Chapter 137
“See, this is where the townspeople live, and before, in the park further ahead, I found a suspicious person and chased them.” (Melt)
“I see, I see. So this is the residential area-ja na.” (Rue)
Melt-chan was showing me around Lindblum.
Right now she was guiding me through the lower layers, explaining what the residential district was like.
Hmm…so she chased after a suspicious person.
“And then, ahead of here there’s a secret entrance that leads to another section called the ‘Underside’. It seems like there’s another town underground, and it’s really interesting.” (Melt)
“Oh? I’ve heard the name before. This will be my first time actually going there-ja.” (Rue)
“Right? Seimu and the others probably haven’t been there either. You’ll be the first one, Oji-chan.” (Melt)
“That is quite an honor-ja na.” (Rue)
It was the district I heard rumors about. It’s believed to be the area where Shizuma’s former classmate escaped after fleeing the Marquis Alheus’s mansion.
A massive explosion resulted in many injuries, and that same explosion opened a huge tunnel that connects to the northern forest of Lindblum.
“It seems the entrance to the Underside is blocked off by the kingdom’s knights.” (Rue)
“Ah, you’re right. I wonder if something happened.” (Melt)
From here, I could see knights of the kingdom standing guard before the door at the back of the residential district’s park.
Oh yes, during the Marquis Alheus incident, Melt-chan accepted an escort job to Izbel.
No wonder she didn’t know what happened in the Underside.
“I heard there was an explosion accident a little while ago-ja yo. It might be that there’s no one down there right now.” (Rue)
“I see… It had such an interesting atmosphere, I wanted to show it to you too, Oji-chan.” (Melt)
“Hoho, next time is fine. Well then, shall we go get lunch?” (Rue)
“Yeah! I’ll take you to a street with lots of the best food stalls!” (Melt)
Saying that, she happily skipped ahead.
Just watching her walk chased away all my worries and concerns.
Shizuma had set his initial goal as living for this child, and came to this country for her sake.
He gained a new place to belong, and then fought to protect it.
And along the way…almost as a side effect…he sought strength to sever ties with his past and defeated it.
And now, Shizuma has set a new goal: to free us characters.
It’s not unlike Still… His actions inspire respect.
As expected of our master.
He puts others before himself, yet never sacrifices himself, and seizes every opportunity to pursue his own aims and desires.
Such behavior is youthful, and the arrogance of one who possesses power.
And very, very admirable.
Arrogance and greed aren’t evil. In excess they become vice, but in moderation they fuel life and draw others in.
“Oji-chan, why are you smiling?” (Melt)
“Hm? Melt-chan looks so happy, and that makes me happy too-ja yo. And I was imagining how nice it would be if someday, Shizuma could come along with us like this.” (Rue)
“That’s true! But…that might be much, much later. So wait for it, okay?” (Melt)
“Yes, I shall look forward to it.” (Rue)
—————–
“Welcome! Haven’t seen you lately, Miss! Went on an expedition job?”
“Something like that! Okay, here’s the money.” (Melt)
When we reached the food stall street, Melt-chan immediately lined up at the sausage stall Shizuma used to call “Marumetano.”
She bought three without hesitation: one for me, and one in each hand for herself.
“This is really good. It’s my favorite stall here.” (Melt)
“I see, I see. Then I shall have one.” (Rue)
I took a bite of mine while watching her eat with such happiness.
Mm, delicious. It’s a bit heavy, but perfect for restoring energy after a long walk.
Though Melt-chan might be eating a bit too much.
“Where should we go next after we eat?” (Melt)
“I’ll follow you wherever you want, Melt-chan.” (Rue)
“Then I’ll show you another place I’ve been to!” (Melt)
And so, we spent the entire day sightseeing around Lindblum.
—————–
“Here’s the General Guild! See? So many people! I became an adventurer here.” (Melt)
“Hoho, I see, I see. Do you enjoy the adventurer life?” (Rue)
“It’s super fun! Every day is full of new things, and I can’t believe such wonderful days were waiting for me!” (Melt)
“Mhm mhm… I’m glad you’re enjoying it-ja yo. But…be careful, okay? Most people here came because they have a problem that needs solving. And problems often involve danger-ja. Adventurers like you who work at the guild carry the wishes of people seeking help-ja. Never forget that.” (Rue)
“I understand! I’ll be careful! I’ll study a lot, and I’ll always think carefully so I can choose the best option no matter the situation. I promise.” (Melt)
The last place she guided me to was the General Guild, the heart of the city.
Hearing her speak so happily, I accidentally said something a bit cautionary…but this was one thing I had to say as someone experienced in battle.
“Mhm, a good answer-ja. ‘Guide strength with wisdom. But when wisdom fails, overcome with stronger strength.’ As long as you remember that, you’ll be fine-ja yo, Melt-chan.” (Rue)
“I see… Then I need to train too, not just study!” (Melt)
“Indeed. If you like, I can train with you anytime.” (Rue)
“With you, Oji-chan…? I don’t think I could do anything! Even now, you don’t have a single opening.” (Melt)
“…Oh?”
She observes well. As expected of…a higher race, perhaps.
…This is bad. She’s my precious granddaughter, yet…my blood stirs.
If it’s her, she might absorb my teachings and reach even greater heights.
“Oh, Melt! Long time no see!”
“It’s been a while, Melt. About a month?”
“Melt-chan, long time! Did you go on a long-distance job?”
Just then, the trio of rookie adventurers Melt-chan was close with appeared and cheerfully greeted her.
Hmm…there’s a faintly odd atmosphere about these three… What is this feeling?
“Ah, everyone! Long time! Yeah, I had to go far for a job.” (Melt)
“Oh! Going far away right after the new year? Did Seimu-san go with you?” (Rikka)
“Yeah, Seimu came too. But right now he’s working separately. He’s out of town again.” (Melt)
“That’s a Ruby Rank for you… I admire them.” (Kash)
“True. It means they’re relied upon that much. But shouldn’t you also have become Ruby by now, Melt?” (Grant)
“I’m taking a little break. I’m showing Oji-chan around the city.” (Melt)
Oh, she introduced me too.
Youthful, fresh adventurers… Quite pleasant to see. They make the heart feel young again.
“So this is Melt’s grandpa!?” (Kash)
“Hoho, that’s right. We’re not related by blood, but I’m here to look after her. You’re Melt-chan’s friends, yes? Pleased to meet you.” (Rue)
“You’ve got an incredible presence…! Are you an adventurer too, Oji-san?” (Rikka)
“No, no, I’m just an old man-ja yo. I can use a sword a little, though.” (Rue)
“…You’re being modest. That posture… You’re no ordinary man.” (Grant)
Hmm, this young man has good eyes.
His gaze traveled from my feet to my forehead. He was observing my center of gravity and stance, wasn’t he?
“Hm, well, something like that-ja na.” (Rue)
“Oh? So you’re a sword master, Ji-san!? I’ve never seen an old guy who can fight! What kind of techniques can you do!?” (Kash)
“Hoho, let’s see… I can cut the air with my sword! Just joking.” (Rue)
“Anyone can do a practice swing. Are you really a master?” (Kash)
“I’m a master, really~” (Rue)
Honest, inexperienced, a bit immature.
But I sense a straightforward spirit… He seems like a good lad.
“Melt-chan, shall we go eat? The sun’s setting. Your friends can come too.” (Rue)
“Ah, good idea! Hey everyone, let’s go eat together!” (Melt)
“Oh, sure! It’s been a while!” (Kash)
“Fufu, actually, I’ve been earning a bit more lately. I can afford to drink today.” (Grant)
“Don’t drink too much, okay? We’ve got that gathering job at the mountain lake tomorrow.” (Rikka)
With the three agreeing, we left the guild and headed to the Adventurers’ Den.
—————–
“So, Oji-san is the one leading Seimu-san and Shilent-san? And Melt-chan is part of them too?” (Rikka)
“That was the plan, but Vice-Captain Seimu grew very fond of this country. And Melt-chan took a liking to it as her second home. So the two of them moved here-ja yo. We’re staying in the country for a while, but we’ll be departing soon.” (Rue)
“Wow! So the guy who looked ridiculously strong is following you, Ji-san!? You really are a master!” (Kash)
I spoke with Kash-kun and Rikka-chan as we walked toward the den.
But the last one, Grant-kun, was walking behind us, warily watching the surroundings.
…Ah, I see.
“Grant-kun, this area is still safe-ja yo.” (Rue)
“…! So you know.” (Grant)
“I don’t know the details. But I heard the entrance to the den might not be so safe.” (Rue)
Judging from what Kokuri-chan said, the cause was probably a territorial dispute inside the den… Not refugees themselves, but people originally living there being pushed out as refugees needed space.
That seems right.
“I don’t know the details either, but lately in the middle area of the den, adventurers and mercenaries have been getting into fights with the people from the Underside.” (Grant)
“Oh? So it’s because of that accident in the Underside-ja na? I heard a huge hole opened and the airflow changed physically.” (Rue)
“Yes. I used to visit the Underside sometimes, but now there are more knights, and the people who lived there are coming up.” (Grant)
Hmm… According to Melt-chan, the Underside is a large place.
I suppose the kingdom decided not to let such a huge underground district remain a den of suspicious characters.
Now that a giant hole has opened and they have an excuse to intervene, they’ll likely develop the Underside as an official district of the city.
It’s spacious, safe, and protected from the weather as a refugee shelter.
“Then let’s look for a place to eat around here.” (Rue)
“Yes, beyond this point…it might get dangerous.” (Grant)
“Ah! Then here! Over here!” (Melt)
Melt-chan pointed at one particular shop.
If my memory is right… This was the first shop we ever visited when we came to this city.
It must be precious to her.
“That one! It’s a bar, but the snacks are great! The smoked fish is sooo good! You eat it with vegetables and cheese, just take a big bite…nooom!” (Melt)
“Sounds delicious! I haven’t eaten much smoked food, so let’s try it.” (Kash)
“I don’t drink, but hearing Melt-chan talk about it made me hungry.” (Rikka)
“Hmm, it’s a bit cold so I’d like some hot wine or eggnog.” (Grant)
“Oh, Grant-kun can drink-ja na. Good, then let’s go there.” (Rue)
“Yay! It’s a special shop for me! I’m so happy we can all go together!” (Melt)
Melt-chan’s innocent delight made everyone smile.
Now then…time to enjoy this world’s alcohol with some smoked fish.
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