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nChapter 68

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nSixty-Eight Episode~ In One’s Mind Exists a Small Church

n“Got it . Then, how old is Rubia?”

n“Thirteen . ”

nThirteen years old, she’s young, but it should be fine . (TL: What should be fine, Shuya? What are you thinking?)

nI don’t know when people are considered adults in this world, but I can judge the age of a single person .

n“I see . I feel bad . However, things might be difficult in the future? Do you still want to go?”

n“Hai . It’s fine . I understand . ”

nShe said it’s fine, but I’ll support her for a little .

n“…Alright . I’ll take care of the bodies first . Will people be gathering at the church first?”

n“No, they should know the Priest isn’t here, it’s only in cases where someone is hurt, like the children earlier . ”

n“I see, then, I don’t need to rush . I’ll dispose of the bodies . Rubia, go get your things together and wait in the church . ”

n“Hai . ”

nThen, I take care of the bodies .

nRollo helps, so I quickly carry the corpses into the field .

nAfter burying the bodies in a hole, I return to the location of the battle and clean up the blood and gore with water from life magic .

nThe smell is still here, but it’s mostly clean now .

nMa, this should be enough .

n“Rollo, let’s return . ”

n“N, nya . ”

nRollo perches on my shoulder, and we return to the church .

n“Rubia, I’m done . ”

nWhen I return, Rubia is praying to the cross in front of the altar .

n“God is heaven, all the world is in your heart…”

nOh? Anne of Green Gables?

nA coincidence perhaps…

nBut, even under these conditions, this child is praying .

n“…Do you have all your things?”

n“Hai, I only have two sets of clothes . ”

nIn Rubia’s hand is a sleeveless underclothes like dust cloth .

n“Just that?”

n“Yes . ”

nSeriously? What kind of frugal life has she been living…

nHer life is going to change after this, one more time, I reconfirm her feelings .

n“Rubia, if you leave you may not be able to go to church anymore?”

n“It’s fine . Since I was born there was a small church in my heart, it follows me and helps guide my path . ”

nRubia laughs . It feels like there’s a halo around her .

nHer smile cleanses my heart .

nLead by the small church in her heart… Her faith is deep .

nIsn’t this child able to become a priest?

nI’m a little impressed .

n…Well, such a thing is inconsequential .

nI activate the gate .

n“…I understand . I’m going to activate the gate, so wait a minute . ”

n“Oh, hai . ”

nI remove the twenty-sided sphere from my pocket and trace the first symbol .

nThe gate activates .

n“Wa~”

nRubia looks more impressed than surprised .

n“Rubia, give me your hand . ”

n“Ah, hai . ”

nI hold her delicate hand .

nThe calluses on her palm tell me how hard she’s worked .

nHowever, they’re so small it seems they’ll break at any moment .

n“Let’s enter . ”

nRubia looks at me, eyes full of determination, and nods .

nI nod back and take her through the gate .

nI’m able to safely pass through with Rubia .

nWe arrive in 【Hector】 at the same time .

n…Fuu . The gate worked .

nI manage to return to this small room .

nI was a little worried, but we can still pass through . Ma, I’ve also move will Rollo, so I figured it would work if we touched .

n“Nn, Nya . ”

nAs always, Rollo jumps to the hard bed .

n“Rubia, this is 【Fort City Hector】 . It’s south of where you’re from . Past the desert and Manheim mountain range, this is the southern country of 【Osberia Kingdom】 .

n“…Ha, hai . Here?”

nShe’s turning her head restlessly, looking at the small room .

n“It’s a small it…sorry . ”

nIf I think about it, Rubia lived in a smaller room…

n“Ah, that’s not what I mean . Sorry . This is 【Osberia Kingdom】… I only know it’s the name of a distant country . -Ah, this mirror is the same . ”

n“That’s right . ”

nThe Zohedron Trap floats around my head again .

nI catch it and put it in my chest pocket .

n“There a church here, but even with your eyes turning red and your long elven ears, you won’t be discriminated against . I don’t know much about the area, but you can probably like freely . ”

n“Is that so…Shuya-sama . Thank you . It’s all thanks to you . To be capable of using such transfer magic…”

nIt is helpful…

nI’d like her to not talk about it .

nAh, don’t tell anyone about it . Let’s keep it a secret?”

n“Hai . I understand . I won’t tell anyone . It’s a secret . ”

n“And then, I’ll give you money, you can spend it how you want . ”

nSaying that, I take out two magic bags and several gold coins .

n“Eh, this, these gold coins… I can’t take this much money . ”

n“It’s fine, I’m rich . ”

n“Nya~”

nRollo calls out and lifts one foot, slapping the bed .

n“Rollo also approves . Receive it obediently . ”

n“…Hai . However, only, this…”

n“Haha, maybe . It’s different? Rollodinu has such a cute face, but she understands our conversations . ”

n“Nn, Nya . ”

n“Really? What a beautiful Kitty-chan . ”

n“Aah, she’s my pride . ”

nNya . ”

nOne by one, Rollo replies .

n“Fufu, but, Shuya-sama…”

nAfter Rubia laughs, she suddenly looks down .

n“N?”

n“Why, why are you helping a woman like me?”

nThat’s…

nMa, I’ll be honest .

n“I’d be happy if you grew into a beautiful woman in the future . If I’m a dirty man don’t help, there’s also the possibility of neglect . ”

n“…Is that so . In that case, please use this poor body freely . ”

nSaying that, Rubia’s face turns red and she begins to remove her dirty clothes .

n-Uhya, who taught this woman?

nEven as a joke, she grew up in a church…

n“Wait- you misunderstood . Surely, Rubia is beautiful, I’m also interested in nudity . Rather, there’s a tent . However, it’s mostly because I wanted to help . ”

nRubia has a confused look on her face .

n“Eh? Tent?”

nUgu, I said something indecent… (TL: The word is モッコス, I think the author is referring to the bulge a boner makes in your pants . )

nBy no means, is it an evil god? A tent won’t form .

nI repeat this chant in my heart .

n“Ah, iya, that is, ah~ it’s fine . So, please get dressed . Good?”

n“Ah, hai . Is it really okay? I heard that men in post town would be happy if you do this…besides, this is all I can offer…”

nSo? It seems the drunkards in the post town said some unnecessary things .

n“It’s fine . I won’t ask too many questions . And then, not to mention talking about killing, a girl should value her body more . Men are savages . Shouldn’t you be more cautious? You should only act that way towards a person you like . Rubia should save herself for the future…” (TL: Heh, Shuya won’t ** underage girls, that’s good to know . Also, turning down a thirteen-year-old girl makes him sound like the dense protagonist of a harem anime…”

nI try to explain with words soaked in embarrassment .

nI expressed my feelings, but by the end, my face is flushed red, and I have to turn away .

n“Fufu, Shuya-sama is surely from Illodis-kami, I was sent a child of the light . ”

nRubia’s face blooms with a heavenly smile .

nShe turns to me in a pose of prayer .

nWorshipping like that, it’s not right…

n“You don’t need to do that, please stop worshipping me . Yosh, next we’ll go shopping, then I’ll give you a tour of 【Hector】 . ”

n“Hai, I understand . Thank you . ”

n“Got it . Let’s go . ”

nI accompany Rubia out of the cheap inn .

nWe walk down the main street, and I introduce her to the side streets with the food shops .

nNext, I show her around the big market .

n“Today is the special day of your arrival in 【Hector】 . It’s my treat . ”

n“Hai . ”

nI buy kabobs from a street stall for Rubia .

nI hastily stuff the tasty-looking meat in my mouth .

nI also buy the mysterious soup filled with vegetables and some sweet fruits .

n“This city is enormous . This place is flooded with the people living here…this is the first time I’ve eaten such tasty food . ”

n“Is that so . Good . ”

n“Hai . ”

nHer smile is cute . She should adapt well to the city life .

n“Well then, I’ll show you place anything can be bought . You’ll be safe there even if I leave you . ”

n“Eh, Shuya-sama? You’re going to leave already?”

n“Iya, not just yet . There’s a shop in this direction . ”

nI understand Rubia’s worried expression .

nHowever, I harden my heart and ignore them . I grip Rubia’s hand and guide her to Babon’s store .

n“You can get anything here . You should find necessary items . ”

n“Hai . ”

nOn Rubia’s back is the sword, shield, leather armor, brushes, hardware, clothing, belts, and simple food all bundled together .

n“Rubia, you bought a lot of different things…”

nWait, does she plan on becoming an adventurer?

nI should ask…

n“Hai, this should be the bare minimum I need to prepare…”

n“I see . Is it too heavy?”

n“It’s fine . I did a lot of work in the church . ”

n“I see, then it’s fine . Then, I’ll keep guiding you . I think you should stay in this city…”

n“?”

n“This way . Let’s go . ”

nI guide her to the dwarf brothers’ shop .

nThe only acquaintances I have a good relationship with are these two, I can only ask Zaga about Rubia .

n-N, again, there’s a presence following me .

nMa, they’re keeping their distance and showing no sign of attacking .

nRubia is here this time though…Honestly, I don’t want them to attack .

nI hurry to the Dwarf store .

nWhen Rubia and I come to the shop, Bonn runs out to welcome us .

nAnd, Rollo runs up like usual .

nThe carriage is still in front of the shop, so there is still some time before you move .

n“Enchanto . ”

n“Nyaa, nya . ”

nHaha, they’re still at it .

nThe shared space between Rollo and Bonn .

nRubia stares curiously .

n“Bon, I have business with Zaga . I’m going to the store . ”

n“Enchant . ”

n“Rubia, come with me . ”

n“Hai . ”

nSaying so, Rubia accompanies me into the shop .

n“Oh? If it isn’t Shuya? What is it? Equipment maintenance? It’s too soon for that…”

n“Yo, Zaga . I’m not here to talk about weapons or armor today . It’s sudden, but this child, I would like you to take care of Rubia . ”

nI can trust Zaga and Bonn .

nIn reality, there will be trouble if I try to take care of someone . That’s what I think .

nHowever, it’s dangerous with me, and I still have my objective .

nI’m reluctant, but it’s the right thing to do .

nI’m irresponsible .

nI’m an irresponsible guy escaping from his responsibilities after saving a girl’s life .

n“…Nou, wha, what?”

n“Shuya-sama?”

nRubia suddenly looks at me concerned .

nUh, sorry…

n…Rubia, this Dwarf is Zaga . The one outside is Zaga’s younger brother Bonn . These brothers are blacksmiths . Their skills are top-class .

n“Oi, oi, what is this all of a sudden . Shuya . Introduce this child to me?”

n“Ah, I’ll be relying on you . I won’t ask you to make her a full-fledged smith . I’ll also leave gold with her . Only, trouble will surely follow me in life…”

nI lower my head and ask for help .

nZaga looks at Rubia . He seems to be thinking .

n“Uh, Shuya-sama . I’m alright . ”

n“However, is it fine to leave this to an acquaintance?”

n“Hai . So…”

nHai, you’re called Rubia? I’m Zaga . The one outside is my younger brother, Bonn . We’ll be looking after one another from now on . ”

nOh, Zaga accepted it easily .

n“You’re accepting?”

n“Of course . I can’t refuse Shuya’s request . The other day, I gained a lot . Besides, I feel like our relationship is important . Bonn also has his connection with the black cat, I also have a hunch that we Dwarf brothers will be doing a lot of business soon . ”

n“Is it really okay?”

nRubia’s expression is different than Zaga’s stern one, she seems surprised .

n“Ah, we’re still planning on moving to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】 . If it’s fine, I’ll still take care of her . ”

nYes, it’s fine . Thank you in advance . ”

nWith an excited expression, Rubia thanks Zaga .

nThen, Bonn and Rollo and to the shop .

n“Enchanto . ”

n“N, Nya . ”

n“Bonn, we’re going to be living with this girl, Rubia . Say hello . ”

n“Encha? Enchant . ”

nBonn looks at Rubia and smiles warmly .

nEyes sparkling, he walks up to Rubia and greets her with a thumbs up .

n“-Um, please treat me well . Bonn-san, Zaga-san . ”

n“Encha . ”

n“Of course . ”

nZaga explains about Bonn .

n“Then, Rubia . I’m mostly a blacksmith, but I’m also a bit of a merchant . What can you do? Do you have any unique abilities, is there something you want to do?”

n“Hai . I’m confident in my recovery magic . And then…I also want to become an adventurer . ”

nRubia turns around in the middle and stares at me while she finishes .

nLike me…

nThat recovery magic should be useful in a party . It may be a good choice .

nIn that case, should I give her a parting present?

n“Hou, an adventurer . 【Labyrinth City Pernette】 is the best place for that . There are a lot of people and adventurers there . Everyone from rookies to veterans . You should be able to manage . We’ll do as much as we can to support you, right Bonn?”

n“Enchanto . ”

nGood . It’ll be fine .

nI’ll give this Rubia .

nI open my item box and remove the long sword made from the ancient dragon fang .

n“Rubia, if you’re going to work hard as an adventurer, this sword should come in handy . ”

n“Ou? That is…”

nSeeing the ancient dragon long sword, Zaga is surprised .

nI look at Zaga and nod .

n“Thank you . However, is it okay?”

n“Ah, work hard . Well then, I’ll take my leave now . If fate allows, we may meet again in the future . ”

n“…Hai . Shuya-sama . Thank you, truly . …Someday, I hope to meet you again . ”

nAfter bowing deeply, Rubia raises her head and stares at me fiercely .

nHer eyes are begging me not to leave .

nShe’s hot-blooded .

n“…Ah, again . I’ll meet Zaga and Bonn too . ”

n“Nya . ”

n“Hm . ”

n“Enchanto . ”

nRollo and I depart from the Dwarf brother’s shop, leaving Rubia behind .

nOne day, I’ll go to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】, and we’ll meet again .

n◇◇◇◇

nNow then, should I go see Popobumu once again .

nIf I go to Holkerbam, I’ll need my ride .

nI go to the stable next to the guild .

nThe magic essence is still following me .

nI ignore it and walking towards the stable .

nOh, I found Popobumu .

nRollo promptly jumps onto the back of Popobumu’s head .

nShe curls up on top of his head .

n“Bubo?”

n“Yo, Popobumu . It’s been a while . ”

n“Bubo!”

nHahaha, he seems fine .

nHe’s breathing excitedly . I pat his armored skin .

nI’ll get on .

n“Yosh . ”

nIt’s been so long that I get on without a saddle .

nMy muscle memory instantly orients my body

nThump, thump, a pleasant feeling .

n“Ah, mister . Did you bring that magic beast here?”

nA stable hand who likes Popobumu spoke up .

n“That’s right . He’s been under your care until now . ”

n“No, no, he’s energetic…I’ll be lonely, but you’ll take him out to move now?”

n“Bubo . ”

nPopobumu replies to the stable hand . (TL: I want a chapter of Popobumu’s adventurers in the stable . My headcanon is that he uncovered corruption and brought the perpetrators to justice . )

nHaha, Popobumu likes the stable hand too .

nI ride Popobumu back to the inn .

nNow then, for a little while, I’ll seal off the other side of the gate .

nProbably until I arrive in 【Holkerbam】 .

nI tap the storage icon in item box and place the Paredes Mirror inside .

nThen, I leave the room before checking out of the inn .

nI receive a tangerine-like fruit from the surly innkeeper .

nThe fruit is called saika .

nLike the inn’s name .

nRollo narrows her crimson eyes when she sees the Saika then ignores it .

nI put the fruit in a pocket of my chest belt then mount Popobumu .

nAh, before I go to 【Holkerbam】, I should return to the guild .

nIf there’s a request regarding Holkerbam, I can kill two birds with one stone .

nI’ll decide after looking at the requests .

nI return Popobumu to the stable next to the guild .

nThe stable hand makes a strange face, but I don’t mind it and enter the guild with Rollo .

nI check the request board .

nRequests for Holkerbam…

nMost of them are as caravan guards . Just C and D rank requests .

nClient: Luxor Commercial Firm

nRequest Contents: C Rank, Caravan Guard to Magic Steel City Holkerbam

nTime Period: Last Day . The caravan is leaving this afternoon .

nSubjugation Target: N

/A

nHabitat: N

/A

nRemuneration: One Gold Coin .

nSubjugation Evidence: N

/A

nAdditional Information: Transportation will be over land, so be on the lookout for thieves and monsters . Departing from New Town’s north entrance near the harbor . Look for a green flag with the crest of a horse and sword .

nNote: Three wagons and two covered carriages . Each can fit six people . There is no extra room . However, horse and magic beast mounts are required . There are various products like food and gold works, so you will be required to protect them from thieves . Furthermore, this paper will be removed in several hours .

nThis is the highest ranking request going to Holkerbam .

nThe remuneration is small, but shall I take this one? Getting such a reward from a C rank request…Although, it will contribute to my number of achievements .

nI’ve decided .

nI take the wooden tally to the reception desk .

nThe healing big-breasted receptionist-san isn’t here, so I hand my guild card and wooden tally to another beautiful receptionist .

nThe request is accepted immediately, the back of the guild .

nI board Popobumu and check my guild card .

nThe number of completed requests in ten . It keeps increasing .

nNow then, I’ll soon say goodbye to 【Fort City Hector】 .

nIn the end, I never hear breast receptionist-san’s name .

nAh, I wanted to bury my face in those breasts…

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