Chapter 60
You know what? Let’s head to town!
Much to my surprise, the hero hadn't antagonized me to the point of no return . She was friendly and open-minded enough to see past her prejudices and hold a proper conversation . Actually, that's not quite right . It's more like she's just too innocent to really doubt my intentions .
Though I'd always wanted to ask her about humanity as a whole, the truth of the matter was that, at first, I wasn't actually all that keen on letting her intrude on my territory for too long . Heaps of hesitation came when I considered the idea . There seemed to be far too many risks and barely any reward, so I'd actually planned on turning her away . But Illuna had convinced me otherwise .
The first thing the young girl had said to me after coming out of the bath was that I could trust the hero because she was a good person . For one reason or another, Illuna's instincts were remarkable . She was able to tell apart things that would cause her harm and things that wouldn't at a glance . Without a word from me, Illuna had been able to point out dangerous monsters and steer clear of them the one time she accompanied me into the forest . If even Illuna was willing to testify that the hero was harmless, then there was no reason for me to believe otherwise . In fact, I trusted her instincts so much that I more or less completely let my guard down . Thanks to our resident vampire, I decided to let the hero stay overnight before asking her about the human world the next morning .
Her answers were informative . They told me that I had a fair situation on my hands .
From her responses, I immediately derived that the church bore a wide sphere of influence . They were so influential, in fact, that they had their own private military unit, an order of holy knights . The mastermind behind the incident, however, was able to get the church into a situation in which it either couldn't or didn't want to deny his request, be it through money, political pressure, or some other facet of influence . Though the church was powerful, the wire puller was even more so—especially seeing as how he'd even managed to mobilize an army .
I kind of want to say that I'm probably up against an entire country or something similar, but that doesn't really seem quite right . There's something… off . The driving force behind both the army and hero incidents seemed a bit… lacking . The mastermind's methods were needlessly convoluted . It's almost as if the guy's going out of his way to leap through hoops .
The force that'd come knocking on my doorstep just the other day was a bit small for an army, at least compared to what it could've been . I mean, it's possible that the mastermind just underestimated me because he kinda lacked intel, but there's always a chance that he's just retarded . I think I'm going to be leaning closer to the needless hoops theory though, since he did at least kind of learn from his mistakes .
The fact that he sent the hero was a huge improvement . She was basically stronger than the entire army all on her own . In fact, there was a fair chance that she would have defeated me had she not been such a scaredy cat . My stats were higher than hers, but I'd yet to be trained in combat . I was a total shitter that didn't have the technique or combat experience to make use of his talents . That, however, was his only improvement .
Sending the hero alone is kind of a pretty big risk . Like, I know the dude's salty and probably doesn't want to spend any extra resources since I just blew up his army, but you'd think he'd at least give her a few companions or something . Like, he'd just be totally screwing himself up the butt if he lost the hero just 'cause he didn't provide her with enough support .
Of course, the most optimal solution would have been to send the army and hero together . If the mastermind was acting on the country's orders, or in a position to give them, then it didn't make sense for him not to have his forces boldly march on the forest, regardless of purpose . And that was all the more true if he truly was working towards a cause as "noble" as retaliating to restore his or the villages' honour . No matter the case, it simply did not make sense for the hero and army to be sent independently of one another .
I mean, if he's got the ability to get the army to abide by his will, then whoever's out to get me should at least be a good bit higher up in government, right? You'd need some serious influence to pull off a stunt like that… Or at least I think you would . Blech, I really need to go to a place with more humans so I can learn more about this world's people .
Fortunately, I had just the right person to consult standing right in front of me . I had just escorted her out the castle, so I decided to break the silence .
"Oh yeah, I'll be having you show me around . "
"Huh?" The hero stared blankly for a few seconds before realizing that I was talking to her . "Uhm… I'm not really sure I know what you mean . "
"You know how you're 'bout to head back?"
"Yeah, I'mma tag along . "
"Huh?" The hero blinked a few times while staring at me as she tried to process what I'd just said .
"I've been wanting to hit up a human village for quite some time, and this is as good a chance as any . So yeah, thanks in advance . "
"Huh!?" Again, the hero blinked . She was so shocked by my sudden declaration that she didn't know what to say .
"Ah, yes . That is right, Yuki . I would like to bring to your attention that I will be joining you . " The next person to speak was Lefi . She and all the dungeon's other residents had gathered in front of the castle . I'd already told them my intentions a bit earlier on in the day, so they all came to see me off .
"Wait, you are?" It was my turn to blink . Lefi hadn't said anything about joining me when I first informed her of my decision . This was my first time hearing about it . In fact, the only one that had expressed their wish to join me was Illuna . I wanted to entertain her request, but I couldn't . I was confident that I could protect myself even if my identity was exposed, but I somehow doubted that I would be able to keep the both of us safe at the same time, especially since taking her along doubled the risk of exposure . Leaving her here with Leila and Lyuu was the safer choice by all means .
"What? Have you a reason to refuse?" An intrepid smile surfaced on Lefi's face as she stared me down . It's almost like she's daring me to say no .
"Nah, not at all . In fact, I'd be happy to have you join me . I'm just a bit surprised is all . I didn't think you'd be interested . "
Having Lefi come with me is reassuring . Her being there makes even the worst case scenario a hell of a lot easier to deal with .
"Y-You are happy?" Lefi's cheeks blushed a pale pink, but she quickly dispelled the awkward atmosphere with a cough . "I have only chosen to accompany you because I know now that your nature renders you far too soft on women . It would bother me if you took too long to return because you were infatuated with a human . My purpose is merely to keep an eye on you . "
"Yup yup! I know, right! You gotta work hard, Lefi! Do your best!" Wait, was that Illuna that just said that? Is that why she wanted to join me in the first place?
"Very well . I shall endeavor to ensure Yuki does not lose his way . "
I couldn't help but smile wryly as the two conversed . They clearly didn't trust me .
"Yeah, yeah, I get it . Anyway, take care of the house while I'm gone, alright guys?"
"As you wish, My Lord," replied Leila .
“You betcha! We’ll keep this place nice ‘n safe while yer out, Master!” added Lyuu .
“Iunno why but hearing you say that makes me feel super worried, Lyuu . ”
“Huh!? What gives!?” Lyuu was so shocked that her jaw dropped all the way to the floor .
"I'm just kidding . " The exaggerated expression prompted me to laugh as I responded .
"Come on, you know I trust you guys . Otherwise, I wouldn't be relying on you guys as much as I am, you know? . Rir, I'm leaving you in charge of defense . Destroy any enemies that show up without exception . And you too Shii . Do your best to protect everyone while I'm out, 'kay?"
My two pets each responded with their own affirmations . Rir nodded faithfully, while Shii happily bounced around .
"Alrighty then . I'll see you guys in a week . " I bid my farewells to everyone present, including the three wraith girls waving from one of the castle's windows .
"I too shall soon return . "
"Okay! Have a great trip guys!" said Illuna .
"Do stay safe," said Leila .
"See ya!" said Lyuu .
The hero, the only person present not caught up in the "bon-voyage" themed ambiance, voiced a bit of pitiable, idle complaint that she was no longer able to hold back .
"Uhm… does my consent just not matter…?"
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