Chapter 90

Well, what should I do until then?

I’ve already had lunch, and there are no enemies around.

"Hmm, what should I do while waiting? Sightseeing in the town... but, Tera is familiar with the scenery here."

I think I’m rather relaxed considering I came here to work on the tax evasion case, but it’s fine to be this way, right?

"Anyway, I want to go to Helena’s place. It’s been a while, and if I go alone, she should let me in."

"Is there something you need to do...?"

"It’s not really a matter of needing to, but I’m worried. She said, ‘Comfort her’...”

Indeed, Layton said that.

I don’t think Layton will do anything directly to her, but he will do something that will affect her.

...What could it be?

The Trenchworm that is being controlled will die. That’s certain, but she seems to dislike monsters.

So, I don’t think she has any attachment to the current Trenchworm. According to Tera, she even dislikes touching it.

She shouldn’t be that sad if the Trenchworm dies. If necessary, she can get another one from somewhere. It’s probably just that level of existence.

What else could affect her...?

Nothing comes to mind right now. Then, should I deduce from the information before and after what Layton said?

"By the way, what did you mean by Helena voluntarily cooperating?"

"That’s the problem..."

Tera closed her eyes and pursed her lips.

"Helena isn’t that kind of person. Honestly, I can’t imagine her offering to cooperate, especially with a crime."

"Indeed, from her state this morning, it seemed like she couldn’t even talk to anyone."

The moment she saw me, she closed the door and cut off all communication with the outside.

From her state, it didn’t seem like she could even go shopping. Or maybe it’s a familiar store like the ones Tera knows.

Right, a store.

The source of her food supply was still unknown.

And as long as she gets food from somewhere, she needs to pay for it.

"Right. What if this is her job?"

"Helena’s job? Using monsters?"

"Yes, this is how Helena gets her food."

Thinking about it, it’s quite simple.

She doesn’t have any income right now... but I should confirm just in case.

"Just to be sure, was Helena doing any work, hunting, or gathering to support herself?"

"Come to think of it, no."

Then, it’s settled.

"Helena must have been making a living by using monsters. She either received money or food directly from the mayor."

"Oh, that’s why she’s ‘voluntarily cooperating’."

"Yes. If we think about it that way, her cooperation isn’t a lie. It’s not out of coercion."

Layton didn’t need to do anything special for her to cooperate.

"But..."

"But?"

"I can’t explain why she’s sad."

Then, there’s no need for Tera to comfort her.

As I thought, she won’t be sad if the monster dies. So, is it something like, ‘I’m sorry for taking away your job’?

"That’s the point."

Tera scratched her head and shouted.

"Ugh! What is he, anyway?! Just being vague all the time?!"

"I can’t really defend that."

Layton doesn’t intend to explain everything. Probably, everything is resolved in his own mind. He doesn’t consult or report to anyone. He only shares information when necessary.

What we can do is either question him, speculate, or ignore it completely.

"I’m worried, so I’m going to check on her!"

Tera stood up with a sigh, as if expelling her frustration.

"You’re right. I’m sorry for holding you back. Please go."

Tera chose to ignore it. Or rather, she chose to take action.

"...But, I can at least show you around the town while I go."

"No, it’s fine. Thinking about it, you don’t have that kind of leisure time, Tera."

I can be relaxed, but I should have been more considerate. I need to reflect on that.

"Crow...san..."

"I won’t be let in, and if someone is there, Tera won’t be let in either. I’ll just kill time somewhere, so please go alone."

"Hey, my bodyguard and all..."

There’s no more combat force in the town that can target Tera. The only thing left is to use authority to move the guards, but I know the quality of the guards in Iline. They’re not good.

In practice, Tera can now roam the town freely.

"That’s fine now."

"...R-right? I’m going, okay?"

"Yes. Go ahead."

As I sent her off, Tera looked back as she walked away, jumping off the roof.

I watched her go and then looked around.

A town with a slightly different, exotic atmosphere from Iline.

In a shop I passed by, there were shiny fabrics with elaborate patterns. At a food store, there were piles of dried meat, which I’ve probably never tasted.

I’m not that familiar with the scenery in Iline, but even the fruits on display are likely not found in Iline.

Since I have some free time, it’s fine to do a little sightseeing in this town with its exotic charm.

What should I eat first?

"Delicious, but... this might be bad for my teeth..."

What I’m nibbling on is something like a cake soaked in syrup. It has a coconut-like texture mixed in, which adds a nice accent to the soft dough.

However, it’s sweet. The syrup has a citrusy scent, making it delicious, but I’m afraid of cavities. I haven’t had any cavities since coming to this world, but the fear hits me, and I can’t fully enjoy it.

It’s delicious, though.

I also tried bread with sesame paste and dried coconut.

All of them were delicious and different from Iline.

At least, I’ve never seen them at the Rock House.

No matter how much I eat, there are still things I’ve never seen.

Even as I walk from one takeout shop to another, I don’t get tired.

"Which one next..."

As I was pondering, a voice called out from behind me.

"Sorry, but can you wait a bit for the next snack?"

A cheerful voice. I know who it is without turning around.

"Are you done, Layton?"

"Yeah, almost."

Layton chuckled and looked at what I was holding.

"Still, you eat a lot. You probably won’t need dinner."

"I’m in my growth period. Besides, you never know when you might not be able to eat, so you should eat when you can."

That’s something I learned right after I was born.

"Ha, that’s true."

Layton couldn’t hold back a laugh.

"So, you called me even though you’re not done. You must need something, right? What is it?"

"Ah, it’s nothing much. I need you to carry the Trenchworm’s corpse."

"You can do that yourself."

Before I could finish, Layton continued.

"And I need you to go to the guild to confirm something. I’m not being mean or giving orders; it’s a necessary request."

"...Alright."

If Layton says it’s necessary, it probably is. I’d like to hear the reason, though.

"Then, come with me. The corpse is at the edge of town."

"Okay."

I stuffed the honey-filled crepe with meat into my mouth and started walking after Layton.