“Thank… you.” [Ryouma]
“It’s fine. But in exchange, you need to promise us some things. One, you may leave, but you must come back. This world is dangerous. All the more so for adventurers. I’m sure you know this already, but make sure not to die and be sure to show yourself once in a while. The more frequently, the better.” [Reinhart]
“Second, you have to send us letters regularly. Basically, a report of what’s happened. This way we can tell you when you’re pushing yourself needlessly.” [Reinbach]
“We could also use my dimension magic to meet you in person.” [Sebasu]
“And third, you must rely on us! This is absolute! You’re smart, you’re good at magic, and you’re strong. In fact, if we were to hire, you could get a good position already, so if anything happens, remember that you can always work for us.” [Elize]
I don’t know what to say anymore. All I know is that I’m really grateful to these people. It’s a pity my vocabulary isn’t that great; otherwise, I might be able to express my gratitude better.
“Ryoumsan.” [Elialia]
When the ojousama called out to me, I turned to her. She looked me straight in the eye and said this.
“I haven’t had many opportunities to spend time with someone, so I’m a little disappointed, but if you’ve made up your mind, then I’ll respect your decision. However!” [Elialia]
The ojousama pointed her finger at me and declared.
“I will also add a condition!” [Elialia]
“…Condition?” [Ryouma]
“Father, grandfather, and mother have already given three, but I will add one more. We will meet again 3 years later and again 6 years later.” [Elialia]
“3 years and 6 years?” [Ryouma]
“I’m sure I’ve told you this before, but I will be going to the academy this year. It will take me 6 years to graduate, but there will be a long break halfway through, so at that time, let’s meet again. Until then I’ll do my best in my studies and in my magic.” [Elialia]
I see… So that’s what she meant.
“I understand.” [Ryouma]
“Good, I won’t forgive you if you forget, ok?” [Elialia]
The ojousama said as she glared at me.
Now that she mentions it, I do tend to forget stuff when I’m caught up with something.
“I’ll do my best not to forget.” [Ryouma]
“At times like this, you’re supposed to say you won’t! Good grief…” [Elialia]
The ojousama made a fed up expression as she said that.
Reinhart-san interjected while chuckling.
“Ha ha ha, well, it should be fine. By the way, Ryouma, have you decided what you’ll be doing from here on?” [Reinhart]
“I have my slimes, so I was thinking of living somewhere near this town. That way I could work as an adventurer here, continue developing my connections, and train myself.” [Ryouma]
“I see, then in that case, there’s a job I would like to entrust to you.” [Reinbach]
“What is it? If it’s something I could do, then by all means.” [Ryouma]
“I want to leave the management of the mine you’re hunting monsters at right now. A lot of monsters have taken root in it despite having been abandoned for only a year…
It’s not good for there to be a monster nest so close to town, so I would like for you to check the mine from time to time and hunt down the monsters. If you need help, you can get some from the guild.
I considered just sealing the entrance, but cave mantises could dig their way in, so it’s pointless.” [Reinhart]
“If that’s all, then sure. I’ll do it.” [Ryouma]
“Thank you. As thanks you can do whatever you want with the mine. If it’s there, you should be able to train or practice your magic without trouble.” [Reinhart]
“That’s…” [Ryouma]
That would be the perfect place for me! There’s enough room to build a house, it’s far enough from other people, and it’s unpopulated so I can train myself and let the slimes roam free. It’s even more valuable than money.
“This is a contract. There are many dangerous monsters, and having them create a nest and multiply so close to the town is dangerous. You understand, right?
Normally, the public office would send someone to check the mines once in a while, but it seems the public office of this town failed to do even that. So, all I’m doing is hiring someone I believe I can trust. That’s all.
If not for you, we would have had to pay someone else, but with this we’re able to get by just by handing the place to you. Not only do we cut down on labor, we also cut down on expenses.” [Reinhart]
…That’s true, but even I can tell he’s just making excuses. After all, the old officials of the public office have already been fired, so the current administration should be a fresh and healthy batch.
While I was thinking that, Reinhart-san made a wry smile and said this.
“Good grief, you really are too honest… You care too much about petty things. Let’s do this then. You’ll make ingots there, and we’ll profit off of that. You don’t have to work too hard, though, just make them when you’re available.” [Reinhart]
“…I understand, I’ll work as hard as I can!” [Ryouma]
I’ll set a monthly quota and sell them wholesale to Serge-san. I have to do at least this much.
“No, like I said, you don’t have to work that hard…” [Reinhart]
“Oh, one more thing. You should stay at the inn while we’re here.” [Elize]
“Umm, that’s…” [Ryouma]
“I’m not hearing it. You know I thought we could travel together a little longer, but then you suddenly go and decide on your own. This is final! You’re staying here!” [Elize]
“It’s just about another month or two. It won’t be too late to start your training then. And this will do you good too since you work too hard.” [Reinbach]
…If I don’t reject them here, I’ll end up spoiled.
“You’re not being spoiled, Ryoumsama.” [Sebasu]
He read my mind!?
“Ryoumkun, it’s been showing on your face all this time, you know?” [Elize]
“A very easy to read face.” [Elialia]
Really?
“Anyway! You have to stay here at the inn while we’re here! Alright?” [Elize]
“B-But…” [Ryouma]
“Alright!?” [Elize]
“But…” [Ryouma]
“It’s alright, so it’s alright!” [Elize]
The madam isn’t go to take no for an answer is she? …Well, fine. Whatever…
I wonder if I’ve always been this weak willed… Anyhow, I can’t thank them enough…
“I understand. I’ll let myself be spoiled while everyone’s in town.” [Ryouma]
“Glad to hear it~” [Elize]
In the end, I couldn’t reject them, but having people like this who care about me so much makes me happy too.
After that I thanked everyone one more time, and then I went back to my room.
Tl Note: PDFs haven’t been uploaded yet. Tomorrow.