While having the charge cows wait together with the Ryokus in the meadows, filled with grass theyd likely eat, we entered the town at the same time as the gate opened up. What greeted us on the other side were bleary-eyed adults who had been waiting for the gates opening. As we entered, they all immediately looked our way.

Yep, just as expected. Sword sighed and headed over to the guildmaster.

Hes probably going to explain the situation.

The crybaby huddled up behind me.

Serge!

The stall boy and a woman, who seemed to be their mother, rushed over.

Just where have you been!?!? Do you know how much I worried when you didnt return last night!?!

Im sure its been just as she said.

Going by Serges behavior, it was plain obvious that he had hid in the mountains (in spite of it having been prohibited) with the single-minded intent of wanting to join us.

Among the men who had gathered up first thing in the morning, many looked rather annoyed by all the trouble than relieved over the boys safety.

Well, that only makes sense.

The stall boy hit Serges head with a fist after getting close.

Ouch!

Youve given the esteemed S-Rank adventurers so much trouble! And not just that! You caused a lot of trouble for everyone! Its about time you stopped this make-believe adventurer game!

The crybaby put on the expression of a child who didnt want to listen while throwing a tantrum.

Hes right! You are almost the same age as Indra, so why cant you get your act together! Take an example of Indra and be more like an adult!

Hmm, yeah, thatd be the typical sermon in this situation, but

The boy wont listen to this kind of sermon, you know?

When I muttered, they all looked at me simultaneously. Especially the crybaby glared my way with tears in his eyes. There wasnt a shred of remorse to be found on his face.

Look, thats a face that shows how he has no intention of reflecting on his wrongdoings whatsoever. Its the face of someone crying around while throwing a tantrum. Well, whatever. The boys failures are to be blamed on his parents. In other words, your way of bringing him up is the problem here.

As I looked straight at the mother, she became confused.

Its your fault. You pampered him, you forgave his every whim as long as he cried and acted up a bit, you didnt even teach him that he ought to help out, instead you taught him that it was only natural for him to let the adults do everything for him, and you didnt teach him that he should consider what kind of troubles he causes to others when willfully doing as he pleases without listening to anything, including rules. All of this stems from his wrong upbringing. So? How do you plan to settle this uproar as his parent?

The mother became white like a sheet.

I-Im terribly sorry!

She bowed her head. The stall boy as well.

But.

Is this how you apologize to others? Do you think that this brat is going to fully understand how wrong he was after seeing you apologize so half-heartedly? Is that an attitude everyone, whom he kept up all night long with his shenanigans, would be able to accept?

As soon as I finished speaking, they fell prostrate in front of me. So dogeza does exist in this world as well, huh?

Hey!?

Sword ran up to us, but I stopped him with a wind blow from my palm.

Stay away. This is part of his education.

Education!?

Also, since Im the type of woman who cant forgive pampered kids and the parents who spoil them, feel free to take it as envy. Now then I turned back to the other two.

Please find it in yourself to forgive my son for his misconduct on this occasion. As his mother I beg your pardon while feeling deeply ashamed.

My younger brother has caused you a lot of trouble. Please allow me to apologize on his behalf.

As I towered over them dauntingly

Oistop it! Hey! Why are you acting so bossy!? Mom and bro havent done anything wrong, have they!? The crybaby screamed in rage.

I stared at him coldly, Youre right, its all your fault. But, theyre to blame for having raised you to be such a brat. Thats why Im having them apologize for their failure. So? Are you going to just throw tantrums? I havent heard a single apology or thanks from you since yesterday.

The crybaby started to tremble furiously, and then dashed away.

Okay, this guys a lost cause. Pretty obviously.

I brought the little play to an end, allowing his mother and brother to stand up again.

Oh well, whatever. Unfortunately, the boy ran off after throwing a tantrum. With this its over.

Eh? Umm

The mother and her older son exchanged a look.

Dont worry, I was talking to myself. Aftergiving up, Ill go around to apologize to the towns residents. Well, I dont know whether itll be over with that, though. Goodbye. Well never meet again.

When I turned on my heels, I was baffled as Sword was nowhere to be seen. And here Ive pulled this whole thing off so stylishly.