“That so? There is no need for you to refuse……… but I suppose that a messenger is always busy. Thank you in advance for helping Casey-dono.”
Sukitosu tried not to scowl as he said that and put on a false smile while turning in Casey’s direction.
“Ah? Where did he go?
When Sukitosu couldn’t find Casey he frantically started to look around for him.
“He left some time ago in high spirits.”
“Again……”
Brita resigned herself to go looking for him, while Sukitosu apologetically looked towards Ariane.
As she stared at the feudal lord, Ariane slowly opened her mouth.
“Why would a feudal lord such as yourself take in an elf?”
For a moment, Sukitosu looked as if he didn’t know how to respond, but he immediately started to smile.
“He is a truly talented researcher. About ten years ago, the constant monster attacks had put this land on the brink of collapse. After he came and taught my guards the various characteristics of the monsters that inhabited the area, the town was able to become livable again. My territory’s people and I are truly grateful to him……”
I see, Casey had appeared in this place’s time of need and the two of them built up mutual trust from that point on.
Ariane must have realized that fact herself as she listened to the story without interruption.
When Ariane prepared to leave the room Sukitosu said “Come by anytime.” with a smile and a chuckle. Though the town wasn’t that large, its feudal lord left the impression of a good mayor in my mind.
When we retrieved our weapons at the entrance, we were told that Casey had asked us to be brought to a warehouse on the propriety.
There wasn’t anything particularly special about the building, it being nothing more than a bow with a small window. However, a horrid smell was spewing from the warehouse’s opened double door.
The smell became even worse as I looked inside and Ariane’s face unconsciously distorted into a scowl. Ponta must not have minded the smell that much because she was wagging her tail as usual. There was only one wagon in this deserted warehouse, so naturally, the person looking over its contents noticed its use.
There were ten green-skinned dwarves laying in the wagon and they were all giving off the strong scent of decay.
“A horde of goblins were recently chased out of their territory by wyverns, so they tried to raid the city. I intend to use these corpses as bait for the Sandworm.
“Casey-dono, when will we hunt the Sandworm?”
Ariane had tears in her eyes and was holding her nose beside me as she asked her question.
“Sand Worms are nocturnal monsters, so I assume we can set off after lunch. Oh, do you guys have something to eat for lunch? There’s a pretty good place in town called Oak.”
When I turned back to Ariane I saw that she was holding her noses as she shocks her head no. Since I couldn’t eat in the open and I really didn’t feel like standing around that Oak place watching other people eat.
Casey looked a little disappointed at her answer before turning to me.
“No, I’ll decline as well.”
“Is that so? That’s too bad, the food is really delicious.”
Casey pouted a bit before looking back at the decomposing goblins and starting to put together as schedule in his head.
“Well then, how about you guys return here a little bit after noon? You can explore the town till then.”
We parted ways with Casey at that and headed back into town.