CH 43

Chapter title: Kuzmigo’s Disposal

We made our way through the lost forest and back to the base.

Just as we had done when we went deeper into the forest, we acted in groups to rest our bodies.

However, thanks to the fact that Serena and I had defeated the Arch Demon, everyone seemed to be taking it easy as we walked through the forest.

On the way, Serena and I were confronted by people asking us questions, but Russell stopped them, telling them not to pester their benefactors.

「So, the adventurer Elt, you say?　I’d like to hear a report from you……」

But for some reason, they all started to follow me, which made me the leader, and now I’m standing here as a representative to the knights.

「Haa, well」

Inside the tent, there were several knights and Kuzmigo. It seems that they have escaped safely from the Lost Forest.

「I’m sure you’ve heard the general report from Kuzmigo-san over there.」

When I pointed out his name, Kuzmigo’s shoulders shook with fear.

「Umu, I’m afraid so…」

That’s a crisp attitude.

「Well, if you want me to tell you, I will.」

As I said that, I was thinking about how much I should tell him…….

「Well, I’m glad you guys are okay! I was worried about you too!」

Kuzmigo friendly smiled and approached me.

Then I smelled something that made my nose turn.

「”Leave this to us and go on!” Believing in those words, I ran through the lost forest with determination. I really risked my life, but thanks to that, I was able to report the appearance of the Arch Demon to the top」 1

As I furrowed my brow, unable to bear the smell, Kuzmigo took my hand and shook it.

He stepped between the knight and me, blocking the kinght’s gaze.

Thanks to this, I could only see Kuzmigo.

Kuzmigo smiled and muttered so that only I could hear him.

「Let me handle this, and I’ll make that Russell guy you’ve been looking out for a soldier.」

I shake my head at his desperation. Then Kuzmigo gave a sickening smile and moved away…….

「So, what’s the report?」

The knight asked again. Kuzmigo nodded, and I said.

「We encountered an arch demon deep in the forest and defeated it. That’s all.」

「「「「Wh….!?」」」」

Everyone in the room was surprised by my report.

「Um…. when you say you defeated it, do you mean you fought it off and got away with it?」

The knight asks me, sweat pouring down his forehead.

「No, it means exactly what it says. We adventurers worked together to defeat it.」

「Don’t lie to me! There’s no way you adventurers can defeat that demon!!」

Kuzmigo snapped at my report.

「What makes you think I’m lying?」

「I’ve seen him right in front of me. He’s not something a human being can handle.」

「It’s hard to believe, that’s for sure. If you’re telling the truth do you have any proof?」

The knight had a point. It is true that if I say that I have defeated it without proof, they will not believe me.

「Would you mind stepping aside for a moment?」

「That’s fine, but what are you going to do?」

The knight is puzzled by my words, but makes some spance.

「Here’s your proof.」

I took out from my inventory the Arch Demon wings.

「This is… authentic?」

The eyes of the surrounding knights open.

Kuzmigo and other jaws were about to come off.

「You are the heroes that saved our nation…..!」

Apparently, this knight is a sane man, unlike Kuzmigo.

They seem to be able to respect the people who figured out what was going on and took them down.

「I have one favor to ask.」

「Let’s hear it. Go ahead.」

I told my request to the knight.

「There is our leader who has taken the initiative to protect everyone in this defeat. It is thanks to him that we were able to defeat the Arch Demon without losing anyone. So, can you please promote him to be a soldier?」

「Such boldness in the face of a powerful enemy that might kill you. Such an outstanding person was buried in this country. I promise you this in my name. What is the name of the person who played crucial role in defeating the Arch Demon?」

「Russell. He is a well-liked person in the Adventurer’s Guild who often takes care of beginners.」

「All right, I’ll make sure he gets the job.」

「Thank you very much.」

I loosen the edges of my mouth at his words. And………….

「Actually, I have one more thing to report.」

「Hmm. What is it?」

I looked at Kuzmigo and he turned pale. He seemed to have noticed.

「Sir Knight!　We are all tired. The rest of the story is better left until after we have rested…….」

「No, it’s fine.」

「He said it’s not a problem.」

My eyes and the knight’s eyes go to Kuzmigo. Kuzmigo’s face turns red and he glares at me.

「And what is the report?」

I said as I ducked Kuzmigo’s grab at me.

「Kuzmigo over there, pushed the Arch Demon on us and ran off by himself.」

「What did you say!? What’s the meaning of this, soldie chief Kuzmigo!?」

He probably thought we wouldn’t make it back alive. I could tell from Kuzmigo’s attitude, so I revealed the truth here.

「You ran away without your friends, you scum!」

「You’re a piece of trash who can’t even be put in the corner of a soldier!」

Curses flew from the other knights. Kuzmigo…….

「It’s not my fault! As a soldier of the kingdom, I only brought back information, even if others sacrificed themselves!」

Kuzmigo has reopened his eyes. Certainly an opponent like that would normally be unbeatable. Someone was obligated to go report the situation…….

「By the way, incidentally, this guy just told me that if I keep my mouth shut, he’ll promote our leader to a soldier.」

The knights’ gazes turned to look at the trash with those words.

If he really had no other choice, he would not have said those words. We all understood that.

「No, this is not… That’s……」

He tried to give an excuse for the grave he had dug for himself…….

「Kuzmigo. As for your punishment, you will be dealt with after you return to the castle. As an organization, you will be severely punished for running away from the enemy for selfish reasons. Look forward to your punishment.」

「Abababababa….」 2

Kuzmigo blanched. A stain spread between his legs.

「Take him away.」

With that, Kuzmigo was dragged away by the knights.