Ray was told to decide on compensation for the lightning god's axe, but he couldn't help but twist his head.

(Compensation. I guess it's money in general, but I'm not worried about money. Then magic items? Thunder god's axe is certainly attractive. But if it were a spear, but an axe, it would be of little use to me.)

　In Ray's mind, the figure of Power Axe, who handed over to Arla, passes by.
　That Power Axe was a pretty high-ranking magic item, though it was inferior to the Axe of Thunder God. But Ray's weapons are essentially death-sized, long-range throwing spears. The rest is a spare dagger. So he had been kept dead in the Mistilling after taking it from Vargas until he handed it over to Arla.
　Of course, there are quite a few adventurers who use Battleax. But fortunately or unfortunately, few of Ray's team members used Battleax. Therefore, until there was trouble with Arla's sword becoming useless, Power Axe had no chance at all.

(In that case, there is no point in receiving compensation with magic items.) Nothing stands out except the axe of the god of thunder. It doesn't make much sense to me that I'm good at the magic of fire, even with necklaces that enhance fire defense. ...then... no, wait, Rank A party. In other words, if you think of it as a military force... can you do it?)

　I rush to put together what comes to mind. After about 30 seconds, Ray opens his mouth.

"Compensation, in other words, repaying my debt to you?"
"Well, that's what I understand. What about Elk?"

　Marina nods to Ray's words and turns her eyes to Elk.

"Of course. I'll do everything I can."

　Elk also asserts, nodding to Ray sitting beside him.
　When Ray hears the remark, he opens his mouth, smiling inwardly but keeping his emotions from the surface.

"Well, then, the war against the Bestian Empire will soon break out. I want you to take part in the war. It is also possible to maximize the power of the god of thunder as an axe. The more damage it inflicts on the Westian Empire, the better."
"...what? Is that all?"

　Elk involuntarily asks back at Ray's suggestion.
　Even for Elk, this kingdom of Milliana is home to love. Besides, the city of Gilm also considers itself a place to bury its bones. I had always intended to participate in the war as a mercenary treatment to protect the country and the city.
　In fact, the country would welcome the Axe of Raijin, who is also a Rank A party, if it participated in the war. A Rank A adventurer is by no means a position that can be reached by strength alone, but strength itself is a position to be reckoned with.

"Oh, but of course, I don't agree with most of the results. I expect great results from the war, such as beheading an enemy general and knocking down an enemy soldier."
"... All right,"

　Elk listens to Ray and nods firmly.
　For Elk, Ray's suggestion was nothing but a ship. Because the people of the Vestian Empire held their beloved families hostage. He was then ordered to kill Ray in exchange for his life.

If I hadn't been assassinated by Ray... as an ordinary adventurer, I'd probably have killed him. And after that, it is highly likely that I had been killed again as if I had done nothing. Anyway, Min and Rodos are being held hostage. And when I die, Min and Rodos... I have to pay back my debt for making such a fool of myself.)

　Elk is renewing his resolve to the Westian Empire. Fights and bloodsheds pour out of the giant body.

"What!"

　Rodos breathes for a moment at his father's appearance and watches the others, but the rest of us are ignoring the air released from the elk without any change of expression.

(...you're still short of ability.) I'm the cause of this case, too.)

　Marina turns her eyes to Min and Rodos as Rodos breathes out.
　Rodos has met Marina, the guildmaster, several times, as long as she is a member of the Axe of Thunder God. Still, Marina's overflowing charm always caught my eye.
　However, this time, Elk's murder saved him from being frightened inside, no matter how he looked like.

"And Elk has done well in the war. What about the other two?"
"Wait a minute, Guildmaster! I'm the one who carried out Ray's assassination. For these two..."

　Maybe Marina's words were too unexpected, but Elk was able to clear away the murder that had erupted until just a few seconds ago.
　But Marina shakes her head in silence at Elk's words.

"No, I'm sorry, but this is not just about you, it's about the whole axe of Thunder God. Then, of course, the whole axe of the Thunder God will take your punishment."
"But Guildmaster!"

　Elk tried to insist, but surprisingly, it was Min sitting next to Elk who stopped it.

"I don't mind, Elk. You are the one who remembers my anger at the Empire of Bestia."
"Min... but what do you do with Rodos? Indeed, Rodos is much stronger than the soldiers around him in terms of ability. I've had the experience of killing thieves. But you know that that's the difference between that and the actual war?"
"Father! Me too..."

　Rodos shouted at Elk's insistence, but when he turned a sharp glance back, he couldn't speak any more and went silent.
　Min opens his mouth, smiling bitterly at his son's appearance.

"Don't worry. I'm originally a wizard, so let me concentrate on shooting magic from behind. Rodos will stand by as my bodyguard. I won't say I'm on the front line, unlike you."
"... then..."

　Elk tried to nod to his unwilling wife's opinion, but she was approached again.

"Wait, both of you," I'm glad you're worried about me, but I'm the biggest reason for this incident. That's why I want to be held accountable."

　Rodos withdrew from Elk's gaze a few seconds ago, but he still reopened his mouth.
　When Elk tried to say something about it again...

"Oh, talk about it later at a family meeting or something. Anyway, my request is that the axe of the god of thunder participate in the war. You can decide on the division of roles."Ray interrupts me.
　For Ray, the key to this penalty is the existence of Elk. Elk, a Rank A adventurer, will be a sufficient force for the kingdom of Milliana if he exerts his full strength. Also, it is true that Min is a very skilled wizard, so I thought it would be all right if he could show his skills.

(There is no doubt that in this war, there will be some sort of beast soldiers.) If so, we need to have as much military strength as possible. In that sense, my aim was achieved when I pulled Elk and Min to the battlefield. I'm sorry for Rodos, but he'll be treated the same whether he's present or not. though, as Elk said, he was much stronger than the average soldier.)

　If you think like that, even Marina, who was listening silently, clapped her hands and attracted the attention of those present.

"Well, Ray's punishment for the lightning god's axe is to participate in the war." I'm sorry, but as long as it's a punishment, I won't get paid."
"Oh, no problem,"

　Indeed, the rewards of being hired as mercenaries in a war are not so high, but the more distinguished you achieve, the greater the rewards. However, the Elks, who have been working as Rank A adventurers, have no particular interest in rewards because they have so much money to spare, and the lack of rewards for participating in the war has been a pain, after all.

"The guild will forfeit the reward of the Thunder God's axe." for that will be the punishment from the guild to the axe of the Thunder God."
"All right. ... Guildmaster, Ray. I've caused you a lot of trouble this time. I'm sorry."

　Elk bowed, followed by Min and Rodos.
　just a few seconds Soon Marina opens her mouth.

"I wouldn't say that it was unavoidable, but this incident happened just as it should have happened. Also, as mentioned during the war, you too should stop overprotecting Rodos. I know they're cute, but that's going to hamper the child's growth itself, not so much guildmasters as dark elves who live longer than you do."
「……」

　With her head up, Marina continues to speak to Elk and Min, who remain silent.

"I'm not saying it's wrong to have a family party. Actually, I've seen as many stars as I've ever had a family party. Besides, the axe of the god of thunder is powerful and has risen to rank A. But it's true that we need things like parental separation and child separation. Think about it carefully. ...oh, you've talked about something that's out of course. That's it anyway! I'll contact Dusker, so don't worry. You guys should get fit for the war and keep your skills in shape. Well, you can go."

　That's the end of the conversation, Marina, standing up from the sofa and looking over the papers.
　The four of us were watching the situation, but eventually we left the office, wondering if there was any point in staying here.





"Ray, what's that?" Why don't we have dinner together? It's not a token of gratitude, but I'll treat you to dinner."

　That was the first word that came out of Elk's mouth after he left the guild.
　As might be expected, he must be sorry for the inconvenience caused by this incident.

"Well, if you're going to treat me, I'd be very pleased. Of course, not only me, but also Seto?"
"Glu?"

　Elk couldn't have refused to accept the fact that Ray came out of the guild, and that Seto, who was approaching him, would tilt his head slightly and give him food.

"Yes, of course," But where do you eat? We're not the only one, but we shouldn't take Seto to a regular dining-room, should we?"
"Well, that'said he. As far as I know, Manjotei will serve dishes to Seto. but I can't go into the shop."
"Full house? Min, do you know?"
"Oh, I'm sure it's on the back street. I think the owner's son was an adventurer. I've heard that the taste and quantity are better than average."
"Well, that's where it's decided. Rodos is good, isn't he?"
"Huh? Oh, yes. I don't mind... Oh, no, I'm sorry. I don't care after all. I'd like to think about something by myself, and I'll break up here."

　Rodos says so, and Elk and Min leave without time to say anything.
　For Rodos, it was because he wanted time to reflect on what Marina had told him.
　Elk and Min must have figured it out. He looked a little disappointed, but sent them off without saying anything in particular.

「……さて、じゃあ行くか. 今日は色々あったから思い切り食べて、飲むぞ. レイとセトも好きなだけ食ってくれ. さ、その満腹亭とやらまで案内を頼む」

　エルクにそう言われ、レイは特に何かを言うでもなくそのまま満腹亭へと向かうのだった.





「へぇ……こりゃなかなか」

　テーブルの上に乗った肉の炒め物や串焼き、あるいはシチューといったものを口へと運びながらエルクが満足そうに呟く.
　その手には度数の高いアルコールの入ったコップがあり、料理を摘みつつ口に運んでいる.
　a full‐bodied restaurant that can be called a commoner's restaurant Originally, it would have been a big deal if a celebrity like Elk had arrived, but only the customers in the restaurant were surprised by the appearance of Elk because they had only a few customers in the restaurant because they had only arrived after 2 p.m. and after noon, and also because the owner, Dischott, thoughtfully reserved the restaurant.
　And even for those customers, a few of us cannot make such a fuss because of the presence of Elk. Ray and Elk were able to enjoy their meal without being disturbed by people around them. However, Seto was not able to enter the dining room as a matter of course, so he had to eat outside.

"Wait a minute,"

　Saying so, Dischott next brought a crisp outside and juicy-baked fangboa steak.
　Dischott's skill as a cook is to have little taste of meat.
　Ray smiles as if he had thought of mischief when he saw such steak.

"Dishot, wouldn't you like to try seasoned yaki-udon that doesn't exist in this town?"
"Oh, is that a challenge against me? Okay, let's accept that challenge."

　A smiley disshot of Rey's words to tell her whether she was inspired by her pride as a cook.
　In response, Ray also smiled and took out a pot containing demi-glace-sauce-flavored fried udon noodles he had obtained in the city of Abuero.





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