Chapter 72 |
◈ Everyone Else is a Regressor (72)
The exploration of the ruins ended prematurely due to a surge of unforeseen variables.
There was much to reflect on, and many things to reconsider regarding future plans.
Nevertheless, the party members who originally belonged to the Light Faction somehow returned safely, and the Werewolf who longed for freedom survived and came into the world of light.
Of course, Lora, who was bitten by a Vampire, and the long Werewolf lineage would face many hardships before being fully accepted in this world.
"Is it really such an issue? Then, let's live together for the time being."
On the other hand, Gin, who was blowing on his portion of tea, didn't seem surprised since it had already been decided that he would live with KiJun, and he clenched his fists tightly and exclaimed.
"Leave the housework to me! In my family, I was the one who took care of cleaning and laundry!"
"What about cooking?"
"I can cook too, but the dishes made by Jun are tastier. Hehe."
Seeing Gin, who seemed to have regained some of his original innocence, KiJun couldn't help but snicker.
Then, noticing Única and Lora frozen in place, he glanced at In, who was sipping his tea as if nothing had happened, and asked.
"Do you know why they're acting like this?"
"I think I know. But if I say it, my life might be in danger, so I won't."
"What kind of ability of mine, unknown even to me, could be putting you in danger...?"
KiJun sighed deeply and tapped the table to 'restart' Única and Lora.
"I wouldn't insist if it makes you uncomfortable, but my standing in Turris is quite favorable. Living with me wouldn't subject you to strange looks from others. If In also lives with us, it could give off the vibe of sharing lodgings with party members, making it even more natural. Is that not okay with you, Lora?"
"No, it's not that I dislike it! It's just too overwhelming!"
Finally thawing from her frozen state, Lora exclaimed with a trembling voice.
Única, who started moving as well, hurriedly tried to stop him.
"Jun, weren't you uncomfortable living with many people? If you wish to accommodate the party members, I can arrange rooms for them in the lord's mansion. No one would dare to cast strange looks then!"
"Ah, about feeling uncomfortable..."
KiJun pondered over that part.
Truth be told, if he were to live with Lora, In, and Única, he would have to give up hiding his identity from them.
However, believing that these individuals, each bearing the pain of their own races, would accept him even if they knew his origins were human, he hadn't really worried about it.
"...Jun?"
The problem was Única.
Revealing his identity to the newly formed party members was one thing, but it seemed somewhat unfair to keep it from Única, who had just started assisting him with sincerity.
Meanwhile, Única, sensing KiJun's dilemma and roughly understanding his thoughts, slightly hardened her expression and took a step back.
"There were matters you wished to discuss with the party members. Then, I shall take my leave for today. You mentioned wanting to visit the forge tomorrow, so I'll see you by 11 a.m.――"
"No, Única. Stay."
"Y-Yes."
KiJun inadvertently called her by her name.
But she was probably just waiting for him to say that.
Seeing her quickly return to her spot, KiJun, somewhat flabbergasted, asked her.
"Can you keep a secret from the lord?"
"To be honest, I'm not particularly close to the lord. I will keep the secret."
"I thought about telling the lord too, but it seems unnecessary to go that far―― Well, anyway, good."
As KiJun touched the mask covering his face, all members instinctively swallowed and focused their gaze on him.
What's with this atmosphere, as if I should add sound effects?
―Dum-dum-dum-dum...
'No, it's okay. Never mind, Lucy.'
Feeling the atmosphere becoming too tense, KiJun quickly removed the mask.
His skin, previously flushed red, returned to its human color, and his blazing eyes also reverted to normal.
His red hair turned back to black, settling down―― revealing KiJun, who, on the outside, appeared to be just a normal human.
'If only the Light Man race showed more outward signs, I wouldn't have needed to disguise myself.'
―Hehe, perhaps that's due to the Contractor's will.
KiJun placed the mask on the table and awkwardly smiled at those who were silently observing him.
"In truth, I am human. To be precise, a Rare-grade Light Man, but my foundation as a human hasn't changed."
The notion that the human race, even with growth, is inherently limited is widespread in Leta.
Due to the racial characteristics, it's believed that dramatic physical, magical, or spiritual changes are unlikely, leading to the misconception that their growth is inherently limited.
If they knew just how incredible the Light Magic that constitutes KiJun now is, such thoughts would vanish instantly.
"I've been told that revealing my human identity could complicate things, by a merchant I have an exclusive contract with. That's when I got an item perfect for disguising my race and started using it. I refused to stay at the lord's mansion because I was worried about my identity being exposed."
"Jun..."
"That's all there is to it. If you're disappointed to find out I'm human―― I'm sorry."
*Sigh*
For some reason, Lora fainted again.
As In expected, he caught her and laid her on the sofa, then silently nodded at KiJun.
"I had suspected you were not merely a Flame Human. You were too dearly loved by the light."
"Ah, right. While we're at it, let me introduce her. Lucy?"
―Hello! From today on, I'll be eating at the same table too!
Lucy, as if waiting for her cue, hopped onto the table, making her presence known.
KiJun briefly explained Lucy's identity and his own abilities to the bewildered party.
"Spirit Magic... It's more surprising that you're not a Flame Human but that. So 'Ur,' what we knew as the Flame Beast, is also a spirit."
"Correct. Lucy is a Light Spirit, and Ur is a Fire Spirit."
―Kiiii!
After finishing his explanation, KiJun looked around the party with an awkward smile.
Lora had fainted, In was nodding as he had guessed as much, and Gin, not fully understanding the difference between Flame Humans and humans, thought it was time for applause and clapped his hands.
And Única―― was rubbing her forehead with a very tired expression.
"Única?! I-I didn't mean to make you feel bad――"
"No, the fault lies with me. I spoke without knowing that Jun came from a human background."
Única closed her eyes tightly, then gathered her hands demurely in front of her abdomen and bowed deeply to KiJun.
"I apologize, Jun. I always believed I was fair, but in the end, I was a fool swayed by prejudice. To think there are people like you among humans, and yet I spouted nonsense as if I knew everything about the human race. I have no way to atone for this..."
"People naturally judge based on their experiences. I'm not claiming all humans are righteous. I've been wronged by humans too."
"I assure you, I have no intention of belittling or underestimating you because you are human, please understand..."
"I know. Thank you."
KiJun consoled her with a bitter smile, and seeing that he wasn't truly angry, Única felt somewhat relieved but still wore a troubled expression.
"Is there still a problem?"
"No, it's fine. Even if he's my father, he won't be..."
Única murmured something in a low voice, shaking her head sternly.
KiJun heard her clearly but chose to pretend he didn't, thinking it would only lead to more trouble.
"Alright, then I've said everything I needed to. So, there's no objection to us living together here?"
"Lora would never object. However, Jun."
In spoke in a solemn tone.
"I think it would be best if I left the party. And of course, I won't be staying here either."
"What?"
KiJun was taken aback by the unexpected statement.
In had always had a good impression of KiJun, and they had communicated well even within the ruins.
Knowing a bit about his complicated family situation, and realizing that not only was In skilled with the staff but also wielded Ishtar's divine power, KiJun had no doubt In would be a great asset against Vampires in the future!
"In, if there's something lacking in me, please tell me. I can't promise to fix it right away, but I'll try."
"No, I am the one who is lacking."
In firmly shook his head.
"There wasn't much I accomplished in this expedition. I neither aided in defeating the enemy nor did I properly protect Lora. Instead, she was endangered because of me. Honestly, I've come to realize my own weaknesses."
"What...! That's because the enemy was too strong. It's not that you were lacking. Moreover, if we're to blame, it's my fault for neglecting the enemy despite knowing about it――"
"Lora now has the power to protect herself. Moreover, the power of a priestess of Ishtar remains intact."
KiJun earnestly tried to dissuade him, but In seemed to have already made up his mind.
"Putting it bluntly, Lora, who overlaps with my position, is in a superior situation compared to me. It's as if my occupying a spot in the party is a nuisance."
"The position of a priestess of Ishtar can overlap as much as needed! It would be a huge help when facing Vampires!"
"I truly appreciate your high regard for me, but..."
In looked at KiJun with a serious expression and argued.
"If you truly intend to infiltrate the kingdom of Vampires…"
He already knew from discussions with the party members that Lora had the ability to track Carmilla.
Thus, there were talks of launching a preemptive strike before the Vampires could attack.
KiJun had thought that In would certainly participate in that surprise attack, but it seemed he had other thoughts.
"It would be better to take someone better than me. With a knight, a hunter, and a priest in the party, it would be wise to look for a mage."
"No... Look here."
"If no suitable talent appears by then, I'll gladly participate. But it's unlikely. Your reputation is bound to grow."
In stood up and walked towards KiJun, extending his hand.
"Could we shake hands as a memento?"
"Ah... Of course."
Realizing there was no changing his mind, KiJun sighed softly and shook his hand.
The half-orc clasped KiJun's hand with his large, pot-lid-like hand, shaking it while laughing.
"It was an honor to be with a hero."
"It won't be easy to find someone as capable as you. Don't forget your promise to join us when the time comes."
"Of course."
In nodded and whispered in a slightly quieter voice.
"Please take good care of my precious sister."
"Leave it to me. I'll definitely protect her."
"No, it seems unnecessary to just protect. Respect her wishes."
"…Huh?"
"It's nothing."
Leaving behind enigmatic words, In left without any hesitation.
Afterward, when Lora awoke, KiJun assigned her and Gin rooms to stay in, sent home Única who oddly didn't want to go home, and only when it was time to sleep did KiJun realize one thing―― Lora was no longer just a simple priestess.
"Indeed, now that Lora can fight on the front lines, it means I shouldn't just protect her but also train her to fight on her own!"
―Ah―― Yeah, I think that's probably what he meant, Contractor!
The next day.
After dining at the same table with Única, who had arrived surprisingly early, along with four others and two spirits, KiJun visited the forge as he had discussed with Única the day before.
The forge's master, Glittertos, personally greeted KiJun, but contrary to expectations of being led to a private space, Glittertos brought him into an open area visible to anyone who entered the forge.
"Glittertos? There are quite important items here."
"Yeah, let's see those important items."
Feeling the unabashed stares of outsiders, KiJun spoke with a hint of panic, but Glittertos nonchalantly urged him on.
Are dwarves such an inconsiderate race? KiJun was perplexed, but Única calmly nodded.
"Jun, it's time to show off. Just do as the master says."
"Show off...?"
"People died. The expedition ended too quickly."
KiJun caught on to Única's blunt words.
He had been focused solely on the expedition's details and hadn't grasped how their venture might be judged...
"From the outside, it might look like we fled from a failed expedition."
"That's exactly right. The master has naturally set the stage for you to prove in public that your expedition wasn't a failure."
KiJun felt both remorse and admiration.
Dwarves... were the epitome of attentiveness?!
However, Glittertos didn't care what KiJun was thinking and simply urged him to show what they had obtained from the expedition.
"Alright... First off, these are the Werewolf's claws."
"Werewolf? You've been dealing with some bizarre creatures again. It was very wise of you to bring their claws..."
Glittertos, incredulous at the items presented, blinked a few times, then, likely due to some item appraisal feature in his monocle, meticulously examined them.
"Can't believe it's actually Unique?"
Then, dismissing it with a scoff, he looked at KiJun, who was keeping a composed face, and chuckled.
"Of course, you wouldn't just beat up some low-level Werewolves."
"I didn't bring out the ones below Rare grade, but would you need those?"
"What kind of question is that? Bring out everything above Uncommon grade. Looks like I need to raid the treasury today."
The dwarf sealed a huge deal with a hearty laugh.
By then, the onlookers, who had been sneaking peeks, began murmuring that the expedition might not have been a failure after all.
"Need a Werewolf heart too?"
"Is it Unique grade?"
"Yeah."
"It's the best catalyst. I'll buy all above Rare grade."
In fact, the loot obtained by KiJun's comrades, not killed during battle, slightly declined in quality, and in the case of the last Werewolf, Quinodon, Gin had dealt with it personally, leaving no loot.
Nonetheless, after selling all the loot from the Werewolves, KiJun recovered the 2,500 gold spent on buying full plate armor here and even amassed an additional 2,000 gold.
Of course, he had to share some with the party members, but even considering that, it was a significant amount.
"Werewolves... are expensive."
"High-grade corpses are always in demand. Not to mention these are Werewolves we’re talking about."
KiJun inwardly applauded himself for not reacting and Única for pretending not to hear.
"Next up is..."
It was time for the Moonlight Stones.
Naturally, the dwarf flipped out again.
"This is a new material! I'm losing my mind, really!"
As the dwarf clapped silently, an attendant rushed over.
"Bring the treasury here! Now!"
"Calm down. I can't sell all of this."
"I know, but I wanted to express my wish for you to sell as much as possible!"
Moonlight Stones contain the power of the moon.
Although they enhance Vampires and Werewolves, that also means they're effective for Lora and Gin, who have become fixed members of KiJun's party.
Thus, KiJun planned to either make new equipment for the two or enhance their existing gear with Moonlight Stones.
He also wanted to keep a few samples...
Fortunately, they had mined a large quantity of Moonlight Stones at the mine they visited to obtain moon-infused silver, allowing Glittertos to purchase a satisfactory amount.
This added another 5,000 gold to KiJun's coffers.
"Are you really okay with this?"
"Do you want to know what I’m thinking? Today's a big day for the dwarf community."
Glittertos responded seriously to KiJun's concern about being overpaid.
In fact, Única also seemed to think they could have gotten more, so it seemed Glittertos wouldn't go bankrupt.
"More?"
Glittertos grinned.
"You didn't just bring things to sell, right?"
"You’re sharp. From now on, these are not for sale. I brought things I want to commission."
"I've been waiting. As long as I can get my hands on it, that's all that matters!"
KiJun, as if waiting for this moment, brought out the moon-infused silver, 'Silver Moonstone'.
It was a lump of ore from which he could extract about 2 kilograms of pure silver even after removing impurities.
"......"
The dwarf was speechless, coveting it.
"Divide it into three. One for coating a blade, one for a gun, and one for adding to my future shield."
Hearing his words, Lora and Gin, who had accompanied him to the forge, perked up their ears.
The two looked at him with moved expressions, but KiJun, now used to it, ignored them.
"This... such a treasure..."
Glittertos, seemingly not interested in conversing, rubbed his cheek against the Silver Moonstone with a grotesque expression.
KiJun poked him with a wry look.
"Hey, there's more."
"Nothing can surpass this... This 'Silver Moonstone' is a miraculous substance that won't appear again in this world... The god of minerals must have blessed me...!"
"Really? More amazing than a divine beast?"
"Wait a moment."
Glittertos quickly came to his senses and adjusted his posture.
"Say that again, VIP. Keep in mind that your remarks could upgrade your customer status to VVIP."
That day, Glittertos Forge was literally turned upside down.
The news that a Legendary-grade divine beast had appeared and that Jun, the Flame Human, had captured it spread throughout Turris in no time, and faster than KiJun anticipated, it spread across Gratia, making him known to everyone in the region.
KiJun became a VVIP customer of Glittertos Forge.
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