Chapter 143
The Price
Translator : PolterGlast
Early morning the day after staying at a random inn. Even
while thinking that Gree and Anne might still be asleep, I headed
to the tent where they were staying.
Since there was no response when I called out from outside,
I peeked inside the tent... and saw the two sleeping huddled together. They
looked mature for their age, but sleeping like this, they were completely
children.
After all, I absolutely must take those two into my
protection. This is my own selfish feeling, and they might hate it, but taking
them back with me is still the only thing I can do.
"Gree, Anne. Wake up."
After firming up my strong resolve, I roughly woke them up. Gree,
checking his surroundings with sleepy eyes, immediately became wary as soon as
he realized I had woken him up.
"—You again! What did you come for today!"
"Today, I intend to go defeat your parents' enemy, the Cruhamilion.
I thought I should at least report it to you, so I stopped by."
"...Hah? There's no way you can defeat it! Also,
where did you hear about that monster!"
"It was a famous incident, so I could look it up
easily. More importantly, I'm going to defeat your enemy on my own accord. I
came to apologize for that in advance."
"No way someone like you can defea—"
Just as he started saying that, I stared at Gree,
increasing the pressure slightly. Flinching at the pressure, he faltered and
swallowed his words.
"I will definitely defeat it. I haven't seen the real
thing yet, but based on what I've heard, I am convinced I can win."
"...W-Why are you defeating it for our sake,
Mister?"
"It seems to still be rampaging, and I'll get money if
I defeat it. It's not particularly for your sake."
"C-Can you really defeat it?"
"Yeah. Definitely."
Gree, who had
been saying it was impossible just a moment ago, seemed convinced that there
were no lies in my words. Then, after taking a deep breath, Gree pressed
closer to me with a menacing expression.
"Then... take me with you! I want to witness the end of
the monster that killed my and Anne's dad and mom!"
"Do you realize you're asking something quite
unreasonable?"
"...Yeah. I know I'm telling you to fight while
dragging along dead weight! But if I don't see it with my own eyes, I..."
It isn't a difficult request practically, but I feel
resistance toward the act of taking such a small child in front of a monster
considered dangerous. However, just hearing the report that it was defeated
probably won't help him settle his feelings.
"Understood. However, naturally, I can only take one
person."
"Thank you! I'll go!"
"Is that okay with you, Anne?"
"...Yes. In exchange, please absolutely protect Big
Brother! If Big Brother disappears too, I...!"
"You don't need to worry. I will protect him even at
the cost of my life."
Gently patting Anne's head, I waited for Gree
to get ready. And as soon as preparations were complete, we departed
immediately.
"I'll definitely come back, so wait here, Anne!"
"...Yeah! You absolutely can't die!"
"I'm leaving the food I bought yesterday. We'll be back
by noon tomorrow, so stay in this tent until then."
"Thank you very much...!"
After handing over the food I bought, I decided to leave the
city immediately and head for the northeast forest. I was reluctant to make Anne wait all by herself, but it is certainly safer than taking
her to the southeast forest. To avoid causing too much worry, I should defeat
it and return as quickly as possible.
About four hours since departing Lightmira. Because I
brought Gree along, it took surprisingly long to arrive.
I would have to force him to be carried or piggybacked
inside the forest, so I wanted to let him walk freely on the way to the forest.
Besides, it is still around noon; there is time until dusk, so there is no need
to rush.
"...Haa, haa. Your pace is fast. Are we... there
yet?"
"That forest over there is where the Cruhamilion
is said to be. It seems it only returns at dusk, so I intend to scout until
then."
"S-Scouting... Do we still have to walk more?"
"No, from inside the forest, I will carry you or give you
a piggyback ride."
"Hah?! I absolutely hate the idea of being carried by
some strange old man!"
"Then—you'll die, you know? It will make Anne
sad, but is that what you want?"
When I said that, Gree looked down and fell silent.
Although it can't be helped since he is young, his recognition of danger is too
naive.
"...Fine."
"Also, inside the forest, obey my instructions
absolutely. If you take independent action, I will take you back
immediately."
"...Got it."
"Also, since I'm taking on a burden by bringing you
along, if we successfully defeat the Cruhamilion, I'm going to have you
listen to one thing I say."
"I said I got it! ...Huh? What's that! I didn't hear
about that!"
"Obviously. To gain something, you have to pay a price.
I'm not kind like that bakery owner, after all."
"Adding conditions later is unfair!"
"Then... shall we go back now? There's time until
night, and I'm fine with returning immediately."
"Go back... No way! I'm following you even if I
die!"
"Don't worry about that. I won't let you die."
Though somewhat forcibly, I secured a
promise from Gree. With this
promise, I'll have the two of them come to Biodasdal. Thinking about
that in my head, I entered the northeast forest taking Gree with me.
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