this girl probably won’t accept it.
Also, riding just horses instead on a carriage should lessen the trip by few days. The problem is that this girl is broke.
I can’t exactly say ‘alright, farewell.’ And just go away now either. Well, I can, but after that I won’t be able to sleep properly.
“Um, Mururu-san? You should eat a bit more calmly or its dangerous you know?”(fran)
“There is no problem.”
“I’m the one treating so how about at least tasting the dishes properly before swallowing.”(renji)
“Got it.”
Seeing the difference in treatnt between and Miss Francesca, we both started laughing. Because she has a small body, she actually feels like so small animal.
“If it’s the words of the Spirit God, then I shall help as well.”
And, Faylona who had been quiet till now also spoke up.
“Really? I’m in your debt Elf.”(mururu)
“It’s Faylona, beastwoman.”
Are they getting along with each other or not?
And, sohow the talk had advanced. Well, for an Elf, a request from the Spirit God would be very important I guess.
While seeing these 2’s exchange, Miss Francesca was giggling while hiding her mouth with her hand.
[But still, do you think they’d leave a request from the Spirit God to just one beastwoman?]
Well, who knows. Did the oracle/divine ssage include that as well or is there so other hidden reason? Maybe there’s soone moving from the shadows as well. It could be that my eting with this girl was not just so lucky coincidence as well.
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