109 - - smoldering smoke

"So you realized you were on the wrong route and turned around."

Yes, something like that.

So, what's the deal with all the stuff?

Yes, the young lady was in a bad mood and had to go back first.

In fact, it was because he did not want to be seen after four days of not bathing, but the witty butler played it safe.

And as for the part where he defeated the wind beast, the part where he used his magic technique was withheld.

After hearing from Godan and others about the fierce battle on the southbound route, Thor scratched the bottom of his chin and pondered.

"I don't think we will be able to get through if it is a system that attacks from the sky. Thank you, that was helpful.

Thor, who only has the means to fight at close range, and Yuril, who boasts the greatest power of a magic technique that can only be activated by touching the ground where it is set up, are too much of a match for these monsters.

Sola may be able to deal with them by using or , but if he has to deal with them alone, he has to worry about the number of times he can use them.

"I guess we have to go around north. Yes, that's right. You can use this if you like."

Looking at Godan's tattered armor, Thor offers him a few scraps of paper.

They were the white hard copper tags that he had collected in abundance the other day.

"This is ......, may I have it?"

"Thank you for the valuable information. For the sake of the young lady who can't honestly worry, get a new one made as soon as possible."

"...... thank you, Master Thor."

Thor instantly recognized Bettina's concern, and Godin gave a small bow.

The journey had taken one day to complete, but the return trip had taken more than two days.

It was partly because it had taken half a day to dismantle the monster, but also because Godan and the twins had been slowed down by the damage to their equipment and their injuries.

In fact, the steward was well aware that the master's insistence that they were on the wrong road was only a pretext for turning back.

"...... Then take this instead."

"...... I'm sure the little one will appreciate it."

"Oh, are you sure it's the beast's meat?"

Sola, who had stayed behind to clean up the meal, looks at the package offered by the twins with a twinkle in her eye.

It seems that she has been secretly listening to the story of the Wind Beast.

"...... No, that beast was stinky and stringy and not edible."

"...... this is more fun stuff."

"May I open it?"

"...... Mm."

"Oh, Lady Sola, you shouldn't be here."

Godan's momentary delay in stopping him causes Sola to easily untie the knot.

What rolled out of the dirty cloth was a skeleton ...... with a bird's beak on it.

"Wow, it's so weird and cute!"

The girl gazes at the head of the black eagle with eyes that are a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

But to a normal human, it did not seem so.

"Sorry to keep you waiting--hee-hee!

The young waitress, who had just brought refills of sake, drew in a sharp intake of breath.

After staring at the grimy skull on the table, she lets out a scream that rips through the silk.

Immediately, the bouncers, all former adventurers, rush to the scene.

They looked alternately at the anemic girl and the monster's head, then burst into loud laughter.

"Why did you bring that back!"

"It's a ...... souvenir."

"Idiot. No, I'm an idiot!"

"Ha ha, you're an undeniable idiot."

The commotion soon died down, but I had to be warned by the clerk not to bring in anything strange again.

Just in time, the party was over.

As Thor was getting ready to leave, Godan, who had suddenly turned serious, quietly approached him and asked him a question.

"By the way, Thor-sama, I understand that you and your guide, Mr. Garudo, have known each other for a long time.

"How well do you know him? Well, we haven't seen each other in a few years."　

"...... I see."

What's wrong with him?

Yes, I'm a little concerned about something in your guide. I was wondering if you would be so kind as to advise me.

"Well, let me ask you something."

In Garudo's guidance this time, there were some behaviors that seemed to probe the abilities of Godan and the others more than necessary, according to him.

Thor recalls that Saralisa had also been acting suspiciously.

"Did you know that?　I understand that Mr. Garudo's previous party has already been disbanded and that he is now alone with his sister-in-law, Saralisa."

"I see ......, so maybe they're looking at parties they can sneak into."

I can't speak for others, but at his age, it must be tough to find new members.

But Thor's answer left Godan shaking his head, his face clouded.

"But, I heard that you have refused our invitation many times.

Then I don't know why. As far as I know, he wasn't the kind of man who would test people."

"I hope my fears are unfounded."

As he answered, the butler lowered his voice and revealed an unexpected fact.

"As a matter of fact, Mr. Garudo's missing wife was covered by a large death insurance policy.