Riot Grasper

1st Volume, 11th Chapter The Port Town, Pascam

In the southern part of Merville town is the Commercial district which Im familiar with.

In the eastern part is the Industrial district where craftsmen and artisans have their workshops.

In the northern part is the Residential district where people abide in.

And then, in the western part is the junction of Commercial and Residential districts, making it bustling.

In Pascam port town in the west, a variety of items is imported via sea route.

Items of daily necessities, utility items, raw materials such as ores and leather, and variegated items are transported to Merville town, and are then delivered throughout Lechelle kingdom.

Its logical for the western part to be bustling for its a gateway.

I, who had yet to visit this part of the town, had my heart racing when I visited as a Pascam escort.

Hey world, wait for me!

Oh wellI arrived at the west gate ahead of time and was now waiting for others.

After a while, Arnold-san and Lim, Bays-san, and Batteau-san arrived respectively.

Batteau-san arrived in a large, hooded carriage drawn by two horses. To possess such a carriage, Batteau-san seems to be a successful merchant, dont you think?

As expected of Merchant Lv2.

Earlier, Batteau-san said that he was going to Pascam in relation to procurement. However, if you looked at the items inside the horse-drawn carriage, you could guess that he intended to export, too.

Because we were escorts, I was behind the carriage.

The beastkin parent and child were on the left and the right.

Bays-san was sitting leisurely with Batteau-san on the coachmans rack.

Oh well. This time, hes an examiner and accompanying us for free, is that why? However, is that really fine?

As far as the front is concerned, as long as Batteau-san calls out to us if anything happens, theres no problem.

Bays-san, who demanded to be treated as nothing more than air, gave me just one piece of advice.

According to him, there have been incidents of horseshit triggering land mines, so I have to be extra careful.

I hate him already~.

Was the one who nonchalantly advised me to guard the rear not you, Bays-san~?

Someday, Ill make you pay.

After leaving Merville town, we headed straight to the west.

When the lush green filled my view and the silhouette of the town faded, I started feeling homesick even though I hadnt even spent 10 days there.

The speed of the carriage was pretty fast.

According to the feedback from my body, I think it should be about 6~7km per hour.

Walking on foot at such a pace was quite tiring.

If I didnt have the Physical Abilities Enhancement skill, I would most likely be smeared in horseshit by now.

Since the two guarding the left and the right had naturally more strength than a human, they were doing fine.

As for Bays-san, I couldnt see himHe must surely be asleep.

When the shadow cast by the sunlight shrinked, indicating that the sun had reached its zenith, the carriage came to a halt in order to take a short break.

Because the place was slightly inclined, it seemed to be a small hill.

I sat on a rock, where the view was nice, opened the water flask and rehydrated myself.

Whether it was an illusion or not, the soothing view was washing my fatigue off.

When I looked up, the clusters of clouds were gently drifting across the blue sky.

When I lowered my gaze, I could see the far, far away horizon.

When I lowered my gaze further, I could see a forest on the left. The very forest which was my hunting ground the south forest.

On the right, I could see plains stretching and a river flowing.

The Pascam highway seemed to pass through there.

There was still quite some distance left. However, there seemed to be a post station along the highway.

According to Batteau-san, we will be having the lunch there.

Built at the post station along the highway is a plain and simple inn for travelers and merchants use. Its managed by the villagers who live nearby.

There was a small road branching off the post station to the right. It must lead to the village. It wasnt visible, though

Did you find something?

!? The sudden question surprised me so much that the water in my throat shot up my nose.

It was Lim.

No, I was just thinking how beautiful the scenery is.

Is that so? The village where I used to live was just as beautifulI so miss my village.

Lims dark brown hair, bathed in the sunlight, was shining golden just like her eyes.

Her expression was sorrowful. Was she reminded of the demons invasion of her village?

It was bad of me. But I had no idea that my words would have this effect.

My pocket is getting too heavy

Eh? Did you say something?

This beautiful scenery and Lims tragic past; I cant take both at the same time, is what I meant but I couldnt say it.

The carriage should be leaving anytime now.

Un

I was rather fortunate that Lim didnt get what I said.

Was my mind off because of walking so much so fast?

What do I do? Im ashamed to death.

Is what would have happened.

A while after descending downhill

We arrived at the post station. It was lunch time.

Batteau-san and Bays-san planned on having the lunch inside.

I and the beastkin family decided to have the lunch, which we brought with us, outside.

It was also our duty as escorts to guard the carriage from those who were up to no good.

I bit into Dario-sans Alma Chicken Roast Mille Feuille style pastry.

Because I was told that it would taste even better if warmed, I had someone in the inn heat it over fire.

Is that how it was made on Earth, too?

The pastry comprised several layers. Each layer had a different seasoning, with meat stuffed between layers.

The first layer contained salt and pepper hors doeuvres.

The second layer contained bouillon like sauce. It had a strong taste main dish.

The third layer

Dario-san, youre a god, seriously.

After I was done with the lunch, I took out the fruit pie which I received from Dario-san.

One of the two, who were having their own meals, twitchedwhich didnt go unnoticed by me. It was Lim.

I decided to eat one myself and offer the rest to Lim.

Is it really that good?

I tried to ask again but the pie had already been snatched from my hand.

Aah, youll have to share it with Arnold-san this time, however.

Un

Her expression was so funny, I couldnt keep myself from watching. *gununu*was her expression when she was handing half the fruit pie to Arnold-san.

It was such a charming sight.

Once again, we coursed to the west.

While we were advancing along the highway, we could see the silhouette of a dense forest on the left.

Because there were only plains on the right, we were required to be cautious of the left.

I would hate it if thieves showed up.

Killing humansIm not sure if I can do it.

Oh well. According to Batteau-san, thieves dont take unnecessary risk of raiding escorted caravans.

Im probably overthinking because of fatigue

Pugiiiii! Pugyuaaa

Un, it was the monsters that attacked.

Coming out of the forest were four Orcs.

As for their appearance, there was nothing notable. They looked just like a bipedal pig.

Their skin was a mix of ash and mud. Their height was same as an average human. Drool was dribbling down the corner of their mouths as if they were excited.

They were holding clubs in their hands.

As for their skillsStick Arts Lv1.

They had varying skill points 6~8/10.

Stick Arts, huh?

Theres no harm in having one more skill. Should I steal then?

Seiji, Lim! Take on a monster each. Ill take on two.

Arnold-san, who was guarding the left of the carriage, charged first.

Followed by me and then Lim.

I pulled the whetted Baselard out of its sheath and closed the distance while observing the swinging club of the enemy.

They seem to be strong physicallyHowever, if they cant hit, its of no use.

The swung club hit the ground.

After I dodged the attack by jumping to the side, I swung my sword before the enemy could regain its posture, sending its right arm flying.

I touched it in the meantime. However, it resulted in failure.

Its not like Im ruing.

Mopping it up was now the priority.

The orc, which was groaning upon losing its right arm, lost its head next. Thereafter, I shifted my attention to Lim.

Right at that moment, the Orc, which was wielding a club, received Lims fist.

The blow was heavier than what I saw in the contest earlier.

WellShe has the Magic Power Conversion skill, after all.

Mana is converted at the point of impact and added to the attack power, most likely.

The Orc, whose head had completed one full revolution, collapsed.

The monster, which had collapsed with a thud, was breathing faintly.

I quietly touched it with my hand and stabbed my sword into it.

Alright, successfully stolen.

By the way, a skill cant be stolen from a dead opponent.

Theres no doubt about it for I have already tried it.

Thereafter, I turned to Arnold-san. Apparently, my worries were unfounded.

When I turned to him, he was holding an oddly curved blade. The Orc was lying, bisected. There was no need to lend him a hand.

I wanted to steal from all four of them but we were acting as a group.

I was able to steal from one, though. Its satisfactory in itself.

IndeedYou all really are strong.

Batteau-san admired us, gasping.

Bays-san didnt come down the carriage.

He probably knew that it would be alright.

Orc subjugation should be a rank D quest

I muttered to myself.

However, Orcs dont come out of the forest much, they only appear on the highwayShould Ikeep something for verification at PascamShould I?

The bodies of the Orcs didnt have anything that could be used as raw materials and we didnt receive any subjugation quest either, so we left their bodies as is and proceeded.

The forest, which could be seen on the left, disappeared. After a while, we caught a glimpse in front of us on the horizon.

After walking for one more hourwe finally arrived at Pascam port town.

It wasnt on the scale of Merville town. However, the spectacle of a port was exciting, nevertheless.

Because it was about sunset, the sun setting in the shoreline painted the port in a romantic color.

Since the ships normally arrive during the day, its usually lively at that time. At this time, it seemed deserted.

Oh well, its not like I came here to play.

After Batteau-san arranged for an inn, he went to deliver the goods on the carriage to the trading firm at the scheduled time. After we escorted him to the trading firm, we were relieved for the day.

Tomorrow morning, we would likewise go to the trading firm to stock up the procured goods. After that, we would depart for Merville town. It would be quite a busy.

Bays-san had to check up on Pascam Adventurers Guild, so he separated from us.

Unlike Bays-san, who had it easy on the coachmans rack, we were tired of walking (or it might be just me), so I made a beeline for the inn.

I entered the inn, which had already been arranged for, and was led to the room.

Judging from the construction, this inn looked to be of higher grade than Feeder Pops.

However, it all comes down to the food.

Since it was an inn located in a port town, it only had fish.

Who made this crude thing!?

I was hoping it wouldnt come to that.

I wont be able to say it.

More importantly, it was a room for three.

Oh well. The client was paying for the inn, I couldnt tell them to arrange a separate room each for us escorts.

AlsoLim didnt show any signs of rejection upon sharing a room with me.

Was that the effect of regular dose of fruit pie?

Or was she at ease because Arnold-san was there?

It was probably both.

Hey, theres a girl here, right? I meanIts about time for bathI cant do it inside the room

The attendant probably read my mind, so he said.

It must be tiring coming here all the way from Merville town. Theres a bath facility at this inn. Do use it, please. It will be charged additionally.

There is?

After all five of us gathered, we had the dinner. It was quite delicious.

The fish was fresh. Lim, who was a cat herself, especially liked it.

When the fish grilled with fragrant grass was served, she couldnt suppress the twinkling in her eyes.

After I was done with the regular maintenance of the sword, I took bath and changed into comfortable clothes.

I massaged my feet a bit, which went stiff after traveling all the way on foot, and threw myself on the bed as I would have to be up early morning tomorrow.

After I lied down, I decided to confirm todays spoils before going to sleep.

Name: SeijiAgatsuma

I still have six attempts left but theres no helping it.

The moment I closed my eyes, the feeling of fatigue subsided and a floating sensation overcame as I fell asleep.

U?What

I heard a voiceWhat was that?

I, who was hazy after having just woken up, shook my head and looked around the room.

It was dark outside, so it should still be midnight.

My bad. I seem to have woken you up.

ErrArnold-san? Just now, that voice

Under the moonlight shining dimly through the window, Arnold-san was sitting on a chair by Lims bed, scratching his head *puripuri* apologetically.

Lim had a nightmare just now. She was dreaming of the time when our village was attacked.

Again, some words full of anguish leaked out of Lims mouth while she was asleep.

NoMamawhereStop, please stopHot, it hurtsPapa, where

Arnold-san grasped Lims hand.

Her breathing gradually calmed as the pained expression on her face gradually receded.

Umm, now that I think about it, I havent heard aboutLims mother

She died. To saveher only daughter.

I- see

Seiji, Im sorry to disturb you. With me here, shell be fine. You should go back to sleep.

Has Arnold-san been doing this all night!?

UmmI dont think I can do much butIf theres anything I can do, please tell me.

Such words came out my mouth subconsciously.

Being an outsider, there wasnt much I could do.

Is that so? If you dont mind, can you please caress this childs headMy wife- used to do that.

Puzzled, I put my hand on Lims head and caressed.

While I was caressing her silky hair, I gently touched her fluffy ears.

As her cat ears twitched, Lim muttered something.

Ma-maThank goodness

Tears ran down her cheek.

Thanks, Seiji.

Not at allGood night.

I went back to the bed and kept staring at my palm, recalling the sensation.

ReallyMy pocket is getting too heavy