Chapter 156 (2/2)

As I sit on the bench, eating some baked goods, I think about the events of the past.

After being chased by the Eleven Monkeys, we had completely lost our way back to the surface and were wandering around.

We finally found a stairway leading to the top, but they found us again, and we started a game of chase while climbing the stairs!

Still, we managed to escape and climb to one of the upper floors and this time we ran into the Red Mouse family.

We kept desperately running through the trash strewn alleys and finally made it back to the surface.

”We couldn't fulfill the request☆”

”....It can't be helped. But at least we were still able to get some important items.”

”Ugh, I don't care about relics. I thought I could make a name for myself and my country by doing this.”

Because we went deep underground, we were able to get some valuable relics. I think it will be enough to continue funding our trip.

I wasn't able to get what I really wanted, though.

What's more discouraging is having to report this to the king. Since I've taken on the task, I am obligated to report to him even though we failed.

”....”

”Is that a silver scroll?☆”

Aide opened a silver scroll to check its contents.

Celtina is also looking at it from the side.

Come to think of it, it was one of the relics we picked up.

”....Can I keep this instead of my share of the reward?”

”What's that?”

”It's something that will surely be useless to you.”

I grabbed it and looked at the contents. It was an [Transformation] scroll.

[Transformation]: Anyone who uses this ability is free to transform into anything they wish. However, this ability is limited to humans only. It is also not possible to copy someone's stats, as it simply works as a way to change one's physical appearance.

It is a scroll often used by swindlers and thieves.

Why would Aide want something like this?

Besides, it's something that only works once.

”The truth is, my face was badly burned in the past, and I've developed a complex about it for a long time. With this scroll, that problem would be in the past.”

”Do you want to get rid of your original face?”

”You don't know the pain I suffer daily from not being able to take off this helmet.”

”Okay, do it, I won't judge you.”

Aide was about to tell me a long story that I honestly didn't want to hear, so I handed the scroll back to him.

”You can have it. In return, you'll contribute more than ever to the party. okay?”

”....I agree.”

”Good for you, Aide☆”

Aide nodded and Celtina seemed a little happier.

The sound of laughter echoed throughout the place.

The King of Garbaran was laughing loudly in front of us.

”Buhahahahahaha, you're killing me with laughter!”

”It's not... My intention...”

He was flailing his legs and smacking the armrest.

The servants and knights around us were also laughing.

Damn it, how long is this going to go on?

My face was red with embarrassment, and I felt humiliated to be here.

I'm a complete laughing stock. I feel like a clown.

”I can't believe the criminal organizations down in the ruins have been chasing you for a whole month.”

”I don't think it's funny.”

”Well, I must admit that was a disaster, but you don't have to worry about the demons anymore. The Red Mouse family you claimed to have chased after you took care of everything.

”They took care of it?!”

But they were supposed to be allied with the demon tribe. I saw them scheming with my own eyes.

That's why we were almost killed by that tiger man.

This is ridiculous.

Then why was he frantically chasing me back and forth?!

He made me look like a clown in front of the king! That bastard!

”Your Majesty, regarding your participation in the large-scale operation...”

”Oh, you still haven't heard?”

The king raises an eyebrow as he picks at his nose with his little finger

”One of Rudra's bases was destroyed by a group of adventurers called the Manyu Brigade. I heard that they're a very talented bunch. They can sing, dance, and they even killed two demon generals in the blink of an eye. It's a pity we couldn't make them heroes of our country.”

I froze when I heard their names.

It is heartbreaking that after crawling underground for a month, I end up learning of their exploits as I just did.

I am a noble and proud elven hero. I cannot be inferior to a mere human.

Something is wrong. They must be cheating.

”If it's Rudra you seek, head west. Rumor has it that he has taken over a country and is amassing his army for the next attack.

”Your Majesty!?”

”You turned out to be a great disappointment, but you are still a hero after all. And a hero's duty is to finish off the Demon King. Go and fulfill your destiny.”

The king clapped his hands and a woman came up and handed me a bulging leather pouch.”

”It's a hundred gold coins. Take it.”

”Thank you for your generosity.”

He's clearly doing it out of compassion, not respect.

My eyes filled with tears.

”Uuugh.”

”Are you crying!?”

”Don't look at me...”

“Look everyone, the elf hero is crying! Buahahahaha!”

”Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

I grabbed the leather bag and ran out of the palace.

Manyu Brigade, I'm going to kill you all!!!