許されない奴隷の欲張り
もうやってきて一週間になる国、ミニエラの入り口を潜って外に出た。ルルちゃんは外に出ることに少し不安を覚えた表情を浮かべていたけれど、手を引いたらゆっくりとだけど入り口を潜って付いて来てくれた。
僕の受けた依頼内容に記された薬草というのは、この国の周囲に群生している『ヒラシナ草』、その依頼量は50本だ。期日の一週間というのは、おそらくかなり多く見積もっているのだろう。
依頼人からすれば、Hランクの依頼が冒険者にあまり受けられないことなど既に周知の事実、寧ろ僕みたいなHランクの冒険者はSランクの冒険者と同じくらいに珍しいからね。
故に、一週間という長い期日を与え、Gランク以上の冒険者達に片手間でやって貰うことを期待する。もしも受注されなかった場合は、自分達で行くしかないのだろうけど。やって貰えるのならそれに越したことはないってことか。
まぁこの国には僕がいるからね。都合よく雑用に走ってくれる
「えーと、この辺だっけ?」
「うん! ヒラシナ草の群生地帯だね! 前にも来たし、間違いないよ!」
この一週間で僕がこなした依頼数は全部で17件。その中で国外へ出て薬草や資材を調達する依頼は5件、その中に今回と同じヒラシナ草の採集依頼は2件あった。その際、ヒラシナ草が群生しているこの場所を見つけたんだよね。
いっぱい生えている代わりに、魔獣も多く出没するのが難点だけど、フィニアちゃんの魔法は便利だ。まぁそのせいでリーシェちゃんと訓練に出た時武器の存在を忘れちゃったんだけどさ。
「じゃあルルちゃん」
「はい」
「これと同じ薬草を50本、集めてくれる?」
僕の隣でヒラシナ草を見ているルルちゃんに、一本ヒラシナ草を取って見せながらそう言った。
彼女はどうも奴隷根性の染みついた所が多い。それを考えると、彼女は命令がないと不安になる子なのかもしれないという可能性が出てくる。
であれば、多少は頼み事をする方が良いかなと思うんだよね。
「分かりました」
すると、ルルちゃんは頼んだ通りヒラシナ草を採取し始めた。その場にしゃがんでぶちぶちと手際良く採取していく。この分なら一時間も掛からず集まるだろう。
それが終わったら、雑魚魔獣と戦ってレベルを上げるかな。そういえば彼女の衰弱はどうなったんだろう? 今日は昨日と違って元気そうだけど。
ステータス、ステータスっと。
◇ステータス◇
名前:ルル・ソレイユ
性別:女 Lv1
筋力:150
体力:100
耐性:50
魔力:100
称号:『奴隷』
スキル:なし
固有スキル:???
PTメンバー:◎薙刀桔音、フィニア(妖精)
◇
おや? 昨日今日で衰弱が消えている。随分と回復が早いなぁ、これも獣人の特性なのかな? ステータスには映らない能力っていうのも、あるのかもしれないなぁ。称号っていうのも何なのか気になるし、表記が謎のままの固有スキルも気になる。まだまだ、僕達には秘められた可能性がある気がする。
「フィニアちゃん」
「うん!」
だからまぁ、それはいつかきっと僕達の力になってくれる筈だ。今はとりあえず、出来ることをしよう。
目の前に、猪型の魔獣が3体現れた。彼らは狼達と同じ雑魚だ、今の僕のステータスなら彼らの攻撃程度、全然効かない。
猪突猛進という言葉になるほどの突進力には眼を見張るものがあるけど、その威力は大したことないからね。どうやらあの猪達は大きさの割に質量はそれほどでもないようだ。
「!?」
「大丈夫だよ、ルルちゃん。君はそのまま薬草を取ってて頂戴、彼らは僕達がなんとかするからさ」
丁度良い、ここらで一回ルルちゃんに見せておこうか。自分の主人がどれほどの存在なのか。この猪達、一瞬で叩きのめしてやろうじゃないか。
「掛かっておいで、子豚ちゃん達」
フィニアちゃんが!
◇ ◇ ◇
きつね様達に連れられて、
今日は朝目覚めた時から、失敗したと思った。主人よりも後に起きるだなんて、奴隷としてあり得ない失態。寝起きだというのに一瞬で眠気は覚めて、顔が青褪めるのを感じながら謝った。
結果としてきつね様は私を許してくれたけど、挽回しないとと思った。
朝食を食べて、きつね様が泊まっている宿の女将が私に服を与えてくれた。緑色で動きやすく、何より綺麗な布で作られていて、私が着た事も無い可愛い服。奴隷がこんな服を着ても良いのかと思ったけど、きつね様が可愛いと褒めてくれたので、恥ずかしかったけどありがたく受け取らせてもらった。
それから、きつね様が冒険者であることを知った。冒険者ギルドに連れて来られて、入る前に注意をいただいた。
話しかけられたら強気で、手を上げてきたら股間を殴る。心にしっかりと刻みつけた。
中に入ると、きつね様に大きな男の人が話し掛けて来た。妖精様が私の肩に乗り移ってきて、凄く緊張したけれど、妖精様は私に助言を下さった。
『ルルちゃんルルちゃん、今こそ強気で行くところだよ! あの男の人の前に出て、私が言ったことを繰り返すんだ!』
妖精様は私に挽回の機会を下さるようだった。ギルドの前で言われたことを思い出し、確かにここで頑張らないと駄目だと思った。
『う、うるさい、このたまなし野郎』
意味は分からなかったけど、妖精様は良い感じと褒めてくださったので、きっとこれで良いのだろう。
『し、喋らないでっ! く、臭いっ......!』
そう言ったら男の人はショックを受けた様に頭を抱えた。なんだか悪い気がしてきたけれど、妖精様がよくやったと褒めてくれたので、きっとこれで良いのだろうと思う。
そうしたら、男の人が手を上げて顔を拭った。
『手を上げて』、顔を拭った。
私はハッときつね様に言われたことを思い出す。手を上げてきたら股間を殴れ。それを実践しなければ。
私は拳を作って、男の人の股間を殴った。ぐしゃっと拳にへんな感覚が伝わって来たけど、私の心の中には達成感で満たされていた。やった、きつね様の命令通りにやれた。これで朝の失態を挽回出来た! そう思った。
『きつね様......や、やりました』
そう言ったら、きつね様は私を褒めてくれた。この調子できつね様の役に立てば、きっともっと褒めてくれる。何故かはまだ分からないけど、きつね様は
そして今に至る。草原に連れて来られた私は、きつね様の命令通り薬草を採取している。でも、その手は止まっていた。
何故なら、目の前の光景が信じられなかったからだ。
「フィニアちゃん! 早くやって! 死ぬ! 僕死んじゃうから!」
「任せて! まとめて吹き飛ばすから!」
「それ僕も死ぬんじゃない!?」
きつね様は3体の猪型魔獣を相手に悠々と挑んで行った。その姿はまるでおとぎ話の勇者様のようで、カッコいいと思った。
けれど、おとぎ話の様にはいかず、きつね様は今その魔獣3体に押し潰されている。一斉に突進してきた魔獣達に押し倒されたのだ。怪我はないようだけれど、噛みついてくる猪達を抑えながら必死にもがいている。
大丈夫なのかと内心穏やかでは無かったけれど、妖精様が両手を前に出したかと思うと、魔獣達は一瞬で吹き飛ばされていた。
見ればその身体には神々しく光る光の矢が眉間に突き刺さっており、見ただけで魔獣達が息絶えているのが分かった。恐らくは魔法、でも3体同時に、しかも凄まじい命中率、妖精様の魔法の腕が高いことが窺えた。
「ふぅー......いやぁ楽勝だったね」
「きつねさん何かしたっけ?」
「したよ、3体もの魔獣の突進を抑え込み、フィニアちゃんの攻撃する隙を見事に作って見せたじゃないか」
「物は言い様だね! さすがきつねさん、口だけは達者!」
「的確に人の心を抉る君には負けるよ」
きつね様と妖精様は良く喧嘩している。でも仲が悪いのかと思ったら、食事の時はきつね様が妖精様に食事を分けていたり、きつね様が妖精様を見る眼がとても優しかったり、妖精様がきつね様に向ける笑顔がとても純粋だったり、正直良く分からない。
でも、二人のいる光景は、いいなぁって思う。
「あ......取らないと......」
ハッと気付いて、薬草を取る作業に戻る。ちゃんと作業しないときつね様に怒られるかもしれない。きつね様は優しいけれど、怒らないわけじゃない。奴隷商のあの男と話している時のきつね様は、何か怒っている様だったから。
「ルルちゃん取れた?」
きつね様が覗きこむように問いかけてくる。まだ目標量には届いていない、怒られるかもしれないと思いながら、自然と俯きつつ答える。
「ま、まだ......取れてません」
「そう、ゆっくりでいいからね?」
「は、はい」
きつね様はそう言って、私の頭を撫でた。優しく髪を梳く手が温かくて気持ちいい。昨日気が付いたけれど、私は頭を撫でられるのに弱いみたい。気持ちよくてついつい無意識に頭を手に擦りつけてしまう。
「それじゃ、僕達は魔獣達を近寄らせないから取れたら言ってね」
「ふぁい......」
きつね様の手が離れて行く。温かい手の感触が離れるのを感じて、ハッとなる。返事も何処か気の抜けたような返事になってしまった。気を引き締めないといけない。
それから、しばらく私は戦うきつね様達の後ろで薬草を取り続けた。気が付けば言われていた50本を超えて、100は越える本数の薬草を取ってしまっていたけれど、振り返ればもう10体目になる魔獣と戦っていたきつね様がいた。表情は余裕そうだけれど、変わらずのしかかられている。
取り終えたことを伝えると、妖精様がきつね様の上に乗っていた魔獣を吹き飛ばし、私の下へときつね様達は戻ってきた。
「うん、取りすぎちゃったみたいだねぇ」
「ごめんなさい......」
「いやいや、多い分には良いと思う。良く頑張ったね」
「凄いぞルルちゃん! 私なんか5本くらいで飽きちゃう気がする!」
「フィニアちゃんはもっと頑張れば良いと思うな僕」
きつね様も妖精様も私をまた褒めてくれた。こうして褒められていると嬉しいけれど、怒られないというのは少しだけ不安になって来る。
それに、二人がまた言い合っているのを見て、私もあんな風に仲良くなれるのだろうかと欲が出てしまう。奴隷がそんな事を想ってしまうのは、酷い欲張りだ。
「さ、それじゃあルルちゃん、今度は戦ってみようか」
「えっ......」
すると、きつね様が私にそう言った。戦う? 魔獣と? 確かに私は奴隷で、命令には何でも言うことを聞かないといけない......けれど、魔獣となんて戦えば死んでしまう。戦ったことなんて一度も無いのだから。
「い、いや......」
だから、私は奴隷らしからぬ返答を返した、命令を拒否してしまった。こんどこそ怒られると思った。命令の聞けない奴隷は要らないと言われると思った。
「え?」
「ん? 何を不思議そうな顔をしてるんだいルルちゃん。最初に言っただろう、嫌なことはしなくても良いって」
私の考えに反して、きつね様は私を怒らずそう言った。確かに最初にそう言われたけれど、本当に命令に背いても良いだなんて思わない。だって、それはまるで奴隷じゃなくて、家族や友人の様な扱いではないか。私が望む様な、夢のような展開ではないか。欲張りを許されるようなものではないか。
そんなの絶対、許されない。
「そんなの......そんなの駄目です......!」
だから、私は自然と......そう言ってしまった。
Unallowed slave's greed.
It's one week already since we arrived at this country, Miniera, and now we're passing through its entrance gate to go outside. Lulu-chan looks somewhat restless to go outside, but being led by hand by me, even if slowly, she is following me passing through the gate.
The medicinal herb which is our objective at this request, if I remember it correctly it is "Hirashina Grass" which grow around this country, the minimum quota is fifty. With one week time limit, perhaps that is supposed to be quite an amount.
For the client, the fact that an H rank requests isn't too popular among the adventurers is already become a well-known fact, or rather an H rank adventurer like me is approximately as rare as an S rank adventurer after all.
Therefore, by giving one week time limit, they hoped that a G rank adventurers or above would take this request at their spare times. If there's none who take their request, they have no choice but to do it by themselves though. So that means there's nothing better than when there's someone who would take it huh.
Well, I'm here at this country after all. The Naginata Kitsune (H rank adventurer) who always enthusiastically take an odd job request. The Me who have 100% request completion rate!
"Hmm, it's around here right?"
"Yes! Here is Hirashina grass' growing area! Since we've came here before, there's no doubt about it!"
The amount of the request which I've took at this one week is 17 requests. Among it, there were five request to collect some medicinal herbs, and among it there were two request to collect Hirashina grass similar like this time. At that time, we stumbled upon this place where Hirashina grass are growing in mass after all.
In exchange that there are many of it growing here, the bad side is the fact that there are many magical beasts appeared here, but Finia-chan's magic sure is handy. Well, because of that at the time we trained with Rishe-chan, I forgot about the existence called weapon though.
"Well then, Lulu-chan."
"Yes."
"Fifty medicinal herbs like this one, can you help me to collect it?"
To Lulu-chan who is also looking for the Hirashina grass next to me, I said that to her while showing one of the Hirashina grass which I pick.
The servile character is sure stuck deep inside her. Considering that, there is a possibility that she is a child who would go anxiety if she doesn't get any order.
If that's the case, I think asking a favor to her would be better here.
"I understand."
And then, Lulu-chan starts to collect Hirashina herbs as per my request. Squatting there, she skillfully collect it. At this rate, we would be able to fulfill the quota at one hour.
When we finish it, should we go leveling by hunting some small fry magical beasts? Come to think of it, what happen with her weakened state? Today she looks somewhat lively different than yesterday but.
Status, status.
*Status*
Name                        : Lulu Soleil
Gender                     : Female Lv. 1
Strength                   : 150
Stamina                    : 100
Resistance               : 50
Magic Power          : 100
Title                           :{Slave} 
Skill                            : None
Innate skill              : ???
PT Member             : Naginata Kitsune, Finia (Fairy)
*
Oh? The weakened state from yesterday has disappeared. The recovery is quite fast isn't it, is it also demi-human's trait? An ability which isn't reflected on status, perhaps something like that is also exist huh? I'm somewhat interested about her title, and I also interested with her innate skill which is still enigmatically written. Not yet, I have a hunch that there's a potential which still hidden from us.
"Finia-chan."
"Yes!"
Therefore, well, it should be something that would be very useful to us someday. For now, let's just do what we can.
Before us, there are three wild boar shaped magical beasts appear. They are similarly small fry like those wolfs, with my current status, an attack around their level won't affect me at all.
It may looks reckless, since their charge attack looks somewhat frightening, but that level of attack isn't a big deal after all. Seems like those wild boars, compared to their size, their strength aren't that great.
"!?"
"No problem, Lulu-chan. You should just collect the medicinal herbs like that, since we'll do something about them after all."
What a good timing, let's show it here to Lulu-chan. Just how great her master is. Those wild boars, let's beat them up in an instant.
"Bring it on, you little piglet."
By Finia-chan!
* * *
Being led by Kitsune-sama, I (Lulu) was brought to a grassland outside the country to collect the medicinal herbs which is stated at the request.
Even since I wake up late this morning, I thought that I was a failure as a slave. To wake up later than my master is, as a slave that is an unforgivable mistake. At the time I wake myself up, my drowsiness was disappeared in an instant, and then I apologized while I could felt that my face was growing pale.
In the end I was forgiven by Kitsune-sama, but I thought I should recover it.
After we ate breakfast, Kitsune-sama gave me an old clothes from the inn's landlady. With a green color and easy to move, and above all it was produced from a fine cloth, a cute clothes which I never wear even once. I thought as a slave, was it okay to wear such a clothes, but since Kitsune-sama praised me by said that I was cute, that was embarrassing but I gratefully received it.
After that, I was aware that Kitsune-sama is an adventurer. Being brought along to the adventurer guild, I got a caution before we entered it.
I should stayed strong when someone was calling to me, and when there was someone who raised a hand, I should hit his groin. I firmly craved that into my heart.
When we entered it, like Kitsune-sama said, there was a big man came calling to us. Fairy-sama was transferring to my shoulder, I was very nervous, but Fairy-sama gave me an advice.
"Lulu-chan, Lulu-chan, now is the time you should act strong! Step to in front of that man, and then repeat what I'm going to say!"
Fairy-sama was giving me a chance to recover my mistake. I also remembered what Kitsune-sama told me in front of the guild, I indeed thought that I had no choice but to tried my best there. I stepped forward between Kitsune-sama and that man, strongly stared to that man. And then, Fairy-sama whispered to my ear. After I heard it, I repeated it.
"Sh, shut up, you ball-less bastard."
I didn't know what that means, but since Fairy-sama praised me that I had did it well, so with this it should be good right.
"Shut up, don't talk to me! Guh, it stinks....!"
When I said that, the man was standing still as if shocked. I felt as if just did something bad, but since Fairy-sama praised me that I had did it well, so I thought with this it should be good right.
After that, the man was raising his hand and wiped his face.
"Raising his hand" and wiped his face.
I suddenly remembered the order which had been said by Kitsune-sama. When there was someone who raised his hand then hit his groin. I should put that on practice.
I formed a fist, and then punched the man's groin. There was a strange squish sensation at my fist, but my heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment. I did it, I did it as per Kitsune-sama's order. With this I was able to recover my mistake this morning! So I thought.
"Kitsune-sama... I, I did it."
When I said that, Kitsune-sama praised me. If I could be any help for Kitsune-sama like this, I will surely receive more praise. I didn't know the reason yet, but somehow Kitsune-sama was very kind to his slave (me). With this pace, perhaps I won't be thrown away.
And then right now. I, who was brought along to this grassland, am collecting the medicinal herbs as per Kitsune-sama's order. But, my hands is halted.
That's because, the spectacle before me is unbelievable.
"Finia-chan! Do it quickly! Die! I'm going to die!"
"Leave it to me! I'm going to blow it off altogether after all."
"Isn't that means I'm going to die too!?"
Kitsune-sama was calmly challenging the three wild boar shaped magical beasts. His figure was as if a hero from fairy-tale, I thought that he was cool.
But, distant apart from fairy-tale, Kitsune-sama is currently being squashed by those three magical beasts. Being squashed by the three magical beasts which are charging at him at once. He seems like doesn't has any injury, but Kitsune-sama is frantically struggling while suppressing the upcoming bites from those wild boars.
I nervously thought whether is he alright, but as soon as Fairy-sama put both of her hand in front of her, the magical beasts are blown away in an instant.
At a glance, at their bodies there are a shining divine light which are stuck at their forehead, just by looking at it I can understand that those magical beasts have died. Perhaps magic, but three at once, moreover with a terrific accuracy, there's no doubt that Fairy-sama's magic skill is high.
"Fuu... well, that was an easy victory right?"
"Did Kitsune-san do something just now?"
"I did, since I held their charge, there was perfect chance for Finia-chan to attack wasn't it."
"You sure are a smooth talker right! As expected from Kitsune-san, only your mouth sure is exceptional."
"I'm still nothing compared to you who's able to precisely pierce through someone's heart."
Kitsune-sama and Fairy-sama are quarrelling. But I don't think they are on bad terms, at meal time Kitsune-sama would always splits a part from his meal for Fairy-sama, the way Kitsune-sama looking at Fairy-sama is very gentle, and the smile Fairy-sama make toward Kitsune-sama is very pure, honestly I can't understand it.
But, looking at their spectacle, I think that I'm a bit envious of it.
"Ah... I must collect it...."
Suddenly realized it, I start to collect the medicinal herbs again. Kitsune-sama sure is gentle but, it doesn't mean that he won't get angry. At the time he was talking with that slave merchant man, he seemed like angry about something after all.
"Lulu-chan, have you collected it?"
Kitsune-sama asks it while looking at me. I haven't reach the quota yet, while thinking that perhaps he would get angry at me, I spontaneously hung my head when answering.
"Not, yet... I haven't collected it yet."
"I see, it's okay to do it slowly."
"Wh, yes."
Kitsune-sama said that, and caress my head. His hand which gently caress my head is warm and felt good. I've noticed it yesterday, but it seems like got my head caressed is my weakness. Feeling good from it, I unconsciously rub my head to his hand.
"Well then, since we're going to dispose any magical beasts which are trying to come near here, so when you've collected it please call to us."
"Hes...."
Kitsune-sama withdraw his hand. Feeling that that warm hand's sensation is going away, I was taken aback. My answer also somehow felt as if I said it absentmindedly. I must focusing my mind.
After that, for a little a while I was collecting the medicinal herbs while Kitusne-sam and Fairy-sama were fighting against the magical beast. Without me noticed it, I have surpassed the quota already, I unintentionally collected it over 100 pieces, but when I turn my head there is Kitsune-sama who is fighting his tenth magical beast. His appearance looks somewhat calm, but that is always soon changed.
When I said that I have collected it, Fairy-sama is blowing away the magical beast which is pressing over Kitsune-sama, and then they come to my place.
"Yup, seems like you've collected it too much right?"
"I'm sorry...."
"No no, I think the more the better. You did it well."
"You sure are amazing Lulu-chan! Even I'm certain that I would get tired after I collected five of it!"
"I think it would be better for Finia-chan to try a bit harder though."
Kitsune-sama and Fairy-sama are praising me. I'm happy to be praised like it, but I feel a bit uneasy by the fact that they were never angry at me.
Moreover, looking at them who are quarrelling again, I think whether will I be able to getting along well with them like that. For a slave to think about such a thing, that is an awful greed.
"Okay, well then Lulu-chan, for now let's see how you fight."
"Eh...."
And then, Kitsune-sama said that to me. Fight? Against a magical beast? I'm indeed a slave, I have to follow his order....
"N, no...."
Therefore, I reply it with a slave-like answer, and refuse his order. I think that without a doubt he would be angry. Perhaps he will say that he doesn't need a slave which doesn't listen to his order.
"Eh?"
"Hmm? Why do you make such a confused face, Lulu-chan? I've said it at the very beginning right? That you don't need to do something you don't want to."
Contrary to what I thought, Kitsune-sama said that to me without any trace of angry at all. He has indeed said that, I never thought that it was really okay to disobey his order. After all, isn't that means I'm being treat not as if I'm a slave, but as if a family or friend right. Isn't it the development which I desired, this dream-like development. Isn't that as if I'm allowed to be greedy.
Such a thing is absolutely, unforgivable.
"Such a thing... such a thing is no good...."
Therefore, I naturally... said that.
I Kinda Came to Another World, but Where’s the Way Home?
【書籍化】異世界来ちゃったけど帰り道何処？
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/i-kinda-came-to-another-world-but-wheres-the-way-home/
Action Adventure Comedy Drama Fantasy Harem Shounen Slice of Life
Apathetic Protagonist Bullying Calm Protagonist Demi-Humans Demon Lord Demons Dense Protagonist Fairies Game Elements Ghosts Heterochromia Knights Level System Male Protagonist Murders Naive Protagonist R-15 Royalty R*pe S*aves Sword And Magic Transported to Another World Weak Protagonist Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n2650bx/
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