Luna Village -1

"I am Takagane Tsumura, the village chief. You're surprised, aren't you? It's not complicated. I've had this planned all along—intending to face you head-on like this... no matter what the outcome may be."

The chief seemed to be looking at one of the villagers who should have been here in my place. The elderly man before me had white hair and a sturdy build.

His gaze shifted to me, and I felt as though I was being scrutinized.

Gathering magical stones is dangerous to one's life. That is why I had prepared myself when I sent you out. Still, you keep sending back magical stones on a regular basis. That’s probably why we grew complacent, thinking you’d be fine. We should have sent more reinforcements or supplies from the village earlier... All three of you made it back safely. That’s a miracle.

"This entire matter is solely my responsibility—"

The village chief raised his hand to stop Gram from speaking further.

"Gram, I've never blamed you. In fact, I've been grateful until now. You brought back his equipment, which Erinn had. Yes, could you tell us what happened to us?"

Gram calmly explained the situation, one detail at a time. He spoke of having been part of a group, of having traveled and gathered magical stones alongside them until recently, of their failed attempt to conquer the dungeon, and of having returned here with me ever since.

"So that's it, Lord Taro, was it? Thank you for saving the two of us and bringing us all the way back. As the village chief, I offer my deepest gratitude."

No, I simply did what any adventurer would do. Besides, I had planned to come here anyway, so it was fortunate that Gram and the others were here to help. I likely wouldn't have made it on my own.

They're a humble person, so regardless, let's prepare a good place to rest for the night.

Thank you. I'll take you up on that kind offer.

After that, the conversation between Gram and the village officials continued, and Gram and the others set off toward the home of their deceased friend.

I hoped the discussion would come to a satisfactory conclusion.

As for me, I remained behind at the village chief's house, tasked with explaining how I came to be there.

"Ah, you wish to seek out the ruins in pursuit of the Hero's Legend... and you'd like to repay Gram and the others for their help. How about this—I'll have someone from our village guide you?"

"Really!? I'd really appreciate that!"

"Haha, full of energy. Come, I'll show you to your temporary lodging for now. Rilka."

The girl who stepped forward upon being called seemed slightly younger than Elin, possibly even younger than me. A high school-aged girl.

She had bright blue eyes and neatly cut black hair falling to her shoulders, full of vitality. Her name was Takagane Rilka. It seemed that many people around here shared the Takagane surname.

The girl named Rilka was the mayor's daughter and had a friendly personality. She asked me all sorts of questions before showing me to the room where I'd be staying.

She repeatedly circled around me, sizing me up with her eyes—just like the mayor had done. Also, the people around here wore clothing that covered their bodies to protect themselves from sand and intense sunlight, but she was unusually revealing in her attire, and her figure was quite well-developed.

That's why, whenever she moved around, it was hard to know where to look.

"Is Taro-san strong?"

"I don't know... I do have the record of clearing a dungeon, but since I was part of a party, I'm not sure how far I'd get on my own."

He answered as if talking to himself.

"What's that supposed to be bragging about? But judging by your gear, you really do seem strong."

"Can you tell just by looking at my gear?"

What's he even worried about? I can't quite figure out his thoughts.

Maybe it's just that outsiders are rare, that's all? If so, I'd think the outside world would be more interesting than my strength...

"You're quite unusual, Riruka-san."

"Is that so? And please, just call me Riruka. No need for formality—too much hassle. Alright! This is the room you're welcome to use, Taro. It's the guest room for visitors from outside, so feel free to use it however you like."

"I'm sorry, you've gone above and beyond with everything."

"It's fine—visitors from outside the village are rare, so we only use this room during special occasions. Plus, we get delicious meals and can hear interesting stories, so it's all beneficial for us."

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

"Yes, just look forward to it until evening."

"Ah, got it."

Rilka waved lightly and then disappeared somewhere.

She's quite a friendly girl...

After setting down my belongings, I wandered around the village until dinner time, or prepared for the excavation of the ruins.

While walking through the village, I saw Gram and Erine talking in front of a certain house.

A woman who seemed a bit older was crying uncontrollably.

Seeing that, I turned back and retraced my steps.

Dinner was lavish and delicious.

After eating dried meat almost exclusively lately, I thoroughly enjoyed the exotic cuisine.

Alcohol was served, but whether it was due to exhaustion or the strength of the drinks provided, I don't know—before long, I'd had enough and quickly called it a night, returning to the room they'd lent me.

It was rare for me to feel this drunk since arriving in this world. Though I'm not sure if it'll help, I might as well use a healing gemstone. I've had my share of hangovers before...

I visualize the alcohol components in my body being drawn out using a healing gemstone. A soft light spreads, enveloping my entire body.

Yet I don't feel any difference. Is this not working? In situations like this, drinking plenty of water and going to sleep is the best remedy.

I fall asleep immediately after getting into bed.

I awaken slightly, feeling an odd sensation, and slowly open my eyes.

The room was still dark, but moonlight streamed in, clearly outlining the room's shape. Judging from my previous sense of time, it must be around one in the morning.

I let my gaze drop, focusing on the source of the unease. The towel draped over me was clearly bulging.

Startled, I lifted it up—and realized I wasn't wearing any clothes.

No, even more shocking than that—

"Rilka! What are you doing!?"

Rilka, dressed in an unusually thin outfit, was lying on top of me.

"What? I was just sneaking in. Well, I guess I woke up."

"Why are you doing something like this?"

I tried to push myself up to escape, but my arms wouldn't respond properly. When I tried to steady myself, my balance collapsed—probably still not fully sober. My loss of balance only made our closeness even more intense.

Her body heat and softness pressed against my skin.

"Why don't city people do it? I heard a few people in the village do it. This is my first time, though."

"Are you kidding? That's dangerous in so many ways!"

"Hmm, really? I don't mind, though—especially if it's with Taro. We could go anywhere... even have kids."

Riruka leaned her body against mine, whispering softly into my ear. The warmth and delicate softness of a woman washed over me, more vivid and tender than ever.

A sweet, lingering scent drifted in, dulling my thoughts.