Chapter 72

As I dragged the carcasses of the Poison Spiders, Fania walked beside me, looking at the trailing spiders with clear disgust.

“Why do humans even buy these spiders?”

“They have all sorts of uses. Apparently, the venom is used for adventurer items, and the silk is a material for making high-quality clothing.”

“…I had no idea they could be used like that.”

I heard my own leather armor is made from monster parts, too. It turns out monsters are surprisingly useful if you don’t let anything go to waste.

“Anyway, once we’re back at the village, I’m heading straight for the kingdom. With monsters, freshness is everything.”

“In that case, I shall guide you—”

“No need. There’s no reason for an Elf to go to a slave trader who’s selling Elves. Focus your strength on defending the village instead.”

Fania looked disappointed, but preventing more Elves from being abducted is an honorable job in itself. If we don’t stop the source, the same thing will just keep happening over and over. That’s why Elves who can stop it are necessary.

“I understand. For the sake of the Elves, I will do my absolute best!”

Good, good.

Now, the real problem was my partners. I knew they’d insist on coming along, but it’d be awkward to take a group of women with me when I’m technically going out to “buy” women. How should I put this to them…?

Lost in thought, I reached the village in no time. Elder Al was there to greet me.

“What is the meaning of this many Poison Spiders?! Our last investigation showed nowhere near this number!”

“They probably laid eggs or something. Some of them looked like they were still young.”

He was gaping at the spiders behind me, but I cut to the chase and told him I was leaving for the kingdom immediately.

“You are leaving already?! The Spirits from the Spirit King haven’t arrived yet, and neither has the gold—”

“It’s fine. I’m just going to have a quick word with my partners before I head out.”

I brushed off the Elder’s concerns and headed to the community hall where Ril and the others were waiting.

“Uh, is everyone here?”

I peeked into the hall only to find Ril and the others looking completely dejected. A dark—no, an incredibly heavy atmosphere had completely taken over the room. I really didn’t want to step in there.

“Ryu, are you going?”

“Papa…”

“Ryu… have a safe trip…”

“I shall fulfill my duty here.”

Wh-what was this? This stifling, clinging weight in the air? It was definitely my fault.

“Ah, well… I’m just going for a bit.”

“Left behind again…”

“Big sis, I guess we’re staying home together…”

“And I only just set out to journey with you…”

“Lord Ryu, please leave things here to me.”

“Sorry. Tiamat, I’m counting on you to handle the fallout.”

I had to run. If I didn’t get out of there now, I was done for. I was going to die of pure guilt!

Waiting for me at the village exit was Elder Al.

“Lord Ryu, the enemy nation is the Duchy of Elk. We have allies within the Duchy. I have already sent word of you to them, so please use their strength should you need it.”

“Thanks, Elder. I’m planning to have them help return any Elves I manage to buy back. They’ll feel much safer with fellow Elves than with a human like me.”

“I see. I shall inform them of that plan.”

“Alright, I’m off.”

“May the protection of the Spirit King be upon you, Lord Ryu.”

After hearing the Elven prayer, I quickly set off for the Duchy of Elk, dragging the spiders behind me.

The Duchy of Elk.

By all accounts, this relatively small nation was supposedly quite poor. However, that didn’t mean it was weak. While they didn’t compare to Elves, they had many who could command Spirits, making their Order of Knights a small but elite force.

Supposedly, most humans who contract with Spirits join the knights, though there are apparently some eccentrics who use spirit power for agriculture instead. That was just something Taiga and Tia told me once, but it was probably true.

That was why I hadn’t suspected Elk at first. I was starting to get curious about what exactly was happening inside the Duchy.

I might as well look into that while I’m at it.