Published: January 13, 2026
The book version will be released by Overlap on September 25!
Be sure to check out Ten-san’s magnificent illustrations!
The comic adaptation is also progressing smoothly!
Please take a look!
It seems some bookstores started stocking it from the 18th!
Even the author was the most surprised!
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Visiting the adventurer’s town for an inspection. Well, it felt more like a stroll than a formal inspection, but if Van-kun was walking around accompanied by a large entourage, he would surely radiate considerable dignity and presence. The townspeople would definitely be surprised by what was happening.
“Oh, it’s Lord Van.”
“Lord Van has come to visit.”
“Lord Van! We finally got Mithril Ore, so here’s a dagger...!”
“Step aside, I’m first.”
Suddenly, the adventurers in town who spotted the lord approached very friendly for some reason. Some even came forward carrying minerals or swords that looked like weapons.
Huh? I’m the lord, right? I do have a noble title, too, don’t I?
Suddenly, I started to feel uneasy.
Just as I was thinking that, Dee, veins bulging at his temple, stepped forward and shouted angrily.
“Do you all want to be taken down? Enough with the rudeness!”
His shout echoed into their guts, and even the roughest adventurers immediately shut their mouths.
Smiling wryly, I looked at Espada.
“Seeing it in the report and actually walking through the town are definitely different. Indeed, it seems there aren’t enough shops or warehouses to store supplies. But I doubt the Bell Rango Trading Company has the capacity to open new stores...”
While looking around the bustling town, I lamented the lack of manpower. Espada narrowed her eyes and glanced at me.
“…As noted in the report I gave you twelve days ago, some villagers want to start businesses catering to adventurers in this town. If Lord Van has the time, they would like you to build a new shop.”
Hearing that, I broke out in a cold sweat. Her tone sounded ordinary but stern, and I definitely felt pressure from her gaze.
“Ah, y-yeah, I get it, of course. Since adventurers rely on their bodies, uh, something like an inn...”
I stammered out a reply, and Espada quietly closed her eyes.
“…Yes. They want to run an inn that can also provide meals.”
“Y-yeah, right? Since there’s only one Bell Rango Trading Company store in this town, I think that’s a good idea.”
Surprisingly, my guess turned out correct. I breathed a huge sigh of relief as I answered.
Espada slightly lowered her chin.
“We have confirmed that management is feasible. They have at least the basic business knowledge and cooking skills. Also, since they have a family, there won’t be any issues with staffing.”
“That’s perfect. Then let’s start right away. Are they originally from Seato Village?”
“No, they are a former adventurer. A member of Ort’s party named Kusala...”
“Kusala!? W-when did she become a villager...?”
Startled, I spoke out loudly. Espada frowned and looked down at me.
“If you had read the report carefully, you wouldn’t be so surprised...”
“Ah, sorry... I hadn’t read it properly...”
I sincerely apologized before she got truly angry. One of my 48 survival tactics. Even a demon-like Espada wouldn’t be able to say anything.
Just as the psychological battle between me and Espada was about to begin, the voices of Espada knight order members and adventurers stirred up the air.
A single knight was running from the castle gate facing the highway.
“I’ve returned!”
Panting, the young knight made his report. He didn’t say exactly what happened, but there aren’t many people from Seato Village who go outside the territory.
“Is it Arte and the others?”
When I confirmed that, the member hurriedly straightened his back and reported again.
“Yes! Lady Arte and the Seato knight order members. Also, adventurers led by Ort are with them! Looks like there’s little damage!”
Nodding deeply, I felt relieved.
“That’s good. Regardless of the results, the most important thing is everyone came back safely.”