We packed the bear meat and fur into Jack’s bag and set off to exit the forest.
As we walked, Jack shared his knowledge and tips as an adventurer with us.
Along the way, we encountered monsters like goblins and wolves, but Jack, leading the party, easily dispatched them with his axe-like weapon.
“Weren’t Jack’s weapons supposed to be swords or spears?”
Lisha asked Jack, who had just defeated a goblin.
I also remembered it that way from adventure stories and biographies.
“I don’t need such grand weapons for the monsters that appear in this forest.”
“Even for the Giant Bear?”
“Well, yeah. I’m a Dragon Slayer who has defeated even dragons.”
Indeed, there was such a story in the adventures.
He had cooperated with fellow adventurers to subdue a dragon that attacked a certain town.
“Wow, that’s impressive. Who do you think is stronger, you or me?”
Lisha made a challenging remark.
“Stop it. I specialize in monsters, and your sword is for human foes. I’m not saying I’d lose, but I can’t guarantee I’d win either. Besides, I can’t fight with a noblewoman, especially a married one.”
Or rather, I would stop it before it got to that point.
I really want her to stop.
“Do you do mercenary work?”
“There is such work, but I would never take it. It’s not worth the trouble. Plus, a popular figure like me with children participating in a war? No way.”
I do feel somewhat disappointed.
“Is being a mercenary lucrative?”
“It depends on the time and place. But, I advise you both never to get involved. There’s a high risk of exposure, and bringing a woman along is absolutely out of the question. Everyone tends to lose their minds during wartime.”
Hmm, not a good idea.
“Alright then, I’ll stick to specializing in monsters.”
“That’s right. I don’t think you guys can handle gathering or escort missions, and that’s the safest and most reliable option.”
I have no knowledge of gathering.
As for escort missions, if the client is difficult, either I or Lisha will lose our temper.
Maria is gentle, but neither I nor Lisha are very patient.
“You mentioned someone made you a magic bag? Who was it? I want to learn magic.”
“It’s impossible. We’re fellow adventurers, but I don’t know where they are, or if they’re even alive. I haven’t seen them in years.”
“Is that so?”
I feel like being given a magic bag implies a good relationship…
“If they were an adventurer who stayed in one place, you could visit them, but for adventurers like us who travel, it’s often a one-time encounter. You might never see them again once you part ways.”
Is that how it goes?
“I’ll treat you to a drink when we meet next time, if I have the money.”
He surely became a sorrowful prince.
“Don’t hold your breath waiting. Well, I might be dead by then.”
“Don’t be so pessimistic for a legendary adventurer.”
“I’m getting old too.”
He mentioned being over 40, so he must be a seasoned veteran.
“Aren’t you retiring?”
“I want to write a few more adventure stories… or rather, I can’t seem to conclude them. I want to write an adventure fitting for the end of a legend.”
The purpose of the adventure becomes a book.
“Is that okay with you?”
To be honest, I have enough saved up to spend the rest of my life doing nothing. The rest is just for my enjoyment. I want to write books that children will enjoy. I want to be asked for autographs like that young lady earlier.”
It was a more mundane reason than I expected.
“Will you write about us too?”
“That’s boring. Writing about a foolish noble devouring a wolf might amuse commoners, but aristocrats would glare at me.”
“Change the details depending on the country. When releasing it in our country, write about the Tail nobility, and in this country, write about the Edeltal nobility.”
They would probably find it amusing and ridiculous.
Well, we, the individuals involved, wouldn’t find it funny.
“Hmm… not a bad idea. It’s better to avoid stories about nobles because the situation may change, but changing the story depending on the country or region is a good idea.”
That’s true, that’s true.
“Make sure to publish a good book. I’ll read it.”
“Never thought I’d be getting good ideas from a noble… Life really is unpredictable… Oh, look, we can see the exit of the forest ahead.”
Jack said that, and as he looked ahead, indeed, we could see light beyond the forest.
“Finally…”
“I just want to sleep in a bed today…”
“I’m exhausted…”
As we saw the goal in sight, we stopped in our tracks out of exhaustion and muttered in relief.
“You’ve done well. It must have been tough for a noble, but we’re almost there.”
Jack said as he continued on, and we followed suit.
And as we emerged from the forest, a bright meadow awaited us.
“Wow!”
“It’s so spacious!”
“A meadow! The sun! The breeze feels nice!”
We full of energy, enjoyed the natural beauty of the meadow to the fullest.
While the forest was full of nature too, it was dark, a bit scary, and we had grown tired of trees.
“There, that’s the village we were talking about.”
Jack pointed in the direction with a wry smile, and indeed, a settlement could be seen.
“I see… a village.”
“Now I understand why Jack didn’t call it a town. It’s definitely a village.”
“It’s more of a village than my hometown!”
I could only see a few dozen buildings and some flimsy fences surrounding them.
“This is the outskirts, so it’s not bad here. Still, don’t act haughty towards the villagers. They won’t take kindly to it.”
Jack warned us sternly.
“Is it really like that? This place is really in the boonies.”
“The people who live here might not appreciate that.”
I glanced at Maria, who had been belittled for living in the countryside, thinking, “Is it really like that?”
“We have grapes here! The wine Lloyd-san and the others were drinking is from our vineyard!”
The grape heiress seemed very proud of her grapes.
“Alright, I’ll be careful.”
“Please do. Let’s avoid any unnecessary trouble.”
Well, let’s just follow the lead of the legendary adventurer.
“Got it. You guys be careful too.”
“Of course.”
“I won’t do anything like that.”
I don’t know… but she looks like she’s gloating.
“Oh, and until you sort out your clothes, don’t speak. I’ll do the talking.”
“Got it! Understood!”
“Stop that… I’m telling you not to do that…”
It’s just a joke, after all.
