episode_0092

“Was this the place the witch mentioned for us to gather?”

It was a bit early to call it evening.

The dwarf, his beard thick and unruly, stood in front of the tavern holding a note he had received that morning, looking around.

“Hmm, am I the only one who arrived? I thought everyone would be out early for a drink…”

The tavern was unusually quiet, indicating that none of the other comrades had arrived yet.

Confirming this, the stout dwarf, Stroheim, expressed his disappointment but pushed open the door energetically and entered.

“Well, if I start drinking first, they’ll show up eventually! They’ll arrive around the time things get lively!”

With a hearty laugh, the dwarf quickly ordered ten beers from the waiter and as he drank alone, three empty glasses were placed in front of him.

“I wondered where you went since you weren’t at the mansion. You came early, huh? Should’ve let us know before you left.”

“That’s right, Stroheim. Heard about some tasty drinks and rushed over, didn’t you? It’s so obvious even without looking.”

The elegant elf, Veldem, and the battle-loving dragonborn, Louis, appeared in front of him.

“Haha, do you really think so? Just finished what I had to do and found myself here quite early. These beers… well, let’s call them appetizers.”

“How can three beers be appetizers, Stroheim? Don’t you say you cure hangovers with beer?”

“…How did you know?”

Stroheim raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

Looking down at him with admiration, Louis and Veldem sighed and sat beside him.

Then, bringing a beer glass untouched by Stroheim in front of him, they started drinking heartily.

“Mmm… This beer is quite good quality. Feels different from what we’ve had on our travels.”

“Haha, isn’t that obvious! It should be delicious compared to the cheap beer sold in those rural corners!”

“That’s true, but it feels good to have a decent beer after a while. I could probably have a few more.”

Veldem grinned and brought another beer glass in front of him.

Though he had intended just to taste and stop…

Well, it’s okay to consider today a cheat day. Bulking up is important too.

After ordering some snacks, amidst the lively atmosphere, Stroheim turned to Veldem with a question.

“How have you been, Veldem? You seemed quite busy traveling here and there.”

“Hmm, not that busy. Just wandered around the forges to alleviate boredom.”

“Boredom… Were you feeling that too, Veldem?”

“Hahaha! How can you not be bored? After experiencing such tremendous events, it’s natural to feel restless and seek peace, isn’t it, Veldem?”

Surviving in one of the Four Great Forests, the Southern Wilds.

Engaging in bloody battles against the Apostle of Evil and the winter forces emerging from the Eternal Snowy Mountains in the Western Paradise.

And then subjugating the legendary Gwangryong, Ferodori, known as the living legend, during a moment of boredom.

How could one find joy in ordinary activities?

Emptying another glass of beer, Stroheim spoke with a wistful tone.

“To be honest, if the witch hadn’t called us with that note, I was planning to leave the city today. What else is there to do in this peaceful place?”

“…I agree with your thoughts. I, too, was planning to leave with this lizard fellow. Simple exercises no longer satisfy me; I’ve reached a point where I can’t bear the restlessness in my body.”

“I’ve seen most of the Empire knights’ swordsmanship, and it’s almost time to leave. Staying too long in such a peaceful place dulls even the sharpest senses.”

Perhaps, if the witch doesn’t provide us with work this time, I might really not leave until tomorrow?

The trio with similar thoughts discussed their next destination in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

As their destination began to roughly take shape, other individuals started arriving at the pub one by one.

“Just when I thought I arrived right on time, it seems like I’m actually late. There are already so many empty glasses.”

“Yeah, did everyone come too early? Take it easy and arrive a bit slowly.”

Kotas and Alain glanced at the numerous empty glasses on the table, clicking their tongues.

Observing their already slightly intoxicated companions, they quickly took their seats and seamlessly joined the conversation upon realizing that the topic was quite ordinary.

Amidst the lively exchange of words, Karl, sporting a hearty laugh, arrived shortly after, and the group teasingly greeted him for being a bit late.

“You seem unusually cheerful today. Did something good happen?”

“Hah, it must be related to the witch, right? That’s the only reason you’d be so happy, Karl.”

“It’s not important right now. Karl, the witch asked us to gather. Any idea what she might want?”

Upon Bellem’s inquiry, all eyes turned to Karl.

Given his noticeably different expression from yesterday, it was likely he had met the witch before coming here.

With everyone probing him as if expecting him to know something, Karl just shrugged his shoulders and offered a sly smile.

“How would I know what the witch is thinking? Can any of you read her mind?”

“Let’s just ask when she arrives. What interesting task has she brought this time?”

Haven’t we always done that? Isn’t that right?

Adding no more words, Karl quietly took his seat, sipping on his beer with impeccable accuracy in his statement, prompting the group to nod in agreement and eagerly await the witch’s arrival.

Would another crazy incident unfold this time?

Amidst the mix of worry and anticipation, the pub’s door swung open wide.

“Sorry, am I a bit late?”

Finally, the protagonist everyone had been waiting for revealed themselves.

—–

Looking at my colleagues gathered around the large table, a faint smile crept onto my face for some reason.

The anxiety that had plagued me incessantly since morning, swiftly replaced by this emotion, must surely be called reassurance.

Feeling somewhat improved, I sought forgiveness for my tardiness, took my seat, and began the conversation.

“Seeing everyone looking so well-rested, it seems like you’ve had a good break? You must have done everything you wanted to do.”

“You, on the other hand, don’t look too good. Did something unpleasant happen while you were away?”

“No, nothing eventful happened during my absence. Who would dare mess with a witch?”

Bellum seemed to anticipate what was coming next.

I cleared my throat once, then cautiously addressed my puzzled companions.

“Well, something came up, and it’s quite troublesome. I could use some help from others.”

“Oh… The witch? It’s not what you mentioned yesterday, is it?”

“Who knows? Probably.”

With a forced chuckle, I picked up my beer glass.

“If you thought about visiting the Guild, you’re correct. This time, there’s business to attend to at the Guild.”

Finishing my sentence, I slowly took a sip of my beer.

My throat keeps feeling dry; am I unknowingly tense?

Well, not being nervous would be even stranger now.

What I’m telling my companions now wouldn’t be odd enough to warrant rejection.

If I were an ordinary person instead of a witch, and if those before me were somewhat normal individuals.

I would have casually toured the Guild without a care in the world.

After all, the Guild is an infinitely free place for those who are unharmed and ordinary.

However, more than half of the individuals seated at this table were those banned from entering the Church.

For them, the idea of going to the Church was equivalent to saying, “I want to commit suicide.”

Asking for help and suggesting going together was no different from politely asking, “Would you like to commit suicide together?”

Think about it.

Imagine a scene where a close friend who has overcome many hardships suddenly smiles brightly and asks, “Wouldn’t you like to commit suicide together?”

Honestly… isn’t it a normal response to slap some sense into them, curse them out, and refuse?

Those who had formed bonds left without hesitation.

Because it was too frightening, I cautiously broached the subject.

But my concerns seemed insignificant as, apart from Alain, all my colleagues showed no negative reactions.

Instead,

“Conquering the Church through legitimate means… What a crazy idea.”

“Haha! But isn’t it exciting? I wonder how we’ll outsmart our opponents this time!”

“It might seem like a failure for others, but coming from you, the proposer, it seems worth a try.”

“I’ll help. When are we leaving?”

They displayed very positive reactions, expressing their willingness to participate.

Seeing the lively demeanor of my colleagues, my tension dissipated, and I chuckled wistfully while grabbing some snacks.

There was no need to worry about anyone backing out.

After all, the world’s greatest hedonists would have no reason to refuse such madness.

The only one who didn’t respond was Alain.

However, even she didn’t take long to show a positive reaction.

“If everyone says they’ll join, what am I hesitating for? Ugh… Well, I guess I have no choice! I have to participate…”

A paradoxical situation where all colleagues declared they would join in suicide.

Overwhelmed by sudden, indescribable emotions, tears welled up in my eyes as I spoke.

“These damn idiots…”

Thank you.

Really.