Chapter 68
SPEAR MASTER AND THE BLACK CAT CHAPTER 68
Sixty-Eight Episode~ In One’s Mind Exists a Small Church
“Got it . Then, how old is Rubia?”
“Thirteen . ”
Thirteen years old, she’s young, but it should be fine . (TL: What should be fine, Shuya? What are you thinking?)
I don’t know when people are considered adults in this world, but I can judge the age of a single person .
“I see . I feel bad . However, things might be difficult in the future? Do you still want to go?”
“Hai . It’s fine . I understand . ”
She said it’s fine, but I’ll support her for a little .
“…Alright . I’ll take care of the bodies first . Will people be gathering at the church first?”
“No, they should know the Priest isn’t here, it’s only in cases where someone is hurt, like the children earlier . ”
“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 . ”
“Hai . ”
Then, I take care of the bodies .
Rollo helps, so I quickly carry the corpses into the field .
After 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 .
The smell is still here, but it’s mostly clean now .
Ma, this should be enough .
“Rollo, let’s return . ”
“N, nya . ”
Rollo perches on my shoulder, and we return to the church .
“Rubia, I’m done . ”
When I return, Rubia is praying to the cross in front of the altar .
“G.o.d is heaven, all the world is in your heart…”
Oh? Anne of Green Gables?
A coincidence perhaps…
But, even under these conditions, this child is praying .
“…Do you have all your things?”
“Hai, I only have two sets of clothes . ”
In Rubia’s hand is a sleeveless underclothes like dust cloth .
“Just that?”
“Yes . ”
Seriously? What kind of frugal life has she been living…
Her life is going to change after this, one more time, I reconfirm her feelings .
“Rubia, if you leave you may not be able to go to church anymore?”
“It’s fine . Since I was born there was a small church in my heart, it follows me and helps guide my path . ”
Rubia laughs . It feels like there’s a halo around her .
Her smile cleanses my heart .
Lead by the small church in her heart… Her faith is deep .
Isn’t this child able to become a priest?
I’m a little impressed .
…Well, such a thing is inconsequential .
I activate the gate .
“…I understand . I’m going to activate the gate, so wait a minute . ”
“Oh, hai . ”
I remove the twenty-sided sphere from my pocket and trace the first symbol .
The gate activates .
“Wa~”
Rubia looks more impressed than surprised .
“Rubia, give me your hand . ”
“Ah, hai . ”
I hold her delicate hand .
The calluses on her palm tell me how hard she’s worked .
However, they’re so small it seems they’ll break at any moment .
“Let’s enter . ”
Rubia looks at me, eyes full of determination, and nods .
I nod back and take her through the gate .
I’m able to safely pa.s.s through with Rubia .
We arrive in 【Hector】 at the same time .
…Fuu . The gate worked .
I manage to return to this small room .
I was a little worried, but we can still pa.s.s through . Ma, I’ve also move will Rollo, so I figured it would work if we touched .
“Nn, Nya . ”
As always, Rollo jumps to the hard bed .
“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】 .
“…Ha, hai . Here?”
She’s turning her head restlessly, looking at the small room .
“It’s a small it…sorry . ”
If I think about it, Rubia lived in a smaller room…
“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 . ”
“That’s right . ”
The Zohedron Trap floats around my head again .
I catch it and put it in my chest pocket .
“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 . ”
“Is that so…Shuya-sama . Thank you . It’s all thanks to you . To be capable of using such transfer magic…”
It is helpful…
I’d like her to not talk about it .
Ah, don’t tell anyone about it . Let’s keep it a secret?”
“Hai . I understand . I won’t tell anyone . It’s a secret . ”
“And then, I’ll give you money, you can spend it how you want . ”
Saying that, I take out two magic bags and several gold coins .
“Eh, this, these gold coins… I can’t take this much money . ”
“It’s fine, I’m rich . ”
“Nya~”
Rollo calls out and lifts one foot, slapping the bed .
“Rollo also approves . Receive it obediently . ”
“…Hai . However, only, this…”
“Haha, maybe . It’s different? Rollodinu has such a cute face, but she understands our conversations . ”
“Nn, Nya . ”
“Really? What a beautiful Kitty-chan . ”
“Aah, she’s my pride . ”
Nya . ”
One by one, Rollo replies .
“Fufu, but, Shuya-sama…”
After Rubia laughs, she suddenly looks down .
“N?”
“Why, why are you helping a woman like me?”
That’s…
Ma, I’ll be honest .
“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 . ”
“…Is that so . In that case, please use this poor body freely . ”
Saying that, Rubia’s face turns red and she begins to remove her dirty clothes .
-Uhya, who taught this woman?
Even as a joke, she grew up in a church…
“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 . ”
Rubia has a confused look on her face .
“Eh? Tent?”
Ugu, I said something indecent… (TL: The word is モッコス, I think the author is referring to the bulge a b.o.n.e.r makes in your pants . )
By no means, is it an evil G.o.d? A tent won’t form .
I repeat this chant in my heart .
“Ah, iya, that is, ah~ it’s fine . So, please get dressed . Good?”
“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…”
So? It seems the drunkards in the post town said some unnecessary things .
“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 f.u.c.k 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…”
I try to explain with words soaked in embarra.s.sment .
I expressed my feelings, but by the end, my face is flushed red, and I have to turn away .
“Fufu, Shuya-sama is surely from Illodis-kami, I was sent a child of the light . ”
Rubia’s face blooms with a heavenly smile .
She turns to me in a pose of prayer .
Wors.h.i.+pping like that, it’s not right…
“You don’t need to do that, please stop wors.h.i.+pping me . Yosh, next we’ll go shopping, then I’ll give you a tour of 【Hector】 . ”
“Hai, I understand . Thank you . ”
“Got it . Let’s go . ”
I accompany Rubia out of the cheap inn .
We walk down the main street, and I introduce her to the side streets with the food shops .
Next, I show her around the big market .
“Today is the special day of your arrival in 【Hector】 . It’s my treat . ”
“Hai . ”
I buy kabobs from a street stall for Rubia .
I hastily stuff the tasty-looking meat in my mouth .
I also buy the mysterious soup filled with vegetables and some sweet fruits .
“This city is enormous . This place is flooded with the people living here…this is the first time I’ve eaten such tasty food . ”
“Is that so . Good . ”
“Hai . ”
Her smile is cute . She should adapt well to the city life .
“Well then, I’ll show you place anything can be bought . You’ll be safe there even if I leave you . ”
“Eh, Shuya-sama? You’re going to leave already?”
“Iya, not just yet . There’s a shop in this direction . ”
I understand Rubia’s worried expression .
However, I harden my heart and ignore them . I grip Rubia’s hand and guide her to Babon’s store .
“You can get anything here . You should find necessary items . ”
“Hai . ”
On Rubia’s back is the sword, s.h.i.+eld, leather armor, brushes, hardware, clothing, belts, and simple food all bundled together .
“Rubia, you bought a lot of different things…”
Wait, does she plan on becoming an adventurer?
I should ask…
“Hai, this should be the bare minimum I need to prepare…”
“I see . Is it too heavy?”
“It’s fine . I did a lot of work in the church . ”
“I see, then it’s fine . Then, I’ll keep guiding you . I think you should stay in this city…”
“?”
“This way . Let’s go . ”
I guide her to the dwarf brothers’ shop .
The only acquaintances I have a good relations.h.i.+p with are these two, I can only ask Zaga about Rubia .
-N, again, there’s a presence following me .
Ma, they’re keeping their distance and showing no sign of attacking .
Rubia is here this time though…Honestly, I don’t want them to attack .
I hurry to the Dwarf store .
When Rubia and I come to the shop, Bonn runs out to welcome us .
And, Rollo runs up like usual .
The carriage is still in front of the shop, so there is still some time before you move .
“Enchanto . ”
“Nyaa, nya . ”
Haha, they’re still at it .
The shared s.p.a.ce between Rollo and Bonn .
Rubia stares curiously .
“Bon, I have business with Zaga . I’m going to the store . ”
“Enchant . ”
“Rubia, come with me . ”
“Hai . ”
Saying so, Rubia accompanies me into the shop .
“Oh? If it isn’t Shuya? What is it? Equipment maintenance? It’s too soon for that…”
“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 . ”
I can trust Zaga and Bonn .
In reality, there will be trouble if I try to take care of someone . That’s what I think .
However, it’s dangerous with me, and I still have my objective .
I’m reluctant, but it’s the right thing to do .
I’m irresponsible .
I’m an irresponsible guy escaping from his responsibilities after saving a girl’s life .
“…Nou, wha, what?”
“Shuya-sama?”
Rubia suddenly looks at me concerned .
Uh, sorry…
…Rubia, this Dwarf is Zaga . The one outside is Zaga’s younger brother Bonn . These brothers are blacksmiths . Their skills are top-cla.s.s .
“Oi, oi, what is this all of a sudden . Shuya . Introduce this child to me?”
“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…”
I lower my head and ask for help .
Zaga looks at Rubia . He seems to be thinking .
“Uh, Shuya-sama . I’m alright . ”
“However, is it fine to leave this to an acquaintance?”
“Hai . So…”
Hai, 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 . ”
Oh, Zaga accepted it easily .
“You’re accepting?”
“Of course . I can’t refuse Shuya’s request . The other day, I gained a lot . Besides, I feel like our relations.h.i.+p 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 . ”
“Is it really okay?”
Rubia’s expression is different than Zaga’s stern one, she seems surprised .
“Ah, we’re still planning on moving to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】 . If it’s fine, I’ll still take care of her . ”
Yes, it’s fine . Thank you in advance . ”
With an excited expression, Rubia thanks Zaga .
Then, Bonn and Rollo and to the shop .
“Enchanto . ”
“N, Nya . ”
“Bonn, we’re going to be living with this girl, Rubia . Say h.e.l.lo . ”
“Encha? Enchant . ”
Bonn looks at Rubia and smiles warmly .
Eyes sparkling, he walks up to Rubia and greets her with a thumbs up .
“-Um, please treat me well . Bonn-san, Zaga-san . ”
“Encha . ”
“Of course . ”
Zaga explains about Bonn .
“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?”
“Hai . I’m confident in my recovery magic . And then…I also want to become an adventurer . ”
Rubia turns around in the middle and stares at me while she finishes .
Like me…
That recovery magic should be useful in a party . It may be a good choice .
In that case, should I give her a parting present?
“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?”
“Enchanto . ”
Good . It’ll be fine .
I’ll give this Rubia .
I open my item box and remove the long sword made from the ancient dragon fang .
“Rubia, if you’re going to work hard as an adventurer, this sword should come in handy . ”
“Ou? That is…”
Seeing the ancient dragon long sword, Zaga is surprised .
I look at Zaga and nod .
“Thank you . However, is it okay?”
“Ah, work hard . Well then, I’ll take my leave now . If fate allows, we may meet again in the future . ”
“…Hai . Shuya-sama . Thank you, truly . …Someday, I hope to meet you again . ”
After bowing deeply, Rubia raises her head and stares at me fiercely .
Her eyes are begging me not to leave .
She’s hot-blooded .
“…Ah, again . I’ll meet Zaga and Bonn too . ”
“Nya . ”
“Hm . ”
“Enchanto . ”
Rollo and I depart from the Dwarf brother’s shop, leaving Rubia behind .
One day, I’ll go to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】, and we’ll meet again .
◇◇◇◇
Now then, should I go see Popob.u.mu once again .
If I go to Holkerbam, I’ll need my ride .
I go to the stable next to the guild .
The magic essence is still following me .
I ignore it and walking towards the stable .
Oh, I found Popob.u.mu .
Rollo promptly jumps onto the back of Popob.u.mu’s head .
She curls up on top of his head .
“Bubo?”
“Yo, Popob.u.mu . It’s been a while . ”
“Bubo!”
Hahaha, he seems fine .
He’s breathing excitedly . I pat his armored skin .
I’ll get on .
“Yosh . ”
It’s been so long that I get on without a saddle .
My muscle memory instantly orients my body
Thump, thump, a pleasant feeling .
“Ah, mister . Did you bring that magic beast here?”
A stable hand who likes Popob.u.mu spoke up .
“That’s right . He’s been under your care until now . ”
“No, no, he’s energetic…I’ll be lonely, but you’ll take him out to move now?”
“Bubo . ”
Popob.u.mu replies to the stable hand . (TL: I want a chapter of Popob.u.mu’s adventurers in the stable . My headcanon is that he uncovered corruption and brought the perpetrators to justice . )
Haha, Popob.u.mu likes the stable hand too .
I ride Popob.u.mu back to the inn .
Now then, for a little while, I’ll seal off the other side of the gate .
Probably until I arrive in 【Holkerbam】 .
I tap the storage icon in item box and place the Paredes Mirror inside .
Then, I leave the room before checking out of the inn .
I receive a tangerine-like fruit from the surly innkeeper .
The fruit is called saika .
Like the inn’s name .
Rollo narrows her crimson eyes when she sees the Saika then ignores it .
I put the fruit in a pocket of my chest belt then mount Popob.u.mu .
Ah, before I go to 【Holkerbam】, I should return to the guild .
If there’s a request regarding Holkerbam, I can kill two birds with one stone .
I’ll decide after looking at the requests .
I return Popob.u.mu to the stable next to the guild .
The stable hand makes a strange face, but I don’t mind it and enter the guild with Rollo .
I check the request board .
Requests for Holkerbam…
Most of them are as caravan guards . Just C and D rank requests .
Client: Luxor Commercial Firm
Request Contents: C Rank, Caravan Guard to Magic Steel City Holkerbam
Time Period: Last Day . The caravan is leaving this afternoon .
Subjugation Target: N/A
Habitat: N/A
Remuneration: One Gold Coin .
Subjugation Evidence: N/A
Additional 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 .
Note: 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 .
This is the highest ranking request going to Holkerbam .
The 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 .
I’ve decided .
I take the wooden tally to the reception desk .
The healing big-breasted receptionist-san isn’t here, so I hand my guild card and wooden tally to another beautiful receptionist .
The request is accepted immediately, the back of the guild .
I board Popob.u.mu and check my guild card .
The number of completed requests in ten . It keeps increasing .
Now then, I’ll soon say goodbye to 【Fort City Hector】 .
In the end, I never hear breast receptionist-san’s name .
Ah, I wanted to bury my face in those b.r.e.a.s.t.s…