CH 70

(Ryo POV for the whole chapter)

A little over nine years ago from the present.

“Izumi… and you are the Kitsunejin, Mugi, right?”

“(It’s been a long timeー)”

“You are the Kirijin, Ryo, aren’t you? And as for you, Houki, you’re a Kirijin as well. I’ve heard the story from the Fox Princess-sama.”

“I look forward to working with you.”

Under Kurokiri’s orders, Houki and I set off for the continent, where we met up with Izumi and Mugi, who had arrived ahead of us. We have to elevate our level and negotiate with parties of all kinds from this point forward in our search for Ichiko. But truthfully speaking, I wouldn’t want to negotiate with the Demon King.

“Well, since I was asked to do it, all I can do is to carry it out.”

First, we need to negotiate with the Sugar King.

Before my eyes, Mugi and Houki are engaged in some kind of negotiation with the Tojin, who are the kin of the “Sugar King of White Smearing”.

Incidentally, the language barrier has already been resolved since Mugi has acquired ≪Translation≫ skill.

“Well, this is how we handle the humans brought over from that side…”

“The start of the trade is…”

“Actually, we also have this kind of sweets…”

“I see, I see…”

“Even so, it smells heavenly…”

“Hahaha. This is the advantage of being a Tojin…”

Judging from the expressions on their faces, the negotiation itself seem to be smoothly progressing. Now, let me briefly make an introduction about the Sugar King.

The Sugar King, aka “Sugar King of White Smearing” is a Demon King who has emerged in a certain country. Everything within the Sugar King’s dungeon consists of sweets, and after defeating a monster, it will drop sweets that correspond to the monster’s characteristics. Because of this feature, this country which had been suffering from starvation aggressively sought to conquer the Sugar King’s dungeon.

However, the Sugar King not only defeated them but also seized the country with his ample supply of food and force. Apparently, it was only the lower class who were starving in the country, and the higher class wanted to monopolize what they could extract from the Sugar King’s dungeon, thus the Sugar King capitalized on the rift that had been created and took over the country.

Well, it seems that the people of this country are better off under the Sugar King’s reign, therefore I don’t have any specific comments to offer.

By the way, although the Sugar King’s ability escaped my knowledge, I heard that the Tojin’s unique skill is ≪Sugar Binding Honey≫ which solidifies any object by manipulating beeswax.

And it looks like the negotiations are wrapping up. Mugi and Houki as well as a Tojin are approaching my direction. That Tojin produces sweet scents all over her body. She has brown hair with black eyes and she dresses modestly yet adequately with a height that is roughly the same as mine. Her chest… seems to be packed with a great deal of sugar.

“Well, the negotiation was a good one.”

“That’s good to hear. So what are the next steps now?”

“For now, a Tojin is accompanying us to serve as a negotiator and to raise the level of the Sugar King.”

“Thank you very much for your help.”

“…I understand.”

And so, Li Une, the Tojin, has joined our group.

While on the subject, I was told that her skills center on lifestyle and auxiliary skills.

Eight years ago・in a certain place in former China.

“In short, they wanted us to escort them while they escaped.”

Our group is visiting a rural village in search of a place to stay and work for the night. Some of you may be perplexed as to why we need lodging and work given that we are kin who neither require sleeping nor eating. It is not only kin who are traveling with us, but also ordinary human beings. To maintain their human nature, a kin should not neglect their meals and sleep whenever possible.

“Yes. That is what has happened…”

And there, we are requested to escort them while they flee from the Demon King’s army that is looming over the village. The story goes that there is one dungeon ahead, and the Demon King of that dungeon is ravaging the surrounding villages one after another.

“Is there a reward? We are mercenaries, not philanthropists, therefore we must be compensated in some way, or we will decline to help you.”

“Yes, we understand that. Here is a list of what we can offer.”

“Let me take a look.”

I receive a list of what can be offered as a reward from the old chief of the village.

To explain why we are doing this, those who travel are basically rootless. Therefore, we are engaged in mercenary work, which is a fine job for us who are not local residents, provided the job that is demanded is within the scope of our capabilities.

The work ranges from supporting farmers during the peak period to defeating monsters, but in any case, it is a convenient method to gain daily sustenance and experience.

“Well, I suppose this is about as much of a reward as one could ask for.”

“Is that true!”

“But our force is only 12 people, including myself.”

Even though we operate as mercenaries, we are still a new and weak mercenary group (well, we keep our numbers small to avoid attracting unwanted attention), so we would utilize what is available to us.

“Therefore, in the event of a retreat, we will need some help from you as well. Of course, the more assistance you provide, the less reward we will receive.”

“If that is the case, I will gladly cooperate with you. I will pass the word on to the villagers.”

“Thank you.”

Thus the battle to liberate the residents of a village from the Demon King commences.