Chapter 11

After about an hour and a half of learning how to maintain weapons from Margaret, I helped out in the store.

"It's a relief to have a boy around to carry heavy things."

We were moving some items together, but it was clear that Margaret was much stronger.

After that, I practiced sword swings in the back yard of the clothing store. Sword swings are not to be underestimated.

Just two hours of sword swings raised my apprentice swordsman level by two. Well, with 400 times the growth rate, it's equivalent to 800 hours. If I practiced for 4 hours a day, that would be 200 days of practice. No wonder my level went up.

"Mr. Ichi, that's enough sword swinging. Wipe the sweat with this and let's eat. Also, put your laundry in the basket next to the toilet, and I'll wash it for you."

Margaret said this, leaving a bucket and a cloth. Steam was rising from the bucket—she must have prepared hot water for me.

The sun had already set, and it was night. I thought, maybe I should stop for today.

Tomorrow, I'll go to the second floor of the dungeon. At my current level, fighting kobolds would be too easy.

But, I could also raise my level a bit more by defeating about three kobolds before going.

While thinking about taking advantage of Margaret's kindness, I took off my shirt and squeezed the cloth soaked in hot water to wipe the sweat off. Ah, it feels good. But, I really want to take a bath as a Japanese person. Is there any good way?

Just as I thought that, a chill ran down my spine.

What? Is someone watching me!?

It's a strong presence.

Could it be a killing intent!?

In the middle of town?

I slowly looked in the direction I felt the gaze, and Margaret was looking at me with heavy breathing. When our eyes met,

"Kyaah!"

Margaret covered her eyes with her hand and ran away. Well, it's a bit late to act so innocent...

What's going on? I think I'll look for a place to stay tomorrow.

The back of the store was a dining kitchen, and the food was already laid out. I had a bad feeling.

"Um, what are the local specialties around here?"

"Well, the fruit called Carop is delicious. Also, the vegetable called Genji is a specialty."

"Really, I see."

...The specialties are fruit and vegetables. Then why is there only meat on the table?

Huh? Today is the 29th? Meat Day?

"Still, Ryn is late. Let's eat first."

"Ryn? Ah, there are other people staying here too?"

Of course. I saw the second and third floors, and there were four other rooms besides mine and Margaret's.

It would be a waste to leave them empty.

Aside from the danger, Margaret is a kind person who can't ignore someone in trouble.

"That's right. Ryn is like me, a cute girl, but you shouldn't touch her. You can touch me, though."

"Yes, I swear (to both of you) I won't touch her."

I don't have the gall to touch a woman like Ryn.

I tried the meat with a fork. The seasoning was light but easy to eat, though the quantity was large.

"She's a very good girl, Ryn. Her name is Norun, and she's a brown-skinned girl who works as a gatekeeper."

"Brown-skinned gatekeeper? Could she be a blue-haired apprentice spearman, around 16 or 17 years old?"

"That's right. Oh, Mr. Ichi, do you know Ryn?"

"Yes, I met her once at the gate and twice in the dungeon today."

The world is small.

So, Norun's kindness is undoubtedly influenced by Margaret.

"I remember, when I met her in the dungeon, she said she would return after patrolling for about three hours."

"That's right. She should have returned by now. I don't think she would go out at night. This is the first time."

Just then, a thought crossed my mind. The information I heard from Norun.

Recently, there have been reports of thieves in the dungeon.

But, surely, thieves wouldn't attack gatekeepers or guards.

Just as I thought that, there was a knock on the store's door. The door should be locked, and the "closed" sign should be up.

"Oh, that's the voice of the guard captain. He's very dashing, but he's not my type."

That's lucky, Captain.

Margaret said, "I'll be right back," and headed to the entrance.

In the meantime, I slowly ate the meat.

The seasoning is really great, but it's tough to have only meat. I want some white rice. If that's not possible, I want some hard bread or soup.

Just as I thought that,

"Wait, Norun hasn't returned from the dungeon!?"

"Apparently, she hasn't returned here either. It's been six hours since she entered the dungeon. It's hard to imagine she was killed by a monster... We'll send out a search party tomorrow. I'll hurry and prepare, then I'll go."

"...I understand, thank you."

...Norun hasn't returned?

Could it be...

When Margaret came back, her face looked quite exhausted.

"Norun hasn't returned yet?"

"Yes... But she'll be fine. Come on, Mr. Ichi, eat the meat."

"Um, can I go look for her?"

"No, you can't. The deeper you go in the dungeon, the stronger the enemies and the larger the area. You won't find her just by searching blindly. Especially if there are thieves around."

Damn, is there any good way?

A way to track her?

I had an idea.

"Um, I heard that beastmen have noses hundreds of times better than humans, right?"

This is just my impression, but I remember reading in fantasy novels that beastmen have such abilities.

If that setting was written due to the intervention of the goddess's subconscious, it's likely that the beastmen in this world also have good noses.

"Yes, beastmen have noses hundreds of times better than humans, and they can track human scents... Mr. Ichi, do you mean...?"

"Yes, exactly!"

I decided and ran out of the store, ignoring Margaret's attempts to stop me.

I ran at full speed to Matthias's store.

Fortunately, the receptionist was just closing the store.

"Wait a minute! Is Matthias here? Is Matthias here!"

At my shout, Matthias appeared from inside the store.

"Oh, it's Mr. Ichi. What's the matter?"

"Please, lend me Haruwataro for a day! I need her help!"

Moved by my sincere request, Matthias said, "Please come inside," and let me in.

Thanks to everyone who bookmarked and rated the story. I'm very grateful.

This is the last update of the year.

I hope everyone has a happy new year.