Chapter 14 (1/2)

When we returned to the surface, we were very well received by the inhabitants.

No one was killed, and the damage was minimal.

At best, one of the people we rescued fell hard on their ass.

It seems that no one liked that the statue of the Lord was smashed, but all things will break one day. Also, many abandoned the idea that we were responsible after we returned with the citizens and the Lord's daughter.

When we returned to the mansion, we were welcomed by the Lord, Count Roane.

He has a slim but toned body and a sincere look. However, he also emanates a lot of dignity.

”Marianne!”

”Father!”

At the entrance to the mansion, father and daughter hugged each other tightly and were happy to be reunited.

”Toru-sama is amazing! He defeated one of the Demon King's servants with ease.”

”A servant of the Demon King? Are you sure?”

”He was one of the six generals. It seems that he was the weakest, but he was still one of the most important.”

”I see... So they are starting to move…”

To be honest, he was too weak. How strong do you have to be to be one of the 6 generals?

Growl.

Suddenly, my stomach began to growl.

Come to think of it, I haven't had lunch today. After all that exercise, I feel even hungrier than usual.

The count set his sights on us.

”You are the adventurer who saved my daughter's life. I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again, not once, but twice. Thank you.”

”Thank you... I'm glad that Marianne is well.”

”It's true. I can't imagine what would have happened if Toru-sama hadn't arrived on time.”

I guess this time we got lucky.

All this happened because I met her on the road, and that way I was able to stay with her.

It makes you wonder... if all this happened because of a series of unfortunate events. Otherwise, she wouldn't be alive right now.

”Father, please, we have to give Toru-Sama a grand reward. Allowing him to simply stay in the mansion does not make me feel comfortable, and the citizens will not accept it either.”

”Of course. I will make sure that my daughter's saviors are well rewarded, and so will my people, but... I am not sure what would please Toru-Dono.”

”I think a mansion and a knighthood would be more appropriate.”

”My Lord, forgive my intrusion.”

Urara interrupts the Count, and then looks at me.

”Was the demon you defeated truly one of the six generals? If so, then that changes things completely. Toru-Sama, do you plan to go to the capital?”

”Yes... Why do you ask?”

”I see... Let's write a letter right now.”

Hmm? A letter? What, what's going on?

Urara also approaches Marianne and speaks to her privately. After listening to her, she looked at me and smiled.

As for me, I don't want a knighthood or a mansion.

I want to travel around the world without rushing and I don't like the idea of staying in one place.

I'll be happy even if I don't get a reward.

”Toru-Dono, you can stay as long as you want. I'm going to let Marianne continue to guide you through the city. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some business to attend to.”

The Count re-entered the mansion very quickly.

Dinner that night was a great feast.

And the table was full of a variety of dishes. The highlight was a steak, and a mountain of fruit.

I had never had such a thick, rich soup before.

It's amazing how well a chef can make something so delicious with pumpkins.

”Mmm-hmm.”

”Look, you've got a little bit near your mouth.”

”Oh.”

I wiped the sauce off Kaede's cheek with my finger and then licked it off.

Her face turned deep red.

”Um, thank you.”

”Mm-hmm.”

She's grown a lot, and now she's strong. But she's still a child.

Sometimes I wonder if she has recovered from her illness, and I even have doubts if she is uncomfortable with this trip with me.

”Toru-Sama, what are you going to do tomorrow? If you plan to continue with tourism, I can help you.”

Marianne's words make me stop and think about my options.