Chapter 100

"Finally, we're back."

As the capital came into view through the morning mist, I felt a strange sensation.

I sensed a sense of relief in the familiar scenery.

"Yes. It's been quite a journey, and I'm a bit tired."

"Yeah. It was a short trip, but a lot happened."

After that, we stopped at an inn with hot springs in a mountain town and spent the night there, leaving the town early the next morning.

It didn't seem to be that far from the town to the capital, and we arrived at the capital gates shortly after setting out.

At that moment, I felt a nostalgic sense, as if I had finally returned home after a long time.

It seemed that I had started to think of this capital as my own city.

"Can I get off here?"

"...Sure."

Once inside the capital, I asked to stop the carriage and got off immediately.

"Finally, my job is done."

The task I had accepted from Leen was to travel with them from the capital and return with them.

So, with this, the task she gave me is complete.

Stepping onto the soil of the capital, I felt a sense of relief that a job was finished, along with a fresh sense of accomplishment.

This must be the feeling of going on a journey and returning.

I had rushed halfway to Mithra and back, and even traveled to the Imperial Kingdom on a dragon, but this feeling seemed to be something new.

A sense of joy, similar to the feeling of having completed a proper journey, welled up in my chest.

"...Thank you very much. You really helped us a lot."

"No, I had a valuable experience, too."

I met Leen's gaze, who was looking down from the carriage, and smiled.

On this trip to Mithra, I had many experiences.

I saw and heard many things and learned a lot that I didn't know before.

In the battle with the skeleton, I felt my own growth, but also realized my limitations.

I think this will give me more motivation for my training and daily life.

I really think it was a good trip.

The return journey by carriage was also enjoyable, and I almost felt guilty about receiving a reward for such a pleasant experience.

"──Then, Mr. Noll, would you come to our house again?"

Leen suddenly said this to me, who was lost in thought.

"...Huh? We're back in the capital, and the task is complete, isn't it?"

"Yes, so I wanted to express my gratitude again."

"──Again, gratitude?"

...I thought I had already received the payment in advance.

Something──I have a bad feeling about this.

"No... I thought the payment was already made."

"Yes, the fee for accompanying you to Mithra has been paid in advance, and the remaining amount will be paid by the Adventurer's Guild soon."

"Then, that's enough."

"But... this time, we relied on you much more than expected. I'm sure my father will want to give you something directly as well."

...As I expected, it's Leen's father. Cold sweat trickled down my forehead.

"No, no──It's fine. I appreciate your concern, but I don't need anything. Please tell him that."

It feels a bit bad to refuse before anything is even said, but if I go with her, I'm sure Leen's father will try to give me land or buildings or some unnecessary treasure.

I don't have any proof, but I have a strong premonition.

"But, this time..."

"No... I don't need anything. It's really fine."

"But──!"

Leen is also not backing down.

Well, this was within my expectations.

I've gotten a bit used to this culture.

Now, I just need to figure out how to refuse.

"──Hey, isn't that Noll?"

While I was thinking about this, a familiar voice came from behind.

I turned around and saw a familiar colleague from the construction site where I worked.

"Ah, it's been a while."

"What, it's really Noll. The boss was depressed for a while, saying, '...He left on a journey to chase his dreams...' but you're back now?"

"Yeah. I finished my business. This is a souvenir."

"Oh, thanks for bringing it... What is this? A wooden, figurine...? Is it a monster?"

"No, it's a bear."

On the way back, I had been looking for something to bring as a souvenir for my colleagues, and I came across a street vendor selling many small wooden bears.

The figurines were small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, with their arms spread wide in a threatening pose, which reminded me of Astilla restraining the prince in Mithra.

I learned that the figurines also had a protective meaning, and since this scene was memorable from my trip, I thought they would make good souvenirs. I gave all the money I had to the vendor and took all the bears.

Since I bought so many, I now have to distribute them to all my acquaintances.

"Oh, okay... Thanks. Maybe the kids will like it. I'll take it."

"Take good care of it. It's supposed to be a protective charm."

"Ah... Ah, by the way. Speaking of kids, Noll, what about that promise?"

"...Promise?"

"Hey, you forgot, didn't you? ...Before, I told you that the kids loved the 'Big Goblin' story, and they wanted to hear more. You said you'd think of another story, right?"

I do remember making that promise. I had completely forgotten about it.

"...Oh, right. Sorry, I completely forgot."

"Well, I thought you would... The kids have been looking forward to it ever since. They're still waiting. So, I have to go home and play 'Goblin' with them for hours... Every time, without getting tired... Even though it's my day off today. I actually enjoy it, but... this will completely ruin my day off... on the seventh day... No, the eighth day, maybe... hahaha..."

As he spoke, I could see the man's eyes gradually darken.

I felt a bit guilty, knowing that my story and promise were part of the reason.

"Sorry... How about I go and tell the story now?"

"...What? Is it okay?"

"Yeah, it's a promise. I'll go right now──ah."

I was about to say I would go immediately when I noticed Leen's face.

I had forgotten about her as soon as I remembered this.

"Leen, sorry... I forgot I had a prior engagement."

"...A prior engagement?"

"Yeah, you might have heard... I promised to tell a story to some kids, and I've kept them waiting for quite a while. About three months, I think."

Yes, it was about three months.

...Thinking about it now, I've kept them waiting for quite a while.

"If that's the case, there's nothing I can do."

To my surprise, Leen smiled and seemed to understand.

"...Is it okay?"

"If it's a prior engagement, there's nothing I can do."

"Sorry. Please tell my father as well."

"Yes. Then, we'll take our leave──We'll express our gratitude properly another time."

I waved goodbye to Leen and Ines as they left with the carriage.

...I thought I heard a concerning word at the end.

"...Is it okay? Those people, were they your clients or something? I feel like I might have gotten in the way..."

"No, it's fine. I just finished my job, actually."

In fact, I might even say I was relieved.

I can't say it out loud to Leen, though.

"Okay...? If that's the case, it's fine."

"So, about the story?"

"Yeah. What kind of story should I tell? Do you have any recommendations? Something new, maybe?"

When asked for a recommendation, I hesitated... but something new.

I just saw a story that I think would be easy to tell.

"How about the story of the 'Skeleton'?"

"Skeleton? Isn't that a bone monster? Is it interesting?"

"Yeah, I think it's quite an interesting story."

"...Hmm. What's it like? Can you tell me a bit?"

"Sure."

I recalled the encounter with the skeleton and decided to tell the story, simplifying the events that happened just yesterday.

"...The 'Skeleton' was completely different from what I had heard and seen."

"Hmm."

"I thought it was just a skeleton monster, but it was far from that. First, it was dozens of times taller than me."

"──That's huge. Well, that's a staple in your stories. So, what happened?"

"Then, the 'Skeleton' devours people whole. It turns the flesh it eats into its own, and the flesh gradually grows on the bones."

"...Flesh on a skeleton? ...Whatever. What happens next?"

"Then, the 'Skeleton' becomes a massive, fleshy bone creature with countless arms, and hundreds... no, thousands of eyes that move like living things, and countless eerie mouths open all over its body."

"...Is this a scary story?"

"Yeah, it was really scary. And, even more terrifying, the 'Skeleton' can float in the air and shoot lightning and fire. I was really surprised by that."

"...It can fly and shoot lightning and fire...?"

"And in the end, it transforms and flies through the air at the speed of lightning."

"...Hey, is that really a skeleton???"

To be honest, I'm not sure if it was really a skeleton when I think about it again.

I thought it was based on what I heard from the veteran adventurer Astilla, but... she's a bit unusual, so it might be something else.

But it was made of bones... so it's probably something skeleton-like.

"That's what I heard."

My colleague shrugged and looked exasperated.

"Your stories are always out there... but that's what makes them good."

"So, what do you think? I think this could be a pretty interesting story."

"Yeah, it does sound interesting... but it's also quite scary. Some of my kids are still young."

"True."

There's a scene where people are eaten, and the fleshy skeleton is torn apart by Ines, which might be too intense for young children.

"Then, how about the story of when I fought a dragon alone in the capital? I could tell that story right now."

When I suggested this, the man looked a bit hesitant.

"...Yeah, that might be good."

"Is something wrong?"

"You might not know, but yesterday, the 'Disaster Dragon' suddenly flew near the capital. It was really impressive, but the kids were scared... It was quite a hassle."

"I see."

The dragon must have been Roro and Lala.

They had apparently returned to the capital yesterday.

The damage the dragon caused during the attack on the Imperial Kingdom was significant, and its appearance made it understandably frightening.

"Then, how about I tell them that the dragon isn't actually that scary?"

When I said this, the man's expression brightened.

"...Ha, that would be great! I can laugh and listen to your story."

"Sure. I'll tell them that the dragon became very calm after I fought it."

"Yeah, how about giving them a wild and exaggerated story like you usually do? The kids will enjoy it more."

"No... I should mention that it really happened."

"Yeah, I know, I know. You always start with, 'This is a story I actually saw and experienced.' I already know that. I've told the kids it's true, so it's fine."

"...Is that so?"

I'm not sure if this man really believes my stories... but it seems he enjoys the content, so that's good enough for now.

"So, how many kids are there? How many will listen to the story?"

"Three of my kids. But if I call out to the neighborhood, more might come. At least fifteen are sure to come."

"...That many?"

"Yeah, the 'Big Goblin' story became popular as the kids told it to others. If they know you're here, quite a few might come."

"That sounds fun."

I remember enjoying listening to stories from my father when I was a child. It's strange to think that I'm now in a position to tell stories.

But I don't mind at all.

In fact, I feel that telling stories has become a significant part of my enjoyment.

"Then, let's go. They're probably waiting."

"Yeah, sorry."

"Since we're at it, should I distribute these bears?"

"...That... I'm not sure."

So, I started thinking about how to make the dragon story more exciting as I headed to where the children were waiting with the man.