I cleaned the lodging where I was allowed to stay while babysitting.
I led Hekactor, who was rubbing his eyes with a displeased look, to the table. I served him soup and placed bread on his plate.
“Here, my companion made this. It’s not very fancy, but it’s delicious.”
He squinted and furrowed his brow. He seemed to be in a bad mood from just waking up. So, I put some mashed soft potatoes in his mouth. He took a small bite and chewed. I felt like a caregiver. While I was doing that, if I took my eyes off him for a moment, he would fall asleep with food in his mouth. I knew he was rich, but I wondered what kind of demon he was. Like Jeff, not all demons are terrifying.
While I was taking care of him like that, his attendant woman returned.
“Thank you for your hard work. It’s very clean. Thank you very much.”
“No, I should be thanking you for letting us stay. Oh, I gave him dinner without permission, I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I’m sorry it took me so long to come and get you. It must have been tough. I’m glad you’re awake. We’re ready, let’s go home now.”
She shook Hekactor, who was asleep, by the shoulder and led him away. They would probably return by that Wyvern. It looked scary, but I felt like riding it once.
The next day, I visited Jeff and asked him about the Dark Elf’s location. I should have asked the Unicorn Man, but I figured he would stop me, so I decided against it.
“Are you really going? It’s a bit far.”
“Yes, I’m just going to hear what they have to say.”
He said “I can’t help it” and showed me the way. It seemed to be located after entering the forest from here and walking along a small path. I thanked him, prepared the minimum necessary luggage and equipment, and set off. The peaceful and warm trees welcomed us. I had anticipated a terrifying place before coming, but now my heart felt light. The temperature was just right, and it was a good day for a walk.
I apologize to Veronica, who is nocturnal, but it feels good to walk in the bright daylight. Looking into the shade of the trees, I saw something sleeping in the gap between the rocks and tree roots. It had short fur, a round head, and lizard-like limbs. I quietly approached so as not to wake it up. Piyo was also watching from behind.
There were three of them in total, huddled together like dogs. They were quite large, and I hoped they weren’t carnivores. Karubene was walking leisurely beside me.
“Ah, but it took us a long time to get here, didn’t it? We’ve traveled quite a bit, haven’t we? We have good stories to tell.”
As he said that, I reflected on the experiences I’d had, which were unimaginable from my previous life. Most people probably wouldn’t have them. I don’t know if everything will be resolved here, but if it is, I feel a little sadness along with happiness. I continued to walk through the forest where sunlight filtered through the trees, wishing for this journey to end safely.
