Chapter 12: Further Expedition

Chapter 12: Further Expedition

After we managed to chase away the orcs using the big cannon, we searched through dead carcasses of many of them for their weapons, and received ten platinum coins for the completion of the Earls special request.

The recapture of Ona village turned out to be highly profitable.

We had obtained so many internal organs that we couldnt eat them all, therefore, Louise was pleased with herself at that fact. (Obviously, she tried to offer them to the villagers by distributing organ-based soup once we had returned, but, they didnt receive much recognition.)

Because we were the ones to gain the most from this battle, we felt sorry for the villagers, so we decided to help restore their village while picking up the cannonballs that were responsible for tattering it.

We repaired the fence enclosing this villages pasture and helped gather the livestock, which had previously scattered and ran away due to the monsters.

Borrowing the hands of the young villagers, who became adept with the guns, we finished off the remaining orcs that were hiding nearby after they had escaped.

With this, it should be fine to say we brought peace back to this village for the time being.

Still, the root of this monster wave has yet to be solved.

If we go further north from here, there will be a fort belonging to a group of bandits. They are referred to as the Golden Eagle Bandit Group, but apparently, theyve already been destroyed by monsters, who proceeded to turn that base into their own, and they keep charging at the territory of Est from there.

Based on Louises intel, things turned out that way.

Well then, it should be fine if we just crush that bandits fort using our large cannon. As I said so, nobody seemed to object to my opinion, so we decided to set out on another expedition.

I thought our plan would succeed with just the large cannon, however, there were twenty volunteers who were willing to join us while carrying guns on their shoulders.

Just as what Louise had checked beforehand, we set a camp nearby a hill, from which we could launch an attack on the fort (Even though it belonged to those bandits, how on earth had they managed to construct such a splendid, stone-made, three-story building in this small mountain, away from the main road?)

This fort belongs to the bandits anyway, so nobody besides them will probably mind even if we blow it up. Well then, aim the cannon toward the fort.

Just give me a moment. Ill calculate and decide the right angle.

Lyle-sensei, took out a bunch of paper.

Apparently, he was also in charge of calculating the right distance and firing angle back when we launched the attack on those orcs in the village.

My calculations might vary depending on the weight of the cannonball and the amount of gunpowder, but, it should set a criterion. (?)

It seems that Lyle-sensei, has realized he could predict the landing point of the ball by calculating the cannons angle. Just what kind of cheat is that?

Like Lyle-sensei had instructed us, we aimed the cannon and fired. Once we did so, the cannonball hit right in the middle of the fort with the first shot.

Getting carried away, we continued to rapidly fire at that angle, making the stone made fort start to crumble.

The orcs residing inside the fort run out in a bustling manner, so we inflicted a single blow at the entrance and buried them alive.

We have, created something fearsome.

What a terrific strength. I guess, we can use this for sieging forts from now on.

Was, Lyle-sensei thinking about something diabolical.

I wasnt very keen on using this cannon against human fellows, but well.

No, in the end, they should be used for self-defense.

If you say it that way, humankind will certainly start a war against each other.

Saying this and that, I guess, it was fitting of him as the secretary of the Silesie Kingdom.

Ah, is that so? I think I used to have the same way of reasoning.

The extermination of the monsters went favorably, but, I later realized it went so well it became scary.

We finished off the remaining orcs and kobolds with our guns and received meat and skins while collecting the bullets and cannonballs.

Since it was formerly a fort belonging to the bandits, there was a rumor about valuable goods left inside of it, and even gold and equipment.

Lets use this chance and prepare a meal. Feeling joyful, Louise took out the large pot that somewhat settled down the situation.

The white stew made by Louise from internal organs had a bad reputation among the villagers of Ona, however, its porky taste perfectly matched my buds.

The villagers had pale faces upon seeing Louise processing an orcs meat, however, as for me, I could only think of it as food preparation.

It could be that my common sense has gradually accustomed to Louises while weve been hunting together, which made me become a little bit scared.

Scene Change

I wonder if we shouldnt be returning to Est.

We discussed together whether we should continue further our expedition or not, but, Louise was against that idea as she had advised us before not to come too close to the Miasma Hole of Doom.

It was certain we felt self-confident thanks to us acquiring guns and cannons, so we were ready to even go as far as where only a hero class person could go. At this rate, there wont even be any need for a legendary dragon to make its appearance.

Whats more, a reinforcement sent by the royal capital had arrived, so the Earl didnt make any further request to attack.

It was decided we would return back to Est.

While we are at it, weve received one more horse cart set, which doubled our horsepower at the same time.

In addition to the artillery battery, our covered wagon was also completely filled with meat and pelts. Despite that large amount, we were somehow able to transport the goods.

Things which we couldnt load on the cart, like gold and equipment, would apparently be taken care of by Louise, who would go and return one more time.

Upon our arrival in Est, we visited Earl Donovans castle again and reported the result of our expedition to him, at which, he was greatly pleased.

He told us it was completely fine for us to keep the money and goods we had found in the bandits fort.

Not to mention, the Earl placed a sack of 500 golden coins, with a thud, on the table.

The victory coffee, with which the Earl treated us, wouldnt compete with a high-grade sake, however, it was tasty.

As one would expect, even I would be in good mood upon receiving such a lavish treatment.

I could understand more or less the Earls intention of wanting to put me in good mood.

After all, he too was an authority with great sharpness and capability.

Still, there is no doubt it was also his way of saying he wanted our guns and cannons.

If children dont die from work exhaustion, then adults will take their places.

It was something I was quite mindful of, however, such things couldnt be helped in this world.

I thought it would be nice if gunpowder could be proven effective and help reduce the number of deaths, but, was there little hope for that?

In this worlds society, being heartless was something based on personal affairs.

Scene Change

..With that, well be gradually receiving more fellows from now on, so

Yes.

I told Sharon, who had grown to be near me in height, about us hiring new slave girls.

Today as well, she was in charge of managing the company while selling our goods. Sharon was fit to become a leader who would be looking after other girls.

Thats why, I deemed it was best to inform her about any news. However.. her ears looked as though she was somewhat discontent.

I couldnt see her tail, as it was hidden, but, I normally would understand when she was in good mood from her standing ears.

Sharon is usually in good mood, however, her completely hidden ears now somehow gave off the feeling of her grieving over something.

You dont have to worry about living here. Weve got enough funds and the company will also expand alongside the number of people.

Yes.

Are? Did I miss your target, Sharon?

If theres something you arent content with or troubled with in your life, Id like you to tell me, but

No, its fine. Ive already received enough pay.

Is that so? In case youd wish for me to set you free from slavery, you can always go back to living as a citizen using that money youve earned.

Everyone is now content with their lives. Rather, if they were told they would be thrown out, I think they would hate it and cry.

Ah no, even though I said Id set you free, I didnt mean to throw you out.

I still want to utilize children who can memorize their jobs.

Fumu, so theres some other kind of problem present.

I couldnt understand it anymore, so I gave up and decided to ask her directly.

Could it be, its something personal?

Uhmm, just one thing.. When new children join us, like last time, well have to wash them, right?

Thats true.

Their dirty appearance probably felt inconvenient to them, so nothing would start, until we made them neat and clean.

However, you as well, dont you always bathe yourselves in hot water, behind the companys shop?

It was okay for them to wash themselves at their own convenience, but, all of them were still children, so girls, like Roll, quite disliked hot springs.

..Ah, yes, rather than that

It should be fine for us to build a hot spring when expanding the company, right?

I feel bad for having Sensei cast magic each time we needed water, so lets dig a well and make a pump.

Speaking of which, in the past, Id thought about constructing a pump the first time I arrived in this world. Since its mechanism is simple, should I discuss this with Sensei and try it out?

I too, want to occasionally submerge myself in a tub and enjoy my time, therefore, it was bothersome when I had to go to Losgow just to enter a hot spring.

Uhmm, Master-sama?

Ah sorry, Ive been thinking about something. Like if it wouldnt be better for us to construct a new hot spring.

Thats not what I mean. I was wondering, why, am I the only one who cant have you wash my body.

Ah no, thats, you know.

I wondered if she could do it by herself, since she was the only one, among the other girls, who had an adult body.

Rather than that, does this mean she wants to be treated the same as the other girls?

Ah, so it was about that? Is this what she wanted to say?

Sharon possesses the blood of a beastman, so her growth has been fast, however, her insides are still that of a child.

She comes from a family of merchants, so she could write using low class letters and memorize how to do single-entry bookkeeping. Her sagacity is also what persuaded me to talk with her, like an adult.

Thats right, being the only one left behind, perhaps she felt worried about herself being discriminated against.

.I wonder what will become of me.

Sorry, that was my bad. I shall consider you as well, the next time I bathe the girls.

You dont need to make that face, as if being about to burst out in tears.

Finally, as I caressed her head, a pair of animal ears stuck out from her soft, orange-colored hair.

Yes..

Well, just because her body grew up a bit, doesnt mean I couldnt pamper her a bit..speaking of which, it feels quite inconvenient, but, is it fine for me to think of her as a grown-up child?

Considering her age, she probably still wanted to be spoiled despite her looking like an adult.

By the way, since Lyle-sensei wont object, it should fine to entrust him with bathing you, right?

Once I said so, both Sensei and Sharons moods worsened.

This was intended to be a joke, but, could it be it was something forbidden to Sensei?