23-launch




 Night.
 I came to the tavern to launch the defense against the undead army.
 Commander Bolton and his colleagues in the guards.
 And the rest of the 5th squad.
 It's a good thing the battle didn't leave any of us out.

 The tavern was reserved for the Guards.
 And they don't charge for it.
 The tavern master said.
As the tavern master said, "You've fought well in this war. Thanks to you, we didn't suffer any damage. This is our way of thanking you.
 That's what he said.

"They fought well, but they were the only ones who actually fought the undead. We were just standing by.
 The Bolton Commander said with a wry smile.
 The master of the tavern turned his head in surprise.
These are the only ...... four guards you've got? They're really strong, aren't they? With you guys, this town will be safe.

 The master hugged us happily by the shoulders.

In comparison, the knights of the order are ....... The only thing they care about is protecting the royalty, the nobility, and the treasures. They don't care about the people of the city.

 The master of the tavern spits out with an abhorrent expression.

"But they've been ruined by the Guards this time. Suck on that. We city folk feel good about that.
"....... It's going to get you noticed, though.

 The master said to us.
 The Master said to us.


Drink and eat as much as you like today.
"Yoo-hoo! You know what you're talking about, old man! You know what I'm talking about! The best drink in the world is the one you drink without worrying about your pocketbook!

 Spinoza was overjoyed.

Today, when I went out to patrol the city, I was thanked by many people. They thanked me for protecting this city.

 Seira, who was sitting across from me, remembered the scene from earlier in the day and muttered.

"Yeah. That's right.

 The people of the city thanked me verbatim.
The people of the city thanked her for saving their lives.
"Thank you for protecting this city.
"It was great to see you fighting for us.
"We, the guards, are here to protect the people of the city. It was a fierce battle, but after hearing your words, I'm glad I did my best.
"She was crying like a baby when they thanked her.
You don't need to rehash that! I wasn't that active, but I was really impressed!
No. From my point of view, you looked like you were working hard enough.
What?
It was because of you that we were able to defeat them in such a short time. I couldn't have done it alone.

 I told her.

"So you should have more confidence in yourself.
Oh, thank you, .......

 She muttered, her cheeks flushed and she turned over.

What's wrong with you? What's wrong with you?
No, no. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.


"Uh-huh. In short, Seira is embarrassed.

 Femme peeked out from between my legs.

"Femme. Where are you coming from ......?
I'm shy. I'm shy. I don't like to go out in the sun. That's why I hide in the shadows and crevices.
Shy people don't appear from between people's legs.

 I replied calmly.

"But you do praise your men, don't you? The previous squad leader was a man who didn't mind taking credit for other people's work.
"It's not like I fought alone. It was because of Seira, Spinoza and Fam that I was able to annihilate them.

 That's an undeniable fact.
 Even if I stop all the undead attacks, we can't win the battle if there's no one to attack them.
 No matter how strong your shield is, you can't win with just a shield. The shield is only as good as the sharpness of the sword.

You're a former adventurer. It's hard to believe that you were once an adventurer, but you're a very good one.

 But," Pham continued, "with your personality, you've never been able to do that before.

But," Fam continued, "you've had your share of disappointments. For example, your party mates may not have understood what you were doing.

 I was reminded of the [Red Lotus Fang].
 None of them knew what kind of work I was doing in the party. I was taking on all the enemy's attacks.
 I also didn't dare to tell them.
 I also didn't dare to tell her, because I thought it would be a show of bravado.

"Uh-huh. You know that look, don't you?

 Fam said, as if she could see through my inner thoughts.



"I'm sure your party mates will notice after you're gone. I'm sure they'll realize how much work you've been doing.

 I wonder if that's true.
 Either way, it's over.  

"Well. Now that I've earned your praise. It's a little sad that it's just words. I thought you deserved a reward anyway.
Reward?
Yeah. The captain himself.

 Fam said.
 ...... I wonder what they'll ask for.

You can't buy anything too expensive. You're not getting paid.
"Uh-huh. Don't worry about it then. It's not expensive. All you have to do is pat me on the head with a compliment.
"Yes?

 I asked back.

What? Just a pat on the head?
I've told you before. I'm a bother. I want to be approved. That's why I want you to pat me on the head with praise.

 Fam says with a serious face.

"Well. That's about right.

 I agreed, and gently touched her silvery hair.



...... Are you sure this is what you want?
No. Make sure it's complimentary.
...... Fam was there to save the day. If it weren't for your precise archery, we'd probably be dead.
"Uh-huh. Being approved by someone you like. This is bliss.

 Fam had a satisfied look on his face.
 ...... You look twisted, but you're surprisingly chubby, aren't you? I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.