Hi, it's been a while, hasn't it?

　The girl who knew Lasse suddenly appeared and spoke to him with a bright red face.

"Yeah, it's been a while, Letty.

　Lasse greets the girl called Letty with a familiar tone of voice, which is awkward.
　It seems that they know each other.

"Oh, are these sisters your brother's acquaintances?

Tachi!

　The master carpenters who were taking a break question Lasse about his relationship with them.
　And Merck, the other half of the duo, who was treated like a woman, is shocked.

　Lasse smiles at the scene.
　The woman-faced Merc was depressed when she was sometimes mistaken for a woman like this.

"Yes, an old business associate.

Wow, you came all the way out here to see me. That's very loyal of you.

　Judging from the air in Lasse's room, master decided that it would be best not to touch it anymore, he stood up and ordered his subordinate carpenters to stand up.

This is the end of the break!　Let's get started!

""Ossssss!"　

　The carpenters return to their workplaces in good spirits.
　Appreciating the master's concern, Lasse turns to Letty and the others.

"What's going on all of a sudden today?　Is a military job good?

　When Lasse asks about the reason for the unexpected visit, Letty also turns to Lasse with a straightened spine.

"Hey, that's what I'm here about!　Lasse, go back to the army!

"No.

　When Letty suddenly urged him to return to the team, Lasse replied with a simple rejection.

"Why?

　Maybe she didn't expect to be rejected, but Letty lets out a near scream.

"No, I was fired from the army. I'm not going back to the military.

　That's exactly what it boils down to.
　It's true that Lasse had been kicked out of the army and he didn't want to return to such a cold-hearted army.
　To be honest, it's partly because the dragon carriage is making more money than I expected.

"That's what I heard!　But I'm on General Maldo's orders!

"General Maldo?

　Lasse raises an eyebrow at the mention of the name.

"Didn't the general get out of the military after the war?

　The general of Lasse's memory had retired due to age, and a younger officer had taken over the general's position in his place.
　And the new general was the one who kicked Lasse out, causing a deep crease to crease in his brow.

The general was scolded severely by former general Maldo when he was found out that he kicked Lasse out. You don't even know what deterrence is!　It's not.

　Lasse's question was answered by Merck, who came with Letty.

"That's why we came personally to get you reinstated.

I see.

　But Lasse doesn't seem very interested in this.

What! We're going back into the army!　Be more joyful!

　Letty quips to Lasse about what's bothering him.

Lasse, everyone in the army knows that the way you were treated was unfair. In fact, the knights I've shared the field with want you back.

　Merck tries to persuade Lasse to come to him, quieting Letty.

"It's true that there are a lot of blind people in the military and among the nobility who only see the numbers in front of them and declare you unnecessary. But your return to the military is what His Majesty the King has authorized.

"...... Your Majesty!

　Originally a commoner, Lasse was not particularly moved by the mention of the king's name.
　He decided to join the army for the very mundane reason of gaining wealth and fame. And also to pay for the demons' food.

　But when he actually joined the army, he was discriminated against by the knights just because he was a witch-catcher, and even if he did better than them, he was never given the credit he deserved.
　Although some personalities acknowledged his worth, his exploits were still treated as non-existent in the spectacular ceremony.

　This was due to deliberate manipulation of information by the military brass at the time in order to maximize his usefulness, but he was belittled by aristocratic knights and new generals who misunderstood his contempt for him and who only saw the numbers and didn't know the scene, which made the military to Lasse the opposite of glamorous. That was the impression of the demon lord.

　Thus, for an ordinary human being, the existence of a demonslayer following a demon was a strange thing.

"I'm sorry, but I'm happy with my life now. I don't want to go back to the military now.

　When Lasse refused to listen to them at all, Letty was so angry and excited that she couldn't speak, while Merck could only smile bitterly.

Merck, Letty, a glass of water.

　And in the midst of that tense atmosphere, the dryad offers them water.

Oh, it's the dryads. Long time no see, how are you doing?

Yes, thanks to you.

　The arrival of dryads slightly eases the tense atmosphere.

"Sorry it's not tea,

That's okay. I'd rather have marched into town, so I'm very grateful.

　Merck thanks the dryad and sips the water.

"...... Haha, the water from the dryads is different, isn't it?

I'm sorry.

　Merck returns the cup to the tray of dryads and watches the demons lounging on the ranch.

I heard about the dragon carriage. I heard it was a big hit.



　Lasse is suddenly changed and shrugged off.
　I'd been expecting a harder rebuke from Letty and others.

I'm still working on it.

But you should be careful.

　Merck stares at Lasse with a serious face.

"Lasse, you're a target now!

　Merck warned Lasse with a serious face.

"Lord!

　And then I heard a voice calling for Lasse.
　The one who came was Lasse's assistant demon, Arachne.
　She is a half-man, half-spider demon, and she came carrying a number of white blobs.

There was a suspicious person with a weapon, so I've grabbed him!

"......

　The air is delicate between the four of them.

You got caught too soon.

　Merck, who had declared with a serious face, was somewhat embarrassed by the slump.