CH 209

Graciela

***---***

Breakfast at the boarding house after a long time was the same as usual, but it was a little different.

The reason was that Meline-san's training would end today, and from the beginning of the new year, the shop her father left behind would reopen.

Meline-san, who, for a little over two months, although commuting from home, was with her from morning preparation to evening cleanup, would be gone, and Meisa-chan seemed to be lonely.

Yesterday, I came back after a long absence, and this was also the reason she stuck to me so much.

"Meisa, why do you have such a gloomy face. A strong rival will appear. If you look like you're in a bad mood, we'll lose all our customers."

The reason why the restaurant was not prosperous despite having the poster girl named Meline-san was because her younger brother, Nicola, who took over from her father, was not good at cooking.

From the beginning of the year, it would change to the flavors directly handed down from Amanda-san, I thought it would soon become a store where people would line up.

At the very least, Kartz-san would definitely make frequent visits.

"Meline-san, are you going to run the shop alone?"

"Yes, I'll try it alone at first, and if it gets busy, I'll consider hiring a clerk."

"Umm ... It's a little hard to ask, but what about your brother ...?"

"Yeah, Nicola seems to go to the guild every day to become an adventurer."

"Does he go to the guild every day to take classes?"

"Hmm ... I won't go into too much detail, but I heard that he's an apprentice of a certain party ..."

The first thing that came to my mind when I heard about a certain party was the three Flame Hounds, but the Flame Hounds weren't the only part that were in and out of Volzard's guild.

Rather, it was more likely that it was a different party, but it might be better to take a look around and find out.

After breakfast, I had some time before the return work in the evening, so I took a quick look at the situation on the internet.

Previously, Kajikawa-san talked about the government's control of information, and at that time he explained that instead of deleting irrelevant information, it was a method of disseminating correct information and clearing up misunderstandings.

The basic method was probably the same this time, but it didn't seem to be going well.

In the first place, in this case, the Japanese government's stance of not acknowledging the existence of healing magic that actually existed was being viewed as a problem, and disseminating the correct information meant admitting their own faults.

In addition to that, the problem was that communication between Volzard and Japan had become possible, and information was being leaked by my classmates.

Some of my classmates saw me being impaled by the knight of Resenburg, and the scene where Takagi-san almost cut off my head.

In addition, there were people who had seen me using healing magic, and information had flowed from those people that I could use powerful healing magic.

Also, it seemed that some of my classmates held antipathy towards me, and that they were providing information that twisted my relationship with Klaus-san and the guild.

While malicious information flowed, it seemed that there were also more than a few opinions that defended me, and this had created a conflicting structure on the internet.

If one side leaked information, information that denied it was leaked, and the confrontation escalated with a sense of buying and selling words without knowing the truth.

Unfortunately, it seemed that no major incidents or accidents had happened in Japan, and the topic of Seitarou-chan had become the center of attention in the media.

"I wonder if a fire like this can be put out ..."

[ Kent-sama, this is a rather sloppy story written as if it actually happened. ]

"Yeah, in Japan, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are guaranteed, so there are quite a few people who misunderstand it. Anyone can freely post information, so there are people who write inaccurate information for fun, and there are people who believe it when they see it, so it's easy to spread rumors."

[ Then, is it not a problem for those looking for information? ]

"It's troubling, but the current situation is that we have to consider the possibility that false information is mixed in from the beginning."

When I was still in Japan, I often heard the term 'Fake news', but I never thought that I would be the one involved.

The other parties, athlete Fukuzawa and athlete Kanbayashi, seemed to be keeping their silence and seemingly completely refused to comment on the treatment.

Even so, the one who leaked this story, was it Sakaguchi-sensei, or was it someone from another hospital, for someone to have leaked personal information, I wondered if it was okay.

In any case, since it became such a big problem, it was unlikely that it would be settled even if I said anything about it, so I stopped searching for information on the internet.

"Now, what should I do until the evening ... That's right."

Because I was always too busy, I decided to go see my home site that was left unattended.

Probably, because everyone in my genus was working on it, the construction and walls should have been completed, but confirmation was necessary.

[ Kent-sama, if you have time, wouldn't it be better to report to the Headquarters Guild about the Gigas and Hydra? ]

"I see, I reported it to Klaus-san, but I should also inform Master Reese, right."

[ At the same time, if you tell her about the Gigas' magic stone, the price would go up even more as a highlight of the auction at the beginning of the year. ]

"Ohh, if that happens, I can increase the sympathy money I give to Barshania."

After seeing the developed land, let's go to the Headquarters Guild.

I told Amanda-san, who was preparing lunch, that I was going to the Guild and left the boarding house.

I bet she didn't think I'd go to the Bakkenheim Guild.

From the desolate back alleys, I went into the shadows and headed for the redeveloped land, and even the ramparts were completely finished.

Furthermore, the genus with nothing to do had gathered and were digging up the soil.

Nearby, Zae, Art, and Zeta had gathered and were discussing something.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Wafu, we were discussing the location and size of the pond."

"I think it would be better to make the pond wider, My King."

"Though the pond isn't bad either, if it's too wide, the yard will be narrow. It's better to have a large yard, Nushi-dono."

"No, no, if you want to run around, you should run in the forest. Also, when it gets hot, everyone will want to go swimming."

"That's true, but I also want a place where we can all bask in the sun."

"Aren't you guys making your burrows wide?"

"That's right, but there are a lot of us ..."

There seemed to be a territorial dispute between Zae, who basically preferred the waterfront, and Art and Zeta, who wanted space to run around.

Or rather, the Kobold Corps, Eta, and Theta were digging up the soil with great momentum.

"Well, make sure you leave enough land for Klaus-san's mansion to be built, and then you can do whatever you like, so don't fight and get along. I also want to go swimming in the summer, and I want to bask in the sun too."

"Leave it to me. We have secured the place with the most sunlight as the location for the Lord's Mansion."

"Wafu, I'll make sure everyone can keep an eye on the surroundings."

"I'll make sure not even a single rat can get through the defense watch, Nushi-dono."

"Yup, everyone, please allocate a place so that we can always be close to each other."

Someone, it seemed that everyone's places would be completed before my house was completed.

The Kobold Corps and Zeta-tachi were not only building their own burrows, but they were also working with Zae-tachi to build a pond, and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

After the year-end and the New Year holidays, I should ask Herman-san, the architect, about building a house.

In order not to interfere with everyone's work, I dived into the shadows and moved to the Headquarters Guild in Bakkenheim.

I was told to sneak into her bedroom the next time I came, but I didn't know where Master Reese's bedroom was, and I didn't even know where the usual office was.

Rather than looking around, it seemed better to have Rita-san take over.

I stepped out into a deserted hallway and headed over to the guild counter.

The last time I came, it was overwhelmed with people, but today it was disappointingly empty.

Was it because last time it was evening, and this time it was in the morning.

It was good that there weren't many people, but which counter should I go to talk faster.

Maybe I should choose the most beautiful and stylish receptionist here ... I thought, but then I was approached.

"Yo, the youngest S-ranker in history, what's your business today?"

When I turned around in surprise, there was a tall woman standing with her arms crossed.

She was the A-rank adventurer, Graciela-san, who had the nickname 'Demon Eater'.

"Ahh, Graciela-san, hello. Thank you for your help the other day."

When I thanked her and raised my head, Graciela-san was dumbfounded with a look of amazement on her face.

"You, are you always like this?"

"Heh, like this ... is it?"

"Ahh, apparently so, but how can I say it, you don't feel like an S-rank at all."

"Haa ... I don't have the self-awareness or self-esteem of an S-rank ..."

"Fumu ... That's kind of disappointing. I heard that you beat up the Blue Gale guys."

"Blue Gale ... ?"

It's a name that somehow has a chuuni smell, but I don't remember hearing it.

"What, wasn't it you? I heard that you single-handedly half-killed more than 30 people who were ambushing you in that park."

"Ahh ... It's the group that Fal, or maybe Fil belonged to. That, the story grew even more exaggerated."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, the actual number was 12 or 13 people, and I just threatened them a little."

"Hou, it seem to be true that you are the youngest S-ranker, huh?"

Graciela-san grinned and revealed her intentions.

It seemed that the team called Blue Gale was like Graciela-san's apprentices, and she heard directly about the actual number of people and the events that happened.

On top of that, I heard that she tried to see how I would react if she talked about something that was more exaggerated than the actual story.

"I'm sorry, they did a cowardly act of surrounding a few people with a large number of people. I've disciplined them properly, so please forgive them."

"No, they didn't do any real harm, so please don't worry about it."

"That's right. If you were a third-class adventurer, if the number was higher than the actual number, you would show off without correcting the number. But, you corrected it to the actual number and made it sound like you didn't do much. In the first place, dealing with more than 10 adventurers and driving them away without taking any damage is a feat that can only be done by someone with real ability."

"In my case, it's just that everyone in my genus is competent."

"What can I say, I heard that you played a central role in subjugating a Griffon, and commanded powerful monsters to protect Volzard during a Goblin outbreak."

"Nope ... It's just a coincidence. A coincidence."

"That humility, it's better to keep it in moderation. It's impossible for an ordinary adventurer to employ a monster that can frighten Bran."

That being said, calling me an S-rank adventurer and Kent-sama ... Something like that, it's not something to boast or brag about.

Rather, I only just became aware, but Bran was considerably frightened.

"So, what do you want from the Bakkenheim guild today? Will you meet with Master Reese again?"

"Yes, I thought I'd make a monster-related report ..."

"Monster related? Will it have an impact on Bakkenheim?"

"Hmm ... At this point, it's hard to think it will directly impact it, but I can't say that it's completely unrelated."

"I see ... That report, can I sit in on it, too?"

"Ehh, Graciela-san too ... is it?"

"Right. I swear to never reveal anything about it. Is it no good?"

"Hmm ... Do you have a reason?"

"Ahh, there's something I'm a little worried about, and I'm in a state where I want even a little information."

According to Graciela-san, sightings of Ogres were increasing in the forest southwest of Bakkenheim.

Considering the distance, I didn't think the Gigas turmoil in Barshania or the Hydra turmoil in Lastock would have a direct impact.

However, I couldn't completely get rid of the idea that what was happening on the southern continent may have some kind of impact.

"Understood. I will put restrictions on the information I can provide, but if you don't mind, please come with me."

"I see, I owe you a favor. I don't think there will be many chances to hear how the youngest S-ranker fights."

Graciela-san showed a grin and her mouth loosened, but it seemed that I couldn't explain everything about how I fought.

I went 'Do~n' and cleaned up with a large spear golem ... No matter what I say, it will be meaningless.

When I went to the counter with Graciela-san and had Rita-san called for me, I naturally got a suspicious look.

"Ciela, you're planning something, aren't you?"

"Hey, hey, Rita, it's terrible to doubt me. I'm properly thinking of Bakkenheim ..."

"Yes, yes, I understand. I don't mind if Kent-san agrees."

In guild rank, I was higher, but if it was just appearance, Graciela-san definitely looked stronger.

Rita-san guided us to Master Reese's office.

Normally, even at this time, there would be a constant stream of people wanting to meet, but since it was the end of the year holiday period, there were no intermediaries except for urgent cases, and it seemed that the side who asked for meetings also considered that.

"What's this, Kent, have you come to report that you are putting your hands out to Ciela?"

In a well-heated room, Master Reese was smoking a long pipe while lying on a sofa.

Her outfit was a dancer-like outfit with a high degree of exposure as usual.

On the sofa beside her, her escort, Lau-san, was sitting like a figurine.

"Master Reese, please don't be prudish. You know that I've decided to offer my body to a man stronger than me."

Eeehhh ... In that case, Graciela-san will be single for the rest of her life ... Uhii, I was stared at.

I, nothing, I'm not thinking anything, it's true ...

"Kuu kuu kuu, then, isn't it even more suitable in this case. Kent is, he's stronger than you."

"No, I've heard from my underlings that he uses powerful monsters, but what I'm looking for is their own strength, not total power."

"Fufufufu, then why don't you ask Lau to be your partner?"

"That's fine. If it's Lau-shi, I have no objections."(TN:Shi honorific is like San, but more distant, referring to someone you are almost completely unfamiliar with personally.)

"Ho-ho-ho, don't make fun of an old man, if I were to deal with you, my lower half would be exhausted. Besides, Kent is far stronger than I am."

"Stronger than Lau-shi ... ?"

Perhaps Graciela-san has had a match with Lau-san before.

It's only natural that she wouldn't be convinced even if she was told that I was stronger than Lau-san.

"So, Kent, what are you here for today?"

"Yes, I came to report that a large monster appeared in Barshania and the Resenburg side of the Devil's Forest."

"Hou, what is the large monster?"

"Gigas has appeared in Barshania, causing great damage to a city."

"Gigas!"

Master Reese, who until then had a relaxed expression on her face, raised her body and then sat down again, tightening her expression and urging me to continue.

Lau-san and Graciela-san also had stern expressions on their faces.

When I spoke about the details of the Gigas subjugation that took place in Leinef, speaking ambiguously about the number of victims and the method of attack, Master Reese and Lau-san deepened their smiles, but Graciela-san gave a dubious expression.

"Kent, those Gigases came from the southern continent across the sea, didn't they?"

"Yes, I think so, but I don't know how they got across the sea."

"I see, this makes me more and more curious about the state of the southern continent."

"I thought about going to the other side, but I don't know what it's like normally, so I don't think I'll be able to tell if anything is different even if I go there ..."

"That's right. If you don't know the normal state, you may not notice any abnormality."

"Also, by the way. I'd like to put the subjugated Gigas' magic stone on the auction at the beginning of the year."

"Hooo, I'm looking forward to it, is it possible to see that magic stone here and now?"

"Yes, I don't mind ..."

"W, wait a second!"

When I was talking to Master Reese, Graciela-san interrupted me.

"What's wrong, Ciela?"

"Do Master Reese and Lau-shi believe what he is saying?"

"What, was there anything suspicious about it?"

"There is. It's an opponent that couldn't be beaten by an all-out attack by the army of Barshania, right? Are you satisfied with 'I defeated it with my attack'? What kind of attack is it, how powerful is it, aren't you going to check?"

Upon hearing Graciela-san's appeal, Master Reese and Lau-san turned their gazes as if to ask what I was going to do.

"Umm, the attack is like making a big spear, dropping it from the sky, and skewering it."

"Dropping a spear from the sky ... Can you defeat a Gigas with just that?"

"Maa, it depends on the size of the spear and how high you drop it from."

She didn't seem to be convinced by just explaining it verbally, so I dropped a knife in its scabbard from near the ceiling via the shield of darkness, and when I showed her the magic stone of the Gigas, she finally seemed to be convinced.

All three of them were amazed at the magic stone, which was so big that I couldn't even lift it.

"This is the first time I've seen a magic stone this size."

"Ho-ho-ho, I'm glad I've lived a long life."

"I can't even imagine how much this would cost."

After putting away the magic stone into the shadow storage, the three of them tightened their expressions again when I talked about the Hydra and the swarm of Nibble Rats that had attacked Lastock.

"Gigas, Hydra, and even Griffon ... Without Kent, even this continent might have become a monster territory."

"Master Reese, is it related to the increase in Ogre sightings in the southern forest?"

"Let's see ..."

In response to Graciela-san's question, Master Reese stuffed the pipe with new leaves, lit it, and slowly savored the purple smoke as she pondered her thoughts.

"Even if the number of Ogres is increasing, it is difficult to conclude that it is the influence of the southern continent. Rather than that, it would be more plausible to think that an undiscovered dungeon in the forest to the southwest could have been created."

"Is a dungeon something that suddenly appears one day?"

"I don't really understand how a dungeon is created. As a general theory, it is said that a dungeon is born when magic essence accumulates in the ground and becomes the core, but no one has ever seen that moment, so I can only say that I don't know."

It was unknown how dungeons were created, but it seemed that a dungeon had been created in the forest, and monsters could emerge from it.

In such a case, the number of certain types of monsters tended to increase, and Master Reese believed that this was likely the reason for the increase in Ogre sightings.

Hearing Master Reese's thoughts, Graciela-san expressed her concerns.

"It's fine if it's just Ogres, but I don't want to think about a situation where a large number of Rock Ogres are coming."

"I see, unlike Volzard, Bakkenheim isn't protected by high walls."

"If they approach the city after the sun goes down and enter, it will be a situation too terrible to see."

Ogres alone were dangerous enough for ordinary people, although it didn't mean that the performance was triple when they turned red, when it came to Rock Ogres, the danger increased even more.(TN:Guessing the turning red part is a reference to something, but I don't know what.)

If it was the A-rank adventurer, Graciela-san, she would probably be able to subdue the Rock Ogres alone, but if they were scattered over a wide area, dealing with them would be extremely difficult.

Eighteen years ago, Volzard suffered a great deal of damage, so the damage was likely to be even greater in Bakkenheim, which had no ramparts.

"Bakkenheim is a school city, but is there an evacuation system for students?"

"The school and dormitory buildings are built to be strong, so there is no need to worry. However, there are those who ridicule it as a prison because of its sturdiness."

When the new year begins and the new semester begins, Baldini, the second son of the Volzard Family, should return to Bakkenheim.

If something happened, Beatriche would be sad, and since he is going to be my brother-in-law, it might be better to think about countermeasures.

I decided to bring the Gigas' magic stone with me again at the beginning of the year and returned to Volzard.