Chapter 23 - 23: Shared Pain (1/2)
Just the same as last time, we ȧssembled at around 10.
This damn trash king is just jerking me around... he should have just told us what was going on.
Now I have to meet up with these dɨċks. What if I end up getting an ulcer?
”Now then, I will distribute this wave's bounty reward and support funding.”
Bounty?
An ȧssistant appeared carrying bags filled with money.
”For each of the heroes.”
I looked at the bags.
I see, just for month-to-month living expenses we would require at least 500 silver coins.
500 coins... would not be enough for preparation costs.
”Good job.”
Raphtalia smiled facing me.
”Ahh.”
What should I buy with the money?
Maybe some weapon for Raphtalia would be best? Or maybe some strong armor this time?
Ahh, it's also about time to buy some new tools for mixing medicine. The truth is, the shield reacted to the tools so I'm curious what would happen if they were absorbed.
I fantasize about what to buy while hearing the coins clinking inside the bags.
I receive the bag and check it's contents.
One, two, three... yup, 500 pieces.
”For completing requests and in expectation of the great deeds of Motoyasu-dono, we award 4,000 coins.”
Oi!
I stare dumbfounded at the heavy looking bag that Motoyasu is holding.
I feel like I'll be endlessly complaining if I start now so I hold it in, clenching my fists.
”Next is Ren-dono, for displaying similar bravery during the wave and completing requests, we award 3,800 coins.”
You too!?
Ren coolly receives the bag while making a face as if annoyed that he lost to Motoyasu. Even cursing silently, ”All because the princess favors you...”
”Itsuki-dono... Your heroism echoes throughout the country. For your great work in times of strife, we award 3,800 coins.”
What are these 'requests'?
”Hmm... Shield needs to work harder, you only get living expenses.”
That's my name! Who's 'Shield'?!
I felt like a blood vessel would burst.
Even after all that bullshit from yesterday!?
”Um, King?”
Raphtalia raises her hand.
”What is it, demi-human?”
”... That, what are requests?”
”Requests are ȧssigned to heroes to resolve problems that occur in the kingdom.”
”... Why did Naofumi-sama not receive any requests? This is the first we've heard of this.”
”Ha! What can Shield do?”
Asshole!
The audience sniggers.
Ahh, not good. I feel like i'm going to start rampaging.
Is what I thought until I feel Raphtalia grasp my hand as she whispers to let it go. Trembling, I suppress my anger.
... It's fine, I can bear it.
”Be thankful for even receiving this much!”
”It's not like you helped out at all.”
”Right. I didn't see you during the wave at all, what were you even doing?”
”You're an embarrassment to us heroes. Completely useless.”
My irritation has peaked. I spit out a sarcastic retort.
”Great heroes, abandoning the lives of the villagers to fight the boss sure was heroic.”
”Ha! Just leave that stuff to the knights.”
”The knights are useless, leaving it to them would have resulted in a massacre. You bastards who only aimed for the boss wouldn't understand that.”
Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Ren all look towards the leader of the knights.