131 The Norms and the Zag

As we approached the gnome village, the gnomes, sensing the danger of the strange army, were armed and waiting for us.

"Long time no see! How have you all been?

But they disarmed Masaru and welcomed him with open arms.

It's about time that all the land in this area is organized into a country or something, so that each village can defend itself. Every time someone comes like this, we have to be on the lookout for everything. Yeah.

"Sure... so who's going to start a country?

Well, isn't that ......... Masaru?

But no! I mean, how can a small citizen like me represent a country?

"Am I the only one who wants to know what a petty bourgeoisie is?

I'm the only one who wants to say what a small citizen is.

"It's been a long time since I've seen you, and you're still as insane as ever, bringing in such an unusual person. .

How dare you speak to this petty criminal!

Masaru enough with the small people stuff?

Okay... I'll think of something else. Okay...

No, you don't have to think!

What is it with you people and this group?

I'll think of something to say.

"This group is a unit of the Kingdom of Greitas, and until a short while ago they were dispatched to the royal capital of Bazelarca. "Ah!

What? Are we at war?

No, no. The royal city of Bazelarca was destroyed by a demon. Anyone who missed was wiped out. No!

No! How could the capital of a country fall to a demon and that demon is...

Masaru killed them all... the entire city. Now King's Landing is not just a wasteland, it's a clearing. It's

That's ......... Masaru. Don't overdo it.

"......... Shut up. Shut up.

Masaru turned his head away and refused to talk.

I'm sure there were no survivors, and I'm sure Masaru's actions were worthwhile just because no demons escaped to destroy King's Landing. I'm not sure.

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

So what's your unit doing here?

I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. What, are you actually more concerned about this than you think?

Of course! I've been taking care of my own safety, but I can't help but feel bad when people keep talking about me as if I'm a demon lord!

"Oh? I'm sure you're not the only one.

Zarg asked, as if he was surprised, and even old Botts looked at him with interest.

The first requirement is to keep hostile creatures at bay. The first requirement is to keep hostile creatures at bay. To do that, I've come up with a way to take out all the demons at once... that's how I'm going to use my newly constructed magic to create a widespread explosion to take them out. I can't.

"...It's a safety precaution, right?

"Think of the danger of missing, don't you think a little damage is inevitable? Besides, there's no survivors inside, right? If you think about the risk of letting them go with care, or if you think about the risk of going a little overboard to make sure they're dead, you'll have your answer, right? Which is more dangerous?

"That being said, I'm inclined to think over-aggressive is better. .... I'm not sure.

In addition, there is no doubt that the buildings in King's Landing collapsed, but have you ever thought about the high technology that was used?

"High technology? I'm sure you've heard of it. "Wait a minute...

Wait a minute... a whole castle town collapsing? I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do.

And the old man said it all fell apart with one blow. "One shot?

"One blow?

He froze with his mouth hanging wide open.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's something that should have happened, but didn't. There was nothing but rubble and dust in the crumbling royal city and castle town, and nothing but debris left behind. The only thing left behind was rubble and dust.

"The phenomenon ......... that was supposed to happen .........?

Oh, and the Kingdom of Greytas has a court mage, right? I've heard that the mage is good at explosive magic? Imagine if that mage blew up a house.

It would blow up, right? And the house burns down. ......... Oh, yeah! Fire!

Exactly! On that scale, he killed the target demon with one blow and didn't cause any secondary damage like flames! (The buildings all collapsed, but...)

"How is that possible .......... How did that happen?

The two were surprised and relieved to know that they had taken proper safety precautions. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who doesn't like to be criticized.

And you, Zag, should have a chance to meet and greet this old man Botts. This is the base of the farming community here. It's hard to negotiate with a stranger when trading. "Wait a minute!

"Wait a minute! Why me? I'm just a knight!

I'm just a knight! - Well, if there's a settlement like this that I'm working with and there's a chance for trade, I have to report it to the king, right?

"Yes, but .... Yes.

Well, good luck! I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will make your life easier. I'll go greet the chief. I'll go greet the chief.

"...I have a bad feeling about this. .... "It's just my imagination!

You're imagining things! Make sure you come!

As Masaru walked away, I felt uneasy, but I brought the still frozen Botts back to his senses and greeted him.

"Masaru... the meeting is over, okay?

"Oh, come here. Oh, come here. I've got your souvenirs ready. "Souvenir?

What do you mean, "souvenir", .........?

Yes! It's a torrent wood bow made from a year's worth of ant shells? and a torrent bow made from worm string. Yes!

"Where's the punchline? It's too decent to be a souvenir for Masaru, and I'm too happy about it. .... I'm sorry.

Do you want me to leave .....................?

No, no, no! I'm so happy! I'll take it, thank you!

He hurriedly thanked the staring Masaru.

So...these shells are from .........1? How many of them are there?

I'm not sure. That's roughly 200 fish. That's about 200.

"How many of these shells are you going to use in a year... you can make a simple light armor with 5 or 6 of them. .... I know...

I know... well, if you have any left over, just use it to pay for the expedition. I know.

I know. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. It's a little bonus.

"......... Also, there's three barrels of pickled olives outside, take 'em with you! I've got three barrels of pickled olives outside for you to take with you, they make a nice accompaniment to drinks. Pickled olives?

"Pickled olives? Yeah, it's a new specialty here. Salted olives soaked in olive oil, you'll love them!

Masaru, who had casually heard about the carriage space on the way back, added more souvenirs as if to add insult to injury, but Zag did not question the favor and instructed his men to load the carriage.

"See you! I'll see you soon!

"Well, next time I see him, he'll be an ambassador! Good to see you! Also, this is a letter to Axiom, so make sure you give it to him personally. And don't forget to give me a report on the goddess statue or whatever it is that you asked for!

"Oh, I don't know why ......... is making this seem like an afterthought, but I'll definitely give it to him in person. I'll definitely give it to you in person.

Well, I hope you get there safely and have a safe trip home!

"Okay, bye!

Masaru and the gnome chief watch Zarg and the others move away with a big wave of their hands until they become much smaller.

"Well, Masaru what's in that letter?

"Of course, it's a letter of recommendation from the Zerg ambassador. "Of course.

"You are evil... You are evil.

"So is the chief who knows and says nothing. "You are evil.

It will be a long time before Zerg knows what the two of them are thinking as they laugh and laugh.