Chapter 574: Taking a Break With a Side Gig Let's do a side gig!
And so, the Uzoh-Muzoh brothers decided to settle in Golen. I had a vague feeling that this would happen, so it wasn't particularly surprising. It seemed that the carpenter, Kusan, was going to quickly build a house for them. Their plot of land seemed a bit larger than the other houses.
Oh, this is the planned construction site. The foundation's already in place; good job, Kusan.
"Actually, we got promoted to B-rank! Our work in the Demonlands was recognized."
"So technically, we're nobles. But, well, don't worry about it."
B-rank. A rank that granted the unique imperial title of Ventulier. I see, if they're nobles, it makes sense that they have a bit more spacious land. By the way, their DP earnings per day significantly increased, with Uzoh at 250 DP per day and Muzoh at 230 DP per day. It's clear that they've undergone considerable training.
"Wow! Nobles, huh… Wait, I'm a baron too."
"What…? Hey, what's the meaning of this, Muzoh?"
"I'm in the same boat, Uzoh. We were outdone quite casually… Truly, as expected of Kehma-san."
"What, didn't you hear from Gozoh and the others? They're also B-rank. They went to the imperial capital together."
"I heard that. They got the credit for driving away the dragon…"
"Gozoh, you sly dog, deliberately keeping it quiet, huh!?"
It was a plausible story. Gozoh did like pranks.
"Also, after returning from the Demonlands, His Majesty the Emperor asked if we wanted to become A-rank adventurers. We declined, though."
"Hold on, Kehma-san…!?"
"Well, considering your performance in that martial arts tournament… But to decline an offer from His Majesty the Emperor…"
Hmm, a good reaction. I feel like all the various things we'd done were worth it.
"But anyway, I was a bit curious… Are you okay financially? Aside from the house payment, being an Ventulier comes with taxes, right?"
"… Ah, yeah. The reason we're penniless is because of taxes."
"Well, we're okay for now since we hunted two Iron Golems. We're kind of running a tab for the house payment, but we plan to pay it back soon."
For now, it seemed that the B-rank adventurers had indeed succeeded in hunting and bringing back two Iron Golems. They probably felt confident that they could live here by the dungeon, so they'd decided to build a house and settle down.
"So, while our house is being built, we decided to go work in Tsuia for two or three days. Right, Muzoh?"
"Yeah. And, if you're up for it, Kehma-san, you could join us."
"Hey, hey, I'm the village chief; don't invite me to part-time work—"
Then, I suddenly thought, maybe it would be good to head out now and then. The inn could run smoothly with Rokuko, and I could entrust the church to Rei and Suira. Me being the village chief was mostly for show and there wasn't anything urgent to get done. With Wozuma around, it should be fine for about three days. Although it's entirely unrelated, Rokuko has been looking at me with the eyes of a hunter ready for her prey night and day recently. Still, taking a short two or three-day trip might be alright. Even without using [Super Transformation], I'm confident in my skills as a mage. I've even learned to use a sword to some extent during my recent training with Leona. I have the Clothes Golem too, so I won't be a burden.
"Alright. When do we leave?"
"Yeah, true. You're the village chief, so you must be busy—wait, is it really okay, Kehma-san!?"
"Oh, that's reliable. How about starting from today at noon?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
There's no need to pack each item individually. With sufficient storage, I could start survival right away and easily last a month. In fact, Soto will resupply me, so I could go for a year, and I can return in a minute.
"… While we're at it, should we bring someone along?"
"Tell me the details!!"
Swoosh! With an unnecessary cloud of dust, a maid in the inn's uniform appeared. No need to be so theatrical, Ichika.
"Master! It'll be a big help to take care of everything around you! Bring me along!! I'll support you from morning to night!"
"Hmm… Well, I was thinking of bringing someone like Niku, but negotiation-wise, you'd definitely be better, Ichika. Well, that should be fine."
"Alright, then I'll push my shift onto Kinue! Uzoh-Muzoh, you're good with that, right!?"
Saying that, Ichika skipped away back towards the inn. Why were you in the residential area anyway? Slacking off? Also, pushing work onto Kinue-san… Kinue-san would probably be happy to take over. Yeah.
"… An angel…!"
"S-So that's it. Ichika is Kehma-san's companion…"
"Come to think of it, when you guys were trapped, Ichika was with you."
I briefly thought that maybe spring had come for Ichika, but upon closer inspection, these guys aren't really her type. Anyway, I've decided to go to Tsuia after a long time. Alright! Time for a carefree holiday (side gig)!!!