Defiled Hero Chapter 007
Defiled Hero

Laketown

Laketown. Being about three times bigger than the town of Arona, the activity on the streets was incomparable.

Although the town was not distant, Arona was located in a remote region sticking out the front of a mountain. The incomparable cost of distributing goods was why they were so comparatively different.

We entered the town through the gate and continued forward with the carriage, pa.s.sing by people walking down the street and others cleaning things. Along the street were several stalls lined up selling various items. If there are good items I might buy them later.

『Izayoi! I’m not getting a response from Allele-chan, but I can feel a bit of her power! 』 (Astrea)

(I see, even if she’s still alive, the situation doesn’t seem good.) (Izayoi)

『Yeah, I’m worried...』 (Astrea)

We continued for a bit until we arrived at the local lord’s mansion. As we descended from the carriage, a servant-like 60 year old man came to greet us.

「Well well, we have been waiting for your arrival. ...Hmm? Who could this be?」 the servant said as he looked at me.

Aaron then placed his artificial arm on my shoulder.

「We found a pretty capable adventurer in Arona. He knows s.p.a.ce magic and helped out transporting the cargo.」 (Aaron)

「Indeed it seems so. I am a servant of Lord Alfred, Lloyd.」 (Lloyd)

「I’m Izayoi. Where’s a good place to put the cargo?」 (Izayoi)

「Ah yes, over here. Please wait for a little bit, Aaron-sama. Lord Alfred will be here momentarily.」 (Lloyd)

「Nah, we’ll say our goodbye here. We’ve gotta move on to the next town. Since this kid was here with us, our job was a lot easier. …give the local lord our thanks.」 (Aaron)

The old men got on the carriage and left, waving goodbye to me.

「Izayoi-dono, stay well.」 (Bratt)

As the carriage quickly departed, I was left standing alone with the servant Lloyd.

「It is regretful they had to leave. Well then, this way please Izayoi-sama.」 (Lloyd)

To the side of the estate was a storehouse. In the storehouse normally sealed with a strong magical lock, Astrea withdrew and placed 21 wooden boxes.

「Amazing, Izayoi-sama truly has a large storage capacity.」 (Lloyd)

Only a small fraction of magicians could use s.p.a.ce magic. Typically s.p.a.ce magic users had a large capacity. I can carry up to roughly 2 wooden boxes, while the stronger magicians had a maximum of 10.

Truth be told, I can’t use s.p.a.ce magic. I’ve always deposited and withdrew from Astrea’s infinite storage s.p.a.ce. There isn’t a limit to her storage… I think.

『Astrea’s s.p.a.ce? It’s not a storehouse you know? I don’t want you to overuse it you know?』 (Astrea)

(Aah, I see.) (Izayoi)

Since Astrea seems displeased from being overused, I’ll handle things myself and refrain from letting other people use it as much as possible.

「It would be better if others were not told about my s.p.a.ce magic.」 (Izayoi)

While grasping the sword hanging on my shoulder, Lloyd who saw it spoke, 「Understood. I will not conduct such an action, do not worry.」

「Then my job is over. Allow me to take my leave.」 (Izayoi)

「Please wait Izayoi-sama. Is it unacceptable to meet with the lord?」 (Lloyd)

「The local lord? Why?」 (Izayoi)

「You were introduced to us by Aaron-sama. If this was spoken about, then the lord will take an interest in you, will he not? If I do not somehow restrain you, then I will be punished. Is it possible for you to somehow help me with my one request?」 (Lloyd)

The local lord, is it? Certainly we’ve met during the age of heroes, but I can’t remember his face. The territory is a.s.sisting the shady business. The lord’s image doesn’t seem to be favorable either.

(Astrea, is it fine if I’m a little late?) (Izayoi)

『Un, it’s fiiine.』 (Astrea)

(Sorry about that.) (Izayoi)

「……Since I have business to take care of, I will not be able to stay for long. Is that fine?」 (Izayoi)

「Yes, of course Izayoi-sama.」 (Lloyd)

After being told to wait, I sat down on a high cla.s.s sofa in the reception area.

Unintentionally looking at the various works of art decorating the room, a certain recognizable object caught my eye.

It was something that looked like two red gems. They were the eyes of a Redgrow Wyvern. The instant I stood up to take a closer, the door opened.

「Oh, you must be Izayoi. Good to meet you. I’m the lord of this area, hopefully we remain well acquainted. Well then, won’t you please sit?」 (Alfred)

Standing up as he arrived wasn’t originally my intention, but I guess it’s fine.

Sitting in front of my eyes was the local lord Alfred. He was blond haired and rather plump. He also had a moustache... it was like he had the image of authority. I should have met him before, but I can’t remember.

「I heard from Lloyd that you were introduced by Aaron, so I’m sure you’re a capable person. How about it? Would you be willing to work for me? There will be quite the compensation.」 (Alfred)

「Sorry but I don’t have that intention. I’m planning on traveling the world, so I can’t stay.」 (Izayoi)

「As I thought, that is unfortunate. Aaron has introduced capable people with one or two habits, but up to now not one has accepted my invitation. However, don’t worry about it and why not instead talk for a bit? The people Aaron brings over are usually commoners, but all of them have been very interesting.」 (Alfred)

To amuse yourself like that is a bit disagreeable, but a talk, huh? Once I hear what I want to know, I’ll head back.

「I’ve secluded myself in the mountains for several years, so I’m unfamiliar with the world. I have been in this area before, so has anything changed?」 (Izayoi)

「What has changed, is it? In that case there have been quite a few things. This territory’s specialty is Reyl Lake’s magical water as well as fish and agricultural products. But it has been about two years, the Reyl Lake’s water has started to become impure, and it no longer has its original magical abundance」 (Alfred)

「……Do you know the cause?」 (Izayoi)

「I do not. There has been no solution...... Approximately six years ago, a hero pa.s.sed by Reyl Lake. That reminds me, you were previously looking at the Redgrow Wyvern’s eyes weren’t you? The previous hero left that after defeating the Redgrow Wyvern which attacked the area.」 (Alfred)

As I thought, the one who defeated it was me. The place has been conscientiously decorated I see.

「The Hero was very young but magnificent. I wanted to see Reyl Lake revived…… so I truly lamented over the Hero’s death. With the Hero dead, it is impossible bring the lake to its former glory.」 (Alfred)

When I was called to Reyl Lake before, I purified the fairy tainted by miasma with the sacred sword. I just so happened that I defeated the attacking Wyvern.

「It’s the same for other villages as well, as the magic disappears from the soil, they are no longer able to raise good crops. Villages like Arona whose specialty was the Airona fruit has had their trees wither. Everywhere has suffered losses. The villages have been given provisions from the kingdom’s capital by the hero’s teacher, Master swordsman Zenesys-sama who has been a wonderful individual. As the hero sealed the Demon King’s core, he went berserk and was taken care of by Zenesys-sama. It must have been a bitter experience, to face the hero who had saved the world, truly a splendid king.」 (Alfred)

Zenesys was not such a great individual. It was his fault that the magic power in the world was disappearing. Betraying me and seemingly killing me… No, he had killed me.

「I see. I’m sorry, but I have nothing to say. It’s about time for me to excuse myself.」 (Izayoi)

「Not at all, it’s fine. Thank you for listening to my rambling. I’ve not been able to speak to someone in this territory. It’s refreshing. Please come visit again sometime.」 (Alfred)