Chapter 26

"Lord Alberto, I've brought back the prey!"

"Me too!"

"We got a deer!"

Soon, the guards returned one after another with their catches.

Rabbits, snakes, birds, fish, deer, and boars.

Alberto was amazed at the abundance of their catch.

"Wow, you've really caught a lot. How did you manage to do this in such a short time?"

"Well, Lord Alberto, this forest is teeming with animals! And they're all so unguarded. It's like a free-for-all! Why don't we go hunting again later?"

The guards spoke excitedly.

Well, if they caught so much, they must be having fun.

Alberto looked at the prey laid out and pondered.

"Hmm, but the animals are a valuable resource for the village. Even if they're easy to catch, we shouldn't overdo it. We only need enough for today's meal. No more hunting. Make sure to tell the others."

"Yes, sir!"

The guards saluted hurriedly at Alberto's warning.

In any case, preparations for the meal began.

The animals were butchered, bled, and the meat was prepared and brought to Sylph.

Sylph cut, cooked, and grilled the meat, arranging it on the table.

The guards marveled at her efficiency.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy your meal."

The meal was ready, and a lavish spread was laid out on the table.

Juicy steaks, hare soup, skewered birds, and mountain vegetable salads—all looked delicious.

Seeing the guards eat happily made me hungry too.

"You two, please join us."

"Ah, thank you, Sylph."

"Itadakimasu."

We clasped our hands and began to eat.

First, the meat... *munch* *munch*. Wow, this is delicious.

Is wild game meat this good?

"It's delicious, Sylph!"

"Ah, even though it's freshly caught, there's almost no bloodiness. Your skills are remarkable."

Alberto was also savoring the food.

"I'm glad you like it. I used the parts of the meat with the least blood smell. And there were plenty of herbs to mask the scent."

"Wow, you really know your stuff. Sylph is amazing."

"It's part of my duties as a maid."

Sylph bowed respectfully.

I thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

"Phew, I'm full."

After the tea, we relaxed.

The sun was setting, so the monster hunt was scheduled for the next morning.

While eating the sweet fruit for dessert, I noticed Alberto looking troubled.

"What's wrong, Alberto?"

"Well, it's strange. We caught way too many animals. Rabbits, deer, and boars are all active at different times. Yet, we caught them so easily. Something seems off."

Alberto rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

I don't know much about animal behavior, but now that he mentioned it, I had felt something off about this forest since we entered.

"Uooooooooo!"

Suddenly, a beast's roar echoed.

Looking in the direction of the sound, we saw a giant wolf emerging from the forest.

"It's a monster!"

The guards, who had been relaxing, quickly grabbed their weapons and surrounded the monster.

Thick, black fur like wire, crimson eyes, and sharp fangs protruding from a large mouth. And a body far too large to be a mere wolf. It must be a Bearwolf, a creature enlarged by magic to the size of a bear.

"Let's do it! Lloyd, come on!"

"Right!"

Without waiting to be told, I stood up and followed Alberto.

"Uooooooooo!"

The Bearwolf charged, roaring.

The guards readied their swords to meet it—but it was no use.

The Bearwolf shrugged off the attacks and sent the guards flying.

It then continued its charge towards us.

"Please step back, both of you!"

Sylph flipped her skirt and stood in front of us.

From the underside of her skirt, countless throwing knives were visible.

She drew them at blinding speed and hurled them at the Bearwolf.

One hit its forehead, two hit one eye, and another hit its open mouth.

"Ugooooooooo!?"

"Flame Burst!"

Alberto unleashed a massive ball of fire at the struggling Bearwolf.

The fire hit with a thud, burning away its fur.

The Bearwolf thrashed around, but the magical flames didn't extinguish, and it eventually ran out of strength.

"Ga... a...!"

The Bearwolf groaned and collapsed.

Seeing the Bearwolf no longer moving, the guards cheered.

"Wow, Lord Alberto, as expected!"

"An amazing spell!"

Alberto was quickly surrounded by the guards.

They seemed ready to carry him on their shoulders.

"Tch, it's thanks to Lord Lloyd's magic sword. It's not his own power. These guys have no eyes."

Grimo muttered, looking irritated.

"What are you angry about?"

"Of course I'm angry! Lord Lloyd should be the one getting the credit, not him..."

"...?"

Grimo clamped his mouth shut mid-sentence.

"What am I saying...? If he gets praised by everyone, it'll be harder to use him later. But it should be convenient... Damn, I don't understand... But what is this irritation...?"

He started muttering to himself again.

He's as incomprehensible as ever.

"Lloyd!"

Alberto called out from among the guards.

"Thanks to the magic sword you enchanted!"

He waved his hands enthusiastically.

I smiled and waved back.

At least the magic sword I enchanted seems to be working well. Yes, yes.