Chapter 554
Chapter 554
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 554
Chapter Title: The Match-Selling Girl
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To sum it up, the story goes like this.
Rarely seen Sasquatch have started appearing around these parts.
Monsters migrating en masse isn't anything new, so we could have just let it slide, but apparently there's suspicion of some connection between the Sasquatch relocating their habitat and the recent cultists we've rounded up.
In that case, we can't just sit idly by.
But the paladin who first raised the suspicion killed the cultist he was interrogating during the questioning—he couldn't keep his temper in check.
According to the testimony of the priest who was there, it started off like a normal interrogation, but not even five minutes in, he started roaring like a beast and beat the cultist to a pulp.
The report also stated that the priest observing the interrogation had joined in the frenzy with psychotic zeal. Anyway, the point is that during those initial five minutes of proper questioning, the cultist spat out something about the Sasquatch.
So, with no more info to squeeze out, they figured they'd put me to use.
Whatever the case, since it involved cultists, I had to look into it.
"And in the midst of all that, the thing mentioned was the god the Sasquatch worship."
"They have a god too?"
I've heard orcs worship their own gods, and lizardmen revere dragons. Any creature with even a shred of a brain makes up its own idols.
But a Sasquatch god, huh.
"Do you know of the Ice Giant?"
I know it's some fucking massive ice bastard.
"No, first time hearing about it."
"A giant shaped like ice. There are records from the Idol Wars of various heroes banding together to destroy it. Though there's also a legend that its shattered body formed a mountain of ice—legends being legends, it's not reliable."
Makes sense that monsters like Sasquatch would worship something inhuman.
With their pea brains, they couldn't grasp abstract concepts anyway. They probably just follow the biggest, baddest fucker around.
"They say it's a pretty common tale if you head north."
"North of Dodens Barony?"
Head north from Dodens Barony, and the temperature plummets. Eventually, you hit the snow mountain region, apparently.
Never been, so I wouldn't know.
"For reference, that's also Sasquatch territory."
That's way too far.
No way they're telling me to go there in this winter.
If so, I'd tell them to fuck off.
"I get that the Sasquatch worship this ice fucker. But is it connected to this incident?"
"Who knows... We don't have details yet. It's just that those were the last words of the captured cultist."
The clue's too vague.
We know cultists were caught, Sasquatch showed up, and it came up during interrogation—so there's some link, but that's it.
This is all because that fucking paladin killed the cultist. From what I've seen, those guys can't suppress their murderous urges around cultists. Interrogations should be left to someone with my cool-headed mentality.
"What I asked the acolyte to do is investigate why the Sasquatch are coming down and the cultists descending from the north lately. Paladins can't hold back and end up killing them, so they're not suited for this."
Can you call it a simple investigation mission?
"No clear objectives for this one, then. Just do as much investigating as you can, and I'll reward you monetarily accordingly. Think of it as a taste of the job before becoming a paladin."
The Cardia Saintess leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, and lit a cigarette.
"Heh heh heh, so my becoming a paladin is already a done deal?"
"Planning to back out?"
"Truth is, I've already decided to go for it. But I figured I'd do a few more jobs you assign first before giving my answer."
"Hmph, you could answer now and it wouldn't matter much. Do as you like. For your information, the paperwork's already prepared."
"Whoa, no way!!!"
Anyway, cultists are coming down from the north. Sasquatch are heading south too. No need for details. If they're tied to demons, just call Hilde and round 'em all up for torture.
Would be better if there's no connection.
"Still, this job's kinda vague, so it might be tough. Just putting that out there upfront."
"I know, so don't stress. The paladin just submitted a report, so I thought I'd check it out. Resources like acolytes are perfect for this."
"Heh heh heh, in that case. Oh, can I take these documents?"
The saintess nodded at my question.
I grabbed the papers, said goodbye, and headed out. Time to hit the market and head home.
"Sasquatch, huh."
On the way out, I read the records on their specs.
These fuckers are bigger than orcs. Horns on their heads, covered head to toe in white fur, omnivores, vicious, and they raid humans now and then.
Thick hides, massive muscles.
Obviously, they'd smash people with huge fists or crush skulls into brain juice—brutal murderers.
Like an owlbear? Or maybe a troll. Either way, nothing to worry about on sight.
I know my own skills best.
Monsters like that can't touch me anymore.
* * *
"Investigation mission? Nearby?"
I told my girl about it after shopping and getting home. Winia seemed a bit displeased.
"Something like checking why the Sasquatch are heading south. And apparently some deal with the cultists too."
"Hmm... Isn't it dangerous?"
"Dunno? It's just investigation for now."
If it gets risky, I can bail. The saintess isn't expecting much. If she wanted results, she'd have given specific goals.
"She said no need to do it perfectly. Just poke around without pressure, so I said sure. If it's dangerous, I pull out."
"Why not just rest this winter under the blankets with me...?"
Winia sighed.
"Your diligence is a real virtue, blackie, but sometimes it feels like a flaw."
"Heh heh heh, can't help it. Let's half-ass this one then."
"Half-ass again? If you're doing it, do it right."
"Oh."
She's got a point.
"If you end up hunting Sasquatch, make sure to bring back the heart. It's one of the trickier magic ingredients to obtain."
Lisha, who'd been listening, took interest in the heart. Looks profitable. Magic material—got it, I'll remember.
"What'll you give me if I bring one back, Lisha?"
"Hmm... I have nothing left to give but my love and affection. Surely that's not enough?"
"No! More than enough!"
That's all I need.
"Alright, we'll start the day after tomorrow. Sis is off till tomorrow."
"Obviously."
Karin stroked my head as she said it. That's what I planned too. No deadline, so we can take it easy.
"Sasquatch... Been a while since we saw a new monster type."
"Dunno if we'll find 'em quick."
Anyway, gotta swing by the Adventurer's Guild before starting. I spent the weekend warmly tangled up with my wives.
Monday, I hit the guild.
Looked for Kobson to use conveniently, but he was MIA. Asked at the counter about Sasquatch requests—Magic Tower and Alchemist Guild are flooding them.
Difficulty's C-rank party level. Rare around here, so special bonus.
That's the info.
Unlike last winter, adventurers aren't hyped. Sasquatch are unfamiliar. And strong. Makes sense they're playing it safe—plenty died to demons lately.
Gathered what I could, then dropped by to see Liztina briefly.
"Y-you...! Coming during the day is a problem!"
Used the usual Karin excuse to slip into her room. Daytime visit flustered her a bit.
"What, am I some secret lover? I'm your husband."
"No! Still! It's... not public yet, really!"
"Ah, ouch. That hurts."
Getting rejected stings.
"Why are you hurt?! More importantly, why didn't you come this weekend? Do you know how much I waited?"
"Came to apologize for that. Sorry."
"Even if I'm fifth, this is unacceptable. Guess I'll have to talk to her soon."
"You cool with that?"
"It's gotta happen anyway. But what'd that Karin bitch say about me?"
"Just that I did good. And to call her sis now."
"Eek...!"
Chatted over tea, then told her about the saintess's job.
Busy with work, won't come for a bit.
"Can't help it if it's work... Sigh. A saintess assigning jobs—what a shock. Am I really becoming a paladin's wife?"
"Once I accept, yeah."
"That's some promotion. Fine, I get the work thing. But keep skipping, and I might kill you."
"Heh heh heh, got it. Anyway, sis. Since I'm here."
I slid over to Liztina, slipped my hand into her panties, and gently teased her folds.
"Ahhn...! You really...!"
This was my routine lately.
Head out? Quick Liztina visit. Otherwise, guild for intel.
Four days after the saintess job, I finally stepped outside the walls. Members: Cloudy, Winia, and me.
Based on her docs, pinpointed spots and scoured the mountains for Sasquatch tracks. No luck in one day. Just killed some hibernating monsters and headed back.
Better to call Hilde, but Lisha's tinkering with the orb. Blocking demon aura leaks without messing up the comms magic. Can't use till done.
At least snow's light—lucky.
A few days of empty searches passed.
"Blackie, no Sasquatch, not even an owlbear? Gotta go way farther? Honestly, trekking deep in this winter ain't great."
"Katt... she's right. Can't we just cuddle with mama all winter?"
No results, so Winia and Cloudy were fed up.
They wouldn't budge this morning.
"Cloudy. Winia. Few more days. Oh, weather's iffy today though?"
"Yeah. Skip today. Go if you hear sightings."
Wanna rest, but push more.
To impress Cardia Saintess, gotta handle this well. Normally I'd quit, but not this time. Half-assing turned into spite. Show results when she expects none to boost rep.
"Saintess job, can't slack. Quick out-and-back today. You two stay home."
"What? Alone? Then take me."
"Too cold. Rest today. I'll rest with you tomorrow. Deal?"
"Well... fine."
Let them rest, grab someone for recon on spots we missed yesterday.
"Can't argue with your stubbornness... Be safe. I'll wait nicely."
"Back quick!"
They agreed, so I geared up.
"Heading out now?"
"Oh, Lisha."
"Take this."
As I suited up, Lisha handed me the pink orb. The Hilde caller I'd left with her.
"Fixed the demon aura leak issue. Shouldn't get detected now..."
"Thanks, Lisha!"
"Ahhn!"
Problem solved—I pocketed it and hugged her tight.
Now easy to summon Hilde.
Said bye and headed out. Stocked up at the general store, then solo through the gates. Into the mountains alone, checked surroundings, pulled the orb.
Pour mana in to connect, right?
—Goooong.
Gripped it, generated aura, infused mana.
Then,
—Ziiing.
A small pink gate opened, widening as something burst out.
"Katt niiim!!!"
Message received. Out popped Hilde, whom I lightly dodged as she lunged for a hug.
"Too laaaate! Do you know how long I waited?! But you called—thank you, Katt-nim!"
"Uh, long time. You good?"
Long-absent Hilde was full succubus mode, fawning over me.
Black high-heel long boots to her thighs, black heart patches barely covering nipples and pussy, glossy like latex. Pretty slutty outfit—cold not bothering her?
Damn, wanna dress my wives in this succubus set sometime.
"Y-you're asking about me now?! I love you, Katt-nim! Kiss me! Let's live together!"
"No, fuck. Stop."
She suddenly went for my cheek—I shoved her face away.
"But... Katt-nim?"
"Hm?"
Then Hilde's eyes sharpened intensely. About to draw my dagger thinking she's showing true colors, she said coldly,
"Why do you smell like some strange woman's juices...?"
"What?"
No fucking way?