The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 21

Chapter 21: The Rip-off Artist Remembers Being Called a Monster.

After enjoying the two-hour ‘Grusgen Tomb Labyrinth Exploration Tour’ and once again indulging in monster gibier for dinner, we spent the next day leisurely sightseeing in Yaje before returning to the Magitek Train.

The ascending ‘Magitek Cable Car Wild Ape’, unlike the fast-descending ride, allowed us to slowly enjoy the scenery, and I think it was a rather scenic and travel-inspiring experience in its own right.

“Rody Vottark-sama.”

“Hm?”

As we were walking through the station building to return to the Magitek Train, a guide golem called out to me.

The one wearing a hunting cap felt like the same one that had guided us when we disembarked.

I’m not certain, though, since all the humanoid golems of the ‘Trans-Continental Railroad’ have the same mannequin-like faces.

“We have heard from the Yaje Adventurer’s Guild that you were instrumental in resolving the trouble. Thank you for helping with the operation of the ‘Trans-Continental Railroad’.”

I was a little surprised by the guide golem’s deep bow.

I hadn’t expected them to know about me.

“No, I just took the job as an armed merchant—no, an adventurer. I got paid properly, so there’s no need to be so formal.”

“Nevertheless, all of our staff, and the owner, are grateful to you. Thank you very much for your help this time.”

“I’ll gladly accept your thanks. So, is the Magitek Train departing on schedule?”

At my question, the guide golem made a small “beep” sound.

“Yes. The Magitek Train will depart from this station in two hours.”

“I see, thanks. Take care.”

I gave a small wave and walked away from the guide golem, who was bowing deeply again.

Still, I was a little surprised to hear that even the owner knew.

The owner who manages the ‘Trans-Continental Railroad’ is a mysterious figure whose identity no one knows.

I’ve only heard that they have strong influence in various countries.

Otherwise, it would probably be impossible to operate a vehicle that crosses national borders.

“It’s all thanks to you, Rody-san!”

“Well, if you put it that way, I guess so, but I never thought I’d be working on my retirement trip.”

Al smiled softly at my wry chuckle.

“Isn’t it fine? I got to reconfirm how cool you are, Rody-san.”

“In all my life, you’re the only one who’s ever said that to me.”

“You think so?”

I entered the second car with Al, who was tilting her head.

Even though it’s only been a day or so, perhaps because we were so busy in Yaje, it feels strangely nostalgic.

“We’re back. What kind of food can we eat at the next station?”

“You glutton. Well, but… next time, we might be able to eat something delicious.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. After all, the next stop is right near the kingdom’s capital. If we go a little further, we can even go to the royal capital.”

Al’s eyes sparkled at my words.

And for good reason, since the royal capital is the number one place on Al’s list of places she wants to go.

As the largest city in this kingdom… perhaps it holds some special meaning for a girl.

“I’ve never been there either, but the royal capital is the home of court cuisine, so there are a lot of delicious things to eat.”

“It’s court cuisine, but can commoners eat it?!”

“It’s a city where royalty and nobility work side-by-side. If you go to a slightly upscale place, you can eat a decent meal… apparently.”

I only know from rumors and my stepsister’s letters.

Well, finding out after we arrive is part of the fun of traveling.

“Finally, the royal capital I’ve always dreamed of…!”

“I’m looking forward to it too, since it’s my first time.”

“Me too!”

A cheerful Al flopped onto the bed.

She’s usually so composed, but in moments like these, she’s still her age.

Thanks to that, when I’m with her, I feel a little younger myself.

“Come on, let’s go get a light meal in the dining car. I’m starting to crave some non-monster meat.”

“I want pancakes!”

“Alright then, let’s go.”

I scooped up the now-sitting Al in my arms and headed for the door.

“Hehe, are we going like this?”

“It’s not bad, but it’s a little embarrassing.”

“…Me too.”

We shared a light laugh and left the cabin.

◆

Thank you for riding the Trans-Continental Railroad. This train has now departed from Yaje Station and is proceeding without incident toward Lombard Station. Arrival is scheduled in 28 hours.

The Magitek Train started moving, and the usual announcement played.

As I casually looked out the window of the slowly accelerating Magitek Train, I could see the city of Yaje in the distance.

“Yaje was fun, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. I’d like to come back again if I have the chance. The monster gibier wasn’t bad either.”

“I’d like to pass for a while. If I keep eating that stuff, I feel like I’ll turn into a monster myself.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Al’s words.

After all, that’s something that’s often said to armed merchants like us.

—Armed merchants who live in the dungeon are a type of monster.

I’ve been told that many times.

A person like me, who spent less time on the surface, probably looked that way in particular.

The new Merchant’s Guild president who parachuted in from the capital might have thought that such ‘dungeon monsters’ were threatening the pockets of the adventurers… and by extension, the citizens of Alanis.

“Rody-san?”

“Hm? Ah. I was just remembering something from Alanis. I remembered being told that ‘dungeon armed merchants who eat monster meat are a type of monster’.”

“What’s with that rude person…!”

Al stood up, a hint of killing intent in her aura.

She’s strangely scary when she’s angry.

Is it the temperament of a former street child?

“Calm down, this was long before I took you in.”

“That’s the kind of attitude that gets you thrown away by Alanis, Rody-san.”

Al’s opinion of the adventurer city is low.

It might be partly because she grew up as a street child who couldn’t receive support, but the incident where my business license was revoked has made it even stronger.

I don’t really mind that much, though.

“It should just be destroyed! A place like that.”

“Hey, hey, that’s a dangerous thing to say. Well, a lot of things happened, but it’s still my hometown. You shouldn’t speak so ill of it.”

“Aren’t you frustrated, Rody-san?”

“Not at all.”

At my reply, Al froze with a stunned expression.

Was it that surprising?

“But they suddenly revoked your business license and fined you.”

“Well, the fine hurt my wallet, and I was angry at first. But—”

I pulled Al into my lap.

She seemed a little surprised, but she gently wrapped her arms around my body.

“We’re able to travel together like this.”

“Rody-san…!”

“When I thought about it that way, it was a good opportunity for me, I’m sure of it. If things had stayed the same, I would have kept delving into the dungeon until I died, without ever knowing your feelings.”

“That’s true.”

I’m the one who said it, but I’m a little hurt by Al’s nod.

Well, it’s my fault for being so dense and stupid and making her wait for so long.

“Then, I’ll forgive them.”

“You should. It’s not all bad memories, right?”

“Most of the good ones are from after I met you, Rody-san.”

Al pressed her head against me.

Ah, she’s cute. So cute. I was with her for five years, how did I not notice?

…Because I was in the dungeon too much.

Ah, yes. The merchants on the surface were right. I probably didn’t notice because I’m a monster. Of course, if you spend five days a week in the dungeon, you’ll lose your humanity.

As I thought that and kissed Al’s forehead, the lover in my arms gently looked up at me.

“Should we make some memories?”

“…Yes.”

There’s plenty of time until we reach the next station.

It’s a good opportunity, so I’ll make lots of travel memories with my lover.