Helping Girl

The disturbance that occurred in Count Karion's territory was resolved by the royal knights, who successfully defeated the cause, the Orc Lord.

King Theodore, along with Prime Minister Fanel, discussed how to reward each lord and knight based on the reports.

"For each lord, we'll provide a reward. The issue lies with the Yarlow family," The king said.

"Swift rescue, rebuilding the collapsed defense line, and the pinnacle – blocking the dungeon with a small force. It seems the one who blocked the dungeon was Asher, the third son," Fanel said.

"If Asher had joined forces with the Yarlow Knights, the defeat of the Orc Lord would have been possible. This is a merit that cannot be overlooked."

"The knights hurried to the scene, but they couldn't make it in time for the siege. If they hadn't defeated the Orc Lord independently, it would have been a complete loss of face."

"All right. I've decided. We'll award the prize money, of course, but let's elevate Asher to the rank of Baron."

"Is it appropriate to decide on a peerage so easily?"

"If we consider his abilities, even Baron might be inadequate. However, considering his age, it's not wise to rush. I'm thinking of promoting him further in the future."

"What do you want to do with Asher?"

"It depends on him, but I'm considering establishing a new knights' order or appointing him to important positions within the knights."

"Understood. I'll make arrangements to ensure the peerage goes smoothly on my end."

"I'm counting on you."

Asher led a carefree life, improving magical tools and conducting research on ancient magic in desert areas, and today, he visited a secluded forest to gather materials for alchemy, as requested by his father.

"I had a tough time last time I came here. Let's be cautious."

The magical creatures in the secluded area were strong but not unbeatable.

The issue was their number.

"Sneak quietly..."

While being aware of the magical creatures with his sensing ability, Asher cautiously collected the desired herbs.

As he advanced, avoiding the creatures, he discovered a herb-rich area.

"I want to take it, but if I go, it'll lead to a battle. If I defeat that one quickly, maybe it'll be fine."

His target was an Earth Dragon.

Asher closed the distance with Thunderous Footwork and beheaded it.

The Earth Dragon fell to the side and disappeared into the mist.

While drops from dragon types were valuable and expensive, Asher couldn't be pleased.

The Earth Dragon, sensing a disturbance with the sound, started approaching.

"I thought I was being careful, but this is how it ends up, huh?"

Complaining, Asher continued hunting the approaching Earth Dragons.

Although he successfully eliminated the surrounding Earth Dragons and collected the desired herbs, he only returned after the sun had set.

Asher and his family were summoned to the royal capital once again.

With some time before the audience, they visited the old bookstore they had been to last time.

The elderly clerk warmly welcomed them. "Ah, you've come again."

Asher, who had earned substantial profits from various endeavors, had been given a significant allowance. He pulled out one intriguing book after another and lined them up.

"I'm glad you're buying, but is it really okay to spend this much?" the clerk asked.

"I don't know when I'll be able to come to the capital again," Asher replied.

He paid for the purchased books and stored them in his item box.

"As a token of appreciation for buying so many books. If there's any specific genre you're interested in, I can gather books from that area," the clerk offered.

"Well, ancient magic-related books would be appreciated," Asher said.

"Understood. It might take some time, but I can gather them since there are few buyers. Also, next year, you plan to enroll in the capital's academy, right?"

"Yes, I have such a plan," Asher nodded, and he left the bookstore without a particular goal; Asher aimlessly explored the city.

Leaving the upscale area, he entered a residential district with numerous street vendors.

Feeling the pleasant aroma, Asher bought three skewers of grilled meat.

He took one bite and stored the rest in his item box.

As he walked again, he heard the voice of a crying girl.

Unable to ignore it, Asher approached the girl.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Ugh, I got separated from my mom," The crying girl said as she saw Asher.

"That's tough. Let's look for her together."

"Thank you, big brother."

The crying girl made a whimpering sound.

"Maybe you're hungry. If you'd like, you can have this," Asher said, taking out one of the skewers he bought.

"Big brother, this is delicious!"

"That's good. Let's hold hands so you won't get lost."

"Okay."

"What did your mom say she was going to buy?"

"Um, she said she was going to buy fish and vegetables."

"I see. In that case, let's try to find a fish market and a vegetable vendor."

"Okay."

Asher walked, holding hands with the girl, searching for a fish market and a vegetable vendor.

It turned out the girl's mother had been looking for her, and she was quickly found.

"Lyla, I was so worried when you suddenly disappeared," The girl's mother hugged the girl tightly as she spoke.

"Big brother helped me look for you."

"Thank you."

"No problem. I couldn't just leave her alone."

After the girl and her mother bowed, they disappeared into the crowd.

Asher, aware of the time, headed towards the inn.