NOVEL NEXT Chapter 58
From behind, a man in a luxurious robe, likely the king, appeared. He didn’t look very old, maybe around 35.
He had a sharp face, suggesting that a dim-witted king wouldn’t last long.
There was a slightly elevated platform at the front where he stood.
“Thank you all for gathering. I am Abtar, the 23rd king of the Gartred Kingdom.”
His voice echoed impressively.
“As already mentioned in the letter, I seek the aid of you A-rank adventurers to restore peace to the royal family’s tomb.”
“It’s not about defeating specific monsters. The forest has become a nest for monsters, and we need you to forcibly remove them.”
“King, does that mean this is a dangerous job, as we were summoned?” asked a swordsman from a group of about five. He seemed familiar with the king.
“Yes, a Terra Dragon and a Roc Bird have nested there. Ordinary adventurers can’t handle them, and we want to avoid excessive casualties near the royal mausoleum.”
I wasn’t sure if it was about spiritual contamination, but it certainly wasn’t a pleasant thought.
“It takes over two days to reach the tomb by carriage. Don’t worry about food; the army will supply it. Temporary shelters will also be built. We need you to eliminate all monsters around the tomb, especially the Terra Dragon and Roc Bird nests.”
I quietly asked Misha, “What kind of dragon is a Terra Dragon?”
Misha, more knowledgeable about monsters from her reading, replied, “It’s a wingless, terrestrial dragon that lives underground, hence ‘Terra.’ It doesn’t fly but has strong arm muscles, making its attacks very powerful.”
“In digging its underground nest, it can disturb the graves. It’s understandable why the royal family is concerned.”
“That’s troublesome. And the Roc Bird?”
“It’s a giant bird that spits fire, usually living in high mountain areas, but for some reason, it’s settled in the forest near the royal tomb.”
“Is it as powerful as the Terra Dragon?”
“It varies by individual, but catching a flying Roc is extremely difficult. Its eggs are traded for 2 million Gain.”
“200 million yen. Quite a sum. What’s the use of such eggs? Cooking?”
“It’s about imprinting. If the chick thinks you’re its parent, you can train it.”
Returning to the king’s speech, “It’s estimated to take about five days to clear the monsters. We’ll have some clerics for healing. Thank you in advance.”
The king’s speech was about that much.
Not much else to say – just defeat the monsters.
However, the king had more to address.
“Keiji, Lena, we’re counting on your youthful strength.”
Surprised to be named, I responded, “Oh, yes… I didn’t realize you knew of us…”
Lena, a former national fugitive, stood straight and attentive.
“I’ve seen your valor in the tournament. With such spirit, you can defeat the Terra Dragon. And Misha, I’ve heard about your powerful magic.”
“Um, I didn’t think I stood out…”
Misha seemed startled, not expecting to be mentioned.
“I heard from a sorceress named Hanna. An A-rank assured mage, mainly focused on healing magic.”
The king was well-informed.
The other adventurers looked at us with interest.
“We’re relying on you.”
It didn’t seem like mere flattery.
We were to depart the next day. Adventurers from afar would stay at the castle, but we decided to return home.
Arriving home, Verdonna had bought various ingredients and was preparing complex dishes.
“I thought of holding a morale-boosting party. We have some fine wine too.”
“Thank you. It’s great to have such a good maid.”
That night’s dinner was livelier than usual.
After dinner, while heading to the bath, Verdonna approached me.
“Keiji-sama?”
“Yes, what is it?”
Verdonna looked unusually troubled.
“Please… protect the young lady…”
She was worried about Lena.
“Her parents are deeply concerned about her. Of course, they understand her desire to be an adventurer…”
I patted Verdonna’s shoulder reassuringly.
“I understand. I’ll bring her back safely.”
I wouldn’t let anyone in our party die.
“Thank you.”
Verdonna bowed deeply.