CH 37

37 – Walking in the Woods with Leo

Since becoming a freeloader of the Demon King Army and experiencing to the fullest the life of a normal person so far, I have gotten slightly fatter.

This is because Teleportation is all too convenient, which is fine.

Leo of the Demon King Army’s Big Four invited me to go camping.

This is also fine.

Begrudgingly accepting the sound argument that the reason I gained weight is that I’m teleporting everywhere and not using my legs, we are going to climb up the mountain to our destination the old-fashioned way.

I am riding atop the sacred beast white fox I saved not too long ago until the foot of the mountain.

My talking holy sword partner Mika is coming along too.

This “camping” thing seems to be different from what I did when out with the Saviors, so I’m curious.

But to be honest, I’ve gotten way too used to walking through mountains, so I have no interest.

I’m just seeing this as some exercise to get rid of a bit of flab…

「Even though this is a forest in Demon Territory, this area’s quite beautiful.」

Upon my mutterings, the lion-headed Beastman Leo gave a big nod.

「This is all thanks to the power of his Highness.」

「Ah, you got that right.」

This world and Makai are often connected by Rifts opening.

The miasma that seeps through pollutes the soil of Human Territory, and people cannot live for long periods of time on it, excluding a portion of special individuals.

Miasma that Demons are fine with, but poisonous to Humans.

Or so we thought, but there are Demons who hate the miasma too.

The boss of Eleanor, the woman who supports me, is none other than old man Demon King and is the savior of those Demons.

Verdant nature similar to that seen in Human territory is extremely precious in Demon Territory.

「Whaddya think? It’s different from when you’re in the middle of rushing to battle, right? It’s better.」

Those words sound like they came from personal experience.

「Yeah…it’s different, totally different.」

Honestly, I was shocked.

I pay attention to my surroundings even during military operations. I have to be vigilant, of course.

But I don’t take in the sound of the wind, the shaking of the leaves, the footsteps of animals, the chirp of the birds, the flapping of their wings, the lights and the shadows, the heat, and the smell.

I only take in information regarding my enemies and allies.

Who knew that just gazing at nature with no responsibility, no need to watch out for anyone, would be this different?

I wouldn’t say I’m having fun or that I love it, but I do think that it’s kinda nice.

Nice enough to realize that it’s a waste to skip through all this using Teleportation.

「Eleanor and the others seem to just want to spoil you, but receiving purely kindness is not normal. I believe a freeloader’s life with just them is an unbalanced one.」

「…Is that why you invited me out? Everyone in the Demon King Army sure is kind.」

Leo suddenly reaches out a hand to violently stroke my head after I said that.

「As a warrior and a soldier, I think your accomplishments are astounding. Be they Humans or Demons, just how many innocents lives have you saved at such a young age, I wonder.」

「…I just did what I was told.」

「It’s not something just anyone can do. But at the same time, as a man, I was worried. You must have experienced so many things that a child shouldn’t.」

「I already said I didn’t care about it.」

Leo let go of my head and smiled broadly.

「Indeed, you should live a life of happiness, advancing without worry. Depravity and happiness are different. It is better to go through all sorts of experiences in order to find your own happiness. This may be a somewhat troublesome mountain hike, but perhaps you will find inspiration.」

「…You really are a good person, after all.」

The wind blew.

It brushed my face and flowed behind me which felt pleasant, I’m sure. Maybe.

『Well, aren’t you a nice guy? Usually, when you hear “beastman”, it gives the impression of some kinda savage barbarian, but I’ll hafta rethink my perception.』

Said Mika.

『Rain the freeloader. I smell water, we are near a river. I believe the ritual known as bar-bee-que is held near rivers, yes?』

Said the white fox that shrank and stood on my shoulder.

「Rain, have you ever fished before?」

「I sure have, I’m good at it too. I just use magic like this…」

I talk about that time at the beach near the sea.

I sense the fish’s life force, then I use Wind Magic to pull out the surrounding area, take the fish out and return just the seawater.

「That’s…not fishing. Although, as long as you enjoyed it…I suppose. However, there is a way to enjoy fishing like…」

Leo was muttering something to himself.

「Ah, how about hunting? Where you hunt meat for your own sustenance.」

「I learned a little from the Magic Archer. You use a Wind Magic arrow and…」

I also learned things like how to kill prey without them suffering, and being thankful for the life I am taking.

「Having too much talent for magic can cause problems too…no, are they problems? But…hmm…」

「But you’re the one here right now, Leo. Teach me how you do it.」

After I said that, it was like his face was beaming.

「Leave it to me! I, Leo of the Big Four, shall hammer into you what hunting is like!」

He seems happy.

「And when we’re done, are we inviting everyone?」

「I suppose it will be an amount that cannot be eaten by just the two of us.」

『Are we teleporting them?』

「Well, I suppose that is the fastest method. Mountain hiking is still too tough for those kids.」

It’s also a time problem. If we start hunting now…it’ll probably be nighttime by the time we’re done.

『Hmm.』

「What?」

『Did you have fun hiking?』

「…Oh, maybe…」

『If that’s the case then…good.』

「…Should we try inviting the kids to come with us next time? Starting from the beginning? If they get tired, they can ride on the white fox.」

『Understood.』

Answered the white fox while its tail gently brushed against my neck.

「What are you doing, Rain?! Let’s go!」

Leo has gotten really pumped up and before I knew it, he was way ahead.

With a wry smile, I run to catch up to him.

Kicking off the ground with my own feet just for fun isn’t so bad.

I think that as I run.