chapter 41

Two days after the publication of Solit Company’s apology article, Tsutomu paid a visit to the Silver Beast’s Clan House along with Camille and Garm. Despite being located quite far from the Guild, and thus having poor location convenience, their plot of land was quite large, and the Clan House itself was a sizable three-story building.

Mere moments after Tsutomu rang the entrance doorbell, an average-height man with shaggy brown hair opened the door. Very much amused to see Tsutomu, he smirked at him.

“You sure you wanna visit us when you’re such a hot topic round town, my boy Tsutomu?”

The three were greeted by Misil, whose facial hair was untrimmed as it had always been. Tsutomu’s shoulders slumped as if he’d had enough of being welcomed by this man.

“I’m not treated like a criminal anymore, so that’s good, but… now people just approach me wherever I go. It’s pretty hard to deal with, actually…”

“I swear, that Solit Company… they’re sure as hell gonna cross the line if you let them! Never thought they’d screw up this badly, though. Anyway, that was pretty crazy, you know, killing a Fire Dragon with just the three of you. What secret tricks d’ya have up your sleeves?”

“It’s a secret.”

Tsutomu held his index finger in front of his nose; Misil let out a humorous chuckle before addressing the two behind the former,

“Good day to you two as well, Garm and Miss Camille. Always happy to welcome y’all here.”

“Mm-hm, we’ll be bothering you for a bit.”

“Oh, no, I should be the one saying that. We were the ones who invited y’all here, after all — the party of three that killed a Fire Dragon, you know! That’s a real big deal! Well, anyway… here, let’s get ourselves inside.”

After cracking a joke, Misil turned around, beckoned to Tsutomu’s group, and walked on ahead into the Silver Beast Clan House; Tsutomu, Garm, and Camille followed him.

The wide wooden corridor contained many doors on either side; each of the doors were slightly open. Through those gaps, the people inside looked on at the four as they walked along, eyes sparkling in child-like admiration. They were the Beastkin orphans and-or refugees from other villages; Misil had established the Clan House to provide them with the protection they needed.

Tsutomu, Garm, and Camille were led into a spacious living room. In addition to the familiar members such as the red and blue Birdkin girls, dozens of Beastkins and Dragonewts of all ages were waiting in silence.

“Garm and Miss Camille, we’ve gathered up the people who wanted to meet the two of you. Could we borrow you two for a bit, if you don’t mind?”

“Mm-hm, I’ve always had a feeling that this is what I was called here for.”

“It’s been a while since I’ve provided direct guidance to anyone… It might come off as a tad awkward, but sure, I’ll go.”

Garm and Camille walked up to the people who were waiting for them. Perhaps thanks to Garm’s pre-established popularity, everyone started talking to him immediately, while the young and old Dragonewts saluted to Camille. The Dragonewts, apparently knowing by instinct how to act around one they considered a Dragonewt Deity, wasted no time to gather around Camille.

Tsutomu, looking at the scene, thought to himself how tough it must be to be in the center of attention; Misil gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“…You’ll get yourself some fans eventually, Tsutomu.”

“Uh, no, that’s not what I’m worried about. Besides–“

Not quite amused by Misil’s attempt at reassurance, Tsutomu lightly brushed his hand away. He then started to speak, but Misil interrupted, having seen through what he was about to say.

“Don’t say that, Tsutomu; everyone goes through this kind of phase at first. You’ll definitely get a following after things calm down a bit. Apparently, quite a lot of people were paying attention to you during the Fire Dragon battle, you know?”

“Yeah, yeah, if you say so… Anyways, where’s your Healer?”

“Oh, right, that’s what you’re here for today… Hey! Lorena!”

Misil, reminded of the original arrangements by Tsutomu, looked over to the sofa — one so large that as many as ten people could sit on it at one time — and called over the Conykin sitting on it. The girl, her long rabbit ears perked up, walked over to the two.

Lorena, her eyes wide open, timidly bowed to Tsutomu. Tsutomu, as if his reflexes dictated that he did the same, promptly bowed back.

“Here’s Lorena, our best Healer. Lorena, this is Tsutomu. Well, I guess you already know him, having watched the Fire Dragon fight and all.”

As Misil introduced her to everyone, Lorena nodded along. Tsutomu replied to her with a bow.

“Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Y-yes, likewise! I’ll be in your care today!”

Lorena, not at all accustomed to formal speech, bowed again several times. Tsutomu pulled a strained smile as he looked on; Misil raised his hand as if to apologize.

“Sorry, she’s not used to this. Don’t mind if she comes off as a bit impolite, yeah?”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all. So, I tagged along today because I wanted to verify some details regarding her <<heal>> shots… Would you mind if I asked a few questions?”</heal>

“Go ahead — you’re always welcome to. Didn’t expect you to head over here this soon, is all… Anyway, let’s go talk over there.”

Misil pointed at the desk away from the crowd around Garm and Camille; Tsutomu nodded and moved there, then sat in one of the chairs. Misil and Lorena sat opposite to him.

“So, the skill shots — how effective are they looking right now?”

“Not that much of a progress, really. Better direction and accuracy, at least, but the healing skills aren’t doing their thing at all. Oh, but the support skills are more or less usable, I think?”

“Yes. Skills like <

Tsutomu, some morbid imaginations surfacing briefly in his mind, Tsutomu collected the dropped Magic Stone and stored it in his Magic Bag.