“Disaster… Could it because of Carton?”
“Yeah, that’s right. Well, it’s new information, so it’s not like we can do anything about it right away. Besides, it’s quite a distance from the Republic to here. They might have just been on a regular job.”
Spellsess replied with some follow-up. Even if they were targeting me, it’s uncertain how they would come. Generally, they say it’s safe to wait for about a month. It seems like the information about me joining the Federation has already spread worldwide. Rather than rushing here recklessly, they might be gathering information.
“…It doesn’t feel very good, does it?”
“Well, yeah. But that’s one of the hurdles we have to overcome.”
The man known as the Sage spoke as if it were no big deal. But for me, it was anything but. Until now, adventurers coming all the way to this countryside just to target me? I had that feeling, but I couldn’t figure out where these people who held a grudge against me were.
I took a deep breath quietly to keep calm.
And as for the discussion, the priority would be to develop the three of them to some extent. In this world, there’s a concept of levels called “Ladder Steps”, but only up to 10 have been confirmed so far. And the amount of experience needed to move from 3 to 4 increases drastically. Similarly, it increases sharply again when moving from 6 to 7. Generally, someone at the 7th step is considered a considerable veteran.
First, the three of them are at the 4th step now, but the plan is to raise them to 6.
Then, Nishina timidly spoke up.
“Um, I’ve been learning various things from Regres-san until now… So, um, can Reg-san come with us?”
Ah, indeed. The children have become quite fond of Regres. It’s understandable that they’d want him to come along when going to raise their steps, considering how much fun they’ve had training together recently.
But the two of them don’t know Regres.
“Um, who is Regres?”
Mainui-san asked in return.
We told them about Regres, an adventurer who arrived in this town about a week ago and taught us various fighting techniques.
“Regres… Hmm… I’ve never heard of him? Mainui, you haven’t either?”
“Sorry, I’m not that familiar with adventurers.”
The two of them have come all the way here considering my protection. Naturally, they show vigilance towards adventurers they’ve never heard of, but when Yazzak and Stroman say he should be fine, Spellsess, who became interested, suggests going to meet him.
Regres was found soon after. He was making a campfire outside the town gate. He probably got it from the farm he helped. He was roasting something that looked like corn over the fire.
“Oh, so you’re Regres-dono.”
Spellsess approached Regres, who was checking the roasted corn, and asked. Regres glanced at Spellsess and smiled happily.
“Ah, if it isn’t the Sage-dono. So… the Federation is quite generous.”
“Hmm. You seem to understand.”
“And is this the Spear Princess?”
Spear Princess? Mainui’s eye twitched at those words. It’s probably her nickname. Regres peeked at Mainui, finding her reaction amusing.
“But… even if you’re called Spear Princess, it’s tough after 20 years.”
“Everyone around just calls me that.”
“Well, I guess so.”
“So, who are you?”
Mainui asked somewhat grumpily. Without answering her, Regres picked up one of the roasted corn and took a bite.
“Yeah, fresh ones are always tasty. Sorry, I only have enough for myself. I’d share if I had more.”
In the tense atmosphere, only the sound of Regres chewing could be heard. Unable to bear it, I interjected without thinking.
“Um… you see, Regres-san is more of a traveler than an adventurer, right? Probably… yeah. He travels around the world looking for fun things…”
“Haha, the Sensei is kind.”
“Hey, don’t tease me.”
It feels a bit embarrassing to have tried so hard to cover for someone, only to be teased by the person I was trying to cover for.
While watching the exchange between me and Regres, Spellsess casually rummaged through his bag and took out a wrapped package.
“Hey, can I borrow the fire?”
“Sure… Oh, it’s not dried fish. Eh? Is it okay?”
When the package was opened, several dried fish came out. He picked one up and placed it on the grill set up over the fire.
“Hehehe, I love these.”
He said as he took out a water flask from his bag and opened the seal with a pop. Immediately, a sweet alcohol smell wafted around.
“It smells good… Sake?”
“Yeah, you got it. You know it goes well with dried fish.”
As he said that, he poured it into a bamboo cup. The pleasant sound of pouring spread around. The aroma of the roasted fish began to drift out. I couldn’t resist watching, and it seemed Regres couldn’t either. His hand paused while eating corn as he glanced at Spellsess’s actions.
“What do you think? Want some?”
“…Is it okay?”
Guh… he’s a real sage. Perfect bait, perfect timing, perfect words. To Regres’s somewhat casual question, Spellsess replied, “Of course,” and took out another bamboo cup from his bag. He poured the sake into it and handed it to Regres.
Regres took it and gulped it down.
“Yeah. Good sake!”
“Of course. It’s from Emmer.”
Spellsess answered Regres’s admiration as if it were natural, then picked up a piece of roasted fish with his hand, split it in half, and offered half to Regres.
“This is necessary too.”
“No doubt!”
Regres nodded as he nibbled on the fish, taking another sip of sake. Spellsess watched him with satisfaction, then ate his own dried fish and drank sake.
…W-What is this?
We were left gaping at the sudden mysterious exchange.
“Well, let’s leave it to Master Spellsess.”
After a while, Mainui said so and called out to us. There’s no way we could intrude on the two who started enjoying their sake talk. So, reluctantly, we decided to go to the cafeteria to have lunch for now.
