Chapter 42

I felt it was too long, so I split it.

(I also trimmed some redundant parts that were bothering me.)

After that, I don’t even want to remember the way back, but we managed to return to the capital before it got dark.

When we returned to where the dragon had taken off, Leen’s father was there to greet us.

It seems he had been waiting in the same spot all along.

“Father.

We have returned safely.

The war will end – everything went smoothly.”

“Yes, it seems to have gone well.

You’ve really gone through a lot.

Give me a detailed report later, Rain.”

“–Yes.

I will do so later.”

“Before that, we must thank our benefactor.”

“Yes, Lord Noll performed unexpectedly well.

He deserves a reward that matches his contributions.”

What?

–A reward?

“Yes, that’s right.

I want to give a reward to acknowledge the great effort put into this.

Tell me what you want.

Anything we can do –”

“No, I don’t need anything.”

“–What?”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m not in need of anything.

I can sleep outdoors if necessary, and I can get my own food if I need to.”

But I wasn’t saying anything strange, yet everyone around me looked puzzled.

–This feels familiar.

“No, no, that won’t do.

This time, you must accept it. It wouldn’t set a good example for others – are you really sure about this?”

“Yes, that’s fine –”

I really don’t need anything.

Just as I was about to say that, I noticed Roro’s figure.

That’s when I remembered something that had been bothering me.

“No, I’m sorry.

…Actually, there is one thing I want to ask.”

When I said that, Leen’s father’s battered face broke into a broad smile.

“Oh, oh… I see, I see!

Then please, don’t hesitate to ask for anything!

After all you’ve done, we can’t just let you go without doing anything!”

“Actually, I want to ask about this child.”

I placed my hand on Roro’s head.

“…E…? …Me…?”

Roro looked up at me, her eyes wide.

“Her? …Is she a demon child?”

“Yes, that’s right.

It seems she has no family.

She was with a group of merchants who visited the Imperial Kingdom, but they left her behind.

No one knows where they went –”

While Leen was healing my wounds, her brother had found out that the group of merchants Roro had been living with had suddenly disappeared from the Imperial Kingdom.

No one knew where they had gone, only that it was somewhere in the ‘Commercial Autonomous Zone.’

With no place to go, Roro ended up coming back to the capital with us – but nothing was decided for her future.

“So, your wish is –”

“I want this child to be able to live a normal life like other humans in the capital.”

That’s the only wish I have.

I brought this child here, after all.

I considered taking her in and living with her, but it would be better for her to have a home and be taken care of by a wealthy family than to be raised by someone with an unstable income like me.

“To live a normal life like other humans –?

I’m sorry, but could you explain a bit more?”

“First, I want a house for her.

You mentioned giving me a house before, right?

That would be enough – preferably with clothes and food as well.”

“…I see.

If she is to own land and a house within the country, she will need to become a ‘citizen’ of the kingdom – is that what you’re asking for?”

“…Is that how it works?

Yes, if necessary, do that.

This child has saved my life multiple times.

The large dragon only listened to me because of her.

Without her, the war wouldn’t have ended.

So, give the reward to her instead of me.

That’s my only wish.”

“Just that, huh?”

Leen’s father looked hesitant.

Perhaps he was dissatisfied that I wasn’t taking anything for myself.

I don’t understand the logic, but both Leen and her father seem to insist on giving something as a token of gratitude.

It’s probably part of their culture, but I really don’t need anything.

…Right.

I should clearly state my intentions.

“Let me make it clear: I don’t need anything else – really, I won’t take anything. Absolutely not.”

Well, saying this much should be enough.

It should be.

–It should be, right?

“–Understood. I will do as you wish.

But are you really sure that’s all you want?

We can provide a considerable amount of money from our reserves, and it won’t be a burden to have it –”

“No, I don’t need it.

If there’s something to give me, use it for something else.

There must be many people who have lost their homes and are in need.

If you have the means to give me something, give it all to them.

Where else would you need money right now?”

“–That’s true.

Ha, you’re absolutely right.”

I thought he would be upset, but Leen’s father laughed.

He really is a cheerful middle-aged man.

Thus, I managed to fend off Leen’s father’s gift-giving assault and felt relieved – but I was a bit anxious.

While talking, I realized something.

I couldn’t afford to have such a leisurely conversation.

“–Sorry.

By the way, I have somewhere to go.

Leen, let’s part ways here.”

“Teacher, where are you going –?”

“See you later – take care of Roro.”

I hurriedly left the scene and ran to my destination.

◇◇◇

I visited the adventurer’s guild building, which was half-ruined and in a dilapidated state.

“…Huh? Oh! It’s Noll.

I thought you were on a journey.

Impressive that you’re back – given the state of the capital.”

When I entered the building, the guild master was working busily behind the half-destroyed counter, looking exhausted.

“Yeah, I couldn’t just go on a leisurely trip.

I rushed back.”

“I see – well, even if the quests were canceled, I made sure the contract was set up so you’d still get a good amount.

Still, you’re quite dirty – did something happen?”

“Yeah, a lot happened – I did a lot of running around.”

“I see –?

Well, it’s a tough time.

Everyone’s in a similar state.

I’ve had it rough too – I thought I was going to die several times.”

“Yeah, I’ve been through a lot too and I’m exhausted.”

“I see… but Noll.

I’m sorry to ask when you’re tired, but the head of the construction guild is looking for you desperately.

They’re short on manpower, and they need you.

They’re clearing debris and building temporary houses, and they’re going to be very busy.”

“Yeah, I know.

I came here thinking that’s what I’d have to do – where is it?”

“I’ll give you a map. Take it.”

“Thanks.”

With that, I left the guild building, which was about to collapse, shouldered my black sword, and headed to the site where debris removal work had already begun.

“Still, I’m really tired today.”

I couldn’t help but sigh.

–Reflecting on it, I think I ran around recklessly without considering my own strength.

I feel like I was really helped by the people around me today.

Even in dangerous situations, I managed to get through with the help of Leen, Roro, Ines… and even Bartz and the instructors.

I think I would have lost my life if any of them were missing.

–Thanks to them, I survived.

Looking back, today was an incredibly busy day from morning to night.

I thought I was going on a journey in a carriage, but then I had to fight a poison frog, return after hearing Roro’s story… Leen blew me to the capital, I collided with a dragon and narrowly escaped death, and then I had to deflect an overwhelming number of swords and shields.

To top it off, I suggested riding the dragon, which led to me flying through the air, losing consciousness from fear – and then, when I arrived in the Imperial Kingdom, I stopped ten vicious soldiers from attacking an old man.

–This alone makes for a very intense day.

Honestly, I’m tired.

I feel like I could just go to sleep.

But –

The city is in a terrible state.

There’s a mountain of work to be done.

First, the debris needs to be cleared.

There might be people trapped under it, calling for help.

Thinking about that, I can’t just rest.

Even after clearing the debris, there’s still a lot to do.

Many houses have been destroyed, so the same number need to be rebuilt, but the ground has been torn up by the large dragon