《Berserk of Gluttony (LN)》


 Chapter Volume 1 illustrations

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 Chapter Volume 1 1

    This chapter is actually almost identical to the WN one for those of you who might get confused.


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    A person with nothing


    There is a conceptof levels in this world.


    All living beingsbegin at level 1, and can level up by gaining experience pointscalled ''Spheres'' which are obtained by defeating the monstersthat inhabit this world. However, these monsters are very dangerous,and not everyone has the capability of defeating them. Only warriorswho possessed strong attack skills could destroy these monsters.


    Skills are specialgifts given by God to people when they are born. Each person has atleast one of these gifts, and live by using their powers. As such,those who possessed stronger skills are said to be chosen by God.


    This was what mydeceased father told me.


    The skill that I hadbeen given was "Gluttony". It is a troublesome skill that onlygives me a feeling of constant hunger. In the vige where I hadbeen born and raised, I was told that I was good-for-nothing, and wasfrequently bullied as a result. I am a useless person in this world ¨DI have nothing.


    Thanks to thispointless skill, I was kicked out of the vige after my father, whowas my only family and support, passed away from an illness. I thentravelled to the Seyfert Capital, thinking that in such arge city,surely there would be something that even I could do. I held thishope close to my heart.


    Despite this, Icould not find a decent job and ended up being employed as agatekeeper for the castle. Whether the weather was rainy, windy, orsnowy, I was not allowed to move away from the front gate. Yetpared to amount of hard work for this job, the wage was very low.


    Originally, this wasnot a job that amoner like me could do. This was somethingreserved for the Holy Knights who served the castle. However, becauseof the 3K; "severe", "dirty" and "dangerous", thehigher-up authorities employed dailybourers like me to be theirsubstitutes. (TLN: Severe, dirty and dangerous are all words thatstart with ''k'' in Japanese, "kitsui", "kitanai" and"kiken", hence the term ''3K''.)


    "Oi, have you beenguarding the gate well as our substitute today?"


    The voice belongedto a young Holy Knight wearing brightly shining armor. He was myemployer, one of the three siblings of the Breric family, a member ofthe five noble lineages of the kingdom. The one who spoke to me withsuch arrogance was the eldest son, Rafal. Next to him stood Hado, thesecond son, and behind them both was their younger sister, Mimil. Thethree siblings all had icy blue coloured hair, and all of them weresuperior Holy Knights.


    A Holy Knight issomeone who has especially outstanding skills, even amongst thewarriors. It is an honourable title given to those who areacknowledged by the kingdom to have a great talent. In this world,levelling up stronger skills leads to an increase in one''s status.Therefore, Holy Knights who fought demons with their holy attributeskills and levelled up were in apletely different dimension topeople like me. If I were to anger them, who knows what they woulddo.


    "Yes, RafalBreric-sama."


    I kneeled down andbowed my head at them, even if they were irritating jerks.


    "Here, your wagefor today."


    Rafal threw severalcopper coins at my feet. The other two smirked in disdain.


    "Pick them up. Ifyou don''t hurry, I''ll decrease your wage."


    Even if he had notsaid that, those coins were important money for my living expenses. Iquickly began to pick them up, but just I was about to retrieve thst piece, Rafal stepped on my hand.


    "Oops, my bad.There''s a hand there? It''s so dirty that I didn''t see."


    Heughed hardwhile stepping down. Obviously it was on purpose.


    "Don''t forget,we''re the ones who gave a job to scum like you. We can rece youas many times as we want. Do you understand? Is this too hard forsomeone as stupid as you?"


    "Oh yeah, it seemslike you''ve been cking offtely. We gave you an honorable jobto do for us. Normally this job isn''t even paid, so you should begrateful that we''re paying you so generously. Shouldn''t you bepicking them up more carefully?"


    "It''s just as myolder brothers said. Your failure will inconvenience us. I''d feelbad if I executed you."


    This was theireducational guidance to me by firmly reminding me of my position.Telling me how lowly I am and emphasizing that they were the oneskeeping me alive, this was what they drilled down to my bones. If Irefused to listen to him obediently, he would not let me pick up thst coin. If I defied him, I''d lose my job and possibly be killedsince they would see it as a rebellion.


    Damn it. I havealready lived as their ve for five years, with no change in sight.If I decided to quit, Rafal and his siblings would surely be enragedand use me of false charges. He''s that kind of person.


    I felt theirritation umted in these five years start to build up inside,angry at why I must obey them and resenting my own uselessness. Andonly at such a time does my "Gluttony" skill awaken, making mystomach rumble loudly.


    Rafal seemed tothink I could never eat enough and started berating me sternly.


    "How pitiful. Eventhough you''re doing such a poor job of being a gatekeeper, we arestill feeding you! Stop embarrassing the Breric Family!"


    He kicked me in thestomach as I was still kneeling. Even though he did not kick hard,the difference between a Holy Knight''s status and amoner likeme was like heaven and earth. The impact of the kick was strongenough to feel as though my internal organs might just jump out of mymouth. Vomiting repeatedly, I lost my breath and fell to the ground.


    "What''s this?You''re like a maggot. Smelly and dirty."


    In the midst of myconsciousness, I heard what sounded like Mimil''s voice.


    "Oi, hurry and getup. If you aren''t doing your job properly as a gatekeeper, we''llget med by the other Knights!"


    Rafal was nowstepping on my face and pressing it to the ground.


    "Get up already!"


    As if I can get up.Unless he took his tough leg away, there was no way I could stand upwith the overwhelming power difference between us. Rafal knew that ofcourse. He seemed to enjoy watching me struggle and writhe under hisfeet.


    He stepped downharder and I felt a severe pain as if my head was about to crack.Just as I thought I was about to die, I was saved by a dignifiedvoice.


    "Rafal, stop thatat once! He''ll die if you continue. Your actions towards the peoplewe are meant to be protecting are improper for a Holy Knight!"


    "Tsk¡­ Today''sshift change is Roxy Heart, huh?"


    The person who savedme was Roxy Heart, someone who believed in using strength to assistthe weak and was therefore a rarity amongst the Holy Knights. Herdazzling golden hair reflected her courageous personality.


    The Heart Family wasalso one of the five noble lineages, and they believed strongly inhonoring justice. Hence, they were adored by the public, and ofcourse I was her fan too.


    At Roxy''s re,Rafal and his siblings left with a string of curses. As they did so,Rafal looked back at Roxy with a defiant smirk. I knew thatexpression well. After all, Rafal was a revengeful person. It waslikely that he resented Roxy for shaming him and was already thinkingof a way to retaliate.


    Roxy paid him noheed and taking my hand, she helped me up. With her handkerchief, shewiped the blood that flowed from my forehead.<figure ss="wp-block-image"></figure>


    "Are you alright?"


    "Yes, it alwayshappens. Thank you very much for your help, Roxy-sama."


    "Not at all, weare gatekeeperrades after all so it''s only natural that Ishould do this. Anyway, let''s change ces."


    I bowed deeply andhanded Roxy the spear adorned with a g that had Royal Familyemblem embroidered on it. This spear was the symbol of thegatekeeper. Unlike the other Holy Knights, Roxy was a respectableKnight who did her job as a gatekeeper properly. She ncedworriedly at me as I released her hand.


    "If something likethat happens again, I''ll¨D"


    "No, I cannotcause trouble for Roxy-sama. I''m okay, so I''ll be on my way now.Please excuse me."


    "Ah."


    Although it seemedlike Roxy had something else that she wanted to say, I quickly ranoff. I did not want her to concern herself with the Breric Familybecause of me anymore. With their personalities, who knows what kindsof dirty tricks they would use. There was no greater despair to methan just the thought that she may end up being treated cruelly likethe way they dealt with me. I wanted Roxy to be able to keep walkingher path without hesitation. It would definitely be better this wayand bring happiness to the people of the kingdom.


    Feeling gloomy, Iheaded towards my usual drinking bar and as the moon rose high intothe sky, I entered. Late at night was when it was the busiest.Merchants, prostitutes, travellers and many others sat down and drankuntil their faces turned red.


    Sitting down at thecounter in what could be called my designated seat, the bartenderced a ss of red wine in front of me without a word. This wasthe cheapest wine in the store and was not delicious in theslightest, being rather sour. Its sole purpose was to serve as mydistraction.


    "Master, bread andsoup."


    "Gotcha."


    Bread that had beenbaked for so long it that became burnt. Tasteless soup leftover fromboiling vegetables for other dishes. This was my dinner. I had noteaten meat for more than five years. Thest time I tasted it wasfrom a small piece of dried meat.


    I''ve alreadyforgotten what meat tasted like.


    Due to my "Gluttony"skill, I was always hungry yet I never had enough money to satisfy myappetite. Consequently, I ate the meal in front of me very slowly inthe attempt to lessen my hunger just a little. While I ate the burntbread and drank the wine bit by bit, the bar owner struck up aconversation.


    "How was your dayworking as a gatekeeper?"


    "It was prettyhard."


    "I see¡­ I hopeyou won''t end up like your predecessor."


    I gave no reply. Ihad heard that my predecessor employed by the Breric Family had diedfrom being overworked. He status was the same as mine, having beenrelentlessly tormented while working severe hours. He had graduallybe thinner until like a thread snapping, he suddenly fell downand died.


    And then, the barowner had witnessed the dead body being kicked and stomped upon bythe Breric Family, as he had died while on guard duty and was nolonger of any use to them. Even now, it was a miserable scene thathad been burned bright into his eyes, unable to be forgotten.

 Chapter Volume 1 2

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    The struggling gluttony skill


    Having drank my fillof wine until I felt tipsy, I decided to check up on Roxy beforeheading back to the ragged ce I called home. Due to the incidentwith Rafal and his siblings, I could not stop worrying about her. Nomatter how crooked Rafal was, I knew he was not the type to startharassing her immediately, yet, the image of his defiant smirk wasembedded in my mind. Even if something truly did happen, I woulddefinitely be too weak to protect her so the very least that I coulddo was act as a meat shield.


    In the moonlight, Isaw the castle gate where she stood doing her duty as a gatekeeperproperly.


    I drew a long breathand felt a sense of relief wash over me. It seemed that I had worriedfor nothing. Then, to the girl who was working so hard, I cheered onfor her from my heart, "Roxy-sama, please continue to do yourbest."


    However, I was justabout to leave when a shadow climbing over the east wall of thecastle caught my eye.


    That was a blindspot for Roxy and the other guards on patrol, yet perfectly visiblefrom where I stood. They were definitely bandits. For them to climbthe wall thiste into the night, I could not think of anyone whowould do such a thing apart from thieves. Hurriedly, I rushed towhere Roxy was standing at guard.


    "Roxy-sama,there''s an urgent issue!"


    "What''s wrong?You should have returned home by now¡­"


    "I was taking awalk to sober up when I saw people sneaking into the castle. Theyclimbed in over the east wall."


    "Really?!"


    "There''s nomistaking it, I saw them properly with my own eyes."


    Of course it wouldbe difficult to believe given that I had said this so suddenly, and Ibegan to feel anxious. However, Roxy looked into my eyes and said,


    "I believe you.I''ll head over there now, so can you stay here and protect the gatein the meantime?"


    "Yes, of course."


    Roxy handed me thespear with the Royal Family emblem.


    "May fortune bewith you, Roxy-sama."


    "Please leave itto me. For this, I still have confidence in my own strength."


    Pulling out a whitesword, she ran in the direction I had told her. So fast¡­ After all,she was a Holy Knight. In a blink of an eye, her figure disappearedinto the darkness.


    Before long, thescreams of men could be heard. It was easy to imagine Roxy defeatingthe thieves one after another. From the number of cries, I could tellthat there were quite a lot of them. It was definitely more than justtwo or three bandits.


    Nevertheless, Roxywas a Holy Knight. She would never be beaten by people like thieves.Sure enough, themotion gradually stopped and it became quiet.Just as I was feeling relieved that it was over, a man with a strongbuild came running towards me from out of the dark.


    There was no doubtthat he was one of the thieves who had escaped Roxy. As heapproached, the moonlight clearly illuminated his appearance. This¡­I took a sharp breath.


    His right arm wasmissing, having beenpletely chopped off. Desperately clutching itwith his left hand in the attempt to stop the bleeding, he rantowards me. Hisplexion was pale, surely caused by extreme anemiafrom the severe bleeding.


    I readied the spear.I could not let him escape. Even if it meant that the man would die,he was a bandit that needed to be dealt with ordingly. Despite thefact that I was acting as a gatekeeper in Roxy''s ce, letting himgo would definitely cause her trouble. I had to defeat him withoutfail.


    The enemy waswounded. Even for a powerless person like me, I should be able todefeat him. Feeling brave, I thrust the spear forward and pierced itinto the thief with as much force as I could muster. By sheer luck,the spear prated straight through his heart. The thief reachedforward and grabbed ahold of the spear, his re furious. With heavybleeding from his chest, he fell backwards onto the ground.


    His limbs continuedto convulse for a while, until all his movements finally ceased. Thethief was definitely dead.


    "I did it, Idefeated¡­ Eh?!"


    At that moment, Ifelt something flow through my body and I heard a robotic voice in mymind.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +120, Strength +150, MP +100, Spirit +100, Agility +130>


    <Appraisal,Mind-reading, Concealment, and One-handed Sword Technique skills havebeen added>


    Status update?Skills added? What was this voice? What did this mean? And thisfeeling of satiety that I have never experienced before since birththat until now, no matter how much I had eaten, could never besatisfied. Right now, this feeling of satisfaction was the best.


    While I was stillimmersed in this unfamiliar yet uplifting feeling, Roxy shouted asshe rushed up to me.


    "Are you okay? Areyou hurt?"


    As she spoke, shetook my hands to make sure there were no injuries.


    (I''m worried¡­Hisplexion looked pale somehow¡­ Ahh, I was worried.)


    What? I heard Roxy''svoice in my head. Even though she was not talking, her voice wassomehow clearly there in my mind.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "¡­No, it''snothing. I''m not hurt."


    (Really? Thankgoodness¡­ I''m really d.)


    I heard it again, avoice that was relieved for my safety. This, could this be Roxy''sinner thoughts? When her hand released mine, I became unable hear heragain.


    This was mysterious.Perhaps I had hallucinated it due to the strain from the fight.Either way, I could not so casually touch a Holy Knight like Roxyagain just to confirm whether it had actually happened or not.


    A total of tenthieves had snuck into the castle, and Roxy had opposed all of themby herself. Just as I had thought, Holy Knights were strong indeed.Of that, I had yed but a small part in killing one bandit. Thiswas only possible because she had pursued and injured him soseverely, almost to death.


    Hence, Roxy shouldtake all the credit for this.


    "Roxy-sama, pleasetake all the credit for this matter."


    "I cannot do that.You defeated one of them, didn''t you?"


    For me, I hadanother issue; my employer, Rafal. If he heard about this incident,that I had assisted another Holy Knight, he would be unreasonablyenraged and I had no idea what he might do. Also, Rafal did not thinkwell of Roxy, and he would reprimand me even more for this.


    "If Rafal-samaheard about this, my position would be at stake¡­"


    "Ah¡­ that''strue. I understand. I will handle this case as you have suggested."


    "Thank you."


    "It is I whoshould be thanking you. If you had not informed me, I would have hadto take responsibility for the blunder."


    Even for a HolyKnight who was winning at life, the battle for sess seemed to besevere. For someone like me at the very bottom, I could not perceivethat hardship.


    "So, please let methank you."


    "No no, for a HolyKnight to say such a thing¡­"


    As I lowered myhead, she seemed to think that I did not like her gesture and puffedup her cheeks, pouting. Since she had never made such an expressionbefore, I was surprised. I felt like I had be just a littlecloser to Roxy.


    "Well let''s see¡­Oh right."


    Somewhatmischievously, Roxy pped her hands together. I know I shouldept her gratitude, yet what could she be thinking? My heartbeatquickened. And then, from her mouth came an outrageous question,


    "Would you like towork for the Heart Family? If I told my father about this incident,he would surely agree to give you a job."


    "Eh?! But my skillis useless¡­ it would be beyond my capabilities."


    "There''s no suchthing! Did you not just defeat a thief?"


    That was simply astroke of good luck, for next time something like this happened, itwould be impossible for me to do that again.


    "Nevertheless, forme¡­"


    Losing her temper atmy hesitance, she dealt a finishing blow with a final statement.


    "There is no needto worry about the Breric Family. Unless, you want to work for themfor the rest of your life?"


    "Urk."


    She had seen throughme, knowing that I lived in fear of the Breric Family''s harassment.Even with that, she said she wanted to hire me. I felt like my tearswould fall.


    A future of beingoverworked to death under Rafal who had the worst personality everpared to the rosy life I would have working for the beautifulRoxy. There was nothing I needed to consider. Besides, I was Roxy''sfan. Was this not a dreame true?


    "Thank you, Ireally appreciate it, Roxy-sama!"


    "Alright. It''salreadyte today, so pleasee to the Heart Family''s housetomorrow at noon. I''ll be waiting."


    Feeling joyfulenough to fly, I bowed my head to Roxy many times before leaving.When I was far away enough that the castle gate was out of sight, Ijumped into the air and raised my fist in triumph. Finally, luck hae to me. Somehow, my body felt lighter than usual, and it was agood thing. I hurried back to my run-down home to prepare fortomorrow.

 Chapter Volume 1 3

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    Examining the skill


    Once I had returnedhome, I wet a ragged cloth with some water I had drawn from the wellto wipe myself down. Tomorrow, I will be going to where Roxy lives.Would I be a little more presentable and cleaner like this? I lit upthe candle and looked into the broken mirror. As if that would havechanged anything. Wearing clothes that had been mended and patched upall over, it was fruitless to worry about appearances now.


    Giving up, Iiddown on the straw bed. I looked up at the leaky ceiling stained fromthe rain, thinking back on the events that had happened today. Duringthe day, I had been assaulted by Rafal and his siblings, however, bydefeating thieveste at night with Roxy, I may end up working forthe Heart Family. This alone sounded like a fairytale story.


    Suddenly, Iremembered the robotic voice that appeared after I killed the bandit.I definitely heard it mention that a status had been updated. Skillscalled Appraisal and Mind-reading¡­ and what were the others? Icould not remember. Even so, Appraisal was an unusual skill thatallowed the user to look up information on things that existed inthis world. In having this skill, my life would probably be changedfor the better.


    I casually tried tothink of <Appraisal>. And then,


    ?FateGraphite Lv1


    HP: 121


    Strength: 151


    MP: 101


    Spirit: 101


    Agility: 131


    Skills: Gluttony,Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, One-handed Sword Technique


    My status and skillsappeared in my mind.


    "Eeeh! What isthis?!"


    Calm down, me.


    Firstly, status.Mine should be a clean and neat column of 1''s for all theattributes. Yet, they all became three digits. With these, I would beable to fight the lowest grade demons.


    Next, skills. Ishould only possess Gluttony. However, now it had increased intomultiple skills, with Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, andOne-handed Sword Technique. Unbelievable¡­


    At least, seeingthis status and those skills, I proved that I truly did haveAppraisal. Wait a minute, I could quit being a gatekeeper and bean appraiser if I had this skill. Appraising was not a career thatanyone could easily obtain, so the pay was decent. Geez, what exactlyis going on?


    Calm down, me.


    I decided to examhe other skills by using Appraisal.


    Mind-reading:Reading the mind of the target you touched.


    Concealment: Concealyour possessed skills from appraisals.


    One-handed SwordTechnique: Increasing the attack power of the one-handed sword. Arts<Sharp Edge> can be used.


    I was already awareof my Mind-reading skill. When Roxy held my hand, I heard her innervoice since this skill had been activated.


    After thinking overthings, I reached a conclusion. Or more precisely, the robotic voicegave me the answer when I killed the bandit. The answer of whathappens when the Gluttony skill was activated.


    The cause of thisphenomenon was the Gluttony skill that I had always considered to beuseless. With the Appraisal skill, I investigated the Gluttony skifresh.


    Gluttony: Be hungry


    Yeah, I understandnow. Back then in my home vige, this was what the visitingappraiser saw. In other words, this skill had hidden powers thatcould not be seen in appraisals. Namely, it hid the ability to eatthe soul of the defeated opponents and steal their status and skills.As a secondary effect, it filled and expanded the empty stomach.


    This was a skillthat strengthened the more it was used. Nevertheless, I could notsimply be a murderer. Then, what should I do? It was simple.There were many demons residing outside of Seyfert Capital. I wouldkill them and take their power. And then someday, I would be strongerthan even the Holy Knights. When that time came, I could seek revengeon Rafal and the Breric Family.


    As this thought, myspirits rose and I felt like going to hunt monsters immediately.However, it was dangerous to hunt in the dark so it was better tohunt in the morning after a good sleep. I actually had a gatekeepingshift in the morning as Rafal''s substitute, but now I could ignorethem. I no longer had to obey their orders given that Roxy was my newemployer. Since my interview with her father was at noon tomorrow, itshould be fine if I returned to the capital before then.


    Well then, goodnight! Closing my eyes, my consciousness faded away in a blink of aneye.


    *


    I awoke to the soundof birdsong and turning to the broken mirror, I neatened my messyhair, brushed my teeth with twigs from a tree, and tidied my outfit.


    Afterwards, I tookout a small leather bag from a crack in the wall. This was all thewealth I had managed to save over the past five years; two silvercoins. One silver coin was worth a hundred copper coins. By the way,a hundred silver coins could be exchanged for a gold coin, somethingthat I had never possessed.


    Even though I onlyhad two silver coins and a variety of otherughable objects, I hadsweated blood and tears to save this up. This money was originally anemergency escape fund for the time when I would be killed by Rafal.


    Now, that worry nolonger existed, so this could be used to buy equipment for fightingmonsters.


    Time to go. Igrabbed the two silver coins and dashed out of my run down house.


    The Seyfert Capitalwas divided into four districts. With the castle ced at thecenter, the areasy to the east, west, north, and south.


    Holy Knight District(East): This was the area of the upper ss in the country, wherethe Holy Knights lived.


    Residential District(West): Commoners like me lived here.


    Commercial District(South): Shops operated here, with stores like armories, generalmerchandise, restaurants, and many others.


    Military District(North): The training grounds for the Holy Knights, and the cewhere special armor was developed.


    From such adivision, it was obvious how much preferential treatment was given tothe Holy Knights.


    The district that Iwas headed towards was the most lively ce in the whole kingdom,themercial area. Passing through the crowds of people in theResidential District, I entered themercial zone where red brickbuildings bordered the road.


    Now, to the backalleys. Here, street vendors packed their stalls tightly along thepathway, their vigorous voices calling out to passerbys.


    Even in theCommercial District, ces like this were umon. The reason as towhy I came here was that my war fund was a mere two silver coins.With this, I could only afford an old, battered weapon. Besides,there was no way I could even enter a luxury weapon store with mycurrent appearance. Hence, I came to the flea market where worthlessthings were on sale.


    As I looked for asecond hand weapon, a friendly middle-aged man called out. He had awarm, amicable smile.


    "Dear customer,are you perhaps looking for a weapon?"


    "You seem toknow."


    "I''ve beenrunning this business for many years. I saw youe from far awaylooking only at weapons without even a nce at other things."


    He was a sharp man.Was he a merchant? I was a little surprised by his weingattitude.


    "How about it?Would you like to take a look?"


    On disy was anarrangement of weapons, the best that I had seen so far. Perhapsthere would be a suitable weapon. I nodded silently in response.


    "Then, what''syour budget?"


    After hearing howmuch I had on hand, his attitude changedpletely. His expressionwas no longer kind. Instead, his eyes were patronizing, just likeRafal''s.


    "Tsk, so you''repoor. What a waste of being nice. Look, the only weapons you can buywith two silver coins are those trashy ones in the corner there.They''ll probably suit you well."


    Of course, I wouldnot be able to buy a decent weapon with such little money. Even if Iwere to be angry here, the other stalls would just look at me inthe same way. Besides, there were still plenty of choices despitebeing trashy.


    With the <Appraisal>skill, I looked at each of the weapons. It seemed that in any case,most of them had just about reached their endurance limit and wouldbreak after a few uses. And then, as I picked up an old, ck sword,a voice sounded in my head.


    (Buy me. I willnever let you lose.) (TLN: The sword refers to himself as "ore-sama"aka "my esteemed self" which has an arrogant connotation that waslost in trantion)


    What I heard throughthe <Mind-reading> skill was a quiet male voice.

 Chapter Volume 1 4

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    The greedy ck sword


    "Woah,the sword spoke!"


    Idropped the ck sword, surprised that it had suddenly spoken. Theshopkeeper who had been negotiating with other customers stared atme, narrowing his eyes. It seemed as though he was saying that if Icould not buy anything then I should hurry up and leave.


    But Ihad other matters on mind. What is this¡­ A talking ¨D I had neverheard of a sword with a soul before. Speaking of which, it hadprobably used my mind-reading skill as a medium to talk, yet therewas no doubt that this ck sword had the will of a human being.


    Fornow, I decided to examine it with the <Appraisal> skill.


    ?Greedform: One-handed sword


    Huh? That''s it? Other weapons showed information such as endurance and attack power, however, this ck sword had nothing apart from a name and form. I stared at the mysterious ck sword. Dusty and stained with oil grease, it looked dirty, just like me.<figure ss="wp-block-image"></figure>


    Especiallysince it too had been treated like garbage.


    Thinkingabout this, I felt a sense of affinity with it. The voice earlier haddefinitely said, "Buy me¡­" right?


    Althoughit had spoken in an imposing tone, I felt that it was not malicious.If it had intended to harm me, it would have done so when I hadtouched it earlier.


    Then,there should be no problem if I touched it once again. Withdetermination, I grasped the ck sword. And then came the voiceeven more clearly than before.


    "Ithought you''d run away, but you''re quite interesting. Now, whatwill you do? Will you buy me?" (TLN: The ck sword always uses anarrogantmanding tone and refers to himself as "ore-sama",just something to keep in mind from this point forward.)


    Ilooked around at the other trashy weapons. It seemed this cksword, Greed, was the only sword I would be able to use properly. IfI considered it as a sword with a chat function, it should do wellenough.


    "I''llbuy you. I feel like we''re simr."


    "Isee¡­ Then, pay that fatty over there. Every time I see the face ofthat scum, I feel nauseous."


    CarryingGreed, I went over and ced two silver coins on the counter infront of the shopkeeper. Still talking to the other customer, hesimply nced sideways at the money to confirm the price, then urgedme away as though driving a dog or cat out of his stall.


    He wasan unpleasant shopkeeper to the very end. There was no need for himto tell me, I was leaving anyway. As if I would evere again!


    In anattempt to clean up Greed, I took out a rag from my pocket and wipedthe sword. Despite this, the grime remained stubborn. Perhaps itwould be possible with soap, but¡­ I had no more money.


    "I''mcounting on you, Greed."


    "Verywell, this may be luck. Or perhaps it is fate¡­ I will stay with youtill the end. So, what is your name?"


    Speakingof which, I had yet to tell him.


    "I amFate Graphite."


    "Hm,I will remember it. What now, Fate?"


    Whatcame now had been determinedst night.


    "Iacquired a weapon. You understand, right?"


    "Hunting?"


    "Yes,monster hunting!"


    Immediately,I travelled from the Commercial District to the kingdom''s southerngate with my new inanimate buddy, Greed. The southern gate was madeforrge amounts of merchandise to pass, and hence was muchrgerthan the other three gates. It was wide enough for ten wagons linedside by side to travel through.


    Exitingfrom here, there was a ce called Goblin Meadow just ahead. Thiswas where goblins resided, attacking wagons as they passed andstealing food. They had the lowest strength for demons, perfect forbeginner warriors to train against.


    Thething I needed to be most careful about was that they hid in thegrass to attack. There were stories of warriors who saw a lone goblinand tried to strike, only to find themselves surrounded and killed bygoblins who had been hiding in the grass. Hence, there was a sayingthat went, "If you see one goblin, assume there are a hundred ofthem." I had heard these tales from a drunk old warrior at thetavern. I never thought they would be useful one day.


    Nowthat I had joined the warrior forces, the first gateway to sesswas goblin hunting. One-handed sword technique attack skill! Withthis, I should be able to defeat goblins.


    Andthen, eat their souls and make them my own power.


    As Idodged the wagons and headed to the south gate, I saw many peoplegathering around, all equipped with weapons. It seemed that this wasa popr meeting ce for monster hunting parties. A party,huh¡­sounds nice. As a person who was bullied in my hometownvige, something like this had been impossible. Even here, beingenved by Rafal, there had been no opportunity to make closefriends.


    Fightingtogether, encouraging each other in times of difficulty, and cryingtogether when sad. My deceased father told me stories about theseparties of heroes and as a youth, I listened to them with shiningeyes.


    "Wouldn''tthat be nice¡­ having friends."


    Imuttered this to myself thoughtlessly. Then, Greed said,


    "I''mhere aren''t I?"


    "Y-yeah¡­"


    Except,you were an inanimate object. What I wanted was a living friend. Ithought this was arge enough difference. Alright, I needed toraise my spirits and enter the world of warriors. Everything seemedfine now, I was no longer someone who had nothing. I had skills toattack monsters with. Surely I could and would be epted into thewarrior circle.


    As Iwas thinking this, a male warrior who looked to be about my agecalled out.


    "Witha sword like that, you must be a fighter. How about it, want to joinme?"


    "Wouldthat be okay?!"


    Ibecame excited and my tension soared. I was someone who had almostnever experienced being needed by other people before. Being toldthat my power was wanted, I could not help but feel happy.


    "Ah,I was troubled since my usual fighting buddy isn''t here. By theway, what level are you?"


    "Yes,I''m level 1!"


    Hearingthis, he pulled a strained expression. After mentioning that he hadsome business to tend to while scratching his head, he left. Eh¡­Somehow, a strange sense of emptiness remained. At this, Greed spoke.


    "Fate,give it up. Even with attack skills, you''re still just a level 1.You might die in a fight. If it was you, would you want to join upwith a weak guy?"


    I wasstartled by this. Having felt very strong after gaining a Gluttonystatus and skills, I had forgotten that I only just reached thestartline. Since I had no other experience apart from being treatedlike trash so far, I had yet to understand the ordinary view of life.


    "Iwas cocky wasn''t I?"


    "Exactlythat. Besides, it is not good to expose your "Gluttony" skill, sogive up on finding a party. Also, you should use your Concealmentskill to hide everything except your One-handed Sword Technique. Thatis all I have to say."


    "¡­Whyis that?"


    I hadyet to talk about my Gluttony skills so how did it know? At this,Greedughed fearlessly.


    "Thatis because you and I are alike. Well, you''ll understand soonenough."


    Havingspoken in his pretentious tone, Greed settled into silence. AlthoughI was worried about his words, he was not wrong. The Gluttony skillwas unusually powerful and if other warriors were to find out aboutit, the result would not bear well for me.


    Forexample, if they knew that it could take power from a defeatedopponent, then they may try to steal my ability. Killing me while Iwas still weak¡­ it was likely. I traced my thoughts to Rafal. Well,it is possible that there are others like him.


    Safetyfirst, and it seemed the only way for that was to hunt alone withGreed until I gained enough power to defend myself. First of all,goblin hunting.

 Chapter Volume 1 5

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    Devouring


    I was hiding in thegrass, near the entrance to Goblin Meadow. Just ahead, a lone goblinsat cross-legged, yawning. It was a small demon with green skin, itsheight just about reaching my waist. Its battered clothes seemed tohave been stolen from humans.


    Unaware of mypresence, the enemy remained off guard. I had checked thesurroundings and found no sign of its friends. With bated breath, Isneaked behind the goblin.


    And then, I used my<Appraisal> skill.


    Goblin Fighter Lv3


    HP: 30


    Strength: 40


    MP: 10


    Spirit: 10


    Agility: 30


    Skill: StrengthEnhancement (small)


    A Goblin Fighterhuh¡­ It seemed like there were several types of these demons. Itsstatus was lower than mine. I also checked the skill it possessed.


    Strength Enhancement(small): A small status increase urs during physical attacks.


    A status enhancementskill? Since this one was ssified as ''small'', it was likelythat there would be ''medium'' and rge'' versions categoriestoo. These kinds of useful skills should be absorbed quickly.


    The goblin slowlydozed off and began to snore. This was a great opportunity!


    I jumped out of thegrass and dashed straight towards the goblin. It woke up from thesound of my footsteps and turned around, although it was already tote. I swung Greed in one smooth arc and sliced cleanly through itsneck. The goblin died without uttering even a single cry.


    And then, of course,the robotic voice sounded in my head.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +30, Strength +40, MP +10, Spirit +10, Agility +30>


    <StrengthEnhancement (small) skill has been added>


    Alright! Just forconfirmation, I appraised myself.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 151


    Strength: 191


    MP: 111


    Spirit: 111


    Agility: 161


    Skills: Gluttony,Appraisal, Mind-reading, Strength Enhancement (small)


    It grew, it grew!Yeah, I''ve be stronger. As I observed my status and skills withmuch joy, Greed snorted inughter.


    "It was just agoblin, you''re way too happy. If you react like this every time youdefeat one, it''ll be sunset before you know it."


    "Come on, Idefeated a demon for the first time you know."


    For other warriorsthis might have been an overreaction, however, I was someone who hadbeen terrified of monsters up until yesterday. This sense ofliberation came from the fact that the tables have been turned.


    As evidence that Ihad defeated a goblin, I cut off its ears. The royal capital gave outprizes to those who defeated demons, redeemed by bringing proof tothe designated facility. One goblin is worth about 10 copper coins,already much better than the daily sry of the gatekeeper job I hadbeen doing. Despite the dangers of the warrior upation, I wouldearn much more. I ced the goblin''s ears into a hemp bag that Ihad prepared beforehand.


    Now then, next. As Iproceeded with caution, I discovered two goblins in an open area. Iknew one of them was a Goblin Fighter since it was carrying a sword,however, the other one also had arge shield. Instead of trying tofigure it out by thinking alone, it would be much quicker to simplydo an appraisal.


    Goblin Guard Lv3


    HP: 40


    Strength: 20


    MP: 10


    Spirit: 10


    Agility: 10


    Skills: HPenhancement (small)


    I see, this one hasa slightly higher HP value than the fighter type. To match this, ithad a HP enhancement skill. If I fought carefully enough so that itcould not shield my attack, I should be able to manage.


    Keeping to theshadows of the grass, I closed in on the two demons. Well then, whoshould I kill first? It was probably better to start with the GoblinFighter, although if I failed or if the other one noticed, it wouldsurely turn into a difficult fight where I would be screwed over bythe Goblin Guard.


    Nevertheless, itwould be possible to push through with pure strength even if I wasnot yet used to attacking, and I definitely wanted to try it out. Idecided to start with defeating the Goblin Guard and waited for themoment when the two of them were distanced enough from each other.


    Now! I leapt forwardthe moment the guard was faced the other way, however, it immediatelynoticed me with its sharp instincts and raised its shield. At thisrate, my attack would be blocked¡­ is what I thought.


    "Arghh!"


    The Goblin Guardscreamed. There was no resistance at all, as the sword cut straightthrough the shield. This ck sword, Greed, was much sharper than itlooked. With this, the fight was a one-sided attack.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +40, Strength +20, MP +10, Spirit +10, Agility +10>


    <HP Enhancement(small) skill has been added>


    As the robotic voicerang out, I rushed at the remaining demon. Of course, the fighter wasaware of this and tried to swing its sword intimidatingly. Seeingthis, I spoke to Greed out of curiosity.


    "Hey, Greed."


    "What is it?"


    "Even though youwere this sharp, why were you being sold for so cheap?"


    "Simple. I choosemy user."


    "Then, Greedacknowledges me?"


    "Hmph, be quiet."


    What''s this? Greedbecame sulky after he spoke. Still, the ck de shone evenbrighter than before. Although he was condescending, he seemed toacknowledge me for something. Well then, I should answer hisexpectations.


    The Goblin Fighterwas still swinging its sword around. Regardless of how it tried tointimidate me, I paid no mind and shed the demon with my sword.The Goblin Fighter fell as his eyes turned white.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +30, Strength +40, MP +10, Spirit +10, Agility +30>


    Hm? No skills wereadded this time. Oh, I see. I already possessed the skill, so itwould not be duplicated. If I wanted new skills, I would have to huntdifferent monsters. Although, the status updates alone were deliciousenough.


    After that, I huntedanother 25 Goblin Fighters and 10 more Goblin Guards. The hemp bagwas filled to the brim with goblin ears.


    I looked at mycurrent status with <Appraisal>.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 1371


    Strength: 1451


    MP: 481


    Spirit: 481


    Agility: 1051


    Skills: Gluttony,Appraisal, Mind-reading, Strength Enhancement (small), HP Enhancement(small)


    Hey hey, HP,Strength and Agility were already in the four digit range! MP andSpirit had not grown much since the enemies'' statuses were low inthese areas. Hahaha, I could barely remember being someone with anall 1 status just yesterday. However, there was something I wasconcerned about. The level.


    A good amount ofSphere experience points came from defeating these demons, so it wasnot unusual to level up. Yet, it was strange that my level had notchanged in the slightest.


    While I puzzled overthis, Greedughed.


    "It''s theinfluence of your Gluttony skill. Those who have skills that breakthe logic of God cannot benefit from Spheres."


    "Breaking God''slogic, what¡­?"


    "You''ve beingdoing it all along. Killing and stealing statuses and skills isdenying God''s logic. Such a person has no benefit from God. Yourstatus should have been all 1."


    With this, some timepassed before Greed spoke again. Was he thinking about something?


    "Besides¡­ no,it''s nothing. It''s almost lunch time. Shall we return to thecity?"


    If you leavesomething unsaid, it would only be normal that I would be worried.However, it was true that I was feeling hungry. It was time to roundup goblin hunting and return to Seyfert Capital. Given that my statushad reached four digits, it was enough for today.


    Although I was notsure why, the goblins have begun to attack me desperately so I shouldstop any more recklessness anyway.


    Besides, my statushad risen, so I could fight Hobgoblins in the forest further up aheadthe next time I go monster hunting. Hobgoblins were a higher levelthan Goblins, so I should be able to gain greater status and skidvancements.


    Let''s return toRoyal Capital Seyfert.

 Chapter Volume 1 6

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    The hidden side to the Heart Family


    Having returned tothe Royal Capital Seyfert, I headed to the Exchange Department inorder to receive prize money for the demons I had defeated. As ace that many uncouth warriors visited, I asionally heardviolentnguage. It seemed that they often disputed with thereceptionist about the exchange rates.


    It would bebothersome if I were to be involved with those guys. I shrugged andsimply lined up in the queue. When the powerfully built man in frontof me turned around and saw me, he turned up his nose and sneered. Itseemed that he thought I was an underling of my party, based on myappearance, and did all the misceneous tasks. Right now, that wasconvenient for me.


    Even if I presentedproof for arge kill count at the reception desk, they would simplythink, "Ahh, he''s an underling running errands," and would notfind anything suspicious. So when they see my 38 goblin ears, theyshould not be surprised.


    "Next person,please."


    Oops, it was myturn. I lifted my hemp bag from the floor and ced it on thecounter. It was a small bag, so the goblin ears were spilling out.


    "Let me check itfirst¡­ Well, you sure collected a lot. Did you hunt with a bigparty?"


    "Y-yeah, that''sright. We all worked hard together. Everyone was enthusiastic¡­ Ithink."


    I frantically talkedabout the nonexistent air party that I had imagined. I guess it wasfutile¡­ to conjure up a story about an air party.


    "Howughable."


    "Shut up."


    Crap. Thereceptionist look at me confused, as they were unable to hear Greed''svoice. That''s right, I had suddenly said, "Shut up," out loudin the middle of our conversation. I had meant it for Greed, however,the receptionist must have thought it was directed at them.


    "I''m sorry. It''snothing."


    I gave a forcedsmile and somehow managed to escape ¨D I think.


    Exiting the ExchangeDepartment, I sighed in relief. I learnt from my conversation withthe receptionist that most hunters only killed 10 of the same typeeach day. The reason for that was if they continuously hunted them,they will harbour and develop a resentment called Hate, and will makethe hunter an easier target for that species. Speaking of which,during my earlier hunt for goblins, they had been attacking me in thesecond half like I was their parent''s enemy¡­ I understood now.


    From now on, it wasbetter to limit myself to 10 monsters when exchanging them forrewards, matching the other warriors. Let''s give up on aiming formore than that. Besides, if I were to bring inrge amounts of demonparts every time, people would find it strange. It was a shame,although this appeared to be the only way.


    I looked inside thebag at the 3 silver and 80 copper coins. It had taken me thestfive years to collect merely 2 silver coins, yet I had earned morethan that in only half a day.


    "What have I beendoing for the past five years¡­"


    As I became closerto a having normal and decent life, I could not help seeing just howdistorted my world used to be. Thinking of this, I felt my anger riseagainst Rafal and his siblings. I was even more ipetent thantrash, and had no right to be angry¡­ or so they had told me.


    Guuu¡­ Justthinking about Rafal made my stomach growl in hunger despite havingbeen satisfied from all those goblins earlier. It sounded like itwanted to hurry up and eat them already. However, it was still earlyand besides, there was still the matter with Roxy. It would not be aproblem that affected only me anymore.


    Now then, whatshould I do with this money? Oh that''s right! Seeing my patched upclothes, I came up with a good idea on what to buy.


    *


    "Clothes make theman I see."


    "Shut up."


    Our once dirtyappearance was now a clean and tidy one. I had used 2 silver coins atthe clothing store to buy some better, well-fitted clothes. Afterthat, I also purchased a sword sheath for Greed with 50 copper coins,paying an additional fee of 10 copper coins to clean up his grimystains.


    This way, even if Ientered the section of the city where the Holy Knights lived, thegatekeepers would not suspect me. No matter how they looked at me, Iappeared just like a normal person now.


    As I still had moneyleftover from my goblin hunt, I decided to splurge a little and treatmyself to a decent lunch. I headed towards the restaurant-linedboulevard. I could try one of the bars in the back alleys, however, Ifelt like it would be nice to try a different type of store once in awhile. This was the street that housed the most restaurants in all ofthe capital. It was a busy ce with many people, and if I were tostand still, I would likely be swept away by the crowd.


    Well, which shopshould I enter? Of course, if I was to eat, then I should eat meat.Just what would the taste of meat feel like after five years? Myexcitement rose simply from thinking about it and my mouth watered.At this, Greed called out to me through the <Mind-reading>skill.


    "It''s merelymeat, you sure do exaggerate."


    "What are yousaying?! It''s meat isn''t it, meat!"


    "Hmph, I am aweapon, and cannot understand the concept of appetite. Moreimportantly, I was dirtied from the battle so take care of meproperly. To me, this is as imperative as your meal."


    "I know, I justused 10 copper coins to take care of that."


    "If you ask me, Iwould be troubled if you could not even do that much by yourself."


    That''s true¡­ IfI were to visit a cksmith every time, my money will be spentquickly. Besides, if I hunted outside of the capital for a few dayswithout returning, I would have to maintain Greed by myself. Well,even if I called it maintenance, this de did not have a singlechip in it so it was really just cleaning away the blood and oil.Though I thought it was fine to leave it as it was, Greed absolutelyhated it. He had voiced his opinion quite clearly through the<Mind-reading> skill.


    Unlike otherweapons, Greed possessed a soul. That is, he had the mindset of ahuman being and would feel ufortable if he stayed unclean. ForGreed to have this sort of temperament, I wondered what emotions hadswirled within him during his time at the street stall, being treatedas a dirty, useless object. Although, with Greed''s obstinance,there was no way he would tell me if I asked.


    "I understand.Shall we go and buy tools for maintenance after lunch?"


    "Oh, it seems likeFate has finally understood my importance. Care for me as you would aprecious gemstone."


    "You really are anarrogant weapon."


    "That I am, for Iam Greed-sama."


    I felt like he woulin of still being dirty even after I polished him, just likethe boy who cried wolf. If he was too noisy, I would just have topour cold water from the well on him. It might help to quieten him alittle. For now let''s just leave Greed''s maintenance story atthis, and have lunch first since I was feeling hungry.


    With perfect timing,an aroma of grilled meat wafted out of the store just ahead. It wasirresistible, so I headed over immediately. As I was trying to enterthe restaurant, I collided with a parent and his child. It was thefeeling of being caught off guard and pushed to the side. Falling annding on the ground, the bearded father yelled at me.


    "Watch whereyou''re going, filthy scum. Get out of my way!"


    "What?!"


    If you had notcrashed into me then obviously this would not have happened. Just asI was about to say this, the parent and child started to leave,ignoring me. The little girl who was being led away remained silent,her face downcast.


    Feeling annoyed bytheir unreasonable attitudes, I reached out to the parent and childas they were walking away. At that moment, I came into contact withthe daughter''s hand and the <Mind-reading> skill wasactivated.


    (Help me¡­ Anyone¡­Save me¡­)


    Although I could nothear her properly in that fleeting moment, that girl was definitelyasking for help. Why?! I thought those two were a parent with hischild, are they not?


    Looking closely, theman''s face was not very simr to the girl''s. Could it be thathe was kidnapping her?! For the time being, I should identify the manthrough <Appraisal>.


    Kassim ck Lv15


    HP: 920


    Strength: 900


    MP: 670


    Spirit: 500


    Agility: 950


    Skill:


    Huh? There were noskills listed. Strange, this was impossible. Skills are a gift fromGod and everybody is born with one. Perhaps I had not read itclearly. I used the <Appraisal> skill again, but the resultswere the same. Just as I was pondering this, Greed''s voice camethrough the <Mind-reading> skill.


    "That man ishiding his skills with Concealment so it is invisible to yourAppraisal skill. Regardless, I can tell he is a warrior from hisstatus numbers so the problem is only his hidden skills. Well, whatwill you do now?"


    "Even if you askme, I''m not sure."


    Pulling the girl''shand forcefully, the man was trying to disappear into the crowd. Withsuch fragility and fear, she was unable to even speak out. Knowingthis, I could not overlook it.


    "Haah~ Seems likefood will have toeter. Let''s go after them."


    "Oh, you''ll saveher?"


    "It can''t behelped, I can''t turn a blind eye."


    "If that is Fate''sdecision then I have noints. But be careful, that man had amurderer''s eyes. Don''t sympathise enemies who never hesitate tokill."


    "¡­I understand."


    I had already killedone person. Despite the fact that it was a viinous thief who hadinfiltrated the castle, it was not a good feeling to take someone''slife. I could never forget the way the thief had clutched at me as hedied. However, I did not regret it.


    If I had let thatthief go, Roxy-sama would have been reprimanded by the other HolyKnights. I have heard that the Holy Knight''s society was an intensebattle from birth, and really wanted to avoid having Roxy-samabanished from her career because of something like this. Hence, I wasd that even trash like me could be useful to Roxy-sama, even if itinvolved staining my hands.


    I had no intentionsto be a champion of justice, not that I had any chance of bingone. Yet at the very least, I should help someone if they weresuffering right in front of my eyes. There was nothing more to itthan that. As such, I decided to keep track of the two whilemaintaining a safe distance.


    After a while, theman stopped at the warehouses in the Commercial District. This waswhere the royal capital''s imported merchandise was stored. The mantook the girl into a battered warehouse that appeared to beabandoned.


    "Is that where theman lives?"


    "Who knows. He mayintend to sell the girl to someone, or perhaps even assault her."


    "Whichever it is,this is the worst. Let''s hurry!"


    Clutching Greed, Iapproached the warehouse quietly. There was not a single personaround. I stuck close to the old wall and peered inside a brokenwindow. The man put an iron cor on the girl and connected it to apir with a rusty chain, as if she was a dog. There was no doubtabout this, she was being kidnapped. The girl seemed to be muted fromfear. The manughed at her appearance.


    "Threaten brats alittle and they immediately forget how to speak. This is such an easyjob."


    As he said this, hepped her cheek. The sound was fairly loud and reverberatedthroughout the warehouse.


    "Orphans like you,who cares if you''re alive or not. Either way, you''re useless soyour parents abandoned you."


    When she heard this,herplexion changed instantly.


    "Ha, bullseye.Tell me what kind of crappy skill you have. Hm?! I can''t hear you!"


    The girl began tocry while facing the ground. Even then, she was too afraid to speak.She was a girl who had nothing¡­ Just like I had been too long ago,despairing myck of power yet still having to live in such a badsituation.


    No, thecircumstances right now were worse. Forcibly abducted, who knows whatshe would be made to do. As I waited for an opening, suppressing theurge to rush out and save her, the man continued to speakheartlessly.


    "Be d, there isa ce in the society where even rubbish like you can be useful.From now on, you can live as a Holy Knight''s toy. Well, aren''tyou happy?"


    Hearing this, thegirl shook her head as she cried. The man clicked his tongue andstruck her face again.


    "Hey hey, you''renot very obedient. If you don''t listen carefully, you''ll bekilled in no time when you go over there. The other one didn''t evest a week. It''s good for me though, I can make money."


    This time, he kickedthe girl''s stomach. Unprepared for this, the girl fell and curledup on the ground. Unable to continue watching, I tried to pull Greedout of his sheath.


    "Wait, Fate!Endure it a little longer."


    "But¡­"


    Greed halted myactions through the <Mind-reading> skill. Tolerating more thanthis was impossible. If I let this go on, the girl''s psyche couldsuffer irreparable damage. Nevertheless, Greed still told me stayput.


    "Don''t act uponemotions, you''ll die. Your status is only slightly above youropponent''s. However, he has far more battle experience. In thissense, you should understand."


    "I get it¡­ I''llcool my head."


    Even if he had alower status, I could not win simply by swinging the swordemotionally. He''s right. I calmed down and looked around thewarehouse. Even though it was an unused storage area, there werrge piles of wooden boxes. If I made use of those blind spots,could I approach him?


    Just as I wasthinking this, the man moved. After torturing her with more misery,he left the warehouse. Perhaps he had other tasks to do. This was myonly chance.


    Quietly, I creptthrough the broken window into the warehouse and ran straight to thechained girl. She heard my footsteps and thought I was the maningback already, and her body shook as she kept her face lowered.


    First of all, let''sfree the girl by breaking the chain. I pulled out Greed from hissheath and aimed the tip at the iron links. Given how sharp the swordwas, it easily cut in half. Alright, first step was cleared. I thencalled out to the girl who was still shaking.


    "It''s alrightnow."


    "¡­"


    She raised her faceat my voice in surprise. After staring at me for a while, she seemedto understand that I was not an acquaintance of that man. With thatrealisation, she started to cry again¡­ this time from relief. Itseemed like she was still in so much shock that she still could notform words.


    "Come, let''s getof here for now."


    I tried to pull herup by her hand, however, her relieved face had changedpletely.Why on earth was her expression fearful?


    The girl was lookingpast my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face to face withthe kidnapper.


    Damn, I had beentricked. I understood that immediately. The man had known I wasfollowing him all along, and had intentionally left the warehouse.Laughing cruelly, he closed in on us


    "Sometimes a foolwith a sense of justice wille after me. But if I kill you infront of the kid, then she''ll learn to do everything I say. You''vesimply rushed to your doom."


    As he said this, hepulled out a one-handed sword hanging from his waist and raised it.The pressure from that action alone was inexplicable. Was this due tothe difference in fighting experience that Greed had warned meagainst?


    "What''s this,are your knees wobbling? Hahahaha!"


    Facing the man whowas inching closer, I grasped Greed and held my ground. Behind me wasa girl frozen in fear. At this rate, I would have to fight whiletrying to protect the girl. I could not afford to let the enemy haveany more advantages than this.


    Yet, if I rushed inrecklessly, I would be sent to another world. Take your time, me.However, the enemy would not wait for me to make a decision. Greedspoke through the <Mind-reading> skill.


    "Fate, take thegirl and go behind the piles of boxes."


    I had seen them whenlooking in the window of the warehouse. The wooden crate piles lookedas though they was about to copse. Plus, I could move to the exitfrom there. I pondered for a moment, then immediately figured outwhat Greed meant to do. As for the rest, I wondered if I could do itproperly¡­ I would not know unless I tried.


    From the kidnapper''ssword posture, I felt that his battle experience was shallow, plus hehad a low level. His pride though, let me use that well. For someonewho had been hurt by Rafal for five years, acting like trash was aseasy as breathing. Ahh, thinking about it made me feel empty, yet Ihad no choice.


    "I will tell youthe timing. Come, let''s start."


    "Yeah, let''s dothis."


    While remembering mytime as a gatekeeper, I pulled the girl to the crate pile andconcentrated on finding a hiding ce. Now then,e at me. The manshould be annoyed at my behaviour, thinking that I was a coward. Showme your scornful face.


    "What, where didyour spirit go? What happened to your energy from when you weresaving that brat? Don''t think I''ll let you live for getting in myway. I will slice you apart bit by bit."


    Using terror torestrain rebellion. This was the method that Rafal had often used.After all, the things this guy did were simr to him. It is exactlybecause of this that I knew I could trick this man. He woulddefinitely chase me.


    "There''s nowherefor you to go. Give up already!"


    I hid further intothe box piles. The gap was narrow with no escape. How would thissituation look to him? His approaching footsteps were slow, an ironone-handed sword on the right. There was not an ounce of defeat inhis expression.


    "There''s noescape for you."


    He stepped closerand closer, as if cornering a prey. It''s about time ©¤ Iinstructed the girl to go as far back as possible. Greed then sent asignal through the <Mind-reading> skill.


    "Now Fate!"


    I raised my cksword over my head. Seeing this, the man smiled in amazement.


    "Could it be, youintended to knock down this crate pile and bury me alive? But if youdo that, you and that brat will die too."


    "I thought youwould say that."


    Paying him no heed, I ran towards him. This was my only chance. If I failed, there would be no next time. Using the momentum, I swung my sword and took aim at the man, shing downwards.<figure ss="wp-block-image"></figure>


    Alright, I did it!There was no ce to escape, being surrounded by boxes. I wasprepared to risk my life with such arge scale attack. As expected,the man was unable to avoid my strike. That''s right, even ironchains were easily broken by this ck sword.


    "What?!Impossibleee!"


    The man''s swordflew away like a butterfly. As for my sword, it had stabbed straightinto his shoulder. With blood bursting out of the wound, he fellbackwards onto the dirty floor of the warehouse.


    I crouched next tohis face, blood streaking from his mouth, and sought confirmation formy concern. It was about the Holy Knight who had tried to buy thegirl. I really wanted to know the name of the Holy Knight who wasdoing such a terrible thing.


    "Answer me, whichHoly Knight requested this?"


    Even on the verge ofdeath, the man remained stubbornly silent.


    "Say it, who askedyou?!"


    I twisted my cksword in his injury and asked once more. The man''s face distortedin pain, yet he still refused to tell. Tsk. Since it came down tothis, I had no choice but to use the <Mind-reading> skill. As Ireached out, the man could no longer endure the pain and uttered anabhorrent name.


    "Hado¡­ HadoBreric¡­"


    Hado?! The secondson of the Breric Family! Doing terrible things on the surface, yemitting even worse crimes behind the scenes! I tried to ask howmany children had been poisoned by Hado, however, the man had losttoo much blood.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +920, Strength +900, MP +670, Spirit +500, Agility +950>


    <Concealment,One-handed Sword Technique skills have been added>


    Oh, he had theConcealment skill like Greed had said. I wonder if he used it to hidehis One-handed Sword Technique skill.


    I used the<Appraisal> skill to examine them.


    Concealment: Concealyour possessed skills from appraisals.


    One-handed SwordTechnique: Increasing the attack power of the one-handed sword. Arts<Sharp Edge> can be used.


    Concealment was asexpected. One-handed Sword Technique seemed to have a mystery purposecalled Arts. ording to Greed, Technique skills always had apowerful function. To verify, I decided to appraise this.


    ¡­So it allows forthe user to perform a double counterattack. If I had used this Arts<Sharp-edge> earlier, it would have been bad. I might not bestanding here right now. In battles there were moments of luck, andthis time the winds had blown in my favour.


    Well then, it wasdangerous to stay here any longer, since the dead man had been tryingto sell the girl to Hado. Right now, I could not let the BrericFamily find me. If they did, they would kill me instantly forabandoning my day job as a gatekeeper. As I still had a low status,there was no way I could fight them.


    Bringing the girl, Irushed out of the warehouse. From there, I decided to head downtownwhere there were lots of people. It was safer to be in a crowdedce for now. Looking up at the sky, I saw the sun beginning to set.At that moment, just as I remembered, my belly grumbled.


    Except this was notdue to the Gluttony skill, given that I had just eaten the abductor''ssoul. My body was purely asking for food simply because I had noteaten lunch yet. Thinking of where to eat, I heard the sound ofanother smaller stomach grumbling. If I looked towards the person whohad made that sound, it would be the little girl with a red face. Nowthat she felt safe, she was probably hungry.


    "Alright, let meget something for you." (TLN: Fate refers to himself as "nii-chan",aka "big brother", and the literal trantion is "let bigbrother buy something to treat you to", but this way makes moresense in English. He also refers to himself this way when speaking toher in future dialogue.)


    Her previousexpression changedpletely, brightening up happily. Finally, shewas smiling. I had been worried that the kidnapping would have left adeep impact on her. However, that may have just been my overthinking.If she could make a face like this, I''m sure she would be fine. Nowthen, let''s go eat meat as originally nned.


    Since this wasdowntown, there were unlimited choices. As I smelled all thedelicious aromas, one in particr tickled my nose. It was beefstew. Even small children could eat this. It was decided, let''s gohere.


    Holding the littlegirl''s hand, I opened the door to the restaurant. It seemed to bepopr, and there were many customers inside. Table seats¡­Unfortunately, they were all upied. Then, counter seats¡­ Oh,there were only two left. We sat down quickly before they were takentoo. Right then, a waiter brought over the menu.


    "What would youlike? This is today''s rmendation."


    They said that thefish was good today, and so promoted dishes based on that. The personnext to me was eating one of them and it looked really delicious. Itwas not a bad choice¡­ however,


    "Two servings ofbeef stew and bread, please."


    "Yes, certainly."


    After all, myoriginal n could not be swayed. Even the little girl was lookingforward to having beef stew, her eyes shining brightly. I could notbreak that expectation.


    Was it still notready? As the girl and I grinned at each other while we waited, thebeef stew loaded with meat and fresh bread came over. It looks sogood!! I felt like drooling. The little girl sitting next to meseemed unable to bear it any longer and was already drooling.


    "Could this beyour first time eating meat?"


    She nodded as shewiped away her drool. Speaking of which, this orphan girl had beenabandoned by her parents because she had no skills. Even as agatekeeper, I could not afford meat. There was no way this orphancould have eaten meat at all.


    The girl looked atme, wondering if it was alright for her to eat it. Havinge allthis way, it was not possible to leave without eating. It was a gooddecision.


    "Go ahead. You didwell today."


    As I patted her backgently, she grabbed the spoon and started munching it down. In notime at all, she emptied her bowl of beef stew and bread. A fullstomach should rx her body and mind. With that, she began to cry.She was finally able to let her voice out. That was good. Deliciousfood really had power in making people happy. Every mouthful of thisbeef stew made me want to do even better tomorrow.


    Time passed and thesky darkened. The girl was an orphan, so I asked her if she had ace to go back to. It turned out she was from the tatteredorphanage in the slum where I lived. It was amazingly close!


    "Since you knowthat, then let''s go back together until halfway."


    "Yup!"


    After leaving thestore, we walked from the Commercial District to the ResidentialDistrict. From here, we headed to the slums were the poor lived. Isent the girl to the orphanage first. Walking on an unmaintainedpath, I noticed that the surroundings were brightening. Ah, theclouds in the night sky had cleared away. On the path with no lights,the moonlight was beautiful and shone warmly.


    "Come, theorphanage is close. Hm? What''s wrong?"


    "¡­"


    The girl stoppedabruptly and fell silent. I had thought she was recovering prettywell, but then wondered if she had suddenly remembered the kidnappingincident. As I was being worried, the girl smiled.


    "Thank you, bigbrother!"


    "¡­"


    This time it was myturn to stop and be quiet. This might have been the first timesomeone else has thanked me for something. Somehow, it wasembarrassing, but it did not feel bad. I guess even someone like mecould be a little useful, and I felt relieved. This was good once ina while.


    I could see theorphanage. Oh, it seemed like the Sisters were searching around forsomeone. Perhaps it was this little girl. Then I should take her tothem.


    "It''s alrightnow. I can go home by myself from here."


    "You don''t needme to apany you back?"


    "Ahh, I know howto go back from here. I''ll be fine."


    My role had finishedlong ago. In a world where the weak had nothing, they could onlysurvive by their own power. Surely¡­ If I ever forgot that, I wouldcease to exist.


    The girl must havefelt better, enough to walk by herself. She reminded me of when Ileft my hometown vige. As my father had passed away of illness,and I had lost my ce in the vige, there was only one path forme to take. It was a road that I could not see the end of, however, Ihad no choice but to walk it.


    The Sisters foundthe girl and embraced her tearfully. Then, the girl made a face thatI had not seen before and she burst out crying. I guess she had notcried her fill yet. It was better to cry it all out now. If you leftit till tomorrow, it would be worse. I wished her all the best forthe future.


    Then I left thece before the Sisters spotted me. When I reached home, Greed spokethrough the <Mind-reading> skill.


    "What''s wrong?You expression looks uncharacteristic of your usual self."


    "Shut up. There''sno such thing."


    It was just that thememories of my childhood came flooding back when I saw the girl. Icould no longer return to my hometown where my parents'' tombs werid. The vige that had kicked me out for being a failure. Iwanted to visit their graves if it had been possible, yet the vigewould never let me in. I could not forget how my sick father held myhand as he died, worrying about my future. I wondered if deep down inhis heart, he ever believed that I could survive.


    "The road aheadstill stretches far."


    "Indeed. You havejust begun. I will tell you now, your journey ahead will be a longone."


    "Well, first Ihave to get the job at Roxy-sama''s ce. I have to meet her fatherso I''m quite nervous."


    "Hahahaha, whatuse is it to worry now? The meeting is at noon tomorrow is it not?"


    "He is the head ofone of the five noble families in the royal city. From my level, he''son the clouds¡­ even higher than that. You''re lucky to have iteasy."


    "Of course. For Iam a weapon."


    Yes yes, I knew thatan inanimate object like Greed would not understand. It was not easyto rid myself of the fear I harboured for the Holy Knights since ithad been ingrained in me for years. Even though I learned that Icould strengthen myself with my Gluttony skill, that feeling did notchange. Given that it was Roxy-sama''s father, I''m sure he wouldbe a good person. Still, I felt nervous to meet him face to face.


    Whew, I''m tired. Ishould go to bed early today. Too many things had happened. In justone day, I went goblin hunting and defeated a kidnapping criminal. Ihad probably been having unnecessary thoughts because of fatigue. Ishould trust Roxy-sama more, and it was horrible of me not to dothat.


    Opening the door tomy house, I plopped down on the straw bed. The exhaustion had worn meout and my consciousness quickly slipped away.


    *


    The next day, Islept until noon before waking up in a hurry. After readying myself,I immediately rushed to the entrance of the Holy Knight Districtwhere Roxy-sama was waiting. Unlike the other divisions, the HolyKnight District was surrounded by high walls, giving the illusion ofa castle. When I told the gatekeeper my name, I was instantly allowedin. It seemed like Roxy-sama had notified them in advance.


    Since it wasnecessary to confirm the identity of visitors, two soldiers nkedme as we walked. It looked like I hadmitted a crime and was beingtaken away.


    The house they wereguiding me to was none other than one of the five great houses in ourroyal capital. I could not believe my eyes as we approached themansion. It was massive, sorge that it seemed almost silly. One ofthe soldiers entered the garden. After a while, a woman in a whitedress appeared. She was beautiful.


    "You came. I''vebeen waiting."


    From her voice, Irealised it was Roxy-sama. I had never seen her outside of our shiftchanges at the gatekeeping job, so I only knew of her appearance inher light, white armour. In a dress, she looked like a totallydifferent person. She really was beautiful.


    After receivingconfirmation of my identity, the soldiers left us alone. I wasprobably staring at her with a stupid-looking expression and an openmouth.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Roxy-sama asked ina curious tone.


    "It''s just thatRoxy-sama looks too beautiful, so I¡­ couldn''t help but stare.Please excuse me."


    At this, she blushedand coughed lightly.


    "S-sometimes Iwear dresses too. You look different too. Nowe, it''s this way."


    For such argehousehold, it was very serene. Since there were no servants nearby,it was quite calming. I continued to follow Roxy-sama while lookingaround at the immactewn. It was too quiet. All I could hear wasthe sound of the breeze passing through followed by a lonely silence.


    Reaching the frontof the house, we took a turn to the right. Huh? We''re not goinginside? Although I wanted to ask, the atmosphere did not feel right.As we went a little further on, I finally came to know the truenature of this feeling.


    "This is¡­"


    That was all I couldsay. Seeing this, Roxy-sama smiled gently then ced a hand on thecold tombstone.


    "Father, I decidedto hire this person from today onwards. I hope by doing so, this willmake the Heart Family lively again."


    While I was stillincapable of processing this situation, Roxy-sama turned to me.


    "Five days ago, myfather died in Gallia, south from here."


    "Gallia?"


    For sure, it was acontinent known to be upied by many monsters. It was said to haveiparably strong demons around the capital there. The mostimportant role of a Holy Knight was to prevent the demons thatattempted to enter our city. For this reason, they had a high statusand were paid abundant sries from the kingdom.


    However, I honestlycould not imagine that a master from one of the five great familieswas defeated by a demon. As if reading my mind, Roxy-sama spoke.


    "The cause ofdeath was not from a simple demon. In Gallia, there are otherissues."


    That being said, Icould onlye up with one other cause. Natural disasters such asflooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and the like, were produced by thesebeings; living natural disasters ©¤ Heavenly Dragons. No matter theamount of power a person possessed, there was no way to fight them.Due to their forces, some people called them God''s messengers, andthey have long been a subject of faith. If you were their target, youhad no choice except to prepare for death.


    "It seemed that myfather''s army had been wiped out. In thest few thousand years,this was the first record of a Heavenly Dragoning out so far fromits nest."


    The nest of theHeavenly Dragons was located in the heart of Gallia, and it was saidthat they only travelled as far as the Gallian borders. Yet thatbelief had been betrayed. It was pure fortune that the incident endedthere. For those who were left behind, it was a different story.


    "I finally had abreak this morning. With my father''s funeral proceedings, it hadbeen tremendously busy. As I inherited the household, I am officiallythe head of the Heart Family."


    She was still ableto remain confident during this time, and I could only bow my head inrespect. I had not noticed at all. At our gatekeeper shift change,her face had held her usual expression, and I could not tell thatsuch things had happened behind the scenes.


    In thesecircumstances, Roxy-sama still thought of me and called me here.Despite this, I had been thinking about my interview with her father,and wondering¡­ how I could lie about my skills. Roxy-sama, I''msorry. For me to¡­


    "Don''t make thatkind of face, let''s strengthen the Heart Family together. Could Iask that of you?"


    "Yes, dly."


    That day, I became employed by theHeart Family.

 Chapter Volume 1 7

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    Drowning in starvation


    Almost a week hadpassed since I began living as a servant at the Heart Family''sresidence. When I first came to the mansion, I had talked to Greedconstantly and was mistaken for a dangerous person by everyone aroundme. However, the other servants of the Heart Family were all goodpeople, and they still epted me. Even during the more peacefuldays, there were many things to learn and remember, thus, I had beentoo busy to leave the house.


    Cooking,undry,cleaning¡­ I had tried various jobs, however, the position that mostsuited me was gardening. Taking care of such arge garden was atask that required much patience. I pulled out the continuallygrowing weeds, and sometimes maintained the height of thewn.


    With three mastergardeners teaching me, I managed to do my part properly. If Iimproved enough, I would also take on maintaining the trees. One day,I wanted to prune that thick tree at the front gate. It felt veryworthwhile to do useful tasks for others, and I was so absorbed in itthat I even worked on my rest days.


    Also, when the mealsfor the servants were served side by side on the table after work,there was meat in the dishes. Just seeing it made my hands shake. Atany rate, I had just started eating meat again after a long fiveyears, although I had never dreamed of having it so often. It wasnatural that I would feel tense. My nutritional health had improved,and my once skin and bones body had plumped up a bit.


    Oh, and whenRoxy-sama came back from her role at the castle, she used her freetime to drink tea with me. Honestly, talking with a Holy Knight¡­ mymind was nk. Roxy-sama carried the conversation all by herself.Although, she looked like she was having fun, so I did not mind inthe slightest.


    There was a heavenand earth difference whenparing this to my time as a gatekeeperunder Rafal''s employment. Of course, Roxy-sama was on heaven''sside. The other one was hell.


    Even though I shouldbe feeling happy, I wondered why I did not¡­ Recently, my physicalcondition was very bad. The feeling of hunger grew stronger everyday, and I could not suppress it. That is, I was starving. Yes, evennow, it was aching.


    "Fay, what''swrong?"


    cing her teacupon her saucer, Roxy looked at me worriedly. Our two-person tea partyhad be a regr urence. It was only during these times thatshe called me Fay. This nickname had been given to me by my father,so it felt a little embarrassing. However, since it seemed like mymaster wanted to call me Fay, I sort of forced myself to ept it.


    When I consultedGreed about this, he simply said, "How would I know? Think about itby yourself." Hence, I still felt overwhelmed every time Roxy-samacalled me Fay.


    "It''s nothing,Roxy-sama."


    During our teaparties, I had the double pain of suppressing both my hunger, andfeelings towards Roxy-sama.


    "Is that so¡­but, yourplexion is pale."


    I think she thoughtmy unusual hunger was a cold, and tried toy her palm on myforehead. If she did this, then the Mind-reading skill would beactivated, and I did not want to intrude on her thoughts.


    "No, I really amalright!"


    When I stood up toescape, my hunger was so intense that I felt dizzy and fell to thefloor, my consciousness fading. The hunger was more severe today thanusual. I felt the Gluttony skill writhing inside me. Slowly, I wasswallowed by the darkness. I heard Roxy-sama calling my name, yetafter a while, I could not hear anything.


    *


    When I awoke, Ifound myself in the room at the mansion that I had been providedwith. The soft, cotton bed was vastly different to the straw bed. Ihad been able to sleep in such luxury.


    It seemed like I hadfainted at the tea ceremony with Roxy-sama due to being unable toendure this hunger from the Gluttony skill. Now that the feeling ofunbearable pain had subsided, I felt much better.


    It was night time. Icould see that it was around midnight from the position of the moonthrough the window. Then, I noticed a note on the moonlit shelf.


    [Tomorrow, pleasetake the day off work and rest well. From Roxy.]


    It seemed likeRoxy-sama had been worried. Well, it was natural to be anxious ifsomeone copsed in front of you. The next time we meet, I shouldapologise for ruining the tea party. Sighing, I sat back down on thebed and picked up Greed who had been leaning against the wall.


    "Hey, Greed. I''mfeeling hungrier by the day. I could endure it in the old days, andhad no problem with it. What do you think?"


    Greedughed as heanswered.


    "It''s toote.The dice have been cast."


    "What do youmean?"


    "The Gluttonyskill has tasted a soul, and can no longer hold back. It''s urgingyou for more."


    This, the reason formy abnormal hunger¡­ I was in a state of starvation. Although it waspowerful skill, it cost a great deal. While I felt shaken by this,Greed continued to speak.


    "You strengthen asyou consume souls. The more you do so, the stronger the urge to eatmore souls will be. That is the nature of this skill. Until youdie, you need to continue growing. The skill will not forgive youshould you give up halfway. If you cannot do this, you will die ofstarvation, or you will lose your senses and attack everyonemindlessly."


    "That¡­ isjust¡­"


    Extreme hunger. If Icould not endure it, I would starve, or¡­ ugh, thetter was toohorrifying. In that case, was it not a devil? If I lost my sense ofself at a tea party and attacked Roxy-sama¡­ Thinking of this mademe feel like a monster.


    "I''ll tell yousomething good. When you reach your limit, you will see it. Look inthe mirror."


    As Greed instructed,I looked into therge mirror in the room. What reflected back was abright, red eye. My pupils were originally ck. Yet they had beendyed blood red.


    "Already, you havereached the limit. It is good to enjoy the life of a leisurelyservant here. However, you must not forget what needs to be done. Iwill say it once again, the dice have been cast."


    This Gluttony skillsought souls regardless of my intention. Even if I ate and drank myfill of food, I would never be able to satisfy this hunger. I hadonly one option. And, the more it urged me, the deeper I would sinkinto the mire.


    Right now, my hungerwas at the limit ©¤ I had to go. After finally grasping hold of thispeaceful life, I did not want to let go of it.


    Changing my clothesin the moonlit room, I grabbed Greed. Then, with one nce around, Ijumped out of the Heart Family''s residence. To satisfy thishunger¡­

 Chapter Volume 1 8

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    Hunger boost


    I ran down the mainstreet of the Holy Knights District and reached therge gate at thedistrict border. It seemed that my five senses had beterrifyingly sharp from my state of starvation. For example,everything appeared like it was daytime to me even though it wascurrently night.<figure ss="wp-block-image"></figure>


    My sense of smellwas also¡­ how should I put it, the scent of human beings smelleddelicious. Just ahead, two gatekeepers stood at their positions. Theone that looked delicious was the man on the right with the strongbuild. When I tried topare their statuses with the <Appraisal>skill, the right man was better. In other words, my sense of smellidentified the power of strong people as a delicious aroma.


    I presumed that thiswas the effect of the Gluttony skill wanting to devour souls, and assuch, gave a boost to my body. However¡­ even so¡­ it was painful.Even now, this almost blinding starvation was periodically attackingmy body.


    I should hurry upand go ahead. If I became crazy and devoured that guard, it would bean awful problem.


    Now that I was aservant of the Heart Family, I carried a pass certificate. The rulewas to show it to the gatekeeper on both entry and exit. If I lostit, they would not allow me through, so I had to be careful not todrop it.


    "Hello, thanks foryour hard work."


    I approached thegatekeeper with a warm smile. Leaving the Holy Knights District ste in the night, I wanted to alleviate my suspiciousness even justa little bit. However, the moment I was close enough to show them thepass that I had taken out of my pocket,


    "Eeek!"


    The gatekeeper tooka step back, shrinking away from me. For some reason, his expressionwas frigid. Then, the other gatekeeper who thought something wasstrange stepped closer, and he reacted exactly the same. Both of themhad frozen in ce. Somehow the situation was worrying.


    I hurriedly showedthe two guards my pass and rushed past them towards the CommercialDistrict. As to why they had acted as such, I voiced my concern toGreed who answered rather pragmatically.


    "They saw yourpupils, and were paralysed on the spot like deer in headlights. Yourred pupils have that power. Those lower in status than you will notbe able to move. Well, in the state of starvation, this is atemporary power for the Gluttony skill to consume souls efficiently."


    "Those gatekeepersjust then, I wonder if they suspected me?"


    "It was the firsttime they experienced this. They do not know what you have done, andwill simply think they saw a strange man. After this, if they neversee your red eyes again, they would just think they saw somethingweird as an effect of being tired from workingte. However, shouldyou continue to show your anxiety like this, they will definitelyfind you suspicious."


    He certainly had apoint. I considered this as I strode stately through themercirea, when I smelled something sweet. It was unimaginably delicious.I lost against temptation and detoured onto the sidewalk away fromthe main street, quietly searching for the source of the aroma as Istayed in the shadows.


    At the far end ofthe road were three figures walking along, concealed in ck hoods.I tried to find out more through Appraisal, however, the distance wastoo far. In the next moment, just from the moonlight, I saw one oftheir faces.


    "?!"


    I drew in my breathsharply. Why did I have toe across them at such a time? There wasno mistake, that hateful face belonged to Rafal. In that case, thetall man walking next to him would be the second son, Hado, and thesmallest figure should be Mimil, the youngest sister. Without themknowing that I was following, they entered an exclusive luxury storejust for VIPs. Only high ranked people like the Holy Knights wereallowed in there. Feeling uneasy, I watched from the shadows as manyother ck hooded figures also entered the store.


    I could tell fromtheir scents. They were all Holy Knights. There was no doubt aboutit. What kind of meeting are they holding at this time of the night?I continued to watch the store for a while since I felt worried.However, the window curtains were all closed so I had no way oftelling what was happening inside.


    Guuuu¡­


    At that moment, aloud rumble came from my stomach. I could not help but feel troubled,yet I had an urgent matter to attend to right now. Soon, mystarvation would reach a critical point. I left the ce with apainful reluctance.


    At therge easterngate of the Commercial District leading outside of the capital,nighttime was vastly different from day, and was much quieter. Therewere no wagons travelling by, and there were many warriors hangingaround the front of the gate instead. Anybody could tell from theirequipment that they were skilled and experienced. Compared to theother morning when I went to hunt goblins, the average ranks of thesewarriors were much higher. I felt a great sense of intimidation.


    "Their purpose isnight hunting. The moonlight is bright today and they can see betterthan usual, and even demons need to sleep. Hence, even if they killeda lot of the same type, the hate effect is unlikely to ur.Attacking while they''re asleep, they can defeat arge amount ofdemons this way."


    "I see."


    For ordinarywarriors, night hunts were something they would definitely never do.On the other hand, it was an effective method to earn lots of moneyfor experts who were well-versed in their skills. UnderstandingGreed''s exnation, I crossed paths with a party of warriors. Atthis moment, one of them with an ill-shaven beard called out.


    "Oi, you. Ihaven''t seen you before. You''re hunting with that kind of dingyequipment?"


    "Yeah, so?"


    When I answered assuch, he burst outughing loudly despite it being the middle of thenight.


    "Oi, listen upeveryone. There''s an absolute idiot here!"


    Even though I hadnot wanted to stand out, all the stern faced warriors gatheredaround. All of them were sneering at me.


    "You,ing herewith that get up, you must be pretty strong, huh?"


    Saying that with asmirk, he was just being sarcastic. What he meant was why a trashyperson like me hade to a ce like this.


    "What''s yourlevel? Go on, let us hear it. We won''tugh."


    "Are you done? I''min a hurry."


    My hunger hadreached its limit. I ignored them and left to continue on my way.Those warriors had not hesitated in the slightest even when they sawmy red eyes. That meant their status was above mine, so I was notabout to waste time checking their skills one by one throughAppraisal. Their voices followed me as I passed through gate,stabbing me in the back.


    "Did you hearthat? He probably couldn''t say it because he''s low levelled.Seriously. This is why I can''t deal with beginners."


    "You think he wasprobably trying to get into our party?"


    "Ah, that must it.But, I''m not letting him in."


    "Oii, trash-levelkid,e back. If you''re lucky, someone might let you into theirparty."


    "Impossible withme though."


    "Ah, I don''tneed you either."


    "Right?!Gahahaha!"


    Talk as much as you like. Either way,this Gluttony skill prevented me from joining a party. That''s why Iwill use my own methods to grow stronger than all of you.

 Chapter Volume 1 9

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    Greedily devouring


    I ran intentlythrough the Goblin Meadow in the night air. Each time I cleavedthrough the bushes and found a sleeping goblin, I swung Greed rightat its neck.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +30, Strength +40, MP +10, Spirit +10, Agility +30>


    I wonder how manytimes I had already heard this robotic voice. Yet, it was still notenough. More. This did nothing to satisfy my hunger.


    However, I had beenrunning without a pause ever since I left the capital. I stopped tocatch my breath. A full moon had risen high into the cloudless skyand illuminated the dead goblin''s corpse. If I was huntingnormally, I would have cut off both ears as evidence to im myprize, although I could not afford to waste time right now. Once mybreathing had stabilised, I stepped over the corpse and headed for mynext prey.


    Hm? I could hearfootsteps chasing me from the meadow. No, not just from behind. Fromthe front and two sides, footsteps on the grass were approaching fromall directions. There was quite a number of them. It seemed likewhile I had been focused on running around and hunting in this area,the goblins began to view me as a threat. The goblin being huntingwoken up and called on itsrades for assistance in an effort todefeat me, eliminating harm to their kind.


    Sensing theiradvance, I chose a ce with rtively low bushes and halted. Then,the sounds of those closely following footsteps died down one afteranother. Looking around, I saw that the goblins had surrounded me.


    There were roughly50 of them, perhaps even more. Now that my eyes had adjusted to thenight vision, I could clearly see the goblins.


    The opponents werefamiliar monsters, Goblin Fighters and Goblin Guards. With Greed, Icould slice through all their swords and shields. Besides, no matterhow many more of these goblins appeared, the strategy would remainthe same, and they were no match for my current state of starvation.


    With these redpupils, any goblin with a lower status was simply immobilised whenthey met my gaze. ncing around constantly at the goblins who frozein their tracks, I steadily killed them off one by one. Some of thegoblins noticed something strange and tried to escape, however, itwas toote for all of them.


    Although they hadintended to form an enclosure to quickly defeat me, it had actuallymade it easier for me to hunt them as they had all assembledtogether. With that, I killed thest one. The goblin fell down ontop of the other corpses.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +40, Strength +20, MP +10, Spirit +10, Agility +10>


    Whew. I had calmeddown just a little. Using Greed who had been polished to amirror-like shine, I looked at my reflection. My eyes were still red.


    "I''ve eatenquite a lot, but my hunger still hasn''t subsided¡­"


    I had killed over100 goblins, however, this state of starvation continued. Upset, Iasked Greed about it.


    "How long untilthis state is released?"


    "Hm. In yourcondition, it seems that the goblin level will not be satisfactory.You should hunt the higher-ranked Hobgoblins."


    Taking Greed''ssuggestion, I left the Goblin Meadow and headed towards the westernforest. Here was the ce called Hobgob Forest. Goblins from themeadow who had gained enough power moved to live in this forest asthey evolved into Hobgoblins.


    There were threetypes of Hobgoblins; Hobgoblin Fighter, Hobgoblin Guard, andHobgoblin Archer. The fighters and guards should be simr to theirgoblin counterparts. The problem was the archer. Although theirnumbers were few, they concealed themselves well in bushes and theirarrows flew far. The most problematic thing was that they coveredtheir arrowheads with faecal waste, and if hit by them, they couldcause a dangerous infection. Warriors of the Royal Capital referredto these Hobgoblin archers as faecal archers.


    I had heard of thisinformation from some of the Heart Family servants who used to bewarriors in their youthful days, and had taught me a lot during ourmealtimes. A majority of the heroic stories ©¤ he bragged a lot, butthey were quite interesting so I listened to them all. Feelinggrateful to him, I proceeded with caution.


    Since Hobgoblinswere not nocturnal creatures, they should be fast asleep at themoment unless I made amotion. The point was that I should attackthem while they slept as I did with the other goblins.


    Look, there was oneof them. Leaning asleep against arge tree was a Hobgoblin whoseheight matched mine. Its physique was much more muscr and firm.The skin colour was hard to tell¡­ Although as expected of ahigher-ranked goblin species, it was greenish.


    <Appraisal>skill has been activated.


    Hobgoblin FighterLv12


    HP: 230


    Strength: 340


    MP: 110


    Spirit: 110


    Agility: 230


    Skill: Two-handedSword Technique


    Hobgoblin Fighterhuh? There was arge sword lying at its feet, one that it probablyused to attack with. It had a Two-handed Sword Technique skill too.The status was not a concern.


    As I approachedquietly, I noticed another demon behind therge tree. From theshield next to it, I could guess which type this Hobgoblin was,however, I still used <Appraisal>.


    Hobgoblin Guard Lv12


    HP: 440


    Strength: 220


    MP: 110


    Spirit: 110


    Agility: 110


    Skill: HPEnhancement (medium)


    Oh, it possessed aHP Enhancement (medium) skill? As I had expectedst time, thereseemed to be several stages in the status enhancement system. Sincethere was (small) and (medium), then from this flow, rge)certainly existed.


    After I finishedconfirming, I first sliced the neck of the sleeping Hobgoblin Guard.It died within a deep sleep, passed away without suffering.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +440, Strength +220, MP +110, Spirit +110, Agility +110>


    <HP Enhancement(medium) skill has been added>


    Now then, onemonster remained¡­ Ah, it seemed to have woken up. The sound of mysword slicing through the neck of the guard disturbed the HobgoblinFighter, who sensed something was amiss and tried to call out. It wasprobably intending to alert its friends. I could not let that happen.I thrust Greed into its mouth lined with yellow teeth.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +230, Strength +340, MP +110, Spirit +110, Agility +230>


    <Two-handed SwordTechnique skill has been added>


    The Hobgoblin soulfilled me up more than the Goblin did. If I had known it would belike this, I would have headed straight here to the Hobgoblinswithout wasting time with the Goblins.


    As my pangs ofhunger had yet to subside, I used <Appraisal> on my own status.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 8041


    Strength: 8011


    MP: 2501


    Spirit: 2501


    Agility: 5591


    Skill: Gluttony,Appraisal, Concealment, One-handed Sword Technique, Two-handed SwordTechnique, Strength Enhancement (small), HP Enhancement (small), HPEnhancement (medium)


    Still, the night waslong. I searched for my next prey as I continued further into theforest.

 Chapter Volume 1 10

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    First rank


    That''s a goodsleeping face. Well then, goodbye. I killed another Hobgoblin with ash from Greed.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +440, Strength +220, MP +110, Spirit +110, Agility +110>


    That was the 45thkill. Ohh?! All at once, my body felt satisfied. Just like that, thehelpless waves of hunger faded away. I was finally released from thestate of starvation. In the dimly lit forest, I leaned against thrge tree nearby with sigh of relief.


    "Fate. If you areresting, climb up this tree. Rare as it may be, a Hobgoblin might beawake and walking around in the middle of the night. Your abilityboosts from the state of starvation have disappeared. Neither yoursmell detection nor red eyes are effective now."


    "That''s true,alright!"


    Just like Greedsuggested, I climbed up the tree I was leaning against and sat on abroad branch.


    "It should be fineif I hide here. Moreover, I had to defeat a fairlyrge amount ofdemons to satiate this hunger."


    "That''s how itis. In certain cases, the state of starvation will turn your mindcrazy, making you attack anyone without hesitation. It cannot bereleased so easily. If you dislike it, hunt demons regrly and letthe Gluttony skill consume their souls."


    "Ah, I''ll dothat. This hunger, I don''t want to experience it a second time."


    Iy down on thebranch and took a break. The moonlight shone through the gaps in thebranches and leaves into the forest. Damp and a little chilly, itfeltfortable after having moved around so much.


    When I looked at theground below, I saw the asional Hobgoblin pass by. Although theywere not nocturnal, there seemed to be a few of them actively keepingwatch. It was a good thing that I followed Greed''s advice.


    After I felt restedenough, I was about to descend when the ground began to shakeslightly from something huge approaching. The footsteps grew louderas a figure proportionate to the sound appeared, taking on the formof a huge goblin. It was more than twice my height tall. The colourof its skin seemed to be turquoise. In his hand was a club thatappeared to be roughly hewn from arge tree in the forest.


    "?!"


    As the moonlight hitthe club, my face instinctively tensed. It was covered thickly inblood and flesh.


    Furthermore, lookingat what he held in his other hand made me feel nauseous. It had mostlikely be unrecognisable from being beaten many times with thatclub, however, it was undoubtedly a human.


    Ordinary humanswould not visit the Hobgob Forest sote at night. Hence, the corpsehe was dragging belonged to one of the skilled warriors who I hadseen at the outskirts of the Commercial District before I left thecapital. Being that arrogant, and yet you still died!


    Nevertheless, thefact that this had happened to a skilled warrior who should beexperienced with the dangers of night hunting, that massive goblinmust be considerably powerful.


    As he passed underthe tree where I was, I felt curious about the strength of such ahuge goblin, so I used the <Appraisal> skill to investigate.


    Goblin King Lv30


    HP: 21000


    Strength: 24000


    MP: 5230


    Spirit: 4560


    Agility: 11200


    Skill: Auto-recovery


    Goblin King?! Isthat so¡­


    The other servantsin the Heart Family had mentioned this. The Goblin King was the bossof all the goblins here and was said to be extremely strong. Sincethere were very few of them in the forest, the chance of encounteringthem was incredibly low, however, meeting them was akin to preparingfor death. Of course, this demon could be easily defeated by a HolyKnight. Yet, ordinary warriors would die instantly from a singlehit¡­


    His status wasdefinitely different to the Hobgoblins. The skill also seemed useful.I used <Appraisal> on the Auto-recovery skill.


    Auto-recovery:Wounds are healed at regr intervals. Fatal wounds cannot behealed.


    Ohhh, this was agood skill. With this, I could continue fighting even if I sufferedminor injuries. I wanted it!


    With my currentstatus, I would not be able to kill him. As I wondered how to act,the Goblin King walked deeper into the forest. He was a rare monstertype, few in numbers. Even if I wanted to challenge him again afterpowering up, it would be pointless if I could not find him again.


    Alright, I made adecision. I climbed down the tree silently and pursued the GoblinKing. He was the king of the forest. It was a grand sight to see himwalking forward so calmly.


    There were noHobgoblins near the Goblin King. They probably ran away afternoticing the footsteps. Looking as if he owned the ce, hisdestination was a small clearing in the middle of the forest, coveredin flowers. In the centre stood a single dead tree. Sitting down andleaning back against it, the Goblin King rested his club on theground.


    Crunch crunch¡­ Icould hear disgusting sounds even at a distance from my hidingposition in the trees. The Goblin King was eating the defeatedwarrior as though it was delicious. asionally, the munching andbone-cracking sounds reached my ears. Ugh¡­ As I was feeling ill,Greed spoke.


    "Why are youmaking a fuss over something so ordinary."


    "¡­Wellbecause¡­"


    "Surely you knewwhat happened to those defeated by demons. Like that, they would be adelicious meal. To monsters, humans are delectable. Especially humanchildren¡­"


    "I get it, stopalready. I knew that. But, this is the first time I''m seeing it."


    Demons ate humans. Iunderstood that. However, being aware of that was different fromactually seeing it in person. It was more shocking than I hadexpected to witness the devouring of such fresh meat.


    Calming myself downfor a while, I looked back at the Goblin King again. I felt alrightnow. He was still munching messily.


    If I was attemptingthis challenge, the optimal tactic would be to attack from his blindspot in the back. Since this flower field was an open ce, therewas nothing to hide behind. Cautiously observing the Goblin King, Iproceeded to sneak from tree to tree until I was directly behind him.The one thing between us was the giant dead tree, and only the GoblinKing''s shoulders were visible.


    "Be careful fromhere on."


    "Yeah."


    Paying closeattention, I stepped into the clearing. As before, the Goblin Kingwas busy with his meal. Feeling nervous as my heart rate soared, Ikept my breathing soft and quiet. Finally, I seeded in reachingthe dead tree. From behind, I heard his munching sounds closely.


    "Fate, do it now!"


    Greed signalled methrough the <Mind-reading> skill, and I swung the ck sworddown towards the right shoulder protruding out from therge tree.


    Arghh©¤!


    I did it. I slicedoff his log-sized right arm. Greed warned me against being relievedby the sess of the first strike.


    "He has not diedyet. Retreat quickly!"


    I jumped backwardsas the Goblin King swung his club and smashed therge dead tree atthe position I was at just a moment earlier. The hit was so powerfulthat the ground sunk in and shattered stone pieces flew out from thecollision. If I had been hit by that, I would probably have died.


    "That wasdangerous. I''m saved."


    "It''s too earlyto be relieved. He''sing."


    Bleeding heavilyfrom his right shoulder, the Goblin King raised the club with hisremaining left arm. Just as I was wondering how to dodge it, Greedspoke.


    "Believe in me. Aclub like that poses no threat."


    "In that case!"


    I put my faith inGreed and dashed forward, attacking in a single movement. The GoblinKing''s hand was cleaved off along with his club. This sharpness wasamazing. I should keep going and finish this quickly. Continuing withmy attack, I raised the ck sword as I leapt upwards.


    Arghh©¤! The GoblinKing fell to his knees with a roar. What remained of his left arm hadalso been cut off. Despite being severely wounded, he still red atme as I pierced his face with my sword. A sickening wetness drenchedmy hand, yet I paid no heed as I pushed the de further in. Pullingit out, I shook off the Goblin King''s blood on my sword.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +21000, Strength +24000, MP +5230, Spirit +4560, Agility +11200>


    <Auto-recoveryskill has been added>


    In previous fights,my opponents and I had been on equal ground. I had not experiencedthis sense of tension from monster hunting up until now. Theknowledge that I might die had constantly swirled in my mind. So, Ifelt a greater sense of aplishment from surviving this battle.Perhaps this was the real pleasure of monster hunting. Now that thetension had dissipated, I sank to the floor as Greed spoke.


    "Well done. Withthis, your status has umted quite a substantial amount. In thiscase, let''s open my first rank."


    "First rank?"


    "My new form. Byabsorbing my user''s status, I can add a new form. What will you do?Will you try it?"


    "How much of mystatus is needed?"


    "The moment youmet me is your starting point. If I take all the power you havegained since then, I can open my first form."


    In other words, inorder to strengthen Greed, I had to return to the state I was in whenwe met even though I had grown so much. On further inquiry, I foundout that the first rank could be achieved with my current status,however, for the second rank, the third rank¡­ Each time I raisedhis rank I would need to relinquish a higher status.


    Ultimately, theuser''s mentality was the trigger, and if I chose not to open hisnew form, I lost my qualification to use Greed. That''s right, I hadto choose to either strengthen or release Greed right now, righthere.


    "I must do itright now huh¡­"


    "Indeed. It isunavoidable as you are my user. In the same way that you cannotescape the hunger from your Gluttony skill."


    Geez, when I askedGreed how much he was going to absorb, "Since I am greedy, I willconsume almost all of it," was his response.


    "Will youstrengthen only yourself, or strengthen me to walk along this pathwith you? Choose! I will tell you now, you will not regret making mestronger."


    Well, it wasunnecessary to consider this any longer. Greed was my only partner.If we could be stronger together, he would be even moredependable.


    "I understand.Please do it."


    "Well then, here Igo!"


    As though my consentbecame a contract, the ck sword began to glow. At the same time, Ifelt my body losing power. When the light died down, there was ack bow in my hand.


    "This is my firstform, type: magic bow. From now on, I will be be your power both as aone-handed sword and a magic bow."


    I used <Appraisal>on my own status. Sure enough, after handing over my power, it hadreturned to the state of when I first met Greed.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 121


    Strength: 151


    MP: 101


    Spirit: 101


    Agility: 131


    Skill: Gluttony,Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, One-handed Sword Technique,Two-handed Sword Technique, Strength Enhancement (small), HPEnhancement (small), HP Enhancement (medium), Auto-recovery

 Chapter Volume 1 11

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    Momentary rxation


    It was arge cklongbow with a graceful arch. However, contrary to its appearance myhand, it did not feel as heavy as it looked.


    Greed had calledthis form the magic bow.<figure ss="wp-block-image"></figure>


    "But, I don''thave any arrows, so should I buy them separately?"


    "No need. This isa magic bow. Arrows will be created from magic. Try it and see, thereis a target on the left of that tree. Aim at it from here."


    I wished he wouldhave said that earlier. As I turned to the left, an arrow grazed mynose. If I had not moved my head away, the arrow would have piercedright through my face.


    The only ones whowould make such a pungent attack were the Hobgoblin Archers, nastybeings dubbed the faecal archers by the warriors of the RoyalCapital.


    Since theyunchedtheir attacks while keeping a certain distance, closebat weaponswere an unsuitable match. Moreover, their attacks had a weakeningeffect on statuses. Hence, it was time for Greed''s power to appearin the form of "ck Bow". Once again, I evaded the arrowcovered in faeces by using the Goblin King''s corpse as a shield.


    "In this darkness,I don''t know the Hobgoblin Archer''s exact location."


    "No problem. Onceyou know the approximate location, the magic arrow will track and hitthe target. Even beginners need not worry. If you release the arrowproperly, it will automatically hit."


    In that case, itshould be possible for me even if I had never used a bow before. If Iwas not mistaken, the faecal arrows wereing from amongst thetrees over there. Meaning there should be a Hobgoblin Archer behindthem.


    I drew the ck Bowover the Goblin King''s corpse. As I did so, a ck arrowmaterialised and positioned itself against the taut bowstring. Sothis was the magical arrow that Greed had mentioned. Then, without aclear aim, I released the arrow.


    The ck arrowadjusted its trajectory ordingly, disappearing behind the treewhere the Hobgoblin Archer seemed to be.


    <Gluttony skillhas been activated>


    <Status update:HP +170, Strength +230, MP +110, Spirit +110, Agility +350>


    <Night Visionskill has been added>


    I heard the roboticvoice in my head. It seemed like the Hobgoblin Archer had beendefeated. At any rate, I would be using this ck Bow often. As longas I was able to shoot the arrow, it was guaranteed to hit its mark.


    Certain monstersused magic in long-ranged attacks. With the ck sword alone, Iwould be full of holes before I even reached them, so I was gratefulto have a weapon like the ck Bow that was capable of attackingfrom a long distance.


    Given that I was asolo hunter, I would not be able to survive if I could not doeverything by myself. The more cards that I had, the better. I wasd to have obtained the <Night vision> skill from theHobgoblin Archer, and now I could walk in the dark like it wasdaytime. This way, I could make good progress at night. Well then,since I have fulfilled my purpose, I should return.


    Then, an ideaurred to me as I looked at the Goblin King''s corpse and I slicedoff his ears. The Goblin King was a rare monster, few in numberwithin this forest. If I brought these to the Royal Capital''sExchange Department, I could trade them for a substantial prize.


    If I was the onecarrying these, it might be problematic. However, if I gave it tosomeone else to exchange¡­ For example, if I donated them to anorphanage, they would not trace it back to me.


    There was a poororphanage in the slums where I lived before I moved into the HeartFamily. Yes, it was the orphanage where the little girl lived, theone who I had helped during the abduction previously. I could justput the Goblin King''s ears in a bagbelled "donation" andthrow it in through a broken window. It would be a small gift from mewho had suffered hunger before. I wanted the children to be able tofill their stomachs with this. That girl would surely be happy.


    Now then, I had todo all of this before dawn came. I quietly left the Hobgob forest andproceeded through the Goblin Meadow, heading towards the RoyalCapital Seyfert.


    *


    Morning had finalle. I had secretly returned home to the Heart Family mansion, andwas now in bed. ¡­I felt very sleepy. In the end, I had stayed upall night.


    When I tried tothrow the Goblin King''s ears into the orphanage, it seemed that theSisters noticed me so it became problematic. I managed to trick themand escape, heading towards the VIP store in the Commercial Districtto check on the situation there.


    It seemed likeRafael and his siblings had already left the store, and the windowcurtains were opened. I wondered what those Holy Knights had beendiscussing and felt worried, so I decided to keep watch again at thesame time.


    For that reason, Ineeded to sleep well. Roxy-sama gave me the day off today, so Ishould just go to sleep now. I was exhausted from hunting goblins dueto my state of starvation, as well as several other things. When Iclosed my eyes, I fell into a deep sleep.


    Knock, knock.Someone¡­ was knocking on the door. Waking up from the noise, I wassurprised to see who had entered the room. It was the first time thatshe came to my room.


    "Sorry to botheryou, how are you feeling?"


    It was Roxy-sama.Looking at the clock, I saw that it was past noon. It seemed that Ihad slept for quite some time. Since she was wearing her white lightarmour, she was probably visiting me during her break between dutiesat the castle. To go so far for a servant¡­ she was a kind person. Ihad slept well so the exhaustion waspletely gone.


    "Yes, I''mfeeling fine."


    "That''s good.But overworking yourself is forbidden. I brought some fruit. Wouldyou like some?"


    This whole time, shehad been holding a basket from which she took out a te of grapes.Therge purple fruits were ripe and plump.


    "These grapes wereharvested from the Heart Family''s territories. They were deliveredto the mansion this morning."


    "These grapes aredelicious. Is it grape-growing popr in Roxy-sama''s territories?"


    I had heard from theother servants that the grapes were famous. However, seeing thatRoxy-sama seemed like she wanted to be asked about it, I pretendednot to know anything.


    "It is, sincewine-making is also very popr. The wine served during mealtimes atthe mansion were produced from the territory. It''s very beautifulthere. Oh right, I will be visiting the territory soon so let''s gotogether."


    "Is thatalright?!"


    Such deliciousgrapes were grown there so it was sure to be a wonderful territory. Idefinitely wanted to go. Besides, if I was being invited by mymaster, Roxy-sama, I could not help but go.


    We sat on the bedfor a while eating grapes together, when there was knocking on thedoor again. However, this time they did note in and only a voicecould be heard from the other side of the door.


    "Roxy-sama, it''sabout time for you to return to work."


    This voice belongedto the most outstanding of my fellow servants ©¤ my superior. Shewas also Roxy-sama''s secretary. Usually, she was a kind person,however, I was often scolded because she was quite strict with timemanagement. Hearing her call, Roxy-sama hastily wiped her mouth witha handkerchief.


    "Ah, I must go.Eat the rest of the grapes as you like, Fay. Then, I''m heading towork!"


    Roxy-sama gave asmall wave with her hand from her chest and left the room. She wasbusy with duties, having inherited the family from her father. I hadheard this from my superior. Among the five noble families of theRoyal Capital, the youngest household head was Roxy-sama. With herproficiency as a Holy Knight ©¤ her level was lower than all thosearound her, so it seemed like she had to work hard endlessly.


    These were thehardships of the upper ss society¡­ For amoner with no socialpower, the worlds that we lived in were too different. The only thingI could do was talk to Roxy-sama and distract her mind, even if onlyfor a little while.


    In order to releasethese miserable feelings, I decided to head to the bar that I had notvisited in a long time. Having not shown my face for ages, the storemaster might be wondering if I had died from the gatekeeping job (dueto the relentless bullying and harsh working hours from the BrericFamily). I should at least report that I was alive.


    Besides, today was my day off. Eventhough I might end up being told off Roxy-sama, I will drink alcoholto my heart''s content!

 Chapter Volume 1 12

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    Rumours in the bar


    Having changed myclothes and left the room, I told my fellow servants that I washeading out since I was feeling better. I also told them that Iwanted to take a breather in order to keep it a secret fromRoxy-sama. The servants of the Heart Family were all good people.


    After this, I headedfrom the Holy Knights District to the Commercial District. As it wasstill early, I decided to kill some time instead of going directly tothe bar.


    Even if I said this,I only had 1 silver coin and 20 copper coins. As it was not payday atthe Heart Family yet, I could not buy anything expensive.


    Knowing that Ineeded to reserve some money to spend at the bar, I decided to go tothe flea market where I had bought Greedst time.


    At thattime, my outfit had been rather tattered so the arrogant shopkeeperof the stall had not treated me decently as a customer.


    However, now that Iwas a servant of the Heart Family, I was much better dressed. If Iwent to those kinds of stores, I would not be considered an idiotlike back then.


    Walking through thestores, I looked around for the next bargain. In this case, theAppraisal skill was very useful. Even without knowledge of the item,I could see its value.


    If I used this well,I could buy good products at a low price and resell them. Well,before I can do that ©¤ I had no customers, so it would not workright?


    Putting this aside,there were many items here. I tried to do an <Appraisal> on rge, beautiful te.


    "Oh, this isgreat. This broken te has been restored perfectly. It''s amazing,I couldn''t tell at all. It seems like the other tes have beensimrly repaired."


    At this moment, theshopkeeper who had been negotiating with the customer next to meturned to re sternly at me.


    Also, the customerseemed to hear my voice and became angered. He pushed back the teto the shopkeeper that he had originally intended to purchase. Anintense argument began to break out between them with the customeriming to be deceived while the shopkeeper denied it.


    Somehow¡­ theatmosphere was bad. I hurriedly left before I was caught up in it.


    "Ah, that wasdangerous."


    "Be careful fromnow on. Carrying the Appraisal skill, it is easy to be dislikedby businessmen."


    Greed warned meabout my carelessness.


    "It''s not goodfor someone to lie when doing business though."


    "Well, you cannotmake a living simply by telling the truth. Lies can be good things."


    That was probably mon course of action in the flea market where struggling merchantsgathered. I pulled myself together and resumed looking through thestores when I came across something interesting. ced on a shelfnext to hats and headbands, it looked pretty scary, yet I wasintrigued. Picking it up, I did an <Appraisal> on it.


    Skull Mask


    Endurance: 20


    Inhibits recognitionof the wearer, allowing others to see a different person.


    This could beuseful!


    At this, Greed alsoexpressed agreement.


    "You foundsomething good. This is an old-fashioned, magical object created fora masquerade ball. It is an antique, although it should still work ifyou put a bit of magic in it."


    Priced rathercheaply at 40 copper coins, I decided to buy this skull mask. Ineeded this for my night hunting. If I was intending on going huntingalmost every day, my face would be soon be recognised and a rumourwould arise among the warriors. For those who wished to hide theiridentity and hunt, the recognition inhibition ability of this maskwas very useful.


    I handed over 40copper coins to the old shopkeeper, then I wrapped it in a rag andced it in my breast pocket. I had bought something good. Giventhat this was the Royal Capital, rare items often passed through,even in ces like the flea market.


    From now on, itwould be a good idea to regrly keep an eye out for bargains. Nowthen, I should head to the bar. If I stayed here, I mighte acrosssomething else and waste my money.


    When I entered the bar,I found that it was crowded with unkempt men.


    Oi oi, what wasgoing on for them to drink during the daytime? Usually, the bar wasfairly empty during this hour. There was something else that wasstrange. I went towards my reserved seat at the corner of thecounter.


    Oh, for somereason, this was the only vacant seat. Also, there was a singleflower ced in a cup atop the counter. What was this? Wonderingabout it, I tried to sit down.


    "Wait, you can''tsit there. That''s the spot of a regr customer who died¡­"


    As he spoke, theshopkeeper walked over to the counter seat and when he saw my face,he drew a sharp breath.


    "You''re alive?!I was sure that you had died."


    Ah¡­ As I thought,the shopkeeper seemed to think that I had been overworked till deathsince I had not shown up for a week. I see, so this flower was forme?


    "As you can see,I''m still alive. Then, can I sit here?"


    "Of course, go onand take a seat."


    Moving the cup withthe flower to the side, I sat down.


    "Master, good wineand delicious food please."


    "Oi oi, what''sthis? I thought you were gone, yet you suddenly came back with a goodie."


    "I changed jobs. Icouldn''t show up here since I had quite a lot to learn."


    "Is that so,that''s good then¡­ Really."


    Tearing up a just alittle, the shopkeeper disappeared into the kitchen to bring food.After a while, he brought back a ss of wine and arge dish offish meuni¨¨re. (TL: Fish meuni¨¨re is French dish where the the fishis coated in flour before cooking, and served with a sauce made ofbrown butter, chopped parsley, and lemon.)


    "Here, tocelebrate your new job. I''ll charge you at half the price today."


    "Is thatalright?!"


    "It is. After all,I''ve known you for a long time.


    I had not known thathe was thinking about me this much. It was good to havee here.


    Starting to eat thefish, I asked about the sudden in prosperity of the bar.


    "Anyway, what''sup with today?"


    "Ah, they''re allwarriors."


    Huh, I guess todaywas a day off from hunting. A warrior''s job differed to ordinarywork as it was dependent on monster activity. On a rainy day, thedemons remained in hiding so those were rest days, and they wereunpredictable during breeding seasons when they had to observe thesituation carefully. However, that did not seem to be the case thistime. The shopkeeper told me the reason.


    "They said theywent goblin hunting early in the morning but found goblin corpsesscattered everywhere. What''s more, the ears had all been left on. Iheard that they made a lot of money from that. There''s somethingstrange about it."


    "¡­Hahahaha¡­ Iagree¡­"


    The cause was me!! Ialmost spat out the wine I was drinking. Well, it was not like I didanything bad. At least this was what I thought, yet the shopkeeper''sexpression was grim.


    "But you know¡­"


    "What is it?"


    "About that, thething that killed the goblins is problematic. It''s possible thatit''s a powerful rogue monster who had wandered over from anotherregion."


    "A roguemonster?!"


    The shopkeeper saidthat he heard this from the noisy warriors over there. The things Ihad done were now a problem! I was the rogue monster!


    "Ah, it happensabout once a decade. That''s why the Holy Knights are apparently onthe move to solve this problem. Since they''re doing that, I feelrelieved."


    If a mysteriousmonster appeared near the Royal Capital, then the merchants willrefrain froming here to do business since they did not want todie. As a result,mercial trade would be affected and it seemslike the economy could suffer.


    All because of me¡­Yet, I could not stop this¡­ Besides, the appearance of the HolyKnights?


    "Who will be incharge of the Holy Knights?"


    "Ah, apparentlyit''s the second son of the Breric Family that you hate, Hado-sama.He has yet to gain any fighting experience in Gallia, so this will bean easy way for him to earn points."


    Upon hearing thatname, I stabbed my fork into the centre of the fish. Unexpectedly,the Holy Knights of a great family would turn up to something likethis, so it was just like flying straight into mes.


    I downed the ssof wine instantly to curb the rising emotions. Then, the shopkeeperstarted to tell a different story.


    "Aside from this,there''s a funny story."


    "What story?"


    "It''s thatorphanage in the slum you lived in. There, the Sisters were prayingto God before dawn when a bloody bag was thrown in through a brokenwindow. It fell at the foot of one of the Sisters who fainted fromit. They thought it was a cruel prank and tried to chase after theculprit. In the end, whoever it was managed to escape."


    The shopkeeperbellowed withughter. That, could it be¡­ The shopkeeper continuedwithout noticing my worry.


    "There''s stillmore to this. The angry Sisters wanted to throw it away when theynoticed that there was something written on the bag. It read"donation". So then, when they fearfully opened it, I heard thatthey found a pair of ears from a Goblin King. And then, the Sisterscried again, but this time from happiness. It seems like they''relooking hard for the person who donated it."


    ¡­This too, wasdefinitely my doing. I hoped that the orphan girl could eat a fullmeal. However, the Sisters were looking for me? Well, it should befine if I was not discovered. Besides, I have that skull mask now, soit should be alright.


    "That was aninteresting story. Master, more wine please!"


    "Roger! I''ll letyou know if I have a good story again."


    Pretending to becalm, I drank more wine and ate the fish. Sure enough, the food inthis shop was delicious!

 Chapter Volume 1 13

    Roxy¡¯s inspection


    A few days had passed by since then. I was still a servant of the Heart Family during the day while continuing my other life of goblin hunting in the evenings to feed my Gluttony skill with souls.


    Apart from that, I was still worried about the movements of Rafal and his siblings. I revisited the VIP store many times after that initial incident to observe them. However, they never once re-appeared there. It was possible that they were constantly changing meeting ces. Without knowing what they were nning, time had simply flown by.


    I could have informed Roxy-sama about these events, yet simply telling her that they were acting suspicious would be worthless information. She was already aware that Rafal was plotting something bad. The contents of their ns were the important details.


    Spection without information would not generate answers. If I wanted to know, it would be quicker to find out directly from the people who were involved. I had reached such a conclusion in the past few days.


    The second son of the Breric Family was about to head out on a raid investigation in the Goblin Meadow and Forest of Hobgob where I had set off on a rampage before. So, putting on a ck hood and my skull mask, I decided to be the stray demon that all the warriors of the Royal Capital were starting to fear. Among them, there may be a few who would start to give me a name. While thinking about these future ns, I worked hard as a gardener¡¯s apprentice.


    The weather was great so it was perfect for mowing thewn. I could not do anything yesterday since it had been rainy. So today, I will make up for the lost time and cut enough grass for both shifts. Having received instructions from the master gardeners in the morning, I turned towards the grass. The Heart Family¡¯s garden was massive, so we worked by rotating through sections of thewn, south this week, east next week, north the week after¡­ The vitality of the turf was quite strong so by the time wepleted one rotation, the grass had already regrown, so this was an endless task.


    It seemed that my path to reaching the garden tree would be a long one. The garden masters returned to their own work and I began trimming the grass alone when,


    ¡°That¡­could it be¡­¡±


    Yes. No matter how I looked, it was Roxy-sama. She was sneaking out of the back door of the mansion, however, her outfit was different to her usual style. As if she was in disguise, she had dressed like a town girl. Roxy-sama¡¯s appearance was normally that of a Holy Knight. What made her wear amoner¡¯s clothing? I called out to her as she tried to leave through the back gate.


    ¡°Safe safe! Roxy-sama!¡±


    Like a servant, I simply intended on calling out to my master.


    ¡°Kyaa¡­ Geez, you surprised me!¡±


    Squealing in a cute voice, she jumped in surprise. Turning around, she seemed relieved that it was just me. This time, I asked the question I had been thinking of while she pouted.


    ¡°What is Roxy-sama up to? You seem to be dressed differently¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ This is, I¡¯m taking a breather¡­ No, this is a top secret trip. Dressing up as a town girl, mingling with the citizens and finding out how they are living.¡±


    Ohh! As expected of Roxy-sama. Other Holy Knights would never have done this. She really was different after all.


    ¡°I think that is a wonderful idea. Well then, I will return to my duties so that I won¡¯t be in your way!¡±


    As I turned to leave, Roxy-sama waited a bit. To be more precise, she approached from behind and grabbed at my cor.


    ¡°Fay, wait. I came up with a good idea.¡±


    I wondered what it was¡­ I guess it would be a good thing, yet Roxy-sama¡¯s expression was like that of a mischievous child. Was it really going to be good? I felt uneasy.


    ¡°W-what is it?¡±


    ¡°Fufufu¡­ A secret mission. I¡¯m giving Fay a secret mission.¡±


    ¡°Eeeeeh!¡±


    A secret mission from a Holy Knight?! Would someone like me who was only able to mow thewn be capable of doing this? As I was feeling indebted to her, Roxy-sama dered this while striking a mysteriously decisive pose. Putting aside the fact that she looked adorable in this new pose, I was struck dumb from surprise. Seeing me like that, Roxy-sama carefully posed again and said,


    ¡°Come with me to observe the citizens! Using Fay¡¯s knowledge, escort me!¡±


    Once again, my reaction was, ¡°Eeeeeh!¡±, although internally this time. Would I be able to do this¡­? Never once in my life so far had I escorted ady. Moreover, to escort Roxy-sama¡­ The level was too high. If I could not meet her expectations and instead disappointed her, I would not be able to live with myself. Frozen and unable to reply, Roxy-sama took my hand and dragged me along against my will.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. If we stay here, other people will find out.¡±


    ¡°Please wait a moment. My duties in the garden¡­ I will make the master gardeners angry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an issue. Later, I will provide them with a reason. Yes, problem solved!¡±


    So pushy?! The Roxy-sama who was dressed as a town girl was more stubborn than usual, and was simply twisting me around her finger. Really?! Was she this determined to understand the townspeople? If it came down to this, I had no choice but to do my best. I would tell Roxy-sama more about the lifestyles of these people so that she can use this information in the future.


    ¡°I understand, Roxy-sama. I will do my best!¡±


    ¡°Really?! This will be fun. Then let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Following Roxy-sama in her town girl disguise, we headed out of the mansion¡¯s back gate. She was quite familiar with her surroundings as she moved vigntly. It seemed like this was not the first time she had done this. Perhaps I should ask her about it.


    ¡°Does Roxy-sama do this often?¡±


    ¡°Eh, um, I don¡¯t do this that much.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Speaking of observing, what would the other servants think if they knew of us hiding our identity and walking around the city? Besides, Roxy-sama was the head of the Heart Family. From a standpoint, this may be problematic. Looking unconcerned with such worries, she spoke with aposed expression.


    ¡°This is a secret to others so don¡¯t tell anyone. Especially that person.¡±


    ¡°That person is¡­ Ah, I understand.¡±


    The person that Roxy-sama was referring to was the superior in charge of the housekeepers. She also acted as Roxy-sama¡¯s secretary. Due to her serious personality, there was no excuse for Roxy-sama to dress up as amoner and head to town on a tour. This must have been what she meant.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. If she found out, she would likely say, ¡°Act as the master of the Heart Family would.¡±¡±


    As I said this, I imitated the superior¡¯s characteristic gesture of adjusting her sses. At this, Roxy-sama covered her mouth with her hand andughed.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­ geez. Please stop impersonating her. She¡¯ll hear myughter.¡±


    ¡°Apologies. It¡¯s a condition that I have.¡±


    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s get out of the Holy Knights District first!¡±


    As we moved forward stealthily, Roxy-sama suddenly pulled me into a narrow side path. Why?! What was happening?! I was forcibly pressed against her. Due to her overwhelming status as a Holy Knight, I was rendered immobile. Since we were touching, the <Mind-reading> skill activated.


    (Still¡­ he seems flustered¡­ I need to be more firm¡­)


    What is she nning to do to me in the shadows? As I was thinking of stupid things like this,


    ¡°Shh, quiet. Our maids are walking over there.¡±


    Hearing this, I looked over to where Roxy-sama was pointing. Two young maids were walking closer while talking cheerfully. I had not noticed this at all. See, right now, my spirits were flying high. This was a secret inspection where I was alone with the idol Roxy-sama. There was no man in this position who would not have high spirits.


    However, this was an important mission. Watching the maids walk past, I refocused my mind. I would not be able toplete this task without discarding these immoral intentions. First of all¡­


    ¡°Roxy-sama, could you please let go soon?¡±


    ¡°Eh, already?¡±


    Once again, the <Mind-reading> skill activated and Roxy-sama¡¯s thoughts flowed into my mind.


    (¡­That¡¯s a pity. Then finally, I¡¯ll pat him.)


    Eh?! For some reason, she patted my head. No no, more importantly, the maids had already entered the Heart Family mansion so I did not think that there was any further need for us to be holding each other so closely. In response to this, Roxy-sama seemed to pout.


    ¡°Fine then. Hmph.¡±


    Roxy-sama released me somewhat angrily. Huh~? Have I done something wrong? I chased after her as she began walking ahead. Somehow, Roxy-sama was different from usual today.


    ¡°Please wait, Roxy-sama!¡±


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    ¡°W-why?! Roxy-sama! Roxy-sama!!¡±


    ¡°Like I said, stoppp!! If you call me Roxy, we¡¯ll be discovered.¡±


    ¡°Ah, right.¡±


    What a big mistake I was making. After all, Roxy-sama had taken great pains to disguise herself as a town girl and calling her name would render all this meaningless. However, what should I address her as then?


    ¡°Geez, don¡¯t look at me with such a puppy-like expression. Okay I get it. About my name¡­ Please call me Roki. Also don¡¯t add -sama. Because I¡¯m a town girl right now.¡±


    Roxy-sama said this while puffing up with pride. I had never seen such a dignified town girl before¡­ Would it be better to let her know? I guess I should keep quiet after all.


    Recently, she had been working hard since bing the head of the Heart Family in her father¡¯s ce. I had not seen her show such a lively expression for a long time. About her naivety, it should be manageable if I support her well. Thinking about this, Roxy-sama looked at me expectantly. Maybe she wanted me to call her by her false name¡­ Yes, it was definitely that.


    ¡°Um¡­ Roki. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Was this the type of escort that Roxy-sama wanted? We were still inside the premises, yet I already had a bad premonition. I worried if I would be able to make it back alive¡­ Even with such an anxious mind, my footsteps continued. First, we should pass through the Holy Knights District gate into the Commercial District.


    ¡°Show your passes.¡±


    The gatekeepers looked at our faces as they spoke. Oops. I had left my pass inside my room at the mansion. Should I go and bring it back? As I was thinking about this, Roxy-sama pulled out a piece of paper from her pouch. The minute they saw it, the gatekeepers knelt down. What was this?! It was seriously efficient though?! Perhaps what she showed was more than just a pass. I mean, my pass would not have such an effect.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s go. Fay, hurry!¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±


    Just like that, I was able to go through without even carrying a pass. After we went through the gate, I asked Roxy-sama about what she had showed the keepers. At this, she answered proudly.


    ¡°This thing is the highest grade pass certificate. Those who carry it are treated like Holy Knights. Isn¡¯t it amazing?!¡±


    It certainly was amazing, however¡­ like this, she just revealed that she was someone with a high rank in society. How was this still a secret mission? Oh well. Roxy-sama looked really happy so I should not throw a damper on things. Besides, it was thanks to her that I was able to pass through even after forgetting the certificate.


    ¡°Yeah, Roki is amazing. I didn¡¯t bring it so you really saved me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, mhmm.¡±


    Soon, we were out in themercial area.


    ¡°Fay. Can you start your escort right away?¡±


    ¡°Of course. For now, let¡¯s head to the middle of the Commercial District.¡±


    In truth, I had not considered this yet. Well, I did not think it was a bad idea to walk around there. If Roxy-sama was interested in things wherever we went, all I needed to do was escort her. This was a better method for an inspection instead of if I bbered on about everything.


    Even though we were the ones who decided to head out, Roxy-sama did not walk ahead as I had thought she would. There was a heavy increase in foot traffic in the Commercial District during this time of the day. On the main road, it was necessary to have a strong enough willpower to separate the crowds. Despite this, Roxy-sama moved forward like a Holy Knight, so it was likely that she would be hit by others.


    Holy Knights had the highest positions in the Royal Capital. For that reason, if they were walking down the road, people naturally gave way. Since this was habit that she had learned over many years, it was hard to remove and so Roxy-sama was heading forward with confidence.


    ¡°No matter how many times I go through this main road, I can¡¯t get used to it. There¡¯s such a huge amount of people today¡­ I can¡¯t go any further.¡±


    ¡°In that case, stay behind me.¡±


    ¡°Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯m Roki¡¯s escort today.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s reliable.¡±


    Now then, since I said that, I had to do it. My status had also risen to some extent so I will not be defeated. Even if I could not send them flying, I will still push on through the crowd. Roxy-sama put her hand on my shoulder and the <Mind-reading> skill sent her thoughts flowing into my mind.


    (Go! Go! Easy-peasy¡­ Now, open up the way!)


    More than anything, she seemed to like this, passing through the most crowded ce. Whew~, it was difficult to move forward while minding Roxy-sama behind me. In any case, she seemed delighted. I could also hear her happiness through her thoughts from the <Mind-reading> skill.


    (Hmm. Ah, what¡¯s that?!)


    At the end of that sentence, I could not hear Roxy-sama¡¯s voice clearly. She had found something interesting and moved towards it, letting go of me. I had not wanted to continue intruding on her private thoughts, so this had saved me from wondering what to do.


    ¡°Fay, look at this please. Hurry!¡±


    ¡°¡­Woahhh.¡±


    It was a beautiful stone. And there were many of them. It seemed like this jewellery shop opened a disy booth at the storefront. Unlike the higher grade items inside the shop, these prices were affordable and could be purchased by the lower ssmoners. Even so, the cheapest price was one silver coin, so it was still expensive for me.


    When Roxy-sama saw them, her eyes sparkled. Speaking of which, I had never seen her wear jewellery. Her image in my mind was always one where she wore light, white armour, carrying a Holy Knight sword. It was a Roxy-sama who did not adorn herself with decorations. However, this did not seem to hold true. When I was looking at her while thinking that, she said,


    ¡°I¡¯m a female after all. I have interest in these things!¡±


    Roxy-sama said that in an embarrassed manner, as if worried about the look in my eyes. ncing at the jewellery in her hands, I felt like this was a new side of her that I had not seen before. I had thought that she was a person who devoted herself single-mindedly to the life of a Holy Knight, yet right now, she looked no different to an ordinary town girl.


    If this was the case, then maybe she had been living a facade everyday. It was good to be worried, although¡­ In spite of my concerns, Roxy-sama was smiling.


    ¡°I was shown something good. Let¡¯s go to the next ce.¡±


    ¡°Eh, you¡¯re not going to buy it?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    Was that really what she thought? Calling out, I stopped her from leaving. I only had ten copper coins in my pocket. Squeezing my hand, I tried to ask the seller for a deal since I had nothing to lose.


    ¡°Is there anything I can buy with this?¡±


    The shop assistant had a troubled expression at first, then she pped her hands as if she remembered something. Hm?! What was it? The assistant went into the back before returning with a crate containing about ten stones. The size of these stones were about asrge as a fist.


    ¡°These are gemstone ores. There may or may not be gemstones inside them. One of these costs ten coins. Do you want it?¡±


    Even though they looked well-maintained, they seemed like a useless thing to give Roxy-sama. After all, if it was empty inside, it would mean that I simply gave her a rock. I felt horrible for troubling her up until this point, however, I should refuse. Just as I opened my mouth, I noticed Roxy-sama was looking happy.


    ¡°Could it be, you¡¯re buying that for me?¡±


    ¡°As gratitude for helping mest time during that problem with Rafal. Although, it¡¯s something like this.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m very happy. Which one would be good¡­ Ah, it¡¯s better if Fay chooses.¡±


    ¡­This was a serious responsibility. Out of these ten stones, I must choose one with a gem! That said, there was no guarantee that one of these would be a hit. Well, I could only believe in luck. Hmm, this one!! I chose a stone that was neitherrge nor smallpared to the others.


    ¡°This one please.¡±


    ¡°Are you really sure? You can still choose again.¡±


    Please stop that. Even though I finally chose, did this salesperson find it funny to sway my mind like that?


    Ah, that¡¯s right. Having high spirits because of being alone with Roxy-sama, I hadpletely forgotten about my Appraisal skill. If I used it, the problem will be solved instantly! I quickly appraised the rough stone that I had handed to the seller. Apparently, luck was on my side.


    ¡°That one will be fine.¡±


    ¡°I see. It¡¯ll be ten copper coins. I hope it¡¯s a win.¡±


    Paying the money, I took the stone. What should I do, wrap it with a ribbon and give it like this to Roxy-sama? While thinking this, Roxy-sama was already waiting with her hands held out. I will have to give to this her right away. I put the stone I had just bought into her hands.


    ¡°Here, thank you forst time. It¡¯s not anything much, but it¡¯s a token of gratitude.¡±


    ¡°No no, likewise, thank you very much.¡±


    Having received the stone, Roxy-sama looked pleased. And then, she immediately tried to break it open.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s look inside.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll do that here?!¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t wait until after getting home.¡±


    Having said that, she crushed the ore with her bare hands. A Holy Knight status was not impressive for no reason. It was also taking the shop assistant for granted. It definitely seemed like that.


    This kind of thing usually required tools, yet it was being done with bare hands by a girl who looked like an ordinarymoner. Only a Holy Knight was capable of something like this. Crap, will Roxy-sama¡¯s identity be revealed?


    As I watched over her anxiously, she said,


    ¡°Fay, it¡¯s a gem! A blue gem came out!¡±


    It was about the size of a thumb. A clear, blue gem hade out. ording to the Appraisal skill, this was a big hit! Without thinking, I high-fived Roxy-sama. From the <Mind-reading> skill, I felt the happiness from her heart.


    ¡°I will cherish it.¡±


    Roxy-sama pulled out a handkerchief, wrapped it up carefully and put it inside her pouch. I was d that she was happy. Bless the Appraisal skill. Looking cheerful, Roxy-sama suggested to me,


    ¡°Since you gave me a great present, this time I¡¯ll do something for Fay. What would be good¡­¡±


    Roxy-sama stared up at me while waiting for inspiration to hit. As she did so, my stomach growled. Hearing this, sheughed hard, seeming toe up with a good idea. I could pretty much guess what it was.


    ¡°Fay gets hungry easily, don¡¯t you? Then, let¡¯s go eat something delicious.¡±


    What an irresistible offer! There was no way I could refuse! Roxy-sama looked like an angel as she asked me what we should eat. What would be good¡­ meat? No no, I should not decide based on my own preference.


    If I recall, at ourst tea party, she mentioned that she liked fish. If so, then that would be a good choice¡­ Speaking of which, the only ce I know of that serves delicious fish dishes was that bar.


    ¡°I can guide you to my favourite bar. They serve delicious fish dishes there.¡±


    ¡°Well, that sounds good!¡±


    ¡°However, because it¡¯s a bar that people like me visit¡­ it¡¯s noisy and not elegant at all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Eh?!¡±


    Roxy-sama seemed pleased, sping her hands together in front of her chest. I felt a bit confused from this unexpected reaction.


    ¡°Did Fay forget? This tour also doubles as a way of showing me how the people live.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right. Huh¡­ a double purpose?¡±


    ¡°Urk.¡±


    Since I was with Roxy-sama, my spirits had soared up andpletely blew away my original purpose. Even so, why did Roxy-sama call the tour an additional purpose? It should be the main focus.


    Clearing her throat, she leaned towards my neck and said,


    ¡°More importantly, can you lead the way to that bar? Come on,e on!¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t push me. I will guide you there.¡±


    ¡°Good! Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    And then instead of following my lead, Roxy-sama went on ahead.


    ¡°Roki, the other way. This way!¡±


    ¡°Oh, please say that earlier.¡±


    Why was she in such a rush? The pub would not fill up during the day, even if we took our time. Perhaps Roxy-sama also felt hungry and wanted to hurry so that she could eat fish. Or maybe she could not help but be curious about the type of bar thatmoners went to. Well, I could understand that since I was her guide.


    ¡°This way. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    This time, she followed behind me while smiling. She seemed to be very excited about going to that bar. Then, I should ask the shopkeeper of the bar to cook up a good dish with fresh fish. To be honest, I was really looking forward to it. When I thought about such delicious food, my stomach growled again. Ah, I could hear Roxy-samaughing behind me as she walked.


    ¡°Hahaha, it seems like Fay can¡¯t endure it any longer. Shall we run?¡±


    ¡°No no, I can still make do until we get there. It¡¯s alright, I can endure it!¡±


    However, right after I said that, I could hear my stomach rumbling. Damn! Gluttony skill, behave for a bit. Please do not embarrass me in front of Roxy-sama anymore!


    Groooooooowl¡­


    It did not stop. Roxy-sama looked at me with a smile and took my hand.


    ¡°Actually, let¡¯s run! It¡¯s fine here, right?¡±


    ¡°I agree, but please don¡¯t pull so hard.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it? Come on.¡±


    So pushy¡­ I could not tell if I was leading or if I was being lead anymore. As if to make matters even worse, my stomach sent out another groooooooowl¡­ Rumbling like this, it was as if it was saying to hurry up and reach the bar as soon as possible. I hung my head.


    Roxy-sama held onto her sides,ughing loudly. Seemed like she was having fun above anything else¡­ Her inner voice that transmitted from her hand due to the <Mind-reading> skill spoke simrly. If that was the case, whenever I wanted to make Roxy-samaugh, I should just make my stomach rumble. As I made a mental note on this, we reached the bar with Roxy-samaughing the whole way.


    ¡°Ahh, that was funny.¡±


    ¡°My stomach simply rumbled¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was the first time I had seen someone get hungry as fast as Fay, so I couldn¡¯t help butugh. Come, don¡¯t hesitate so much, let¡¯s have a meal.¡±


    Pulling myself together, we entered the shop. There were not that many people inside since it was only just after noon. Travellers and merchants who had finished eating, and warriors ©¤ there were only a few groups talking.


    Well then, where should we sit? The corner at the counter had always been my spot. However, this time Roxy-sama was with me, so a table would be good. I tried to find an empty table. Hm¡­ just one was empty.


    ¡°Roki, let¡¯s sit over there.¡±


    ¡°What should we do¡­ Where does Fay usually sit?¡±


    ¡°At the corner of the counter over there.¡±


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s go there. Besides, we can see the store owner and other staff from the counter seat.¡±


    I see. She wanted to observe the staff as well, not just the customers. If so, then the counter seat would be perfect. Certain of this, I guided Roxy-sama to the counter. Then, she took a seat where I had always sat. She took the ce that I had protected for five years!


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Come, sit next to me Fay.¡±


    ¡°Y-yeah.¡±


    As Roxy-sama watched with delight in her eyes, I reluctantly sat down in the stool next to her. Somehow, I could not settle down in this unfamiliar seat.


    ¡°Hmm. When Fayes here, do you always sit here to eat? ¡­This is a must, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Eh, why a must?! When I came to this bar the next day, there would be no chance of Roxy-sama sitting here. If that happened, I would be nervous and not be able to eat while feeling carefree.


    ¡°For me, it¡¯s not really a must.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s no good. Since Fay is a servant of the Heart Family, it would be better to know. Probably¡­¡±


    The ¡°probably¡± at the end was said in such a quiet voice that only I was able to hear it. It might be better to persist here. However, we were interrupted by the barkeeper.


    ¡°Wee. Huh?! Seems like you¡¯re not alone today. This beautifuldy here, could she be your lover?¡±


    Just what was this shop owner saying? Although she was in disguise, she was a Holy Knight. Moreover, she was a member of one of the five noble families of the Royal Capital. For the noble Roxy-sama and amoner like me to be lovers?! Impossible.


    If Roxy-sama became offended by this statement, I would notin about being sentenced to death for deception. That sentence was a bombshell. ncing over nervously, I saw Roxy-sama gripping the wooden cup so tightly that it smashed into smithereens.


    Seeing this, my jaw dropped. She might be angry¡­ was what I was thought.


    ¡°Oh dear, my hand slipped and I destroyed the cup. I¡¯m very sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Youngdy, you are much stronger than you look. Every now and then a warrior loses control of his status and breaks a cup, so I don¡¯t mind. I¡¯ll just charge it to his bill.¡±


    Whew~, Roxy-sama was not angry and her mood lifted too. Also, the storekeeper did not me her for breaking the cup. Since this was a bar, it wasmon for drunken warriors to destroy things in the shop, so it was not a big deal for one wooden cup to be broken. In order to stop the storekeeper from saying anymore unnecessary things, I decided to order quickly..


    ¡°Master, a dish with the freshest fish you have in your shop please. And also, bread.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s this? Ordering so hastily, you really want me to get out of your way that much?¡±


    ¡°Come on, enough with that already. Please make and bring the food over quickly.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it going to be¡­ no wine today? You seem nervous, wouldn¡¯t it be better to drink?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, enough already!¡±


    After bullying me as he pleased, the shop owner disappeared into the back of the store. He would probably ask about every little detail on some other day. Not that I would ever tell him though.


    Speaking of which, Roxy-sama was smiling faintly as she sat next to me, the smashed wooden cup still in her hand, forgotten. Also, she was muttering incessantly.


    ¡°He saw that huh¡­ This is a problem. ¡­It¡¯s problematic.¡±


    There was now a pile of wood chips from the destroyed cup sitting on the counter. The usual Roxy-sama had full control over her status as a Holy Knight, so why was she so powerful today?


    For now, let¡¯s rece her cup.


    ¡°Master! One more cup! No, two spares please!¡±


    Just as I predicted, Roxy-sama broke another cup after our food arrived. With this, I could no longer tell if we came here for a meal or to break cups. The shopkeeper also smiled bitterly as he brought another recement cup.


    The fish dish was very delicious and we ate heartily. I felt relieved to see Roxy-sama eating properly. This was because I had heard from the worried maids that her meals had been small due to her exhausting schedule. Seeing that she had a good appetite, I felt that it should be fine.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Staring at me all this time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m relieved. I mean, you¡¯ve been working hard all along.¡±


    ¡°Ah, I guess¡­ everyone found out, didn¡¯t they?.¡±


    ¡°Everyone adores Roki, so we¡¯re always concerned.¡±


    After I said that, Roxy-sama began fidgeting with the fork in her hand. Huh?! Surely metal should not be as soft as y, right?!


    ¡°Fay too¡­ That is¡­ About me¡­¡±


    When Roxy-sama tried to continue, the shopkeeper appeared with a new cup.


    ¡°Thank you for waiting. Really though, please don¡¯t break any more cups.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. Thank you.¡±


    Since the flow of the conversation was interrupted, Roxy-sama dropped the topic. I was curious. However, when I saw her face flush as she started to silently eat again, it no longer mattered.


    Time passed quickly as we had a fun meal. asionally, the shopkeeper came over to fill the breaks in my conversation with Roxy-sama, sticking his nose into our business. He was good at being talkative and sharing stories. Things like how a child had recently been born in the shop across the street or how an acquainted merchant from the east was attacked by a goblin and almost died. Just like the stories he usually told me.


    However, the town girl disguised Roxy-sama listened curiously. Maybe these sorts of silly stories were what she had wanted to hear. As a Holy Knight, it was not often that she had the opportunity to directly hear what the people of the Royal Capital thought or did regrly. After all, the people of the Royal Capital regarded Holy Knights as god-like existences so they would never be so foolish as to talk casually with them.


    Even us servants worshipped Roxy-sama regrly. We would not chat idly to her about trivial things. Although Roxy-sama did not mind, our superior would not allow it. If we did something like that, a tough lecture would await us.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Fay? Should we leave the shop soon?¡±


    ¡°I think so. We should return before dusk.¡±


    Well, somehow¡­ only I did this, having ordinary conversations¡­ Speaking of this, the tea parties that we had alone in the mansion were also like this. I think I understood somehow. For Roxy-sama in her position, there was no one else in the same age group who she could talk to so casually. So, it may be that the choice fell onto me being one year younger. When I had asked about this, she seemed troubled in reply. Although, if Roxy-sama was fine with it, I should not question it any further. Besides, I also had a lot of fun when spending time with Roxy-sama.


    As we paid, the shopkeeper¡¯s voice rang out behind us as we started to leave.


    ¡°Come back with her again.¡±


    If another chance like this arose, we would not need someone like him with his enthusiasm. I was thinking about changing to a different shop when Roxy-sama waved her hand and said,


    ¡°Yes, by all means. When that timees, please tell us more stories.¡±


    ¡°Hahahahaha, the youngdy understands. I¡¯ll be sure to save them up.¡±


    Since Roxy-sama said what he liked to hear, the shopkeeper was in high spirits. I will tell him off when Ie back tomorrow. The shopkeeper saw us off as we left feeling satisfied with full stomachs. We probably stayed for more than four hours in the bar. Too long.


    ¡°Roki, what are we doing now?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see. It would be better to return to the mansion before nightfall, right? After all, we left without saying anything to that person.¡±


    The person Roxy-sama was referring to was definitely the superior who oversaw all the servants. Since she was also Roxy-sama¡¯s secretary, she would most certainly be looking for the head of the house who had suddenly disappeared. It was likely that she was searching for her right this moment. The face of an annoyed superior wearing sses appeared in my mind.


    ¡°Ahh, I don¡¯t know anymore.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mean if Fay runs off on his own¡­ When she finds us, please suffer her wrath with me okay?¡±


    ¡°Eeeeh¡­ I, just yesterday¡­ I made a mistake at work and was seriously told off. I don¡¯t want to go through it again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s okay if it¡¯s just for a little bit.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the same whether it¡¯s a little or not.¡±


    ¡°Geez.¡±


    Roxy-sama smiled while pretending to be angry. As we continued to banter, we headed to the Holy Knights District, back to the Heart Family¡¯s mansion.

 Chapter Volume 1 14

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    The corpse hidden under the moonlight


    The boy answered helplessly after beingtroubled for a while. Well, even if we had been together for half ofthe day, we were still people that he had only just met earlier. Itwas understandable that he would feel disheartened. However, he couldnot simply remain alone in a ce like this. If he did, he mightmeet someone as nasty as that horrible guy from before.


    Even though the boy had responded, hemade no move to stand up from the fountain so we decided to waitpatiently. Good intentions could not be forced upon people. Raisinghis head towards the sky with closed eyes, the boy called out to hismother onest time. We had spent so much time searching that I didnot think it would reach her. Yet¨D.


    "Sonnnnnn, sonnnnnnnnn."


    We heard a woman''s voice behind us,calling out over and over again.


    "Mamaaaaaaaa!"


    Opening his eyes, the boy startedrunning towards her. I really had not expected her to appear! I couldnot help thinking this as I saw the parent and son hugging eachother. Roxy-sama and I both felt overjoyed.


    "I''m d."


    "Yes, I wondered what would happenfor a moment, but I guess this is it."


    We watched their reunion. Roxy-sama''shand brushed against my left one. Although she had not said anything,her emotions flowed in through the <Mind-reading> skill. Thosefeelings aimed towards me were warm and tender, despite the fact thatI was unworthy.


    After embracing for a while, it seemedlike they finally calmed down. Then, the boy began to talk to hismother. He was pointing at us, so I could roughly guess what he wassaying. As soon as she heard this, the mother walked over.


    "For taking care of my child¡­ Thankyou. You really saved us when he got lost."


    "Big brother, big sister, thanks!"


    "Don''t get lost again, yeah?"


    "Stay close to your mother, okay?"


    "Yeah."


    The mother exined to us that whileshe was delivering goods to a store, he had disappeared as she tookher eyes off him for a moment. When she noticed that her son wasgone, she searched frantically. At first, she hadbed through themain avenue before it urred to her that he might have wanderedinto a back street. Thinking this, it seemed that the mother had beenlooking through a different route than ours. In that case, they wouldnever have met no matter how hard they searched¡­ This was certain.


    In the end, she was exhausted from notbeing able to find her son, so she hade here to drink from thefountain. They had met up again purely by coincidence because wehappened to take a break here. Despite this, I wanted to believe thattheir reunion was the result of their feelings.


    While the mother thanked us, thetiredness caught up to the boy¡­ and he fell asleep in her arms. Aswe parted from the mother and son on the way home, we felt a weightlift from our shoulders. Telling a lost child that their guardiancould not be found really did leave behind a bitter feeling. It wasthe same when I said earlier that we would continue looking tomorrow.


    I should not do things that I wasinexperienced in. With the orphan girl previously, I had most likelybeen spirited because I had grown a little stronger. Maybe I hadbe too confident.


    Roxy-sama was still looking towards thepath where the parent and child had gone, even though they hadalready disappeared. Eyes shining with tears, this image of her wasvery precious. A single tear ran down her cheek, reflecting the lightfrom the setting sun. Suddenly, Roxy-sama noticed my stare and turnedto me with a smile.


    "It''s great, isn''t it?"


    I could not reply. Her appearance wastoo much and I felt my chest tighten. I was captivated by her and inmy embarrassment, I forgot the breathe. My face was probably flushedred. I just hoped that the colours of the sunset made it lessnoticeable. A servant like me should not show such an expression tohis master.


    "What''s wrong, Fay?"


    "No, it''s nothing. If you don''treturn home soon, the superior will scold you."


    "When that timees, let''s bescolded together."


    "¡­That''s¡­"


    I wanted to say that I did not want to,yet one look at her face and I did not care anymore. Well, I involvedRoxy-sama in the lost child situation after all. It was half my faultthat she would be reprimanded by that scary superior.


    "Yes, I will apany you."


    "Good. Then, let''s go home."


    She walked as imposingly as ever.Despite her disguise as a town girl, she was still a Holy Knightinside. I headed back to the Heart Family''s residence withRoxy-sama ¨D an affectionate and respectul master.


    Many things happened today, although itwas unforgettable for me. She was a wonderful person. I felt blissfulfrom the bottom of my heart to have be Roxy-sama''s servant.


    "Fay, what''s making you look thathappy?"


    "It''s a secret."


    "Eh, it''s fine isn''t it¡­ Pleasetell me."


    "That''s one thing I can''t do."


    "Geez."


    Roxy-sama tried to make me confess bypuffing out her cheeks. I would end up sumbing to her soon. Itwould be wonderful for this kind of daily life to continue.


    *


    It was time for my usual night hunt. Ihad purposely appeared in front of a few warrior parties severaltimes. From these umted sightings, I gathered that they saw meas a fiendish apparition and had nicknamed me Lich. A monster with aragged ck hood and a fleshless body. Exactly the disguise I hadaimed for.


    The sky was cloudless yet againtonight, perfect for night hunting. Warriors with notable weaponswere heading out to the Goblin Meadow and Hobgob Forest. In the midstof this, I ran freely through the moonlit Goblin Meadow as Lich. WhenI saw a goblin, I would slice off its head and if I came across awarrior, I would deliberately let them catch a glimpse. As I repeatedthese actions, the number of warriors who saw my existence as aproblem gradually increased.


    Taking a breath after killing tengoblins, I heard screams erupt from the grass.


    "It''s Lich! Mukuro is here,everyone run!"


    As soon as he saw me with my skullmask, the warrior''s serious face turned pale and fled. Recently,they had been calling me Mukuro. The reason for this is that I wasoften seen standing atop a pile of dead goblin bodies (corpses). Itwas rumoured among the warriors that the goblin-loving Lich ¨DMukuro would start to attack people soon. (TN: Fate''s nickname,Mukuro (¥Þ¥¹¥¯), waswritten in kanji inside the brackets as º¡which means corpses. Since the author used katakana for hisnickname, I''ve kept it as a direct trantion of thepronunciation.)


    This was because monsters naturallypreferred humans. Although this was an unusual monster, it woulddefinitely aim for people sooner orter¡­ Even the warriors at thebar I frequented said this as they drank sake, anxiety on theirfaces. The bar owner had also said that while Mukuro''s appearanceswere currently limited to midnight, there had not yet been anynoticeable impact on the trade economy. However, if the rumours wereto spread outside of the capital, it would be a different story. Ifthe logistics became stagnant, the price of goods would rise whichwould put pressure on the management of the bar.


    I had apologised to the shopkeeper inmy heart, yet still waited for the Holy Knight to appear. However,there was an unavoidable matter I had to attend to the next day. Awhile ago, I had been invited by Roxy-sama to apany her to theHeart Family territory. Having spent so much effort to lure out thesecond son of the Breric Family, Hado¡­ It was truly a pity.


    *


    "You seem depressed. Does Fay disliking to the territory¡­?"


    Inside the horse-drawn carriage,Roxy-sama pouted at me. There was no one else with us. Yet, my mindwas lingering on other thoughts like being unable to resume theoperation of drawing out Hado from the Breric Family. Not good, notgood. I would ruin Roxy-sama''s happy return like this.


    "Not at all. I''m looking forward toit very much!"


    "Really?"


    She looked at me very doubtfully. Did Ireally have such a bored expression earlier?


    "It''s true! It''s grape harvestingseason right now, right? It would definitely be fun to pick grapestogether!"


    "Well, at least you remembered."


    "Of course."


    Every year during this time, she wouldreturn to the territory and harvest grapes with her people. Itappeared to be one of the few events where Roxy-sama could interactwith them. She had been in an exuberant mood ever since climbing intothe carriage, so I could see that it was very important. Roxy-sama''sterritory was located in the mountains north of the capital. It wascurrently autumn, however, it became a bleak and snowyndscapeduring winter.


    Despite this, thends were fertile asa result of the residents uniting together to constantly improve thesoil over many generations. More than just harvesting produce forstorage during the severe winters, they now shippedrge quantitiesto the Royal Capital. Apart from their wine, it was the HeartFamily''s pride to be able to supply all manner of crops to thekingdom.


    "Just by listening to Roxy-sama, Ican tell it''s a wonderful ce. The food seems so delicious!"


    "Fufufu, Fay always talks about foodfirst. Certainly, it''s good to have an abundance, however¡­ Thistime, there is a monster aiming for those crops. I''m returning tothe territory to subdue it."


    "A monster? ¡­They really do appeareverywhere."


    I said this with raised brows whichmade Roxy-sama put her hand over her mouth,ughing.


    "It''s troublesome. Although if theyare defeated this time, then they won''te out until next year.After all, I''m a Holy Knight so something like this isn''t aproblem."


    "Just as expected. Uh¡­ What monsteris it?"


    "It''s Kobolt."


    Kobolt¡­ If I remembered correctly, itwas a monster that looked like a dog walking on two legs. It shouldberger than me. Ranked higher than a goblin, I heard thatvanquishing it was impossible unless the warrior was powerful.


    Besides, they had a strongconsciousness as a horde. When apanion was attacked, they calledfor reinforcements in a chain of howls. Moreover, they had a sharpsense of smell and could immediately find anyone hiding in thebushes. On top of this, they had a tenacious personality. For anopponent, they were a pretty troublesome monster.


    As I pondered this, my stomachgrumbled. Guuu¡­


    "Fay, what''s wrong? Are you hungry?Although we just had just eaten."


    Lately, my stomach had been growling infront of Roxy-sama a lot¡­ I felt embarrassed. This was definitelydue to the Gluttony skill. Either way, I had only consumed goblinsouls all this time. It was about time that an urge to devour adifferent soul would appear. Smiling bitterly, I tried to cover itup.


    "Sorry. Even though I ate that much¡­I''m hungry again."


    "Fay really does eat well. I thinkthat''s a good thing. We''ll arrive at the territory soon, so justendure it for a little longer."


    Saying this, Roxy-sama looked out thecarriage window. A vineyard extended all the way up to the mountain.Purple fruits hung from every tree. As the carriage continued on itsway, arge mansion came into view, one that was not at all inferiorto the size of the Heart Family''s residence back at the RoyalCapital.

 Chapter Volume 1 15

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    The girl with the wicked crest


    The carriage pulled up in front of themansion where a woman stood, maids supporting her from both sides.She appeared to be in poor health. With features simr toRoxy-sama''s, she was very beautiful. Was she perhaps ¨D


    "Mother, didn''t I tell you not te out and meet us?!" (TN: Roxy calls her mother ĸÉÏ,a formal term that literally means mother above/superior, used toshow sophistication in families. Since this doesn''t fit the westernculture, it has been kept as simply "mother".)


    Ahh, it was indeed Roxy-sama''smother. During our usual tea parties, I had heard that her mother wasseverely ill. Who could expect someone in that condition to weeus?


    Even now, herplexion was so sicklythat she looked ready to cough up blood, so it would not be strangefor her to copse at any given moment. I could see this even frommy perspective, so of course Roxy-sama was even more upset as herimmediate rtive. This was natural since she was the only member ofher family left¡­ Either way, such a severe illness that even theHeart Family, one of the five noble lineages, could not cure withtheir status and financial power¡­


    "I''m begging you, please don''tpush yourself."


    "It''s alright, Roxy. My conditionis better today than usual¡­ Oh?!"


    Calming down the panicking Roxy-sama infront of her, the mother looked at me. Her expression was¡­ likethat of a child who had found a very interesting toy.


    "Well well, who might this be?"


    "He''s¡­ Fate Graphite. A newemployee that I hired. I wanted to introduce him to mother so Ibrought him along."


    Following Roxy-sama''s introduction, Ibowed my head.


    "I am Aisha Heart. Thank you foing this time. I wee you."


    "Thank you very much. It''s nice tomeet you!"


    "Yes, it''s nice to meet you too.Now then,e in."


    Under Aisha-sama''s directions, themaids who had been hanging back half forcibly pulled me into themansion. Ohh, it was this kind of wee¡­ At this, Roxy-sama wasleft alone outside.


    "Wait, mother! He''s my servant, youknow!"


    I was coerced into a luxurious guestroom where they sat me down at a small table next to the window.Finally, the maids released me from their restraints. Roxy-sama''smother sat in front of me. I thought that Aisha-sama was a prettyoverbearing person.


    Roxy-sama came a few momentster.With her cheeks puffed, she seemed somewhat upset at her mother foracting selfishly.


    "Mother!"


    "Well, Roxy came too? Then, sithere."


    "Geez."


    Even though she said that, Roxy-samasat obediently as she was told to. It seemed like having a tea partyfirst thing whening home was a Heart Family custom. Roxy-sama''slove for tea parties may have been influenced by her mother. As Ismiled when thinking this, Aisha-sama spoke.


    "Fate, do you like Roxy?"


    Ehhh?! I almost spat out the tea that Ihad been drinking. Or rather, I spluttered a little. While I wasflustered that such a question like this was the first thing shesaid, Roxy-sama''s face reddened and she became angry.


    "What are you saying all of asudden?"


    "Oh, was that improper? I was simplyasking if he liked you as an employer. If he was working for youbegrudgingly, I can''t say that I would be happy for him, right?"


    Ahh, she was talking about that¡­ Iwas surprised. I had thought she meant something else. Amoner anda Holy Knight. We were too different. No matter how I hoped that itwould be possible, it was not something that could happen.


    Smiling mischievously, Aisha-samarepeated her question. I had already decided on my answer.


    "I am very grateful to Roxy-sama. Iwould like to serve her for the rest of my life if allowed."


    "Oh?!"


    When I showed my loyalty to Roxy-sama,Aisha-sama was so pleased that she elegantly sped her handstogether. I truly felt this way.


    Hearing this while she drank her tea,Roxy-sama started choking violently. Looking at me, her face flushedred and she said, "I will be resting in my room for a while. Seeyouter," then escaped from the room.


    Had I said something wrong? As Iworried, Aisha-sama spoke to me cheerfully.


    "It seems like the exhaustion fromthe journey has caught up to her. She must have been busy with herduties at the capital. After a long rest, Roxy will return to herusual self so you need not be concerned."


    "¡­Yes."


    Roxy-sama''s sudden departure had leftme behind. However, Aisha-sama was a good conversationalist and shetold me many things about how they were focusing on improving newgrape varieties in the territory, as well as stories from Roxy-sama''schildhood.


    "Something like that happened?"


    "Indeed. As a child, Roxy was such acrybaby that she would cry even from just seeing a small insect. Forher to have be a Holy Knight, it''s quite unbelievable."


    At that moment, a fleeting moment ofsadness crossed Aisha-sama''s face. Having lost her dear husband,she must have been worried about the heavy responsibility that nowrested on her daughter. And so I spoke with my hand across my heart.


    "Roxy-sama is a splendid Holy Knight.She is trusted by many people at the capital. I think Roxy-sama isdoing a wonderful job as the head of the Heart Family."


    "Is that so¡­ I''m relieved.¡­Thank you."


    Aisha-sama was brought slightly totears. After all, the loss of the former master must have left a deepscar on the Heart Family that has yet to heal. At least, I felt thatway.


    The tea party that had be solemndrew to an end. There was also the matter of Aisha-sama''s physicalcondition, so the maids who had been waiting in the corner came tomention that it was about time for her to rest.


    After I had thanked Aisha-sama for thetea party, I had nothing to do so I decided to wander around theHeart Family''s territory. For the time being, I had asked a maidfor permission to walk around alone to which she had told me to makesure not to get lost. I had replied with, "I won''t go too far,"and decided to leave Greed with the maid at the mansion forsafekeeping.


    Whew¡­ Anyway, what arge vineyard.I could not even begin to describe the sweetness of the scenttickling my nose. Against the blue sky, the green covered earth was astunning contrast. While I sauntered alongfortably, I saw peopleharvesting grapes. They seemed very busy.


    Speaking of which, Roxy-sama and I hadnned to harvest grapes with the residents tomorrow. Since I had noexperience in doing this, I was unsure of the procedure. If I made amistake or if I was bad at it, I would embarrass Roxy-sama as herservant. I should take this opportunity to practice it here. Havingdecided this, I called out to the residents.


    "Hello, my name is Fate Graphite andI''m the new Heart Family servant. If it''s alright, could youteach me how to harvest grapes?"


    The silence stretched for a while.Maybe it was no good¡­ I guess I messed up. Just as I was thinkingthis,


    "Ohhh, you''re going to lend me ahand?! That''ll be helpful. As expected of a Heart Family servant."


    The aunts and uncles stopped what theywere doing and gathered around. Then, they taught me where to pickthe grapes from and how to carefully harvest them. They wereresidents of the Heart Family territory after all, so they were allnice people.


    ¡­This was what I thought at first,however, I worked like a horse until dusk before I realised it.Everyone was working so hard that I simply could not leave halfway.When I took a break in the corner of the field, a few uncles came andtreated me to some freshly squeezed grape juice.


    "You''ve been really helpful. Here,drink this to rejuvenate."


    "Thank you."


    The slightly sweet acidity spreadthroughout my mouth, taking away the fatigue from picking grapes. Ihad never drank so much juice before.


    "It''s very delicious."


    "Hahaha, isn''t it? Especially sincethe juice was squeezed from grapes that we''re proud of. Well, wedidn''t have this many grapes in the old days."


    "Is that so?"


    "Ahh, my deceased master wasdedicated to improving the soil. He called many people from otherregions who were knowledgeable about this, learning together with theresidents. It''s a fond memory now. Thanks to that, we were able tomake this vineyard."


    The uncles drank the grape juicesolemnly as though it was alcohol.


    "How is Roxy-sama faring? We heardthat our former master passed away in Gallia, so we''re worried.She''s a kind person. She must be hurting inside."


    "I think she felt shocked. ButRoxy-sama is very strong. She was doing many public duties at thecapital. Seeing her like that, I believe she will be okay."


    I had simply told them what I trulyfelt in my heart. At this, everyone who was listening lookedsurprised and grinned broadly. Then, they began pouring grape juiceinto my cup again and again.


    "Wait, I can''t drink any more!"


    "It''s fine. Drink up, drink up."


    "Ehhhh."


    In the warm weather, we spoke for quitea while before I decided to return to the Heart Family''s mansion.On the way back in the evening, I noticed an unfamiliar girl walkingin the opposite direction. She had long, white hair and brown skin.Her appearance did not resemble that of any race in this country.Moreover, she had an axe sorge that a child should not be able tocarry it.


    The most intriguing of all were thewhite tattoos all over her body. Was it a ritual of some sort? Thenshe noticed my gaze and halted right beside me, remainingexpressionless.<figure ss="wp-block-image sizerge"></figure>


    "Hey, you."


    She spoke in a cute, child-like voice.Directed at me, her eyes were red enough to stop anyone in theirtracks. I had seen eyes like these before. This¡­ no way. Iactivated the <Appraisal> skill to confirm my suspicions.


    Hm? Strange, I could not see anything.This had never happened up until now. Why?


    "Hey, are you listening?"


    She continued to intercept my thoughts.Contrary to her docile appearance, she seemed quite egoistical. Shered at me with her red eyes.


    "Can I help you?"


    "¡­No, it''s nothing. Seems likeit''s still too early."


    "What is?"


    No matter what I asked, she ignored itall. The conversation waspletely one-sided.


    "I came to hunt Kobolt, but I''llgive it to you. A loan."


    "Like I said, what?"


    "Until then, see you."


    With that, the conversation was overand the girl left. Just¡­ who was she? Besides, those red eyes¡­They were exactly the same as mine when my Gluttony skill was starveduntil it was out of control.


    At that moment, my heartbeat quickened.Could it be¡­ that girl was just like me? If so, should I chaseafter her and call out to her right now?


    I was watching her disappear into thesunset, when I heard a voice behind me. Turning around, I sawRoxy-sama.


    "I was looking for you. Whathappened? Your expression is scary."


    "Eh, is that so? Hahahaha."


    Laughing, I tried to change my mood. Ishould talk to Greed when I go back. This was my personal problem,unrted to Roxy-sama. ¡­I did not want her to know.


    Tilting her head to look at thedirection I had been gazing towards, Roxy-sama seemed surprised tosee the girl.


    "Why is there a Gallian in a celike this?"


    "Gallian? She''s a¡­"


    Monsters were constantly runningrampant in Gallia. However, they were once a great continent thatpossessed incredible military power. The Gallians who lived in such aprosperous country were an ethnic group with hair as white as snowand healthy brown skin. Their race had almost died out due to thesudden proliferation of monsters triggered by an unknown factor.Since the few surviving Gallians had mixed with other ethnicities, itwas said that there were no more pureblooded Gallians.


    "I''ve never seen a person with suchdistinct Gallian features. Is she Fay''s acquaintance?"


    "No, we just spoke a little."


    "Is that so¡­"


    We watched the Gallian girl for awhile. When she had disappeared from sight, Roxy-samaughed andsaid, "It''s strange, right?"


    "Fay, what have you been doing?"


    "I was taught how to pick grapes.Then, I ended up helping harvest them¡­ until the end."


    "Fufufu, is that so. There''s stilltomorrow, so please don''t overdo it, okay? Come, let''s go home."

 Chapter Volume 1 16

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    Eating in Secret


    When I returned to the Heart Familymansion with Roxy-sama, everyone was already busily preparing dinner.Since this was the case, I tried to be useful and asked the maids ifthere was anything I could help with, except they refused me andsaid, "No, it''s fine." Then they pointed at my muddy clothesand told me to go take a bath.


    Indeed, I had worked hard to harvestthe grapes until dusk so both my clothes and I were covered in dirt.A young maid named Maya guided me to a bathroom designated foremployees. The small bath could only fit one person and wasoverflowing with hot water. There was a unique scent different tofresh water.


    "This, could it be?"


    "Fufu, it''s a hot spring. In theHeart Family territory, there are several ces with hot springswhich have been connected to flow all the way to the mansion. This isone of the pleasures of being a servant of the Heart Family.


    "That''s wonderful. So this is therumoured hot spring¡­"


    It was my first time seeing a hotspring. I scooped up a handful of the endlessly flowing water.


    "Even though it''s transparent, itseems muddy somehow."


    "That''s right. It''s good for theskin. Even your mud-covered body will be all shiny and clean. Putyour clothes into this bag. I''ll leave your change of clotheshere."


    "Thank you."


    Having told me various things, she thenleft the bath and I changed out of my outfit. Hm? I noticed that thedoor was slightly ajar. There stood Maya, even though she should havealready left. She was peeking covertly while smiling a little.


    "What?!"


    "Would you like me to wash yourback?"


    "It, it''s fine! I can do itmyself!"


    Seeing my stiff expression when Ireplied, she closed the door in a bored manner. That was a surprise¡­I wondered if she was caring about me. Well, it was good that theemployees felt cheerful enough to joke around like this. It was thesame atmosphere in the Heart Family''s residence back at thecapital.


    After washing off the mud from my body,I stepped into the bathtub. Sighhhhh¡­ So revitalising. The warmththat enveloped me felt veryfortable. Like this, I wished I couldbe a child of this household. Although that was impossible.


    I finished bathing and thought to helpwith dinner preparations, yet everything was already done. As aservant of the Heart Family, this was bad. When I stopped one of themaids to ask if there was anything I could assist with, they repliedthat there was nothing in particr that needed help. Either way, itseemed as though I was being treated as one of Roxy-sama''s guests.In the end, I was finally called.


    "Roxy-sama called for you. Please goto therge room down this way."


    "Understood."


    With my footsteps echoing, I walkedover and opened the door. Inside, many dishes were lined up on a longtable ced in the centre of the room. Roxy-sama was the only onesitting down. The maids stood in the corner of the room, ready toserve. I see¡­ So that was what this was about.


    Without hesitating, I joined the lineof maids. Despite having been treated as a guest, I was stillRoxy-sama''s servant. Waiting on my master was my duty. Fufufufu,let me show off the techniques that I had been taught at the capitalcity. Whether it was wine or soup¡­e! The time had finallyeto show my true worth as a servant. Just as I thought this,


    "Fate,e and sit here. Not there,here."


    "Eh?!"


    Roxy-sama pointed to the vacant seat onher right. Eh, was it alright¡­? I looked at the maids all lined up.Then, everyone simultaneously pointed to the empty seat! It felt likethey were telling me to hurry up and go already.


    Resignedly, I sat down on Roxy-sama''sright side. Somehow, I felt uneasy. At the residence in the RoyalCapital, it was not like this since I ate with the rest of theservants. It was my first time eating in such a spacious ce whilemaids watched me. The basic manners that I had learnt were only fromthe serving side. I had never thought¡­ that it would end up likethis.


    As my thoughts ran in circles in myhead, Roxy-sama called out from next to me in a cheerful voice.


    "Don''t worry about manners. Justeat however you like."


    "Is that alright?!"


    "Yes, Fate eats a lot so if youworried about manners, it would take a lot of time."


    I was actually quite hungry. Thenfirstly, I picked up the bread right in front of me and brought it tomy mouth. The buttery fragrance spread all over, it was delicious! AsI continued eating bread with gusto, the awaiting maid poured somewine into my ss. I wondered if I was eating in such a way that itlooked like I would choke. I downed the wine in one gulp.


    "Whew, it''s delicious."


    "I''m d to hear you say that,although Fate has yet to eat anything else besides bread."


    "Ah, right."


    I ate the saut¨¦ed river fishrmended by Roxy-sama. ¡­Delicious! It was a heavenly meal,however, there was something I was concerned about.


    "Roxy-sama, um¡­ What aboutAisha-sama?"


    At this, she sighed.


    "It''s always like this. Whenever Ireturn home, she would greet me merrily, however¡­ as a result, shewould fall asleep in the evening."


    As I listened to her, Roxy-sama noticedthat I had stopped eating.


    "It''s not something that Fate needsto worry about. It''s alright, she''ll be fine when tomorrowes.It''s always this way."


    Roxy-sama spoke with a smile, yet Icould tell that her real feelings were different. Right now, if Itouched her hand, I would be able to hear her inner thoughts from theMind-reading skill. I wanted to know. However, I considered what Icould do even if I knew, and withdrew my hand,


    "Now then, I''ll make Fate eat upmother''s portion as well. Come on,e on!"


    "As can be expected, all of this is abit¡­"


    "Come on!"


    It seemed like she found it interestingwhen I ate and dishes were brought out one after another. Still, mystomach reached its limit halfway and groaned, giving up. It wasprobably the first time I had eaten so much since being born.


    Like this, the fun meal with Roxy-samawas over and I was guided to an assigned room.


    "It''s great that you came, Ihaven''t seen Roxy-sama look this happy in a long time."


    On the way, Maya said this to me.


    Her father had suddenly died in Galliaand her mother was suffering from a severe illness. Moreover, she wasbusy with duties at the capital. The maids had mentioned how worriedabout Roxy-sama they were during her visit home this time. Being ableto see the current situation, they were relieved that Roxy-samaseemed well.


    "Please rest well."


    "Yes, good night."


    I bowed my head to Maya and quietlyclosed the door. The day of a Heart Family servant had passed withoutany incidents. Well then, a different period of time started now. Igrabbed the ck sword, Greed, that Maya had brought over earlier.


    "Hey, you''ve got quite a happy facethere. Make a cowardly expression. That way, Kobolt wille."


    "I''ve heard that even though it''sa higher ranked monster than the Goblin, it''s not incrediblystrong. With my current status, I don''t think there will be aproblem."


    "Your pride will trip you up likethis. So, have you looked up where Kobolt would appear?"


    "Yeah, I''ve researched itcarefully."


    Throughout the day, I had casuallyasked about Kobolt while harvesting the grapes. It was said to be adangerous monster that destroyed farnd and attacked people.Everyone knew this well. Each year, it would show up in a valleynorth from here and then head down towards us.


    Yesterday, someone went to scout thesituation and had seen several Kobolts. When I hadmented on howdangerous that seemed to be, I was told that it was alright becausethe winds blew from north to south, and the Kobolts would not detectthem as they were downwind.


    For many years, they had suffereddamages from Kobolt. Speaking only of Kobolt, it was possible thatthey were better informed than the warriors. With Greed in my hand, Iwaited for midnight toe.


    "It''s time."


    "Yeah, let''s go."


    Quietly, I left the residence of thesleeping Heart Family. Today was another perfect hunting night withthe moon clearly visible. I moved northward, climbing a narrowmountain path.


    "Hey, Greed. I met a strange Galliangirl today. Her eyes looked like how mine did when I was the state ofstarvation."


    "Hmm, is that so¡­ Then, what didshe say her name was?"


    "I don''t know. My Appraisal skilldidn''t work. Do you know why and what it means?"


    "It means she has something special.I can''t answer if you don''t know her name. Did she not sayanything else?"


    "She said until then, see you."


    "Hm, then you''ll definitely meether again. It''s fine to forget about it until that timees."


    "What''s with that?"


    Greed remained silent, something he wasskilled at. It felt like he surely knew something. However, Greedwould not tell me like this so I had no choice but to give up.


    With no other options, I concentratedon moving forward. asionally, I heard soundsing from thebushes. It was probably a rabbit, fox, or some wild animal. If it wasa monster, it would certainly have pounced me.


    "This is the valley where Koboltsenter."


    "Finally, a different monster todefeat. It''s be monotonous killing nothing apart from Goblins."


    "I''m only assessing the situationtoday."


    Even in the shade of dimly lit treeswhere the moonlight could not reach, I could see clearly because ofmy Night Vision skill. No matter where they came from, I would notmiss them. After a while, two Kobolts came down the valley, moving inthe shadows of the trees. They had the face of a dog and long, bluefur. A dog walking on two legs¡­ Not cute. As they approached, Iused the <Appraisal> skill. Were they both the same?


    Kobolt Junior Lv25


    HP: 880


    Strength: 890


    MP: 350


    Spirit: 400


    Agility: 780


    Skill: Strength enhancement (medium)


    Changing Greed''s form into the ckBow, I aimed at one of the Kobolts. The sound of a slight breezecould be heard, then the magic arrow pierced Kobolt''s forehead. Onedown.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +880, Strength+890, MP +350, Spirit +400, Agility +780>


    <Strength enhancement (medium) skillhas been added>


    With itspanion suddenly killed, itseemed like the remaining Kobolt wanted to retaliate and its eyesdarted around restlessly. Although I would not give it a chance. Icontinued by shooting another arrow. As though it had been sucked in,the arrow hit right on the forehead again. Kobolt fell to the ground,its movements ceasing.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +880, Strength+890, MP +350, Spirit +400, Agility +780>


    That was unsatisfyingly quick. Eventhough I waited for a while longer afterwards, no other Koboltsshowed up. Only two of them¡­ It was not enough.


    "Isn''t this the time when theyenter the Heart Family territory? There''s too few of them."


    "It''s likely that they are wary.Every year, the Holy Knights of the Heart Family drove them away.From that, they may be using underlings to investigate the situationto look for the right timing."


    "Ahh, is that so."


    If thepanions they had sent asscouts did not return, then the rest of the Kobolts would note.Next time I hunted them, I had to ensure that the Kobolts came inmobs.


    My Gluttony skill was hardly satisfied,however, I had no choice but to endure it. I went back with anunsettling feeling of hunger.

 Chapter Volume 1 17

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    Wailing cries of mad dogs


    The next day, we went grape harvesting from early in the morning with the residents of the Heart Family. Roxy-sama quickly finished her breakfast and returned to her room. As I did not need to change or prepare anything, I simply waited for her at the front door.


    After a while, Roxy-sama appeared with her golden hair tied up behind. Her outfit was different from the ones she wore in the mansion and seemed to focus more on being functional. Her appearance was that of a beautiful vige girl.


    Roxy-sama had previously disguised herself as a town girl when she secretly snuck out to the Commercial District. Compared to that, she was currently wearing a mature and modest outfit. Regardless, it seemed that these in clothes only enhanced her beauty.


    "Thank you for waiting. Then, let''s go. Everyone is waiting."


    "Yes."


    Having left Greed to watch over my room, I apanied a highly spirited Roxy-sama. Since his primary purpose was for monster hunting, he would be cumbersome while I picked grapes. Besides, the Heart Family''s territory maintained great public peace and order so there were no worries about being attacked by bandits.


    The weather today was nice and sunny. Walking through the vineyards, I saw the residents had already begun harvesting. Roxy-sama called out to the most elderly person.


    "Thank you for always working hard. It seems like we will have a fine grape harvest this year too."


    "Ahh, if it isn''t Roxy-sama¡­"


    The elder bowed his head deeply in respect. Then, the others all gathered around at the appearance of our master. Their hands were full of plump grapes that they had just picked. Everyone wanted to show off the grapes that they had proudly grown with great care.


    "Well, they turned out great this year too. I could see this even from the grapes that had previously been sent to the residence at the Royal Capital."


    "Thank you for your praise."


    Having be the representative, the elder happily presented the freshly picked grapes to Roxy-sama.


    "Then, I''ll have one¡­ It''s very sweet and delicious."


    The residents were delighted when they heard this, so much so that they jumped up and down with joy. It was clear just how much these people adored Roxy-sama.


    When they finished weing Roxy-sama, the elder told the people who had gathered to return to work. At that moment, they saw me standing next to Roxy-sama and grinned.


    "You must be Fate. I''ve heard about you. Anyway, it seems like you''ve already worked hard harvesting grapes yesterday. As expected of Roxy-sama''s servant."


    "It''s not¡­ that much."


    I just blurted that out since I was still unused to beingplimented. On the other hand, Roxy-sama had a satisfied expression.


    "It''s because Fate is a servant of my choosing."


    "That''s Roxy-sama for you. Well then, shall we get started?"


    "Yes. Let''s do our best Fate!"


    "Yes, Roxy-sama."


    I worked enthusiastically. It was not like I wanted to show Roxy-sama my good points¡­ Well, even though that was partly true. Being a Holy Knight, Roxy-sama''s status spoke for itself and she was able to carry severalrge jars filled with grapes by herself. Each time she did so, a round of cheers would sound off around the territory.


    It was such a pleasant environment, yet I was unexpectedly unsettled. Until when would I be able to stay¡­ I was afraid of whether I could stay or not. With my Gluttony skill, I had to continue fighting from this point forward. Was it alright to for someone like me to be in such a peaceful ce? Was there any need for someone who might invite a battle? Thinking about it like this, I felt a premonition that the time I would have to leave Roxy-sama''s side (haven) woulde one day.


    The rest of the grape harvesting went by uneventfully and when we finished, I walked home with Roxy-sama. I asked her something that I had been curious about ever since arriving at the territory.


    "Even though it''s a vineyard, why is it all concentrated on the south side? It''s very sparse up north."


    "Ahh¡­ That''s because the northern vineyards were all ruined from the damage done by Kobolts a long time ago. I think it was around my great grandfather''s time?"


    It was so long ago that there should have been enough time to rebuild the vineyards. Yet, why was it not possible to do so?


    Roxy-sama continued.


    "During that time, it was said that a dangerous Kobolt with a silver coat invaded the territory from the northern valley. Unfortunately, it appeared when my great grandfather was away which lead to the vast amount of damage done. A lot of blood from the residents was spilled in the northernnds."


    Roxy-sama simply looked towards the northernnds. Following her gaze, I observed closely and saw many colourful flowers nted there. Ahh, I see¡­ It was no longer farnd, but more of a mass graveyard. There was no way such a ce like that could be turned into a vineyard again. Roxy-sama said she did not want to make the same mistake¡­


    *


    At night, I again slipped out of the darkened mansion. It would be a lie to say that I did not feel guilty. However, this was absolutely necessary for me to live on. If I failed to defeat monsters and eat their souls, I would fall into the state of starvation in less than a week. Should that happen, the worst case was that I would attack people randomly. In order to not be a monster like that, it was inevitable that I hunted monsters.


    Despite the clouds obscuring the moon and dimming the light, my <Night Vision> skill gave me a good field of vision. As I rushed ahead, Greed spoke to me.


    "What''s wrong, Fate? Your mind is distracted today."


    "How do you know that? Even though Greed doesn''t have a Mind-reading skill."


    "I can feel it from the pulse in your hand that''s holding me. So, what happened?"


    I did not want to say it, that one day I would have to leave Roxy-sama because of my Gluttony skill. I could not erase this thought from my mind. It felt like if I voiced it out loud, then it really would happen.


    "If you don''t want to say it, it''s fine. More importantly, that Holy Knight will start driving away the Kobolts tomorrow. So, you have to eat as much as you can today."


    "That was my intention from the beginning."


    There had only been two yesterday. If I did not eat my fill today, there would be no souls to consume after Roxy-sama chases them all away. Besides, even after the Kobolts had been fended off, we would continue to observe the situation in the territory for another two days during which I would be fasting.


    Well, even if I managed to endure it, I would need to hunt Goblins and satisfy my hunger once we returned to the capital so it would still be quite a risk.


    "I bet Fate won''t be able to withstand the hunger and will turn mad on the way back to the capital."


    "Don''t say unlucky things like that!"


    Whileining to the ill-mouthed Greed, I arrived at the same ce as yesterday. Here, I could look over the north valley and because it was downwind, the Kobolts would not sense anything.


    A long time passed. Perhaps they were still wary since I had defeated the scouts yesterday. In spite of myself, I almost yawned.


    "They''re here."


    At Greed''s words, I turned my eyes to the valley. Then, two Kobolts with blue fur appeared and descended, vigntly watching their surroundings. They were scouts. If I killed these two like I had done yesterday, the rest of them would not appear.


    I held my breath and waited. It seemed like the two Kobolts confirmed that it was safe and climbed back up the valley.


    "Will their main forcese?"


    "Yeah, without a doubt."


    Just as Greed had predicted, the Kobolts swarmed down the valley like a river of blue fur. There were around 50 of them. Mostly Kobolt Juniors, although there were five with distinctlyrger physiques. Among those, there was one who was thergest with a silver coat, not blue.


    Instantly, Greed recognised the gravity of the situation.


    "A dangerous one came. That one is a Crown."


    "Crown?"


    "A monster with his own special identification. For that kind of thing to be born, a considerable amount of hate must have umted over the years. It would be faster for you see this through the Appraisal skill."


    As Greed prompted, I used the <Appraisal> skill. Ehhh?! This status¡­ had six digits.


    [Harbinger of Grief]


    Assault Kobolt Lv 50


    HP: 200 000


    Strength: 200 000


    MP: 125 000


    Spirit: 135 000


    Agility: 125 000


    Skill: Grappling


    With its prominently high status and unique [Harbinger of Grief] title, this Assault Kobolt stood out from the others. This was the Crown that Greed mentioned.


    "Fate, it''ll be bad if this guy invades the territory. Moreover, he brought along four more Assault Kobolts. This will be too much for the one young Holy Knight."


    "So then, you mean?"


    "If you don''t control the situation here, they willy the territory to waste."


    I checked my current status and gulped.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 50201


    Strength: 50051


    MP: 23501


    Spirit: 23501


    Agility: 35901


    Skills: Gluttony, Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, Night Vision, One-handed Sword Technique, Two-handed Sword Technique, HP enhancement (small), HP enhancement (medium), Strength enhancement (small), Strength enhancement (medium), Auto-recovery


    I tightened my grip on Greed¡­ and prepared myself for the worst. The residents of the Heart Family were all people who I must protect. I will devour them, leaving nothing behind.

 Chapter Volume 1 18

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    Gluttony Caused from Gluttony


    Keeping an eye on the Kobolts'' movements, I began to take action.


    "Fate, do you have something on your mind?"


    Greed asked this with an amused tone. However, it seemed like he understood that I was trying to figure out the strategy for this fight.


    "I''ll just fight and eat like a glutton."


    "You finally understand. It''s about time you graduate from a fighting style that anyone is capable of, otherwise it''ll be troublesome even for me. Fighting while tottering along isn''t very voracious."


    Careful to remain downwind, I held the ck Bow firmly. My target was just one Kobolt Junior. With unparalleled uracy, the magic arrow pierced the Kobolt Junior''s left eye.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +880, Strength +890, MP +350, Spirit +400, Agility +780>


    The robotic voice in my mind signalled the start of the hunt. I continued shooting arrows at a second Kobolt Junior, then a third. My status continued to climb up.


    Being attacked in a ce they thought was safe, the Kobolts'' formation began to crumble. Despite this, the Crown Kobolt raised its voice and calmed down the others. Then, it determined the direction from which the arrows flew from and gave the Kobolts a series of instructions.


    It was just as I had thought. Although this Crown Kobolt was strong, it had a cautious personality. This was also indicated by how it had sent scouts both yesterday and today, only appearing after confirming the safety of the valley.


    The Crown Kobolt did not move from its spot, however, it directed two Assault Kobolts and ten Kobolt Juniors towards where I was lurking.


    "They''reing. Retreat for now."


    "Yeah."


    Quietly, I withdrew deeper into the forest. Now then, trace my scent and follow me. After I had travelled a reasonable distance, I hid behind somerge rocks that I had found. Now then, I had left a trail up to this hidden spot. The Kobolts should be able to find me without any issue. If they could not even do that, it would be troublesome for me even though I had invited them.


    "They''re here, Fate."


    I peeked out from behind the rock and used my <Appraisal> skill on one of the muscr Assault Kobolts.


    Assault Kobolt Lv40


    HP: 50000


    Strength: 50000


    MP: 27000


    Spirit: 28000


    Agility: 45000


    Skills: Agility enhancement (medium)


    Right now, I had slightly higher HP and strength. In that case, I will devour the small fry first. I preemptively attacked the Kobolts who were trying to encircle me in my hiding area behind the rocks. Leaping over the rocks, I fired with my ck Bow. There were around six to seven Kobolt Juniors¡­ I would not let any of them escape. Even if they dodged, these magic arrows would track them down without exception.


    I wiped out the ten Kobolt Juniors that had surrounded me. Hearing the robotic voice that appeared in my mind, a smile spread across my face before I could help it. Despite being small fry, eating them still gave me decent power. This was what I had learned from hunting Goblins. Only the two Assault Kobolts remained. Although their status was even higher, the difference was no longer overwhelming.


    Regardless, if they lost a friend in the twinkling of an eye, the remaining one would be easy to defeat. I leapt out from therge rock and changed Greed''s formation from the bow into the ck sword. One of the Assault Kobolts turned to me and swung its right arm, trying to w me with its sharp nails.


    However, its movements were too slow. I pierced its chest easily and sliced across its stomach like cutting down a tree trunk. As the blood sprayed everywhere, the Assault Kobolt''s upper body toppled downward.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +50000, Strength +50000, MP +27000, Spirit +28000, Agility +45000>


    <Agility enhancement (medium) has been added>


    With this, the remaining Assault Kobolt was no longer a problem. To me, it was just like a Kobolt Junior. It would be an easy kill. Perhaps the Assault Kobolt instinctively sensed that my killing aura had changed and it slowly began to back away. As soon as it could, it ran away like a dog on all fours. I was sure it went to ask the Crown Kobolt for help.


    "Don''t let it escape."


    "You don''t have to tell me that."


    I changed Greed''s form into the ck Bow and shot a few magic arrows towards the Assault Kobolt that was running away with its tail between its legs. They all hit the back of its head, not even allowing a scream to escape as it died.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +50000, Strength +50000, MP +27000, Spirit +28000, Agility +45000>


    Tremendous momentum filled me. What was this¡­ This uplifting feeling was just like the Gluttony skill inside me was delighted. As I suppressed a sense of exuberance unlike anything I had felt before, I checked my status with the <Appraisal> skill.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 161641


    Strength: 161621


    MP: 82051


    Spirit: 84701


    Agility: 136041


    Skills: Gluttony, Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, Night Vision, One-handed Sword Technique, Two-handed Sword Technique, HP enhancement (small), HP enhancement (medium), Strength enhancement (small), Strength enhancement (medium), Agility enhancement (medium), Auto-recovery


    I had gotten quite close to the Crown Kobolt''s status. If I ate just one more Assault Kobolt, it would be almost equal.


    Taking a route different from the one I had came from, I went back to the valley where the Crown Kobolt was and quietly peeked through the space between the trees. They were still there. The other Kobolts were standing in formation, surrounding and protecting the Crown Kobolt. It really was careful.


    Well, no matter how much it waited for its subordinate Kobolts, they would not being back. I had devoured their souls and gained their power in order to defeat it. As a return gift, I sent it a magic arrow. For me to gain more power, I drew the magic bow and released the arrow. It flew in aplex trajectory, avoiding the Kobolt Juniors and approaching the Assault Kobolt behind them.


    However, just before the arrow pierced its neck, it was deflected. The Crown Kobolt had sensed it and grabbed the magic arrow with its bare hands. That¡­ so that''s how it is. I took a deep breath, sweat rolling down my forehead. Immediately, I hid in the grass and held my breath.


    "Wooooooooooo."


    Even though I could not see, the howl had probablye from the Crown Kobolt. Did I just give away my position? I stealthily looked through the gaps in the grass only to see the Crown Kobolt moving at a leisurely pace, keeping its ears alert. Facing my direction, it stopped. Crap. I really was discovered.


    The Crown Kobolt was once again watching me from a distance while it howled. Its subordinate Kobolts appeared to recognise me and began growling as an intimidation tactic. This was¡­ bad. My status was not yet close to the Crown Kobolt''s. To confront 35 Kobolt Juniors, two Assault Kobolts, and a Crown Kobolt directly was very disadvantageous.


    However, I could not back down here. If I did that, these Kobolts would ride the momentum of having stood me down and invade the Heart Family''s territory. The faces of the people I had picked grapes with today appeared in my mind, grinning warmly. As a neer¡­ they had all epted me kindly even though I was unfamiliar to them. Each of their faces shed pass. Then, in the midst of them all, Roxy-sama was there smiling and reaching out to me.


    I clutched Greed in his ck Bow form. I never wanted to lose that. With this thought, strength surged forth.


    "Let''s do this, Greed!"


    "I knew you would say that. Avoid the Crown Kobolt and cut down the pack!"


    I had not said anything about running away. It seemed that Greed had sensed my intentions. Now then, let''s go win this!


    The Assault Kobolts nking the Crown Kobolt would be difficult to kill. Firstly, I had no choice but to raise my status further by devouring more Kobolt Junior souls. Since my position had already been discovered, there was no need to continue hiding. I stood up from the grass and drew back the ck Bow, firing continuously as much as I could. Of course, my target was the Kobolt Juniors.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +10560, Strength +10680, MP +4200, Spirit +4800, Agility +9360>


    I only managed to kill 12 of them. It was still not enough. More!


    Tsk, the Crown Kobolt was starting to be wary of the attacks from the ck Bow. From a rocky outcrop with a good range of visibility, it ordered the Kobolt Juniors to evacuate into the surrounding forest.


    A rustling sound approached. They were closing on me while remaining hidden in the trees and bushes. If I spaced out, I would find myself surrounded. I had no choice but to go over there. I set off towards the imposing Crown Kobolt with its arms crossed, an Assault Kobolt on either side of it. In a way, this could be a good chance now that the hindering small fry had been scattered. Even if it was a trap so to speak, it would be better than being taken out here.


    Greed seemed to agree with me. From the <Mind-reading> skill, I heard his authoritative voice.


    "Fate, approach and make a feint with the ck Bow, then sh with the ck sword!"


    "Don''t say it so easily. I''m the one who has to do it."


    "Hahaha, yet you have to do it, no?"


    "¡­Of course."


    Drawing the ck Bow, I dashed forward. Without stopping my footsteps, I released a magic arrow in ce of a greeting and aimed for the Crown Kobolt''s forehead. Then without a moment''s dy, I shot towards the neck of the Assault Kobolt on the right.


    Oi oi, what kind of reflex is that? Both of the magic arrows I had released were stopped by the Crown Kobolt. Its left hand had deflected the arrow aimed between its own eyebrows, while its right hand had plucked the arrow flying towards the Assault Kobolt out of the air. Smiling thinly, the Crown Kobolt crushed the ck magic arrows in its grip. Unable to keep their shape, the arrowsposed from magic powers splintered into particles of light and faded away.


    Just as I thought, it would be impossible to attack from the front using the ck Bow. It would be better if it was a lower ranked opponent, yet this was the Crown Kobolt with a higher status. It easily saw through the magic arrows and warded them off. Even when I suddenly attacked earlier, the arrow was stopped. Attacking from the front in such a direct manner would be even easier to defend against. Even so, I did not want to quit. I will continue shooting magic arrows endlessly. The Crown Kobolt fended them all off. It was quite a dexterous fellow despite itsrge frame.


    Either way, this attack was just a diversion. When I came close enough, I changed Greed''s form from the ck Bow into the sword. My target was one of the Assault Kobolts on either side of the Crown Kobolt. If I killed and devoured just one of them, my status would be equal to that of the Crown Kobolt''s. This was the only way to quickly bnce out the situation. Otherwise ©¤


    "Wooooooooooo."


    The Crown Kobolt suddenly began to howl. At this, 23 Kobolt Juniors who had been hiding in the forest appeared and encircled me. This situation was as I had expected. The differencey in whether I was hunted and cornered, or if I hadid a trap to be cornered like this. In this case, it was much better to be in my state of offence.


    Besides, it was perfect timing for the Kobolt Juniors to appear because I could make good use of them. As a Kobolt Junior leapt towards me, I pierced its chest with the ck sword and continued advancing towards the Crown Kobolt, shing my way forward.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +880, Strength +890, MP +350, Spirit +400, Agility +780>


    A pair of crescent shaped pupils shone in front of me, staring back as I slowly approached it. With those eyes as my target, I swung the ck sword and sliced the body of a Kobolt Junior. Hiding behind it, I proceeded forward. The Crown Kobolt roared resentfully and shed through the discarded corpse with its sharp ws. Then it stepped closer and attacked me.


    "Ugh¡­"


    A sharp pain tore through my left shoulder from my flesh being ripped by the Crown Kobolt''s left w. However, in exchange for this pain, I managed to evade the Crown Kobolt, slipping past to strike the Assault Kobolt on the right. I will devour its soul.


    The Assault Kobolt pounced while baring its fangs, yet it was no match for me. With the ck sword, I sliced off its right arm just as it swung down.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +50000, Strength +50000, MP +27000, Spirit +28000, Agility +45000>


    I felt a rise in my status as I heard the inorganic voice. Now, I should be able to parry the Crown Kobolt''s blow. From behind, I defended his attack with the ck sword.


    Strong¡­ It seemed like there was not much of a difference after having raised my status a little. Currently, the Crown Kobolt was taking advantage of the fact that it had a farrger build and was pushing its weight against me. Despite my intentions to stop it, I was forced backwards and mmed against a huge rock.


    Cough. Unable to breathe from the sudden shock, I almost lost consciousness for a moment. Using the <Mind-reading> skill, Greed sounded an rm.


    "Open your eyes, Fate!"


    Facing forward from his voice, I saw the Crown Kobolt and Assault Kobolt closing in. They halted only to deliver a final blow. In the nick of time, I managed to avoid the Crown Kobolt''s attack and rolled onto the ground. The curled up fist pummeled into therge rock¡­ No, it was not as simple as that. The rock was turned into a fine dust that blew away with a murmur. What a destructive power. If I had been hit, I would definitely be dead already.


    As I rolled away in astonishment, I was suddenly kicked by the waiting Assault Kobolt. It kicked me so many times, it felt like my spine was about to shatter.


    Hahaha¡­ Times like this reminded me of Rafal from the Breric Family and how he had beaten me countless times as I worked as a gatekeeper in their stead. Inparison to that, this was nothing!


    I took hold of the Assault Kobolt''s foot and using every bit of strength that I had, I tore it off. Then, I immediately grabbed the ck sword lying on the ground and stabbed it.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +50000, Strength +50000, MP +27000, Spirit +28000, Agility +45000>


    Finally, I caught up and overtook its status. With the Auto-recovery skill, the wound on my shoulder quickly healed. Such an efficient skill.


    I had devoured like a glutton ©¤ I confirmed this endlessly overflowing power with the <Appraisal> skill.


    Fate Graphite Lv1


    HP: 272 201


    Strength: 272 301


    MP: 140 251


    Spirit: 145 501


    Agility: 235 401


    Skills: Gluttony, Appraisal, Mind-reading, Concealment, Night Vision, One-handed Sword Technique, Two-handed Sword Technique, HP enhancement (small), HP enhancement (medium), Strength enhancement (small), Strength enhancement (medium), Agility enhancement (medium), Auto-recovery


    With all of the Assault Kobolts killed, the lower ranked Kobolt Juniors were distressed and afraid. Their formation had broken into a chaotic mess. After all, dogs could not resist their instincts.


    The Crown Kobolt and I faced each other while keeping a distance between us. As the Kobolt Juniors fled, the Crown Kobolt stood alone and red at me ominously.

 Chapter Volume 1 19

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    Greedy Blow


    Just as I had expected, only this Crown Kobolt was different from the rest. Even after sensing my status elevation, he had not lost his fighting spirit. His sharp half-moon shaped eyes showed an animosity towards me, one that would deepen if I was to stab him.


    This Crown Kobolt had a cautious personality. However, he seemed to have suddenly changed when he became cornered. For a while, we red at each other. I checked the skills that the Crown Kobolt possessed with <Appraisal>.


    Grappling: Increased attack power of super closebat using bare hands. Ability to use <One Inch Punch> arts that destroys the opponent from the inside.


    I see¡­ This was like a trump card. It was probably this skill that had decimated that rock into sand. Even if I surpassed his status, I would be unable to withstand consecutive <One Inch Punch> hits at point nk distance. My future would only be having bones and internal organs crushed. Well, I just had to stay out of his range.


    "Fate, just clear it all in one go. With your current status, you will be able to use my 1st rank secret skill, <Bloody Ptarmigan>."


    "Secret skill?!"


    "That''s right, a secret skill. If you were to use it, boring fights like these would be easily blown away."


    As I kept the Crown Kobolt in check, I asked him what needed to be done.


    "Simple. Give me 10% of your status."


    In order to use this secret skill, 10% of all my stats will be consumed by Greed¡­ When I first ranked up, I had been deprived of almost my entire status. And now when I use this mysterious skill, I would lose even more of my stats. What a greedy weapon he was!


    "Can you reduce it to 5%?"


    "Impossible. 10% is the lowest line. If you want to increase your power, give me even more."


    "Tsk."


    "I''m greedy, gahahahaha."


    Did this ck sword Greed even care about how much he was taking from me? His greed was like a bottomless swamp.


    Nevertheless, I wanted to avoid closebat when fighting the Crown Kobolt if possible. Since he had morebat experience, there was a possibility that my body would be destroyed if I was unable to evade his One Inch Punch should I attack desperately. With that being said, any arrows I released from the ck bow towards his face while keeping a distance would be shot down. I had seen this unpleasantness in the previous fight.


    There was no other option. I changed the ck sword into the ck Bow. Then I fired a magic arrow at the Crown Kobolt as a threat. The Crown Kobolt seized the neck of a nearby Kobolt Junior, using it as a shelter against the magic arrow. Having be a meat shield, the Kobolt Junior exhaled white foam.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +880, Strength +890, MP +350, Spirit +400, Agility +780>


    As I listened to the inorganic voice, I decided to use the 1st rank secret skill.


    "I understand so let''s do this, Greed!"


    "Well said, Fate! I''ll take 10% of your status!"


    I felt power being absorbed from my left hand that was holding the ck Bow. Simultaneously, the ck Bow''s shape changed dramatically. It transformed and becamerger, more ominous. With the ckBow having sucked up my power and being temporarily enhanced, I could not help but feel intimidated even as I held it. This was no longer an ordinary weapon, it was a weapon of war.


    "What a dumbfounded expression. Hurry up and do it. The Crown won''t wait."


    "Ahh, I''ll go for it."


    "The way you use it is just as usual, simply pull and release! After that, it will be automatically corrected."


    I could tell this was a powerful military weapon just by looking at it. Without correction, I did not think I could have handled it at all.


    As Greed noted, there was movement from the Crown Kobolt. The moment he saw the ck Bow''s transformation, he thrust forward his thick arms while guarding, not letting me attack. Even if he was to lose an arm, I felt that he might pierce my throat with his sharp fangs. Or rather, was he going to kick and send out a One Inch Punch? Either way, it did not change the fact that it was a desperate attack.


    Now then, let''s see if the Crown Kobolt would be able to withstand this ck Bow turned weapon of war.


    "Release! Fate!"


    In response to Greed''s voice, I released a ck magic arrow ©¤ <Bloody Ptarmigan>.<figure ss="wp-block-image sizerge"></figure>


    The recoil was staggering. I was pushed back greatly. With a sound that was like thunder, the released magic arrow changed into a ck turbulent current and engulfed the Crown Kobolt.It then continued further and washed away the Kobolt Junior behind.


    It looked like a vast ck river in the valley. All that remained was a deep scar in the earth. Not even the ''K'' in ''Kobolt'' could be found. Every single hair had seemingly disappeared.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +218480, Strength +218690, MP +132350, Spirit +143400, Agility +141380>


    <Grappling skill has been added>


    The inorganic voice signified that the Kobolts and their Crown had been obliterated. Having ran out of power, the ck Bow that had be a weapon of war slowly returned to its original shape and became the usual ck Bow that I was familiar with.


    It was over¡­ Feeling relieved, an incredible euphoria began to flow through me from the soul that I had just gained. It exceeded the level of pleasantness and felt insufferable. Arghhhhhhhhhhh¡­ why¡­


    wing at my throat, I writhed on the ground in ecstasy. No, it was more like a rapture than sprung from within my body. The Gluttony skill was crazily exultant from having devoured the Crown''s soul, to the point of tormenting me. In the midst of my hazy consciousness, I heard Greed''s voice resounding in my mind.


    "Fate, repress it! If you can''t, you''ll fall into a state simr to starvation. No, it would be even worse. Endure, swallow it!"


    "Even if you say that, this is¡­"


    I managed to keep a hold of my consciousness by repeatedly hitting my head on a nearby rock, waiting for the surge of Gluttony to subside.


    "Seems like you''ve calmed down."


    "Yeah, it was awful. Will it always feel like that when devouring a Crown?"


    Wearily, I wiped the drool from my mouth with a sleeve then checked the scratches on my forehead. Thanks to the Auto-recovery skill, they had healed cleanly. I felt relieved to have this Auto-recovery skill.


    "Well, it''s your first reaction to consuming a good soul. You''ll get used to it from now on and the next time the Gluttony skill surges so wildly, you won''t lose control. Honestly, I have no idea what will happen if you devour a ss like the Heavenly Dragons."


    "You can''t eat a living natural disaster!"


    "Hahaha, perhaps."


    I sat down where I was and peered up at the night sky. Coming out from hiding behind the clouds, the moon cast its illumination over the entire area. The Kobolts'' advance had beenpletely halted. However, in the valley where everything was exposed by the moonlight, I was at a loss for words.


    "We''ve overdone it! Such a beautiful valley was¡­"


    "Don''t worry about that. It was an overwhelming victory. There can be nothing better. Alright, Fate?"


    "What to do¡­ about this. There will be a huge fuss in the morning."


    "There''s no problem. Geographical terrains change naturally over a thousand years. You''re overexaggerating about stripping the valley of its greenness. It''ll return in about a hundred years."


    This inanimate Greed did not seem to live in the same flow of time as I did. About a hundred years¡­ Seriously, what should I do about this dreadful situation? The trees were uprooted and fallen, the valley which had been naturally lush now appeared ruinous.


    Now then, the crisis on the territory that Roxy-sama governs had been averted. However, this¡­ just how do I restore it? I could note up with a good idea at all.

 Chapter Volume 1 20

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    Pledging a Promise


    I managed to return to the Heart Family''s mansion before dawn. The fight with the Crown Kobolt followed by the exuberance of the Gluttony skill had left me exhausted. Leaning Greed against the desk in my room, I copsed onto the bed and my consciousness faded into darkness.


    ¡­The bright sunlight streaming in through the window woke me up.


    Hm? Seeing the position of the sun, it appeared to be around noon. Could it be that I had overslept like a log? Rushing to put on my clothes, I dashed out of the room. Maya snickered at me as I passed by.


    "Overslept-san, you''re finally awake. Doing that will make Roxy-sama fire you."


    "Ehhh, that''s¡­ Where''s Roxy-sama? I have to apologise for this blunder¡­"


    Maya seemed happy to see me in a panicked state. What was this? The possibility that I would be fired was not a humorous matter! This was what I thought.


    "Sorry forughing. It''s just that your expression was like a puppy that was about to be abandoned. It''s amusing, fufufu. Once again, I apologise. But don''t be worried. It was a lie."


    "What do you mean?"


    "It was Roxy-sama''s orders to let you sleep."


    While I was still surprised, Maya continued speaking. Apparently, Roxy-sama had been worried that I had not woken up in the morning so she hade to check for herself. When she had not received a reply from knocking, she was anxious that something may have happened so she opened the door, only to find that I was sleeping with my mouth wide open. Seeing me like that, Roxy-sama thought I must have been tired from harvesting grapes yesterday and told the maids to let me sleep as much as I wanted. The truth was that I had been fatigued from fighting the Crown Kobolt, though I could not say that.


    "Is that so?"


    "Since you have received permission from Roxy-sama, it''s fine if you go back to sleep."


    "No, no, it''s alright. I''ve already slept well enough."


    Returning to sleep would be too audacious. For now, I had to apologise to Roxy-sama.


    "So, where is Roxy-sama?"


    "You''ve been told yesterday, right? She went Kobolt hunting with the armed men."


    Had she left already? To the valley with the destroyed nature. By now, Roxy-sama should have seen it and would be surprised. I was worried about what she might conclude from it. Well, there should be no evidence that it was my doing. Let''s remain calm.


    "About what time will they return?"


    "Let''s see. Based on previous years, maybe tomorrow morning. Kobolts are nocturnal, so they trap them during the day and would likely keep hunting them until dawn breaks."


    "Tomorrow¡­"


    With that said, I was certain that they would be back by today. If they saw the ravaged valley, they would know someone had fought Kobolts there. Moreover, if there were still Kobolts on the other side of the valley, they probably would note back to the Heart territory after such a fight. Having driven away the Kobolts every year, Roxy-sama should know this from her experience.


    Well, there would probably be amotion when they returned. I should keep this in mind in advance. While I was thinking about such things,


    "You really like Roxy-sama, don''t you?"


    "Eh?!"


    She said such a strange thing so suddenly that I let out a weird sound. As a servant, I was just thinking of my master¡­ yes.


    "What are you saying so suddenly?!"


    "You''re flustered. Fufufu¡­ Oh well."


    Maya seemed to have found my reaction very interesting and while trying to smother herughter with her hands, she went back to work.


    "Please wait. Is there anything I can do?"


    Here was a chance for me to redeem myself from oversleeping. I may have been treated as a guest here at the mansion, yet I was still Roxy-sama''s servant. I could not possibly receive a sry without doing anything. It seemed like my enthusiasm wasmunicated and Maya tilted her head, "Hmm."


    "Well, I wonder if you could apany Aisha-sama. She seems to be free."


    "I understand! I''ll do my best!"


    After asking for Aisha-sama''s whereabouts and thanking Maya, I ran off.


    "Hey, don''t run down the corridor! It would be dangerous if you crashed into someone!"


    "Sorry!"


    I had acted unbingly of a servant. I bowed to Maya who had scolded me and walked onwards with quickened footsteps.


    Aisha-sama was in her own quarters. It was clearly different to my guest room, as I knocked on a door that was built a few steps higher. A momentter, there was a response from inside.


    "Pardon my intrusion."


    "Oh, Fate. Good timing. I was bing bored looking only at the view from the window."


    Aisha-sama weed me with a smile of a young girl. Her health appeared to be poor today as she rested in a half-sitting position on the bed.


    "Come, sit down."


    As prompted, I sat on the chair next to the bed. Aisha-sama grinned, then cast her nce towards the outside scenery again. I followed her gaze and for a while, we observed the mansion''s garden. Even as an apprentice, I could see that the residence of the territory had a well-maintained garden. I guessed that the gardeners here really liked the Heart Family.


    "It''s a good garden, isn''t it?"


    "Indeed, especially the area visible through this window. Even though I''ve said that they didn''t need to do so much, the old gardener still does his best."


    I see¡­ Aisha-sama suffered a severe illness and could rarely go outside. So, they were concerned for her being confined to her room.


    "I''ve troubled you¡­"


    Aisha-sama seemed happy as she said that. We continued talking for a while,ughing endlessly. When my stomach growled from having skipped breakfast, she called for a maid to bring a light meal.


    Somehow, her kindness felt like that of a mother''s. Well, my mother passed away shortly after giving birth to me so I could not say I knew of that. Surely it would have been like this gratuitous kindness.


    When Aisha-sama ced her teacup on the saucer, her expression suddenly turned serious and she faced me.


    "I probably¡­ don''t have much longer."


    "Don''t say that. Even now¡­"


    I could not say that she looked fine. She was bedridden at this very moment. Aisha-sama continued from my words.


    "That''s true, I''m still fine now. However, it will definitely happen. After all, I know myself the best."


    "¡­Why do you tell this to me?"


    "I thought if it''s you, you would support Roxy. Can I ask that of you?"


    As I felt confused, Aisha-sama exined. She said that after her husband died in Gallia, Roxy-sama had been greatly shocked. Yet, it looked like when I came to the Heart Family, I had been Roxy-sama''s moral support. When she was alone with Aisha-sama, she had said, "I can''t let Fate think I''m a sloppy master, so I can''t stop."


    "At that time, Roxy-sama had a good look in her eyes. Just like him when he was young."


    "However, someone like me¡­"


    Our social statuses and positions were too different. Besides, I could not even show my power now that I had some. If I encouraged her from the shadows, could that still be called supporting¡­ It felt dissimr somehow.


    While I was perplexed, Aisha-sama ced her hand over mine. The <Mind-reading> skill was activated and I heard her voice.


    (It''s alright¡­ It''s not such aplicated thing.)


    Releasing my hand gently, her internal voice was cut off. The words continued from Aisha-sama''s mouth.


    "There is no need for a high social status or position. Not even for a Holy Knight''s strength. The important thing is in here."


    Her fingertip pointed towards my chest.


    "The important thing is that you want to be there from the bottom of your heart."


    "Heart¡­ feeling."


    "Exactly. After all, I¡­ was originally amoner without any useful skills. Even so, I was able to support my husband who was a Holy Knight. If I was able to do it, then Fate would certainly be capable. I believe in this."


    "Aisha-sama¡­"


    There was no doubt that Aisha-sama had a stronger heart than me although she was sickly. Her words felt heavy to me, since I had only sought power after awakening the Gluttony skill. For this reason, I wanted to be like Aisha-sama.

 Chapter Volume 1 21

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    Crossroads


    As I listened and ruminated on what Aisha-sama said, time passed by in a blink of an eye. Before I realised it, evening had fallen. Aisha-sama had gone to sleep in order to rest her body so once again, I had nothing to do.


    When I returned to my room, worrying endlessly, the inner area of the mansion suddenly became very busy. Wondering what was happening, I stepped out of the room and saw that Roxy-sama had returned earlier than scheduled.


    The maids were in a rush, having anticipated that they would be back tomorrow morning. Due to their sudden return, there were many things from meals to baths that they needed to prepare. I nced sideways at them while hurrying to Roxy-sama. I wanted to know without dy what she thought when she had seen the valley where she was supposed to hunt the Kobolts.


    There she was! She was taking off her white light armor at the entrance.


    "Roxy-sama! Wee back."


    "Oh it''s Fate. I have returned."


    As expected, she had a depressed expression. If anyone saw the tragedy in the valley, they would surely be the same. Well, since they had retreated, it seemed like the Kobolts had decided not toe anymore. With my heart beating quickly, I listened to Roxy-sama.


    "What happened? You''ve returned early."


    "About that¡­"


    Having finished removing her light armor, Roxy-sama told me about the strange valley that she had seen. This morning, she had led a group of armed men and headed for the valley. Then, what met them was a valley that had been destroyed by a powerful battle. The beautiful nature had been lost, with trees fallen and the ground gouged out. The valley that she had seen every year had been transformed into an unimaginable state.


    Yeah¡­ Being the one who had caused it, even I had thought, "I went overboard," so Roxy-sama and the others would definitely have been quite surprised.


    Roxy-sama had immediately instructed the men that she had brought to investigate the area. There was no indication of what had happened to the valley that seemed to bepletely wiped out. However, they found ten Kobolt Junior and two Assault Kobolt corpses on arge rock nearby.


    The man who discovered them guided her to the site where it looked as though the Kobolts had been killed by a sword or arrows, falling to the ground afterwards. All of them had been defeated one-sidedly.


    Assault Kobolts were especially strong monsters and could not be beaten unless the opponent was a Holy Knight. One of those had been sliced apart cleanly. The other one, as though fleeing something in fear, had been shot through the head with an arrow from behind. Of concern was the shot wound, since the arrow itself could not be found anywhere. Moreover, there was no evidence that the arrow had been pulled out.


    In consideration of what could have caused external wounds like this, a demonic bow crossed their minds. Converting magic into arrows and shooting them, it was a powerful weapon. It was not an item that could be possessed by any warrior. A demonic bow was such a great weapon¡­ I listened as Roxy-sama spoke of this.


    "And so, I came to a conclusion."


    "Eh, what is it¡­"


    What could Roxy-sama have concluded from just this amount of physical evidence? No way, I would not be discovered, right?


    "I think that Gallian girl, the one I saw yesterday, was the one who did it."


    Oops, an unexpected person had been identified as the culprit. However, this seemed a bit¡­ forced? I guess my face showed a disapproving expression. Seeing this, Roxy-sama puffed up her cheeks.


    "I know there''s no solid proof of this! But to cate the people in the territory there, I had no choice but to say something like that¡­"


    The valley had been destroyed and the Kobolts were annihted. It had been necessary for the master of the Heart Family to say something to reassure the people of the territory so that they would not feel anxious. However, the identity of the person who had caused this was wholly indeterminable from the information at the site. So, she came up with the Gallian girl from yesterday as a desperatest resort.


    The Gallians ruled the continent with mighty military power a long time ago. ording to historical texts, theirbat capabilities far surpassed even those of Holy Knights. If that Gallian girl possessed that strength still, then it would exin the devastating events that happened in the valley.


    It was a terrible hypothesis, however, Roxy-sama pressed forward with this n in order to dispel the concerns of the people. The person who was least convinced was Roxy-sama herself, I could tell this just by looking at her face.


    ¡°Is that so¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, why is Fate apologising?¡±


    ¡°Eh, ahh, somehow I wanted to. Hahahahahaha¡­¡±


    Not good, not good. When I saw Roxy-sama¡¯s face, I almost confessed.


    Anyway, to think the Gallians were that strong. That brown-skinned girl had surely said that she would give the Kobolt to me. Perhaps if she had not met me, she would likely have defeated all the Kobolts.


    If so, then let¡¯s just leave it as such and say the Gallian girl destroyed the valley and exterminated the Kobolts. She had said it was a loan, so it should be fine if I paid this debt the next time we met. Thank you, Gallian girl who¡¯s name I did not even know!


    The matter was not entirely settled, though it would be nice if everyone in the Heart Family¡¯s territory could return to their usual lifestyle. As I was thinking this, Roxy-sama spoke with a slightly troubled expression.


    ¡°This Gallian girl, several people witnessed her leaving the territory early today. Because of this, I can no longer find out why she came or what she did here. So to use her in this case, I¡¯ve done something bad.¡±


    ¡°Roxy-sama¡­¡±


    I was the worst. Even so, I could not say that I fought with the strength of the Gluttony skill. Killing my opponents and taking their power, I did not want her to know this. Aisha-sama¡¯s words pierced me in my back. Unable to face her properly, I would definitely¡­ Even if I wanted to¡­


    ¡°Fate, what¡¯s wrong? You have a scary expression.¡±


    ¡°Eh, is that so?¡±


    ¡°You look like that asionally. If you have any worries, please tell me anytime.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you, Roxy-sama.¡±


    I could only return my words to the sky.


    *


    Over the next two days, Roxy-sama observed the situation in the valley just in case and determined that the Kobolts would no longere down. She also said that the Kobolts may have been wiped out from the attack. Even if there were survivors, they would never return to the Heart Family¡¯s territory.


    After finishing her work in the territory, Roxy-sama brought me along back to the capital. Aisha-sama came to the entrance to see Roxy-sama and I off as we left by horse carriage. All the other maids came too.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be going, mother.¡±


    ¡°Have a safe trip. Take a break between duties ande back anytime.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Take care of your health mother.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. I need to do my best a little longer.¡±


    As she said this, Aisha-sama looked at me. Most likely, there was still something she was expecting. She smiled broadly.


    ¡°Fate shoulde too. Let¡¯s talk again. I want to hear your reply when the timees.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    Last time, I had been unable to voice my reply and had put it on hold. The thoughts in my heart and the reality I was living in were diverging even at this very moment. Leaving only feelings behind, the carriage carrying us began moving towards the capital.

 Chapter Volume 1 22

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    Azure skies


    As I faced Roxy-sama on our return to the Royal Capital, I desperately tried to suppress the painful ache of the Gluttony skill searching for a soul. Knowing that a single wrong action may leave me unconscious, I felt cold and sweaty. The situation that Greed had informed me about was not entirely a lie.


    We arrived at the Royal Capital as night fell. A messenger from the castle came and called for Roxy-sama so she set off immediately. It seemed like the Holy Knights of the five noble lineages were given no time to rest.


    As for me, the master gardeners in the Territory had tasked me with digging and removing roots from the Heart Family mansion''s garden and it was then that I had overheard this. Whatever the case may be, the Royal Capital was apparently in rivalry with the Territories.


    They had said that I had maintained the garden wonderfully and the area of the garden that was visible from Aisha-sama''s room was done especially well. Then, the master gardeners had said, "I guess he''s pretty smart, huh?" and praised their rivals.


    Since it was already dark today, I would resume my work as an apprentice gardener tomorrow. I had dinner with the other master gardeners and we crowded into the bath. While soaking in the bathtub, one of the masters said,


    "It''s time I taught you how to prune the trees in the garden. How about it, want to try?"


    "Can I?!"


    "Yeah, Fate worked very earnestly. It was really worth teaching you. Everyone else thinks the same."


    "Thank you."


    Either way, it seemed like the masters had discussed various things about me while I was in the Heart Family''s Territory. The masters were already elderly so they wanted to teach their sessor seriously. That would be me. I thought it was a great honour¡­ I felt happy and while washing my master''s back, I guess I used too much strength and was scolded.


    "Ouchh, be more considerate of this old man!"


    "Sorry."


    Since my status had risen considerably, I had tried to be careful but my master had instead praised me for showing my strength. I should be more attentive to these things in the future. It was necessary that I adjusted how my status was reflected on my body. If not, Holy Knights with such strong statuses could identally kill someone.


    By killing the Crown Kobolt, my status had surpassed that of a novice Holy Knight. Hence, it was time I began thinking about the training needed to control my status. Well, no matter how strong I became, my stats would return to the starting point if I used them to evolve Greed. In any case, as long as I had the Gluttony skill, it was inevitable that my status would suddenly increase from fighting.


    For today, let''s try controlling my status while washing the master gardener''s back.


    "Ouchh, again?!"


    "Ah, I''m very sorry."


    "I''m an innocent old man you know. Please be more careful."


    I lost control if I became careless about it. It seemed like it would take some time until I would be able to do this without thinking.


    *


    When midnight came, I wore the Skull Mask as usual and went to where the goblins ran rampant. I would be hunting in the Hobgob Forest today.


    Since I had been fasting for two days in the Territory, my Gluttony skill was quite famished. Even in the dimly lit forest, I could see the hobgoblin''s locations with my <Night Vision> skill. I mercilessly hunted those who were sleeping at the bases of trees.


    <Gluttony skill has been activated>


    <Status update: HP +440, Strength +220, MP +110, Spirit +110, Agility +110>


    The inorganic voice sounded multiple times in my head. However, my hunger was not satiated by much. Maintaining this situation would not be good. Up until now, I had been satisfied by hunting goblins¡­ Somehow, I knew the answer. Greed spoke to me through the <Mind-reading> skill.


    "It''s because the Gluttony skill remembers the taste of the Crown Kobolt. You cannot be satisfied with the lowest level monsters anymore."


    "But, I don''t feel hungry when I''m hunting¡­"


    "Fate, you know this the best. Before long, the situation will gradually be worse and worse."


    It would have been better for the Gluttony skill if I had not eaten something good (like a Crown Demon). If this was the case, I should have eaten a full course of only goblins. Yet, there had been unavoidable circumstances regarding the Crown Kobolt. If it had been left unchecked, the Heart Family''s Territory would have been overrun.


    Although I was d that I had been able to defeat it then, the problematic souvenir that I had been left with was¡­


    "Ugh¡­ my right eye is burning."


    When I finished killing the tenth hobgoblin, I felt that there was something wrong with my right eye. Quietly, I looked at my reflection on Greed. I could see it behind the Skull Mask.


    "Greed, it''s exactly as you said. ¡­It worsened."


    "Right? It''s obvious."


    On just one side of the ck de, a bright red pupil stared back at me. The left eye was ck. The right eye was red enough to be repellent. To be in this state meant¡­


    "Halfway into the state of starvation. It''lle soon."


    I could sense it already. Soon, all the monsters surrounding the Royal Capital ©¤ the goblins would not be able to sate the hunger of the Gluttony skill. The crawling Gluttony skill in my body would wait for no one.


    "You can leave it as it is for today. You don''t have much time left. It will definitelye."


    "What will?"


    Even if I already knew, I still rebelliously asked Greed.


    "Your future path from here onwards."


    "¡­"


    Without further reply, I returned to the Royal Capital. I encountered a number of warriors on the way, but I paid them no need. When they saw me, they fled with screams.


    "Lich is back! Mukuro has returned! Everyone run away!"


    In the Goblin Meadow that was devoid of people, I took off the Skull Mask and pocketed it.


    "It became quiet, huh?"


    "And so, you became lonely."


    "Shut up."


    I continued returning to the Royal Capital, facing the wind that blew through the meadow.


    The next day, I put an eye patch over my red right eye to hide it. Then I brushed off my fellow servants by saying that I had injured my eyes after falling asleep.


    The master gardeners asked something like, "Being sox, can you prune a tree?" I could not tell whether they were scolding me or being worried. Though they were probably just being worried about me. When I replied, "I can do it even with only one eye," they said, "Then try not to overdo it," and it was decided that I would prune the garden tree as was promised yesterday.


    Firstly, I managed to do one tree while my master guided and taught me.


    "How''s this?"


    "Not bad. Then this time, do you want to try making the same outline on that tree over there by yourself? I will go do other things."


    "By myself, huh¡­"


    "If there''s anything you don''t understand, call out to me."


    "Yes."


    This master was the type of person who valued action over words. I had no choice but to just try it. With the pruning scissors in one hand, I moved towards the tree when I saw Roxy-sama heading off wearing her white, light armor.


    It seemed like she had just returned from the castle. Normally, she would head inside the mansion immediately. Yet, I wondered where she was going. I tried to call out after her but¡­ I was unable to.


    Roxy-sama knelt in front of her father''s gravestone, her expression showing a grimness that I had never seen before. It was as though she was about to battle something from now on.


    After talking to the grave, she stood and turned around towards the mansion. I was standing there watching Roxy-sama at that moment, unable to hide, so she discovered me.


    "Fate, why are you here¡­ Oh, what happened to your right eye?"


    I acted calmly and showed the pruning scissors to Roxy-sama.


    "My right eye was injured when I fell asleep. Also, I will be able to tend the garden trees starting today. Uh, I''m trying to prune this tree."


    As I said this, I ced my hand on the tree next to me. In truth, I was told to prune apletely different tree.


    "Um¡­ Roxy-sama. Did something happen? You seem different."


    Perhaps something had ured at the castle? I was afraid to ask. However, her expression that she had shown to her father''s grave earlier disappeared, returning to the usual Roxy-sama.


    "It''s nothing. Anyway, they''ll be angry at you if you don''t get to pruning."


    Roxy-sama pointed at the master gardener who was ring at me with his arms folded. It was just like he was telling me that this was not the tree he had pointed at and it was the one over there. Roxy-sama walked off to the mansion as if running away from me. For some reason, I had a bad feeling when I looked at her retreating back. On the contrary though, when I looked up, the sky was clear and cloudless.


    When I had finished my servant duties, I visited my regr tavern and stayed until I could go and hunt monsters at midnight. There, I heard a clue about the information I most wanted to know. cing my order of food on the counter where I sat, the owner spoke to me. He said that in order to kill Lich (Mukuro) who had reappeared, the second son of the Breric Family, Hado, had finally made up his mind to take on the problem and would go to the Hobgob Forest tonight.


    A Holy Knight just like Roxy-sama wasing to my hunting ground at longst. Hado must know the circumstances clearly. It was possible that the Breric Family had done something. I should ask. Besides, Hado owed me a huge debt.


    I downed the rest of my wine in one go and stood up.


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