*

...show me your pass.
Here.

　Mako was prompted by the guards to present his pass.
　He narrowed his eyes and cowered with a jolt, as if he was using a skill to check his status.
　It's the same reaction as the girl in the church.
　After all, a level 100 adventurer must be perceived as a threat.
　Even more so if it's a stranger.
　The guard looked at Makoto and cleared his throat.
　He may think that he has shown a hapless appearance.

''No problem. You can go in, if you want.''
Thanks.

　Mako went through the castle gates and stopped.
　When he looks behind him, he sees that Yuka is presenting his pass.
　After a while, the guards get jittery again.

''I knew we'd need to gather information.

　I lean my back against the castle wall and mutter to myself.
　Based on the strength of the bandits and the reactions of those around them, it seems that Makoto and Yuka are classified as strong.
　I don't intend to act arrogantly because they are strong, but if we don't know what position we are in, we might get into unnecessary trouble.
　Well, the question is, can we gather credible information?

''Well it would be nice to see Tom again.
What is the matter with you?

　When I was alone, Yuka looked into my face.
　She has a look on her face that says she's in a bad mood.

''Are you done?''
You just have to show your pass.
Yeah.
Hey, hey, don't just walk up on me.

　As Makoto started to walk away, Yuka followed him, complaining.

'What are your plans after this?'
I'm going to go back to the inn and linger.

　He adds in a sarcastic tone that he's tired from all the walking.
　I'm tempted to butt in and say that I can't help but be sarcastic.
　It's personalities like this that get left behind in the dungeon.

'What about you?'
I'll be back when I get some information.
.....

　Yuka gives me a quizzical look.
　She suspects that gathering information is a way to act alone.
　I wish I didn't have to be so sarcastic as to doubt him.

'Well, fine. Go get your information together.
I know.

　Yuka said, focusing on the firm part.
　I was annoyed, but I wouldn't say it.
　Fighting with a woman would only cost him.

'Well, I'll go this way then,'
Hang in there.
Yeah.

　I leave Yuka and go into the alley.
　Because I didn't want to be sarcastic any more.
　Well, he was sarcastic when we parted, too.

''I should have asked Sherry where the adventurers would gather.

　Mako chooses a deserted road to continue on.
　Even Sherry's shop, which cost 30A per night, was devoid of adventurers.
　So he figured he'd be sleeping at an inn in a cheaper - and less secure - area.
　As they moved away from the main street, it became less popular and the dilapidated buildings became more prominent.
　In addition, the smell of something rotten begins to waft through the air.
　Then--!

　--!

　I heard voices.
　They didn't seem to be too far away, but I didn't feel the need to go help them.
　Rather, it's even a hassle.
　Besides, the voices are on the main street.
　I don't want to take the long way when I have to gather information.

　--!　--GH!

It's a pain in the ass.

　Mako scratched her head and headed towards the voice.
　It's a bother, he chanted in his mind as he reached the source of the voice.
　It was right near the main street.
　A pair of thug-like men kicked the child to his feet, and onlookers were watching the scene from a distance.
　The child was curled up like a turtle, but his head was bleeding.
　Now what to do, Mako crossed her arms.
　You've come this far yourself, I suppose, but I should check on the situation.
　Well, the question is how to confirm it.
　I'm thinking about that.

Why did you give her a kid like that?
A collection of debts.
Well, I wonder what my parents are doing.

　I could hear the housewives talking.
　When the goons stopped kicking, the child - Tom - looked up.

'Oh, it's Tom, isn't it?'
Who the f*ck is this?

　Tom's eyes complained that he didn't want to get involved, but Mako didn't care and moved closer.
　Then the thug interrupted him and poked him in the shoulder.

'Oh?　Don't come in on the side--
No, guys like you are quick to resort to violence and that's a relief.

　'Now I can call the guards,' laughed Mako.

'Oh, you're going to kill me?　Oh, I've got Mr. Stan on my back.
Hey, brother, he's got killer eyes.
Makoto-sama!

　A light shock occurs around my waist.
　When I looked down, I saw a blonde woman - Laura - clinging to me.

''Mako-sama!　Pull out of here for me!　Please!　Please!　Please endure the bloodshed!

　Laura pleaded, and people buzzed around her.

'Why do you sound like you're about to cry?'
Please!　Please!

　Mako scratched her head.
　Apparently, they thought he was trying to resort to violence.
　Well, considering the difference in strength, there was no other way but to plead.

'No, don't get me wrong. I'm going to kill--
Run!

　A mournful cry rang out.

'Oh, brother?'
Oh, yeah, this is a tough guy we can't handle.

　The goons retreated with a pale face.

''No way........this guy beat fifty bandits to death.
I didn't kill that many people!
Heeeeeeeeeee!
Oh, brother, wait for me!

　When Makoto yelled at them, the goons ran away like de-rabbit.
　At the same time, the onlookers also ran away and there was no one around.

''........Laura, get away.
I'm not letting you go!
They're both gone.

　Laura looked up and let out a breath of relief.

'Would you mind stepping away?'
I'm sorry!

　Laura pulled away from Mako as if she had been touched by something hot.
　I wasn't sure if I should explain what happened, when Tom grunted.

'Hey, are you okay?'
Why did you save my life?

　He walked over to the side and knelt down. Then Tom uttered a question in a small voice.

'I heard you calling for help.
It's not me.
Well, enjoy your luck. By the way, what was that thug you just saw?
...debt collector.

　Tom replies after a pause.

'You tried to help that boy who was being beaten by a debt collector, didn't you, Master Mako?
Did I look like I was going to kill you?
No, I believe in you, Makoto.

　Laura told a lie that was obvious the next moment she spoke it.
　She thought she was a clever beauty, but she was a clunker.

'You are kind, Mako-sama, aren't you?
No way.

　He thought that if he helped them, he could get reliable information.
　I wouldn't call someone who helps people with ulterior motives a kind person.

''No, I think Mako-sama is a kind person.
I see.

　I don't want to give you too much credit.
　I still think I'm ashamed of myself for this.

'That was rough for a debt collector.
"That's still a legitimate moneylender.
So.....

　Mako spits out a small amount.
　However, the anger is not so great.
　It's a legal moneylender who will do whatever is within the scope of the law.

''Is that kind of thing possible?''
Violence is a crime.
If we get those two, they'll just bring someone else in.

　Tom stood up and quickly bent to his knees.

'Get some more rest,'
I'm fine.

　Tom tried to get up, but he fell on his ass.
　Mako let out a small sigh and carried Tom up.

'What the hell are you doing?!'
I'm just taking you to someone I know.

　Mako let out another sigh.

*

Well sir, welcome back.
I'm home.

　As Mako returns to the inn, Shelly calls out from the counter.
　She seemed to notice Laura and narrowed her eyes.

'Customer, sir?'
No, my name is Laura Cerberus, my chaperone.
You can't even put your husband in the corner, can you? The break is 10A.
Wow, me and Makoto-sama.
It's not that kind of relationship.

　Laura said in a panic, and Mako denied the relationship.
　As a knight, she had a position to fill.
　Mako walked over to the counter and set Tom down in a chair.

'Shelly, do you have a first aid kit?'
Yeah, hold on a second.

　Shelly took the box from under the counter.
　Mako opened the box and frowned.
　It contained gauze, bandages and several bottles, but she didn't know how to use them.

'Laura, can I ask?'
....

　Laura is standing near the door in silence.

'Laura?'
Yes!
Can you do that?
Yes!

　Laura ran up to me happily.
　She's like a dog.
　She sat down next to Tom and began to treat him quickly.
　Makoto leaned against the counter.

Hey, Tom.
What is it?
Is that a lot of debt?

　When Makoto asked, Shelly turned her accusing gaze towards us and Laura stopped moving.

''Twenty thousand A's.''
That's a lot of money. That's not a lot of money you owe me, is it?
It's the money my parents borrowed. Since I inherited the house, I ended up inheriting the debt as well. Well, the house was taken as a loan, too.

　Tom said in a matter-of-fact tone.

'What's the annual rate of return?'
...20 percent.
Tough.

　Doing a miscellaneous calculation, the interest is 4,000A per year, 333,3.......A per month.
　You have to pay more money to reduce your debt.

'Oh, by the way, didn't you tell me when I met you in the dungeon that you were feeding your brother with this?
My brother is in the care of the church.
Aren't they making money?
I don't make as much money solo as I do. But I usually earn at least the interest. But this time, the dungeon seems to have been captured...

　Well, Mako let out a small sigh.
　The only reason Tom wasn't on the team was probably because of the debt.
　They are wary of betraying their friends for money or selling information.
　Even if Tom had no intention of doing so, it was still a matter of risk management.

But I'm not going to let that stop me. Someday we'll pay off our debts, get our house back and live with my brothers.
Well, good luck with that.
I'll do my best.

　Mako clenched her right wrist.
　Anger welled up in him.
　It wasn't anger at the moneylender, it was anger at Tom.
　You know that you can't pay off the debt if you don't.
　But he's still talking like a dream," he said.
　I think you're kidding me.

'....Excuse me.

　An out-of-place, calm voice sounded.
　When I looked at the direction of the voice, I saw a well-built man standing near the door.
　His hair was white, as was the beard that covered his mouth.
　A gentlemanly smile clung to his face, which was carved with deep wrinkles.

''........Mr. Stan.

　Tom looked at the old gentleman and muttered to himself.

'Do you know him?'
You owe me money.
'I heard that the two people I'm commissioning to repay you were violent. I came to see if you were concerned.

　The old gentleman - Stan opened his arms in an acting gesture and approached us.
　Out of the corner of my eye is Laura.
　He says he's here to see if you're worried, but in reality, he's probably here to show Laura that he had nothing to do with Tom's injury.

'Um, Mr. Stan. This month.....
I know that. You've always paid your interest discreetly. Why don't you just pay it back a little later?
Thank you.

　Tom bowed his head in pecking order.

'Mr. Stan, was it?'
Oh, and you?
Makoto, Ichidjo, this is Makoto.
So, what can I do for you?
Is 20,000 A to his debt, correct?
...hmm.

　Stan pulled a tablet out of his pocket.
　Unlike the one Shelly uses, it's the size of a phone.

'It's actually just under 20,000A.
He said he had to wait for us to pay him back. There's no way this guy can pay off his debt.
What are you talking about?
It's an objective fact.
I want it back!

　Tom jumped off the chair and punched him.
　He sets off a light foot sweep to touch him.
　That's enough to knock him to the floor.
　I don't want him to get out of control, so I step on him.

'Hey! I'm going to pay off my debts and live with my brother!
'This guy says this, but I don't think it's possible. If you're only paying back the interest, you're not going to lose the principal forever.
No, no, I believe I can pay you back.
So I've been wondering. Why would they defer repayment when all they're paying back is interest?

　Mako spun the words, ignoring Stan.

'I consider him my brother.'
What do you mean?
'It's true to the word. I'm going to confront you with the track record you've been deferring and say, 'Can't you handle it?'
It's illegal to demand someone other than yourself, okay?
So, you say, 'Can't you do something about it?'

　Stan narrows his eyes.
　How do they know their way around?
　Who the hell do they think they are?

'Does this country have slavery?'
I have...

　Laura said as she squeezed out.


'You say that like you've seen it all. Or maybe you're a competitor?
I'm a victim.

　Mako laughed, and Stan's cheeks twitched as he laughed.

'So what are you going to do?'
How about I loan Tom some money?
It's 20,000 A. It's not a lot of money for a good cause.
'I never said anything about lending it to you in good faith. Well, we can't talk about it unless Tom takes you up on your offer.

　As Makoto retreated to his feet, Tom slowly picked himself up.

"Tom, I'll loan you 20,000 A.
What do you want?
It's your knowledge and skills. I plan to make my living as an adventurer, but I'm a bastard, except for my arms. I'm looking for someone to fill in for me.
....

　Tom shushed him.

'Oh, come on, do you trust a man like that?'
'It's Tom's call. This is not a bad deal for you, either. I mean, he knows how you guys do it.
....

　Mako said, and Stan gave a small grunt.

'What about the interest?'
'I don't charge interest. In exchange, you will give me all the knowledge and skills you know.
....

　Tom shushed him again.

'If I do say so myself, those are unbeatable terms.
"All right. I just want you to make sure you sign up properly at the church.
That's all you need to know.

　When Makoto agreed, Tom patted his chest.

'Then let's go.'
Okay. I give up.

　Stan raised his hand lightly.

*

　When Mako and the others returned to the inn, Shelly was at the counter preparing a meal.

'I'm home,'
Oh, you're very late.
I'm just going to go get my stuff.

　I tilt my gaze to look at him and my eyes meet Tom's.
　He was carrying a large backpack.
　It's the luggage I had left at a cheap inn on the outskirts of town.
　It's a threateningly cheap 10A per night.
　However, I don't want to change lodgings.
　Because it was a very unsafe area, and the floor was so dilapidated that it creaked just by walking.

''I'd like to let this guy stay from today too, no problem, right?
It's not a problem as long as you pay me. So, who do you want me to get the money for the accommodation?
That's me for a while.

　As Mako walks up to the counter, Shelly pulls out a board and operates it quickly.
　The tablet held out to her shows 100A.

'You don't mind if I take the same course as your husbands, do you?'
Yeah, that was the plan all along.

　When you put your left hand on the board, the amount in your account is displayed and 100A is deducted.
'Yes, sir.'
Thanks.

　He received the key inscribed 103 on his key ring and turned around.
　Tom was at the entrance to the inn, looking very unsure of his whereabouts.

Tom, let's go.
Okay, okay.

　Tom hurriedly followed as Mako started to walk away.
　He walks up the stairs and enters a room with 103 inscribed on the plate.
　He stands in the center of the room and looks around.
　The layout is the same as my room, and the furniture is the same as my room.

''I'm sorry to bother you.''

　Tom enters the room with trepidation.
　He compares the bed to the floor and drops his backpack on the floor.

'Get some rest today, work starts tomorrow. Though I'm sure the main thing we'll be discussing will be.
All right. Brother.
"My brother?
Too familiar?
No, I don't mind.

　It's a little embarrassing, but the point is that it's a matter of getting used to it.
　And since he considers Makoto to be of higher rank, there is no reason to stop him.

I'm sorry that you lent me money and paid for my accommodation.
It's not a good thing.
I know. I'm going to serve my brother with all my heart and soul.

　Tom straightened his spine with a bicep.

'Just one more thing I need to ask you?
What is it?　I'll answer any questions you have.
Why are you pretending to be a man?
What are you talking about?　I'm a man, okay?
No, it's a woman, for Christ's sake.
....

　Tom is silent.
　His face is pale and his legs are trembling like a newborn foal.
　It's as if he's confessing that he's a woman.
　After a long, long silence, he opens his mouth as if he's determined.

'I-I, how long have you been aware of this?'
That's a long time to go.
Why are you doing this now?

　Tom burst and jerked back.
　Does he think he's going to be attacked?
　Why is it that Yuka and Tom are so self-conscious?

Well, sort of.
I'm not sure.

　Tom muttered to himself, parroting.
　I asked him just to ask him if he wanted to hear it, but I should have kept my mouth shut if this was the case.

Okay, okay. I'll show my brother who I really am.

　Tom joins his fingers together.
　Is it called a mark?

"Ha!

　Tom shouted, and with a bobbing sound, a cloud of smoke rose up.
　The smoke cleared quickly, if it was a magical thing.
　Then there was a girl standing there.
　A girl with a bushy tail and pinned ears.

This is who I really am.
Hasn't changed much since Tom's time, has it?
You have a tail and ears!

　The hair on her tail stands up against the bobbing of her tail.

'Does it make you feel more like a girl?'
Why the question mark?
Don't make me say it.

　Her appearance has become more girlish, but the size of her breasts has not changed.
　Even in her true form, they're still bigger than a chopping block.

'You were magically transformed?'
Us Foxtails have a unique skill called cognitive disruption.
I feel like I'm being inhibited, or rather, misrepresented?
Doesn't that depend on your skill level?

　You don't seem to know what you're talking about, or you're not sure.

'If the Foxtail race has a unique skill, does that mean other races have it too?
Non-human species, yes.
A human species?
Humans, elves, dwarves and beastmen all rolled into one.

　Tom gave me a quizzical look.
　'Why do you ask such an obvious question,' he said.

'Why do you ask such a question with that look on your face?
Yeah, no, that's not true.

　Tom replied in an upturned voice and Makoto chuckled.

'I don't have to hide anything, but I'm a guest of honor.
"Our guest?

　Tom's eyes widened in surprise.

'So there's no common sense in this world.
Okay, so you're helping me out.
That's what I'm talking about.
I'll take care of that for you.

　Tom patted his chest.

'By the way, should I continue to use my skills?'
I don't mind.
Well, I won't be using them from now on. I'm not going to use it anymore.

　Tom said happily.

'What should I call you?'
You can call me Fene.

　Fene, aka Tom, turned his tail around with a twirl.

'Fene, it's nice to meet you from now on.
Nice to meet you, too.

　Mako shook hands with Fene.