Return to the Village II

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“I have to apologize to you about something, Ajifu.”

“Why? You didn’t do anything to me.”

“Well, listen. At first, the guild would not accept a request to go and search for you. But we still had to have the cave investigated immediately. And so I removed you from the conditions when putting out the request.”

That was no surprise. No one would search for a lost Adventurer. If you fail you have to pay a penalty. The guild would not even bother to put out such a thing.

“Not only that, but you could say that I abandoned you for the sake of the village. I am sorry.”

He said as he bowed his head. His hair was quite thin now. As a representative of the village, he was likely dealing with many troubles behind the scenes.

“Please raise your head. I heard that you still asked the Adventurers to search for me. And they do not work for free. You probably offered a bonus reward then?”

“Mmm, yes, but…”

“Then it is the same thing as putting out a request for me. So it’s fine.”

“Still…it felt like you were being deceived…”

“You’re overthinking it. Besides, Adventurers have to be responsible for themselves. You cannot ask others for help if you fail. The fact you even tried is more than enough.”

I had nothing but gratitude that he even made an attempt. Also, it would be remembered at the guild, and by Adventurers who saw it. I didn’t know what effect it would have, but I hoped it would be good.

“There is no need for you to apologize about that. More importantly, we should talk about the village right now.”

“Mmm. Indeed. There is much to discuss. I will tell you about what happened after we received word from you.”

What the chief told me was similar to what I had heard from Mezerir.
The only difference was an update on the work in the cave. Apparently, they had made a lot of progress and would finish sealing it in half a month.

“We would be grateful if you could help.”

“Yes, of course. Whatever you need.”

If I was being honest, I did not like the idea of going back there. However, I did not want to leave everything to the villagers and elves. I had been involved from the beginning, and so I should see it through until the end.

That night, everyone in the village gathered together, including the people and elves who were working in the cave, and we celebrated. As there were too many people to fit in any of the buildings, we all surrounded a bonfire in the plaza instead.

“Welcome back!”
“We were worried.”

As the feast was to celebrate my return, people constantly talked to me and offered me drinks. However, I knew my lips would loosen if I drank too much, so I was careful to turn most of them down.

The light of the bonfire illuminated the villagers in the darkness. Everyone seemed so cheerful, as if to erase the gloomy recent events. Some pulled out musical instruments. And people burst into laughter, as the performance was not very good.

“While a bit late, I’m glad that you’re back! Now, drink!”

Ozlo said as he threw an arm on my shoulder. There was little point in refusing. And so I emptied the cup in my hand, and it was quickly refilled with ale.

“So, how was it? The depths of the cave. Was it really so horrifying?”

The villagers had been told that the cave led to the lost forest. That was why the elves were cooperating to seal it off. Because of this, they also knew to not ask too many questions about what was inside. But people were still curious. And it was not realistic to expect people to avoid the subject while drinking.

“Aye, it was a nest of monsters. I am surprised that I even made it out alive. I am sure that I would not be so lucky if I ever returned.”

I said with a shudder, making sure that the others heard me. Even if word somehow spread, few would want to try and enter the cave after it was sealed. Besides, you could reach the lost forest from the north.

“If that’s how you feel, Ajifu, then none of us would stand a chance in there.”

The men thought about the depths of the cave they were currently working in, and they shuddered in fear. Still, the parts occupied by the goblins were narrow, so the dragon would not be able to come through. But since it was an earth dragon, perhaps it was good at digging.

“That’s why we have to seal it, right? In any case, we have to go back to it tomorrow. So let’s think of other things and drink tonight!”

I raised my cup, and then one of the elves took out a flute. A tune, that was much different from the song played by the villagers earlier, rang most light-heartedly, and the feast became even more lively.

Aside from Mezerir, there were eight elves here. And they were all men. But only two of them could speak in Eralt. The chief and Mezerir were interpreting for them, and they seemed to be having a good time mixing with the others.
As they had already been here for nearly two weeks, it was not really surprising.

The elves had pitched tents in a corner of the village. This did not seem very comfortable, given their stay would end up being around one month, but when I asked them about it,

“There is a well to drink water from, and no need to keep watch at night. It is not hard at all for us.”

They did not seem to mind.

As the people grew more drunk, and chaos started to erupt with those who danced and those who started passing out, the chief ordered an end to the festivities. Though we were in the villages, this was close to a forest in the frontiers. If everyone fell asleep outside, they may become food for paralyzing bats.

“Work will start at midday tomorrow! Remember that.”

I wasn’t sure the people even heard the chief’s voice as they scattered.
Regardless, I waved my hand and returned to my house. And without taking off my clothes, I jumped into the bed that I had been away from for so long. Well, it was not that long. However, the bedding did smell quite dusty.

I would have to hand them out tomorrow if the weather allowed it. While such thoughts entered my mind, I mostly felt relief at being back. And being drunk also ensured that it did not take long for me to get drowsy.
And so as soon as I closed my eyes, my consciousness fell to the bottom of the bed.

Next Chapter

Ossan Boukensha no Jimichi na Isekai Tabi