Volume 4 Chapter 90 Running Around, Following The Fate
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Kingdom of Nakuos has finally declared war on the Demon Race.
Although the situation had been tense for some time, the feared scenario has finally come to pass.
Nakuos is the nation that once summoned us, the brave warriors, from Earth.
It is the starting point of our journey in this strange world.
The war is being led by the royal princess faction. Meanwhile, the noble faction, an assembly of powerful aristocrats, is showing signs of opposition to the conflict.
”Shouldn’t nobles serve the king?” I murmur.
I voiced my doubt, and the Quatro boy nodded before answering. He seems well-studied in foreign affairs.
”In the Kingdom, some nobles have strong independent mindsets. They may follow the king, but they don’t necessarily acknowledge the princess as their leader.”
”And the king?” I ask.
”They follow the king?” I echo. Hm, what is the king doing then?
”The King of Nakuos is bedridden due to an illness, I hear. The princess is currently handling the administration.”
Ah, so the king’s authority has weakened, causing a conflict between the princess and the nobles.
It seems the kingdom is not of one mind.
I recall the princess.
She was the one who initiated the summoning of us into this world. The ceremony was conducted at her command──to fight against the Demon Race.
When we were first summoned, there were 32 of us, including myself and Yomi. Many have perished since then. I estimate around 20 survivors.
Some may have died or left without my knowing.
Will they follow the Kingdom of Nakuos and march onto the battlefield? Or will they choose a different path, like Yomi?
I was judged useless right after the summoning and expelled.
Useless, and also because my skill was considered too lewd──’Love Hotel’.
They threw me into this strange world, n*ked, in some backstreet alley.
I hold the kingdom in nothing but disdain. Frankly, I couldn’t care less about their war. If anything, I’d rather they lost.
But──
Our eyes met.
Tifi and Kéa.
They were both born and raised in the Kingdom of Nakuos. They have family, friends, and acquaintances there.
Tifi hails from a western town in the kingdom.
Her hometown was put at risk by the Demon Race’s recent attack.
Although it wasn’t directly hit last time, there’s no guarantee for the next assault.
Kéa’s expression is also grim. Her usual cheerful and carefree demeanor is absent.
She’s from a knight family. Her father, the head of the household, has passed away, and the family has fallen from grace. Kéa herself is not a royal knight.
However, many of her relatives and acquaintances must be knights or soldiers.
They aren’t saying anything, not expecting anything from me.
But I can’t bear to see them saddened.
I must consider what I can do, what I should do.
A regular person, powerless in the face of war, can hardly be blamed for not being able to influence such a massive tide. They would focus on protecting themselves.
But I have the ‘Love Hotel’ as a powerful card. I also have comrades. I should be able to do something.
Think. Think about what can be done, what should be done.
”Quatro…” I call.
”Yes!” he replies, alert.
I found myself calling out to the young boy.
”Investigate the kingdom’s movements in detail. The royalist faction, the nobles, the military’s deployments, and the movements of the summoned heroes too. If you need money, say so. I’ll provide items that can be easily cashed.”
”Leave it to me, Sir Taro!” Quatro nods.
Quatro nodded solemnly and promptly set off to do as he was bid.
That’ll do for now. No matter what we decide to do, we need information.
* * *
Rozmiaque and I walk down an alley.
We’re in the Dungeon City of the Kingdom of Nakuos, a place where I once worked as an adventurer. I used to delve into dungeons here, selling collected magic stones and monster materials.
We’ve returned to this town incognito.
I’ve disguised myself, hiding my distinctive black hair under a wig and donning plain clothes.
I’m avoiding conscription into the army. Some may still remember my face. It’s best to keep my identity hidden.
I left Lifia behind. She’s a beautiful elf with golden hair, dressed in a short miniskirt maid uniform──too eye-catching.
Instead, I brought Rozmiaque along. He’s an elf too, with a similar appearance, though his looks are hardly any more discreet.
”My lord, I have found the individual you seek,” Rozmiaque says flatly.
His detection magic can easily locate someone who has the information we need.
We enter a seedy tavern located on a side street.
It’s dimly lit even during the day, with thick air and the smell of cheap alcohol permeating the sparse interior. The floor creaks beneath our feet.
”……We don’t serve newcomers,” the landlord mutters.
The surly landlord glares at us. The atmosphere is exclusionary.
I place a few gold coins silently on the counter.
The landlord snorts, pockets the coins without a word, and then gestures towards the back.
There he is.
A small figure, hooded and cloaked in gray, sits sipping a drink. His slender build brings to mind an image of a mouse.
He has a restless gaze.
This is Quigg, an information broker operating in the Dungeon City. He’s well-versed in the underground world and can dig up any information──for a price.
”Oh my, oh my! This is quite the surprise!” Quigg chirps.
Quigg greets me with a laugh, his high-pitched voice echoing in the tavern.
”I must say, I thought you’d either run off or been captured by the Kingdom Army, sir. And here you are…”
He narrows his eyes, smirking.
”You came all the way back here for war-related intel, didn’t you?”
”Yeah, I want details on the movements of the ‘Star of the Dawn’ and the adventurers like them. Also, any corresponding military movements.”
I searched the city for Gaedaf and his crew, but Lifia’s detection magic didn’t pick them up.
They might be delving into a dungeon, but confirming that would be easiest with Quigg’s help.
”Leave the adventurers to me, sir. But the Kingdom Army’s secrets will cost you extra,” he says, rubbing his fingers together.
He rubs his fingers together, making it obvious that this is a business transaction.
”No problem.”
I took out my waist pouch and silently placed it in Quigg’s palm.
The bag sank with a dull sound.
For a moment, Quigg’s eyes went wide at its weight.
”……This is quite the job. Leave it to me, sir,” Quigg murmurs.
Quigg slipped the small pouch into his pocket, his eyes sharpening. He was probably already thinking about how to go about the job in his head.
”Ah, consider it done.”
I responded briefly, then left the tavern with Rozmiaque.
The coins I gave Quigg also served as hush money. There was little risk of information about me leaking out.
Though he was a shady character, he took pride in his work. He could be trusted.
* * *
A ship smoothly cut through the gentle seas.
The brownie sailors darted about, ensuring the vessel’s comfortable progress.
Our destination was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nakuos, a vast city situated along the coast, and we were heading there across the ocean.
Our ship flew the flag of the Shell Guild, indicating that it belonged to the free city of Latipak.
Quatro the boy and the Councilor Shell had helped us with the arrangements.
We had also finally given our ship an official name.
It was the “Carmadeva,” named after the goddess of love.
Up until then, we had simply called it the “Ship” or the “Pirate Ship.”
We were reminded of the need for a name when registering the vessel, thanks to Quatro’s question.
We frantically brainstormed names, and this one was ultimately chosen, proposed by Lifia.
My suggestion, on the other hand, was promptly vetoed. Apparently, I lacked naming sense.
In any case, our ship was no longer a suspicious vessel. We could now sail into port with confidence.
Despite recent tensions between Latipak and the Kingdom of Nakuos, trade continued uninterrupted, and we entered the harbor without issue.
We had returned to the royal capital of Nakuos after several months.
* * *
In the center of the Nakuos royal capital stood an impressive stone building──the headquarters of the Adventurers’ Guild.
Located on its top floor, behind a heavy door, was the guild master’s room.
I was currently visiting this room with Tifi.
The room’s owner was a robust woman with a formidable physique. Her red-brown hair and sharp eyes hinted at her past.
Though she wasn’t wearing armor, her build spoke volumes about her history. She was a retired adventurer, once known as the strongest in the kingdom.
”You’re back──good to see you again, and that you’re doing well,” she says warmly.
A deep, powerful, yet gentle voice echoed through the room.
”Yes, we’re doing fine, thank you. It’s good to see you’re doing well too, Guild Master.”
Tifi smiled pleasantly and bowed politely. This guild had been her home during the years she lived here, between leaving the orphanage and meeting me.
”You… though…”
The guild master’s gaze fell on Tifi’s stomach. She was now clearly showing, even through her clothes.
”…Hehe…”
Tifi blushed and placed her hands over her stomach.
Seeing this gesture made me feel somewhat awkward.
”……Well, I’m glad to see you’re doing well and happy,” the guild master murmurs.
The guild master smiled warmly and nodded.
”Mmm.”
With a brief response, I left the guild master’s room, feeling somewhat relieved.
After exchanging pleasantries, I broached the main topic.
”I’ve come to inquire about some information regarding the war today.”
”……As I thought. We’re troubled by it over here too.”
The guild master’s expression grew slightly harsh.
”Quite a few of our younger members have been poached by mercenary groups. And rather forcefully, I might add.”
I heard the sound of a fist being clenched, emanating from the guild master’s large hand. It seemed to retain the strength from when he wielded a sword.
The guild master’s shoulders trembled, and he took a deep breath, as if holding back his emotions.
”I can provide some information, but as an adventurer guild, we can only keep track of adventurers. I can’t say the same for the military or the nobles.”
”That’s more than enough. It’ll be a great help.”
I replied with a bow.
”Be careful what you get involved in. You────have something to protect, don’t you?”
Her gaze was directed at Tifi’s swollen belly.
”That’s why I’m doing this,” I said.
I offered a smile in response.
* * *
”So, is that why you went through the trouble of investigating here?”
The woman rocked her cup of tea and smiled meaningfully.
Her hair, neatly arranged, exuded an aura of sophistication, making her seem older than she probably was. But her appearance remained youthful, thanks to the power of beauty products.
”Yes. I thought that a merchant in the royal capital would be well-versed in such matters.”
I sat up straight and directed my gaze toward the lady.
The walls were adorned with large paintings, and the floor was covered with vibrant rugs. The decorations were generally garish, displaying their wealth.
I found myself in such a place, facing a woman.
Seated across from me was the wife of the president of the influential Otis Merchant Guild in the royal capital.
I supplied her with the amenities from the love hotel──shampoo and conditioner.
It had been a great help during my initial money-making endeavors.
Our transaction continued to this day, and I regularly delivered goods to her.
This time, however, I had come for war-related information.
A merchant in the royal capital like her would surely be aware of the movement of military supplies.
I hoped to obtain some insights into the ongoing conflict between the Kingdom and the Demon Race.
”It’s true that we receive a lot of intelligence in exchange for goods, but I may not be able to tell you much without the usual items.”
The lady smiles, sly. She and I were not friends. Our relationship was a pragmatic one.
But that was within my expectations.
”Of course. This time, I have something special prepared.”
I paused for emphasis before speaking.
”The Princess’s Dress.”
”……Eh?” she breathes.
In that moment, the lady’s eyes widened. Her fingers stopped at the rim of the cup, motionless. The air grew slightly taut.
The Princess’s Dress──an item auctioned at a famous event held in the dungeon city. It had been the highlight of the auction, creating a buzz among the attendees.
It was eventually sold at a high price to a noble lady.
That item had indeed been mine to sell, but there was no need to elaborate on that now.
While it was indeed a tale from the dungeon city, the lady before me, a seasoned merchant, was unlikely to be unfamiliar with it.
And it’s impossible for a woman to remain unmoved by such splendid dresses.
”Of course, they can’t compare with the items up for auction. But we have prepared items very similar to them.”
”Could I see them now?” she asks, calm.
The lady responds calmly. As expected, she remains composed.
But I can tell from her eyes that this negotiation is as good as done.
* * *
In the heart of the royal capital, not far from the royal castle, lies an exclusive residential area.
The atmosphere here is distinct from that of other districts──the cobblestone roads are meticulously polished, the street trees neatly aligned.
The mansions that stand here are overwhelmingly opulent, a testament to the status of their inhabitants.
This is the domain of the nobility──a place where commoners should not tread lightly.
Amidst this prestigious neighborhood, I stand before a mansion, accompanied by Lifia.
”What is your business here?” a guard asks, stern.
A guard blocks our way at the gate, scrutinizing me up and down with a stern expression.
”I’m an adventurer named Taro. I’ve come to meet Sir Iberigo────”
I straighten my back and speak with a polite tone.
”Sir… Taro?” the guard mutters.
The guard’s eyebrows raise slightly, indicating that he recognizes my name.
Normally, visiting a noble’s mansion without an appointment would be unthinkable. I could’ve been turned away immediately.
But his reaction is different.
”Please wait a moment. Let me confirm.”
The guard disappears into the mansion’s depths, and I’m soon escorted to a guest room.
The well-decorated room, though temporarily set up for visitors, is far more luxurious than the average family’s guest chamber.
The paintings hanging on the walls and the fragrant wood finishes suggest that this space is more about displaying status than hosting guests.
I wait for a while, and then I hear the robust footsteps approaching.
The man who appears is Iberigo, his robust figure adorned in finely tailored clothes.
Yes, this is the residence of Baron Borg, and he is the heir apparent, Iberigo Borg.
”Mr. Taro! It’s great that you could come!” he beams.
As soon as the door opens, Iberigo greets me with a beaming smile, his friendly expression sincere, and his arms spread wide.
I’ve had previous dealings with him. Iberigo sought my help when his fiancée fell ill, needing rare herbs for her treatment. I managed to obtain and provide those herbs.
That act has earned me his deep trust.
”Mr. Taro, I’m delighted you’re here… but is it safe for you to be in the royal capital?” he whispers.
Iberigo furrows his brow and lowers his voice.
He’s right to be concerned. I was nearly conscripted into the army not long ago, and I’m currently in a delicate situation after being tipped off by his fiancée, Lady Arcona.
I shouldn’t be strolling casually through the streets of the royal capital.
”If you’re running away, we could hide you here…” he says, serious.
He speaks with utter seriousness. What a good friend he is.
”It’s fine, really. I’ve taken care of everything, so there’s no problem.”
”I’m relieved to hear that…”
”Yes, well, about today’s matter…”
I reassure him of my situation and explain that I’m seeking information about the war.
Iberigo thinks for a few seconds, then nods slowly.
”I see. You’re as fast as ever, Mr. Taro.”
Then, his gaze sharpens slightly.
”Before we continue, let me make one thing clear. The Borg family—or rather, our head family, the Castanope family—belongs to the noble faction.”
At his words, I feel a quiet relief.
The noble faction—meaning, those hesitant about the war.
Unlike the Princess’s faction, they aren’t fond of forcibly conscripting adventurers.
If that’s the case, I don’t have to worry about him turning against me.
On the contrary, I might even be able to ask for his cooperation going forward.
”Mr. Taro, what exactly are you planning to do?”
Iberigo’s question carries a trace of uncertainty… but behind it glimmers a faint hope.
”Depending on the circumstances… if possible, I intend to stop this war.”
I say that—and allow a faint smile to play at my lips.
Notes:
• Kingdom of Nakuos – The nation where the protagonist and companions were summoned as heroes.
• Quatro – Male. A young boy, the son of a council member of Latipak. His appearance is androgynous and delicate, wearing butler-style clothes. He was rescued by Ore and now spreads the ‘Room of Love’ teachings, believing Ore to be a divine figure. He is charismatic and speaks with regal dignity.
• Rozmiaque – High-ranking elf investigating large-scale Spirit Magic usage. Condescending, believes a High Elf is involved. Uses 6-letter Spirit Magic to trap targets. Displays contempt for half-elves and humans. Aggressive interrogator, possibly capable of sensing hidden information.
• Latipak – A small independent state centered around its port town. Located in a strategic trade hub, it maintains neutrality despite being surrounded by large nations and Demon Race territories. It is a bustling city where humans, elves, dwarfs, and Demon Race people coexist. Known for its vibrant streets, diverse languages, and lively atmosphere.
• Carmadeva – The name of Taro’s ship; named after the goddess of love.
• Iberigo Borg – The heir of Baron Borg; trusts Taro after he helped cure his fiancée’s illness; offers to hide Taro in the noble district.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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