Chapter 26: Return to Seneca Village and First Request Completed
The next morning, after having a simple breakfast, we left the remains of the orc village.
As a precaution, we left Stark and five high orcs, as well as Schwein, at the village remains. There was a possibility that some orcs might have been overlooked, so we might need to come back.
In the afternoon, another survey team was supposed to arrive from Primera. Once the survey team arrived, we planned to return here.
The forest, now devoid of orcs, was peaceful, and the chirping of birds, absent until yesterday, could be heard.
"By the way, everyone, how long do you intend to keep doing this?"
On my back was Sara, Silphy in my right hand, and Evangeline in my left hand. And...
Chloe was perched on my shoulder, in a so-called piggyback position.
When we were about to depart, with the three of them naturally assuming their positions (whatever those positions were), Chloe said something cute like, "Master, I apologize. My legs hurt from running too much yesterday."
Being able to read the atmosphere, I responded gently, "Chloe, I'm sorry. There's space on my shoulder, so please hop on."
And so, from an outsider's perspective, it became a situation that made no sense artistically.
"Get off when we pass through the forest."
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yes, sir!"
Yes. That's a satisfying response. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if they stayed like this forever. The sensation is great, and it smells nice. But, I do worry about being seen by others. It might already be too late, though...
At the entrance of Seneca Village, I temporarily parted ways with Catalina and the others.
"Kakeru-kun, see you at the guild later. Don't worry, they will responsibly take the girls to Primera."
"Catalina-san, thank you very much. See you later—Oh, by the way."
I whispered to Catalina-san.
"Really! Thank you, Kakeru-kun. I love you."
Catalina-san clung to me and kissed my cheek. I only said I would lend her Rabi until they arrived in Primera, but I'm glad she's so happy about it.
"Sir, there are no available seats anymore."
Silphy said with a worried expression, but I'm not a means of transportation.
"Silphy, you and the others can come with me to Seneca Village, right?"
"Of course."
"I'm going too."
"Wherever darling goes, I'll go."
...Eva-san, calling me "darling" is embarrassing.
Anyway, the five of us entered Seneca Village together. Since we know the place, we were planning to head straight to the village chief's residence—well, that was the plan, but I understand now. We're going to have skewers. Let's buy some.
Unable to resist Chloe and Eva's silent pressure, I lined up at the skewer stall.
When I bought a lot, the old man at the food stall gave me various extra items. It's good to have beautiful women.
Upon arriving at the village chief's mansion, it seemed that the guild had already informed them, and Mayor Diego and Antonio-san came out immediately to welcome us.
"Wow, I can't believe you defeated the Orc General. Thanks to you, the forest has returned to its original state. Thank you very much, Kakeru-kun."
Diego-san bowed his head.
"No, it's not just my power. If Diego-san hadn't noticed the anomaly early and made the request, the damage would have been much worse."
"I'm glad you say that. Also, I already stamped the approval seal, so congratulations on your first successful quest."
"Thank you. With this, I can truly become a real adventurer."
"...The guy who became a Silver rank (Class C) guild member in one day is saying that now."
Diego-san responded with a wry smile.
"But Kakeru-kun, you're doing well too. Are they all your girlfriends?"
Diego-san asked with a smirk.
"Huh? No, it's not—"
"Yes, yes, that's right."
"Y-Yes, that's right."
"Why are you so in sync?"
"Well, it's like that. Since my wife has prepared a feast, would you like to join us for a meal?"
"Well, it's a rare opportunity, but we're in a hurry to get to the guild—ugh..."
A stabbing pressure came from behind... Could it be the intimidation used by the Orc General?
"Master, his wife went through the trouble of preparing it. Isn't it against human decency to refuse?"
"Darling, you can't fight on an empty stomach. Besides, the guild isn't going anywhere, right?"
Both of them are saying something reasonable, but they just want to eat. Well, since it's a rare occasion, I'll take them up on their offer.
***
At Primera Guild:
"Catarina, aren't Kakeru and the others late? I think they can come back already..."
"...You're so noisy. It's okay if they're late. Can you not disturb my fluffiness?"
Catarina absentmindedly pets the rabbit.
"Hey, Aaron, since Catarina is like that, let's have a drink and wait patiently."
"That's true. We didn't even fight much this time, but we got plenty of rewards."
"Hey, Claudia, have Kakeru-kun and the others not returned yet?"
"Guild Master, they're probably still eating in Seneca Village since Chloe is with them."
"I see... Then, let's inform Alfredo that they will be late."
In the end, Kakeru and the others returned to the guild three hours later.