Volume 2 Chapter 32 Help the Merchant in the Forest
One day.
On the way back to Demon Lord country, I was running through the forest on the earth dragon, Chippy.
"Sorry, Chippy, I always make you feel cramped."
If I used teleportation, I'd be home in an instant.
But she always keep me company.
So I'm taking a walk on the way back.
'Don't worry about it. Sure, it can be a bit tight, but I'm used to it now. Plus, I get to have Zeke all to myself like this~♡'
Chippy happily chirped, making a cute noise.
It was just then, as we approached the deep forest.
"H-Help! Someone, please help me!"
The call echoed through the forest, a young man's voice.
"Chippy."
'Yes, yes, I understand!'
I changed course towards the direction of the scream.
'Ugh, Zeke, you just can't ignore someone in trouble, can you? But that's what I love about you♡'
After a short while, I saw an overturned carriage surrounded by some shady-looking people.
'Bandits.'
I jumped off Chippy's back and stood in front of the boy who was being attacked.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes..."
The one who screamed was still a child, with much of his youth still visible.
He had thin lines and gray hair that made him look even more fragile.
"Huh? Who the hell are you...?"
"Don't get in the way of our work!"
Seeing the carriage and how this kid was dressed, it seemed like the bandits had attacked this merchant.
"I don't like that you're attacking a child."
"Shut up...! What we do is none of your business!"
"It is absolutely my business. I'm an adventurer, and I can't ignore those in need."
One of the bandits looked at me with wide eyes.
He was shocked.
"That mask... an adventurer? No way! [Magic Beast's Controller Zekefried]!?"
The bandits stirred with unease.
"The one who became S-rank at incredible speed and can control powerful magic beasts, that Zekefried!?"
"So what if I am?"
I took a step forward.
The bandits recoiled.
"H-Hurry up and run!"
"You won't get away. [Paralyze] [Sleep]"
Thud...!
The bandits fell to the ground in droves.
"T-That was amazing... to scare off the bandits just by name..."
I extend my hand to the merchant, who is frozen in fear.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes...! Thank you! I never expected to run into Sir Zekefried, it's an honor!"
It seems this boy knows the masked adventurer (Zekefried).
'You're quite the celebrity. Just as I thought, my Zeke!'
Chippy approached and nuzzled against me.
"My name is [Larc]. Really, thank you for saving me from such danger, I don't know how to express my gratitude..."
"Don't mention it. We help each other in times of trouble."
"Ah, this is amazing, a real S-rank adventurer. Strong and kind... I'm so envious..."
For some reason, I was held in great respect.
"Ah! Right...!"
"T-Take this!"
Larc ran towards the fallen horses.
"Bonnie, Bride! Are you okay!?"
Larc spoke to the two horses on the ground.
The horses neighed weakly, looking like they had broken their legs.
"I'm so sorry... It's because I'm so weak. Just wait, I'll call the beast veterinarian right away."
It was clear he cared for the horses deeply.
I felt a sense of goodwill towards him.
"Um, Sir Zekefried. I have a favor to ask. Please take me to the Demon Lord country."
"I don't mind, but why?"
"I've heard that the king of the Demon Lord country has incredible healing powers. I don't know if he will listen to a request from someone like me, but I hope to seek help for these horses."
"I see, understood. I will lend my strength."
"Huh?"
I extended my hand towards the horses.
The Hand of God activated, and the broken legs of the horses were restored.
"Bonnie! Bride! Thank goodness! You're better now!"
Larc hugged the horses that stood up, shedding tears of joy.
'Those kids really seem to love their master.'
"Ah, that's a good relationship."
'It's just like me and Zeke~♡'
Chippy nuzzles against me.
"Um, Sir Zekefried! Thank you so, so much!"
Larc bows deeply.
"You have incredible healing powers. Truly an S-rank adventurer...! But healing a horse, well, that's impressive for someone who's not a beast veterinarian."
"Ah... well."
'Hmph, Zeke is amazing; he's both a beast veterinarian and a Demon Lord!'
The horse shrinks back in shock.
It neighs nervously.
"W-whatttt!? S-Sir Zekefried is, the Demon Lord!?"
It seems he can understand horse language.
Apparently, the message from Chippy to the horse to Larc got through.
"I trust you to keep this matter confidential."
"Y-yes..."
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