Chapter 214

A High-Rank Monster
When I returned to the dining hall, the four of them were chatting pleasantly.

Raphael noticed me come in.

“Reinhardt, looks like you’ll be staying here tonight, huh? We don’t mind at all—we were curious about the hot springs here anyway.”

“We’re fine too. We always carry a change of clothes just in case. If it’s too much trouble to prepare another room, I don’t mind sharing with Diane.”

At Bridget’s words, Diane also nodded.

… Wow, aren’t they all a little too easygoing? Well, it makes things simpler, but is this how it normally goes?

“We’re used to getting caught up in things when we’re with you, Reinhardt, so it’s no problem.”

I suppose Brother Hubert was trying to smooth things over, but honestly, that line doesn’t sit well with me.

“Thanks. Once Grandfather arrives, I’ll be going to visit the Varshe. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the hot springs or just relax here in the manor.”

“Hardt, did you learn anything?”

Grandfather had apparently ridden straight here to the new town.

“I haven’t spoken directly with the intruders. Wilson and Kamuela are dealing with them. Now that you’re here, Grandfather, I was planning to go meet with Varshe and hear what they have to say.”

“Very well. And what of your friends?”

“They said they’d like to relax here at the manor, maybe soak in the hot spring.”

“Good. Report back to me when you return.”

Outside, Captain Kyle was waiting.
When he saw me, he said, “I’ll accompany you.”

I asked if he needed to rest, since he had come with Grandfather, but he said he had switched horses and was fine. It seemed Grandfather had brought along knights from the 3rd Company—men who already had dealings with Varshe—thinking that would be best for visiting the fortress.

We had Bale and his family escorted home under guard, and then headed straight for Varshe’s fortress. It took less than fifteen minutes.

The gate’s hinges had been neatly cut out—it must have been done with a magic tool.

We dismounted, greeted Bale’s family, and looked around for whoever was taking charge among the Varshe. Atre told me the Varshe was soaking in the hot spring just up ahead, so I went there.

“Varshe, thank you for dealing with the intruders yesterday,” I said.

(It was nothing. I’d known for days that people were lurking around the fortress, so we were already on guard.)

Bale had said they’d heard cries that suddenly went quiet. So I asked if Varshe could really put people to sleep that easily.

(It doesn’t have to be a deep sleep. As long as they slow down, all I have to do is kick or stomp them.)

He might seem laid-back, but… yeah, he really is a monster.

I asked if there had only been six men watching the farm. He said there had been more. Were any still nearby? He said not now, but they might come again at night.

I asked if he would be alright if we left. He told me not to worry—such small numbers were nothing.

I also asked if he was settling in here. He said it was comfortable, and he liked how Bale’s family took care of him. That was good to hear.

When I passed his words on to Bale’s family, they were delighted. They also thanked me for the ice cream made with Varshe’s milk.
Ah—that must’ve been from the gift I’d sent over.

I told them there might be more intruders in the future, so they must always lock up tight.

For now, we fixed the gate by filling the cutout with a block of iron and sealing the edges with fire magic. A heavy wooden bar was added inside—it would have to do until a new, stronger gate was built.

While I’d been talking with Varshe, Captain Kyle had scouted the area. He found many footprints on the forest side, which matched Varshe’s account.

Since the Varshe liked their life here and would show no mercy to anyone who interfered, I figured Bale’s family would be safe.

As for the milk delivery, until things were sorted out, we decided knights would either carry it or escort it.

Bale said for now, instead of every day, he’d prefer they come every other day—otherwise there weren’t enough milk cans.
I’ll probably need to get him more. He was also worried about leaving his family alone.

I told him we’d only send knights he recognized, and not to hand over the milk to anyone unfamiliar, even if they wore Westland uniforms. He agreed.

After saying I’d let him know once things were settled, we returned to the new town.

“Varshe can sense what’s happening outside even while on the pasture in the fortress, huh? Truly, they are high-rank monsters,” Grandfather said when I reported back.

“Do we know which country the spies were from?”

“No. They’re highly trained, and won’t say a word. Likely a nation whose royalty are visiting.”

“Perhaps they wanted to confirm what was inside the fortress.”

“Most likely. In any case, we need to warn Alfrecht and the others to be careful, and reinforce Bale’s home and the fortress gate.”

Honestly, I just hope they’ve learned their lesson and don’t come back.

What do you think about this chapter?