I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 284: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 25

Episode 284: The Hero, the Sword Saint, and the Appraiser 25 

The place Dirk-san led us to was a small village that served as the rebel army’s base. 

At first, I was tempted to doubt, “Is this really the place?” But upon closer inspection, while the exterior looked worn down, the inside was surprisingly well-maintained. 

The buildings, though made of wood, were solidly constructed. They wouldn’t collapse from minor tremors. 

The villagers seemed healthy, their skin glowing. They didn’t appear to be suffering from hunger. Curious about this, I asked Dirk-san. And he revealed that they were barely managing. 

“For now, we’re fine. But starting next week, we’ll have to ration meals. Even the food stored in my Magic Bag is nearly depleted.” 

“I see… food, huh…” 

…..…Could this be an opportunity to offload my surplus inventory? 

“Dirk-san, would monster meat work as food?” 

“If it’s edible, there’s no problem. In fact, meat would be welcomed by everyone.” 

“I have a lot of monster meat in my Magic Bag. Should I supply some?” 

Dirk-san’s eyes widened in surprise as he turned to face me. 

“…What’s your price?” 

“Our mission is to capture Maria, or if that’s not possible, eliminate her on the spot. I’d like your cooperation with that.” 

“That’s a favorable proposal for us, but is that all?” 

“That’s all on my end. However, Ride-san might have something else in mind. So you can discuss it with him.” 

When I said that, Dirk-san frowned slightly. 

I mean, I’m not good at negotiations. It’s better to leave that to someone who knows what they’re doing for a more constructive discussion. 

“So, please take care of it.” 

“…Fine. That’s my manor over there. Let’s talk inside.” 

The manor Dirk-san pointed to was a single-story building slightly larger than the surrounding ones. 

For a rebel army in the middle of a war, it was a decent-sized residence. However, Filia-san seemed shocked. Her mouth was agape as she stood frozen. 

“…D-Dirk-sama, living in such a residence?” 

“Such a residence, you say?” 

“Ah! I-I apologize!” 

Well, that’s bound to anger him. 

Dirk-san must have worked tirelessly as part of the rebel army. He might’ve even dealt with the kind of filth and hardships a royal would never experience. 

Calling the house he built through such efforts “this kind of place” is pretty thoughtless. 

“…Hah. Filia. If it were anyone but me, you might’ve lost your head.” 

“…I have no excuse, sir.” 

Honestly, I’m glad it’s these two dealing with each other. 

If we’d come this far only for her to be executed, that would’ve been unbearable. 

“By the way, Maki. How much monster meat do you have?” 

At the entrance of the manor, Dirk-san asked me this. Instead of answering, I figured showing him would be quicker. 

I pulled out a monster large enough to obscure the entrance. 

“First, there’s this.” 

——Thud! 

“Ugh!? W-What is this monster!?” 

“It’s a Mega Horn Bull.” 

“It’s way too big!” 

“Well, I have plenty more of this size.” 

“…What?” 

As Dirk-san’s thoughts seemed to grind to a halt, I leaned closer and whispered. 

“And I also have Dragon meat.” 

“What!? N-No, we don’t need that. We might not be able to repay such a debt.” 

I expected him to jump at the offer. But he’s clearly drawing a line between what’s feasible and what isn’t. 

That said, since Dragon meat doesn’t get used often—reserved for the emperor or special events—I might quietly hand some over to Dirk-san later. 

“Alright then, I’ll start by giving you five Mega Horn Bull. Is it okay to leave the butchering to you?” 

“…Five of this size…?” 

Huh? I thought he’d be happy, but he just looked exasperated. 

Well, more food is always better, so I’ll just keep pulling them out on my own.