"Welcome back, Yabe. I’m glad you’re safe."

Irina even got off the carriage to greet me.

From behind the carriage, Logan and the Four Heavenly Kings also came walking over.

『Boss, please leave clearing out small fry on the road to us.』

As soon as Logan said that,

『That’s right.』

『There’s no need for Boss to go out personally.』

『Leave it to us!』

『De gansho.』

The Four Heavenly Kings all appealed that I should leave it to them.

They’re really reliable guys.

Though now that I think about it, they were marching behind us the whole time.

Maybe it could have ended with me just saying "You guys, go!"

"Alright, Yabe, let’s depart."

"Aye aye. Logan and everyone, let’s go!"

"""""Woof!"""""

"Still, Lord Yabe is really strong. To completely annihilate a swarm of Killer Ants without letting them get close... That’s incredible skill."

"No no, it wasn’t that big a deal."

"Yabe-sama! That was so cool!"

"My my, Luciana’s husband is very strong~"

"Nuu! I haven’t accepted that yet!"

"Dear, that’s enough."

Since butting into the Coluna Frontier Count family’s conversation felt awkward, I looked at Irina and Sarina.

Irina was still tightly holding my hand, while Sarina was looking out the carriage window.

Anyway, let’s just get to Tarbarne quickly. I want to rest soon.

Perhaps because I wished for it, we arrived safely in Tarbarne without any further incidents.

As expected of a noble’s carriage. When passing through the town gate, we used the large noble-only entrance and were let through with just a greeting from Lord Fenberg. He showed them a short sword briefly, so that was probably proof of nobility or the Coluna Frontier Count house’s crest.

"Lord Yabe, we have a hotel reserved, but before that, we’re scheduled to greet the lord of this territory, Count Tarbal. He has prepared a dinner banquet for us this evening."

"Oh, I see."

"Count Tarbal used to be an adventurer. He has quite the rugged build, but he’s a good guy at heart. I heard he used to party with Zoria, the guild master of Solenarini’s adventurers’ guild."

"So someone like that became a count."

I already knew this information from the Chicks, but I acted like I was hearing it for the first time.

"I think you two will get along well."

A suspicious man in a robe with his face hidden getting along with someone... Does that mean the Count is also a shady person?

Tarbarne was not as large as Fortress City Felbane.

However, it had a strong focus on ironworking, giving the town a hot, energetic atmosphere.

I want to explore later.

Now that I think about it, I don’t have any weapons at all.

I do want a cool weapon~.

Like a dragon-slaying sword (lol).

But I have zero combat skills myself. I had no martial arts experience back on Earth either. I only did kendo and judo for about half a year in high school classes.

So even if I buy a sword or spear, there’s a high chance I won’t be able to use it at all.

It would just be for appearance.

But still... I registered at the adventurers’ guild in another world and haven’t bought any weapons. Is that really okay?

Though armor and defensive gear would be even worse! After all, I’m a slime!

The carriage advanced along brick-paved streets.

There were quite a few brick buildings, giving the town a stylish feel.

"This town has advanced ironworking technology. They handle a lot of accessories too."

Lord Fenberg’s information was helpful, but recommending accessories made me worry that if I bought something for Luciana, she’d definitely complain later.

"Accessories!? I’d love to go look at them with Yabe-sama!"

Luciana clasped her hands in front of her chest, eyes sparkling.

Why are you planting such a big flag?

Grip grip grip!

"Ho-wah!"

Irina! Your hand is changing shape!

"Yabe... I want to go too."

Irina looked at me with slightly narrowed eyes.

I never said I wouldn’t take anyone!

"Ah, Yabe-san. Can I come too? As an alchemist, I’d really like to see the accessories."

The flag for everyone going out together was now fully raised.

I stared off into the distance at the brick buildings visible from the carriage window.

"Oh! Frontier Count Coluna. It’s been a while. I’m glad to see you well."

"Count Tarbal, I’m glad to see you in good health as well."

The two men shook hands firmly.

Gailnight von Tarbal, Count of Tarbal. Extremely muscular. Bald.

If he had a mohawk, he’d definitely be shouting "Hyahha!" in a post-apocalyptic setting.

He also had a very intense, hot-blooded vibe.

However, his adventures from his adventurer days were apparently quite impressive.

He and Zoria, the guild master of Solenarini, had been in the same party and both reached A-rank. His personal combat ability must be considerable.

"We just got a nice deer. I’ve prepared it for tonight’s dinner."

"I’m looking forward to it."

While Count Tarbal and Lord Fenberg were having a relaxed conversation, a woman emerged from the inner room.

"Frontier Count Coluna, your family, and honored guests, welcome to the Tarbal house."

The woman gave an elegant bow. She was quite beautiful.

"This is my wife, Sistina."

"W-Wife!?"

"Yabe-dono?"

I was so surprised by the introduction that I accidentally spoke out loud, causing everyone present to look at me.

"No, it’s just... a beauty like her being married to such a muscle daruma!?"

"Y-Y-Yabe! That’s extremely rude!"

"Yabe-sama, there’s a thing called tact..."

"..."

Irina and Luciana scolded me. The fact that even Luciana mentioned "tact" meant she probably thought the same. Sarina’s eyes had turned into dots.

Lord Fenberg, by the way, was roaring with laughter. His wife was smiling wryly behind him.

"Hahaha! Exactly, exactly. Not many people say it so directly, but everyone thinks it. She’s too good for me."

"My, dear. I truly believe I’m lucky to be your wife, you know?"

A lovey-dovey atmosphere suddenly filled the air. I was a little envious.

"Let me introduce my side as well. This is my wife and daughter, and our honored guest, Lord Yabe. Along with Lady Irina and Lady Sarina."

"Oh! So this is the one the royal capital sent a visit request for...?"

"Yes, I plan to accompany him as well."

"I see."

Count Tarbal turned sharp eyes toward me. I’m just a harmless person, okay?

I don’t know if my thoughts got through, but he smiled and said,

"Well, you must be hungry. Let’s head to the dining hall."

We all followed behind Count Tarbal.

"Yeah, that deer really was delicious. Truly excellent."

Lord Fenberg finished his meal while wiping his mouth with a napkin.

As Count Tarbal boasted, the deer dishes were magnificent.

The maids went around pouring tea after the meal.

It was a moment of relaxation.

"T-T-This is terrible! Lady Fileontina has been kidnapped!"

"W-What!?"

"What did you say!?"

Count Tarbal and his wife Sistina shot up from their chairs.

Lady Fileontina... Who is that?