Makoto Takatsuki Talks with an Elf Hero
“Let’s drink, Sir Makoto.”
“Sounds good, Johnnie.”
After arriving at the temple, Mel and I flew back to the dungeon town to check in. Johnnie had promptly invited me in for a drink. He was one of the members of the legendary party that would take down the Great Demon Lord one day, so I figured there was no harm in getting acquainted with him.
The town had a big tavern in the center, which was well supplied with both food and drink. I felt a little out of my depth—beautiful girls sat on either side of me, pouring my drinks and passing over food. Mel was a little ways away, having fun with her family.
The evening was around halfway over when the conversation turned—Johnnie’s voice grew more serious.
“Incidentally...I spoke with the Lady White Dragon.”
Oh...this must be something important.
“About what?” I asked, straightening. I had no idea what it could be.
“I heard from her that you are a virgin. Is it true?”
I choked on my drink. Mel?! Did she have any concept of privacy?!
I glared at her, but she looked away and pretended not to notice. She definitely heard that—I know how sharp her ears are.
“I see. So it is. That will not do.”
“Uh...Johnnie?” What do you even mean by that?
I noticed him making a beckoning gesture. At once, beautiful woman after beautiful woman appeared beside us.
“Um...who exactly are these people?” I asked.
“I should introduce you. These are women working in the town’s brothel. When they heard that Sir Makoto—despite all his exploits—was inexperienced with women, they were rather eager to provide their services. Payment is, of course, unnecessary. Enjoy your night.”
I couldn’t respond immediately. It took me several long seconds to summon a single word.
“Pardon?”
“We’ll serve you tonight, Sir Makoto,” said one of the women.
“This way,” another added, casually placing a hand on my cheek. A soft, floral scent wafted from her skin.
I was feeling dizzy.
“Hey! What are you doing, Chief?!”
Julietta—the Hero of Wood—had apparently overheard our conversation. She came barreling over.
“What’s wrong, Julietta?” he asked.
“Don’t ‘what’s wrong’ me! Makoto has a lover waiting for him in his hometown!”
Oh yeah—I’d told her a bit about Lucy and Sasa. Somewhat bolstered by Julietta’s presence, I quickly spoke up. “Johnnie! I really appreciate the offer, but I promise I’m fine!”
“I see...” He seemed to slump slightly.
U-Uh? Had I offended him?
“Er, I really am grateful, but Momo and An—Abel are waiting at the temple. I’d also rather talk about you. I want to hear about your exploits!”
“Hm...about me?”
That seemed to cheer him up a little. The alcohol loosened his tongue, and I soon had him enthusiastically talking about his past hardships. He’d been living in the dark ages while the Great Demon Lord ruled, so merely existing had been a continuous struggle.
I listened excitedly, but Julietta soon stopped him.
“Enough already! This is all ancient history.”
Huh. Even though they’re both elves, they don’t seem to get along.
But then, Johnnie’s next words completely changed the mood.
“I think it must have been twenty years ago now. I came across Julietta, orphaned in an attack by demons.”
“Ahh! Chief! No!”
“Though she was born with a hero skill, Julietta used to be such a scaredy cat. She couldn’t even sleep on her own—she’d often sneak into my bed.”
“When was that?!”
“But in the mornings, I’d often discover that she’d had...an accident during the night.”
“Stop it! Shut your trap right now!” Julietta demanded, covering his mouth with a hand. He must have been tipsy since he just laughed along happily.
Ah, it’s not that they don’t get along. She’s like a girl rebelling against her dad.
I watched them fondly, warmth spreading in my chest.
The celebration carried on late into the night, and before I knew it, I was waking up on the floor to an exasperated look from Mel.
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