"What the fuck?! Why the hell did you-"

Before I could even finish that sentence, the sword started shaking violently on the floor.

"Don't worry! It just does that as a reaction to the to other thing!"

Fihr spoke nonchalantly while he walked over to the sword.

"F-Fihr-san! That's too dangerous! Be careful!"

Fihr paid her no heed as he stood over the thrashing steel, its runic blade now shining a sickening green hue. Without hesitation, he stretched out his hand and grasped the hilt of the sword.

"Urk! B-By the Gods! The sword's heavier than I thought!"

Fihr lifted the weapon as it began to change its shape at his touch.

It is quite a surreal sight for me. A Rabbitman lifting a cursed sword in the middle of his office., something I never thought I would have seen in a fantasy world.

Fihr smiled as he striked a few poses with the sword, its length now reduced to that of a short sword. Ryoka and I watched in disbelief as Fihr swung the sword around with little effort and with movements so natural and fluid.

"What the fuck..."

"Ahaha! Sorry about that, got excited there."

Fihr chuckled lightly as he placed the sword down on the table, his excited eyes staying glued on the runes of the blade.

"That there is a Dwarven blade! I could tell by the runes there. It must've been forged by the Dwarves serving under the Demon King."

"That may indeed be the case..."

Ryoka's monocle glimmered as she looked at the blade. Fihr and I watched attentively while Ryoka appraised the sword before us. She was using her skill, Appraise, on the sword.

"It's enchanted not just by Dwarven Runes but I could also sense some Dark Elven enchantments and some Demonic Energy as well. In fact, this thing is made out of Demon Flesh!"

Ryoka jumped back in surprise as the sword began to shake unnaturally, its entire length now moving like some sort of fleshy appendage.

I reflexively grasped for my sword at my side only to grabbed empty air. Oh right, I left it at Ryoka's house. Guess I have to make do with my knife.

"Hmm... Body Manipulation, the skill possessed by the high ranking demons."

Fihr muttered out under his breath as a surge of mana shot out from the sword. The boy remained unfazed by this and was still standing calmly near the sword.

"What?"

Fihr stroked his chin while I kept a close eye on the damn sword. 

"Shouldn't we like destroy it or something?!"

Ryoka pointed at the sword as cracks formed along the edge of the sword, revealing a fleshy material underneath.

"I don't think we should. Arthur, could you hold it for a second?"

"Huh?! No fucking way am I touching that- Oh shit! It's spurting out something on me! What the fuck!"

The damn thing shot out a yellow liquid at me and left a stain on my shirt. It wasn't smelly, but it still felt gross.

"Look, if you just hold it like this!"

Fihr grasped the handle tightly with his little hands and lifted up the gross sword.

"It will stop reacting violently."

The sword gradually returned to a more metallic form as the magic around it stopped glowing. 

"See? I think it's just reacting like this due to the strong magic of the the other item. It just needs mana to remain in a neutral state."

Fihr smiled and handed me the sword.

"Now you hold it!"

"No way! No- Hey! Don't just shove it into... God damn it."

Before I could protest, Fihr pushed the sword onto my hands. I could feel the heat from the blade's handle. I would've punched Fihr if he wasn't a child.  

It's like holding a sharp, metal, baby except it's made out of Demon meat or something.

"Now, now, it's just a sword! Onto the next thing, I suppose. It seems you brought the Heroic Relic I asked for, thank you!"

Fihr's voice brimmed with excitement as he opened the box. Ryoka was still looking at the sword I have in my hands warily so she didn't say anything to Fihr.

Inside the box is a small pendant wrapped in silk and other fine cloth. It had a faint light to it as Fihr tenderly lifted it up with both of his hands. The large gemstone of the pendant sparkled brightly as the light hit it while its silver and gold chains glimmered like stars.

Ryoka and I watched Fihr as he whispered closely into the gem, the light growing warmer and brighter as he did.

"Beautiful..."

Ryoka muttered out as she stared at the gem. Even I found myself staring at the ornate and beautiful gemstone that Fihr was holding.

"What is it?"

I asked as I watched Fihr hold it tightly in his hands. Fihr smiled warmly as he placed it on the table.

"It was one of my friend's treasures. It could protect its wearer from all harm and it empowered their Holy spells."

Fihr said softly, tears flowing down the side of his cheek as he bowed his head in a silent prayer.

"It's called the Pendant of Miyu. It was the wedding gift of the Hero Henry to the Archpriestess Miyu 300 years ago."

Ryoka said in a soft tone as she patted Fihr on the back.

The boy sobbed a few more times before wiping away the tears on his face. He let out a heavy sigh as he took a sit, his ears drooping to the side.

"Thank you, Ryoka. This item was crafted from a rare gemstone called "God Stones" and was imbued with other properties as well by the Mage Henry. Allow me to demonstrate." 

Fihr lifted up the pendant to eye level as he cleared his throat.

"Ehem... Heal!"

I felt a strong burst of mana fly out from the pendant as it glowed a bright yellow. Seconds later, I felt a warm feeling descend upon my body and the slight fatigue I was feeling earlier disappeared. In fact, it seems even my mana was restored.

"That's just one of the powers of this pendant. Miyu imbued it with her own magic while Henry enchanted it with various enchantments. If used by even a low level Priest, that person could probably purify even a Higher Lich. Ahh, I remember watching those two back then testing out the powers of this thing."

Fihr had a nostalgic expression on his face as he leaned back on his chair, staring at the gem as he held it in front of his eyes. 

Wait a minute.

"D-Did you just say you tested it out with-"

"Yes. I tested it out with them 3 centuries ago."

Fihr spoke as if there was nothing wrong with that. I shot Ryoka a sideward glance, she was giggling at me.

"How old.... How old are you?"

"Me? I'm 412 years old."

My head went blank there for a second.

Looking at Fihr, this kid is probably around the same age as Jin. His slightly chubby cheeks, his wide eyes, and his overall cuteness doesn't really match his age here.

"Can't believe it, huh? That's a normal reaction. At least you aren't like Ryoka here who immediately petted me ears after learning my true age."

"H-Hey! Fihr-kun!"

Ryoka lunged at the laughing Fihr who dodged nimbly out of the way. His ears perked up as he continued to laugh at the flustered merchant.

"Ahaha! Man, meeting new people are perks of living a long life. Anyways, yeah, we now have Miyu's Pendant. I still can't believe they managed to find this thing."

Fihr had a perplexed look in his face while he looked at the pendant in his hands. Ryoka was still trying her best to grab him but he was dodging her attempts easily with his fluid movements.

"You said this was found by the Royal Expeditionary Force in some unknown shrine in the Western Mountains, right?"

Fihr asked calmly while he ducked his head to avoid Ryoka's grasp. Ryoka stopped her attempts to grab the poor boy and composed herself. 

"Huh? Ah, yes! According to the reports, there was a shrine there protected by a Holy barrier that is twice as strong than the one in the capital. The moment they took out the pendant, the barrier immediately dissolved."

"Western Mountains, Western Moun- Oh! I remember now! That's the place where Henry proposed to Miyu! How could I forget!"

Fihr threw back his head while he chukled. Ryoka and I shot him a weirded out glance while he continued to chuckle to himself.

"So that's where she hid it! I thought she took this thing with her to her grave. Of course she'd do that... She's that kind of person after all, an idiot but a loveable idiot."

Fihr chuckled one last time before shaking his head.

"Let me guess, they brought it to Rhe'in?"

Ryoka nodded at Fihr's question.

"Rhe'in-sama was the one who requested that it be sent to you for safe keeping. In fact, he also recommended that I personally bring it to you."

Ryoka's usual calm and cool voice returned while Fihr listened to her quietly, his face a constant serious expression.

"That Elf probably thought he's too clumsy to hold onto this. But why here in Lorren? This thing is the reason Henry was always in trouble."

Fihr said softly while he ran his fingers over the large gem.

Watching these two talk is making me feel left out. Thankfully, there was some biscuits on the table. Hopefully Fihr and Ryoka wouldn't mind if I already helped myself to half of the delicious treats.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Damn it, if the two of you are just gonna talk about something I'm not a part of then give me my reward and let me drink already. I'm getting bored of all talk about mystical items and heroes.

"S-Seriously?! Fihr-san! Do you know what this could mean for the town?!"

"Of course I know! But that's why I wanted Arthur here to use this thing."

"Eh? E-Excuse me?"

Ah, I must've spaced out while stuffing my face with biscuits since I misssed some parts of what they were talking about.

Wait a minute, why are they looking at me?

"Arthur! I have a quest for you!"

"No."

I shut down Fihr immediately before I took a bite out of another biscuit. The color from his eyes drained as he stood frozen in place from the shock.

"Look, you're probably gonna spring some hard quest on me and I don't want any of that."

"A-Arthur-san!"

I let out a heavy sigh as I grabbed another biscuit from the tray.

"Look, I won't go killing some high-level monster right now since I want to take a break first."

They both shot me a confused stare.

"Ah... He must've been snacking on the biscuits while we were talking."

"Wait... I'm not gonan go fight some monster?"

"What?! It'd be awesome if you did, but that's not necessary! I just have a request."

Fihr said before running over to a nearby drawer.

"Arthur, do you know how an undead sees the world?"

He asked while he rummaged through his messy drawers.

"What do you mean?"

I asked while I poured myself a cup of tea.

"Years ago, I fouund myse-"

"Skip the flashback and get to the point. Tell me the gist of it."

Ryoka glared at me while I sipped my tea. Fihr laughed it off while he shook his head.

"You know, you really remind me of Henryand Miyu! Always yelling about NPC's, cliched expostiotions, and other strange things!"

I need to ask about how people from 300 years ago could know such things.

"Where is that- Oh, I found it!"

Fihr pulled out a small wooden box and wiped away the dust on it. He pulled out the pendant and placed it within before closing it with an audible clunk.

"An undead can see the light of one's soul. That's how they differentiate the living from the dead."

"Is... Is that how Nehuet tracked us?"

Ryoka asked, her voice quaking as she lifted a trembling finger towards the box Fihr is holding. Fihr nodded silently as he looked at the box.

"This Heroic Relic is like a beacon to them. We didn't know it back then, but it seems the stone used in this creation was like a blinding light to them."

"H-Hold on, are you saying this thing will attract more Nehuets to this place?!"

"N-No... In fact, it might discourage them for a while.This pendant can destroy high-tier undead in a single shot if used correctly."

Fihr let out a sigh before walking towards me.

"I thought about leaving it with you..."

Fihr poured himself a cup of tea as well.

"But that would just trouble you."

A heavy sigh left my lips as I put down my cup of tea. I can't believe I'm doing this...

"Let's make a deal, old man."

----------------------------------------

-Guild Bar-

The burning sensation of alcohol going down my throat at the end of the day is the best! So this is why those RPG characters love taverns! 

"Oi! Barmaid! Another round of ale!"

"Sure! Sure!"

Man, I never thought I'd be able to say that in my entire life.

I would've treated everyone to a round of drinks, but I'm not really in the mood.

The girl placed another pint of ale in front of me and winked at me. A few glares from the other guys around me told me that I just became another target for unwanted rumors.

But hey, the girl's pretty cute. I might hit on her if a certain Archpriest wasn't here.

"To think that I have a new drinking buddy! Bottoms up!"

"Jesus, how do you pay for all this booze?"

"Ehehe, I'm actually pretty rich now! Thanks to all of my efforts today!"

"Oh? Is that so? Tell me about it."

Olivia giggles, her flushed smile making my heart skip a beat for a moment.

"Well, I made at least 2 million on that quest! Although half a million was decducted as pay for my tab, and I spent another half a million buying rounds for everybody."

Olivia paused for a moment to guzzle down a large serving of beer.

"But hey! At least I still have money to spare! That money could actually last me for a few more years if I budget it correctly."

"Wow... No wonder Zel had to keep a close eye on you. You're a mess, like a middle-aged man after losing his job."

"H-Hey! What's with that attitude? Man, you just went adventuring with us for a few days and now you're showing your true colors! And what's with that last part? What do you mean by that?"

Olivia pouted while she gave me an earful. I let out a sigh as I drank the ale served to me by that cute, green haired barmaid.

"I thought you were the shy but nice type when I first saw you having trouble in the guild on your first day! I can't believe that you're a shitty person after all!"

I nearly spat out my drink at that one.

"What the hell do you mean shitty? What do you mean by that?!"

"First of all, you're a closet pervert! Second of all, you're just in it for the money! You don't care about adventuring at all!"

"Huuuh?! Of course I'm in it for the money! I don't give a fuck about adventuring or shit like that, I just want to survive and make a life for myself here! And what the hell do you mean closet pervert?! What gave you that idea?!"

Olivia smirked and placed her cheek on the back of her hand. She traced the rim of her cup with her delicate fingers while she kept her gaze locked on me.

"I could tell by the looks you give Zel and Maria when they have their backs turned at you. I could also tell by how flustered you are when you talk with Zel. You're probably thinking Mihr here is pretty hot too and that you'd want to bring her to your room later."

This girl! What the hell is she talking about?!

Damn it, the other patrons of the bar are giving me weird looks. Wait no, barmaid! Don't shoot me with that disappointed look in your eyes!

"God dammit..."

"Fufufu! So you're not denying it?"

"Tch, shut up. It's not like that."

I grumbled under my breath while I drank my ale. Olivia here is getting more annoying as she poked me on the arm with her finger.

"So, which one of us do you prefer? Or maybe you want a harem? Perhaps you've fallen for me? I can't blame you 'cause I am pretty beautiful!"

She's clearly messing with me, her smug smile made that very obvious. I know it's obvious, but I can't help but feel my heart throb a little at her teasing.

"Oi, stop that. It'd be bad for me if I actually fell for you. You're a despicable woman."

"Ehehe, maybe~! Wanna give it a try?"

"Give what a try?! Hey! Cut it-"

She wrapped her arms around mine and I could feel her plump chest sandwich it. She was clearly drunk from the alcohol, but it just made my heart race faster. Some guys were looking at me with envious eyes but what troubled me more is the heavy breathing of Olivia and the sensation of my arm being squeezed between her chest.

"You look cute when I tease you, just like my brother. So? How does it feel for a virgin like you to have that a beauty is wrapping her arms around you?"

What the fuck is Olivia doing?! Aside from the angry glares I'm getting from the barmaid and the other adventurers, I could feel the warm sensation of her boobs squeezing my arm as well as something rising in my pants. I feel sorry for this girl's brother and for Illyria. Is this girl even a woman of the cloth?

Well, she is beautiful...

No, this is bad, I can feel myself getting excited over her games. Besides, I'm better than this!

"Teehee~! What's getting you worked up for? You getting turned on by me? It's a sin to go after holy maidens, you know?"

"What?! No! G-Get off me already! You're making me question Illyria's choice of followers."

Olivia pouted before she reluctantly let my arm free from the bountiful mounds on her chest.

"Meanie. You have a beautiful girl clinging to you and here you are pushing her away."

"I don't even know you that well. The most I know about you is that you usually make it home by around midnight after Zel drops you off at the church and that your favorite drink is strong beer. Anyway, why the hell are you being so flirtatious all of a sudden?! Are you after my money?!"

"Ah..."

I knew I shouldn't have told her about that. 

"S-Sorry?"

"......."

The Archpriest beside me flashed me an anxious and nervous expression before hiding her face behind her hair. She was blushing profusely as her smug smile from earlier disappeared.

"A-Arthur, you wouldn't mind treating me to another round... right?"

"Shut up and drink. Barmaid, another round for the two of us."

"Thanks."

As the barmaid slid us our drinks, I let out a disgruntled sigh while I took a sip of the fine mead. Damn, that's some sweet mead. 

"I can't fucking believe the first time someone actually flirted with me was just an excuse to grab my money."

Olivia chuckled before placing her chin on her hands.

"Seriously?! I was just joking with you but now I feel bad."

"What's there to feel bad about? I don't even care about it."

"Aww, why not? Disappointed I didn't actually flirt with you?"

"Nah, I'm not really interested in romantic shit like that. Besides, your damn teasing reminds me a lot of my sister."

I took a swig of the ale while I slumped down on the table.

"E-Eww... S-So Arthur is like that... You have a sister complex. You're a siscon!"

"No! You damn idiot! Stop comparing my sister to yourself! She's not a chronic drunk like you!"

"Wha?! Hey! I'm not- Jeez! Ugh, I'll let that slide since you're treating me right now. Anyways, what are you planning to do now that you're rich and famous?"

Olivia asked with a curious tone.

"I want a house."

"Ah... I think you've had too much to drink already."

Olivia patted me on the back while she gave me a pitiful look. I swear this girl takes after her Goddess.

"Shut up! I'm not drunk! I'm pretty serious it. I'm gonna go buy a house and a horse with a wagon."

"E-Excuse me? Sorry, you must've slurred your words there. Are you sure about... about what you said?"

Olivia smirked at me, her blue eyes filled with disbelief at my words.

"I'm gonna buy a house and live out the rest of my days with Miia in comfort. I changed my mind about the Demon King, I'm just gonna go let some other hero kill him."

With that, I drank my mead in one go before wiping away the foam at the top of my lips with the back of my hand. Olivia's eyes casted a sidelong glance before shaking her head.

"Illyria, give me patience with this boy..."

A sigh left her lips as she took one last swig of her ale. She slammed down her empty cup as she wiped away the ale on her lips with her hand.

"Puah~! Now that's good ale! Anyways, I'm not in a position to tell you to not do what you want, so go ahead and do it. Just don't lose yourself to wealth and all that, I suppose..."

Olivia paused for a moment, her eyes staring into the now empty cup.

"Heh, it's crazy to think that just a few days ago you walking through town broke and in strange clothes."

She stood up and rubbed her neck while she chuckled to herself.

"W-Wait. H-Holy shit! You're finished drinking! I neve- Urk! Ow! Why the hell did you hit me on-"

"Arthur Pendragon! Sheesh! I'm not always drunk, you know?!"

"Okay! Okay! Stop punching me! Where the hell are you even going?"

Olivia stopped her assault on my shoulder and stepped back. She let out a heavy breath while she rubbed the back of her head.

"I'm just gonna go do my duties as the Archpriest of Illyria. It's a shame to stop this early, but duty calls! Zel already knows about this, so don't worry."

With that, Olivia waved me goodbye before making her way out of the guild. She stumbled out of the door, but she seemed like she could handle herself. 

The door closed behind us with an audible click as I jumped onto the bed with a muffled groan. Miia followed after me but instead of jumping onto the bed like me, she nuzzled up against me before tucking herself under the blankets. Miia pressed her head against my back, her soft hands clinging onto my shirt.

"G-Good night! M-Mister!"

She squeaked out in her cute, high-pitched voice.

"Good night, Miia."

I said softly as I closed my eyes.

Her soft breathing was slowly lullung me to sleep along with her warm embrace from behind. It felt nice to sleep like this. Ahh... I never thought I'd be able to experience this kind of feeling in my life! I get to sleep with an actual cat girl in another world.

But before I could drift off to sleep, I heard a faint knocking on the the door. Miia's already sleeping so I don't think the noise woke her up. But who the hell could be knocking at this hour?

"A-Arthur... Can we stay over for tonight?"

A familiar voice spoke softly from behind the door.

"Just come in already. Don't make me stand up."

The door slowly opened and the light outside outlined two silhouettes of a familiar pair. 

"T-Thank you for letting us in this late into the evening."

My eyes quickly adjusted to the light and I found myself looking at Jin and Maria with heavy looking bags on their backs. They were wearing more casual clothes than the ones they wear when adventuring and they were carrying what seemed like rolled-up futons.

"It's fine, Maria. Just don't wake up Miia. Anyways, what's up? Wait, is this a night raid?! H-Hey!"

"What?! No, you fucking idiot! The inn we were staying at had to make repairs due to an accident."

Jin said in a hushed, angry voice as she laid out the futon on the floor before dropping her bags softly beside it.

"Yes. It seems that termites have chewn threw some of the beams below our room. The owner said that it's dangerous to sleep there for now since it might collapse so..."

Maria fidgeted as she stared at the floor. 

"We were hoping we could stay with you for a while."

"I-It's fine. I don't mind. Anyways, are you guys okay?"

Maria and Jin exchanged quick glances before smiling and giggling.

"Y-Yeah, we're fine. We are homeless for now, but we'll manage."

"Ah, in that case... Want to help me look for a house tomorrow?"

The two of them looked at me in surprise.

"A-A house? W-Where the hell will you get the money to buy one?"

"Oh right, I didn't tell you guys about it."

I let out a tired sigh as I slowly and carefully got up from the bed. Miia rolled a few times, but she calmed down the moment I slowly and gently petted her head. Now that I'm in a sitting position, I brought them up to speed with what happened earlier with Fihr and Ryoka.

Jin just sat there, dumbfounded, while Maria nodded and listened intently as I told them about my new fortune. I continued talking about them about Fihr's request and that's when Maria suddenly shot up from her seat with a look of disbelief written all over her face.

"The Guild Master knows about the Archmage Hendrickson?!"

"H-Hey! Be quiet, Miia's sleeping. And "Hendrickson"? Don't you mean Henry?"

"T-That's how he was referred to by his peers, but Hendrickson is a legendary mage! I-I'm a big fan of his research on magic systems but to think that the Guild Master knows of him on a personal level... Perhaps he might have some insights on his work that could be valuable- Ah, sorry... I-I got excited again there..."

Maria finally noticed her gushing excitement and hid her embarrased face behind her hair. I let out a chuckle and waved my arm nonchanlantly.

"It's fine, I don't mind. If you like, I could introduce you to Fihr since he looks like a pretty strong magic user."

"R-Really?! Ah! E-Erm, I appreciate the offer, but-"

"Enough with the flirting already and get to the good part already! So, waht are you planning with that Heroic Relic?"

Jin cut us off with an irked tone as she sat on her futon with a serious expression on her face.

"Oh, the pendant... I think I'm gonna give it to Olivia since it's pretty much a perfect match for her. But Fihr basically dumped us this fucking white elpehant of an item since it just put a pretty fucking large target on our backs."

"S-Speaking of the pendant, where is it currently?"

"Ah, I stowed it away under my bed. After I get my stuff back at Ryoka's house, I'm probably gonna give it to Olivia then."

"Makes sense. But damn, I still can't believe you earned that much money. You're as rich as Zel now! You're basically as wealthy as a lord or a noble! Congrats!"

"J-Jin! We're not supposed to tell him that!"

Jin paused for a moment, before covering her mouth. Her eyes looked at Maria, who was looking at her in surprise and shock, then back to me.

Maria let out a sigh while Jin cussed underneath her breath.

"W-Wait... What?"

"G-Guess there's no point in not telling you now. Still, you should ask Zel about this tomorrow."

Jin let out a sigh before speaking. Maria was still torn about whether or not to tell me but Jin ignored her as she spoke in a calm but serious voice.

"Zel is the daughter of a noble."