Isekai Nonbiri Nouka - Chapter 898

Chapter 898: Battle at Mereo Breeding Facility

Riding on Hakuren’s back, we made our way to Mereo Breeding Facility.

On the way, we ran into some rough-looking Wyverns, but their leader managed to handle the situation.

A truly capable leader.

That kind of leadership over others is something I should learn from.

Not that I could ever rule through sheer force like that.

For the record, those unruly Wyverns ended up getting swept away down the waterfall where Shirukine-san had fallen earlier.

Apparently, that was their way of apologizing to me.

Apologies around here sure are unique.

Yeah, yeah, I get it.

I won’t make a big deal out of it.

So let’s not have a second round of waterfall punishment, alright?

-0-

When we arrived at the mereo breeding facility, the place was in the middle of a battle.

The caretakers and the female mereos had taken cover behind earthen and wooden barriers, launching ranged attacks at something in the forest.

I couldn’t tell what they were fighting against—because whatever it was had already fled.

Probably because Hakuren, in her dragon form, had approached.

「Thank you. That was a huge help.」

One of the caretakers stepped forward to explain the situation.

「It seems there’s been a major shift in the territory of the forest’s demon beasts. A pack of them swarmed the breeding facility.」

I see.

Apparently, Daga, Gulf, and Beezel had already arrived earlier. They had gone into the forest with Shirukine-san to deal with the monsters.

From what I was told, the monsters weren’t particularly strong, but their numbers made them a real problem.

Well, if it’s Daga and Gulf, I’m sure they’ll handle it. And if anything goes wrong, Beezel and Shirukine-san can always escape with teleportation magic.

That means our priority should be protecting the male Mereos and the ones still in the breeding facility.

...

Mereos.

I get that you’re happy to be reunited, but could you tone down the flirting?

The atmosphere’s getting weird.

The battle might be over, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe yet.

For now, let’s focus on repairing the earthen and wooden barriers.

Judging by their structure, they were probably thrown up in a hurry using magic.

They were positioned to protect the Mereo nests, but some areas had taken heavy damage.

If Hakuren had arrived any later, things might have gotten dangerous.

-0-

Just then, Daga, Gulf, and Beezel returned.

They didn’t seem injured, which was a relief.

「The monsters in the forest have fled. We assumed that meant village chief had arrived, so we returned as well.」

Daga saluted me as he spoke.

Yeah, no need for that.

Ah—Gulf, sorry, but can you patrol the breeding facility?

Some monsters might still be hiding around.

「Understood.」

Beezel, check on the workers.

They don’t seem injured, but they might just be hesitant to tell me.

「Got it.」

And what about Shirukine-san?

「Still in the forest. She’s investigating where the monsters came from.」

Is she going to be okay?

「She won’t lose to any monster around here.」

「I-It is an honor to be in your esteemed presence...」

「Ahh, none of that. Just get to the point.」

Hakuren, he’s trying to be polite. At least hear him out.

「It’ll just take longer. Come on, just say it already.」

「Er, it’s about the recent monster disturbances in this area...」

「Are you the cause?」

「N-No! I, um... As soon as it was made clear that greeting Hakuren-sama was no longer necessary, territorial disputes intensified...」

...?

Why?

「Until now, having a large territory meant you had to go greet her.」

So because those greetings were a hassle, many monsters refrained from expanding their domains.

But now that the obligation was gone, some saw an opportunity to claim more land, sparking the conflict.

「I-I apologize. My lack of strength has caused trouble for you...」

「Yes, it’s certainly a bother. So, did you just come to report this?」

「No. I have already settled matters with those involved in the disputes. I assure you there will be no further trouble. However...」

「Speak clearly.」

「My son was involved in the territorial fight... I was hoping you could overlook it.」

The monster glanced behind him, where a younger one stood.

Hakuren turned to me, silently asking what to do.

I signaled her to let it slide.

「Do as you please. I won’t interfere.」

「T-Thank you.」

The monster bowed deeply to Hakuren.

With this, the matter was resolved, and the crisis at the breeding facility was over.

Good, good.

At least, that’s what I thought—

But the young monster clearly felt differently.

「Father! Why are you bowing to someone like that?!」

「You fool! Do you not understand Hakuren-sama’s power?!」

「I know a female’s strength. But a male is just a male! I saw it! That man was giving orders to the female!」

...

Ahh.

I messed up.

I’d forgotten how particular animals were about hierarchy.

A careless mistake on my part.

As I reflected on my blunder, Hakuren tilted her head.

「And?」

Hey, Hakuren.

Don’t provoke him.

「I’m not provoking him. He’s clearly dissatisfied, so I’m helping him work through it. So? What do you want? You want to fight?」

「A-A match! But not with a female! With the male!」

...Me?

The older monster tried to stop him, but the young one wouldn’t back down.

「Well, I’d love to see just how amazing village chief really is.」

Ugh...

-0-

Anyway, I saw the young monster fall off the waterfall.

But when the older monster learned that I was Hakuren’s husband, the way he looked at me—like he was gazing upon something beyond this world—was a little hard to accept.

-0-

Giant Fish: 「I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t pour trash into the lake.」