The next day arrived.
Thus, the investigation team for the Elven settlement—our temporary party—was formed and departed from the main gate of Sidera.
By the way, it had only been about half a month since Pochi and we of the Hatano family made a round trip, so, generally speaking, it was still a restricted period. Adventurer activities were limited, and this was a special exception.
However, the situation where one of the members who caused the forest to be off-limits due to disrupting it with a wagon is now entering the forest during the restricted period… It feels quite like a self-righteous bastard and extremely apologetic.
We have compensated the adventurers from mother’s and my own pockets, and they seem to be happy with ‘getting paid even though it’s their day off’. Still, I worry that someone might try to break the ban and enter the forest like last time.
「It’s not a certainty, but it should be okay.」
Said Berde-san.
「Given the precedent, the fact that they nearly got killed by a mutant is enough to scare any adventurer. Besides, the ones who caused that trouble are now leading the patrols.」
Among the party that caused the commotion, two who are still adventurers—the brother and sister with no other family—deeply regret their actions. They now stand guard through the night in front of the gate and patrol the ramparts to prevent anyone from repeating their mistake.
As for the remaining two, one is serving a labor punishment, and the other has retired from adventuring. The leader who suggested breaking the ban and the youngest girl who opposed it until the end. Even so, both of them seem to regret their crimes and are moving forward with determination.
I am in no position to comment on that party. Whether they repent, make amends, are forgiven, or punished is for them and the adventurers of Sidera to decide. I just hope that, since everyone returned safely, we can avoid any unfortunate outcomes.
「Well, it should be fine. I’ll be keeping an eye on things, and you’re here too.」
「Why me?」
「Zau’s little sister… the youngest one. She’s currently working at a consommé production plant. Not only did you save her life, but you also helped her find a job after retirement.」
「I see.」
「Of course, everyone else is grateful to you as well. Thanks to you, they’re able to hold on, atone for their sins, and think about what comes next.」
That seems like an exaggeration. It makes me feel awkward and, in turn, apologetic.
In fact, I think Berde-san, who keeps track of everyone’s movements and watches over the situation, deserves more praise! Isn’t he being too considerate?
「Captain, Sui. Stop chatting for a moment. This area is a bit suspicious. There might be beasts around.」
As we walked through the forest, our conversation was interrupted by Schnei-san’s warning.
「Hmm… I can’t tell. How about you, Chocola?」
「Bark?」
Karen, who is trying to learn Schnei-san’s scouting techniques, let out a frustrated noise. Chocola looked confused and only made a small sound.
「Well, I don’t have definite proof either. It’s not from any visible signs like footprints or droppings, just a vague feeling. Besides, Karen and Chocola are strong… Any beasts here wouldn’t even be weaklings, so it’s not impossible even without a keen nose.」
When Schnei-san, who was leading, stopped, the entire group came to a halt. Schnei-san licked his fingers, rubbed them together, and then felt the wind. After closing his eyes to sense the surroundings, he eventually turned back without looking at us and said,
「I take that back. Instead, let’s make a bit of noise to distract any beasts from our presence. Just keep chatting casually.」
I see.
That’s another way to deter beasts.
「Master, won’t making noise attract the beasts instead?」
「Ah, it might.」
Schnei-san smiled in response to Noemi-san’s question.
「But that means they’re on edge. Their presence is obvious, and you can predict when they’ll come.」
「So…?」
「Yeah, just don’t let your guard down. Stay vigilant.」
「Yes!」
Noemi-san responded energetically.
Karen, with a look of exasperation, muttered,
「…Noemi, you’re like a dog. I can almost see the wagging tail.」
「Wha?」
「Good, good. Chocola is smart and can stay alert.」
「Bark.」
Karen’s comment made Parker-san glare at her with a reproachful look.
「Hey, Karen, why did you say that while looking at me? I’m not a child who can’t control her tail.」
「Hmm, sometimes when talking to Noapp, you do wag it.」
「That’s a lie!」
Parker-san blushed and placed a hand on her rear.
It seems beastkin’s tails move according to their emotions, but controlling them with reason is seen as a sign of maturity.
「Ha ha ha, it’s fine, Parker. It just means you care about me…」
「Shut up!」
Parker-san, with a red face, smacked Noah on the head, and Noah, smiling despite being smacked, seemed to be enjoying it. While it was a kind of interaction I would never have with Karen, their camaraderie was endearing.
As we resumed our walk, Rick-san suddenly asked,
「…By the way, Sui-san, is that really not too heavy?」
「Hmm? Oh, it’s totally fine.」
He was referring to the backpack on my back.
It was indeed understandable for him to be concerned.
After all, it was enormous.
It was packed with emergency rations, cooking utensils, medicinal supplies—everything needed for the forest, for eight people plus one animal.
The bulging pack was higher than my head and wider than my shoulders, weighing heavily on both.
「I’m fine, but… it’s a bit unsettling that you, being the strongest among us, are carrying it.」
「Actually, I’m enjoying it quite a bit.」
Yes.
My role in this party is to be the porter—carrying the supplies.
When Berde-san assigned me this task, I couldn’t help but dance inside. After all, being a porter? It’s a classic trope in entertainment where the character is exiled, right? It’s a protagonist’s job! To be able to do this in another world, of course, it gets me excited. Though being exiled would be problematic.
…Well, I couldn’t explain it, so I didn’t tell anyone else.
「And it’s perfect for the role. Berde-san truly understands.」
「Is that so…」
「Yes, because these supplies are vital to everyone’s survival.」
Typically, transporting supplies is assigned to those with lower combat abilities. However, in survival situations within a forest, these supplies are crucial for life and death. Therefore, the porter must always be protected by someone with high combat skills.
So, how about our party?
I can continue to use body enhancement to manage this heavy load without trouble. Furthermore, my combat style doesn’t involve swinging a sword or rapid movements, so even if enemies attack, the heavy backpack won’t be a hindrance.
Moreover, I don’t need a bodyguard, so the others can focus on their tasks without worrying about the supplies.
For these reasons, I am the most suitable person for carrying the load.
「If you think of it as carrying everyone’s lives, it will motivate you.」
「I see. As expected of Berde-san. That’s not an easy strategy I would come up with.」
「Well, if I get tired, we’ll switch out, but I think I’ll be fine. Please trust me with it.」
What made me happiest was that they didn’t treat me like a guest.
Even knowing my abilities, they didn’t rely on them and straightforwardly said, ‘You’ll carry our supplies’. They treated me as a fellow adventurer, not as a special case.
Berde-san and the others never thought, ‘He has cheats, so let him use them’.
「Bark!」
「That’s right. Your dog food is in there, too.」
I waved my hand in front of the snout that had come up beside me, the playful Chocola, who was hopping around.
「…It’s probably gone by now. Most likely a Batcat or something. It’s good at hiding its presence but is cowardly and won’t attack recklessly.」
Schnei-san informed us, and a sense of relief spread through the group.
「Hey, don’t let your guard down. We’re about to enter an area we usually avoid. There probably won’t be anything too dangerous, but assuming otherwise could lead to disaster.」
※※※
To be honest, when it’s just us living in the depths, this area on the surface doesn’t warrant much caution. I’d be lying on Pochi’s back, singing a tune, and watching the sky with Mint in my arms. …Well, maybe I’d still do that even in the depths.
But this time is different.
We’re not on a journey protected by barriers, where we can advance without worry. Berde-san, Schnei-san, Noah, Parker-san, Rick-san, and Noemi-san—they face the forest without any cheats or special aids. We can’t afford to be lax and disrespectful.
My barrier operates automatically for those I consider ‘family’, but for others, it requires conscious effort to maintain its effectiveness. Keeping it active 24/7, except in emergencies, is not feasible.
They never asked me to use my barrier to make things easier for them.
So, to honor their feelings, I have to do my best as an adventurer.
The load is light, but the responsibility is heavy.
I refocused my determination and tightened my grip on the straps of the large backpack.
——————————————————
Here’s a summary of Sui’s barrier capabilities:
・For Home and Family (Including Garden and Farm):
→Fully Automatic:
Functions automatically, even in Sui’s absence or unconscious state.
・For Others:
→Semi-Automatic:
Activated if Sui consciously decides to protect someone and is present at the location.
Difficulty in Certain Conditions: For example, if Sui is asleep, it’s challenging to maintain (though it can still function for up to around 48 hours).
→Customizable:
Sui can manually adjust or deactivate the barrier as needed.
For this investigation, the barrier is active for unexpected and unmanageable assaults but is otherwise turned off.
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