Chapter 7: CH 7

Translator: Michiko 

Editor: Elena

“Eh… what do you mean…?” 

“It’s courtship. It’s natural to give prey to your mate, right? I thought humans did the same.”

The beastman grinned with the corner of his mouth raised.

“Think about it. What if that young man from the orphanage you guys are saying this and that about had been a girl? A girl he’s known since childhood who’s struggling to protect the orphanage all by herself with a lot of poor children. He gave her his salary every month, made time to visit her, and wrote to her diligently. Whenever he was traveling, if there was a sweets store with a bit of a reputation, he would go out of his way to stop by and seriously ponder about which one to buy.

“Well? Would you think Gio’s being threatened? Actually, if you just look at Gio’s behavior, it is really simple and easy to understand.”

Everyone’s jaw dropped.

“Ls, ds, ds, ds, vbyv’p dsv kv. R esd’v alyzzu wdelapvyde, cwv kv rascyczu kpd’v zkjl vbyv. Sktbv, Qks?”

“…Rv’p dsdl sq uswa cwpkdlpp.”

“Ob, kp vbyv aktbv!?”

“R-kv’p y cwzz’p-lul!”

“Zlyb, kv’p prsv sd!”

“Zlp, kv’p elye sd!”

“Ob, usw zkjl bkx? Mbyv uswdt xyd? Zsw’al jkeekdt xl! Mblal oypd’v lhld vbl pzktbvlpv bkdv sq asxydnl kd vbl yka. Slyzzu? R vbswtbv usw eked’v byhl y qlxyzl ralpldnl yaswde usw… ps vbyv’p obu?”

“Gal usw twup eyvkdt? Mblal oypd’v lhld vbl pzktbvlpv nzwl sq usw eyvkdt psxlsdl, cwv R okzz ypj fwpv kd nypl. Tso’p kv tskdt?”

“How far along is the relationship? Are you having sex? Only kissing? Don’t tell me you’re not even holding hands? Come on, how is it going?”

“How is it going, Gio?”

Gio was a man who seemed to think that love was a trivial matter and put the results of battle first. Given the unexpected development of his love life, his companions showered him with questions filled with more excitement than before. 

Gio became more and more grumpy.

“…Shut up. I ain’t done nothing.”

When his companions heard this, they were shocked and they all looked at him pitifully.

“Uwah poor you…” 

“I can’t believe you’ve given him so much and yet there’s nothing to show for it… Even the number one, high-class prostitute in the capital has a bit more mercy… Wait, Gio, I didn’t mean anything bad, so please stop glaring at me.” 

“Gio…aren’t you too inexperienced? Or is the young man too ironclad…?” 

“Do you have any physical difficulties by any chance?”

Everyone’s eyes opened wide at the healer, who asked sympathetically. They never thought there would be a day when the topic of male impotence would come out of her mouth.

“Ah, no, um, cause occasionally, there are people who come to the sacred shrine for consultation for that condition.”

There are countless nobles who come to her, who usually belong to the sacred shrine, for her advanced healing magic. Although she looked like a lady, she had a lot of superficial knowledge about sex due to the many opportunities she had to learn about the true state of the nobility’s bodies as a third party.

“What the hell is wrong with you people all of a sudden? I don’t get it.”

Gio seemed to be taken aback. While that sour look was still on his face, he looked perturbed. 

“Hahaha,” the beastman laughed and patted Gio on the shoulder. “I could tell the days when Gio went to see his mate. He smelled different.”

The beastman said that it was easy to tell because Gio normally does not have much of a change in smell.

“Gio, humans can’t tell by smell like me, so if you don’t show them a story that is consistent, they will misunderstand. 

“There was once a man and his brother in a certain place. Although they were called brothers, they were not related by blood. And yet, the man diligently brought food to his brother. The reason for this is that, although he kept it a secret, he was actually thinking that he wanted to be in a relationship with his brother.

“If the last part remains a mystery, humans will try to fill in the inconsistency with their own imagination; they will create other narratives.”

“Is it the duty of the misunderstood party to point out the malicious falsification or fabrication of the story and demand correction? If that’s the case, there has to be a limit of bad laws that disadvantages the victim.”

“Hey, look, I’m telling you honestly. That’s what’s wrong with you, bastard. Gio, if you had been a little more conscious about what others thought of you in the first place… then well, you wouldn’t be Gio anymore.

“It’s tough. I just regret it a little, that I should have told them about it too. In human society, male couples aren’t that common, so it’s understandable that it doesn’t hit home. But beastmen basically don’t say anything about the situation between mates as an outsider. Maybe it’s a cultural difference?”

“Gio, if we had known it was like that, we would have been more… more… no, it’s not possible, is it? No matter how I look at it, he has no interest in you, right? Gio, I understand that you were doing those things because you liked to, but that young man doesn’t seem to be interested in you in the least.”

“To be honest, I find it a bit hard to say that I support you. If I said, “go for broke,” it seems like you would actually break. I’ve never seen that man smile at Gio before.” 

“From what I’ve heard, he doesn’t seem to like Gio. I mean, regardless of his actions, even Gio doesn’t seem to like him at all based on his attitude. Isn’t he too awkward? That’s why we suspected… it’s just an explanation.”

“You are right…I apologize for saying things based on my impression alone. But, Gio, is there a reason why you don’t disclose your feelings to him?”

Gio scratched his head in exasperation.

“Listen, I’m not giving him money particularly because I want to have sex with him. Also, it’s not that I’m giving him money. It’s for the orphanage, remember? It’s money for the little tykes. 

“Obviously. It’s not that Reiru is using my money, Reiru is just using the money donated to the orphanage for the legitimate needs of the little ones. And he’s doing it smartly while thinking carefully. That place doesn’t accept the nobility’s precious charity. In the past, there were perverts who wanted the children to be sent to their bedrooms in return. That’s why it’s always strapped for cash. 

“And yet, the little ones are growing well and mentally stable because Reiru has worked hard to create and support an environment where they can be so.”

Those who had been to the orphanage were surprised by Gio’s explanation. 

They had not felt that the orphanage was that impoverished. The children were polite and lively, and the rules for playing were set according to their age, and the education they received was evident in their casual behavior. 

Their clothes were frugal but clean, and the building, though old, was clean and tidy. There was no atmosphere of poverty to dull the wits.1 

To maintain that kind of livelihood without the support of wealthy people is certainly an extraordinary feat of ingenuity and effort.

“You say this and that about my money, but the Knight’s dormitory provides food and a place to sleep. They even give you some clothes. There’s nowhere to spend money. What’s the point of eating expensive food somewhere else? 

“Even if you eat a lot of delicious food, you will only fatten your stomach. It’s also written in the Secret Book of the Sword of the eastern countries. It says gluttony is bad; a gourmet meal is fine, but simple food is the best. If you want to eat a meal that costs several gold coins, I think you should just eat it.

“However, I’m not interested in throwing away my money. It’s a waste of time to drink and get drunk, not thinking straight. And I don’t see the point of buying a woman. Calculate those things into a year’s worth of costs. How many meals will that money buy for the little ones? How many magic books can you read during that time? I don’t want to spend my money or time on something I don’t need. 

“Besides, I’m spending as much money as I should on necessary things like equipment and books. Don’t exaggerate, because I’m not cutting expenses on myself as much as you guys think I am.”

Surprised, everyone looked into the distance. 

Gio’s overwhelming fighting ability and instantaneous assessment of the situation was of course due to his talent, but it also seemed to have been highly trained by Gio himself in his everyday life. He was solely interested in training himself effectively and gaining knowledge useful in battle. 

So while it was true that it was typical of Gio, one couldn’t help but think that there would be something more to it.

It was a claim that the Wise Man youth could relate to greatly. He was also a person who had come this far by investing the maximum amount of his life’s passion into a field that he can devote himself to. 

However, he was the son of a wealthy noble, and from his point of view Gio’s life could be summed up as: “not worth it.”

If you produce results, you get an equivalent price. Whether it was freedom or authority, it was worth no less than gold. But Gio even gave that price to others, or tried to decline it. The title of  hero would be given back along with the holy sword, and if you didn’t get a position to replace it, you’re no different than a disposable soldier. 

In this social game where the objective was to increase one’s wealth, both tangible and intangible, doesn’t this make it impossible to know the fun of living?

“You can say that my living is poverty-stricken all you want. But the orphanage isn’t like that. Nowadays, Reiru pays attention so there’s never a shortage of food, but during our time, we were usually hungry. I had never eaten my fill. Reiru is skinny because he used to share his food with the younger ones in the past. 

“Even then, he was thinner than me, who was younger than him — he was an idiot. He has grown up with a very small stomach and even if he were to eat now, he wouldn’t be able to eat much or gain any weight. Even if I especially gave him a small amount of candy to gain weight, he would give it all to the little guys.”

Gio truly looked unhappy. 

That’s what’s so complicated about you. The swordsman thought. 

Tell him honestly that you bought it because you wanted him to eat it. From the sound of it, you know he’s not going to eat it if you just give it to him. Damn, I’m not a good judge of character either. I said some awful things to that young man.

“It’s a large family of kids, ranging from abandoned newborns to 15-year-olds until they get hired somewhere. There will always be some kind of problem. If one of them catches a cold — they all get colds. If a baby has a high fever or something, Reiru won’t be able to sleep properly for a few days. 

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“Last year, the orphanage got more babies, so that alone seemed like a lot of work. The least I could do was let him take a nap while I was there, but he’s always been so sleep-deprived that it wouldn’t add up to anything. And yet, he’s concerned about me and wants me to leave as soon as possible.”

“Perhaps,” the mage thought. 

The mage recalled how Reiru looked when he first visited the orphanage with Gio. When he disappeared, looking pale and very unhealthy, Gio said, “I think he’s sleeping.” as if it were a matter of course. 

Did Gio go to him to give him a bit of reprieve? 

Did he urge Gio to go home because he was thinking of Gio’s busy schedule? 

He was angry with Reiru for not welcoming Gio without knowing the circumstances, as Reiru was exhausted from taking care of the children.

Gio was not simply visiting the orphanage as a guest who supported it. 

He was trying to support Reiru as his partner who was protecting the orphanage by himself.

“It’s a series of things like who fights with who, or a certain someone goes on an errand and doesn’t come back, or a girl who gets a job and leaves the orphanage comes back crying to him because her employer sexually harassed her, or someone fought with a neighborhood kid and his parents unilaterally snapped at him. At the orphanage, it is natural for the older kids to take care of the younger ones, but even if they are 15 years old, they are still kids. 

“In the end, Reiru has to take responsibility for everything. He’s to deal with all the troubles, take care of the little guys, scrape up the money, manage the bills, and on top of that, does he even have to thank me? If he doesn’t put on a polite smile, does he have no right to receive money? Of course not.”

Gio snorted and said decisively.

“He’s fine the way he is. I don’t need to hear him say thank you or smile. He’s finally learned to take it easy in front of me. How many years do you think it took for that to happen? 

“There was probably hardly a time in Reiru’s life when he didn’t have to do anything. There’s no such day when he can only think of himself; where there was no one he didn’t have to worry about. And yet, now what am I supposed to do? Damage his mental health by asking him to lend me his ass in exchange for giving him money?”

The room was dominated by silence.

Those who had harbored ill feelings about Reiru felt as if they had been struck by a witness, Gio, of Reiru’s hardships, efforts, and underlying sincere love for the children, which they had never seen before. 

They realized that they had abused the weapon called the Sword of Justice and stabbed a young man who was just trying his best to live.

And again, they were overwhelmed by the unfathomable heat of Gio’s emotions, which he strongly suppressed but could not control. Gio, while holding back on both passion and pleasure, tried to devote himself to Reiru with utter tranquility. They realized the praiseworthiness, which could have been called innocence, of the true desire that came from within Gio’s heart.

Gio’s expressions were a bit obvious, but Gio directly expressing his feelings to Reiru may burden him, and it might even come across as quid pro quo. That’s why he didn’t say anything. 

If that was the case, Gio’s feelings for his brother would never be known or reciprocated. Gio thought “That’s also okay,” and had steeled himself for the worst. 

He was so devoted that his devotion was seen as pitiful.

The crown prince smiled bitterly. 

“…My sister did not stand a chance. The hero has always been interested only in his brother.” 

“That’s a different matter. I’ve got my hands full babysitting the little ones from the orphanage.” 

“She is already seventeen, though.” 

“Heh, she’s got a small chest for that. I don’t know what you think a hero is, but I am just one of many people who have a decent amount of magic and want merit. You idealize me too much.” 

“You’re the very picture of an honorable knight, as long as you keep your mouth shut.”

As he listened to their frivolous talk, the swordsman thought that the crown prince was right.

The swordsman recalled the day he had first met Gio’s brother. A skinny man with dull blond hair over his shoulders. He was wearing a tight-fitting shirt, and had an expensive blue stone pendant around his neck that peeked out. He was subtly pale, with an inconspicuous stubble on his chin and a languid look on his face as he accepted the money from Gio.

He offered a cup of tea to the swordsman who had followed Gio uninvited, told him to enjoy himself, and then looked at Gio and went away. He was impressed to see that Gio gave a small nod back. 

Gio and the man did not greet each other properly, and their conversation was minimal, but they still shared something that allowed them to understand each other. It was something that hadn’t been established in their team at the time.

When he casually looked out the window, he saw a lady and Reiru talking in the garden. 

The man looked petite alongside Gio, but it was clear that he was tall and just skinny. The lady handed Reiru a bundle that she was holding in her hand, and he politely accepted it. 

They were just smiling and talking, but the swordsman had the impression that he was a gigolo; the kind of gigolo that accompanies cheap prostitutes. It was because he seemed too young to be stuck in an orphanage and he also had a somewhat frivolous air about him. He couldn’t deny that his views of Reiru had become prejudiced, perhaps because of that.

An honorable knight and a has-been gigolo. The beastman was right, he had created a false narrative based on superficial information about them.

“Say, are you going to go to meet the young man after this? 

“I plan to.”

Gio nodded with a look of obviousness.

“Since it’s you, I’m guessing you already know where he is. I’m coming with you.” 

“I insist too.” 

“Then I will too.” 

“I’d like to join you too.” 

“I refuse.” 

“Hey, why?”

“I heard you guys said some unnecessary things to Reiru recently. Willie… he’s like the head of the little ones at the orphanage, and he’s banned you guys. Whenever Reiru has guests, those guys are hiding and eavesdropping. And for the record, me and the little guys think that anyone who looks down on Reiru with contempt deserves to die.”

Gio scowled at them with an irreverence that suggested they should be grateful they weren’t already dead.

“So you’re that kind of character when it comes to love… no, yeah. I’m really sorry about that. Let me apologize.” 

“We orphans are used to good intentions coming from a condescending attitude. If it’s just superficial bullshit, it’s not necessary.” 

“Gio, how about letting your brother decide if he wants to accept the apology or not? I also want to apologize directly to the person in question for my rudeness. And I don’t want my friendship with you to end like this.” The mage intently looked into Gio’s eyes and continued, “I should apologize to you as well. I’m sorry for hurting your loved one.”

Although Gio was strong in violent situations, he wasn’t good at this kind of emotional development to the point of getting goosebumps.

“…You should leave as soon as you have apologized to Reiru.” 

Gio reluctantly said with a complicated look on his face.

“I am glad! Then, as an apology to Gio, I’ll tell the young man that Gio is as popular with men as he is with women. The young man might become a little more aware of you. Even if Gio doesn’t confess, it doesn’t matter as long as the young man wants to, right?”

“I knew I shouldn’t talk to these guys about anything.” Gio thought under his blank expression.

“As an apology to Gio… with my teleportation magic, you can go meet your brother right away.”

“Err, well then, I offer the sacred shrine’s special love potion for the couple’s exclusive use.” 

“!?”

Once again, the healer’s controversial statement left everyone at a loss for words. 

This girl had the appearance of someone who might say, “Is sex some kind of pagan religious ritual?” in a ditzy, confused tone but in reality, she was like this. 

The crown prince was needlessly concerned whether the education of girls in the sacred shrine was okay.

“It’s a legitimate product. The potion’s motto is ‘safe and secure’, and it is so popular that there is a waitlist for its production.”

Everyone thought that that wasn’t the point, but Gio’s curt, “I don’t need it.” settled the matter. 

In the end, everyone was eager to go.

“Now that we’ve decided that, let’s get moving.” 

“Are you going too?” 

“I must make amends for my sister.” 

“If the crown prince were to disappear via teleportation magic, all hell would break loose.” 

“If I return immediately, it won’t be a problem.”

Thus, the group of former heroes set out to meet a commoner man.

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