An active hunter from Hokkaido was thrown into another world - Chapter 74

Living Fossils – Chapters

Chapter 74   Annoying First Class Hunter

The following day, we head to the carriage stand.

“Hey, Raccoon Head. You’re here as a customer today?”

We’re teased by the escort hunters.

We’re somewhat famous, you see, in Saaplast.

“Today, I have the day off from work.”

“I see. Well, leave it to us. But if anything happens, rely on Saran to help you.”

“Why are you counting on me?”

“Because you’re stronger than us.”

Saying this, everyone laughs.

It feels like various tales of valor are getting misconstrued somehow.

Upon reflection, it’s my first time traveling comfortably in a passenger carriage, sitting in proper chairs.

We’re usually on the driver’s seat or the cargo bed, you know.

In a twelve-carriage convoy, we arrive safely in Topurus by evening, having slept peacefully in the passenger carriage. We express our gratitude and wave farewell as we head to the residence of the current Lord of Topurus, Count Faal La Hawksburg.

It’s been a while since we visited, and they welcomed us warmly.

“As you know, wool is a significant industry in Topurus. Even for a single household, we can’t afford to neglect it.”

During our dinner together, Count Faal passionately explains.

“That’s why I posted the request notices at the guild. A team of Class 1 Hunters showed up demanding a thousand gold coins. They barged in saying they’d take care of it.”

“Exorbitant, indeed.”

First-class Hunters sure know how to demand a hefty sum…

“That’s right. So I told them we can’t afford that much, and they can do as they please. Then I thought you guys could handle it somehow and wrote a letter to Kyrif. I’m surprised you came so quickly.”

“It was coincidental. We needed to renew our Hunter cards, and since it’s also our first year of marriage, we thought of taking a trip to the hot springs.”

“Speaking of hot springs, you mean Sakutsu Hot Springs?”

“Yes.”

“Sounds wonderful… I’d like to go too.”

“Why don’t you?”

“Even though the sheep are eaten every other day on the sheep farm, I can’t just leave things like that.”

You’re facing quite the challenges, young Lord.

“So, what should we do? We can start right away from tomorrow, right?”

“Please!”

“Since we’re unsure if it will go smoothly, let’s have a success-based reward.”

“Sure. I’ve requested a reward of fifty gold coins from the guild. If things work out, I’ll provide you with a proof of subjugation, so please collect it from the guild.”

“Understood.”

That night, we were treated as guests and lodged accordingly.

Baths!

A grand bath in a noble mansion!

Ah, so relaxing.

“Hey there! Are you having a blast!”

…Why is Lord Faal barging in like this?

“Yes, thank you very much. It’s my first time in such a spacious bath.”

In this world, that is. Back on Earth, there were plenty of enormous hot springs in Hokkaido.

“Exactly, right? It’s our pride and joy!”

…Um, excuse me, but is it really appropriate to burst into laughter while standing triumphantly with your hands on your hips in the buff?

“It’s all part of the camaraderie. It’s fine.”

Saying this, he splashes into the bath.

“Well, if you’ve got such a fantastic bath here, you don’t really need to go to the hot springs.”

“I quite like baths and take one every day, but the butler is a hassle, asking me to limit it to every three days. We only heat up this grand bath when guests come. Normally, I use a regular bathtub. Sounds stingy, doesn’t it?”

Even back on our Earth, I’ve heard that people in Europe take showers only a few times a week.

Apparently, perfumes developed to cover up the smell… or something like that. Ahem, ahem.

“How do elves handle baths?”

“Kopori Village is by the lakeside. Everyone takes water baths.”

“Everyone together?”

“Yes.”

“Both men and women?”

“Yes. Children and the elderly too.”

“What a paradise… But what about during winter?”

“We sit in buckets and have hot water poured over us.”

“By Saran?”

“Yes.”

“What envy… Wait, so Saran too?”

“Yes. I pour the water over Saran.”

“What a heavenly setup… Damn it all!”

“Shin… They’re here…”

“Quick, Saran! Faal’s here too! It’s the men’s bath right now!”

Rising excitement.

Um, Lord Faal, that intense staring…

“Oh, sorry. I’ll be back later.”

Saying this, a fully nude Saran retreated.

“…Impressive, Saran.”

“Isn’t it?”

We all take communal baths by the lake every day, so seeing each other’s nudity, even of someone’s wife, doesn’t faze me anymore.

“You darn son of a–!!”

Splish-splash-splash-splash.

Drowning! Drowning! Let gooooo–!!

The following day.

We set out on a large, six-horse-drawn carriage, with me, Saran, Lord Faal fully equipped in armor, and three members of the estate militia.

“…Why is Lord Faal here?”

“He needs to witness it. He’s the sponsor, after all.”

“Are you finding this amusing?”

“It’s obviously quite entertaining.”

Well, that’s true.

Thud!

There’s something waiting ahead of the mansion.

“Greetings, Count. Have you made your decision?”

“What decision?”

“Of course, the decision to entrust ‘Team Justice’ with the task!”

Shuffling.

A discourteous group of knightly figures on horseback, who don’t even dismount, introduces themselves.

It appears that these ten are the Class 1 Hunters in question.

“…Ah, well, on that matter, it’s fine now. We’ve decided to leave it to them.”

With a hint of exasperation, Lord Faal looks at us and shrugs his shoulders.

“These guys? Are these guys the hunters?”

“That’s right.”

“Which team are you from?”

“We’re from Saaplast, the ‘Raccoon Head’ team.”

“Never heard of you. What rank are you?”

“We’re Rank 2.”

“Huh!”

The leader with a bearded face speaks, and the burly man snorts.

“Rookies like you gonna take down a Wyvern?”

Well, you won’t know until you try, I suppose.

“If you think you can do it, go ahead and give it a shot. We’ll watch.”

An annoying situation, indeed.

…Can’t be helped, I guess.

They follow us in a line, trailing behind. Quite bothersome.

“…Annoying feeling.”

“Absolutely.”

Saran complains, and Lord Faal nods in agreement. What’s the point of acting so haughty even towards nobles? Maybe these guys think they can’t be arrested with the estate militia Lord Faal has under him.

“If you can do it, then just get it done already. And then ask confidently for extra rewards or whatever you want. You’re useless if you’re looking down on others.”

“Exactly.”

After about an hour, we arrive at Natral’s ranch in Shiratser’s, between Topurus and Saaplast.

“Wow, what a relief! It’s Raccoon Head! We’re in luck!”

“Shin, are you acquainted with Natral?”

“Yes, I’ve caught several coyotes here and even received some lambs as a gift.”

“I see. It’s a small world. So, what’s the plan now?”

“What are you doing with the sheep now?”

“We can’t let them out, so they’re in the stable. We’d like to let them out to graze and exercise, but that’s not feasible. The hay supply keeps dwindling.”

“Plut… I want to lure the pterosaurs. Could you let one sheep out into the grassland and secure it with a stake?”

“A sacrificial sheep?”

“Please, Natral. We’ll compensate you if it gets eaten.”

“Well, I suppose I can allow that much, Lord Faal.”

Natral brings a sheep from the stable, Saran hammers a stake into the ground, and they tie the sheep to it.

“Alright, let’s step back and observe.”

As we do so, the Class 1 Hunters, with their familiar smirks, watch us.

Well, let them do as they please.

We take out snacks, prepare some tea, and have a little picnic.

After about an hour of waiting, as we look towards the stable…

“They’re coming, they’re coming, they’re coming!!”

Saran shouts, and the pterosaur Wyvern approaches with powerful wingbeats!

I reach into my magic bag and retrieve a .308 Winchester round and a Remington M700…

“Engage――――!!”

“Uoaaaaaaah―――――――!!”

What an overbearing bunch!

Those Class 1 Hunters who claimed, “We’ll watch!” are now charging on horseback!

Oh no… I wish they would stop…

The Pteranodon is descending in altitude.

Well, it definitely looks like a Pteranodon, so let’s just call it that.

To think that such creatures were flying around Earth during the Cretaceous period is truly astonishing. They managed to survive quite well. Living fossils, indeed.

But still, if they keep charging like that…

Suddenly, the Pteranodon gains altitude rapidly and flaps its wings vigorously.

“Release――――!!”

Shouting this, arrows are shot in rapid succession from the party, magical arrows and fireballs fly like fireworks, ascending in altitude.

Absolutely no damage!

Not a single hit. The range falls far short.

What’s wrong with these people?

Are they trying to just alert the Pteranodon?

How pointless――――!!

The Pteranodon ascends and spirals around, completely unharmed.

It’s hopeless at this point.

What are you doing, Team Justice…

After about fifteen minutes of buzzing around and making a fuss, the Justice members return.

Arrows are depleted, and magic has worn off, I suppose.

“See that? It’s a formidable foe even for us Class 1 Hunters! Don’t think a bunch of amateurs like you can capture something as difficult as this!”

…Is that all they have to say after causing so much interference?