My Reincarnation Skills Are “Playing With Dolls” and “Playing With Clay”, but What Am I Supposed to Do With These? C187

Episode 187: The land of reincarnation of the hero

The night I had dinner with Gomeri and the dwarf family, I was rarely attacked by monsters or thieves. 

The next morning, we rode together in horse-drawn carriages to the next post town, prayed for each other's safety, and parted ways as the family changed course to a town where an acquaintance lived. 

And today, even though I'm continuing along the continent's western highway, I've found a new destination. Sarkia is a local city where it is said that there was once a hero. 

Last night while drinking, we told Gomeri that we were "protecting a scholar who is researching the history of demons and heroes," and Gomery seemed to understand. 

"So you're headed to the birthplace of the hero? I can't miss that place."

That's what I said. 

I was careless because I didn't research it properly beforehand, but apparently the legend says that a hero from 200 years ago appeared in the western city of Sakia, not in Belair, the capital of Meurone. 

"However, back then, the current Meurone Kingdom didn't exist yet."

Butch, who is knowledgeable about military history, explained it to me. 

It is said that 200 years ago, the wide area spanning present-day Meurone and Garis was part of a country called the "Kingdom of Rumeros."

The Remurus Empire had not yet been established, and it seems that the Rumerus Kingdom was one of the countries that supported the hero's party in the battle against the Demon King and became the main force of the Human Alliance. 

In the end, it suffered so much damage in the Great War that it declined, and the territory that is now Garis was ceded to the emerging Lemulus Empire. 

"In other words, it's like the current Meurone has effectively succeeded the Rumeros Kingdom."

　

It's about 50 kunat, or about 90km, to Saakia, so if you try hard you can get there today, or even if you go slowly you can get there tomorrow. 

There was no need to rush, but since it was a gentle downhill road after passing over a mountain pass, the journey went faster than I expected, and by the time the sun was setting, I saw a sign that said ``5 kunat to Sakia''. 

"What should we do? I could go all the way to Sarkia, but if there's an inn in this village, maybe I can stay there."

Maggie, who was taking turns holding the reins, asked everyone for their opinions. That's right, there's no need to rush into a new town at dusk. I can get it by tomorrow morning anyway. 

Moreover, since entering Meurone, the road along the road has been safe, and even though it is a small village, it is neat and tidy, so it doesn't seem like a bad place to go sightseeing. No wonder it is said to have a high level of culture. 

“Then, when you find something that looks like an inn, let’s ask if there are any vacancies there.”

Sitting next to the coachman's seat, I strain my eyes at the buildings that have grown along the road. There are one-story wooden and brick buildings dotted around the area facing the road, and beyond them seems to be a wheat field. 

“Well, I guess it’s ``Norouche’s signature taste,'' and that one is ``Ale with a punch.''

I read the words on the sign with difficulty. 

Apparently this place is called Norush Village. There were also a few pubs, but unfortunately I couldn't find any signboards that looked like inns. 

In the end, I passed by that village... 

Then, just as I was starting to feel like I had no choice but to go all the way to Sakia, I saw a building that looked like an old chapel or monastery on a slight slope beyond the wheat field. 

It doesn't look like anyone is living there anymore, but it doesn't feel particularly creepy. 

"That's a very old style temple."

Lucien leans out from inside the hood and watches. 

"I think that's probably the remains of a castle wall, and I wonder if there was a town here as well."

　

After walking for a while, there was another small village with just a dozen or so private houses scattered about. 

"Ah, 'Tabi-no-Inn Kuanten'? I guess that's a place you can stay the night."

There was an unusual two-story brick building along a small river, and there was a sign with a picture of a mug of sake and a bed on it. 

It seems like it's only 2 or 3 km away from Sarkia. 

"What should we do? It doesn't seem like a very elegant inn."

"No problem, let's see if they're free."

"I think I'm getting hungry soon."

Hearing Maggie and Butch's voices, Nolte's stomach rumbled in approval. 

"Ryokai"

Carmilla and I got off the stopped carriage and opened the door of the inn. 

The first floor is a pub and reception, and the second floor is probably a guest room, similar to a Scutari van inn. 

"Welcome"

A girl around high school age, a little bigger than the girl at the van's inn, called out to me while carrying a mug to a customer. 

Fortunately, there seems to be a room available, and they say they will take care of the horse as well. 

There were two rooms for three people, dinner and breakfast included, hot water, and one silver coin per person, which was a reasonable price. 

"The food looks delicious, there's no strange smell, and it tastes good."

Since Carmilla's OK was also given, I decided to do this. 

Among the customers drinking alcohol, there were some that looked like dog people, and they were sitting with the normal human customers, so it didn't seem uncomfortable for the demi-humans. 

After drying my body with hot water and refreshing myself, I had dinner at a pub. 

The food was so sophisticated that it would be rude to compare it to the food at Ban's inn. 

``We've got some good duck meat, and when we wrap it with herbs that can be found around here and grill it, it gives off a nice aroma and the fat is nice.''

Doesn't that sound like the father of the inn and tavern? The smart old owner explained to me while pouring me a second glass of wine. 

<Lendro human male 61 years old merchant LV8>

Her job is merchant, but her cooking skill is LV5, so it's no wonder she's delicious. The girl serving the customers doesn't seem to be her daughter considering her age. She must be a grandchild or a servant. 

“By the way, where does the name of the inn, Kuanten, come from?”

“The area around this village was originally called Kuanteng…don’t you know that?”

The old master seemed a little disappointed in Maggie's question. 

``This Kuanten is where the city that became the base of the hero was located.It was completely destroyed in the war, but we are the descendants of those who managed to survive, and we are about eight generations old. My ancestors worked as servants at the temple in Kuanteng."

"Eh, isn't the birthplace of the hero the city of Sarkia?"

It seems that Butch's words struck a chord with the Master. 

"What are you talking about? That's just a lie aimed at tourists. That place was originally called Marvel Village, and it was a rural village on the outskirts of Kuanten. That's right, the hero. I may have been there a few times..."

Then, where did Lendro's smart demeanor go? He spoke passionately and passionately about his hometown. 

Apparently, Sarkia is a relatively new town that was formed after Kuanten was destroyed after the Great War, and the people who were burned down in what was originally a farming village gradually gathered there. 

That's fine, but a few decades ago, the feudal lord wanted to make the "City of the Braves" a tourist attraction, and the name of the town was taken from Marvel: "Sarkia," which means something like "City of the Brave Sarkakis." It seems that they have started to make a big appeal instead. 

It's kind of like the Heisei era town revitalization story. 

Well, it seems like there are almost no concrete records left, so I don't really know. 

``The hero is a modest person, and he didn't even let me have his portrait drawn because he didn't want to do anything that would amount to idol worship, and his private life is shrouded in mystery.However, if he were to return to this world again... If the Demon King were to appear, I'm sure he would wake up from his sleep and descend again.''

"Huh? Isn't the hero dead?"

“W-what are you saying so stupidly!!”

Looks like I accidentally stepped on a landmine... 

"The hero will never die. After sealing the Demon King in the last war, he sealed himself and went to sleep so that the seal would never be broken."

"Where are you sleeping?"

"...I don't know about that. But I'm sure he's watching over the world somewhere."

"Are you watching over me even though I'm asleep?"

"Uh, that's too noisy, anything goes to the hero."

"Dad, please stop now. I'm sorry, customer..."

A woman around 40, who appeared to be Lendro's daughter, who was in a passionate speech mode, came out of the kitchen and bowed her head. 

It was an unexpected turn of events, but I learned a lot of information that I didn't know whether it was true or not, so I thought it would be fun...