Tenkomori: The Homecoming Club Conquers Another World

Since I declined the captain’s flashy send-off, only Morris came out to see me off in front of the barracks.

It seemed Brent also wanted to come out, but his subordinates stopped him, and he’s resting quietly in bed.

“You’re leaving already? You should stay longer.”

“I have plans. I can’t stay long.”

If I ran at full speed, I could return today, but not hunting would waste the Telpa’s Bag.

Moreover, the issue with Soprick was resolved.

According to the captain, the Soprick herd doesn’t mingle with others.

This means the ‘Vengeful Frenzy’ only affects one herd.

The frenzied individuals gathered there. Even if some remain, they would be few.

The detox left behind should suffice, and circulation will recover soon.

There’s no reason to stay.

“I’m taking the carcasses, but are you really okay with that?”

“Of course. We’d actually prefer you take them.”

Morris responded with a smile.

When I announced my departure, the captain consulted with me about the Soprick cleanup.

While extinguishing the fire, they collected the Soprick carcasses but were troubled since most of the rights belonged to me and it was dangerous.

Morris tried to see me off further, but I said my goodbyes here.

I left the barracks and headed straight for the east gate.

I could explore Keril Village again, but the mood was completely gone.

Moreover, the guards wouldn’t be at ease until the carcasses were dealt with.

First, I’ll collect the Soprick, and then inspect the restoration sites. I’ll hunt on the way back through the Seren territory.

Near the east gate, merchants and adventurers were gathered, but no one seemed to be passing through.

It’s understandable since it was just yesterday. They’re likely still wary of Soprick.

Passing by them, I approached the gate.

At that moment, a man emerged from the crowd and blocked my way.

“Ah, I finally found you!”

A man in his thirties smiled at me, tilting his head.

He seemed to know me, but I had no recollection of him.

He didn’t seem to be from the guards or adventurers.

“I’m the merchant you saved!”

“Oh, from yesterday…”

Right, the adventurers were escorting a merchant.

He was hiding, so I didn’t get a good look at his face. No wonder I didn’t remember.

“Thank you for saving me. I wanted to express my gratitude, so I waited here.”

“It was just circumstance. No need to thank me.”

“Oh, please wait!”

As I tried to leave, the merchant stopped me.

“I know it’s presumptuous, but I have a request—”

“No.”

I interrupted, and the merchant blinked in surprise.

I could roughly guess.

Though he’s in travel gear, the adventurers from yesterday are nowhere to be seen.

“They ran away, huh.”

“Yes… as you’ve guessed. Last night, they wanted to cancel the escort request.”

Though dejected, he’s a merchant. I shouldn’t be deceived by appearances.

However, considering the circumstances, I decided to at least hear him out.

After stripping away unnecessary embellishments, the man’s name was Hans, a traveling merchant.

He was heading to Selene by carriage but was attacked by Soprick. His horse bolted, and he was thrown off. The carriage, with all his cargo, ran off.

Hans requested help searching for the carriage and an escort to Seren.

After hearing him out, I quietly shook my head.

“I declined because I have my own circumstances. I’ve never taken an escort request, and my goal is the opposite.”

“Opposite—you’re not heading to Seren?”

“Not the destination, the purpose. Standard escort requests avoid monsters, but I hunt while heading to Seren. If I take on your request, I can’t hunt.”

“Then, could you at least help search for the carriage? Other adventurers fear Soprick and won’t leave the village.”

Hans pleaded with desperate eyes.

Comparing me to others to flatter me, huh?

Even if it’s true, it’s transparent. Unlike Theo’s pure eyes.

Nevertheless, searching for the carriage wasn’t that difficult.

Following the tracks would lead to it. Though it likely wasn’t intact.

“I have business at the scene from yesterday too. Depending on the direction and distance of the carriage, I can help with the search.”

“Thank you so much!” 𝐟𝗿ee𝘄𝗲𝗯𝐧o𝘃el.𝐜o𝚖

Accompanied by Hans, who repeatedly thanked me, I headed for the gate.

Responding to the guards’ gratitude, I left Keril Village once more.

The weather was pleasant today as well.

Enjoying the scent of spring carried by the breeze, I proceeded along the road.

Though Hans, while scared, stuck close behind me.

But unable to shake off yesterday’s fear, he jumped at the rustling of plants in the wind and flinched at the fluttering of birds.

It was quite annoying as he clung to me each time.

If he’s going to rely on a child, he should find proper guards.

◇◇◇◇