Chapter 21: “The head of the family is waiting in vain”

When dawn came, the Douglas household celebrated their reunion once they woke up. Julio was bewildered finding himself waking up back home, but when he saw his parents’ faces, he forgot all about that and was simply overjoyed.

During breakfast, Julio was introduced to Kousuke and Viare and asked worriedly about what happened to the other kidnapped children. He thought that he was the only one that was saved, but was relieved to hear that everyone else was safe. Seeing his reaction, Kousuke thought『What a nice kid』while Viare was happy to know that her a.s.sumption of the parents being good people wasn’t wrong.

「Since everything’s settled now, should we find an inn to stay at?」(Kousuke)

「That’s true. It would be rude if we keep staying here」(Viare)

「I don’t know how long it’ll last, but please stay here until the tournament ends」(Douglas)

When Douglas heard the two’s plan to leave, he immediately stopped them. They were about to leave before he could properly thank them.

「In the near future, one of our companion will arrive. I can’t possibly ask you to allow another to stay here. That’s why, we’ll find an inn today before…. Ah!」(Kousuke)

「What’s wrong Kousuke-san?」(Viare)

Viare tilted her head at Kousuke who stopped mid-sentence.

「We might need to stay here until tomorrow」(Kousuke)

「We personally do not mind that, but is there a special reason?」(Douglas)

「The person I was cooperating with during the rescue is coming here」(Kousuke)

「So it wasn’t just Watase-san who was attempting the rescue. We have to thank that person as well. Could you tell me more about the details?」(Douglas)

Kousuke explained everything that happened after he separated from Douglas that night.

The wife took Julio out to go shopping to give them some privacy and to not remind Julio about the kidnapping incident.

Douglas and Viare were furious at the fact that besides Julio, other children were also kidnapped.

When Douglas yelled that they should all be hung, Viare agreed with him and it made Kousuke draw back slightly from their sudden bloodl.u.s.t.

Around thirty minutes later, the wife and Julio returned right when the conversation ended.

Unlike the parents who had work and ch.o.r.es to handle, Kousuke and Viare were free so they kept Julio company. Of course, it was mostly Viare playing with Julio. Kousuke was just watching the two play Oth.e.l.lo from the side.

As the group kept themselves busy, time flew by. Around four o’clock, a voice was heard calling out to Douglas in the store. It was Nagare wearing a violet-blue one piece dress with a white finish on the bottom. It looked like a simplified court dress.

「Yes, yes, with whom do I have the pleasure of meeting? We’re currently closed until tomorrow though」(Douglas)

「I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I’m not a customer. I was informed that a young man named Kousuke is currently residing here」(Nagare)

「Ah, so you must be Nagare-san. I would like to express my deepest grat.i.tude for rescuing my son」(Douglas)

Douglas bowed deeply before calling into the back of the store.

「Watase-san! You have a visitor!」(Douglas)

When Kousuke appeared, he seemed a bit surprised at Nagare’s appearance. Viare who tagged along was also staring at Nagare’s unfamiliar clothing.

To the arriving Kousuke, Nagare bowed slightly. Her long, untied black hair swayed as she did.

「As promised, I’ve come to give you our thanks. My master would like to personally reward you. With all due respect, could you accompany me?」(Nagare)

「A reward really isn’t necessary though. Would it be alright if you tell your master that I’ve gratefully accepted the thanks?」(Kousuke)

Nagare’s countenance became a bit worried at his response.

「My master insisted on meeting you. Are you truly unable to accompany me?」(Nagare)

「Must I absolutely go?」(Kousuke)

『Getting involved with big shots always lead to trouble though… I had to enter a domain for Horun and Alice’s sake, if I get involved with another big shot.. It’ll just make things more difficult』Kousuke thought. 【TL: O.O Kou-chan that sounded pretty mean to those two】

「To be absolutely honest, I wish for you to come.  When I reported to my master, I also mentioned you. My master became very interested with your high capabilities. Master and s.h.i.+zuku-sama are both inclined to favor strength so naturally they wish to provide you a reward for your efforts first」(Nagare)

s.h.i.+zuku was the child that Nagare was tasked to rescue before.

「If Kousuke-kun refused to come then my master may personally come after you. If that were to happen, master will definitely try to challenge you and may attack the wrong people. I’ve given my master a portrait of you so something like that shouldn’t happen though」(Nagare)

「Is your master that imprudent?」(Kousuke)

Kousuke’s voice was leaking incredible shock.

「Yes, those two parent and child are very hot-blooded when it comes to fighting」(Nagare)

『I should have told her to keep quiet about me…』Thought Kousuke, but it was unlikely that Nagare would not mention Kousuke to her master.

While his impression of Nagare’s master was dropping, he decided to keep his evaluation of Nagare on hold. He needed to determine if she threatened him on her own or was ordered to do so.

「As long as I go the others will be safe?」(Kousuke)

「Yes, if any damage were to occur then it would be small. As long as its kept to that level, we’ll be able to handle the aftermath」(Nagare)

「As it is, it seems that I should go. Before I accompany you I would like to finish arranging a room at an inn first」(Kousuke)

Kousuke planned to escape once Alice arrives if the situation becomes dangerous, but for now he accepted.

「As long as you come, a slight delay is acceptable」(Nagare)

「Since it’s settled, Viare, let’s get our things ready. We need to find a place quickly」(Kousuke)

After he consented, Kousuke, Viare, Douglas and his family went back into the house.

Douglas wanted the two to stay a bit longer since they haven’t fully returned the two’s kindness. However, Kousuke wanted to get a room as soon as possible before all the vacancies were taken due to the tournament. He’s uncertain how long it’ll be until Alice arrives and it was possible that it may be a while. Depending on the results, he and Viare may be intruding on Douglas and his family for a prolonged amount of time. Kousuke wanted to avoid that. Eventually, it was agreed that they will repay the kindness on another day and Kousuke and Viare left Douglas’s home.

「It’s the first time the two of us are visiting this city so does Nagare-san know of any reasonable inns?」(Kousuke)

「Yes, I know of a few. The cheaper inns are definitely filled up at this point. Decent inns are most likely close to filling up. If you’re looking for a guaranteed room then it will be among the high cla.s.s inns」(Nagare)

「How much would one night, one person cost?」(Kousuke)

「Let’s see… I presume it was around two silver coins」(Nagare)

「TWO SILVER COINS!?」(Viare)

Viare exclaimed loudly. A typical inn would cost around 4 copper coins per night. The price Nagare just indicated was significantly higher than what Viare was used to seeing.

Though not as surprised as Viare, Kousuke was a bit shocked since his only comparison was s.h.i.+di’s inn.

By the way, the most prominent inns would cost around ten silver coins a night for one person. To put that into perspective, it’s around a month’s worth of income for most people used for one night. If the two of them stayed in a place like that, Viare would be most likely faint.

「Ko-ko-ko-kosuke-san!!?? Le-let’s avoid a place like that!! O-okay!?」(Viare)

It wasn’t a selfish request. Their stay won’t be for a night, but likely for several nights. For Viare, the expense would be beyond what she’s normally accustomed to.

「If a cheaper inn is still open we’ll be staying there you know? If they’re all full, we’ll just work up the ladder」(Kousuke)

He has ten flash coins so it wasn’t a huge deal to him. Even long-term stays were possible. He ruled out camping outside since they have a large fund.

While Viare was praying for a cheap inn to be open, the three headed toward the inns.

Meanwhile, Kousuke learned of yesterday’s occurrence after he fell asleep.

「The criminals were a part of an underground organization that traveled from Sebus.h.i.+k to Kalhode. That particular organization was mostly decimated half a year ago. All of their executives are deceased. The one’s that were captured yesterday were mostly the underlings, the highest ranked were those that used to directly report to the executives.

Their purpose here was to ama.s.s funds to rebuild their organization.

Since they lacked proper leaders.h.i.+p, their plans and actions were truly careless. If they had a careful and detailed planner then doing something outlandish such as kidnapping s.h.i.+zuku-sama wouldn’t have occurred. In fact, they had no idea that they kidnapped a Marquis’s heir. They were truly shocked to hear s.h.i.+zuku-sama’s ident.i.ty」(Nagare)

「So they never intended to kidnap someone so important since they had to remain obscure」(Kousuke)

「I agree. However, since they’re unable to create a decent plan, getting apprehended would only be a matter of time」(Nagare)

「Hmm, does it mean that their organization is completely gone now?」(Kousuke)

「Actually, there are still others around. When the soldiers were heading to the mansion, they encountered a man that was coincidently checking in on his comrades. That man immediately escaped after seeing the soldiers so it could be concluded that there were others around」(Nagare)

「Do you think they’ll begin kidnapping in other places?」(Kousuke)

「Possibly」(Nagare)

「Persistent fellas」(Kousuke)

「Truly…」(Nagare)

「Which reminds me, what will happen to the criminals that were captured?」(Kousuke)

「For the sake of keeping them quiet, once they gave us the necessary information, they were beheaded」(Nagare) 【TL: HOLY S***!!!】

『Truly unsettling how light another’s life is here…』Kousuke chiseled into his heart.

To him, death penalties were rare and inhumane. However, in this world, it was considered a proper judgment. It prevents the criminals from committing a second offense and deters others from causing troubles.

「Ah, we’ve almost arrived」(Nagare)

Nagare pointed at an inn.

The three entered the inn. The moment they entered, Kousuke and Nagare guessed that it was no-good.

There were too many people.

Just to make sure, Kousuke spoke with someone at the reception and received the expected answer.

「I’m terribly sorry. We currently have no vacancies」(Receptionist)

「I see. A pity. Hmm.. Do you know if there are any vacant inns around here?」(Kousuke)

「Let’s see… Other inns like this that are aimed for adventurers or simple travelers are most likely full at this point. Even if they seem empty, their vacant rooms are likely to be reserved」(Receptionist)

「Thank you very much」(Kousuke)

「Sorry for being unable to accommodate you」(Receptionist)

The next three inns the three tried were the same. With each attempt, Viare’s complexion became worse.

「It seems that we should prepare ourselves and head to an expensive inn」(Kousuke)

「It does seem like that…」(Viare)

Kousuke and Nagare were looking at Viare sympathetically.

「It’s that one. Just consider this a once-in-a-lifetime luxury that you deserve」(Nagare)

「I think it really might be once-in-a-lifetime」(Viare)

「Isn’t that a bit exaggerated?」(Nagare)

「With the income I had as a guild receptionist.. It really isn’t exaggerated」(Viare)

In addition, Viare was currently unemployed.

While dragging the dispirited Viare, the three entered the high-cla.s.s inn.

It was a large, st.u.r.dy inn that was not too gaudy or pomp, but it definitely did not look cheap.

The front receptionist, despite seeing Kousuke’s commoner-like appearance, did not express disgust. It seemed their training was also on a higher level.

「Welcome. Do you require a room?」(Receptionist)

「Yes. Do you have any vacancies?」(Kousuke)

「Yes. We currently have some vacancies」(Receptionist)

「Could we reserve three private rooms?」(Kousuke)

He planned on getting a room for Alice as well.

「Would you perhaps be more interested in one of our larger rooms that can accommodate three people?」(Receptionist)

「I prefer to have the rooms separated between men and women」(Kousuke)

「That’s quite alright. The large room has separated bedrooms」(Receptionist)

「Hmm, then that’s fine」(Kousuke)

Kousuke was about to ask if that was fine with Viare but stopped. He realized Viare’s experience with this is no different from his.

「I’ll take the large room please. How much is the lodging?」(Kousuke)

「It will be five silver coins per night. I can discount one silver coin per night if you relinquish the use of the studies, the den, and special services such as a ma.s.sage. Would you like me to proceed with that?」(Receptionist)

「Hmm…. Is it possible to receive that discount and pay the difference when I wish to use them?」(Kousuke)

「Yes, that is possible. In that case, you will pay upon using the facility or receiving the service」(Receptionist)

「Then let’s go with that. I’ll take the discount. For now, I’ll pay for ten days’ worth of lodging」(Kousuke)

He took out two gold coins and gave them to the receptionist.

After confirming they were real, the receptionist gave Kousuke his change.

Prior to receiving the keys, the receptionist explained that the dining area may be accessed freely between 7 in the morning to 9 in the evening. She also explained the times for the bath.

「Your room number is 202. It is located up those stairs and on the left hand side down the hall」(Receptionist)

「We’ll be in your care for some time」(Kousuke)

「We.. We’ll be in your care!」(Viare)

Seeing Kousuke and the nervous Viare lower their heads, the receptionist viewed them favorably. The receptionist was a human being before an inn’s staff, so she felt happy when she dealt with courteous guests.

「Yes. We shall do our utmost to accommodate your needs」(Receptionist)

The three left the reception and headed to room 202.

『This inn would make for a great souvenir story for s.h.i.+di』Thought Kousuke as he observed everything around him as the three walked.

From Viare and Nagare’s perspective, Kousuke looked tense and a.s.sumed he was nervously glancing around.

「It’s quite large and everything seems well kept. The price of five silver coins makes sense」(Kousuke)

Kousuke’s experience as a maid allowed him to discern that the inn’s level of maintenance of their room was on par with the aristocratic households.

「Is it really alright for us to stay in this room?」(Viare)

Viare couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the luxurious nature of the room. Kousuke was used to this so it naturally didn’t bother him since his standard of “Luxurious” was the “Royal Suites” back in j.a.pan.

「Everything was already paid for so we’ll be staying here for the next ten days」(Kousuke)

「It’s so different from the orphanage.. I’m worried I won’t be able to sleep」(Viare)

「If it’s just this then shouldn’t you be fine? Humans are pretty adaptable creatures」(Kousuke)

He ignored his own inability to fully adapt to this world.

「I have a feeling that getting used to this will be bad. It’ll definitely change something in me from this point on」(Viare)

「That might be so. Hmm… It’s cold?」(Kousuke)

Kousuke wanted a drink of water and grabbed the water jug on the table. He was surprised when he noticed it was actually chilled.

Nagare explained the reason for that.

「Is there a magic formation drawn on the bottom of the water jug? That formation will keep the water jug chilled so you can always enjoy a cup of cold water」(Nagare)

「That’s convenient. I wonder why other inns don’t have this?」(Kousuke)

「That formation only lasts for one day and not everyone can produce them. A magic apt.i.tude of D+ or higher is required. It’s very difficult to hire individuals with such a rank」(Nagare)

The inn is expensive because they offer these detailed and uncommon services.

「I see. I’ve always been making cold water myself so I never knew something like this existed」(Kousuke)

「Controlling the water’s temperature is something most people cannot do. It seems your magic apt.i.tude is definitely not ordinary either」(Nagare)

Nagare muttered quietly to keep the other two from hearing, she memo’d in her heart another strength of Kousuke. Her master ordered her to investigate Kousuke’s strength as much as possible.

The oblivious Kousuke finished drinking his water and asked Viare a question.

「I’ll be heading out soon, but what do you want to do Viare?」(Kousuke)

「I’ll come too. It’s impossible for me to stay in this room alone right now」(Viare)

「Nagare-san, can Viare come along as well?」(Kousuke)

「That’s fine. As long as Kousuke-kun comes along, there shouldn’t be any issue」(Nagare)

Receiving a favorable reply, Kousuke and Viare dropped off their bags and left the room with Nagare.

With the inn’s receptionist’s “Have a good day” echoing behind them, the three left the inn.

The moment they stepped outside, Viare sighed heavily. An inn is where one should be able to relax, but she’s experiencing relief from leaving the inn. Her perception of a journey became slightly skewed with this experience.

It was planned to head straight to Nagare’s master, but Kousuke spotted a blacksmith and decided to drop by.

「Welcome!」(Blacksmith)

An elderly man in his sixties welcomed the three.

While Kousuke approached the blacksmith, Viare and Nagare were checking out the merchandises on the shelves.

「I would like this repaired」(Kousuke)

The man picked up the sheathed sword on the counter and thoroughly examined it.

The sword’s weight was unexpectedly heavy and he frowned as he somehow managed to unsheathe the sword. His face became grimmer seeing the condition of the blade.

「Because you didn’t get your sword repaired regularly it became like this! Just how long did you use this sword without getting it repaired?」(Blacksmith)

「No, the sword’s condition was the result of one fight」(Kousuke)

「There’s no way it would become like this after one fight…」(Blacksmith)

Attracted by the two’s conversation, Nagare inched closer and observed the sword’s condition from the side.

「That’s in a terrible condition」(Nagare)

「You also think so too, right? It’s impossible for this sword, that was built to be st.u.r.dy, to become this battered after one fight!」(Blacksmith)

「I think so too」(Nagare)

「No, it really was just one fight! I cut a stone sculpture with it! That’s why it’s condition is like this」(Kousuke)

「You cut a sculpture? Are you sure you didn’t smash it?」(Nagare)

Nagare questioned and checked for any changes in Kousuke’s expression.

「I did cut it」(Kousuke)

Nagare muttered quietly after hearing Kousuke’s declaration.

There were many that could shatter rocks with a sword. However, to be able to slice apart a rock.. It was truly a small amount. Brute force alone would not allow someone to achieve that was Nagare’s understanding.  After all, the household Nagare serves handle various weapons and Nagare has seen the training the household members undergo. However, even if they were considerably skilled, only a handful are capable of completely slicing through a rock without shattering it.

To know one’s limit is a good thing! For Nagare, she wasn’t able to imagine Kousuke’s limit and grew suspicious. He was simply too strong for his age. Nagare wracked her brain, trying to figure out Kousuke’s ident.i.ty. 『Could he be a specially trained spy from another country?』Thought Nagare.

「So you sliced through a rock… If that’s the truth then the sword’s condition makes sense」(Blacksmith)

「It’s really the truth though… Anyways, can you repair this?」(Kousuke)

「I can do it but.. I think it would be faster to just replace it. At this point, even if I repair it, this sword probably won’t last a year」(Blacksmith)

「It hasn’t even been half a year since I bought this.. To replace it already is a bit…」(Kousuke)

「Half a year? That’s absurd!」(Blacksmith)

「I didn’t mean to use it so violently. Let’s forget about repairing it then. Can you re-forge it into a knife instead?」(Kousuke)

Feeling apprehensive about giving up his first sword, as a compromise, he asked the blacksmith to change it into something that he could still use.

「It’ll take some time, you alright with that?」(Blacksmith)

「How long?」(Kousuke)

「Let’s see…… Five days, yes as long as I have five days its possible」(Blacksmith)

「Thank you, that will be fine」(Kousuke)

「Sure, leave it to me」(Blacksmith)

「Well then, about buying a new sword. My budget is three flash coins. Do you have a sword that’s st.u.r.dier than that one?」(Kousuke)

「Just to let you know, getting a sword in a different city would be a better idea if your budget is three flash coins. The highest quality weapon I have for sale is that halberd over there for two flash coins」(Blacksmith)

The blacksmith pointed behind him with his thumb at the halberd decorated on the wall.

The blade of the halberd was well polished with its bright, silvery l.u.s.ter. The handle was scarlet colored with various etchings and embroideries that gave the entire weapon an impossible to compare aura. Without a single speck of dust on it, the diligence in its care was truly apparent.

「Is the quality of the other stores in this city similar to yours?」(Kousuke)

「Probably」(Blacksmith)

「If they’re the same then I’ll buy from here. I’m not up for traveling to another country at the moment」(Kousuke)

「Well, I’m fine as long as the things in my store sells. I’ll ignore the price and just bring out all the st.u.r.dy swords, that alright?」(Blacksmith)

「Yes, please」(Kousuke)

「Wait a bit」(Blacksmith)

The blacksmith went into the backroom. Kousuke could hear clanging noises as the blacksmith rummaged for the appropriate weapons.

Fifteen minutes later, the blacksmith came back with two swords.

The first sword was of similar length to his current one while the second sword was a “Long sword” that exceeded the previous sword’s length by a meter.

「Both of these are st.u.r.dier than your sword. This broadsword was forged using an alloy of Iron and Trest ores. It’s also sharper and lighter than your sword. This long sword was forged using an alloy of Trest, Silver Shak and Bramul Steel ores. Its weight is perfect for hacking and slas.h.i.+ng. The long sword is definitely st.u.r.dier, but its weight is staggering. If you’re not confident with your strength, I would recommend the broadsword」(Blacksmith) 【TL: Watchu SAY!? Kou-chan, swing that s.h.i.+z】

「May I try holding the long sword?」(Kousuke) 【TL: YEA! DO IT!】

The blacksmith nodded and handed the long sword to Kousuke. It was certainly heavier than his previous sword, but that’s all it was. It wasn’t heavy enough to burden Kousuke.

The blacksmith’s eyes widened as Kousuke began to practice his swings with the long sword without shaking.

「I never expected that you could even hold that with those thin arms of yours」(Blacksmith)

「May I try holding it as well?」(Nagare)

Seeing Kousuke swinging it lightly, Nagare wanted to confirm if the sword was really heavy or not.

「Sure」(Kousuke)

Kousuke offered the sword to Nagare with both of his hands.

「Heavy!?」(Nagare)

She a.s.sumed the sword was around 5kg, but it was closer to 10kg. The discrepancy in the sword’s weight almost made Nagare drop it. Expecting something like this to happen, Kousuke calmly took the sword from her.

「Can I buy this?」(Kousuke)

「Seems like you can handle that sword well. The knife and the long sword, the total will be one flash coin and two gold coins. The long sword’s belt is a service」(Blacksmith)

While giving his thanks, Kousuke placed two flash coins onto the counter.

Once he received the long sword set and his change, Kousuke spoke up to confirm something.

「The knife will be ready in five days correct?」(Kousuke) 【TL: Pretty sure he said that before Kou-chan >_>】

「Yea, I’ll finish it by then」(Blacksmith)

Kousuke strapped the newly bought long sword onto his back, called out to Viare and left the three left the store. The blacksmith shouted out “Thank you for your patronage” the moment they stepped outside.

The detour finished, the three finally headed toward the place Nagare’s master was staying. The current time was five o’clock in the evening and the streets were busy with people returning from work or perusing for dinner.