Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 213. The Freeman And The Adventure Tale

By chance, I encountered the adventurer Spawn, and thanks to helping him retrieve his stolen luggage from some thieves, he treated me to drinks and a meal.

The stolen item seemed to be an important national flag, so he ordered quite a lot of good food for us.

Of course, Spawn also took advantage of the situation and dug in.

“I see. That sounds like quite a tumultuous life.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Naturally, I kept quiet about the whole “apostle” and “otherworldly transfer” stuff and instead told him a slightly embellished story about traveling from the western edge.

Even though I toned it down quite a bit from the truth, it still seemed exaggerated to Spawn.

Well, I can understand why.

“Getting caught up in a coup, a goblin hazard, and meeting elves and dwarves? Sounds like the kind of adventure you could write a book about.”

“Maybe so.”

Well, just writing about my life would probably make for a pretty intense novel. And that’s just the stuff from Japan.

By the way, Spawn’s story was pretty interesting too.

He talked about venturing into an unexplored forest, getting attacked by a beast he’d never seen before, and barely escaping with his life.

It wasn’t about defeating some monster and gaining fame. It sounded like a grounded, realistic adventure tale.

“So, you’re heading to the Green Garden next?”

“That’s the plan.”

It depends on whether Cherina comes along… but well, that’s why I’m moving around like this.

“Hmm. That’s a bit concerning.”

“What is?”

“Well, the Green Garden doesn’t have clear borders, but there are rumors of dragons… being spotted near the edge of the forest.”

“Dragons?”

You mean those giant reptiles with wings that breathe fire?

“That’s the kind of dragon you hear about in legends. I’d like to see one with my own eyes someday, but their existence is still doubted. They’re said to live on the highest peak of the Midal Mountains, but… well, it’s probably just a tall tale.”

“Huh? So, what kind of dragon are we talking about here?”

“Hmm. Something like a land dragon, a giant carnivorous… thing.”

“Vague, isn’t it?”

“Well, since no one really knows, they just call it a dragon.”

“Ah, I see.”

Even in this world, dragons seem to be treated as something special.

I think they’re just fantasy creatures like goblins or something.

But with creatures like griffins living around, it wouldn’t be surprising if dragons existed too.

“Hmm… Well, if possible, could I join you on your journey to the Green Garden?”

“Huh? What about your plan to plant the national flag somewhere?”

“That’s going to take time anyway. Probably at least a year just to prepare. Wahahaha!”

Is that it?

Does it require preparations on the level of climbing Mount Everest?

“I’ll have to ask my companions, but as long as the Green Garden isn’t a ‘no outsiders allowed’ kind of place, I don’t mind.”

I don’t dislike guys like him.

I wouldn’t do it myself, but I can’t help but feel a bit of admiration for someone who chases after romance like that.

“That’s great! If we’re lucky enough to find out the truth about the dragons, it could mean a big payday! Gahaha!”

“Dragons, huh?”

Somehow, I feel like Hagg and Yaralai would be interested in this kind of story too. I took a big swig of my drink and lit a cigarette.

“By the way, Akira…”

“Yeah? What’s up?”

“You’re not actually a dwarf or something, are you?”

“Why do you ask?”

Spawn didn’t answer but pointed at the numerous small barrels scattered across the table.

Now that I think about it, I did order a lot without thinking.

“What’s the matter? You’re the one who said I could drink as much as I wanted.”

“Well, yeah, but… there’s such a thing as going overboard…”

Hagg said something similar to me once.

“Well, I might get drunk if I drink any more, so I’ll stop here.”

“…You’re not even drunk yet?”

“This is just the beginning.”

Thinking about it, being able to keep up with Hagg might mean I have a pretty high tolerance.

“I’m… at my limit…”

“What, you’re weak.”

“No, I’m actually pretty strong… never mind.”

“Pathetic.”

Now that I think about it, apart from Hagg, no one’s ever been able to keep up with me when it comes to drinking. Yaralai got completely wrecked too.

As we chatted aimlessly while eating and drinking, Cherina showed up at the tavern.

“Well, well…”

“Hey. Are you done with your business?”

“Yes. The handover went smoothly. But, did Akira-sama drink all of this?”

“Of course not, the old man had some too.”

“Barely… maybe one-tenth…”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves. I think it’s about time we head back to the inn.”

“Right. Old man, if you want to come with us, come to our inn tomorrow. I’ll explain the situation to my companions by then. If they don’t like it, then…”

“I get it… ugh… I need to sleep and sober up first…”

“Alright, let’s go.”

On the way back to the inn with Cherina…

“Akira-sama, you’re really strong when it comes to alcohol, aren’t you?”

“Huh? Well, I think I’d lose to Hagg.”

“It’s already abnormal for a human to be able to compete with a dwarf. Is that also a gift from the goddess?”

“Nah. I built up my tolerance through work. I could’ve died if I wasn’t careful.”

“…I still can’t tell if your homeland is amazing or terrible.”

“Me neither.”

The sun had completely set, and the outside was enveloped in darkness, but the light from the fires scattered throughout the town made it bright enough to walk.

“It’s still lively at night, probably because of the large population.”

“Yeah. And the food here is pretty good.”

“This country has a good food situation. I heard some of their farming techniques were taught by the elves.”

“Ah.”

I feel like I’ve heard that before. That must be why there are vast farmlands along the roads.

Yaralai also taught us how to grow cassava and corn without holding back. She seemed happy to see the greenery spreading.

When we got back to the inn, I discussed Spawn’s request with everyone.

“Hmph… A dragon, you say?”

Faf raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat displeased.

“Hmm. Not the kind of dragon from legends, but it sounds interesting.”

“A strong beast. Exciting.”

“Why are we already talking about defeating it?”

“We’ll only fight if it attacks us.”

“Only if it attacks.”

And so, the old man’s request was settled. I’d let him know tomorrow if he could join us.

“So, Akira, when are we heading out?”

“Honestly, I have a feeling that if we stay in this country too long, religious figures will start showing up one after another. I’d like to leave as soon as possible, maybe even tomorrow.”

“Hmm.”

“What about everyone else’s schedules?”

“I’m fine. I’ve already finished my university stuff.”

“I’d rather meet this dragon thing sooner rather than later.”

The other members gave similar responses, so if the old man was ready, we decided to leave as early as tomorrow.

“Cherina. Are you sure you don’t need to stay behind?”

“…Akira-sama, you can be quite cruel at times.”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.”

“I know… but.”

“But?”

“Kukuku. You just don’t understand a maiden’s heart, do you? Right, Red?”

“Ugh.”

I couldn’t tell if that groan was mine, Cherina’s, or Lalaila’s.

◆

“I am Spawn Shatrange, the adventurer! Nice to meet you all! And wow, there are a lot of beauties here! Wahahaha!”

“Sexual harassment will get you kicked out.”

“I know! But it’s a good feeling, right?”

“Well, I can’t deny that.”

It’s true, this group is full of beauties.

Cherina and Lalaila go without saying, but Faf and Eutis are also quite stunning.

Of course, with such reliable guards around, we haven’t had any major trouble.

“It’s just that Akira-sama causes too much trouble on his own.”

Yeah, yeah.