The Tale of the Teapot Hero’s Revenge - Chapter 107 Corcut, the Land of Demons

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Chapter 107 Corcut, the Land of Demons

 

After helping with the reconstruction efforts in Forestia for a few days, Leah-san's unit returned to her homeland yesterday. It's to verify whether our testimony is true.

However, we already knew. We knew how much of a lying and hypocritical bastard Taltus was. It was only a matter of time before he was abandoned by the homeland.

Maybe we didn't need to do anything anymore, but I still wanted to see how it unfolded. For that...

"Toka, let's head to Corcut."

"I thought you'd say that, but won't there be nothing for us to do even if we go? Wouldn't it be better to return to your headquarters, Stige, was it?"

Toka tilted her head while stirring a mixed fruit juice with a straw. We were in Tulyz, the second city of the Elven country, Harnest, on the main street, in a stylish cafe.

It took over half a day on foot from Forestia, but with a magical flying dragon, it was just a matter of minutes. That city was currently facing shortages of various supplies, so we stayed and had meals in this city.

"It's not like I'm harboring a premeditated intent to kill; there's a proper reason for this."

"I can't think... I have no idea what's going on."

Of course not. Toka had never met him. In that situation, she wouldn't have known that the most reliable ally we had was in Corcute.

"In fact, in Corcut—"

"Beato-oneesan, the shortcake looks delicious! Would you like to exchange a bite with my fruit tart?"

"..."

Wait a moment, what are you doing, Beato? Why are you bringing the cake on the fork to Mel-chan's mouth...?

"Ah, well, it's okay after all... I don't want to turn into a boiling stew just for a piece of cake..."

"...?"

Huh, a sudden change of heart. Beato seemed puzzled too, but what happened?

Well, whatever.

"Let's get back to the topic, Toka."

"Yeah... Kyrie, I won't say anything bad, so apologize to Mel later, okay?"

Apologize? Did I do something to Mel-chan? Toka's face looked a bit strained for some reason.

"I'm scared... Scared of being stared at expressionlessly..."

Huh, wait, is she afraid? Of me? Why?

"Well, never mind. The thing is, there's a comrade of ours infiltrating Corcut for information."

"Oh, that's news to me. What kind of person is it?"

"Her name is Joanna. She's from Paladis, skilled in information gathering and infiltration, a reliable oneesan kind of person."

Having her around made a significant difference in the sense of security. Even though I couldn't say such things in front of the person herself...

"A reliable older sister, huh? Sounds like she's overlapping with me!"

Well, I'm not so sure about that. The vector of reliability seems a bit different, and various things like height and chest are opposites.

"Joanna might have uncovered something. If Leah-san exposes Taltus's misdeeds, she might establish coordination with Stige. It would be better for us to be there at that time, for sure."

"We were the ones who fed various things to Leah-san. It'll be smoother if we're there."

"If that guy Rugolf went berserk, I could handle him."

So far, I had hunted down two guys from Taltus's army. I don't feel like losing to them anymore.

"Looks like the intent to kill is preeminent after all."

"That's not true."

I'm perfectly calm. I'm not saying I'll storm in without any discussion. I'm just saying if they resist, I'll kill them.

"Oh, did I look scary?"

Oops, I guess I did. Beato pulled my sleeve, "Gently, I'm still calm."

Taking a sip of the ordered tea, I breathed a sigh of relief. It has a slightly bitter taste, so now I'm craving something sweet.

"Hey, Beato. Give me a bite of that cake too."

"... ...!?"

Did I say something strange?

Beato's face turned bright red, and she looked flustered with a fork in hand. Then, as if she had made up her mind, she cut a piece of cake with the fork and hesitantly offered it to me.

"Um, Bea...to, uh...?"

Is this the thing she was trying to do with Mel-chan earlier? The "aaaah" thing?

"U-uhh..."

What should I do? Is it better to go along with it? Well, considering she was willing to do it with Mel, it should be okay. It's a normal thing friends do, and it's not weird at all.

"Aaaah..."

I took a bite. The cake is sweet.

 

***

 

A few hours later, flown by Toka's magical dragon, we safely arrived in Corcut, the demon country. It's impressive how we can cover a journey that would take several days on foot so quickly.

We landed in the demon capital, Keiron, which rivals the size of Diete, the capital in the wasteland. The demon territory is barren, making it challenging to grow crops. In return, the demons possess advanced craftsmanship in creating magical items.

Those items were exported to humans and other demihuman countries, sustaining the demon nation by importing food in return. However, due to Brutogyu initiating a war, the imports stopped, leading to a shortage of food. Toka informed me that some small villages even experienced starvation.

By the way, we were currently in the middle of a strategy meeting inside an inn.

"...But hey, the city seemed lively, right?"

The atmosphere in the city was quite surprising. When I first came to the capital, the people on the streets had faces that showed no dreams or hopes. However, this city was filled with vibrant energy.

"You can guess why. That guy who occupied the capital is probably sending loads of supplies back to his homeland."

"I see. So, his reputation skyrocketed in his homeland, becoming a hero who saved the country, damn it."

With Brutogyu's death, the war would likely end, and Princess Pernelle would lift the ban on exporting food.

"He really pisses me off, that bastard..."

Many things about Taltus were irritating, but above all, it's infuriating how he put on a facade of being a virtuous person.

"I'm really pissed off right now too. I want to give him a good punch in the face!"

Mel-chan seemed enthusiastic too. She joined this journey to retaliate for the destruction of her hometown, Frejenta. If things get dangerous, she probably intends to fight alongside me.

"Mel, calm down. We need to wait for Leah-san's move before doing anything."

As expected from the elder, Toka was quick to put a damper on things.

"Mmm... I understand. Unlike Kyrie-oneesan, I won't act with homicidal intent..."

Well, I find that remark a bit rude.

"So, Kyrie, Leah-san's unit is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, but what do we do until then?"

It's a one-day journey from Forestia to here if we hurry on horseback. While the unit primarily consisted of cavalry, the transportation of supplies extended the arrival time to two days. Departure was yesterday, so the estimated arrival is tomorrow.

"Of course, we'll search for Joanna."

Joanna has been gathering information in this city for about a month now. Given her nature, she's likely uncovered various useful information.

"The problem is we have no idea where she is... Anyway, I'll try to find her somehow."

"There's no need for that."

A sudden voice from outside the door. I instinctively reached for the swordbreaker propped against the wall and quickly realized.

"...Is that voice Joanna's?"

"Yes, it's me~!"

With a clatter, the door opened, revealing a cream-colored, wavy-haired woman. I had been cautious, thinking she might be an enemy, but it seemed I wasted my vigilance.

"Don't scare me like that, Joanna. Long time no see."

"Yes, it's been a while, Kyrie-chan. Hehe, really, a long time..."

 

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