Chapter 95

I've buried the 5000 Ashuras that I made from Eber Boun near the forest town.

If I bring them back carelessly, it will cause a big commotion, and I don’t want it to be widely known that I was the one who defeated them. If I were seen with a large black Oathem, Allen from the investigation team would recognize it as the monster from back then at first glance. Not only the color and size, but I even made it look similar in face.

Moreover, if I leave it in the town, I’ll have trouble finding a place to store it. With the magic of this tree, I can make it respond to transfer magic, so it won’t be a problem if it’s near the town. At this distance, I should be able to summon it quickly when I’m in the town or the forest.

I used magic to dig a large hole in the forest and made the 5000 Ashuras dive underground. Then, I moved the soil to fill the hole and used magic to make it solid. This way, it’s unlikely that outsiders will be able to dig it up.

“I’ll call you again. When I do, help me out.”

I closed my eyes and made a cross with my arm, swishing it.

“...I bet that demon never thought it would be beaten up, modified, and buried underground.”

Meara said this while looking at the discolored ground.

“Well, next is to see how much this can be cashed in for. Meara, I’ll leave the report on the defeat of Eber Boun to you.”

“Leave it to me! Ever since I read Mr. Weygner’s work, my arms have been itching…”

Finally, Meara started calling Weygner with an honorific. …I have a feeling she’s going to sink to the bottom of the swamp, but I won’t say anything unnecessary.

I washed the roots of Eber Boun with water magic to remove the soil and cut them into five pieces. I left the parts where magic had accumulated and buried the rest in the soil, then handed them over to Meara. Meara wrapped the roots of Eber Boun in a cloth and put them away.

“...But, are you going to hand this over to Gaston? Meara, I think it’s enough already. It will definitely be found out someday, and it won’t last long.”

Hmm... I plan to return to the Maaren tribe’s village in a few years, so I don’t intend to continue for too long. I don’t want to bring any trouble with the nobles to the village when I return… I’ve also gained a deterrent to prevent Gaston from doing anything unnecessary, so I want to continue until just before it collapses. If I save enough money, I might even open a shop.

After burying the 5000 Ashuras, I returned to the town of Romane. Despite taking breaks and almost dragging my feet, I managed to return.

The atmosphere in the town of Romane was a bit more tense compared to when I left. There were more people leaving the town, and everyone looked gloomy. I overheard two men talking about how the lord’s private army had returned in tatters.

It seems the news about the demon is spreading. The more perceptive ones are starting to grasp the full picture. I need to hand over the roots of Eber Boun to the adventurer support office via Gaston to reassure the townspeople. …But first, I need a break.

I sat on the edge of a fountain near the north gate, catching my breath and rubbing my calves.

“Abel, are you okay? Your legs are vibrating strangely…”

“...Yeah, I’m fine.”

Meara looked at my bare feet after I rolled up my pants, then slowly approached and touched them. She then rummaged through her bag and took out a bundle of Issa grass that had been soaked in medicine.

Issa grass is a type of herb that has the effect of healing muscle fatigue. It’s like a plaster. It’s my travel companion.

Meara carefully wrapped it around my feet. After wrapping my right foot, she moved on to my left.

“Phew… I feel a bit better. Thanks, Meara.”

“No, no! If I can help Abel even a little, Meara is really happy.”

Meara said this with a smile.

“O-oh… Thanks.”

It’s nice to hear her say that, but I feel an indescribable unease. I can’t see Meara being happy ten or twenty years from now. I have a feeling she might get caught by some no-good man.

However, today, I pushed my curiosity too far, and the return trip was hell. I even seriously considered asking Meara to carry me, abandoning all pride. My head is also aching from walking too much. Damn Eber Boun.

“Abel, is it okay just for your calves? Maybe your thighs too…”

“Yeah, wrapping them might be good… but not here. I’ll do it myself when we get back to the inn.”

“Do it yourself… o-okay…”

She looks disappointed…

“Ah! T-that’s right! Actually, Meara, the owner of ‘Chimera’s Tail’ taught me how to massage calves! I’ll do it for you when we get back to the inn!”

Meara suddenly stood up and said this in a slightly louder voice. When I looked up, surprised, Meara was staring at me with a tense expression, looking anxious.

I can’t refuse this…

“Ah, yeah, sure. I’ll ask you later…”

“Y-yes! Leave it to me! I’ll definitely make the muscle pain disappear in one hit! Definitely!”

Meara said this with enthusiasm and then let out a sigh of relief. But when did we start talking about calf massages?

Lately, Meara often mentions the owner of that witch hat. I think she’s deepening her friendship with her in ways I don’t know. But I wonder if that owner is seriously starting to target Meara’s horns. If Meara’s horns disappear, I’ll be the first to join ‘Chimera’s Tail’.

Meara put my pants back down. …I could have done that myself. It’s a bit embarrassing.

Well, then.

Before returning to the inn, I’ll look for Gaston. It seems some people are fleeing the town, so I want to inform them quickly. If I can’t find Gaston, I might spread the rumor that he defeated it.

When I stood up, I wobbled a bit. Meara quickly put her hand on my waist to support me.

“Shouldn’t you rest a bit more?”

“...Well, I was thinking on the way back today…”

When I started talking, Meara closed her mouth.

“Do you think I’ve been building up a lot of stamina recently? I’ve been walking a lot… and today, I walked a considerable distance. What do you think?”

When I spoke excitedly, Meara obviously avoided my gaze.

“M-maybe… I feel the same way.”

She didn’t have to react so obviously…

Ah, yes, yes…

The publisher has given permission to announce the illustrator for the book version of the Cheater Cursed Race Rebirth! The release date should be announced within this month!

I’ll post more details on my Twitter!