The Fate X Dungeon
Ch#10 - Girls hoping for Help
After the threat of the bandits had passed, people could already feel relieved. Some may still be anxious, judging by the way they stole a glance at me talking to the village chief.
Dorran was the village head of Arunn, and he was also the old man who was dragged away by the bandits before. He said the bandits were paid to find someone, and they believed that the wanted man was hiding in the village. They also tell that before this there were some people from outside who asked the residents, until they found the awkwardness when they found some unknown people began to sneak into the village.
I calmly listened to every explanation, and occasionally nodded in response. The bandit group that attacked earlier was strange in my opinion, but because I can't be sure so I can only stay still without adding to Dorran's mind load.
The elderly village chief started to get agitated as he had not heard the thing they wanted to hear so much, so asked me with a huffed expression.
“Master, what can we give as an expression of gratitude? Master is our savior, so we will repay your kindness.”
“Of course, I'll take the payment later. For now enough to get here, I still have other business.” Hearing my words, Dorran could only nod with resignation.
Actually I just don't want to talk about my business when the village is in this condition. I'm not a person who doesn't know myself until you blackmail someone who is in trouble.
Today it was enough to sow seeds of trust, respect, and fear in the villagers. So that I can pick the fruit later.
“My lord, their bodies have been collected as you requested.” said Sella who had just returned from the task I gave her.
His skills are truly commendable. He was polite and spoke to me in front of a lot of people, without needing to ask of course. Even though Sella still wore a robe to cover her horns and wings, people seemed wary of the unusual aura emanating from her. So since I am the master, the judgment towards me will increase in their eyes.
In addition to those inside the village, the bandits watching from outside the village had also been cleared by the shadow walker. I thought that there would be one or two people capable of defeating the shadow walker, but it seems that I was over-assessing them.
Now that the bandit problem is settled, the fire that burned the village has also been extinguished with magic, fostering the trust of the people in the village has also been done. I just need to earn their loyalty.
That's how I am in my heart. Although it sounds simple but does not mean easy to do. Well then, for now it is better to do what is in front of the eyes first.
“Alright, then I'll go. I'll come to you when this village has recovered.”
“Tu-Wait sir! Will this happen again?” asked the village chief looking worried, just before I turned around to leave him.
While maintaining my self, I promised something to calm him down.
“Don't worry, I'll send some of my familiar to guard around the village. They will act as your guarantor of security and also as your guarantor if you betray me.”.
“There may be us betraying. You are our savior.” replied after hearing my words. The look that was shown to me was obvious because of fear. Fear of people with powers beyond their logic.
Even though they didn't betray me, this wasn't the loyalty I expected. Ah, nevermind.
Having no more business, I immediately left while maintaining calm in my expression and steps.
I originally wanted to use displacement magic after coming out of the village, but just a few steps back, a little girl ran up to me.
The girl stretched out both hands, intending to block me. Sweat poured from his small body. From the look in her eyes, I understood if she was trying to ventured to talk to me. Even though his breath was cut off he said to me.
Huh uh?! What's the curse with me??
“Filo~ What are you doing? Please don't be disrespectful to him.” This time, Dorran the village chief ran over to the girl. His trembling hands grabbed the shoulders of the boy named Filo with anxious and fearful feelings.
When I still haven't made an answer. A suggestion came from Sella in a slow tone of voice.
“Do I need to get rid of this child?”
Even if I didn't know if he was serious about his suggestion or not, I shook my head to reject the proposal. Acting cruel to a child who still does not understand manners will only have a bad impact, I think. So I turned my eyes to Filo who still looked doubtful and afraid.
Seeing such a small child staring at me expectantly even though he himself was terrified, I became curious as to what had happened to him. And so, I asked him a few things.
“Do I look like a person who can undo the curse?”
“A... I read in books. He said that creatures of darkness carry curses. You are the king of darkness, for sure.. surely know how to undo the curse!”.
“Could it be your mother who was cursed?”
“Iya..”
“Then let me meet him. I might know about the curse.”
“Really?”
“True.”
Hearing my reply Filo who was anxious turned to joy. Dorran who was still holding onto him also smiled gently at him. Even though he tried to stop Filo before, now he looks relieved when he finds out I'm willing to help.
I think my assessment of Dorran has increased.
After that, Filo who was accompanied by Dorran took me to his house. The little girl then entered the house happily, and immediately ran into the room.
“Mother! Said the lord of the king of darkness is willing to cure your curse!!”
Filo's mother, who knew of his arrival, also ran out to greet her son. The couple sat on the floor hugging each other, as Filo jumped on his mother.
Although her mother embraced Filo affectionately, I could see mixed feelings from her expression as a mother. However, there is one thing that really bothers me.
“Actually... How long have you been experiencing that?”
Realizing that someone else was coming with her daughter, she immediately turned to look for the source of the voice coming from me. He who had not initially noticed my arrival, was now frozen with a blank look as he looked at me.