Chapter 24

Chapter 24: The Apostle of Clover!

"Everyone, Takuto-sama has graciously agreed to the extermination of the orcs," Lila said to the villagers with a refreshed expression.

The villagers were filled with joy.

I, however, wasn't entirely convinced.

"Takuto-sama, thank you for accepting," the villagers expressed their gratitude one by one.

...But we haven't defeated them yet.

"Well then, I'll take my leave around here," Lila said and disappeared into the forest.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Returning to the village with the delighted villagers.

Today, they would stay in the guest room of the village chief's house.

Shiro and Kuro were sent to scout the orc settlement.

They said, "We apologize for having you work until nighttime," but they seemed unusually motivated.

In just one day, their unique skills were greatly enhanced.

It was a delightful thing!

Since I realized that thanking Eriene would only make her more conceited, I decided to keep quiet.

There was a sound of knocking on the door twice.

"Come in," I called out, and the couple entered.

"What brings you here at this late hour?" I wanted to ask, but it came out as, "Do you have something to discuss at this late hour?"

Well, the villagers are aware of the curse, so it didn't make them uncomfortable.

"Well, actually, we have something important to discuss..." the couple wanted to know if we had brought any belongings of the woman who was kidnapped during the goblin attack.

"I'm not particularly sure, but I'll investigate. Please wait outside," I told the couple and checked the stolen items from the treasure trove in the item box.

Among them was a wooden box about fifty centimeters long.

When I opened the lid, I found hair ornaments and precious metals inside.

At a glance, I understood that they belonged to the kidnapped women.

"Please gather all the families of the kidnapped people," I requested the couple.

"What's happening?" The village chief approached, concerned about the commotion.

I explained that it wasn't an attack by monsters or anything like that.

Since the relevant people seemed to have gathered,

"I found these in the goblin treasure trove. Perhaps there might be belongings of your families as well," I said, moving the wooden box in front of everyone and opening it to reveal its contents.

"You can take all the related items with you."

"I said that and moved away from the wooden box.

The villagers were desperately searching for any belongings related to their wives and daughters.

Those who found something early were in tears.

It would be great if everyone could find something...

In the end, I didn't bring the belongings of those girls who were in the mating area, so those nine girls probably don't have any belongings.

"Thank you very much."

Fran came over to express her gratitude.

"...I'm sorry about your sister."

"No, that was my sister's wish."

Her profile looked lonely.

As someone without siblings, I don't really understand the relationship between siblings.

However, I can understand that it's sad when someone important is gone.

"So you're going to the orc village?"

"It's just how things turned out. I'm thinking of going tomorrow night."

"I see."

It's been a while since I've been alone with a woman.

The conversation doesn't flow.

Was I always this socially awkward?

"Shiro-chan, you're cute."

"Hm? Is that so?"

While Lira and I were together, Kuro was watching from above.

Shiro was popular with the children, so we left her as she was.

Shiro seemed quite tired, though...

"Aren't you scared?"

"If I say I'm not afraid of monsters, it would be a lie. I was kidnapped... But just like not all humans are good, I don't think all monsters are bad either."

It's comforting to know that there are people who think like this.

"What is that mark on Takuto-sama's clothes?"

"Oh, this? It's called 'four-leaf' and it's the mark of the god we believe in. I wear it at all times to show that I'm on a journey for the purpose of bringing peace to this world and to make people believe in the god, even if just a little."

"I see. If Takuto-sama believes in it, then that god must be amazing!"

If my reputation goes up, it's good for Elaine's reputation too.

But something annoys me.

Elaine is undoubtedly an amazing god in her own dimension.

"Now that worshiping gods is no longer a thing, I think your way of thinking is wonderful."

"I see. Thank you."

"I suppose Takuto-sama is the 'Apostle of the Four-leaf.'"

Apostle of the Four-leaf, huh!

It sounds cool somehow.

From now on, I'll use this name!"