“Welcome back.”
“We’re moving locations by tomorrow morning.”
Entering the makeshift hut, I was greeted by Nene.
She understood that I was a little late.
And that we were moving our base of operations.
Yes, it was probably to capture us again, or to steal what they thought we were hoarding.
“Don’t they ever give up?”
“You’re famous, aren’t you? ♪?”
I didn’t become famous because I wanted to.
It was a sudden forced teleportation to the heart of the country.
Just like in those fantasy light novels, my fame was forcibly raised.
This isn’t the protagonist life I wanted.
My wish is a paradise where I am loved, my offspring are loved, and my other wives are loved.
My wish is to be the master, the king of that paradise.
“I didn’t become famous because I wanted to.”
“I know, I know～～, *kiss* ♥”
Receiving her kiss gave me motivation.
I re-examined the possessions of the man I killed to see if there was anything useful.
I told Nene to go to sleep.
I decided where our base should be based on what I obtained, waiting for the morning sun.
Then I prepared breakfast.
Steamed river fish with pre-made nuts and medicinal herbs.
It was cold, but the rich seasoning made it delicious.
After finishing our meal, we dismantled our camp.
With Nene behind me, I used my Astral Body to scout for information and search for our next base.
To Nene, it looked like my usual caution.
(It’s because of this caution that I’m acting together with you now.)
I hadn’t noticed her approaching from behind.
I often recalled the day she was kidnapped, and my lower body became wet.
Several hours after Rayos and others departed.
A search party, having obtained information from Nene’s allies, arrived at this location.
“It’s not a yokai. Someone was living here… Are there any traces?”
“There are footprints by the river.”
“I found something here that looks like someone forced their way through the bushes.”
The yokai disturbance in the capital.
It wasn’t just a rumor or a hoax.
It was a kidnapping!
Perhaps it was even a thief who infiltrated the royal palace!
“It looks like we won’t make the same mistake as the previous team. ♪”
“And give us a commendation while you’re at it. ♪”
“Wait, wait! ♪? You haven’t figured out where the kidnapper went, have you? ♪”
Well, with so many clues.
We won’t miss it. For the commendation and special payment!
The investigation team assignment, which was a bad deal,
turned into a lottery win.
Our motivation was fully boosted.
The search party pursued Rayos and others’ traces.
Unaware of being pursued.
Rayos continued walking, caring for Nene.
“Aren’t you tired?”
“I’m okay.”
Her breathing, her complexion. Yes, no problem.
Nene had enough stamina for a post-meal exercise.
She’d been an adventurer since she was little.
It was quite hungry outside the capital.
To rise in the ranks, one could become a bodyguard for a local noble, or a steward managing a mansion.
If one became a caretaker for a knight or head servant within a year (500 days, 10 days a week), they would be looked upon favorably for their future. This applied to both men and women.
The talented were promoted swiftly.
It was a good country.
But Nene and the other two lacked the talent that would be considered exceptional.
I liked them regardless, even if they were simple. ♪
Rustle rustle rustle rustle.
“Let’s take a break.”
“…Yes, haaa.”
She plopped down beside me.
It wasn’t good to make her too tired, as it could cause a hard lump on her backside.
Now, for a place to use as a base… hmm.
The water source is far. The view is too open.
If we hold out a bit longer… until dusk, there seems to be a suitable place.
This isn’t wishful thinking.
It’s a prediction based on an aerial view using my Astral Body.
“I’ll go look for some fruit…”
“Okay, I’ll wait here.”
I moved a short distance away. There were no monsters nearby for now.
I’d go quickly and come back.
“I’ll be back as soon as possible, *kiss* ♥”
“Mmmph ♥”
Despite everything, we avoided human eyes and lived in seclusion.
It was about time to seriously consider a permanent residence.
No more moving from place to place around the capital.
Nene’s belly was slightly swollen.
Our child was growing steadily.
Her food intake and preferences changed, increasing the burden.
“I’m fine! ♪”
“That’s not how it works.”
Her belly would get heavier from now on.
Battles with monsters. It took time because I was concerned about Nene.
Yokai rarely appeared without a corpse, so they didn’t count.
If we made too much noise, someone would come, or there would be attention. Troublesome.
A lumberjack’s cabin? A lord’s cabin?
I headed towards places I had avoided.
Using my Possession Ability to unlock it.
We “burgled” and obtained items that looked valuable.
In a safe place, I carefully inspected them to ensure they could be sold without issue.
If buyers could be identified by names or symbols, it would be game over.
“Alright, Nene, hide your face as much as possible with your hat.”
“Okay.”
We chose a day with strong sunlight.
A hat looked normal enough.
I had already scouted places to sell the stolen goods.
I wondered how much I’d get.
The shopkeeper thoroughly ripped me off (offered a low price).
“Please come again! ♪”
“…Next time, buy a little higher, okay?”
I knew they’d lowball me.
If they said, “You didn’t say that last time? ♪” when I came back, I felt confident I could beat them up. The negotiation was that unpleasant.
And he looked at my Nene with lewd eyes.
“What, what? ‘A prostitute? ♪’ Seriously!”
“Um, could you lower your voice a bit…”
“Oh, sorry. Well, we got the money, so let’s grab a meal.”
“Yes.”
I looked for a wanted poster, but there wasn’t one.
There was no composite sketch that would help find Nene.
Had they completely stopped the search? Or was it a trap to make me complacent?
Or had someone else been framed, and Nene was presumed dead?
Maybe I should get a room and investigate.
“Hey, Shii.”
*Munch munch* The elaborate meal was a rare treat.
Nene, still looking like a young girl despite becoming a mother, ate with delight.
I was thinking about using her ass tonight. ♪?
