When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 15

Episode 15

After finishing my investigation in the villages, I began my return to the mansion. By that time, the western sky was dyed crimson. And it was already dusk.

I had been moving non-stop since morning, without even having lunch. So my body was heavy like lead from hunger and fatigue.

Even so, thinking about today’s harvest made my steps feel strangely light.

When I pushed open the mansion’s heavy doors, the entrance hall was already lit.

There, what caught my eye was Sebas and Kotama chatting cheerfully.

A calm air flowed between the two. And Kotama’s expression looked much more relaxed than usual.

Thanks to Sebas being here today, maybe she was able to spend a bit of peaceful time?

However, the moment she noticed me, Kotama’s shoulders twitched in surprise.

The next moment, she quickly hid herself behind the shadow of a large nearby pot.

(Oh, she ran again. But still, rather than completely disappearing like last time, just hiding behind an object… that’s a small sign she’s gotten a little used to me, maybe…)

Thinking that, my mouth loosened just a little. No rush. Bit by bit.

Meanwhile, Sebas saw me and quickly approached with a complex expression of relief and slight reproach.

“Yutaka-sama! You’ve finally returned…!”

His voice was heavily tinged with worry.

It was understandable. Coming back this late without any contact—he must’ve feared something had happened.

“Without any message and staying out so late… I was very anxious, wondering if something might have happened to you, Yutaka-sama.”

“Ah, sorry, Sebas. I got a little caught up. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

As I apologized sincerely, Sebas let out a deep sigh.

“Really… if you’d gotten injured or something…”

“I’m fine, Sebas. More importantly, we got a big result today.”

When I said that, Sebas widened his eyes slightly.

“A result… do you mean something related to the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb?”

As expected of Sebas. He accurately grasped the purpose of my actions.

I pulled out a crumpled notebook from my pocket as I spoke.

“Yeah. That Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb that left Kotama in that state yesterday… it’s a fairly rare plant.”

Sebas listened quietly. He was carefully considering my words.

“But look at this.”

I showed him the notebook.

In it were scribbled notes and a map. It was filled with the information I had gathered throughout the day.

“It seems that this Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb grows all over the Vixel Domain. Especially in forested areas, a large quantity has been confirmed. Probably, the climate and soil of this land are well-suited for growing it. In other words… there’s a high possibility that we can utilize this herb as a specialty product of Vixel Domain.”

Sebas looked surprised at my words.

He must’ve remembered when I said before that “some top-class chefs use it for scenting.”

“To think… Kotama’s incident would lead to such a discovery… I never would have imagined.”

Sebas muttered in amazement, and I nodded.

“Yeah, it was complete coincidence. You could even say it was thanks to Kotama.”

Saying that, I glanced toward the shadow of the pot where Kotama was hiding.

Then, her reddish-brown cat ears twitched. And the tip of her tail gave a small flick.

The next moment, she shouted, “I—I’ll go prepare dinner!” and hurriedly ran off through the door leading from the entrance hall to the kitchen.

“…Oops. I wanted to praise her more. But I guess she’s still not ready.”

A small chuckle slipped out.

Then Sebas said with a gentle smile,

“No, Yutaka-sama. Kotama looked very happy.”

“She did?”

To me, it looked like she had just run away.

“Yes. Her tail was wagging quite energetically.”

Sebas spoke as if it made him happy too.

(I see… Sebas really does understand everything about Kotama.)

I felt a slight pang of envy at their strong bond.

“Now then, Yutaka-sama. About that Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb… Even if we use it as a specialty product, what exactly do you have in mind?”

Sebas brought the topic back.

“Ah, about that… There’s someone I already want to try trading it with.”

“A trading partner, you say? But… will there really be anyone who would seriously deal with a place like Vixel Domain, which no one even wants to approach anymore?”

Sebas’ voice carried a tone of resignation born from the long years he’d endured in this run-down land.

“We won’t know unless we try. But at the very least, this potential partner doesn’t hold such biased views about territories and has a definite demand for the Beast-Luring Fragrant Herb.”

“A place that convenient really exists?”

To Sebas’ question, I nodded.

“Since coming here, I’ve been looking through old books in the mansion’s library. In one of them, I found something interesting. Apparently, beyond the town of Kanaloa, far past it, there’s said to be a large settlement of beastkin.”

“A beastkin settlement… you say.”

Sebas touched his chin and narrowed his eyes as if searching his memory.

“Now that you mention it… I feel like I did hear such a thing from the previous lord. But that’s a very old story, and no one’s confirmed the existence of that settlement in years. Whether it’s still there or not…”

Sebas’ words naturally carried concern.

“Yeah, I’m worried about that too. Honestly, it’s a gamble. But Sebas, if we stay the same, the frontlines will only keep worsening. If we don’t try something new, we’ll slowly go under. It’s obvious.”

“That… is certainly true…”

Sebas’ expression clouded.

“But beyond Kanaloa, the roads aren’t developed. And safety isn’t guaranteed. For you yourself to go to such a dangerous place…! I thought that would only happen once, with the previous incident…!”

Sebas, unusually, raised his voice.

I appreciated his loyalty. But I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.

“Of course, I’m not planning to go alone.”

I said, trying to calm him.

“This time, Freyja will lead a proper investigative expedition. We’ll select several soldiers, make full preparations, and confirm the existence of the beastkin settlement. And if possible, we’ll establish contact. I’ll just be the one planning and giving the orders. I promise not to act recklessly.”

Sebas fell silent for a while. He was lost in thought.

His face showed inner conflict.

Eventually, with a deep sigh and a resigned yet somewhat resolved expression, he said:

“…Good grief. It seems I’m fated to be constantly troubled by my lord.”

His words were ironic. But I could sense his acceptance of my plan beneath them.

“Sorry, Sebas. But if we succeed, this could be a big turning point for Vixel Domain.”

I responded, grateful for his understanding.