“Why all of a sudden are you calling us…”
“Sara, why did you gather us?”
The people Sara had gathered watched me with anxious faces, glancing nervously. Am I that scary-looking?
I swallowed my tears inwardly at the unyielding beauty standard that exists even in the fantasy world.
But I do have five girlfriends… right?
“Everyone, pay attention.”
“W-who are you?”
“I am the person here to rescue you.”
At my response, distrust flickered in the people’s eyes. Do they not believe me?
I never thought I would get such looks even after building my reputation. Well, considering these people have been trapped in this town for over three years, they couldn’t possibly know of my exploits, so it couldn’t be helped.
If I were them, I’d probably wonder if it was a new human trafficking tactic if a scary-looking guy came to rescue me.
“Is it true?”
“Indeed. I am a Marquis of the Empire. I’ve come here to investigate after hearing about the troubles in this town.”
Quietly, I pulled out my badge proving my status as a Marquis. As I did, the eyes of those watching me began to change.
Status is everything, huh?
Just showing it held enough persuasion without saying much.
It would surely add a touch of emotion to the idea that a high-ranking noble came to rescue us… not that the atmosphere felt very trusting.
Well, who would believe that a Marquis came to save them just like that?
“Don’t believe me? But believe it you must. After all, it’s all you can do, isn’t it?”
It is hard to gauge the exact time limit, but if we don’t escape this time, there likely won’t be another chance. Perhaps sensing the urgency of the situation, everyone fell silent and stared at me.
Then, the oldest man stepped forward and asked me.
“Marquis, may I ask one thing?”
“Ask away.”
“How do you plan to get us out of here? As you know, there are guards stationed everywhere…”
At his question, I pointed to the ground with my finger and replied.
“We will escape through a tunnel.”
“A tunnel… you mean?”
The looks on their faces were full of disbelief. It’s been a while since I’ve received such looks. Well, it’s probably easier to show than tell.
I took out the shovel strapped to my backpack and drove it into the ground.
I had finished scouting the terrain around the village, so I simply needed to create a decent tunnel. Shall I show them a miracle from now?
“Let’s see something fun. Crafting.”
A massive tunnel opened beneath the floor of the house at the farthest corner of the slum. The refugees gasped at the sudden appearance of the tunnel, alternating their gaze between me and the tunnel.
“A-a tunnel suddenly…”
“It’s magic.”
Well, not really magic, but I thought it’d be easier to explain that way. I pointed to the tunnel with the shovel and said.
“We’ll begin escaping through the tunnel from now on. Just follow me as I keep clearing the way. Renny, you keep watch for anyone approaching.”
“That much is easy.”
Now, it’s time to set off. It will take some time for all these people to move at once.
“Then we will set off right away. The destination is the nearest city to this village. Apparently, they sent investigators to this village, but they all went missing.”
“Those people probably…”
Someone among the refugees began to speak up. Although he trailed off, I could guess what he was trying to say.
Figures.
The dead are a lost cause. All I can do is retrieve their belongings later and pass them on to their families.
“Don’t worry about the dead. The living need to survive. So come with me into the tunnel. We must move before dawn.”
According to Sara, the villagers oddly wander around at night. I must quickly send them beyond the tunnel before whatever is there gets suspicious.
As I walked into the tunnel, I conjured a small fireball the size of a fist atop my shoulder. It was a tiny but illuminating light that shone throughout the tunnel. As the light from the flame imbued with the power of the Phoenix illuminated the surroundings, a calm expression spread across the faces of the people.
“Everyone, quietly follow me.”
We started our midnight escape.
——————–
“I-I’m really outside!”
“We’re alive!”
“Hooray!”
“Everyone, pay attention!”
Emerging from the long tunnel after half a day, the refugees’ faces were filled with joy.
It was probably due to the speed we moved while saving even our breaks. I pointed toward a village several kilometers away and shared another piece of good news with the refugees.
“Now we will go to that village to let them know to protect you.”
“Hooray!”
“Long live Marquis Quartz!”
“Be quiet and follow me.”
We hurried toward our dwindling destination. While the pace was quick in talk, the sick people mixed in meant we weren’t moving all that fast, yet we didn’t take too long to reach the village entrance.
“Who goes there! State your identity!”
“I am Marquis Quartz.”
I took out my badge of proof and looked at the pale-faced village guard.
“Huh! I-I’m so sorry! Please have mercy!”
“Enough of that, just tell the village chief to look after the refugees for a moment.”
“What brings you here at this hour…? And who are these people?”
“You just need to inform the mayor that they were rescued from the clutches of a cult. And I must leave right away to continue investigating, so just take good care of them.”
And contact the mayor of the city to which this village belongs to support the refugees in my name as the Marquis Quartz. They should already know I’m here, and saying my name will make it clear they should send subordinates to handle it promptly.
“Yes, yes!”
“To think you rescued so many people… truly, Marquis Quartz! You are amazing!”
The guard stared at me with a look of admiration. Just from his eyes, I could guess what he was thinking.
The embodiment of ‘noblesse oblige’ rescuing the people has struck a chord… or something like that. I turned away and spoke to Sara, who was looking up at me.
“I’ll head back into the village for a bit. You guys stay here and rest.”
“…I’ll pray for your safety.”
“Thanks.”
I patted her head, which felt dry and forlorn.
“I’ve said it, so the mayor won’t neglect you.”
“Thank you, Marquis!”
“Thank you!”
I heard the refugees’ grateful words as I entered the tunnel again, filling it back one by one. Since they could escape through this, it was only natural to do so. Renny and I just needed to come out of the village.
I dashed through the tunnel at a rapid pace, unlike when I came in. The sun was already high, so the creatures might have realized something was amiss, and Renny may already be fighting.
So I need to push myself and hurry.
As I returned to the village at full speed, I was greeted by a surprisingly quiet sound.
What’s this?
I poked my head out from the tunnel and scanned the area. Then I saw Renny, who was polishing her sword in a corner, look at me and say.
“Did it end?”
“Yes. Did anything happen while I was leading the refugees?”
“No, nothing happened. But I felt an incredible presence in this area. And there was an awful smell, like wet dog fur. It didn’t approach since I was radiating my aura. But if we step out, it’ll probably go wild?”
Wet dog smell… so that’s what it was.
I somehow knew the god’s name was Lugaru.
“Then let’s start investigating again.”
“They will be very vigilant, though. Will we be able to investigate?”
“Don’t think too hard about it. If they get in our way, we take a few as examples. Once their heads are separated from their bodies, they’ll pick up on things.”
No one is free in the face of death.
“…But first, I’m getting a bit hungry, so let’s grab a quick bite.”
“Sure, but there’s only enough left for a light snack, you know? If we eat that all, we’re done for.”
Renny handed me a lump of jerky and a water bottle.
“This amount is fine. After we prepare everything quickly, my plan is to bury the entire village.”
Going by past occurrences, the villagers are no longer human. So I felt no guilt.
In the first place, feeling guilty towards those who eat human flesh is strange.
“Ugh, just thinking about it is horrifying. I’m glad you’re not the enemy.”
“I’m thinking the same thing.”
“Just kidding.”
“Does it sound like a joke?”
I absolutely cannot let you turn into my enemy.
“…Anyway, let’s eat quickly.”
“Right.”
I tore apart the jerky and stuffed it into my mouth. The salty flavor and slightly tough texture filled my mouth.
“Aren’t you going to eat?”
“I stuffed myself enough last night.”
In that case, I quickly ate up all the jerky and stood up to loosen my body.
Though I was always in top condition with the three blessings I had received, the act itself helped relieve some tension, so it wasn’t entirely without meaning.
“Now, let’s get down to business.”
“Start with the temple?”
“Exactly. For anyone trying to block our path… let’s show them what happens.”
I grasped my shovel tightly and stretched it out.
My beloved mithril shovel caught the sunlight breaking through the gaps in the wall and scattered a shimmering glow.
It would soon be awash with blood, losing its beautiful shine.
“Then let’s go.”
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