Chapter 8.3: World Saviour (3)
Vol. 1 - Chapter 8.3: World Saviour (3)
"P-Pleased to work with you."
Right in front of Takashi, Uhouguru bowed down and smiled awkwardly.
"Ah, yeah. P-Pleased to work with you."
Takashi also returned the awkward greeting.
On Nephira's orders, Uhouguru was dispatched to Suzukiland. Takashi's territory was located on the western edge of the outskirts of Leirune, and there were concerns that enemies might infiltrate from the outside.
(But what enemy? The world is almost completely controlled by the Demon Lord's army, right? Why would they strengthen their defenses after all this time?)
He had one more question. While they were walking to the place where Uhouguru would be staying, Takashi asked her about it.
"Uhouguru, did you quit, being a torturer?"
"Ya. Because Suzuki doesn't like it when I abuse humans, right?
"That is, as a matter of course..."
"I, don't want to do, anything that Suzuki doesn't like."
Takashi glanced at Uhouguru. Although she is a tough-looking person who is now a former torturer, she is kind to him. He was glad to hear her clearly say that she would never torture humans again.
(And if they are protected by Uhouguru, the people living in Suzukiland will feel safe, too!)
He didn't know how strong Uhouguru was. But, according to what he heard, she was even better than the Silver-rank soldiers. As a protector, she was extremely reliable.
Takashi smiled at Uhouguru with a grin.
"Then, I'm counting on you! Please protect the people who live here."
"YES! I, definitely, will protect them!"
As they walked along, they arrived at a small hill where they could enjoy a panoramic view of the interior and exterior of Leirune. Nearby was a watchtower once used by humans.
"This is where Uhouguru will stay!"
It was a depilated and desolate hut. He felt somewhat sorry for letting her stay in such a place, but Uhouguru didn't seem to mind at all. She took out bugs from her chest as usual. Two creepy bugs were wriggling around.
"Want, bugs? Today, a male and a female, a mating pair..."
"Don't need them."
"I see..."
"If you need anything more, just let me know."
"Suzuki, you're leaving already?... "
Takashi waved goodbye, but Uhouguru had a sad look on her face.
"I'll come visit you to play once in a while. So please keep an eye on the town, will you?"
"Y-YES! I, will work hard, to protect Suzukiland!"
Thus, Takashi parted ways with Uhouguru.
...
A few days later.
"...I'd like to talk to you about Lady Uhouguru."
When Excella started a conversation,
(Right off the bat, something went wrong...)
Takashi thought to himself. However, Excella smiled cheerfully.
"It seems that she noticed wild dogs tearing up the fields and chased them away. Hyde was very grateful, and he hoped that I would pass this on to Lord Suzuki."
"He---! I see!"
(What!? Uhouguru is trying her best?! I didn't need to worry at all!)
Orneo stroked his own beard in satisfaction.
"It's about time we reap our first big harvest. The soldiers of the Thunder-Lance Charge will be pleased."
Fish and the like were sent to the Thunder-Lance Charge every time, but vegetables and fruits took longer to produce. However, it would also be possible in a few more days.
"It's starting to feel more and more like a village."
"Orneo. It's not a village, it's Suzukiland!"
"Haha. That's true."
(Yea, yeah! It's a nice feeling! The name is a bit strange, though!)
While Takashi was smiling, Uhouguru came over to him.
Takashi smiled and waved to Uhouguru to thank her for protecting Hyde's farm.
"Yo. On patrol?"
"Ya. There's something that's been bothering me..."
Uhouguru pointed to the northern sky. Two streams of red smoke were rising into the sky.
"What is, that?"
"I don't know. The color is unnatural for a campfire.
"Is, Red Clan Cross..."
Excella muttered with a mystified look on her face. Orneo, too, was staring at the two smoke streams with a serious expression on his face, but his expression suddenly relaxed.
"Well, it's just a simple campfire. Nothing to worry about."
"Lady Uhouguru. Hyde was very grateful! Thank you for getting rid of those wild dogs."
"I-Is that so? Fufufu! I, did good!"
Satisfied, Uhouguru returned to make her rounds. After she disappeared from their sight, both Orneo and Excella tightened their faces.
"Lord Hero. That was a signal called the 'Red Clan Cross' from the former imperial army. It seems that the troops are trying to communicate with the people of this town."
"T-The troops? For what purpose?"
"We'll have to go and find out."
At the urging of Excella and Orneo, Takashi walked in the direction of the rising smoke.
After a short time, they reached the outskirts of town, where they found a golem standing guard.
(That's right. The security, they said they were going to beef it up.)
"Heya, Suzuki!"
With a deep voice, the golem spoke to Takashi. Takashi tried to smile.
"I'd like to leave Leirune for a bit to pick some seeds for my crops... is that alright?"
"Nope. You can't just take off on your own and leave town!"
The voice tone was gentle, but it was a clear refusal. Yes. It looks quite formidable. If this is how it goes, I'll...
"Pritis's 48 Gestures---Fourth Gesture, 'Hands Clasping'!"
Takashi gently wrapped his hands around the golem's angular hands. Then the golem's attitude changed completely.
"It's alright!! It's totally alright!! But since it's dangerous, I'm going with you, you know!"
"N-No, you don't have to come with me."
"If that's the case, then it's no good as expected!"
The conversation was back to square one. Orneo and Excella were whispering to each other.
"It's pretty stubborn, huh?"
"It's a golem trait, you know."
"Then, I'm going to do it for real!"
Saying this, Takashi stood before the golem once again. For the stubborn monster in which his hand clasping was ineffective, it was up to Pritis to give the final push!
"Pritis's 48 Gestures---Sixteenth Gesture, 'Petition'."
Takashi tilted his head, clasped his hands together, and made a request to the golem.
"I beg you! Please~. As a favor~. Really~. This is really a once in a lifetime favor~. I can only ask you..."
The golem continuously shivered, as Takashi repeatedly requested, before giving up and raising a big thumbs up.
"All right, I understand! You can go ahead! But be careful though!"
Do you want more free chapters? CHALLENGES are active. You can participate by leaving us either a rating or a review on Novel Updates (or better yet both). Every time we clear one of the challenges an extra free chapter will be released. Happy reviewing.