Published: August 2, 2025
Today, three chapters are released simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
Three days later
After a mostly peaceful journey, we finally arrived at Gaunago Town, where the Duke's household mansion was located.
However... as soon as we arrived, a new problem arose at the gate.
“Let me ask again. Your names are Fay-dono and Ryoma-kun. What is your purpose for coming from Gimul?”
“I run a shop, and this time, I have been granted an audience with the Duke's household.”
“I am the bodyguard and attendant.”
“You did not take the main road from Kerevan, but entered deep into Gana Forest, where you encountered and eliminated 15 bandits. Is that correct?”
“That is correct.”
“Normally, people take the main road. Why did you deliberately enter the difficult forest path?”
“I once lived in that forest for a time. It was simply nostalgic, so I wanted to see it again. Since I also work as an adventurer, I am used to forest walking, and I thought it would be faster than taking a detour.”
“I see... Fay-dono, you are not an adventurer, correct?”
“I have military experience in my home country. I learned how to navigate forests and bodyguard skills there.”
“A Jirmar soldier, then.”
“A former one, yes.”
“I see, I see...”
...Since being taken to a room in the attached guard post, the questioning has been nonstop. The same questions asked over and over.
Though polite, it was a full interrogation.
Having been questioned countless times in my previous life, I immediately recognized that they were suspicious of us.
Still, I thought we should have been released by now...
This fact-checking before paying the bounty for the bandits we defeated was dragging on too long.
Is living in a forest for three years and being a former soldier from another country really that suspicious?
...Well, the soldier part aside, living in a forest for three years might be suspicious... but the crystal was blue after all.
Still, when will this ever end...? Hm?
Footsteps stopped at the door.
“Yo! Sorry to barge in. Here!”
“Ah!?”
To my surprise, it was Mr. Fuse.
One of the Duke's household guards who was the reason I had to leave the forest.
“Hey Ryoma! Long time no see!”
“Long time no see!”
“Glad you didn't forget to call me. Leave the rest to me.”
He had said before that if I talked about him at the guard post, he could be contacted.
It was unexpected that he would come during the interrogation...
While I was thinking this, the interrogating man spoke.
“Fuse, what are you—”
“Hey Swanson! Still at it, huh?”
“If you know this is during work hours, get out!? Give that back!”
Mr. Fuse quickly snatched the papers the man was filling out and looked them over.
“Ah, Swanson? You're probably concerned about this area, right? This isn't a lie. I guarantee it. Remember when I almost died this spring?”
“During the Duke’s guard duty?”
“That’s when this guy saved me.”
“Even so... three years in the forest?”
“There are various circumstances. He wasn’t working for the bandits or anything. The sir checked all that. Just let them through. It's true they came to greet us. They're practically guests.”
“...Understood. Don't forget the bounty.”
...It felt a little forceful, but it seemed we would be released safely.
“Thank you, Mr. Fuse.”
“We'll talk later. Let's go before he changes his mind. Here, take the bounty.”
“Ah, yes... This was Fay-san’s bag.”
“I’d like to keep it with the shopkeeper using spatial magic. It’s a hassle to carry, and we’re fine with the money on hand for now.”
“Got it. I’ll store it for now.”
Without time for proper greetings, we followed him and left the guard post.
Outside, the sun had already set, and stars twinkled in the sky.
“Quite the misfortune, huh?”
Mr. Fuse smiled as if he couldn't hold back anymore.
“Indeed... but that’s his job.”
“I’m glad you say that. He's not a bad guy, but if there’s even a little doubt, he becomes relentless... But thanks to that, he can catch criminals who can’t be identified by the crystals.”