Chapter: 588
I had put off entering the island because it was important, but what I needed to do wasn’t just entering the island and taking on the dungeon.
Anyway, I was guided by the Fairy Queen to take what the heroes had left behind.
I also needed to meet the doll of Grandpa and the Hero left by Erginius, and I decided to go with Benedict to Garad’s castle.
I wanted to have a heartfelt conversation with the Hero’s skeleton someday, while I really wanted to meet Grandpa’s skeleton all by myself.
Why? Because I want to tease him! I mean, even through the monitor, his old man vibes were coming through, so I can’t wait to see how he is in reality!
Ah, I’m so excited. Just imagining Grandpa being all fidgety with just his voice is thrilling!
<…I’m not looking forward to it at all. Can’t you just leave me alone then? >
‘How can I not take my weapon, Grandpa?’
[Well, that’s true, but… ]
Thinking about facing his dark past made Grandpa naturally shut his mouth.
Hmm. If I thought about running into my past self during my second year, I’d probably freak out. Grandpa must feel the same way.
“Lina, is there really a reason to be that vigilant here?”
“Who knows when that trash might pop out? So we need to be ready to leave a scar on that annoying face.”
“…It’s going to be a big problem if we damage the Prince’s face.”
“I don’t care about the affairs in human countries. I’m just here to be Lucy’s faithful dog and protect her!”
As soon as I mentioned going out, Lina naturally joined in, looking alert atop the carriage horse.
I couldn’t believe Lina, who would either be acting perverted or sleeping like a beast, was being so diligent this time.
However, it was quite clueless of her.
Just look at the disappointment in Benedict’s eyes. He went out to spend time alone with his daughter, tossing aside his guard, only to have an uninvited superior step in. He was in despair.
“Baabo Papa~”
At this rate, it’s not worth dragging Benedict outside!
Crawling over from the back of the carriage, I sat beside him, making him jump and then give me an awkward smile.
“You can sleep more if you’re tired.”
“Perverted Papa, you know your eyes are lecherous? What are you planning to do while I sleep?”
“It’s troubling to have such misunderstandings! I’m not Lina!”
“How sad, I wouldn’t touch sleeping Lucy. That would make me hated, wouldn’t it?”
[But I will enjoy watching you sleep like a little cutie.]
Grandpa. Can’t you keep those horrible truths buried in your heart?!
I thought that I’d have to lock that sloppy fox somewhere like us when we sleep tonight, and then I blinked at the robe that Benedict pulled out with his big hands.
“Wear this until we arrive. Lucy, you stand out too much.”
“Then I have to show off! Watching sloppy people flounder around is just too fun!”
“That’s true.”
“Or what? You don’t want to show off your daughter’s cute side to others? Do you want to keep it all to yourself? Puhaha. Perverted Papa, you’re so greedy!”
“Can’t you just not call me a pervert? It really hurts my heart.”
Sorry, but I can’t control that. Just please disregard it.
“So, silly Papa, how far is it to the trash’s castle?”
“If it’s Lord Garad’s castle, we still have about two hours to go.”
Garad’s castle is kind of a magical labyrinth. Due to Garad using various means to ensure that unqualified folks can’t enter, it ended up becoming even more dungeon-like than dungeons themselves.
Thanks to this, nobody lives within the circular area of Garad’s castle.
If a village were made here, the knight riding horses would politely knock them out and chase them away. If they came back to the village, it would have long been burned to the ground.
Due to such circumstances, to head towards Garad’s castle, we have to warp to the nearest territory and then move physically.
Hiring a space magician is the most efficient way, but in this case, taking on Garad’s castle is just a side project.
It’s better to choose a carriage trip, to enjoy some leisurely time with Benedict.
“Hey there, silly Papa. I’m bored. Tell me a fun story.”
“…Uh. F-fun story? Um, how about the time I defeated a dragon?”
“Such a cliché. Aah, my dad is someone stuck in past memories. I’m getting a little sad.”
“W-well, how about the time I met Mira?”
“I’ve heard that to death in winter! Describe how embarrassing and perverted you sounded, foolish Papa?”
“Embarrassing. Perverted.”
Did he not realize he was making such a face? Benedict’s head drooped down naturally.
Usually, I’d feel guilty while watching him like that, but this time it was different.
That’s because when he talked about his wife, Benedict was the ultimate old man in a rut. If I were to list the top three chats I’d never want to have while drinking, this would definitely make the cut.
“I can’t help it. It was my fault to expect something from a boring old man like Baabo Papa.”
“Just give me one more chance! I’ll definitely find a story that Lucy would enjoy!”
“Shut up. Read the atmosphere. Silly Papa. I’ll talk instead of this shoddy old pervert.”
Silencing Benedict effortlessly, I propped my chin with my hand and started recounting past events.
Like the time I nearly died facing a Minotaur when I met Grandpa.
Or almost facing a horrific fate when I met an Alchemist during the entrance exam.
Or that time I was nearly killed by the Apostle of the Evil God.
Or the time I almost lost my life when I went to meet Karia.
Or that time my head nearly got chopped off while dealing with Garad’s doll.
Or the events at the Burrow Territory.
I narrated each funny story, knowing just how Benedict would react, and every time he flinched, he tried to speak, but I shut him up with a shout saying I was still talking.
As I laid out all those crises, I realized something.
Just being alive now is nothing short of a miracle, right?
Veteran or not, in a moment of misalignment, I could’ve easily died!
Shoddy God! Isn’t this a bit strange!?
For a position like the Apostle of the Lord Jushin, I should be treated better! I shouldn’t be the one looking for death on my own!
What’s even more annoying is that the rewards I get for what I do are total garbage!
Ah, of course, my spec has risen a lot!
But if the enemy’s spec rises too, what’s the point of that! Huh!?
“…Can I ask why you’re sharing these hidden stories with me?”
As my grievances flooded towards the Shoddy God, Benedict broke the long silence and opened his mouth.
“Though it may seem like I’m small in your foolish Papa’s rambling eyes, there are plenty of shoddy idiots out there.”
“Yeah, I suppose. Our Lucy worked super hard and got strong because of that.”
“If you know it, why worry about useless things? Why does a guy who looks like a troll have such a feminine heart? Wanna role-play with dolls later?”
I knew what Benedict was worried about. It was not only from Grandma’s advice but I could feel it for some reason beforehand.
“Poor Papa may not see it, but the Shoddy God is just a shameless pervert with no reason to be respected. He’s the type of sicko who loves dressing me in shameful clothes. There’s no way such trash would abandon me, right? There’s no one cuter than me in this world.”
I’m bound to face a few more crises ahead. I can’t be at ease unless I see the end of the game’s story.
Still, I won’t just roll over and die. I swear to survive, even for the pride of the Soul Academy’s rotten water.
And if I tighten my jaws to survive, I believe the Shoddy God will do his best to help me too.
Excluding the sexual preferences I can’t laugh off and his incompetence despite the great name of God, he’s a decent guy.
Why did Phoebe say that? His intentions to make the world a better place are real.
“So just wait at home. Silly Papa. You’re not a beastly man that can’t even do what a puppy can!”
That’s why I won’t die. No matter what happens, I’ll survive to see the end of this world.
What happens afterward, who knows.
Whatever it is, it’s just additional content.
At minimum, it’s a DLC, at maximum, it’s a sequel.
Do you think I would miss out on something like that!?
“…I see.”
Benedict’s shoulders shook as he held onto the reins and bowed his head.
There were many words rising in my heart, but I shut my mouth and turned my gaze forward.
While I’m blending into Mesugaki skills, I can still figure out the atmosphere.
Looking at the clear blue sky with no clouds and the horse that moves on its own, I spotted a creepy, worn-down castle in the distance.
It looked like it could collapse at any moment, and it was the very place of the trials I was searching for.
A place that would let Benedict know he doesn’t need to worry about me.
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