The three idiots who couldn't become heroes are preparing a man's meal today as well. - Chapter 59

Episode 59: Obligation

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“Oi, Kitayama, this is quite the rare sight.”

“What the hell do you want… Branch Chief?”

While I was taking a break in the orphanage’s living room, an unusual visitor arrived.

This guy has never set foot in a place like this before.

Since he funds the place, it wouldn’t be strange for him to come for an inspection, but still…

Why show up on the day I just got back from work? Learn to be a little more considerate, will you?

“Oh, nothing much. I just heard from Lady Iris that you got yourself injured in quite the flashy manner. I was worried, you know? Pfft, kukuku…”

“Like hell you were! You just came here to laugh at me!”

“Kitayama-sama, please keep your voice down. You’re still receiving treatment. Also, do not move.”

“…Yes.”

Kua quietly scolded me, so I turned my face back toward her.

I don’t know if it’s appropriate to say “because she’s a Sister,” but Kua can use healing magic.

And it seems like she can perform quite advanced healing—so much so that even Annabelle says she can’t compare.

As for what she’s healing right now—it’s my nose.

“K-Kukuku… To think that the man who dived into a Dashbird’s nest, got thrown into a Stampede’s frontlines, and always returned without a scratch… would get his nose broken by a knight’s fist… Kukuk.”

“What!? Oi, you bastard! It’s not like I came out of those unscathed! My whole body was covered in wounds!”

“But you never broke a bone, did you? What happened? Did the knight-sama’s fist pierce through your helmet?”

“Are you stupid!? We took off our helmets and fought bare-fisted! Don’t underestimate our blacksmith’s armor!”

“Ki. Ta. Ya. Ma-sama. You are still under treatment.”

“…Yes.”

Where did the usual mischievous little devil of a Sister go?

She was treating me with an unexpectedly serious expression, and every time I tried to move, she emitted a pressure I don’t usually feel from her.

She might even be scarier than Iris when she orders me back to the reception desk.

“Well, it’s nothing new for you to do something reckless. Oh, right—both the Kreis family and the Voil family have filed complaints. Any idea why? They claim their hired guards were injured or obstructed by ‘Hearty Eater’.”

“Krei… Voil? Hah? Never heard of them. Must be a case of mistaken identity.”

“That would be ideal, but whatever. I’ll handle it on my end.”

With a sigh, the Branch Chief sat down on the sofa across from me and started spreading out documents, leather pouches, and other items on the table.

This guy sighs way too much. Always seems so busy—it’s exhausting just watching him.

As I glanced over at him, for some reason, he shot me a sharp glare.

“Next. Listen up while you continue your treatment.”

“Got it.”

Talking about serious matters while my face is being fiddled with by a Sister… yeah, this is pretty damn embarrassing.

Apparently, in this world, healing magic isn’t just a “zap and you’re done” thing.

Sure, you can just zap and be done with it, but that’s only for quick fixes—like sealing wounds in battle.

For proper treatment, especially for broken bones or internal injuries, they need to take their time.

If you rush it, the bones might heal in the wrong position, or bacteria might remain inside the body.

For internal injuries, healing carelessly could even be the finishing blow that kills the patient.

That’s why they do it slowly like this.

“First, your payment. I received it from Lady Iris. Three platinum coins and a Magic Bag.”

“Oi, hold on. Three platinum coins? What the hell?”

“…It’s an additional reward. Apparently, after hearing the details, her father insisted that you accept it.”

“This feels like they’re cornering me…”

“Give up. It just means they don’t want to let go of ‘Hearty Eater’.”

And just like that, I got a bonus.

Camping out with a kid for a few days got me three million.

Damn, that’s terrifying.

I can almost hear the unspoken message behind this reward—”You’ll take the next job too, right? You get it, don’t you?”

“Next, about the Magic Bag—this one has a large capacity, but it doesn’t have a time-stop function. They advise against storing perishables in it.”

“No problem. It’ll still be useful. As long as it can carry cargo, that’s good enough.”

A quick glance revealed that it looked similar to the ones we already used.

The only noticeable difference was the design—it was a dark brown, waist-hanging type.

Yeah, looks pretty handy.

I’ll use it for things like long-cooking food or weapon storage.

“And finally… what did you do? The royal palace sent an official request marked as confidential. It’s a direct commission for ‘Hearty Eater’.”

“…Hah?”

The royal palace? This is definitely retaliation for the last incident.

I shot the Branch Chief an exasperated look, silently declaring that I had no intention of accepting it.

But then, he handed me an envelope.

“I haven’t checked the contents. Actually, I can’t check it. The letter is addressed to you, and only you are authorized to open it.”

Taking it in hand, I saw that it was sealed with an excessively ornate wax emblem.

Is this this country’s crest?

As I pondered over it, I opened the envelope and read:

—————————————————————————

To the esteemed ‘Hearty Eater’ party,

It has been a while.

I will dispense with the tedious formalities, as I believe such pleasantries would only trouble you.

I had the privilege of witnessing your exploits during the recent Stampede battle. It is reassuring to see that you all remain active and well.

Ah, but I have yet to introduce myself.

How rude of me.

Though, considering we have never exchanged names before, perhaps it is unnecessary.

For now, you may call me “Princess”, or “Your Highness”, if you prefer.

I do not particularly like such titles, but I believe they will serve as the most effective means of identification.

Do you remember me?

I am the failure who, on that first day, could do nothing but hand you money and a Magic Bag.

I wish I could have done more to help you all, but due to my position, that was not possible… No, that is merely an excuse.

I am truly sorry.

And I must extend my deepest gratitude.

Thank you for protecting the otherworlders whom my foolish father summoned once again.

As expected, you all are precisely the kind of people I had hoped for.

I would love to hear about your adventures someday.

I am certain the tales would be nothing short of exhilarating.

I apologize, the conversation has gone off track.

There is a specific reason why I have made this request.

Of course, there is a “hidden agenda.”

However, I can assure you that no one in the royal palace is aware of this request.

Please believe me when I say that this request is purely my own and directed toward “Hearty Eater.”

I apologize for the lengthy preamble.

The request I have for you is as follows:

I would like you to allow me to choose the next objective location.

And once there, I need you to have “Hearty Eater” take custody of “her.”

You may be wondering what I am talking about.

However, if left alone, that girl will become the spark of “war.”

That is why I wish for her to be raised in good health, without anyone knowing, without either side realizing her existence.

This is something that only you can do.

I am truly sorry for this incomprehensible request.

Your stay will last for one week after reaching the designated location.

I have enclosed a map along with this letter.

Please, I beg of you.

As compensation, I will provide five platinum coins as an advance payment.

Upon successful completion, I will deposit ten platinum coins with the Walker Guild.

Under normal circumstances, this task would warrant a much larger sum, but I have very little money at my disposal. This amount is the most I can offer.

I worked very hard to save even this much, you know?

However, if it is insufficient, I will arrange additional payment at a later date.

So, please, will you accept this request?

Please… save me.

From the wretched princess of this kingdom,

To the dear Black Hero.

P.S.

I recommend bringing your full force, including the girl right before you.

—————————————————————–

After finishing the letter, I let out a deep sigh.

What the hell is this?

“It’s done now, Kitayama-sama.”

Saying that, Kua removed her hand from my nose.

Unlike her usual mischievous expression, she now wore the gentle face of a compassionate sister.

I wonder if this is how she always is when tending to injuries.

“Kua.”

“Yes, what is it?”

I peered into her face with a serious expression.

Light golden hair, deep blue eyes.

And a slender body that has likely never experienced battle.

She wants me to take someone like her into the forest—into an uncharted land?

“A-uh, Kitayama-sama…? Umm, well… I’m usually the one inviting you, but if possible… could we do this somewhere private? We have guests right now, so, um…”

Her face turned red, and her eyes darted around in confusion.

Yeah, no. There’s no way I can take her with me.

“Sorry, something in the letter caught my attention. Thanks for the treatment.”

When I looked away after saying that, I felt the air around her suddenly turn cold.

“Let me see it.”

“Huh?”

“That letter—please show it to me.”

“Uh… sure?”

Before I could process what was happening, she snatched the letter from my hands.

As the chilly atmosphere dissipated and she finished reading, she muttered—

“Haa… For a moment, I thought it was a love letter from the woman you fancy. But it seems that’s not the case. Though, the sender might think otherwise.”

After that, she turned to the branch manager.

“You are the Walker Guild’s branch manager, correct? Please process my Walker registration and my enlistment into the ‘Hearty Eater’ clan.”

“O-oi” “ Kua?”

Both the branch manager and I were stunned by her sudden declaration.

She’s clearly not cut out to be a Walker.

If I were to bring up body type, then sure, Minami, Shiro, and some of the others in our group might not seem suited for it either.

But Kua doesn’t even seem capable of fighting.

“Right person for the right role. I will serve as the party’s healer. Wouldn’t it be convenient to have a healing mage nearby in case of injuries?”

She smiled, but I could feel a pressure emanating from her.

Why is it that all the women in our group are terrifying in their own way?

“Sister, do you understand what you’re saying? Walkers, to the general public, are nothing but ruffians. And you wish to live among them?”

“I appreciate your concern, Branch Manager-sama. However, after reading that letter, I have determined that my presence is ‘absolutely necessary.’ If I do not accompany them, there is a possibility that they may not return.”

“…May I see the letter?”

“Please ask Kitayama-sama. I am not yet a member of ‘Hearty Eater.'”

And so, all eyes turned to me.

Ahh, damn it.

Why does the final decision always fall on me?

Because I’m the leader? Give me a break.

But well—

“Branch Manager, ‘Hearty Eater’ will accept this request. As for Kua… it’s her decision, so please process her registration. If things get dangerous, I’ll bring her back immediately.”

I handed over the baffling letter, allowing the branch manager to read it.

After finishing, he let out an even deeper sigh than before while rubbing his temples.

“Understood… I will conduct an assessment now and process her registration. However, Sister, do not come to the guild alone. You will most certainly be harassed.”

“Of course. In such cases, I will have Kitayama-sama accompany me.”

…Me, huh.

Well, whatever.

“Also… Kitayama.”

“Yeah?”

“This princess… who exactly is she? Some kind of seer?”

“I don’t know. But I owe her a debt, and I have an obligation to repay it. If she asks for help, I will act. That’s how much I owe her.”

“Haahh… Do as you please.”

And so, we accepted the princess’s request.

I had just returned today, and already, I was being put to work.

But at last, I have the chance to repay my debt to the princess.

The reward seems excessive, but that’s what she offered.

Even so, I want to return the initial platinum coins.

And the magic bag, too.

It’s valuable—extremely valuable—but we’ve already established ourselves.

That beginner’s gift should be used to help others in need.

“At last, I can repay my debt.”

I clenched my fist tightly as I murmured to myself.

There isn’t much these hands can do.

They can punch, wield a spear, and cook.

That’s about it.

I’ve tried various weapons in the past, but none suited me like the spear.

Even in battle, I’m not particularly skilled.

But if my clumsy hands can be of use—if I can repay even a fraction of my debt—

“‘Hearty Eater’ will take this request. Even if it’s just me alone… I’ll do it. A debt is a debt, and debts must be repaid.”

This request—it feels like a pivotal moment, something that will shape my future.