Ilias saw me off to the carriage, but it seemed that she was not ready to leave.
I was told that she would be back by nightfall, so I headed for Mr. Ban's trading post.
While praising Wolfe for his hard work, I changed into my original clothes while talking with Mr. Ban.
I didn't tell him that I was from another world, but how should I tell him that I was hired by Marito?
To be honest, I don't want to say that I was hired as a court clown. It would ruin my cool image.
So, I'll just say that the king liked me and asked me to come and talk to him for a while.
Mr. Ban was very pleased.
After all, he got a chance to directly ask the king for help.
The plan to search the Tarzan lands will no longer be a pipe dream.
After that, I bought a few goods and returned home with Wolfe.
First, I prepare a simple meal for Wolfe.
After that, I'll study languages with Wolfe to pass the time.
In the meantime, Ilias came home.
"Good work. But we're not done yet.
"This is .......
On his desk was a bottle of sake and some snacks prepared by Mr. Ban.
Yes, a victory party for the three of us.
If we'd planned it a little better, we might have been able to have a bigger party, including Sila and Kara, but this was enough for now.
Dog Bone is still open for business, but there are other customers. I'd like to close the party with only those who can genuinely celebrate her.
"Good night, Irias, and congratulations!
"Thank you ...... until Wolfe.
"Thank you for coming to Wolfe." And then, a little noisily but ladylike, we thanked her for her efforts.
It was late in the evening. Wolfe is asleep, propped up on his desk.
Her sleep is probably still young. He covers himself with a blanket and drinks again with Ilias.
Marito told me to come to the castle in the future, didn't he?
Don't call him "Your Majesty.
No, he told me to call you that. No, he told me to call you that. I'd be more careful if I were in the presence of strangers.
Oh, I see. ......
Ilias looks a little complicated.
I can't help but understand how you feel.
It's a complicated position to be in when you're friends with the king who you serve, even though he appreciates you.
But he's a good king. He was very appreciative of the Iliad and was concerned about your problems.
"Your Majesty is ......, is that right?
"He's recognized by the best in the land. Now it's up to the Iliad to grow up.
Yeah, I suppose so.
This is the first time I've seen Ilias embarrassed. It's refreshing.
But we're going to see Maja tomorrow. Does Maja usually have a lot of free time on her hands?
"Not exactly. She sometimes organizes events when the occasion calls for it. I don't get to see her that often.
What do you mean by events, like festivals?
Some of them are lively and open to the public, others are large festivals held only within the Yugoslavia.
What's the closest you've got?
The former. The harvest festival season is near.
I think we'd better find another tutor for Wolfe. ...... Are there any schools in this country?
Yes, there are. It's a place where small children who can't work yet go to learn how to read, write and study history.
And Wolfe - well, Wolfe's age bothers me.
He'll be conspicuous.
Look at Wolfe's sleeping face.
I want to create an environment where Wolfe will not be singled out.
Right now, I'm trying to help her learn a lot of things, but in the end, I want her to feel at home in this country.
Children are pure. They say what they think without thinking about it.
Even if they are unlikely to cause trouble, they will be a mental burden to Wolfe.
He should learn quickly here and become a literal master.
"Indeed. You've been taking care of Maja for a while now, haven't you?
I'm embarrassed.
I'm embarrassed to call her a master, but all I've taught her is housework and such.
That said, it's hard to teach someone how to get along without a minimum level of knowledge.
Until then, let's proceed with the preparations.
Marito may be able to arrange such an occasion for us. The training grounds are close by, so we can train for combat at the same time.
"If it takes shape, you can join us for training. Now that you're included, right?
I'll take a swing at it when I feel like it.
The initial specs are completely defeated by the Wolfe.
With a talent gap like this, there's no way he can catch up.
It's okay. Even in a fantasy world of swords and sorcery, there are merchants and people like that!
And as for where to live, Marito has offered to arrange it for us.
......
If you're going to be commuting to the castle, Marito suggested that it would be better to set up a residence closer to the castle than the Iliad house.
From the area where the nobles lived, Ban's trading post would be close by.
It would be much more convenient.
But I told him no. Let me stay here for a while longer.
Why did you say no?
One, for Wolfe. Wolfe is very fond of Ilias.
Wolfe sneaks into Ilias' bed at night.
She doesn't want to be reminded of the times she was alone.
If you change your residence, Wolfe will follow you here. Probably.
If that happens, it's bad for our mental health.
If she was ten or so, she'd be able to control herself.
Right. It must be hard to take care of Wolfe all by yourself.
"The other thing is personal. I mean, come on, ......, we've already talked about your unfamiliarity with the world.
Oh, yeah.
I'm still a little nervous about living in this country, ...... that's all.
I've been in this country for about a week now, and I'm still a little nervous.
I've been in this country for about a week now, and I've made a few acquaintances.
Still, there are only a few people I can rely on.
If Wolfe were here, I might be able to drown my loneliness. However, the thought of living in a different world, taking care of a single girl, only makes me more anxious.
I am an inexperienced person who can't help but be dependent on a younger person, although I act mature.
I should be able to live on my own in this world as I did in Japan.
However, I was sent to another world and my life was in danger.
I almost lost my mind because I couldn't speak the language at all.
I faked it as a new experience, but it was only a matter of time before that didn't work anymore.
Would he be able to keep it up until he adjusted to this world, or...
In this situation, Ilias was a big help.
He gave me words. He gave me a chance. He gave me a place to belong.
She gave me a foundation to face the world.
Because of her, ...... I've been able to do a lot of things like, oh, yes.
I turned her down because I was thinking sentimental things like I was sad to leave her!
It was normal for me to be alone when I came home. But when I came home that day and saw Ilias waiting for me at the door, I thought, 'Oh, that's not so bad!
I sigh.
I look at Ilias. His face is still puzzled.
I'm going to bed.
I get up and try to take Wolfe in my arms.
...... Heavy. No, she may be on the light side for her age, but carrying a sleeping woman in her late teens is hard work.
The Iliad was also quite heavy.
She's a full-grown adult physically.
"Wait a minute, I'm not carrying her, I mean, yes, I am carrying her, but I don't understand what you meant when you said...
Take it like you want. You're right. Take care of Wolfe.
And with that, he ran back to his room.
If he had been a little more excited, he would have been able to thank her and express his feelings. .......
I guess we're not ready yet either. ......
I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.
.
Putting Wolfe to bed in his bedroom.
Ilias smiled at her sleeping face.
I wonder if he will come back in the middle of the night, that would be good too.
I remember his words.
Take it as you will. And you're right. ......?
He's saying he wants to rely on me. And he's demonstrated that by his actions.
And he's admitted it.
No, wait.
He may have anticipated the extent to which I would think well of him.
So I guess you can still take it as a higher meaning. ......!
I don't know what's so exciting about .......
He was under our protection, but he was also under our care.
He was under our protection, but we also took care of him, and we consider our relationship to be equal.
I was flattered, but also embarrassed, to hear him say that.
Not bad.
Since I met him, I have had many opportunities to experience new things that I think are not bad.
At first, I was worried about his danger.
At first, I was worried about his danger. I thought that he might become an evil who would harm this country, and I put him under my protection as a watchdog.
But his actions were for his own good and the good of those around him.
His methods are not something to be admired, but he is doing the best he can.
Now, I find myself wanting to be relied on by him.
I want to protect him.
...... What a protective man he is!
I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. I'm going to have to train him.
Ilias made an unwanted decision and went back to his room.
Iliad.
Yesterday, I came to Maja's church to study with Wolfe.
Maja can see through lies.
Since she has a secret agreement with Marito, she should avoid making any unnecessary inquiries.
Let's just keep it simple.
By the way, I heard from Ilias that you're getting ready for the harvest festival.
"Yes, I am. I'll be busy, but I'll make sure that Wolfe has time for his teacher.
That would be great. If there's anything I can do to help at the harvest festival, please let me know.
I'm glad. But there are a lot of people in Yugoslavia, so manpower is not a problem. It's a lot of work to be in charge.
I'll be asking not only you but also people like Ilias and Grandpa Kara to help train her, so please take it easy.
It's a pity that I can't color her my way.
"I'm going to reduce it, rather than go all out.
Well, I guess that's enough.
From now on, I'll mainly learn the history of the world, especially the philosophy of the Yugra religion from Maya.
Will they turn against us, or will they become a reliable backbone?
Also, we need to find out if it is possible for us to choose our own path.
The same can be said for Marito. .......
Oh, yes. I'd like to borrow Maja's possession technique for negotiations with the Kuro Wolves.
"Van told me about it. Sure, no problem.
That's good. Just don't make any mistakes, or you'll create a deadly rift between us.
You've done two human trials, you'll be fine.
It was a noble sacrifice.
Afterwards, we headed to Dog Bone for lunch.
When I entered the restaurant, Sila greeted me.
Welcome, sir, and welcome, Wolfe!
Saira, food!
Welcome, you've never been here for lunch before.
That's right.
Look around.
Even though it's a little past lunch time, there are still a lot of customers.
It's past its peak, so take your time!
"Yeah, I'll do that.
After ordering, I looked into the kitchen.
Karaji's wife and Godz are busy cooking.
Godz's movements have become much smoother than when I first saw him.
I wonder how much he's changed in a few days, and how much he's been trained. .......
Oh, that's my brother.
You've gone from a tavern owner to a chef.
Thanks to you. I'm making a lot of money and getting tired.
I'm sure you'll get used to it.
It's more of a mental workout, though. ......
I guess.
I don't want to interrupt you too much, so I'm going to give you the recipe for the dish I came up with.
I've actually made some of them, but they could use a twist or two. Show them to the ladies so they can take a look.
"Oh, thanks, man. I can't sneak you in for free with this crowd, but I'll make you a big one.
I'm a small eater. ......
Godz, move your hand before you move your mouth!
Ha! I'm sorry, sir!
You're really becoming a great soldier. .......
Well, I'll share it with Wolfe.
We ate the lunch menu that was recommended to us.
It's not the kind of food you see in Japan, but it's good. The food in this world is genuinely made to a higher standard.
So much change from that horrible food. God's is definitely the one that has shown the most growth in the past week.
The runner-up is ...... well, Wolfe.
"You got a mouth on you.
He takes the dregs from Wolfe's mouth. It's nice to see her eat so well, but she'll have to learn how to be a lady.
"Mmm.
In comparison, I haven't grown much.
If there are any changes that you can notice after coming to another world, it's that you've become more emotionally bonded and more willing to rely on others.
Should I see it as weakening or becoming more flexible? .......
Come to think of it, my muscle pains have almost disappeared.
I guess it means that my body has finally begun to adapt to life in this world.
Thanks to the Iliad, my mental adaptation has also progressed. I have to repay him as soon as possible.
If I don't get the upper hand, I won't be able to thank a girl of my age.
...... I've been in this world for over a week now.
I suddenly remember my original world.
There must be nostalgia. It's a better world than this one in terms of convenience.
It's the same with this meal that I'm enjoying now. I'm sure you can find convenience stores and retort foods in this world.
The home of a civilization that no longer needs many of the hardships of this world.
Everything reminds me of my life in Japan, which is different from this world, and I wonder how I feel now.
Is there a desire to return?
I have plenty of regrets.
I want to know what happened to the books and programs I watched.
I want to see what happened to the books and programs I watched. I want to taste the elegant life and the sumptuous meals I have not yet seen.
I'm sure that even if I spent the rest of my life, I wouldn't be able to visit all of them.
But this world has its charms, too.
Most of the people live upright lives.
Like the bandits I found myself executing.
After interrogating them and extracting information from them, they were promised survival until Dokora was defeated, but the day after Dokora's death, they were told by Grandfather Kara in the carriage yesterday that they had been executed.
One of them had left a message for me. It was from the first man I interrogated.
"Life has been shit. But I can die a human being. And for that I thank you.
He said. You're a warrior.
People in this world live their lives straightforwardly.
This is because they are not involved in all kinds of information and events.
A pure heart with little mixture is comfortable to face.
I don't feel disgusted when I see myself behaving in a safe manner.
In that light, there may be no need to force myself to return.
It's a little early, but it's like spending the rest of your life in the country, not a little.
But there is no need to cut off the path you can choose.
I'll do my best to find a way to return to the original world.
At least don't get so hung up on it that you lose sight of the way of life in this world.
That's how I lived in my original world. I'm sure I can do it.
I want to live a safe life in this other world, I think.
I want to be safe in this world.
It sits deep, deep down in the darkness where no sunlight can reach.
The only fact illuminated by the faint light of the magic stone embedded as an ornament in the room is that the being is one that abandoned its human form long ago.
The person who confronts him also covers his entire face with a cloth.
Even the slightest glimpse of his face is obscured by a mask of grief that disguises his emotions.
So, did you recover the records?
No, I've been informed that they've searched Garne, Taze, and all of the bases he's used. ......
Isn't it possible that he disposed of them in Mejlis?
We've confirmed that he used necromancy in Taze, where he died. We've found similar items in the last stronghold he had in Garnets, but only a few of them. It is likely that the book was acquired by reading its contents in Garne.
Then where does he think the book is?
He probably brought the book to Tarzan territory. However, no one from our side has been able to find it in our investigation of potential bases that were used or not used after it was overthrown by the Tarzan Knights.
In other words, someone in the Tarz nation has acquired it.
"Taiz is surrounded by mountains and forests, and the only road to other countries is the road to Garne. We're constantly monitoring the border between the two countries to see if the book has been taken, but there's no sign of it.
And the book hasn't moved from Tarz. What are you going to do with it?
I'm sending someone over here to handle the intelligence. I'm not sure how long it'll take, but I'm sure we'll find out.
You'd better hurry. You're the ones who'll be in trouble if it comes to light.
I understand.
We'll sit tight if you're the ones being blamed. But if they trace it back to us, then this relationship is over.
......
You will not lead us to 'beyond,' mind you.
"Thank you for your advice, ......, Scarlet Witch King.