Chapter 15 - To the Mountains with the Hunter
"Um, so, Aldo-san, what business do you have with my father today?"
On the way from the vineyard to Elgis-san's house, Flora, who was walking beside me, asked hesitantly.
"Ah, my life has settled down a bit, so I thought I'd have him introduce me to the hunters in this village."
"It's only your fourth day since arriving, right? Cleaning a new house and gathering furniture must have been hard, right? Are you working already?"
Flora's large, round eyes widened in surprise.
Certainly, as Flora said, getting a house, cleaning it, gathering furniture, preparing meals, and starting a new life were all very difficult things.
Even I, who was confident in my physical strength, didn't think it would be bad to relax for about two more days while looking at the flower fields.
"I've been taken care of by various people since coming to this village. I want to work soon and become a strength for everyone in the village."
But right now, this feeling was stronger. Elgis-san, Fiona-san, Flora, Aisha, and Toak—I had been taken care of by five people in just four days. In truth, there were probably people who had helped me in places I didn't know, and people who would help me from now on, like with the bedding and clothes.
Because I was supported by everyone, I wanted to support them in return.
"...Is that so. Then, from now on, there will be a lot of meat on the dining table, won't there?"
Flora said with a carefree smile.
Even though I hadn't even hunted here yet, it was a cloudless smile as if it were absolutely certain to happen.
"...I can't guarantee it, but I'll work hard so that a lot of it is lined up."
"It will be so."
When I answered ambiguously while being overwhelmed by Flora's strange sense of trust, she said that looking like she was in a good mood.
What was this sense of trust? No, was it her desire that it would be nice if it happened? Or was Flora putting pressure on me? No, I didn't think Flora was the kind of girl who would say such a thing...
Leaving aside Flora, who was walking with light steps, I thought I had to work hard so as not to betray her expectations.
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"Oh, welcome back, Flora. Aldo-san is with you too."
When we reached Elgis-san's house, Elgis-san was in the backyard doing farm work.
Since he was crouching with gloves on, he must have been pulling weeds.
"Hello, Elgis-san."
When Flora and I approached the field, Elgis-san stood up and tapped his lower back.
"Hello. How is the house?"
"The cleaning is finished, and thanks to buying furniture from Toak, I'm now able to live there."
"Is that so."
Elgis-san had a gentle smile upon hearing my current report, but his eyes widened as if he had just realized something.
"Come to think of it, I had forgotten about the food. Is your meal situation okay? If you're short, I can give you some..."
"Ah, the food is fine. I was able to buy ingredients from Toak."
"I see. That's good. I remembered the house and furniture but completely forgot about the food; I was just now very panicked."
Elgis-san pressed his hand to his chest as if truly relieved.
Elgis-san is human too. He forgets things sometimes.
"No, no, even I completely forgot about it despite it being my own business. The day before yesterday, I had leftovers from my journey's food, so I didn't have to go hungry."
In truth, there was no food from the journey, and I had gone hungry the next morning and been treated to breakfast by Toak, but it wasn't something I needed to say.
After all, the one who forgot about his own food was the one at fault. By no means was the blame on Elgis-san.
To end this conversation, I decided to convey today's business from my side.
"Elgis-san. I'm thinking of working starting today, so could I ask for that matter regarding the hunters of this village you mentioned before?"
"Already, even though you just arrived at the village? You could relax a bit more, you know?"
Since I had been given the same worry just a moment ago, Flora and I couldn't help but laugh.
Elgis-san, who didn't know that, looked at us laughing with a puzzled expression.
"No, I want to work soon, so please."
"...I see. It's a good thing for the number of hunters to increase early on. Let's introduce you right away. Flora, can I leave the field to you?"
"Yes."
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Since Elgis-san was going to call the hunter, Lauren-san, to the plaza, I returned home to change into clothes suitable for hunting.
I took off the white, short-sleeved villager clothes and changed into a green long-sleeved shirt, leather gloves, long trousers, and leather boots. I equipped a breastplate over the clothes and slid throwing knives into the belt and holster wrapped around my waist.
"...I guess I won't need a longsword."
I murmured as I picked up my favorite sword wrapped in cloth.
I had picked it up out of habit. I had been using this sword for three years, after all. It was the sword I had when I faced the dragon; it could be called my partner that shared my joys and sorrows.
Even though monsters might appear, this sword was a bit conspicuous.
It was a sword made by a man said to be the best blacksmith in the Kingdom.
It was made using expensive ores like mithril and orichalcum, and materials from high-ranking monsters. Even someone not well-versed in weapons could tell it was an exquisite piece of work and not just an ordinary sword.
If I wandered around the village carrying such a thing, strange rumors might spread, so this sword would be sealed away.
I tucked the cloth-wrapped longsword into the back of the wardrobe and instead wore a dagger for self-defense at my waist.
Then I took out my bow and checked the condition of the string.
"Yeah, looks fine. ...But the arrows, which are essential, are a bit low."
The bow itself wasn't damaged because I had been hunting during the journey, but since I hadn't replenished the arrows, there were only eight left.
I had completely forgotten. If I had known, I would have carved wood and made them myself yesterday.
"It can't be helped. I'll have to ask for some..."
Muttering that, I equipped the bow on my back and the quiver at my waist.
Finally, after packing emergency rations into a small hemp bag, the preparations were complete.
I moved on the spot to check my condition, then dashed out of the house and headed for the plaza.
When I arrived at the plaza, the ladies were happily chatting and exchanging ingredients today as well.
Looking at them while recalling the lines Toak said yesterday, the women of the village were indeed wearing clothes that wouldn't lose to the brilliantly blooming flowers, or rather, clothes that didn't ruin the atmosphere.
If the village is beautiful, the women become beautiful enough not to lose to it.
While enjoying the sight of the private houses and women's clothing adorned with such brilliant flowers, I saw a large man with brown hair swept back in an all-back style and a blonde boy in the center of the plaza.
When there's a man with bulging muscles in a plaza where flowers are blooming, he certainly stands out.
Since he was carrying a bow and arrows on his back just like me, was he the hunter, Lauren-san?
As I walked while wondering, the other side noticed me by my equipment and waved.
"I'm Lauren. I'm the one doing the hunting in this village. You're the one the village chief mentioned, Aldo, right?"
"Yes, that's right. I'm sorry for having to be introduced so suddenly. I look forward to working with you!"
When I gave a light bow, Lauren-san nodded magnanimously.
"You've got good manners, unlike a certain someone."
"Please don't bring up old stories."
When Lauren nudged the boy with his elbow, the boy answered with a grimace.
I could somehow tell the relationship between the two from just this conversation.
"Oh right, this is my apprentice, Kyle. Just so you know, this uncute brat isn't my son, okay?"
"No, I'm the one who's sorry. I'm Kyle, twelve years old. Nice to meet you."
Introduced by Lauren-san, Kyle gave a polite bow.
I had guessed from their appearance and tone that they weren't father and son, but they seemed to be a close pair.
"Today I'm going to teach Aldo about the mountains here, but while I'm at it, I want to confirm if Kyle's knowledge isn't wrong. So I'm going to have Kyle accompany us; do you mind?"
Since it was a natural story for a hunter to take an apprentice and train them, I gave my consent.
"Oh, that's good. Also, I heard from the village chief that Aldo is good at hunting, but how much have you done?"
"I wasn't exactly a hunter, but since I was traveling, I used it to take down prey along the way. I've also hunted in the mountains."
Since I only used the bow for hunting or special quests, I wasn't that confident. I'd say it without too much exaggeration.
"I see! Then there shouldn't be a problem. Judging by your equipment, you don't look like an amateur either, and I'm looking forward to Aldo's skill!"
Lauren-san, who stared at my equipment, laughed boisterously, slapped my back, and started walking.