A Rank Adventurer
The time has come again this year for an expedition to the kingdom.
Ever since I met Light-kun, I've been looking forward to this expedition. It's only been 8 years, but he has grown and amazes me every time I meet him.
The cute little boy who called himself [boku] when I first met him has changed to a man who calls himself [ore]. Even so, he's still a boy to me, but somehow he's grown into a reliable and wonderful gentleman.
I have had a strange longing for him ever since he was a little boy.
My senior elves told me that it was a [Demon King], but I thought it was something else.
It didn't change even if he admitted that he was indeed a [Demon King].
I think this emotion is pure love.
I was convinced when he gave me a bracelet of the same color as my hair. I felt his pure love for me.
I will meet again a nice gentleman who loves me.
With that thought, my steps toward the store of the benefactor who had saved me became lighter.
When I visited my benefactor, McQueen-san, at his firm, he was looking over some papers with a difficult look on his face.
"McQueen-san. Long time no see."
He looked up and responded with his usual smile.
"Hello. It's been a while since I last saw you, Lida-san. I look forward to working with you again this year."
"You are giving a difficult look, did you have any problems?"
"Ah... no. I'm a little worried about this year's route..."
This is what he explained.
Last year, the Barony route that we used all the time couldn't be used due to the Goblin Stampede.
The current Barony is rebuilding the damage with the support of the Count family. The stampede has ended, so it's safe, but it seems that some people who have abandoned the village have turned into bandits.
Considering that information and the strength of the adventurers who will be escorting him this time, he can conclude that there will be no problem with the Barony route.
However, the trouble is that the villages and towns that McQueen-san does business with along this route have been damaged, and the safety of his business partners is unknown.
In short, he is torn between taking a slightly risky route that is less profitable now that his customers are gone, and taking a safer route with new customers he acquired last year.
"It was a good fortune that I was able to acquire customers in the southern duchy, but there are many competing firms there, so I don't have a clear outlook on whether I will be able to make up for the lost customers.''
"Then, wouldn’t it be better to go to the Barony route, which is faster than the frontier territory?"
"Well... that's right, but the Barony has changed its lord since this year... Lord Adio, the eldest son, is said to be a complete puppet of the north side. The current Barony seems to be suffering from worsening discrimination against demi-humans, and this is also a cause for concern."
I see... then this year will be the Duchy route again...
So I guess I won't be able to meet him until February...
"Oya, oya. Lida-san is around that age too. I understand that you want to meet the person you love as soon as possible. Hehehe."
It seemed like it was showing on my face and I was embarrassed.
I instinctively changed the subject.
"By the way, have you decided on this year’s escort members?”
"Yeah. I've been asking Jereid-san's party again this year. But..."
McQueen-san made a difficult face again.
"What's wrong?"
"This year, it's just Lida-san and Jeraid-san's party.''
"Well... I don't think there will be any problems if it's the Duke's route?"
"However, I have someone to accompany me, so it’s better…"
McQueen-san hesitated for a moment before saying the name.
"It's Mondo-san, an A-rank adventurer."
When I heard that, I held my head...
Thanks for the chapter
ReplyDelete