I’ve Been Reincarnated as a Tentacle Slime~ I Want to Live a Comfortable, Secure Life and Do Whatever I Want~ - Chapter 36

The person who came out of the house was a dashing older man, probably around 50 years old. He’d be handsome if his face weren’t so sunken.

“Oh! I’m glad you’re safe, Rio! You look incredibly healthy. What’s the reason for that?”

As happy as he was that Rio was safe, he quickly asked what made Rio look so healthy. He probably thought it was something that could improve the village’s food situation.

“My master has been feeding me lots of nutrients!”

“Master…?”

“Ah, I’ll explain it later. It seems like Rio’s the one who started calling him like that.”

Oh, Rhoda stepped in. It’s probably a sign that Rio’s persuasion worked.

“I understand… Well, since Rio is attached to him, he must not be a bad guy.”

The village chief nodded while looking at Rio, who was clinging to me.

It looks like Rio’s plan is working. A child who is close to you can serve as a strong weapon for earning trust.

“Well, come on in. I can’t just leave a guest standing outside.”

“Alright then, I’ll get back to work. Can we talk about the master thing after I’m done?”

“Yeah, in times like this, work comes first.”

After saying goodbye to Rhoda, we stepped into the village chief’s home. It was wooden, with mud walls, I could feel a breeze slipping through the cracks. Winters must be tough in a place like this.

We were led into what seemed like a large room with wooden chairs and a table and were asked to sit. I sat down, followed by Rio and the chief.

“My name is Legos. I serve as the village chief here.”

“I’m Cruz. I work as an adventurer.”

After exchanging introductions, we moved on to the main topic.

“Now then, what did you come to ask about?”

“I want to ask about the bandits who attacked the village, and the village’s current state. Rio asked me to deal with the bandits.”

The village chief’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Really!? But no, this isn’t something one person can handle, you know?”

“Obviously, I won’t be doing it solo. We’re planning to take them down with a team of eleven, including me.”

The village elder jumped up, knocking his chair over with a loud crash.

“What!? That many people… In that case, you might actually be able to…”

“Since we know nothing about the bandits, I don’t even know if this will be enough. So I’d like to hear what you know about them, village chief.”

“Master is super strong! He went bam! and took down the bandit chasing me in no time!!”

Rio stood up too, thrusting her fist forward to show off how strong I am.

“Oh! Are the others just as strong as you!?”

“Roughly. I’m just a little stronger than the rest.”

The chief’s eyes lit up, as if a glimmer of hope had returned to them.

“Understood. I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“Rio, step out for a bit. It might be good to let the villagers know you’re safe.”

“Yes, understood!”

After Rio left, the village chief shared the following information.

・The bandit group that attacked had 11 members (I already took down one of them).

・The bandits fled toward the north.

・Their hideout location is unknown.

・They abducted 11 young women from the village.

・Rio’s older sister was among them.

・Occasionally, several bandits come to the village to steal food.

・Though the villagers stood no chance, there wasn’t anyone among the bandits who seemed especially powerful.

As for the state of the village.

・The village originally had 100 people, but after the bandit attack, only 50 remain.

・All the young men in their teens and twenties were killed by the bandits.

・There are 20 children under 10, 12 women in their teens and twenties, 10 people in their thirties, and 8 aged forty or older.

・With nearly all the men who worked the fields or hunted gone, the village is struggling more than ever.

・The traveling merchants must’ve heard about the bandits, as they haven’t come once since the attack.

As expected, Rio’s sister is…

“Thank you. Does Rio know about this?”

“No, I don’t think she knows, but she might have sensed something. So? Do you think you can take them down?”

“If none of them are obviously strong, we should be able to manage.”

“I’m glad… Now I can avenge my sons…”

So he, too, had lost his family.

The chief sat back down and straightened his posture.

“We have almost nothing to reward you with. Why would you go so far to help us, putting yourself in danger?”

“I’ve already received a reward from Rio, so it’s no problem. That said, I won’t refuse if you want to offer something.”

“What on earth did Rio give you? Is it something even we could afford?”

The chief looked puzzled. What could a child possibly give that’s worth so much? He wears his emotions on his face.

“Everything Rio has. She offered her entire future to me.”

“Just that…?”

The village chief’s doubtful expression remained.

“Isn’t that… enough?”

I found myself wearing a puzzled expression too. As I thought, the values of this world are different from mine.

“You could have just bought a slave. You’d also need food to support her. Besides, I didn’t see any slave mark on Rio’s neck.”

Huh? Wait, that’s a thing? I’ll play it off like it was inconvenient and see if I can coax more details out.

“I assumed it would be enough to learn it if needed. I haven’t acquired the method.”

“If Rio wishes it, I could perform the ceremony for you.”

“That would be a great help. Please, I’d appreciate it.”

“Now, about the reward… No, it’s more like a request, but I’d like you to take my granddaughter. I may be biased, but she’s the most beautiful girl in the village.”

“You’re selling… your own granddaughter?”

I couldn’t help but shoot the chief a glare. He’s not doing it out of malice, I’m sure. However, it still doesn’t feel right.

“This village has lost its young men. We likely won’t survive the next winter… That’s why giving her to you offers a future. Seeing how you treat Rio, and that you act for such a little reward, I believe you won’t mistreat my granddaughter.”

It’s impossible to save all the villagers without revealing my true identity. But revealing I’m a monster is far too dangerous. There has to be another option…

“Understood. I’ll accept your granddaughter. And although it’s just me, I’ll come by the village from time to time to help out.”

Leaving a village full of beautiful women would be such a waste. Even just bringing meat once in a while would help.

“What!? You’d go that far…? I’m truly sorry for asking so much.”

Bowing deeply, the village head touched his forehead to the table, expressing his gratitude.

“No need to go that far. I’m getting a proper reward, so it’s just a normal deal. Please, raise your head.”

“You truly are a selfless person. It’s not much, but please allow us to treat you to dinner.”

The village chief looked up and smiled.

“I happen to have something just right for this occasion. I apologize for not offering it sooner.”

I handed the leather bag filled with rabbits to the village chief. I couldn’t show up empty-handed, knowing how hungry the village was. If not for Rio’s plan, I’d have used food to win them over.

“I’ve already drained the bl00d, so they should be ready to use. It might not be enough for everyone, but please accept them.”

“This is! Are you sure we can take all of this?”

Once again, the village chief’s eyes widened in shock. He’s got such expressive reactions, it’s kind of amusing.

“Yes. We’ve secured enough food for ourselves, so it’s no issue.”

“I don’t even know how to thank you enough…”

“I’m doing this because it benefits me too. No need to make a big deal out of it.”

I stopped him before he bowed his head again.

After that, I told him we’d located the bandits’ hideout and would attack in about a week, then wrapped up the meeting.

“There’s still time before dinner. Please let me know if you need anything.”

I was shown to a room in the village chief’s house and told I could stay there, but I stopped him just as he was about to leave.

“Would it be alright if I took a look around the village?”

“Of course. In that case, I’ll have my granddaughter show you around. Please wait a moment.”

If she’s said to be the most beautiful in the village, I wonder just how stunning she really is.

Rhoda: A woman in her 40s who looks like she’s in her 30s. She lost two sons but still has a daughter.

Legos: The village chief, in his 50s. Just a decent, good-natured man.

This time’s results:

・Apparently, there are still 10 bandits remaining.

・Rio’s older sister was among those kidnapped.

・As a reward for defeating the bandits, I was promised the village chief’s granddaughter.

Chapter length 3549 characters.