CH 124

The client from Loloa was a man in his forties called Gordon.

From his mannerisms, he may have known Souya as the Demon Slayer.

“So you know me. Perhaps the receptionist told you about my title.”

“No. I knew about it. I thought some well-informed people in Loloa knew about it. Because of its location, it receives information from both the royal capital and Illstadt.”

“I see. I will do my best to live up to the name of Demon Slayer …… It would be a catastrophe if a Silver Demon really did show up at the harvest festival.”

“I don’t think that will ever happen, but even if it does, I can rest assured that Souya-san will be there to help.”

There is no way that he would feel safe. Recalling his death struggle with the Silver Demon at the old fort, Souya’s face almost scrunched up.

And although he had intended it as a joke, he realized that he had not anticipated all the demons he had had to fight, and decided to refrain from flagrante delicto conversations in the future.

The only request that I have been able to finish smoothly so far is that of taking out the robbers who attacked Doga’s workshop in cooperation with Louise and Seran.

I hoped that this request would go off without a hitch. That was all I could hope for.

“Gordon-san. My name is Merylou. You don’t have to worry about the way home. There are two skilled men here who are skilled in combat, after all.”

“I look forward to working with you. You are the Wood Elf young lady. I have heard that you are a master of the spiritual arts, Summon Wind Spirit Sylph. You seem very dependable.”

Merylou continued to greet Gordon and shake his hand.

She was acting like an adventurer, far cry from the tension yesterday. She seemed to know what she was doing.

“My name is Mia. Gordon-san, I am looking forward to working with you.”

“Mia-san is a cleric, a priestess of the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela, who can heal and detoxify. I am grateful for that. If anyone is injured at the festival, I may ask you to treat them and also to detoxify their nausea …… they come up every year. When they get drunk, they inevitably get worked up.”　

“I understand. It is best that no one is hurt, but if necessary, I will ask for the help of the Earth Mother Goddess Mikaela.”　

Finally, Mia finishes introducing herself. Although the client had not designated her as a healer, she still seemed to be a welcome presence.

Mia is also capable of detoxifying alcohol, especially with her [Cure Poison]. If there was no battle, Mia would be the most active.

All three of them seemed to be well-liked by the client, so it was a good start for them. The only thing left to worry about was the adventurer dispatched from the Royal Capital.

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The main road leading to the royal city of Doldberg was busy with traffic, passing many groups of travelers, merchants, horse-drawn carriages, and even adventurers from Ilstadt, whom we had met before.

They were probably on their way back from a commission, and their faces were cheerful. They must have done a good job. Since we were on the move, we exchanged a quick hello and continued on our way.

Soon the setting sun was setting in the western sky, and the first night of the trip was upon us.

“Let’s camp here for the day. I’m sorry, I’m trying to save money on the way back ……”

“No, we adventurers are used to camping out, so we’ll be fine. Gordon-san, you can take a good rest …… So, we’ll be taking three shifts. Let’s decide on the order of the lookout.”

Merylou, acting as leader, responded to the client Gordon’s suggestion.

There are inns targeting travelers at regular intervals along the main roads, but lodging is naturally expensive, and inns in this location are more expensive than in town. It will be necessary to follow the client’s wishes on where to stay.

Several groups of travelers were already camped at the communal campsite. It is relatively safe even if attacked by monsters or wild animals.

The client, Gordon, would naturally be asked to take a rest, and three shifts would be set up to watch over the campsite.

After discussion, the first was Mia, the second Souya, and the third Merylou.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

“…… Souya-san. It’s time for your shift.”

Mia shook his body and Souya woke up.

Putting on his glasses, which he had tucked into the inside pocket of his business suit, he saw Mia’s face. She looked a little sleepy.

“It’s time already …… feels like it happened so fast. Mia-kun, thank you for your hard work. Take a good rest.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep on the second watch.”

“Mia-kun, you don’t have to worry about it. I hope you will understand that it is an adult’s job to take on a role that can be detrimental to your health.”

Souya smiled thinly and approached the campfire.

The area is quiet, and the sounds of chirping insects and rustling grass and trees echo in the air. Autumn was deepening, and the nights seemed to be getting much colder.

I will have to be careful with the temperature from now on, or I may catch a cold.

“…… Mia-kun, aren’t you going to sleep?”

Souya spoke to Mia, who was standing by the fire.

“Um …… Souya-san, I’d like to stay up a little longer.”

“I can’t just stand guard with you like this …… But, if it’s just for a little while. Make sure you get a decent amount of sleep.”

“Yes, I understand …… Souya-san, may I sit next to you?”

“Of course. Everyone is asleep. If you have something to say, let’s talk in a low voice.”

Mia sat down next to Souya with a reserved manner, and for a while, they both sat by the fire in silence.

Mia had been trying to think of something to say earlier, but finally began to speak.

“I’m sorry, Souya-san.”

“For what?”

“…… Um, about what has happened so far …… No, especially since yesterday.”

A moment of silence ensued.

Staring at the flickering flames, Souya shook his head apologetically.

“…… no. It’s probably because I want to look good to everyone. I’m a bad adult. It’s not your fault, Mia-kun.”

“That’s not true. It is due to my selfishness ……Souya-san saved my life …… I thought I have to repay you someday.”

Mia was again trying to say something. It is as if the favor is being returned by the sacred art in our adventure.

I hoped that if she was thinking strongly about something special, she would stop thinking about it.

“Mia-kun.”

“Yes.”

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“You keep the favor. It’s the same thing as me not returning the money I owe Mia-kun …… Perhaps in return for gratitude, I may be thinking about the battle with the Red Horn, or the divine possession I told you about. You don’t have to feel so strongly about having to pay me back.”

When he finished telling her, Souya took Mia’s hand and stood there.

“Now, you should go to bed for the night. Staying up late is bad to your body.”