I, Who Only Had Effort as a Virtue, Reincarnated as a Talented Yet Lazy Villain

I skillfully maneuvered my swift horse as I raced towards the Twilight Mountains.

Thankfully, I had properly learned horseback riding skills…

Without the horse, there’s no doubt I wouldn’t have made it in time.

As I sped across the grasslands, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

… Speaking of which, I never asked how much of the herb I should collect.

Well, the more I gather, the better.

It won’t spoil, and even if I don’t use it this time, I’ll probably need it later on.

After about an hour, I reached the mountain range.

Judging by the sun’s position, there are approximately two and a half hours left until dusk.

Perhaps this challenge is pushing the limits a bit too much.

I think that, but once I’ve committed, I follow through.

If I don’t, I’ll just be dismissed.

Muttering “Alright,” I rallied my determination and dismounted from my horse, setting off into the mountains.

Suddenly, a monster emerged – the [Blood Bear].

I believe this one is a Rank B monster.

This marks my first official battle against a monster, but for some reason, I’m not feeling like I’ll lose.

Drawing the small sword I brought with me, I assumed a stance.

“Gwaaah!”

The Blood Bear let out a roar, attempting to intimidate me.

However, I remained unfazed.

The skilled swordsmen I faced in Kendo back in Japan exuded far more intimidating auras than this mere show of force.

They emanated a more focused and absolute intent to kill.

This monster’s intent to kill is just a basic, instinctual one.

There’s simply no comparison.

I relaxed my shoulders and got into position – and then, I struck!

In an instant, I cleaved the Blood Bear in two.

As I expected, my body moves with remarkable grace.

It’s unlike the heavy, sluggish movements I was accustomed to before.

After swiftly vanquishing the Blood Bear, I cheerfully commenced searching for the herbs.

Despite the mountain range’s lush vegetation, the Cool Summer Herbs were bluish and stood out, making them easy to spot.

I continued accumulating the herbs in substantial quantities while dispatching the monsters that appeared one after another.

“Well, I reckon this should suffice.”

Muttering to myself, I looked at the basket overflowing with herbs.

It might be a bit more than needed, but it’s always better to have extra.

An hour has elapsed…

If I return now, I’ll still have thirty minutes to spare, but it’s wise to return sooner rather than later.

Agreeing with myself, I mounted the swift horse and headed back to the estate.

“I’ve returned, Father.”

Having come back to the estate, I immediately knocked on my father’s study door.

Since the previous maid wasn’t around, I caught another maid and headed toward the study.

By the way, where did Baran disappear to?

I can’t sense his presence anywhere.

Well, in this extensive estate, he’s probably relaxing somewhere in a guest room.

“… Enter.”

Father’s voice emanated from the other side of the door.

I opened it and stepped inside.

Father was engrossed in paperwork, not even glancing my way as he spoke.

“You’re remarkably swift. Did you give up?”

“… Huh? No, I collected them properly. Look.”

Saying so, I placed the basket on the floor.

Only then did Father raise his head and look at me.

Seeing me, his eyes widened in surprise.

“… How did you manage to gather that much?”

“Huh? Well, I just did it normally…”

“Don’t be foolish! It shouldn’t have been so effortless to gather such an amount!”

Is that so?

It seemed less challenging than I thought.

I tilted my head, and just then, the maid and Baran entered the room, panting heavily.

“Hey, has Master Benno returned yet?”

“Huh? Yeah, I’m here.”

Baran and the maid, entering energetically, let out a big sigh upon seeing me.

“… You’re unusually quick, Master Benno.”

“Is that so? I thought this was a normal pace.”

I tilted my head, puzzled.

“Why are you both so out of breath?”

I asked, and both the maid and Baran averted their gazes uncomfortably.

… I don’t quite understand.

“… Hey, Baran. Is it true that he collected all these herbs?”

“Yeah, uh-huh. I only saw part of it, but it’s true.”

Huh? Have you witnessed it?

Well, considering it’s a challenge.

I guess there’s a need to make sure I’m not cheating.

Satisfied with this realization, Father spoke in a quivering voice.

“I see… that you alone…”

Did I inadvertently do something wrong?

As I pondered, the sound of footsteps running down the corridor reached my ears.

The footsteps halted right in front of this room, and the door swung open.

“Lord Barbaria! It seems like your child is about to be born!”

The maid who entered exclaimed in a flustered manner.