The Spearmaster and the Black Cat
chapter-68

Chapter 68

SPEAR MASTER AND THE BLACK CAT CHAPTER 68

Sixty-Eight Episode~ In One’s Mind Exists a Small Church

“Got it . Then, how old is Rubia?”

“Thirteen . ”

Thirteen years old, she’s young, but it should be fine . (TL: What should be fine, Shuya? What are you thinking?)

I don’t know when people are considered adults in this world, but I can judge the age of a single person .

“I see . I feel bad . However, things might be difficult in the future? Do you still want to go?”

“Hai . It’s fine . I understand . ”

She said it’s fine, but I’ll support her for a little .

“…Alright . I’ll take care of the bodies first . Will people be gathering at the church first?”

“No, they should know the Priest isn’t here, it’s only in cases where someone is hurt, like the children earlier . ”

“I see, then, I don’t need to rush . I’ll dispose of the bodies . Rubia, go get your things together and wait in the church . ”

“Hai . ”

Then, I take care of the bodies .

Rollo helps, so I quickly carry the corpses into the field .

After burying the bodies in a hole, I return to the location of the battle and clean up the blood and gore with water from life magic .

The smell is still here, but it’s mostly clean now .

Ma, this should be enough .

“Rollo, let’s return . ”

“N, nya . ”

Rollo perches on my shoulder, and we return to the church .

“Rubia, I’m done . ”

When I return, Rubia is praying to the cross in front of the altar .

“God is heaven, all the world is in your heart…”

Oh? Anne of Green Gables?

A coincidence perhaps…

But, even under these conditions, this child is praying .

“…Do you have all your things?”

“Hai, I only have two sets of clothes . ”

In Rubia’s hand is a sleeveless underclothes like dust cloth .

“Just that?”

“Yes . ”

Seriously? What kind of frugal life has she been living…

Her life is going to change after this, one more time, I reconfirm her feelings .

“Rubia, if you leave you may not be able to go to church anymore?”

“It’s fine . Since I was born there was a small church in my heart, it follows me and helps guide my path . ”

Rubia laughs . It feels like there’s a halo around her .

Her smile cleanses my heart .

Lead by the small church in her heart… Her faith is deep .

Isn’t this child able to become a priest?

I’m a little impressed .

…Well, such a thing is inconsequential .

I activate the gate .

“…I understand . I’m going to activate the gate, so wait a minute . ”

“Oh, hai . ”

I remove the twenty-sided sphere from my pocket and trace the first symbol .

The gate activates .

“Wa~”

Rubia looks more impressed than surprised .

“Rubia, give me your hand . ”

“Ah, hai . ”

I hold her delicate hand .

The calluses on her palm tell me how hard she’s worked .

However, they’re so small it seems they’ll break at any moment .

“Let’s enter . ”

Rubia looks at me, eyes full of determination, and nods .

I nod back and take her through the gate .

I’m able to safely pass through with Rubia .

We arrive in 【Hector】 at the same time .

…Fuu . The gate worked .

I manage to return to this small room .

I was a little worried, but we can still pass through . Ma, I’ve also move will Rollo, so I figured it would work if we touched .

“Nn, Nya . ”

As always, Rollo jumps to the hard bed .

“Rubia, this is 【Fort City Hector】 . It’s south of where you’re from . Past the desert and Manheim mountain range, this is the southern country of 【Osberia Kingdom】 .

“…Ha, hai . Here?”

She’s turning her head restlessly, looking at the small room .

“It’s a small it…sorry . ”

If I think about it, Rubia lived in a smaller room…

“Ah, that’s not what I mean . Sorry . This is 【Osberia Kingdom】… I only know it’s the name of a distant country . -Ah, this mirror is the same . ”

“That’s right . ”

The Zohedron Trap floats around my head again .

I catch it and put it in my chest pocket .

“There a church here, but even with your eyes turning red and your long elven ears, you won’t be discriminated against . I don’t know much about the area, but you can probably like freely . ”

“Is that so…Shuya-sama . Thank you . It’s all thanks to you . To be capable of using such transfer magic…”

It is helpful…

I’d like her to not talk about it .

Ah, don’t tell anyone about it . Let’s keep it a secret?”

“Hai . I understand . I won’t tell anyone . It’s a secret . ”

“And then, I’ll give you money, you can spend it how you want . ”

Saying that, I take out two magic bags and several gold coins .

“Eh, this, these gold coins… I can’t take this much money . ”

“It’s fine, I’m rich . ”

“Nya~”

Rollo calls out and lifts one foot, slapping the bed .

“Rollo also approves . Receive it obediently . ”

“…Hai . However, only, this…”

“Haha, maybe . It’s different? Rollodinu has such a cute face, but she understands our conversations . ”

“Nn, Nya . ”

“Really? What a beautiful Kitty-chan . ”

“Aah, she’s my pride . ”

Nya . ”

One by one, Rollo replies .

“Fufu, but, Shuya-sama…”

After Rubia laughs, she suddenly looks down .

“N?”

“Why, why are you helping a woman like me?”

That’s…

Ma, I’ll be honest .

“I’d be happy if you grew into a beautiful woman in the future . If I’m a dirty man don’t help, there’s also the possibility of neglect . ”

“…Is that so . In that case, please use this poor body freely . ”

Saying that, Rubia’s face turns red and she begins to remove her dirty clothes .

-Uhya, who taught this woman?

Even as a joke, she grew up in a church…

“Wait- you misunderstood . Surely, Rubia is beautiful, I’m also interested in nudity . Rather, there’s a tent . However, it’s mostly because I wanted to help . ”

Rubia has a confused look on her face .

“Eh? Tent?”

Ugu, I said something indecent… (TL: The word is モッコス, I think the author is referring to the bulge a boner makes in your pants . )

By no means, is it an evil god? A tent won’t form .

I repeat this chant in my heart .

“Ah, iya, that is, ah~ it’s fine . So, please get dressed . Good?”

“Ah, hai . Is it really okay? I heard that men in post town would be happy if you do this…besides, this is all I can offer…”

So? It seems the drunkards in the post town said some unnecessary things .

“It’s fine . I won’t ask too many questions . And then, not to mention talking about killing, a girl should value her body more . Men are savages . Shouldn’t you be more cautious? You should only act that way towards a person you like . Rubia should save herself for the future…” (TL: Heh, Shuya won’t fuck underage girls, that’s good to know . Also, turning down a thirteen-year-old girl makes him sound like the dense protagonist of a harem anime…”

I try to explain with words soaked in embarrassment .

I expressed my feelings, but by the end, my face is flushed red, and I have to turn away .

“Fufu, Shuya-sama is surely from Illodis-kami, I was sent a child of the light . ”

Rubia’s face blooms with a heavenly smile .

She turns to me in a pose of prayer .

Worshipping like that, it’s not right…

“You don’t need to do that, please stop worshipping me . Yosh, next we’ll go shopping, then I’ll give you a tour of 【Hector】 . ”

“Hai, I understand . Thank you . ”

“Got it . Let’s go . ”

I accompany Rubia out of the cheap inn .

We walk down the main street, and I introduce her to the side streets with the food shops .

Next, I show her around the big market .

“Today is the special day of your arrival in 【Hector】 . It’s my treat . ”

“Hai . ”

I buy kabobs from a street stall for Rubia .

I hastily stuff the tasty-looking meat in my mouth .

I also buy the mysterious soup filled with vegetables and some sweet fruits .

“This city is enormous . This place is flooded with the people living here…this is the first time I’ve eaten such tasty food . ”

“Is that so . Good . ”

“Hai . ”

Her smile is cute . She should adapt well to the city life .

“Well then, I’ll show you place anything can be bought . You’ll be safe there even if I leave you . ”

“Eh, Shuya-sama? You’re going to leave already?”

“Iya, not just yet . There’s a shop in this direction . ”

I understand Rubia’s worried expression .

However, I harden my heart and ignore them . I grip Rubia’s hand and guide her to Babon’s store .

“You can get anything here . You should find necessary items . ”

“Hai . ”

On Rubia’s back is the sword, shield, leather armor, brushes, hardware, clothing, belts, and simple food all bundled together .

“Rubia, you bought a lot of different things…”

Wait, does she plan on becoming an adventurer?

I should ask…

“Hai, this should be the bare minimum I need to prepare…”

“I see . Is it too heavy?”

“It’s fine . I did a lot of work in the church . ”

“I see, then it’s fine . Then, I’ll keep guiding you . I think you should stay in this city…”

“?”

“This way . Let’s go . ”

I guide her to the dwarf brothers’ shop .

The only acquaintances I have a good relationship with are these two, I can only ask Zaga about Rubia .

-N, again, there’s a presence following me .

Ma, they’re keeping their distance and showing no sign of attacking .

Rubia is here this time though…Honestly, I don’t want them to attack .

I hurry to the Dwarf store .

When Rubia and I come to the shop, Bonn runs out to welcome us .

And, Rollo runs up like usual .

The carriage is still in front of the shop, so there is still some time before you move .

“Enchanto . ”

“Nyaa, nya . ”

Haha, they’re still at it .

The shared space between Rollo and Bonn .

Rubia stares curiously .

“Bon, I have business with Zaga . I’m going to the store . ”

“Enchant . ”

“Rubia, come with me . ”

“Hai . ”

Saying so, Rubia accompanies me into the shop .

“Oh? If it isn’t Shuya? What is it? Equipment maintenance? It’s too soon for that…”

“Yo, Zaga . I’m not here to talk about weapons or armor today . It’s sudden, but this child, I would like you to take care of Rubia . ”

I can trust Zaga and Bonn .

In reality, there will be trouble if I try to take care of someone . That’s what I think .

However, it’s dangerous with me, and I still have my objective .

I’m reluctant, but it’s the right thing to do .

I’m irresponsible .

I’m an irresponsible guy escaping from his responsibilities after saving a girl’s life .

“…Nou, wha, what?”

“Shuya-sama?”

Rubia suddenly looks at me concerned .

Uh, sorry…

…Rubia, this Dwarf is Zaga . The one outside is Zaga’s younger brother Bonn . These brothers are blacksmiths . Their skills are top-class .

“Oi, oi, what is this all of a sudden . Shuya . Introduce this child to me?”

“Ah, I’ll be relying on you . I won’t ask you to make her a full-fledged smith . I’ll also leave gold with her . Only, trouble will surely follow me in life…”

I lower my head and ask for help .

Zaga looks at Rubia . He seems to be thinking .

“Uh, Shuya-sama . I’m alright . ”

“However, is it fine to leave this to an acquaintance?”

“Hai . So…”

Hai, you’re called Rubia? I’m Zaga . The one outside is my younger brother, Bonn . We’ll be looking after one another from now on . ”

Oh, Zaga accepted it easily .

“You’re accepting?”

“Of course . I can’t refuse Shuya’s request . The other day, I gained a lot . Besides, I feel like our relationship is important . Bonn also has his connection with the black cat, I also have a hunch that we Dwarf brothers will be doing a lot of business soon . ”

“Is it really okay?”

Rubia’s expression is different than Zaga’s stern one, she seems surprised .

“Ah, we’re still planning on moving to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】 . If it’s fine, I’ll still take care of her . ”

Yes, it’s fine . Thank you in advance . ”

With an excited expression, Rubia thanks Zaga .

Then, Bonn and Rollo and to the shop .

“Enchanto . ”

“N, Nya . ”

“Bonn, we’re going to be living with this girl, Rubia . Say hello . ”

“Encha? Enchant . ”

Bonn looks at Rubia and smiles warmly .

Eyes sparkling, he walks up to Rubia and greets her with a thumbs up .

“-Um, please treat me well . Bonn-san, Zaga-san . ”

“Encha . ”

“Of course . ”

Zaga explains about Bonn .

“Then, Rubia . I’m mostly a blacksmith, but I’m also a bit of a merchant . What can you do? Do you have any unique abilities, is there something you want to do?”

“Hai . I’m confident in my recovery magic . And then…I also want to become an adventurer . ”

Rubia turns around in the middle and stares at me while she finishes .

Like me…

That recovery magic should be useful in a party . It may be a good choice .

In that case, should I give her a parting present?

“Hou, an adventurer . 【Labyrinth City Pernette】 is the best place for that . There are a lot of people and adventurers there . Everyone from rookies to veterans . You should be able to manage . We’ll do as much as we can to support you, right Bonn?”

“Enchanto . ”

Good . It’ll be fine .

I’ll give this Rubia .

I open my item box and remove the long sword made from the ancient dragon fang .

“Rubia, if you’re going to work hard as an adventurer, this sword should come in handy . ”

“Ou? That is…”

Seeing the ancient dragon long sword, Zaga is surprised .

I look at Zaga and nod .

“Thank you . However, is it okay?”

“Ah, work hard . Well then, I’ll take my leave now . If fate allows, we may meet again in the future . ”

“…Hai . Shuya-sama . Thank you, truly . …Someday, I hope to meet you again . ”

After bowing deeply, Rubia raises her head and stares at me fiercely .

Her eyes are begging me not to leave .

She’s hot-blooded .

“…Ah, again . I’ll meet Zaga and Bonn too . ”

“Nya . ”

“Hm . ”

“Enchanto . ”

Rollo and I depart from the Dwarf brother’s shop, leaving Rubia behind .

One day, I’ll go to 【Labyrinth City Pernette】, and we’ll meet again .

◇◇◇◇

Now then, should I go see Popobumu once again .

If I go to Holkerbam, I’ll need my ride .

I go to the stable next to the guild .

The magic essence is still following me .

I ignore it and walking towards the stable .

Oh, I found Popobumu .

Rollo promptly jumps onto the back of Popobumu’s head .

She curls up on top of his head .

“Bubo?”

“Yo, Popobumu . It’s been a while . ”

“Bubo!”

Hahaha, he seems fine .

He’s breathing excitedly . I pat his armored skin .

I’ll get on .

“Yosh . ”

It’s been so long that I get on without a saddle .

My muscle memory instantly orients my body

Thump, thump, a pleasant feeling .

“Ah, mister . Did you bring that magic beast here?”

A stable hand who likes Popobumu spoke up .

“That’s right . He’s been under your care until now . ”

“No, no, he’s energetic…I’ll be lonely, but you’ll take him out to move now?”

“Bubo . ”

Popobumu replies to the stable hand . (TL: I want a chapter of Popobumu’s adventurers in the stable . My headcanon is that he uncovered corruption and brought the perpetrators to justice . )

Haha, Popobumu likes the stable hand too .

I ride Popobumu back to the inn .

Now then, for a little while, I’ll seal off the other side of the gate .

Probably until I arrive in 【Holkerbam】 .

I tap the storage icon in item box and place the Paredes Mirror inside .

Then, I leave the room before checking out of the inn .

I receive a tangerine-like fruit from the surly innkeeper .

The fruit is called saika .

Like the inn’s name .

Rollo narrows her crimson eyes when she sees the Saika then ignores it .

I put the fruit in a pocket of my chest belt then mount Popobumu .

Ah, before I go to 【Holkerbam】, I should return to the guild .

If there’s a request regarding Holkerbam, I can kill two birds with one stone .

I’ll decide after looking at the requests .

I return Popobumu to the stable next to the guild .

The stable hand makes a strange face, but I don’t mind it and enter the guild with Rollo .

I check the request board .

Requests for Holkerbam…

Most of them are as caravan guards . Just C and D rank requests .

Client: Luxor Commercial Firm

Request Contents: C Rank, Caravan Guard to Magic Steel City Holkerbam

Time Period: Last Day . The caravan is leaving this afternoon .

Subjugation Target: N/A

Habitat: N/A

Remuneration: One Gold Coin .

Subjugation Evidence: N/A

Additional Information: Transportation will be over land, so be on the lookout for thieves and monsters . Departing from New Town’s north entrance near the harbor . Look for a green flag with the crest of a horse and sword .

Note: Three wagons and two covered carriages . Each can fit six people . There is no extra room . However, horse and magic beast mounts are required . There are various products like food and gold works, so you will be required to protect them from thieves . Furthermore, this paper will be removed in several hours .

This is the highest ranking request going to Holkerbam .

The remuneration is small, but shall I take this one? Getting such a reward from a C rank request…Although, it will contribute to my number of achievements .

I’ve decided .

I take the wooden tally to the reception desk .

The healing big-breasted receptionist-san isn’t here, so I hand my guild card and wooden tally to another beautiful receptionist .

The request is accepted immediately, the back of the guild .

I board Popobumu and check my guild card .

The number of completed requests in ten . It keeps increasing .

Now then, I’ll soon say goodbye to 【Fort City Hector】 .

In the end, I never hear breast receptionist-san’s name .

Ah, I wanted to bury my face in those breasts…