42-42 Return to the Royal Capital 2 (1/2)

I don't even want to remember the rest of the journey home, but we managed to get back to King's Landing before dark.

When we returned to the place where the dragon took off, Lean's father greeted us.

He had been waiting for us at the same place all along.

”Father.

I've returned safely.

The war is over... and everything went well.

Well, it looks like it worked.

Thank you for all your hard work.

I'll want a full report later, Rain.

Yes, sir.

Later.

But first, we must thank our benefactor.

Yes, Mr. Knoll, you've done more than you could ever ask for.

You deserve a reward.

What reward?

A reward?

Yes, yes.

I'd like to reward you for your hard work on this case.

Anything you say.

Anything we can do to help...

No, I don't want it.

What?

I appreciate the gesture but I'm not in any trouble.

I don't mind sleeping out in the open, and I can get my own food if I want to.

However, although I do not intend to say anything strange, all the people around me have a puzzled look on their faces.

I don't know, I've seen something like this before.

No, no, no, that's not going to happen.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

”Yes, that's fine...

I really don't want anything.

I was about to say that when I caught sight of Rollo.

Then I remembered something that had been bothering me.

”No, I'm sorry...

There was one thing I wanted to ask you. ......

When I said that, Lean's father had a big smile on his scarred face.

Oh, oh. ...... Oh, yeah, yeah!

Then feel free to say anything you want!

I'm not sure what to do, but I'll do it.

”Actually, I'd like to ask you a favor about this girl.

I put my hand on the head of Rollo, who was standing next to me.

I put my hand on Rollo's head, who was standing next to me. ”......What ......?　...... Boku......?

Rollo looks up at me and rolls his eyes.

”The child?　...... Is that child of the demon race, if I may ask?

”Yes, he is.

This child has no relatives.

He was staying with a group of merchants who were visiting the empire, but they left him behind.

I don't even know where they're going...

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that while I was getting my wounds healed by Leanne, my brother asked around and found out that the merchant group that Rollo was living with had suddenly disappeared from the Imperial Kingdom.

No one knows where they went, except that they were somewhere in the Commercial Autonomous Region.

In the end, Rolo, who had nowhere else to go, decided to return to the capital with us because of the dragon, but nothing has been decided about the destination.

So, what do you want...

”I want her to be able to live a normal life in King's Landing like everyone else.

That's all I can hope for.

It's almost as if I brought her here myself.

I thought about taking her in and living with her, but it would be better for her to have a home and be taken care of by a rich family than to be taken care of by someone with an unstable income like me.

What do you mean, you want her to live like the rest of us?

I'm sorry, can you explain that to me?

First, I want you to give him a home.

You once told me that you would give me a home.

That's all I need... clothes and food, if possible.

”...... I see.

If you own land and buildings in the country, you need to become a citizen of the kingdom - is that what you want?

...... Is that what you want?

Yeah, if that's what it takes.

She's saved my life many times.

The big dragon listened to me because of her.

The war wouldn't have ended if it wasn't for her.

So please reward her instead of me.

That's all I want.

”That's all you want?

Lean's father looks ashamed.

I wonder if he's unhappy that I'm not getting something for myself.

I don't know what his reasoning is, but Lean and his father both do their best to force things on me when I thank them.

I'm sure that's the culture, but I still don't want anything I don't need.

...... You're right.

I'll make my intention clear.

I'll tell you what, I don't want anything else - I really don't want anything else. Ever.

Well, I guess that's all you need to say.

I'm sure.

It's gonna be okay, right?

”All right. I'll do whatever you want.