Chapter 81 – How Did You Know?
“There’s no reason to be surprised. I can tell a lot about you because of that divine beast on your shoulder.”
Stan had been quiet up until now, but jumped after the pipe was pointed towards him.
Apparently, they had been stalked the moment they arrived in town. This hag really did know how to acquire information.
“Wh-what do you mean…”
“How you freed the elf slaves and gave them some strange summoned creatures. And that you took down a lord… I know…”
That was basically all of it.
Menew tried to think of a way to get out of this. If he did not do something, Mystery Mask will be forced to go out into the exciting battlefield.
However, a mere lie would not be enough.
In the first place, he had wanted the Wind Family to hear of it, and so it had not been a perfect plan. So he could not complain if others found out about it as well.
“….But, you won’t tell others, will you?”
Surely she understood the danger it would put them in. As he had done a lot, Menew had to be on his guard.
“Who would believe me anyway? I can say this as someone who has monitored you for some time.”
Ling tapped her pipe into the ashtray. Her round back became even more round as she lowered her head.
“I am asking you now. I have hopes for Magikargia. I want a world where women can live longer. And so I want you to stop our foolish king. Stop this war.”
Ling raised her head. There was a sharp light in her eyes.
“While there is life in me, I will not allow the Wind Family to do as they please in this town. However, it does not apply in the whole country. …They even have the king fooled.”
She cursed.
According to her, the Wind Family had been gaining momentum during the past twenty years.
“For the most part, they act as apothecaries and sell illegal potions to soldiers on the battlefield. I suppose that is why they are able to face Magikargia’s magic. Right now, it is just the soldiers, but if drafted citizens started to use them… At worst, food sources will vanish.”
It was a frightful thought. Menew crossed his arms in contemplation.
They were on the right side. It would now be too difficult to get involved, and bring this war to a close. For Menew, that is.
“Do you have a sample of these illegal potions?”
“Aye, I acquired some. It was easy. Clearly, the country is not that interested in enforcing the restrictions.”
Ling took out the vial and handed it to Menew, who put it away.
“Very well. I will go. However, I have to explain it to my friends. And will need two days to prepare.”
“That is fine. Come back here when you are ready. I will have a pegasus carriage for you.”
“There are pegasuses!?”
Menew’s eyes lit up.
Elves, dwarves, and now a pegasus. He was very excited by the idea.
“It is nothing unusual. A domesticated divine beast. Those with money can buy them, but it will draw some unwanted attention if you are not someone with authority.”
“I don’t care, as long as I get to ride one!”
Ling looked a little put off. Still, she talked to him about the reward.
“I will make it so that you will be able to meet with any Guild Master at any Merchants Guild from now on. Just tell them your name. Also…in this country, we will buy your medicine with a twenty percent increase.”
She was being quite generous.
As he wondered why, Ling smiled mischievously.
“There is nothing strange about it. I made a request to you, and so it’s only right that there be a reward.”
This was not a threat. She was assuring him. That was how tense things were.
For her, Magikargia was a desperate hope. Because so many were dying young.
In this world, the advancement of magic technology was comparable to advancing medical technology. And so it was very important.
“Mystery Mask Z accepts.”
Menew laughed and beat his chest. He was at ease now.
And so he said farewell to Ling and left the guild. He then looked up at the evening sky and muttered.
“Now, I have to act like an adult.”
In front of the guild, Ralph, Totto and Mofusen were waiting for him. They had found an inn, and Mofusen must have finished business at the guild.
“Ah, Mr. Menew! We got our rooms.”
Totto said as he waved to Menew.
Menew laughed and patted Totto on the head after approaching them.
He then turned to Ralph and Mofusen, who seemed to have an idea of what had happened.
“Alright. Let’s go to the inn, and then go out to eat.”
“We also found a promising place!”
Kanon barked. Perhaps he had used his nose to search.
“Alright, then we will go there. Can you eat meat, Mofusen?”
“You people have been eating so much meat on the road, and you want to eat more?”
Mofusen grumbled that he wanted to have stew. But they were likely to find that at any place.
The inn was a small, two-story building that faced the main street.
It was owned by a gentle-looking man and his wife. They told the innkeepers that they would be staying for some time, and paid for the rooms. As there were no other guests, there were a lot of rooms remaining.
“Apparently, the breakfasts here are delicious.”
“I see…”
They must have heard about it from the Adventurers Guild.
At the same time, Totto got permission to make an atelier. And then they went out to eat dinner.
Thankfully, the dining house had vegetables, fish and stews as well. Which was no surprise, as it was a seaside town. And so there was plenty on the menu that pleased Mofusen.
Totto was excited to see fresh fish. He was a good child, who did not only eat meat. And so he had thankfully gained some weight compared to when they first met him.
But on that note, Menew had no intention of taking such a child to a battlefield. And so that night, he gathered the others into the atelier and said,
“I am leaving Totto here and going to war.”