The Banished Villainous Noble Son Who Was Used as a Stepping Stone in the Original Work Awakens to Combat and Destroys the Laws of the World - Episode 10: Considering the Rewards

Episode 10: Considering the Rewards

The Ironhorn Boars—

Since then, I hunted the second, third… and more after that.

Their charging momentum was impressive. But their attack patterns were more monotonous than expected.

Once I got used to it, it felt like doing the same drill over and over again.

But that’s exactly what made it good. It was perfect for polishing my technique through real combat.

(Putting weight on my left leg before dodging… yeah, I’m getting the feel for it.)

Even without checking my skill window, I could tell my senses were sharpening bit by bit.

…Fighting is proof that I’m alive. I simply felt that truth.

With that thought deep in my mind, I wrapped up the hunt and returned to the guild.

Before I realized it, the sky had passed evening and was heading into night.

Time flies when you’re immersed in battle… and strangely, I found that comforting.

I walked inside the guild and approached the counter.

The usual receptionist noticed me. She instantly adjusted her expression—but I thought I saw a flicker of unease in her eyes.

“Thank you for your hard work. You’re here to report your request results, right?”

“Yes. I’ll leave this with you.”

She glanced at the materials I handed over—and let out a small breath.

“…Um.”

As she checked the materials, she suddenly spoke up.

“Were you hurt at all?”

“Ah, no. There were no real problems.”

I answered immediately.

Sure, I had some scratches and bruises. But even those felt like part of the satisfying afterglow.

“I see… I’m glad to hear that.”

She slightly narrowed her eyes—just a little. No, ever so slightly, her expression seemed to soften.

“I thought this request might be a bit too tough for someone who just started recently. There was someone this morning who got hurt pretty badly…”

“I see.”

That one reply of mine felt a bit distant, even to myself.

Still, I didn’t press any further. That distance was what I considered the most optimal for myself.

Even so…

I felt a small spark of satisfaction inside.

Having my strength acknowledged in such a tangible way—

I didn’t mind it.

“…Excuse me. I’ll process this right away.”

She looked like she still had something more to say. But it passed quickly.

She went to the back for the appraisal and soon returned.

“The base reward is 20 copper coins. The materials appraisal comes to 5 silver and 13 copper. Altogether, that makes 5 silver and 33 copper coins.”

I had already counted the number of iron horns in advance, but still—hearing the reward spoken aloud made my brow rise a little.

(…Not bad.)

Fought, gathered materials, and got 5 silver and 33 copper.

More than enough to cover living expenses—and I could even think about buying potions.

At that point, several possible next steps were already forming in my mind.

“…Potions, huh.”

Still, it was already nighttime.

My body was starting to feel sluggish. It was probably from the adrenaline wearing off.

I wanted to go check the shop. But with more fighting tomorrow, I should just go back to the inn and rest.

I’ll stop by in the morning instead.

“Huh…?”

The receptionist blinked at me with a surprised expression.

It seems I’d said that last part out loud.

“Ah—thank you.”

“…Ah, yes. Thank you for your hard work.”

Her eyes, as she saw me off, still seemed to waver just a little.

I gave a slight nod and left the counter.

Behind me, I could hear the soft rustle of papers and the sound of her returning to her clerical work.

I didn’t look back—

But it felt like her gaze lingered on me just a little longer than usual.

◆

When I returned to the inn, I spotted a small girl in the lobby.

She looked to be around twelve or thirteen. She was wearing simple and practical clothes.

She seemed to be cleaning the floors with a broom and bucket, but—the moment I walked in, her shoulders twitched in surprise.

She looked up at me—

“…!”

—Eyes wide with shock, she quickly turned and dashed off toward the back without saying a word.

(…Huh? Did I do something?)

All I did was glance in her direction.

Still puzzled, I looked toward the counter. From there, the innkeeper peeked her head out.

“Oh dear, did Linea run away again? Hmm, well, that girl’s a bit shy, y’see.”

“Linea… was that her?”

“That’s right, she’s my granddaughter. She’s just started helping around the inn a little lately. How should I put it—She’s at that age, probably just embarrassed.”

(…Shy, huh. Even so, that was a pretty odd reaction…)

As the innkeeper spoke with a chuckle, my thoughts wandered back to that girl—Linea.

The moment she saw me, her eyes had widened. And she froze for a moment.

It might not mean anything.

Still, something about it left a weird feeling stuck in my chest.

Anyway—thinking more about it probably wouldn’t help. So I shelved the thought and headed back to the same room as yesterday.

I sat on the bed and gazed a bit at the evening sky outside the window.

(I like fighting… but I want to avoid hassle.)

I just want to fight freely.

Anything beyond that—I’d rather leave alone as much as possible.

If I have time to get involved with people, I’d rather spend it fighting even one more battle—

That was my real feeling right now.

With that thought in mind, I made my way to the inn’s dining hall.

It was just around dinner time. And a few tables were already occupied.

Everyone looked tired. But they also carried a faint, satisfied air as they scarfed down their food.

Tonight’s meal:

Black bread, stew, a plate of thinly grilled meat and steamed vegetables.

A set meal, basically.

(…Fourteen copper coins for all this? Feels almost too cheap.)

If we’re just talking food, it’s around four copper coins—

And that’s per night, with both dinner and breakfast included.

Honestly, it was ridiculously affordable.

I even found myself wondering, is the business gonna be okay?

A rare thought for someone like me—

That’s how cheap it was.

I sat down and took a spoonful of stew.

A quiet breath escaped my lips.

Nothing remarkable taste-wise. But it hit the spot for an empty stomach.

As I chewed thoughtfully, voices from nearby drifted into my ears.

“Hey, did you hear? Someone got wrecked by an Ironhorn again today.”

“For real? Told ya, that thing ain’t for F ranks.”

“Nah, I heard someone actually beat it. Apparently… some black-haired guy, super quiet.”

There was no need to wonder who they were talking about.

Still, even hearing those rumors, I didn’t say a word.

This level of battle didn’t satisfy me.

Fighting is deeper, farther, and always has another step beyond.

Thinking that—

I couldn’t help but look forward to the next fight.

Original Author’s Comment:

――――――――――――

Thank you so much for reading to this point!

To everyone who’s stayed with the story through these first ten episodes—

I truly appreciate your support!

(Here’s the link if you want to support the Author: https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622176303375188.)