The Guy Who Doesn't Want to Be Found vs. The Girls Who Want to Know Who He Is - Chapter 37

Chapter 37: Festival Frenzy, Part 2

“Ah, what should I do today?”

I’ve been lounging in my room after eating at the inn. I hung out with the folks from Moon’s Droplets yesterday, but maybe I should get some exercise today?

But then again, I have this nagging feeling that Alice might be suspecting my true identity. It might just be my imagination, though.

“For now, I guess I’ll head to the guild.”

Recalling what Alice mentioned yesterday about information on the mask being posted, I decided to go to the guild. I didn’t have much else planned anyway, so it worked out.

“Ha? Are you serious?”

I’m stunned as I read the notice board. It says that anyone who provides crucial information will be rewarded with 20 gold coins. And if someone could bring the person to the capital, they’d earn five platinum coins.

“…This is bad.”

I had underestimated the situation. If I had defeated an ancient dragon, my rank would be around 9, and if I did it solo, I’d be considered mid to high-level.

I never thought the country would go this far.

“Uhh! This is serious! Is that guy still around here!?”

“Hey! Cancel today’s quest. We’re going to look for any traces! There might still be something in the Hale Forest!”

“With this much gold, I wouldn’t have to do anything for the rest of my life!!”

The adventurers at the guild are making a huge fuss, far more than before. This commotion is likely to continue for a while.

Luckily, there’s a confidentiality obligation at the guild, so unless you’re present, you won’t know about it.

As for me, I haven’t even reported the orc subjugation, and the only one who knows is Spinner, but he isn’t short on money, so it should be fine.

“Sigh, well, it’s a good time for a visit home after a long while.”

I let out a deep sigh and decided to head back to my parents’ house. It should be fine to return once this commotion dies down.

Then I went to the inn to pick up my luggage and left town.

▲▲

“Ah, it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve traveled alone.”

“Ahaha, it’s good to have many acquaintances.”

I was riding in a carriage. On my way home, a young man in the carriage started chatting with me. It turned out we were headed the same way, so I decided to hitch a ride for part of the journey.

“By the way, you look pretty young to be a merchant. How old are you?”

“I’m almost 20, and I’m married too.”

He’s three years older than me. But married at 20? It seems normal in this world to marry around the age of 20. Some even get married or engaged at 16 or 17.

No, that’s definitely too early, though.

>>>>>>>>>

“Well then, this is where I get off. Take care.”

“Yes, thank you for the ride.”

After riding in the carriage for a few hours, it was time to part ways with the merchant. As he disappeared from sight, I flew up in the sky and headed straight for my village.

I could have walked slowly, but I wanted to get back quickly this time.

“Oh? There it is.”

Normally, it would take about a week, but I returned in just a few minutes by flying. As I flew, the village came into view, and I descended directly.

Nothing had changed in the village I returned to after such a long time. I might be biased, but I think my village is a nice place.

There aren’t many residents, but it’s rich in nature, and each house is about the size of an ordinary house.

“Glenn! It’s great you’re back! We were worried, you haven’t come home in two years!”

“Whoa! You scared me!”

As I landed, someone jumped at me almost immediately.

The person was a man with long black hair, looking younger than someone in their early twenties, slightly taller than me, dressed in blue.

“I’m home… Dad.”

“Ah, welcome back… Glenn.”

That’s Northstar Herbert… my father.

“Man, it’s really been a while! So, are you going to stay at home with us starting today?”

“No, I’ll stay for a few days, then head back to town.”

“Is that so… Then, how about coming back every three days?”

My dad looked disappointed, but then he brightened up as if he had a brilliant idea. No, coming back every three days is too often.

It’s like I’d be commuting from here.

“No, that’s too soon… But I’ll come back sooner next time.”

“!!… Alright! Make sure you come back as soon as you can!”

After promising my dad I’d return soon, we went back home together. It felt really nostalgic being back after two years.

As I opened the door, I was greeted with excited noises.

“Quu! Quu!”

“Qwe! Qwe!”

“How have you both been?”

My two pets came over to me. One is Kuu, fluffy and white, looking like a baby seal with a fluffy body. The other is Kue, also fluffy all over, with a gray body and a white belly, resembling a baby penguin.

Kuu used its belly and fins, while Kue waddled over to me.

“Good boys! …Huh?”

While petting them, I noticed something odd.

“Have you guys… gained weight?”

“Quu?”

“Qwe?”

Both pets tilted their heads as if they didn’t understand. They seemed chunkier than before. At first, I thought their fur had just grown, but after touching them, I could tell it wasn’t just that.

“Come here, let me pick you up… here we go!”

“Quu! Quu!”

“Qwe!”

I lifted them both. Yep, they’ve definitely gotten heavier. Much heavier than the last time I picked them up. But Kuu and Kue seemed happy to be held.

“…”

“…Phew.”

After setting them down, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. There’s been someone silent this whole time, not even looking at me, staring off into the distance.

“Hey, Dad?”

“What is it?”

“Kuu and Kue seem a lot heavier… Do you know anything about that?”

“I—I don’t know? Really, I don’t.”

“If you lie, I won’t come back home again.”

“Yes… I’ve been giving them lots of snacks before breakfast and after dinner…”

He confessed right away. It turned out Dad was the reason the two pets had gotten so plump.

“I’ve told you before! You shouldn’t give them too many snacks!”

“…Yes… I’m sorry…”

“Didn’t I say last time you were overfeeding them? Dad, you always do this!”

As I started lecturing him, Dad just shrank more and more.

The first thing I did when I got home was give Dad a lecture.