Chapter 35

“No matter how you look at it, that’s a preposterous demand!!”

Once we had returned to our room, Taiga was letting his frustrations pour out at full volume.

I understood that it was an absurd request, but still…

“In that case, we can just give up on having him craft it.”

“But then there was no point in coming to this country…”

“You can’t put a price on human life.”

If we actually ended up fighting a Fenrir, there would undoubtedly be casualties, even among our elite members. If it were for the sake of the country, I might understand, but I didn’t need it specifically for my sake.

“Then let’s just buy something else in this city. It’s a waste to just sit around.”

“Alright, I’ll go with you.”

With that, we headed out into the streets.

“Still, to think little Lady Thea has grown enough to enjoy things like this.”

“That’s rude, Gran. Thea is a girl, so of course she’d enjoy it.”

“I know, but I’ve been watching her since she was tiny, so I can’t help but think, ‘Man, she’s really grown up.’ Maria, you’re like an older sister to her, right?”

“Well, yes, but…”

To put it simply, the entire party had tagged along.

First, there was me, the Hero; Taiga, the Sage; the Knight Commander, Gran; and finally, Maria, the Priestess. This made up our main party.

Gran and Maria were also mentors to Taiga and me.

From Gran, I learned swordsmanship and what to watch out for when facing enemies. Maria was a sister of the church, and she mainly taught me magic and how to read ancient grimoires. Furthermore, they both treated us with the kindness of an uncle and an older sister, so I felt our relationship was like that of a family.

Right now, we were window-shopping while taking in the sights of the city. The town was overflowing with energy, and cheerful voices could be heard from every direction.

“Thea, is there anything you want to buy?”

“Hmm, there’s so much that it’s hard to choose.”

“Thea, you’re young and you have the money, so why not splurge a little for once?”

“Even if you say that, I don’t really know what’s in style…”

“You don’t have to worry about trends so much. You should just buy whatever you think is nice.”

Maria was a sister, but she wasn’t particularly devout. She would casually say things that would get her scolded if other sisters heard her.

“Hey, Maria. Instead of these accessories, can I go look at weapons? I saw some good ones earlier.”

“Hush, you men should just keep quiet and accompany a girl while she shops.”

“Then you’ll have to accompany us while we shop, too.”

“After we’re done with our shopping, okay?”

“Hey, Taiga, you say something too! Maria is always soft on you and Thea!”

“I don’t think the weapons here really suit me. I’m a mage, so there probably aren’t any staves or the like.”

“Hey, at least back me up a little!”

As the Hero’s party, we were having a lively time with such conversations.

At dinner, our party was eating at the Guild.

The Guild can be used in various ways, so it’s very helpful for us. However, this time we hadn’t just come for a meal, but also to gather information. Naturally, the topic was information on Fenrirs and Garudas.

Yet, for some reason, whenever we brought up the subject, everyone looked grim and dodged the question.

“What’s going on? Every time I ask about Fenrirs or Garudas, everyone slinks away.”

“Isn’t it reasonable to assume something happened in this country involving a Fenrir and a Garuda?”

“But both are legendary monsters. Would they really show up at the same time?”

“And if something did happen, it’s strange that this country is living so peacefully. Normally, you’d expect them to be requesting reinforcements from other nations.”

We discussed various possibilities, but none of them felt quite right.

“Do you want to hear about Lord Fenrir and Lord Garuda that badly?”

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind us.

“Who are you?”

“I am an information broker. Lady Hero, why do you seek information on Lord Fenrir and Lord Garuda so desperately?”

The person, who didn’t give their name, was an informant.

“King Dowal set an impossible task for us. He said if we want a weapon, we must bring him a Fenrir’s fang and a Garuda’s flame.”

“I see. Incidentally, what do you intend to do with Lord Fenrir and Lord Garuda?”

“I can’t get them without killing them, can I?”

The moment I said that, the surrounding area erupted into a buzz of whispers.

What was it? It was a perfectly natural thing to say. Moreover, this was a Guild—a hangout for adventurers.

“Lady Hero. J-just don’t do that.”

“Yeah. I’m telling you for your own good, so stop it.”

“…At the very least, don’t pick a fight near this country. And feel free to go die on your own.”

Various warnings were hurled at us. Finally, the information broker spoke.

“As long as you have that intent, no one will tell you anything. Not about the Fenrir, nor the Garuda.”

Did that mean everyone had seen them? The Fenrir and the Garuda?

“Hey, informant. I’ll pay you. Talk,” Gran said, producing a pouch of gold coins.

Seeing that, the informant sighed and sat down nearby.

“I don’t need payment. In exchange, I’ll tell you the gist of this situation.”

The informant then told a story that sounded like a fairy tale. He spoke of a man accompanied by a Fenrir and a Garuda who hunted the monsters in the mine and brought prosperity to this nation.

“In short, he is a hero to this country. Furthermore, because he himself didn’t want to stand out, King Dowal issued a decree that no one should speak of him.”

“Then why is there such an atmosphere of fear? Was it written that they’d be killed if they spoke?”

“That is because the Lady Hero said she would kill Lord Fenrir and Lord Garuda. Actually, during a test cut for that weapon, he and the Fenrirs had a mock battle. At that time, it was felt that if the Fenrirs even slightly misjudged their strength, this country might be destroyed. Everyone likely thinks that if you try to kill them, the nation will be ruined.”

I see. So they possess that much terrifying power.

“In that case, I have even more reason to kill them.”

“…Eh?”

“I can’t leave such terrifying monsters alone. I have to kill them.”

“Thea?”

Why were the informant and Taiga looking at me so strangely? My mission is to exterminate monsters, dragons, and demons. I am not doing anything wrong. If I don’t do this, humanity cannot live in peace.

“Mr. Informant, thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve gathered the resolve to destroy those terrifying monsters.”

“W-wait! If you don’t do anything, neither Lord Fenrir nor Lord Garuda will ever attack you!!”

“That’s impossible; it’s just a whim on their part. Who knows when they might join the Demon King to come and destroy us? You want me to let them live? Taiga, Gran, Maria. Let’s immediately prepare to destroy the Fenrir. It’s an opponent we’ll have to fight eventually. Let’s search for its habitat while we prepare.”

“Little Lady?”

“Thea?”

“…Thea.”

I will destroy every last terrifying monster.

Ryu, once that is over, I will definitely find you.