Chapter 54

"Since then, Lord Galdrat has been chained in the training ground of the Adventurers' Guild."

The tombkeeper concluded his story.

Hearing the reason why such a skilled person was reduced to a slave, Rio understood many things.

Next to him, Shiraha was looking out the window at the butterflies flying in the garden, seemingly uninterested.

"Are you keeping an eye on him to prevent him from seeking revenge?"

Shiraha, who had apparently been listening to the conversation while observing the butterflies, confirmed with apparent disinterest.

The tombkeeper, apparently unsure of how to gauge Shiraha's level of interest, nodded with a complicated expression.

"Exactly. I heard that he engages in serious sparring matches in the training ground. Lord Galdrat must be trying to master Lord Nac's final sword technique, but I'm worried that if he doesn't learn it in time, he might commit suicide during these sparring matches."

From what he had heard, Galdrat's desire for revenge was interfering with his defensive techniques, making him prioritize offense.

Rio's observations had shocked Galdrat, and today's meditation had likely made him realize that his past approach was misguided.

Galdrat had asked for this visit to the tomb to introduce Rio and the others to Nac Schwärzer.

Understanding the situation, Rio asked a question that had been on his mind.

"Is the boss of Telope still alive?"

"I haven't heard of him being defeated. However, he already had gray hair back then, so he might be nearing the end of his life. Thanks to Lord Galdrat, the quality of adventurers has greatly improved, and the defense forces have been strengthened, but it's still uncertain whether they can handle Telope."

The tombkeeper looked out the window with a worried expression, still feeling the threat of Telope from the incident.

"I hope Lord Galdrat can regain his freedom soon. Since you're here for the tomb visit, I assume it's only a matter of time before he comes himself."

"Should I tell him?"

"No, it's his problem. It's not for outsiders to interfere, let alone to rush him."

Surprised that the tombkeeper would draw the line there, Rio respected his decision.

Feeling a gaze, he looked at Shiraha, who was staring at him with an observant look she hadn't shown in a long time.

Still uncomfortable with this gaze, Rio stood up.

"I'm going to head back. Thank you for sharing your story."

"Sure. I ask that you don't talk about it much outside. I don't want to stir up Lord Galdrat's desire for revenge by reminding him of the past."

"I understand. But I think it's important to let people who care about Galdrat know."

Rio gave advice, knowing that if he got involved any further, he wouldn't be able to take responsibility if things went wrong.

Leaving the tombkeeper's house, Rio and Shiraha walked back to their inn together.

"What did you think of Galdrat's story?"

"Hmm."

Shiraha, sounding uninterested, ultimately gave up on thinking about it.

"Let him do as he pleases. There's nothing we can do."

"In the end, that's where it always leads. We weren't there during Rihelan's nightmare, so whatever we say won't resonate."

"He was shocked."

"That was about the sword. If we delve deeper, it becomes a personal matter, and it won't resonate."

"Is that how it is?"

"That's how it is. Besides, Shiraha, you're not really interested in this, are you?"

"Neither is Rio."

"True."

Caught by Shiraha's observation, Rio chuckled.

He was interested in Galdrat's sword, but it wasn't a situation where he should get too involved. To be honest, the idea of revenge didn't resonate with him.

Looking at Shiraha's face, he thought about an unpleasant scenario: if Shiraha were killed, what would he do?

—Still, it didn't resonate.

"But I don't feel like eating at the guild's tavern."

After hearing that story, he didn't feel like eating at the guild, which was essentially Galdrat's territory. He couldn't be that insensitive.

"Really?"

Shiraha, who was insensitive, was surprised.

"Do you want to eat? If so, I'll join you."

He wasn't particularly enthusiastic, but he had no other plans. The guild's food was quite good, despite the awkwardness.

"Sure, if I'm with Rio."

"Are you just passing the buck?"

Chuckling at her free-spiritedness, Rio thought of some options.

"The inn's menu isn't very diverse, and it's not very nutritious. I remember the paper Lord Galdrat showed me, which said to eat properly to build a strong body."

"...Build a strong body."

Shiraha's expression brightened as if she had an idea.

"I'll cook."

"Shiraha? You're going to buy ingredients and cook now? Can we even use the kitchen?"

It was a bit early for dinner, but the inn's kitchen was likely already busy preparing for the evening meal.

If they could use it, it would probably be after dark.

"Probably not."

"...Camp out?"

"No, we have a room at the inn. I don't understand why you want to camp just to cook dinner. Why are you so eager to cook?"

"Because the food I cook will become part of Rio's body... it feels good."

"Scary. Shiraha is sometimes scary!"

Shuddering at Shiraha's skewed perspective on cooking, Rio took a shortcut to the market.

Seeing Shiraha follow him curiously, he looked away.

"We have permission to go deep into the forest and will start investigating the area where Telope appears tomorrow. It's better to eat something we're used to rather than unfamiliar food, don't you think?"

"Sure. I'll help build Rio's body."

"That's why you're scary!"