Three Uncles Drink Alcohol

* * *

This is a digression.

It has little relation to Arc 9.

It has no relation at all to Arc 10.

Well then, to celebrate our reunion

Cheers!!!

Clink!

In the dimly lit room illuminated by magic lamps, the small sound of wooden cups clinking together echoed.

The liquid poured generously into them was sakate sake.

This golden-colored alcohol is derisively called a cheap booze strong only in alcohol content by no means a high-class drink.

The three middle-aged men gathered here each hold, or used to hold, distinguished positions.

They certainly have enough money to afford better alcohol.

However, the host Baron Martz deliberately chose this sake.

Because this sakate sake is nicknamed the adventurers alcohol.

The nostalgic taste they used to guzzle down at town taverns after completing jobs together in their adventuring days.

Thats why he chose to clink cups with this sake.

Ggahhh! Tasty!

Likely not noticing Martzs consideration at all, the man clad in a golden armor despite it being a banquet the highest-ranked adventurer Golden Arcus downed his cup in one go.

Martz promptly refilled it with more sakate sake, but it was emptied again in the next instant.

Ahh, my bad for barging in so suddenly!

Laughing cheerfully, Arcus leaned over to slap Martzs shoulder repeatedly as he said that.

Not looking apologetic at all.

Seeing his troublesome seniors usual antics, Martz could only wryly smile, yet felt nostalgic too.

No no, having the renowned Golden Arcus-sama grace my humble abode is an honor that makes my barony shine brighter!

Wahaha! Martz, you bastard! Youve really started talking like a proper noble these days!

Arcus continued laughing while drinking at an incredible pace.

Im the only active adventurer left now! You juniors retired first despite being younger than me! Getting all high and mighty!

Well, about being high and mighty Im currently unemployed, you see.

It was here that the large, scar-faced man Dakkante finally spoke with a wry smile.

He had served as the branch chief of the adventurers guild outpost in the town of Yoshanka until recently.

However, numerous irregularities within the outpost were uncovered, leading to him being docked three months pay as the supervisor, despite not being directly involved in the misconduct himself.

Even so, Dakkante didnt consider his punishment fully absolved.

While he had assumed the branch chief position after retiring as an adventurer thanks to recommendations from the guild, he felt desk work wasnt his forte.

So once outpost operations stabilized again, Dakkante resigned as branch chief.

Shaddup! Dakkante, you were apparently offered a martial arts instructor role at the Deswaar Ducal House too, werent you?

What!? Is that true? Congratulations, Dakkante!

Eh!? Ah um, Arcus-san, how did you know about that?

Guhaha! Dont underestimate my information network! Im the highest-ranked adventurer and now the heros master teacher! Gathering that much info is childs play for me!

His senior was truly terrifying.

Dakkante broke out in a cold sweat.

Despite usually behaving so casually, he somehow obtained information about Dakkantes private discussions with the ducal house.

On top of his overwhelming power, he was formidable indeed.

Thats right, Arcus-san. I heard the rumor that you became the heros master and teacher even in my humble barony.

Thoroughly cowed, the large-bodied Dakkante shrank down.

To prevent the amused Arcus from pestering and exposing more of Dakkantes secrets, Martz deftly changed the subject.

Oh? Ohh Yeah, thats right, I sure did

For some reason, the energetic Arcus lost his momentum and began sipping his sakate sake slowly.

? Is there some difficulty talking about it?

Well, um About that brat

After seeming to ponder for a bit, Arcus began recounting his memories with the hero.

That shaveling hero Torch, I first met him when his village was being attacked by the Demon Lords Army

?!

The relaxed atmosphere instantly tensed up.

Martz and Dakkante gulped audibly.

I rushed in to help but was hopelessly outnumbered. I could only rescue Torch himself and flee the scene.

How dreadful

A gust of wind blew outside, causing the walls of Baron Martzs manor to creak and the magic lamps illuminating the dining hall to sway.

Even then, I sensed Torch was the hero from his immense divine aura. I was just going to pawn him off on someone else since I didnt want the trouble but Torch pleaded with me, so I ended up becoming his master and teacher.

I see The hero was quite fortunate then. To be taught swordsmanship by Arcus-san is an extremely rare opportunity.

Yeah! Thats right! Youd think so, wouldnt you!?

Arcuss cup didnt stop moving as he kept gulping down sake rapidly.

Did something happen between you and that hero?

Dakkante tentatively prompted him to continue.

Nah, hes a good kid! Honest, kind, has a strong sense of justice too! Listens properly to what I say, learns quickly, has divine aura and talent aplenty! All I had to do was teach him how to use his power and fight, and hed keep growing stronger on his own that kind of amazing brat! But still

But?

One day, the Holy Goddess Laintorlie appeared in my dream

?!

A divine oracle.

Even this flippant yet skilled senior had received a divine oracle.

Martz and Dakkante immediately realized the Holy Goddess must have had something extremely important to convey to Arcus.

And I got fired from being the heros teacher

?!

Fired by divine oracle.

Have any of the heroic tales theyve read ever contained such a thing!?

Just what did this troublesome senior do!?

B-But why?

..

Arcus gulped down more sake before continuing:

Well, I was thinking about Torchs future so as his master, I taught him all sorts of things beyond just fighting techniques

All sorts of things, you say?

Like how to sweet-talk cute older girls, yknow, all sorts of stuff

Bfuh!!

The two juniors accidentally spat out the sake they had been drinking.

Ah um, Arcus-san How old was the hero boy back then?

Hmm? Like 6 or 7 years old, something like that?

(Just what was this man teaching a child that age)

(He must have taught the boy all sorts of other things too No wonder he got fired)

Martz and Dakkante could only cover their faces in exasperation.

So after getting fired as the teacher, well, I had already drilled the basics into Torch, and he had gained a comrade named Chiron too by then. I figured theyd manage somehow and parted ways with them. The Holy Goddess even issued a divine oracle specifically telling me not to go around saying unnecessary things that would taint the heros dignity. This is actually the first time Ive reminisced about those memories! Guhaha! But you guys will keep it secret, right?

Another truth that could never be spoken became one more secret burdening the two uncles hearts.

* * *

Anyway! Enough with just me rambling! Im just a drop-in guest here! Martz! Dakkante! Didnt you two have something you wanted to discuss together?

It was about two hours into the drinking session when the jovial Arcus, who had been monologuing nonstop, suddenly said that.

As he mentioned, this banquet was originally organized by Martz inviting the newly available Dakkante after he resigned as branch chief.

Arcus just happened to be passing by, decided to drop in for old times sake to see his juniors, and ended up joining the three of them.

Hahaha Well, you see Arcus-san. Dakkante here had been diligently working as branch chief for a long time. This is just a little celebration to honor his efforts. While my barony is in the countryside, the climate is nice and comfortable for relaxing. I just invited him to unwind here occasionally.

Why not tell me some juicy, heavy stuff!?

Well, I did intend to hear about Dakkantes future plans. If youre serving the Deswaar Ducal House, thats reassuring. Otherwise, I was just hoping we could enjoy drinking

No, I have something to talk about, Martz.

While Martz was gently trying to deflect his troublesome senior who seemed intent on digging for gossip, Dakkante interjected with a solemn expression on his now flushed red face.

Dakkante had the largest build but was the weakest drinker.

Im sorry! Im so sorry, Martz!!

Dakkante then stood up and staggered over to Martz, kneeling to press his forehead against the floor in apology.

Hey? Dakkante!?

I couldnt protect that girl! Im really sorry!!

?!

Ah, I see, Martz realized.

Dakkante had seemed ill at ease ever since arriving.

This was the reason why.

Raise your head, Dakkante. Ive written you letters about that matter many times. You were away, summoned to headquarters. Youre not to blame. Rather, its my fault for sending her off without knowing the circumstances.

But, but! If I had returned to the outpost even just one or two days earlier! That wouldnt have!

What are you talking about?

Arcus furrowed his brow, demanding an explanation.

His usual slurred speech was gone.

While usually careless, Arcus was fundamentally a kind-hearted man at his core.

He couldnt just ignore his juniors apparent difficulties.

Martz explained.

How a black-haired, black-eyed girl named Emi had once saved his wife and daughter from bandits.

How she became friends with his daughter.

How she saved his daughter and even his entire barony from the Topopolock swarm.

Dakkante explained.

How that girl came to his outpost with Martzs recommendation letter to register as an adventurer.

However, the townspeople persecuted her solely for her black hair and eyes.

And in the end, despite slaying the Togdo Commander to save the town, she was driven out.

Hah.

After hearing their explanations, Arcus let out a sigh.

Nothin changes in this world Same as in the Ol Yogins days

Silence filled the room, the only sound being the gulp of sake passing their throats.

Even the occasional gusts of wind from earlier had ceased completely.

A beautiful starry sky stretched beyond the windows.

So, that black-haired, black-eyed girl, Emi was it?

After draining his cup, Arcus set it down firmly on the table with a thud.

Didnt she have any other notable traits?

Traits, you ask?

Im the most freely mobile one here. I wander constantly year-round anyway. I was thinking of trying to search for the girl myself.

Arcus-san

However

Dakkante sighed while resting his forehead on his palm, elbow on the table.

The guild is already searching for her whereabouts too, since shes the biggest victim of that idiots blunder But she cant be found. Still missing. She might even be

Thats not possible.

Martz cut off Dakkantes pessimism.

Despite having no basis, the conviction in that single statement made the other two stare at Martz in surprise.

Emi is definitely alive Shes not the type to die so easily.

Noticing their gazes, Martz seemed a little embarrassed as he shrugged and fiddled with his mustache before continuing:

An incredibly strong girl. Almost frighteningly so. If she cant be found in human settlements, she may well be living in the demon realms instead.

Haha. I suppose thats possible.

Well, I guess so.

Yet Martzs speculation was not too far off the mark.

Anyway! Were getting sidetracked! Traits, traits! Martz, tell me Emis traits!

Arcus deliberately acted silly to steer the conversation back on track.

He aimed to search for a girl even the adventurers guild couldnt locate.

It was no simple task.

Despite being the highest-ranked adventurer with an extensive information network, Arcus would undoubtedly struggle on this difficult mission.

He wanted to gather any possible leads beforehand.

Yes, well, in terms of appearance, she has black hair and black eyes. Just that alone should make her stand out considerably Furthermore, she has a frighteningly well-proportioned facial features. Slanted, double-lidded eyes. Age-wise, she should be around 8 years old now.

Martz listed Emis traits as they came to mind.

Also, shes not very articulate. A relatively quiet child who rarely changes expressions. Ive never once seen her smile.

A kid who cant smile, huh

Arcus frowned slightly.

Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, shes frighteningly strong. High combat ability and survival skills. Yet shes not supposed to be a blessed existence considering the black hair and eyes.

Hmm Anything else? Like where she was born, did you hear about that?

Born, you say?

Martz stroked his mustache as he searched his memory.

Come to think of it, Emi had painstakingly explained that area during their first meeting on that night

About her birth, yes, I did hear it once. A village in the Rayvlake Kingdom beyond the mountains Fenoben Village, I believe she said.

?!

Arcus froze upon hearing that, clearly startled.

However, according to her, she was persecuted in that village and not properly raised by her parents, living alone in the forest most of the time. For a young girl to live alone in the wilderness would normally be dismissed as preposterous but with her strength, I believe it was the truth.

A cursed black-haired, black-eyed child getting abandoned A tale you hear occasionally, but its still cruel.

Dakkante furrowed his brow, shaking his head with closed eyes.

Emi clearly didnt think well of her village or parents either. She didnt hesitate to call them scum. Even her parents, she referred to them like that. I only got her to reluctantly tell me their name once.

And that name was?

Not noticing Arcuss sudden silence, Martz and Dakkante continued their conversation.

If I recall, her fathers name was Cody, she said. A drunkard, crippled former adventurer.

Gataan!!

In that instant, a loud noise resounded through the dining hall!

Arcus had abruptly stood up, knocking over the chair he had been sitting on!

C-C-C-Cody, you say?!

Arcuss eyes were wide open, his body slightly trembling.

Stunned by the sudden event, Martz and Dakkante stared at Arcus in bewilderment.

Ah um, Arcus-san? Could it be you know this Cody person?

Kn-Know him? Its not just that! Th-That guy is is!!

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Arcus shouted:

My brother!!

Hah?!

Martz and Dakkantes voices overlapped in surprise.

Th-Then, does that mean Emi is actually?!

My niece?!

Authors note: Finally, Arcus recognized Emi as his own kin.

He will be getting involved with Emi going forward.

However!

As Ive mentioned similarly before, Emi doesnt really approach human settlements much, so that episode is still a little further away.

After all, she usually stays in the mountains and wilderness

Shes truly a difficult child to find.

Even so, some leads remain, so she will eventually be found.

Please wait until that time comes.