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Ex-Hero, Now Freeloader – Chapter 26

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Translator: Kobracon

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26 – The Job of a Skilled Intelligence Officer? 1

I…feel like I can hear Mika and the white fox’s voices.

『The figure of him sleeping appears no different from that of the other children.』

『He’s got a small build and a babyface, but he’s fifteen, y’know? Although, I do agree that he looks cute when he’s asleep.』

『My word. That aside, he has the Hero’s Crest, hm? I’ve heard tales, but for it to appear on one so young…』

『…Right?』

『The leader of those wretches who captured me…the Hungry Wolf King I believe he was called, I could sense that he had considerable knowledge in the art of war, and yet Rain…』

『Yep, he cut him in half.』

『Such fearsome strength. It would not be strange if the wielder of such power would be consumed by it. However, I sensed no impurities in Rain. He seems like an innocent child wielding immense power… What a twisted state of affairs this is…』

『I totally get you.』

『I owe him for rescuing me. If anyone tries to stain his purity with evil, I will destroy them.』

『Thanks, Fluffems.』

『…I am the White Fox.』

『Thanks, Fluffy White Fox.』

『…Fine. Tell me, o holy sword. Can you hear it?』

『Yeah, it’s probably those Seven girls. Seems like they’re planning something…』

『I sense no ill will, yet I sense wicked thoughts.』

『They want to attract Rain’s attention. Don’t worry, they aren’t the type of people who would make their beloved Sir Hero unhappy.』

『Hm… Then I shall keep a watchful eye.』

『That aside… Isn’t that a little unfair?』

『Oh? Whatever do you mean?』

I opened my eyes from all the noise.

When I turned to my right, I saw the fox-eared Ur sleeping happily and soundly.

She’s using my arm as a pillow and in her arms is the white fox.

Apparently, the white fox can change the size of its body.

The mini white fox is sleeping in a round form, sandwiched between Ur and me.

『Kuh…! Not fair, not fair, not fair…!』

「Mika…? Quiet down.」

『Ah, sorry, did I wake you? But, hey, perfect timing. Rain, sleep with me held against your chest!』

「We’re not outside on a mission, so that’s not necessary, right?」

『J-just in case…!』

「Things would be bad if by some chance you ended up hurting the kids.」

『…Gr. I’ll remember this, Fluffy White Fox…』

「Why’re you mad at White Fox…」

I mumble as I fall back to sleep.

And then came the morning.

The mini White Fox is very popular with the kids.

When we got back last night, the kids were asleep.

By the way, the kids were very pleased that Ur became more expressive.

『I see… So these little ones have also lost their homes like Ur…』

Says the white fox tenderly while being held up and stroked by everyone.

『This, too, feels like, urgh, fate. Kuh, if it is within my, nn, within my power, I-Hey, do not pull on my tail!』

The white fox escaped from the kids into a corner of the room and returned to its original size.

Well, a size smaller than its original size at least. I think it’s taking into consideration the fact that it’s indoors.

「It’s big now!」「But so cute.」「I wanna hug it.」

The girls are obsessed with the white fox.

So long as they avoid the tail, the white fox doesn’t seem to hate the attention either.

「Are you okay, Carro?」

The rabbit-eared girl is clinging onto my left arm.

「Hmph, they all fell for it. Now I get to have Mr. Hero all to myself.」

Carro had a wicked smile on her face, but since she’s a child, it just looks adorable.

「Hmm? So, what about you, Ur?」

That’s right, Ur is clinging onto my right arm.

I thought she’d go to the white fox.

「Rain is amazing.」

「Hm?」

「You saved me and the White Fox.」

「Well, things worked out, I guess.」

Saving Ur and the gang was a coincidence, and I could have reached the white fox too late.

「I’m happy when I’m with you.」

She had a big smile on her face after saying that.

「Is that so?」

「Yeah.」

「Carro too. Carro too…!」

Carro is heavily proclaiming her existence.

We continued playing around like that until there was a knock on the door.

It was the black-haired maid Ferris.

We exchanged greetings and then she spoke.

「Lady Eleanor has called for you.」

「Ah, got it.」

I nodded with a serious look on my face.

Eleanor is trying to let me live a normal, comfortable life.

If it wasn’t something important, she wouldn’t call for me around breakfast time.

I take Mika in hand, leave the white fox to handle the kids, and leave the room.

Ferris followed behind shortly.

I stopped in front of a door near the kitchen that I have never been to before.

「Here…that is… Everyone is waiting for you.」

Ferris said with a bewildering face that is troubled, apologetic, yet somewhat amazed at the same time.

「Everyone?」

「Master Hero. This may be late, but I thank you for saving my younger sister, Lejie, five years ago.」

Ferris bowed deeply.

「Oh, uh, yeah don’t mention it…」

「My sister still talks about Master Hero’s bravery. She is deeply grateful.」

That’s all well and good, but why is she telling me this now?

「Her feelings may spin out of control, but please, do not hate her for it…」

From what she’s saying, I can guess that Lejie is also behind this door.

『I mean, you can tell from their energy, right? Some of the Seven are in there.』

The silver-haired Eleanor who can use Space Elemental magic.

The black-haired maid Lejie who works as an escort to the Demon King’s daughter.

The brown-haired Louto who works as a teacher in the Magic Academy.

I can sense the presence of one other person in there.

「I shall wait for you out here…」

「O…kay? Sure, alright.」

I brace myself and step inside.

「Fufufu, so you have come, Hero Rain.」

It was a room that wasn’t that spacious with only chairs and a table placed inside.

There is another door at the back. I don’t see the three women that I know.

They’re probably behind the door at the back.

The person waiting for me is a woman with tanned skin and long reddish-purple hair.

She wears a tight-fitting glossy outfit that has numerous openings that expose her flesh.

She wears a hat that looks like a military cap, tight gloves, and…she has a whip for some reason.

It’s different from what I know, but the closest profession that comes to mind with this image is…

「Are you the torturer?」

『As if there’d ever be a torturer dressed as erotically as her!』

「Indeed, you are incorrect.」

『See?』

「Torture is but one of my methods. Whatever information the Demon King Army wishes to know, I am the one who shall extract it by any means necessary. I am the intelligence officer.」

『What intelligence officer is dressed like that?!』

「I usually dress in a less revealing outfit, however. I do feel a little chilly.」

『Then why are you dressed like that…?!』

Mika is on fire today.

「Do you want to hear something from me?」

「Exactly. Clever boy.」

「Hmm. Even if you were to torture me, I don’t think you’ll get anything out of me.」

「I would never do something so terrible to you…!」

『I expected this, but geez, the Seven really are full of weirdos. Louto’s fine, though.』

Louto really won Mika over, huh?

「Hmph, even without resorting to torture, there is no information that can evade my grasp. Today, you will reveal our desired information. Crucial information that even you are not aware of.」

『Crucial information…that even Rain isn’t aware of…?!』

That seemed to pique Mika’s interest.

「Indeed, Hero Rain. Today is the day…you will reveal your favorite dish…!」

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