Chapter 44
"Talk huh? Even if you said so, I also don't know a lot of things." (Doris)
Soma nodded with a bitter smile since he didn't mind about it. If Doris was fine with it, at least the talk was starting.
After all, this was really a foolish talk.
For example, how big the town called Lumberg and what was in that area.
Those people who had been there knew the answers.
In the first place, rather than not knowing a lot, Doris could count how many times she had been in that town.
It wasn't necessary to go there, and she also didn't have spare time.
Although it was embarra.s.sing, Doris was considered one of the strongest in this remote region.
There were many other things she could do for them.
Nevertheless, she was requested to tell what she knew…
While continuing the talk, Doris made a fleeting glance to see Sheila's condition.
She still couldn't see that face, but… if it wasn't her imagination, Sheila was extremely interested in Soma.
The reason was obvious, of course.
That was why Doris was surprised.
She didn't expect that there were some people besides Sheila who were looking for ways to make magic usable.
"..Well, is that about it?" (Doris)
"Hmm… according to you, the place is certainly prosperous, but… as I expected, there are monsters that appear in the surrounding area of that place." (Soma)
"What? Are you concern about that? Certainly, the number of adventurers there is according to the scale, but that's because I notice how much the monsters are defeated. That fact itself won't change." (Doris)
"Is it such a thing? …I almost didn't see any monsters until I came here, so I thought that it depends on the place." (Soma)
"Aah, which remind me, you guys came from there, right? Well, it isn't surprising to think so, but rather, this was the only exception." (Doris)
Doris was employed as a subst.i.tute for the Adventurer Guild branch in Yeasta, and this place was said to be the northernmost guild branch in the Radius Kingdom.
The reason was simple. it was because there was no Adventurer Guild branch in Neumont Duchy.
The reason why the adventurers weren't going there was because… their main job which were subjugation of monsters and bandits didn't happened over there.
Before it happened, the lord proxy would announce that the d.u.c.h.ess already discovered and annihilated them.
If the people in the town did it, it would be good for the branch, but for adventurers, their main source of income was mainly that two.
Although there were occasional request from the people in this town, the profit wasn't good.
There were people who collect the materials, but since that alone couldn't make them earn enough to live their daily life, that was something came after the subjugation.
Since the adventurers were also not doing charities and they did it to live, they wouldn't go to place where they couldn't make money.
On the other hand, it couldn't be said that the d.u.c.h.ess would stop subjugating the monsters.
To begin with, the people in the town felt safe if the d.u.c.h.ess did it. Moreover,
There was no way people could stop that.
That was why, despite of a Duchy, there was no Guild branch. In fact, it wasn't placed because there was no need to do that.
But, as Soma had said earlier, her job was at the safest place at the moment.
Even so, since the Demon Forest was right at the corner, the potential risk was said to be higher than other places, and for that reason, there were few people were going there.
"Hmm… I see. By the way, we didn't see guild branch because of such a reason?" (Soma)
"Which remind me, the people of the town easily accept people who are traveling. I thought that they are many good people here, it is also because of that reason, huh?" (Aina)
"Aah, you certainly hear that the public order here is good. I also feel jealous, but it is also a way for us to make money, so it is rather a mixed blessing, right?" (Doris)
And it was the time for such conversation.
Suddenly Doris noticed that her sleeve was pulled.
Of course, it should be said that it was from her side…
"Hmm? What is it, Sheila?" (Doris)
When Soma looked at them, Sheila was looking at his direction while saying something.
At the same time, it felt like there was some hesitation.
Perhaps it should be said that they would talk about the details soon.
Yes, it was about something that was said earlier. (Meaningless?)
He knew that much even the face couldn't be seen.
"Which remind me, I was wondering, but are you both siblings?" (Lina)
"No, I would say that we are a complete stranger, but well, we are not blood related." (Doris)
"Is that so? I thought of it because it seems that you are in good terms." (Lina)
"If you saw us like that, it really make me pleased." (Doris)
She came out from that, and although it was really difficult at the beginning… it was normal considering the person she just met.
It was also as reasonable for Doris to be pleased, and it was also touching.
Of course, it was because of Doris' responsibility.
But, the reason why they came together so far maybe because it was fun.
Surprisingly, it might be alright to say that.
However, the time for that responsibility of her probably reached the end.
"So, Sheila?" (Doris)
Doris basically understand what she wanted to say.
Which was why Doris asked Soma the purpose of his trip.
She thought that it was necessary for Sheila.
However, from here onward, Sheila must say it with her own mouth.
As Doris who was unable to draw Sheila's full strength, and… who couldn't fought against her in equal term… she had no right to interrupt them.
What Doris could do just to watch over it.
"…Yes." (Sheila)
After taking plenty of time, Sheila nodded as if she had decided.
The hand which were concealed under the robe… meant only one thing.
"Oh my, are you fine with that?" (Doris)
"…Yes. …I think that they are trustworthy." (Sheila)
Doris wanted to make sure, and she received that reply.
She wasn't sure what was the base of judgment, but… well, there were things that could be mutually understand when they met through swords.
After that, their goals were the same.
"…Is that so? Well, if you have decided, I won't say anything at all." (Doris)
"…Yes." (Sheila)
As she nodded while saying so, the robe was vigorously stripped.
Who came out from inside was someone familiar to Doris. However, for Soma's group, it was their first time seeing that small girl.
Of course, she was wearing clothes, but… Soma's group who confirmed her appearance opened their eyes in surprised. Well, Doris made a bitter smile as she had expected that.
It wasn't in the way they expected.
Nevertheless, it was a feeling that could be understood in a glance.
However, they couldn't help with it.
Perhaps if Doris was in their position, she would also displayed similar reaction.
The exposed face of Sheila was a child face which also unusual to a certain extent.
But, the most distinctive point was that ears.
It was sharp, and it was the characteristic of a certain race…
"…I will introduce myself once again. …My name is Sheila Leonhart. …As you can see, I am an Elf. …So, I am going to ask you guys for a favor. …There is an ancient ruin near Lumberg. …I want you to go there together with me." (Sheila)
The Elven girl, then, told them her own wish.
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