Chapter 20

There was a bit of a chase, but the mission somehow ended without any major issues.

After spending a night in the work shed, we headed for Regal as soon as it was light the next day.

On the way back, we had to make the trio we caught walk, but the men, who were in good physical condition, didn’t hesitate to accompany us on the way back. They must have been broken in spirit, or perhaps they were afraid of Goriliana walking behind us. I was afraid too.

On the way back, Shina, with her excellent archery skills, shot down a Maruko pigeon perched on a tree.

The arrow that hit it through the throat and into the brain was a truly remarkable feat, worthy of her nickname, "Successive Arrow." I wonder if I could get that good after a few decades of practice. No way. I don’t want to practice for decades. Even a driving school course would be too much of a hassle.

“Mongrel, I’ll give you this bird meat. It’s not a thank you, but take it as an apology for the test.”

So I got the Maruko pigeon meat.

It’s extra income on top of the guild’s reward. I always make sure to accept such things. Food is justice.

“Shina, if there’s anything, call me, okay?”

“...I’d like to say you’re in high spirits, but you’re cheap, you know.”

Having a hunter who can cleanly take down prey and a mage who can keep things clean with water magic is really comfortable to be around.

Especially Nastasha’s water magic is a godsend. Hygiene is the best.

“Hey, Mongrel-senpai, how about joining our party? Artemis is a great place.”

“Ah, I’ll pass on that.”

“Why!?”

“That’s harsh.”

“Being alone is the most comfortable.”

“Ugh, what is that...”

Because, you know.

There are things like gathering materials for Lord Chaos or using cheats for missions no one is watching. When I think about that, it’s just not possible.

But now that I’ve been taken out for fishing and things have improved, I hope you’ll let it go, Rina.

The handover of the trio of outlaws was quick.

With evidence and their own confessions, it didn’t drag on. If they had started to deny it at the last minute, it would have wasted time, but that didn’t happen.

It’s unclear whether the trio is truly repentant, but they seem to be trying to show sincerity to improve their impression. If they become criminal slaves, I hope they continue to work diligently. I don’t really want to meet you again in the outside world.

When we returned to Regal, it was already night, so after the report, we immediately parted ways with Artemis and the others.

After walking through the forest for two days, I was exhausted...

But that’s not the case. I went to the "Forest’s Bounty Inn" to celebrate the completion of the mission on my own.

“Ah, still, it’s ale. Magic water is not bad, but for hydration, ale is the best.”

When you earn money and it’s night, you just have to drink!

Hunting meals and mountain vegetables are good too? Homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients are not bad either?

But there’s nothing better than having someone else cook and serve you. You just declare what you want to eat and wait, and your wish is granted. This is one of the essential systems for a rich life.

I’m not denying the taste of homemade cooking. But the desire to eat without effort, at least occasionally, is a significant part of human nature.

“Hey? Ahaha, there’s someone I just parted ways with.”

“Hmm, oh. Ulrika.”

While enjoying my meal, Ulrika sat down next to me.

She’s an archer from Artemis, and I thought she was a young woman who’s easy to talk to, but she’s actually a man. I was honestly surprised. It’s hard to tell even when you look closely.

People in this world, whether Halperians or Sangreans, are often very good-looking, which adds to the confusion.

“Well, you should have come to Artemis’s after-party.”

“Don’t you get tired of a place full of women?”

“No, not at all! Everyone is really nice. Waiter! Ale and rabbit soup, and salted beans, please!”

“Sure thing!”

“I see. Well, they seem to have a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s nice to see that Rina is well taken care of, and I’m relieved.”

“...You’re a kind person, Mongrel.”

What’s with that look? That look of benevolence.

Just so you know, those sidelong glances are only allowed from girls.

“Ulrika, take care of Rina. It’s a bit late for that, but please continue to look after her. She’s still not used to the city.”

“Yeah, I plan to take her on missions to the capital when the opportunity arises. She’s a promising new member of Artemis, so I’ll take good care of her.”

“That’s great. ...Ah, can I have a bit of your salted beans?”

“Eh? Well, I guess... Sure.”

“Thanks. I’ll share this rabbit skewer with you.”

“Really? Thanks.”

Today at the Forest’s Bounty Inn, it felt like it was all about rabbit meat, but I still find rabbit a bit lacking.

The meat is somewhat satisfying, but it’s not the type of meat that goes well with alcohol, which is a problem.

“Hmm... Expensive places are nice, but places like this are good too... cheap and quite delicious.”

“Speaking of which, Artemis doesn’t come here much. The others come here quite often.”

“Yeah. Shina and Nastasha favor other places... This place has small tables and is a bit cramped.”

“Those two’s favorites... must be expensive places.”

“Aha, well, a bit. I like this place too... but I like it here as well.”

“Men’s tastes are like that.”

“Eh? Does it matter?”

It does, to some extent. The seasoning in this place is simple and hearty.

In that sense, Ulrika, you’re a man too, aren’t you?

“...Mongrel, you don’t ask me much about myself.”

“Huh?”

“You know, about my appearance and the way I talk.”

Ah, that. Well, yeah.

“I’ll listen if you want to talk about it. I won’t force you to talk. There’s no inconvenience, so you can talk about it when you feel like it.”

I do have some prejudices, but I’m not completely without them.

But you know, in my past life, before I was reincarnated, I was part of the LGBT community. There were... various issues and complications.

Through indifference and casual research, I might have developed some awareness or consideration in that area.

Living in such a world, I wouldn’t react with a zero-point response like, “You’re a fag! Ugh!”

I try not to show prejudice, but I do feel some discomfort.

“That’s nice, I’m glad.”

“Hey, Ulrika.”

“Hmm, what?”

I looked into Ulrika’s eyes, which were slightly drowsy from the alcohol.

“Can I have a bit more of the salted beans?”

“...You should order it yourself at this point!”

“No, I just want a little more... not a new dish. I definitely want to eat it, but not a full serving.”

“Waiter! Salted beans and two ales, please! ...There, I ordered a new dish. Let’s eat it together?”

“Thanks.”

“Honestly...”

The laziness of having someone else place the order... it’s so satisfying.

That day, I enjoyed the male-preferred seasoned snacks with Ulrika and kept drinking until late.

As we talked, I somehow felt a bit relieved that this guy wasn’t after my ass.

It’s just a drinking buddy. It’s really good... Actually, that was something I was worried about the whole time...