Chapter 275 : Returning in Silver

"So that snowman was a special S-rank individual?"

"That's right. Though it's completely annihilated now."

The debauched knight, Lyle, who was crazy about women, shook his head from side to side.

"Now even snowman magical beasts are appearing. Is it a sign that the world is ending?"

"That's not entirely wrong. The Maia Kingdom was actually on the verge of collapse."

"If I had known, I would have gone and lent a hand. What a pity."

This guy's every interest was focused on women, so even if he had heard the news, there was a high probability that it would have gone in one ear and out the other.

I patted Lyle's shoulder and said.

"You should have come. We fought magical beasts and ate 30-year-old Zilentyn as a reward."

"That damn Zilentyn. To me, a beautiful woman's lips are sweeter."

"You're really something else."

On the way back to Milestone.

I told the debauched knight, Lyle, about what had happened so far.

My exploits in the Blake Kingdom after falling off the cliff, and my exploits in the Maia Kingdom after returning.

This guy really seemed to have lived with his ears closed to everything but women, as he had a face that said he was hearing it for the first time.

"Aha, so you met Lady Shushuruta in the Blake Kingdom."

"That's right."

"Hmm... no wonder she had an atmosphere I'd never seen before. It seems there are many beauties in the Blake Kingdom. I'll have to visit sometime."

"...Why does the conclusion come out like that?"

To think that the conclusion that came out after hearing my turbulent journey of overcoming death several times was just a comment that there were many beauties.

For some reason, my murderous intent rose.

The Heavenly Demon chuckled.

[It's good that he's consistent.]

I suddenly got curious and asked.

"You're not asking about Linda."

Lyle answered firmly.

"I'm not interested in children."

"..."

It seemed even a pervert had his own firm standards.

While talking with the pervert about what had happened so far, the carriage entered Milestone.

As we entered the gate, I heard shouts of "It's Sherwood!", "Sherwood has returned!".

People poured out onto the roadside, clapping and cheering.

"What? Why are they suddenly like this?"

Dofang grinned and looked out the window.

"It seems our heroic tale has become known."

Come to think of it, we were the heroes who had protected the Maia Kingdom from the worst monster wave.

And since Milestone was one of the cities in Maia, was it okay to see us as the heroes who had protected Milestone?

Lyle suddenly stuck his body out the window.

"Haha, it's nothing. I just did what I had to do."

"...That bastard."

Seeing the guy who had been chasing after women's tails while we were suffering, my murderous intent boiled up again.

Dofang laughed and gestured to me.

"Little brother! You show your face too. And wave your hand a little."

"I'm fine."

Since I hadn't done it for any reward in the first place, I wasn't very interested.

"Ahem! Even that pervert who did nothing is showing off like that. Will the captain of Sherwood, the number one contributor, just stand by?"

Dofang instigated me.

"At this rate, people will think that Lyle alone blocked the monster wave. Are you going to just let that happen?"

Thinking about it, that was unfair.

"I can't let that happen."

I immediately pulled the pervert, who was showing off with his body out the window, back inside.

"There, lady. If you're free, how about we have a meal later— ugh!"

I climbed onto the roof of the carriage through the window, then drew the Night Sky Sword, pointed it at the sky, and struck a pose.

"Make Sherwood great again!"

"Waaaaaah!"

"Sherwood! Sherwood!"

A thunderous cheer poured out.

From the second carriage that was following behind, faces popped out and laughed at me.

And so, I passed through the streets of Milestone, gathering the cheers of the residents.

Soon, the carriage reached its destination, and at the end of that cheer was Mary, with her hands politely clasped.

In front of the wide-open door of the Sherwood hideout.

The brown-haired girl smiled brightly and welcomed our return.

"Welcome!"

I jumped out of the carriage and said.

"The ace of our Sherwood Mercenary Corps, did you guard the house well?"

"Yes! I'm glad you're safe!"

Next, Linda and Shushuruta jumped out of the carriage.

"Wow! It's Mary!"

"It's been a long time!"

The residents of Milestone followed us here and welcomed our return with generous applause and cheers.

I smiled with satisfaction and looked at the Sherwood members who were getting off the carriage one by one, and the people who were cheering.

For some reason, I felt good and laughed out loud.

"Hahahaha!"

The Heavenly Demon also laughed lowly.

[It's a triumphant return in brocade.]

"A triumphant return in brocade?"

[Yes. It means to return to one's hometown after achieving success.]

Come to think of it, I hadn't solved any of the goals I had in mind yet.

I hadn't defeated the captain, and there were still many of Ophosis's famous swords that I had to hold.

So I thought it was too early for a triumphant return in brocade.

"A triumphant return in brocade is a bit much. Let's compromise with a triumphant return in silver."

[The 'brocade' in that phrase doesn't mean 'gold'.]

"What does it matter? What's important is that we're back."

[Sigh.]

The Heavenly Demon sighed.

The Sherwood members who got off the carriage chuckled and patted my shoulder one by one as they passed.

And so, the guys who passed me and entered the hideout one by one.

Finally, Scarlet stood in front of me and stared at me.

"What is it, Big Sister."

Scarlet smiled brightly.

"It's nothing. I was just thinking, when did you grow up so much?"

I puffed out my chest and answered.

"Big Sister, you can be as proud as you want now."

Scarlet chuckled and then placed her hand on my shoulder and said.

"Ashuban."

"Yes?"

"I've never not been proud of you."

And then, she smiled brightly at me and passed me, entering the hideout.

"..."

I stood there, at a loss for words for a moment, then I scratched my head and followed her.

* * *

"Nothing has changed here."

"That's right. How much could have changed?"

Scarlet looked around the hideout for the first time in a while, and then quietly came out.

I followed her as she left the building naturally, as if she were going for a walk nearby.

"Are you leaving right away?"

"Of course. I just stopped by to see how you were doing. It's much cleaner than before."

"It's thanks to Mary, the ace of our Sherwood."

"So it seems."

"Hey, why are you leaving in such a hurry? Why don't you have dinner at Sven's place and stay the night?"

"I've seen everything. The captain must be having a hard time running the restaurant alone, so I have to go and help him quickly."

"Isn't it because you want to do your research quickly?"

"You're very perceptive."

I saw Scarlet off to the Milestone gate.

"Big Sister. Here."

Before parting, I handed her a sparkling jewel.

It was the magic stone left behind when the Snowman was annihilated, an S-rank magic stone.

Scarlet took it and looked at me.

"Is it okay to give me something so precious? Besides, I already have one."

"I don't know what it is, but isn't it an important research? Just in case, keep it as a spare."

Scarlet smiled and returned the magic stone to me.

"Then I really can't take it."

"Why."

"Because it will make me have the weak thought that it's okay to fail."

"That makes sense."

"Keep that and ask Siri to purify it."

"...If I find her."

Scarlet beckoned with her finger.

I naturally bent my knees and lowered my posture.

Big Sister placed her hand on my head.

Like before.

"Don't worry. You'll find her soon."

"Really?"

"Of course. By the time you come back from looking for Siri, my research will be complete. I'll have a special commission for you then, so look forward to it."

I smiled playfully.

"I'm expensive."

"Is that so? I'll have to think about what to give you as a reward."

We looked at each other and laughed.

"Go on in."

"Yes. You go too."

I watched Scarlet walk away, and then I returned to the gate.

And when I looked back one last time before going in, the Red Witch was gone.

* * *

"Boris."

"What, you bastard."

"...Are you okay?"

"Do I look okay?"

"No."

I looked at Boris, who had suddenly aged several years.

"What happened? Anyone would think you blocked the monster wave with your face."

Boris let out a deep sigh.

"Don't even talk about it. I was stuck with Guston in that backwater village all this time."

It was an unexpected update.

"Why?"

"I went to deliver the news of the monster wave, and then I was caught and helped with the restaurant work instead of the Red Witch. Guston asked who would help with the restaurant work if the Red Witch left..."

"You volunteered? How admirable. Our rude Boris has all grown up."

If you think about it that way, the reason the Red Witch was able to come to Tundra for support was thanks to Boris, who had quietly filled the empty spot behind the scenes.

Boris's body trembled.

"That wasn't a question. It was an order disguised as a question."

It seemed he had volunteered, crying and eating mustard.

"I woke up early every morning to sweep and mop the floor, wipe the tables, prepare the ingredients, do the dishes, guide the customers, and bring out the food..."

While we were fighting a war in the north.

This guy was fighting his own war.

Since his hobby was slacking off, I thought it was a good thing.

"You've worked hard. Was the restaurant work a bit tough?"

"No. Surprisingly, that was fine after I got used to it, but the problem was something else."

"What was it?"

"What do you think? That bearded monster. My heart sinks every time I make eye contact with him."

"Hmm."

"I age a few years every time I see him, really."

I looked at the hard-working Boris with a pitiful gaze.

"Good job, Boris. You endured it in the end."

"Ugh. You damn Sherwood bastards. I don't even want to see you anymore."

Boris, as if he didn't want to talk anymore, waved his hand and sighed, and then asked.

"So, what are you here for? Did you come to report that you're back safely?"

"Well... to join the mercenary corps. And other things."

"Join?"

"Hey! Everyone, come here!"

Then, the Sherwood members, who had been looking around after returning for the first time in a while, came slouching over to the reception desk.

Dofang, Sorrow (Hartz), and Lyle were them.

"...!"

Boris's eyes widened.

"Dofang the Braggrat, the multiple-personality psychopath, and the lecherous knight...?"

Dofang came over and patted Boris's shoulder.

"Haha, it's been a while, Boris, little brother. You're still as foul-mouthed as ever."

"...Multiple-personality psychopath? What an interesting nickname."

"The more I see him, the more I think it's a waste... how could he be born a man with a face like that."

Boris looked at them with a face that said he was getting goosebumps.

I grinned and stood up from my seat.

"Well, since we've seen some familiar faces after a long time, go and have a good chat."

Boris quickly grabbed me.

"Ah, Ashuban! Where are you going!"

I looked at Boris, who was grabbing me with a desperate face, and then grinned and pushed his hand away.

"...!"

Boris had a betrayed expression.

"Ashuban... even you."

Dofang stealthily came over and took the seat.

"Hey, hey, are we going to eat you or something? If you're like that, it makes me want to tease you more."

"Nice to meet you. I'm the multiple-personality psychopath."

"Sigh— Boris. Have you ever thought of growing your hair out longer?"

I left the three with Boris and returned to the hideout.

I immediately went up to the second floor and knocked on the office door rhythmically.

—Come in, Ashuban.

When I opened the door and went in, I found Hudmilla, who had sat down at her desk as soon as she returned.

A few spirits that had been settled nearby came over to me with bright faces.

—It's Ashuban!

—Hello! Where have you been?

—Sniff, sniff. A good smell.

I roughly patted the spirits and then sat down.

"Are you working right away? You should rest a bit."

"It's fine. I've been resting until you came."

"And your internal injuries?"

"They're almost healed. There's no problem with doing my work."

"Hmm."

I looked at Hudmilla's desk, which was piled high with documents.

"It seems you have a lot of work?"

"Mmm. There are commissions that came in while I was away, and maybe because our exploits in Tundra became known, the number of commissions has suddenly exploded."

"That's great."

Hud looked at me with a sharp gaze.

"What's so great? My work has doubled."

"You can just send everything below C-rank to the guild."

"Sorting is also work, you know?"

"I'll have Schmidt and Shushuruta help you."

"It's fine. I'll just do it myself."

"Suit yourself."

"..."

Hud glared at me for a moment.

"If you're just going to be a hindrance, get out."

"I'm the captain..."

"So what."

"..."

Scritch, scritch—

The sound of a quill moving was heard for a moment, and then.

"You came here to say something, didn't you?"

"That's right."

"Say it."

I looked at Hud moving her quill for a moment and then said.

"That commission."

"Yes."

"Accept mainly the ones related to the Dark Heaven Society."

Stop.

The quill stopped, and then Hud raised her head.

I looked at her amethyst-like purple eyes and said.

"The guys who drink black potions, the magical beasts that seem strangely docile or as if they're receiving someone's orders, the half-human, half-beasts, the cases where there are traces of black magic, and so on. Anyway, if there's anything that seems even slightly related to them, accept it all."

Hud looked at me for a moment.

"Ashuban."

"Yes."

"...Are you angry?"

"They started it first. You know that, right?"

"...I know."

"I'm going to kill them. All of them."

"..."

Hud sighed.

"Alright. I'll tell the others that too."

"Okay. Good luck."

Just as I was about to get up from my seat.

"Hey, wait a minute."

Hudmilla opened a drawer and then took out a crumpled letter and handed it to me.

"What is it?"

"This came while you were in Tundra, and I kept it separately just in case."

Rustle—

I took the mysterious letter that Hud had handed me and read it, and then...

"...!"

I looked at Hud with wide eyes.

"Don't tell me?"

"...Probably."

A saint who doesn't believe in God.

It was a clue about Sirila.

(End of Chapter)