Chapter 30

As I mentioned in my report, I hurt my back and had to stay still for about two days. I kept you waiting.

I've recovered quite a bit, and after some research, I found an article suggesting that it's better to recover while continuing daily life. So, I plan to resume updates gradually, taking breaks and not overexerting myself.

At first, I couldn't even stand or walk...

It's not good to be too inactive either. Actually, after just two days of inactivity, my legs felt wobbly.

—Even if some lingering frustration remains—the problem of the Red Gate that appeared over the Lev Magic Empire has been resolved.

While occasional shadows can still be seen through the crack, it can no longer interfere with our world.

The last mediator was defeated by Lord Grunjeed and a tall knight from the Light Heaven Knights Kingdom—apparently the supreme commander—and the mediator vanished without uttering any words of resentment, leaving behind only a suit of mithril armor.

The Endfang quietly breathed its last.

Upon further examination, its massive body was found to have torn muscles, burst blood vessels, and shattered internal organs—due to the mediator's reckless actions.

As for me—after the night following the battle,

"—Well, I guess this means we're even."

Dantes said with a serious expression.

I am now in Lulusha's tent, where Dantes and the others had been resting.

"Yeah. In any case, I was saved."

Lulusha, who had been arrested for falsely reporting the discovery of the "Heroic Armament," was released.

It was clear that the "Silver Scales" had significantly reduced the damage in the Endfang battle by utilizing the "Heroic Armament," and it was also clear that this was due to Lulusha's discovery.

The "Silver Scales" reported that they found the "Heroic Armament" in a facility managed by the Labyrinth Exploration Department 1 and had tied up the thugs they caught there, leading to the discovery that the Lolo Luo Guild had ordered the theft of the "Heroic Armament." The head of Department 1 and the chief of the Lolo Luo Guild were arrested and are being interrogated.

"Man, it all ended while I was bedridden."

Muge was scratching his head. He had been knocked out and lost consciousness during the theft of the "Heroic Armament" and had been under the empire's supervision for recovery, but he had finally recovered.

"What will happen to the 'Heroic Armament'?"

When I asked, Lulusha said,

"According to my proposal, it will be lent to the Kurvaan Holy Kingdom, the Light Heaven Knights Kingdom, and the Keithgran Federation, which cooperated with this expedition. However, there will likely be a lot of arguments over which one goes where."

He chuckled.

From what I understand, the "Kimiutsusukagami," which reflects all shock, is missing, and it's unclear whether it's a catalyst or an energy source.

The "Tasogarenikyu," which has an optical camouflage effect, is still usable.

The "Dainehautaf," which increases the weight of the target, is damaged.

All three are apparently impossible to reproduce with current magic, making them extremely valuable, but since the "Dainehautaf" is broken, it makes sense to consider the other two.

"In any case, by lending the 'Heroic Armament,' the empire will have to offer much less."

The three countries did not send troops for free. That's only natural.

They could have been given magic flying ships, but apparently, there are hardly any left.

The Endfang's magic destroyed a lot of them...

Thinking about it, many people really did sacrifice themselves.

"Raji, don't look so down."

Non said, perhaps noticing my dark expression.

"Those who died in battle risked their lives to bring peace to this country. They all did it willingly."

"…Yes."

"That's right, Raji. Both you and I did our best. In fact, we might have overdone it. I'm not saying you shouldn't care about those who died, but don't worry too much. There are still people dying somewhere, so it's not like you have to worry about it that much."

"Dad, I think that analogy is a bit off."

"…I don't understand complicated things."

Dantes, who had crossed his arms and turned his head away, looked funny, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Thank you, Dantes, Non. The destruction of the town was so severe that I was feeling a bit down."

The Red Gate was sealed, but the town destroyed by the monsters remained as it was.

There were many corpses, and the town was in ruins.

Perhaps half of the town was still intact. Should I consider it lucky that half of it remained?

"The empire will have to make a significant policy shift."

Lulusha said, and Muge added,

"Right. The empire will likely increase its interactions with other countries. If that happens, trade will flourish!"

"Hey, Muge, are you going to continue trading? I thought you made a lot of money from the Lolo Luo Guild."

"Ah, well, yes, but…"

Muge's response to my question was hesitant.

"—Muge has offered to provide a large amount of funds for the empire's reconstruction."

A tall Lev person at the tent entrance said.

…Who is he? He's holding a long pipe.

"Hehe, he's Aba. The deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Bureau."

"Huh?"

Eh!? The one who was fat from eating candy and had a bloated belly!?

"…I'm a bit concerned about how I was perceived before, but…"

Aba, frowning slightly, removed the pipe from his mouth.

"Not only Muge, but many guilds have offered to provide funds for the empire's reconstruction. They will import a lot of materials from neighboring countries to rebuild the town. …However, many Levs may not want to return."

The Kurvaan Holy Kingdom is accepting Lev refugees.

Compared to the human-supremacist Keithgran Federation or the Light Heaven Knights Kingdom, where humans are the majority, the Kurvaan Holy Kingdom is likely a more comfortable place for Levs to live.

"Well, in any case, I will continue trading with my partner! Especially now that there are no new labyrinths to explore, trading within the empire is more profitable than developing technology!"

Muge laughed heartily—what a tough guy.

The funds provided will be returned with interest after the reconstruction, making it a kind of "investment."

It might be a risk-free bet, but if the empire continues to decline, the funds won't be returned. Moreover, Muge has said he will trade for the empire—meaning he intends to revive the empire with all his might.

"I will help if I can!"

"Thank you, Raji. But the empire owes you a lot. Let us do our part too."

"No… that's not true."

"That is true."

Lulusha said with a wry smile.

"Starting with the labyrinth exploration, the defeat of the giant sea anemone, preventing the fall of the 'Abundance of the Sky,' and then saving Princess Anastasia. After returning, you fought the giant monster—the Endfang, I believe—and used a dragon to seal the Red Gate. You've done so much for the empire."

"Ah, no, I didn't do it alone…"

I just ran with all my might each time, but it's embarrassing to have it pointed out directly.

"Lulusha is right. Of course, we owe a lot to the 'Silver Scales' and the 'Black Sky Pirates' as well."

Aba said.

"That's why I came to call you. The emperor has a message regarding the rewards for sealing the Red Gate."

"Hmm, that's pretty quick."

Dantes raised an eyebrow. He once said that national rewards come after everything settles down, so it's indeed quick to have them today.

"You're adventurers, so you might leave if you're not rewarded quickly. The director might have been convinced by my argument that it would be a disgrace for the empire to let you leave without any reward."

Aba smiled. …If he had done that when he was fat, it would have been a "hehe" kind of smile, but now that he's slim, it looks pretty good. Body shape is important.

"I see. —Mimino, are you ready?"

Dantes called to Mimino, who had been working quietly in the back of the tent.

"Yep, yep! It's all ready!"

Mimino stood up.

In her hand was—my clothes.

"I adjusted them to fit Raji's current height!"

I had returned the uniform from the Light Heaven Knights Kingdom and was dressed in shabby clothes, so Mimino had fixed some of my old clothes.

I didn't expect to wear them so soon.

"Yep, they fit well!"

After quickly changing behind a screen, Mimino immediately said.

The half-elf style had elaborate embroidery on the sleeves and a fluffy, comfortable feel, with the fabric tied tightly with a cord. The comfort was excellent.

Most of all, I was happy that Mimino had made them with a smile.

"Really?"

"Raji, you're handsome to begin with. You look good in anything."

"That's not true! …Thank you, Mimino."

"Hehehe~"

Mimino, who is now slightly shorter than me, puffed out her chest. She's so cute. I couldn't help but want to pat her head, but I don't think that's the reaction she wants. I think Mimino always wants to pat my head.

"Alright, let's go. I wonder what kind of thanks we'll receive."

At Dantes' words, we stood up.

The next chapter will cover Lark and Eva.