Chapter Seventy-Two: Izay? The one who’s got a thing with Lady Artemis? (First Update)
“Lord Artemis, the nearby monsters have all been dealt with. I think this will prevent any harm to the surrounding villages for now…”
“Hmm, I see Letsha. You’ve worked hard.”
“This kind of thing isn’t even worth calling hard work, my Lord Artemis.”
Just as Artemis was about to offer help but was rejected, a human approached from within the woods.
Letsha, one of Artemis’ most trusted family members, and also the leader of the faction.
“Greet everyone and tell them to head back. After resting a bit in Kaen Village, we’ll prepare to return to Orario.”
Chirp chirp chirp, the sound scattered as a small bird with blue feathers landed on Artemis’ finger.
Feeling the affectionate manner of the bird, the Goddess smiled slightly while looking around.
A month ago, the [Artemis Familial Group] accepted a commission from the Adventurers Guild Headquarters as usual and left.
Now that a month has passed, the commission is complete, and the group is on their way back.
Their current location isn’t too far from Orario, and it’s broad daylight.
If these girls were to rush, they could reach Orario by evening at the latest.
Letsha naturally followed the main deity’s instructions; the battlefield cleaning was almost done. She called everyone together, then carried the spoils towards the nearby village.
Previously, it was “Kaen Village” that requested Artemis to clear out the monsters.
A village situated at the edge of the emerald forest, built along a gentle flowing stream.
Because this village is relatively close to Orario, the movement of people and goods is especially prosperous.
Many merchants and travelers visiting Orario often choose to stay here.
Due to the passage of carriages, the roads are paved with stone slabs.
Though called a village, due to its geographical environment, it occupies a large area, just not enough to be called a town.
The buildings are made of stone, there are many inns, windmills exist, and feathered wheels turn comfortably in the gentle breeze.
“Ahh, look!”
“That’s—!”
“It’s Lady Goddess and her Familial Group!”
As Artemis and her companions descended the mountain and entered the village, they were surrounded by a clamor.
With Artemis and Letsha leading the way, walking down the well-maintained stone path, naturally, walls of people formed on both sides. This was already on the scale of a small festival, welcoming the triumphant return of the heroes.
Artemis and her companions, who helped drive away the monster groups threatening the peace of the village, were seen as no different from heroes in the hearts of the villagers.
However, the girls within the Familial Group were already accustomed to such things.
Like the [Artemis Familial Group], factions whose main purpose is to eliminate monsters roaming the land are surprisingly numerous.
Helping the residents of villages and towns clean up the monsters affecting their peaceful lives is a regular occurrence for such Familial Groups.
“Ohhh, Lady Artemis! Is there anything you need? I will do everything in my power to assist you.”
“Hmm, our cargo has increased. I want to exchange it for money, but not too much. We won’t be staying here long.”
Artemis succinctly conveyed her message to the village chief who had hurriedly arrived from deep within the village.
“Drop items” are not useless to the villagers of Kaen Village since many merchants pass through here, and the villagers can trade these valuable items for wealth with the merchants.
The village chief would not refuse this surefire profitable deal, but he didn’t lack in proper attitude and gratitude either.
He hoped to somehow repay Artemis for eliminating the threat to the village, but unfortunately, he was declined.
The reason being they would soon leave.
While the village chief prepared what Artemis needed, the girls would temporarily rest in the village.
The village chief bowed deeply to the Goddess, promising his utmost preparation, then ordered those around him to start arranging and dispersed the gathered villagers, sending them back to their own affairs.
Do whatever, just don’t keep staring at the Goddess and her Familial Group. What are you looking at?
The Goddess’ expressionless demeanor left the village chief uncertain if she liked being watched.
But personally, the village chief believed that such prolonged watching was disrespectful to the Goddess.
Amidst the merchants’ calls, Artemis also issued instructions to her members, allowing them temporary freedom to relax.
“The Incident” occurred during this period.
“One!! A Level-up feat accomplished in just one month????”
“How is that even possible!? Who spread such absurd rumors!?”
“That’s right, something like that can’t possibly happen!?”
During their rest, they heard from a passing bard about the big events that happened in Orario recently.
The girls of the Artemis Familial Group chattered noisily, nowhere near their previous cold demeanor when slaying monsters.
“Oya oya? Even if you’re the Familial Group of the Great Goddess, you shouldn’t slander the news brought by me, Windiss. I am the best bard in Orario～ How could I utter falsehoods?”
A bard with a gentle appearance, dressed in traveler’s light armor, wearing a beret with a feather on his head, was conversing with the girls. His name is Windiss.
Windiss seemed dissatisfied with the girls discrediting his information and pulled something out from his travel bag.
“Look at this notice. It’s first-hand intelligence I bought from the Adventurers Guild Headquarters for ten thousand Valis. It even has the Guild’s seal, impossible to fake～”
Bards are certainly unique characters. To make others believe his words, he actually spent money to buy an official notice from the Guild Headquarters.
“Best bard in Orario? Then why haven’t I heard your name?”
Mixed among the group of girls, Lanti spoke frankly.
“Uh… this is because… it’s…”
“Because?”
“Because I proclaimed it myself～ Hehehehe～～～”
“…” Upon hearing this, Lanti was momentarily speechless, unsure where to begin her criticism.
“Um… I feel like the person on the notice looks familiar…” One girl hesitantly spoke up.
“Ah, now that you mention it, me too…” Her companion nodded beside her.
“It’s Izay!!!”
“Which Izay?”
“Could it be anyone else? The one with a thing for Lady Artemis!!!”
“Ohhhhhhh———”
In an instant, the girls who realized were stunned, with Lanti reacting the strongest.
It was almost as if her whole world crumbled.
That Izay who she could easily handle just a month ago…
Is now as strong as her?!
What the hell?!
Lanti couldn’t accept it!
“What’s all the commotion about?”
The girls’ exclamations caught the attention of Artemis nearby. The Goddess walked over, casting a slightly puzzled glance.
And at this moment, Lanti jumped in front of her, waving her hands wildly, babbling incoherently.
“Lady Artemis, Izay… he… he!!!”
“Hmm? What’s wrong with Izay?”
Artemis gently furrowed her eyebrows but did not reprimand her rudeness. Instead, she immediately thought of the figure that disturbed her mind.
Uncontrollable doubts arose in her heart. Why would there be news of Izay here?
Did he get into some trouble?
“No, Izay leveled up to Lv.2! In just one month!!!”
“Hmm???”
