Chapter 60

"Shiro, you are to be regarded as my old acquaintance. As long as you don’t converse with the adventurers, no one should recognize you."

I wrapped myself in the cloak prepared by the Guild Master Bash and pulled the hood deep over my head. It was said that as long as nothing extraordinary happened, no one would recognize me, as I had even put on a mask to cover half my face. Dressed in a deep hooded robe and mask, I looked like a typical middle schooler with a delusion of grandeur. Thank you very much. I never thought that at the age of 25, my black history would be updated.

"Hehe, Shiro, it suits you, nya."

"Please stop, Kiki."

"Hahaha, you look like a magician, young man."

"Ria, please stop too."

"Both of you, it’s not Shiro, but the 'Masked Lord.'"

Rolf scolded the two in a low voice.

"...... If the true identity of the 'Masked Lord' is revealed, it will be a big problem. You two need to be more careful about this."

"Sure, sure."

"Got it, nya."

Half a day after leaving Ninorich, I was walking through the forest, surrounded by the Blue Flash. The official reason was to guard an important person with the Spatial Storage skill. In reality, the Blue Flash was there to cover for me so that I wouldn’t be recognized as the owner of 'Shiro Store.'

Other adventurers, except for the Blue Flash, were forbidden by the Guild Master’s order to speak to me unless necessary, so no one approached me. Many people glanced at me, but no adventurer tried to probe my true identity. This showed that they understood how valuable a person with the Spatial Storage skill was.

We continued through the forest, taking breaks occasionally. Sometimes we encountered a group of monsters, and sometimes Ria carried me when I was exhausted. After three days, we finally reached the site where the base was to be built.

"Here it is."

A lizardman, who had found a suitable location for the base, said this. He looked like a walking lizard, but there was a proud air about him.

"Wow, there’s such a place in the forest."

I looked around. In the middle of the forest, there was an open space. About ten meters away, a river flowed, making it easy to secure water. Apparently, there were no aquatic monsters, so we could bathe and clean ourselves in the river. It was important to stay clean to avoid infections.

After a short rest, the adventurers looked at me. Ria, who received their silent plea, spoke up.

"Y-You... I mean, Masked Lord. I’m sorry to ask, but can you take out the materials we entrusted to you?"

I nodded. I didn’t speak to avoid revealing my identity through my voice.

I checked the list of the Spatial Storage:

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Wood: 200

Bricks: 10,000

Nails: 2,000

Hammers: 30

Saws: 30

Shovels: 30

Axes: 40

Ladders: 10

Stones: 5,000

Spears: 200

Iron Swords: 100

Bows: 100

Arrows: 1,000

Hatchets: 50

Battle Axes: 50

Dried Meat: 4,000

Tonpeis: 300

Dried Fruits: 100

Ale Barrels: 40

Firewood: 3,000

Matches: 300

Tents: 100

Sleeping Bags: 10

Blankets: 200

Lanterns: 150

Torches: 100

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This list was only a part of the materials and supplies. Even this much was an impressive amount. I gestured to the adventurers to clear some space.

"Here, here, that. Heave-ho."

I started taking out the materials one by one.

◇◆◇◆◇

"Wow, that’s a lot."

"To think he can store that much... Is he in the royal family?"

"Can’t say. But given the Guild Master, it wouldn’t be surprising if he had connections to the royal family."

"True."

While the adventurers marveled at the storage capacity, I continued to take out the materials. Next came the supplies, forming mountains of materials and supplies.

"These are all the items I was entrusted with."

I whispered this to Nesk.

"...... He says these are all the items."

Nesk relayed this to the adventurers, acting as an interpreter.

"Adventurers, don’t neglect the vigilance around the area. Craftsmen, start the construction."

Eldos, the hero who had been defeated by Spiritus, gave the instructions. He was appointed as the leader for this base construction and gave orders efficiently. He was not only strong in battle but also skilled as a craftsman. He had volunteered to lead this project.

"Your job is done. Since you’ll be returning to the town, it will be a forced march. It’s best to depart in the morning."

The "you" Eldos mentioned was me. After delivering the materials and supplies, I was to be sent back to Ninorich. However, I was quite tired from the journey, and my whole body ached. I wanted to rest if possible.

"Indeed. I’ll rest today and depart in the morning."

"Right. Rest today and depart in the morning."

I set up a one-person tent, had a light meal, and crawled into my sleeping bag. Thus, my journey to the site was over, and only the return trip remained. Even though I had only been away for three days, I missed Aina and Stella.