Entoshi 10

"Alek! Sorry, could you please stop for a moment?"

"Sure, no problem. In any case, we were supposed to be waiting for someone who's late, so we don't have much time. Let's hurry up."

Alek was at the front of a group returning to the harbor. When Alek stopped, everyone else stopped too.

The maid he recognized was Anne.

"Anne! What are you doing here?"

A message from the young lady: 'It's dangerous to wander around the outer walls at night.' That's what she said.

She saw me! Thinking that, I suddenly felt embarrassed.

"May I ask about Linna's condition?"

I asked, my voice strained and awkward, my face growing hot with embarrassment.

"The young lady is still in good health. As you said, she is living with certain restrictions, but no new magic stones have formed in her body."

"I see, that's good to hear."

"May I ask, are you certain you don't mind not receiving your reward?"

"It's fine. To be honest, I failed to keep my own promise this time. And when I made the agreement with William, I didn't set clear terms either."

"I understand."

"You seem awfully sincere."

"Whatever you may think of this matter, you are a life-saving hero to our family. It would be impossible for us to treat someone like you with disregard."

"I see. It's reassuring to hear you say that. My efforts were worth it after all."

After briefly lowering her gaze, Anne quickly lifted her head with determination.

"Could you not become the master of young William?"

"...If the noble's magical mentor is an unknown adventurer, won't that make things difficult to justify?"

"There's no need to worry about that. He not only defeated the monster, but also identified the cause of a disease that even the capital's doctors couldn't treat, and even showed a potential solution. With your level of skill, everyone would accept it. Besides, there's no one in this town capable of serving as a young master's mentor. And if anything were to happen to the young lady, we'd need someone who can respond immediately."

It's a very difficult request to make.

Anne's observation is remarkably accurate. But if that's the case, we won't be able to find the Hero's Legend.

My presence might disrupt the family's power balance. All I can do is offer support through magic stones and magical means.

I can't get involved in politics or family matters. I might end up punching that guy named Dael.

My abilities are mediocre when compared to the global standard. There are people who know far more and deeper than I do. As for magic, there must be others who can use it more effectively.

"That's a very appealing request, but I must decline. At my current level, I can only maintain the status quo—something that might hinder the path that sister and brother are on. But I am definitely on William and Linna's side. If anything comes up, please contact me through the guild—Sato Taro. I'll be there in a flash. And... I'll be back again."

"Is that so... I understand. I'll convey your words to the young ladies. Thank you once again. As a token of respect from a noble, please accept this small gift. It should be enough to cover your immediate living expenses."

It was payment. Since refusing would be rude, I accepted it.

"Then, I'll be heading back to the sleigh now."

I bid farewell to Anne and returned to the sleigh.

"Are you really done already?"

Yeah, no problem. Come on, let's head back.