Chapter 98

We mustn’t waste time.

It’s already afternoon, and even though we have some time, we also need to consider the arrangements at Tera’s inn.

I’m sure I’m just getting in the way.

"Then, I’ll take my leave here, suddenly as it may be."

On the road, I spoke to Tera, who was walking beside me.

I shouldn’t drag this out any longer. That’s what I thought.

I tried to speak as calmly as possible, not wanting to burden her, but I made sure to clearly convey what was important.

"Getting Helena to participate in society won’t be easy, but please try your best."

"…Of course. I’ll make sure she works properly from now on."

Tera rolled up her sleeves, as if psyching herself up.

In principle, I shouldn’t care about someone’s social participation.

If she wants to stay in a cabin or hide in the mountains, that’s her choice. It’s not my place to interfere.

However, Helena had unknowingly helped with tax evasion, an economic crime.

While other towns diligently paid their taxes, this town had unfairly benefited. This could be seen as a betrayal of the other towns in the country.

She wasn’t the mastermind, but she held an important position.

That’s not all. Helena had put her best friend in danger for her love story.

Therefore, she must take responsibility.

I’m not asking her to work like a horse. She should work to the best of her ability.

I feel bad leaving it all to Tera, but there’s probably no one else who can step in.

"I’m sorry. I feel bad leaving it all to you…"

"Don’t worry about it. I didn’t do much this time either."

Tera smiled and continued.

"Besides, it’s about time we showed Helena the reality. She needs to earn her own living."

"Hehe, please do it through proper means."

After saying that, we looked at each other for a moment.

There was no need for grand farewell words. We could meet again anytime if we wanted to.

We turned our backs on each other and started walking.

I headed for the forest, and Tera for the town.

From here on, the new friends in the new town will handle things.

I prayed for Tera’s success and Helena’s future as I watched her back.

I ran through the forest.

Today, I wasn’t running to meet Haku, and I could take shortcuts, so I could run faster.

From the feeling of the day before yesterday, if I ran at full speed, I should reach Iralin by tonight.

...Before I knew it, I was running four hundred miles in a day, something I never imagined in my previous life.

It was a bit amusing that this had become the norm.

This journey wasn’t particularly noteworthy.

I could easily drive away the occasional monsters or beasts I encountered, and there were no herbs I needed to collect.

I could focus almost entirely on running.

When the sun set and the surroundings were enveloped in darkness, I arrived in Iralin.

I turned to the east, where the gate was, and looked beyond.

In Clarisen, the sunset was probably no longer visible. Tera must have found a place to stay. Maybe she was staying at Helena’s. Did she prepare dinner for her as well?

What am I doing, still worrying? It’s a lingering attachment.

I chuckled and cut off my worries.

When I returned to my house, which I hadn’t been to for a few days, the usual barren room greeted me.

Inside, there was just a wooden floor and stone walls.

I should probably get some furniture.

I’ve only been using this house properly for about a week, and I’m usually away exploring for most of the day.

As a result, the inside was still empty, with only some herbs, books, and a blanket rolled up in a corner.

What would I need if I were to get something?

I thought of a few options in my head.

A desk and chair? No, I don’t need to put things on the floor. I don’t invite anyone over, so there’s no need for a space to chat.

A bookshelf? I might need one if I get more books, but I only have a few books on herbalism and the healer’s holy book. There’s no need to organize them.

A bed? A blanket is enough. It’s much better than living in the forest.

A wardrobe? I only have a few sets of the same size and color of shirts and pants. I can fold them in a corner.

A clothesline? Drying can be done with magic.

...Troublesome. I don’t need any furniture.

What do normal people’s rooms look like? Do they really need so much furniture?

I pondered this while looking around the barren room.

Then, I made up my mind.

It’s pointless to think with a tired head.

I’ll think about it when I need it. When I need it, I’ll buy it.

With that, I quickly dismissed the thought and wrapped myself in the blanket.

I woke up to the light streaming into the room.

The chirping of small birds echoed inside. It seemed people were already active outside, and I could hear voices from somewhere far away.

While yawning repeatedly, I thought about breakfast.

Should I catch some insects or fish as usual? No, maybe I have some dried meat somewhere. Thinking this, I rummaged through my belongings and found two palm-sized pieces of dried meat wrapped in paper.

This will do.

As I chewed on the dried meat, the tough fibers tore in my mouth, and the meat’s flavor burst forth.

But it lacked moisture. It felt like all the water in my mouth was being sucked away.

After swallowing the meat, I took a sip from my water flask, and my mouth felt moist for the first time since waking up.

...But something felt off. It was delicious, but something was missing.

I sighed.

This is it. In just these two days, I’ve gotten used to Clarisen’s cooking.

I sighed again.

Oh well. I need to be careful not to start spending too much money.

The thought of taking a day off crossed my mind, but I couldn’t afford to.

If I took a day off, I might end up taking more days off because I have some savings.

I scolded myself and forced myself to stand up.

By the time I stepped out of the cabin and started walking through the town, I was back to my usual motivated self.

I should take on a request before this feeling fades.

A simple one would be fine.

"Mr. Crow, I have a message for you."

As I headed to the reception with a simple herb-gathering request in hand, the receptionist called out to me.

"Yes, what is it?"

I wonder what it is. And who could it be from? I don’t have many acquaintances.

If it’s from the stone shop, Mr. Niksky would come in person. Otherwise, it’s...

"It’s from the guild. The full seal’s taxidermy is complete and will be auctioned off in a week. Please let us know if you’re interested."

"Oh, I see. Thank you."

It’s about the fox. I bowed slightly and chuckled inwardly.

"Mr. Crow, you can participate as one of the exhibitors. If you bring this certificate and show it, you can enter. It’s not mandatory, so please feel free to do so."

The brown metal sheet she handed me had several marks and numbers on it, like a cash card.

I took it and put it in my bag.

"Thank you. By the way, what other items will be exhibited?"

"Well, usually it’s paintings, sculptures, and materials from monsters or items made from them. But this full seal will be the highlight of the auction."

"…I see…"

Is there anything I want? If there were furniture, I could get it this time...

No, that’s not right. I shouldn’t indulge in such expensive items.

I don’t need them, so I shouldn’t buy them.

I shook my head to dismiss the thought.

"That’s all the information. I’ll process this request for you now."

"Thank you."

After leaving the guild, I started on the request.

It was a two-silver-coin request, but it was quick and easy.

I was able to return home before evening that day.