Butcher Demon Chapter 335

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Butcher Demon Chapter 334 Tausade Tavern

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"I'll be back at night. Faye-san, please take care of Yakumo-san."

"Thank you, Kyo. Take care."

Yakumo can't join us because we can't tell about his race and his background. We ask Faye to look after him while the three of us go into town.

　Since we didn't want to roll into town in a full-size pickup and make a scene, leaving Yakumo with Faya made things easier.  In addition, our camping gear and food storage in the vehicle were left there, and we told them that they were free to use it. They need it if they are going to stay outdoors.

They got permission to set up a refugee camp close to the fortress. Kyo said that even if they were attacked by monsters there, they would indeed not be abandoned outright, and they would be protected.

"For now, let's go to Tavern. That's the fastest way to talk to the union leader there."

Led by the familiar Kyo, Tiriel and I followed.

Both familiars, Komugi and the tiger bear Vojtek, remained at the camp as guards.

Komugi is just too cute. When I reach out, it stays still, making it easy to pet. Playing with this bird is like an oasis in the heart of a grim butcher. Fluffy happiness.

Our destination, the Tavern, serves as the office for the Adventurer Insurance Association, a bar, and a restaurant all rolled into one. Unlike other towns where accommodations are often bundled, Meteor Lake uniquely separates lodging. The Tavern we're seeking is situated on the slope by the Oberon statue.

Meteor Lake is full of slopes, stairs, and small, narrow paths.

The roads pass under the stairs, and bridges span over the stairs. The paths are connected three-dimensionally. Though it looked as if it had been subject to unplanned development, strangely, there's a charm to it. Just looking at the round signs protruding from each shop makes me rather interested. Occasionally, amidst the hustle and bustle of people, strange cries mix in —— whether they are pets or livestock. Exotic atmosphere permeates from everywhere.

Ascending to the upper part of the city reveals a steep slope, like a cliff, where a road carved into the rock surface resembles an arcade with its narrow width. I've already brushed shoulders with dozens of people navigating this pathway. The road and walls, painted in white, utilize the carved rock as awnings, making it resistant to weather and rain, but the sunlight level is poor. Perhaps to compensate for that, the road and walls are impeccably clean.

On the other hand, looking down from there to the lower part of the city, it's a gentle slope with a nice plain, and houses around the central lake. Just from the view, it seems like the lower part is the hotspot with better land value. But then again, the downside is that leaving and entering the city from below is quite far and a bit of a hassle.

For these reasons, people who are mostly active inside the city gather in the lower levels, and those doing stuff outside the city hang out in the upper levels.  Businesses and things that need customers are mostly in the middle layer, right between the two. The Tavern, where we're going, is also in this middle layer.

The city is roughly divided into areas: the direction with the Oberon statue is the south. The direction of the chaotic idol is the north. The direction of the featureless deity statue is the west. The direction of the Aides statue is on the eastern slope. They are respectively called the South District, North District, West District, and East District. We entered the city from the upper part of the West District and walked towards the middle part of the South District.

Roughly speaking, The city is split into different parts. The south with the Oberon statue, the north with the Paragon of Chaos, the west with the Formless God, and the east with the Aides. They call them the South, North, West, and East Districts. We came into the city from the upper part of the West District and are now heading towards the middle of the South District.

"......"

Kyo lowers her gaze to the ground, looking uneasy.

I have a collar around my neck, and Kyo is pulling the lead. By all appearances, I am a pet. I'm attracting the attention of passersby. It's a dream come true to be dragged around the city in a collar by a beautiful woman. However, it's a bit regrettable that Kyo is pulling my collar with an apologetic look. If I'm going to be dragged around, I'd rather be treated like a dog by a more domineering woman. During the day, I play the role of obediently being dominated, and at night, I dream of a reversal of roles by humiliating her with continuous climax. As a result of doing nasty things to me during the day, she gets a harsh retaliation at night, and it becomes a habit to do even worse things during the day. I wonder if there's a convenient perverted beauty like that somewhere.

Meteor Lake always has a breeze, which might seem strange for a city in a bowl-like shape that seems like it wouldn't get much air. Kyo says it's because of the waterfall —— it creates strong downward winds and, at the same time, allows air to go up, keeping the wind going all day. So, even though it's a city with lots of water, Meteor Lake doesn't feel damp and is comfortable to live in.

When passing behind the waterfall along the slope, I noticed the presence of an elevator. It seems to be powered by a water wheel using the flow of the waterfall, and it is used to transport heavy and large materials. Humans can ride it too. The crater seems deep enough to fit tall buildings without any problem. So, the elevator is definitely a handy way to get around.

The crater is so big that it's tough to really get how massive it is. People walking on the other slope across the central lake just look like tiny dots, showing how spacious it really is.

As the sun sets and the sky darkens slightly, lights begin to illuminate the city.

With the evening sky casting a dark blue shade over Central Lake, the city starts to light up with lanterns. The night view, where the flickering flames show the shape of the crater, is like something out of a picture book and feels really charming.

While walking and carefully observing the city at night, I suddenly noticed that only the area around the Aides statue remains completely dark.

"Oh, that area is not suitable for housing, so no one lives there."

Kyo said sadly as she looked at the broken statue.

"There's a lot of debris around the statue, and the flat land near the lake can't be used. It's also dangerous as the slope is shaky and might collapse. That's why there's no proper road going there. On the east side, there's not much sunlight, and there's no water. No one wants to make an effort to develop it."

It seems that area is unpopular. Indeed, at a glance, it looks unsuitable for residences with rocks everywhere.

Wait, why doesn't the eastern slope get much sunlight?

"Huh? Umm, well, because the sun rises from the south and sets in the north?"

That's what she says. The sun rises from the south and sets to the north. I feel like I'm going crazy.

There's no light on the small island floating in the central lake. It seems nobody lives there. It's more like a large rock formation than an island, so it doesn't seem suitable for building houses either.

Eventually, when the sky becomes completely dark, we arrive at a particularly brightly lit square square.

People illuminated by bonfires are casually clinking their glasses, creating a lively atmosphere.

"Here we are."

Kyo points to the back of the square. There's a door right on the rock surface, and that's how you get into the shop. In the upper to middle parts of Meteor Lake, houses usually look like caves, probably because the city is on a slope.

Tiriel squints and reads aloud the letters on the signboard above the door.

"Tausade Tavern?"

"It's the name of the shop. Alright, shall we go in?"

　With a well-accustomed ease, Kyo reaches for the door.

Contrary to the cave-like entrance, the interior of the shop has a soft atmosphere with abundant use of wood. It's spacious with a high ceiling, and it's bustling with noise.

"Good evening!"

"Sup, Kyo!"

As she opens the door, the attention focuses on her, and some people call out to her. She seems to be acquainted with them.

"Did you get a new pet? What happened to that amazing pet from the other day, that small fro... Pfft!"

"You still short on cash?"

"I could say, 'If you want some pocket money, then spend a night with me,' —— but hey, I'm not into demons. I ain't gonna sleep with you even if you beg. Go hunt for some mushrooms in the woods if you're strapped for cash."

Laughter echoes around her. Watching this go down, I get where she stands in this tavern.

Some of them have a cold, sharp look, like unsheathed blades. They have a different vibe compared to the folks I met in the city. So this is what adventurers are like.

"Hehe. I'm doing fine, eating mushrooms every day. Is the owner here?"

Kyo, not bothered by the treatment, smoothly ignores the comments. It's a perfectly appropriate way to handle it. Dealing with such people is a waste of time.

I also entered the shop a bit later.

Immediately, they fall silent.

In the hushed atmosphere near the entrance of the shop, Kyo introduces me with a hint of fear.

"Um, well... This is the new pet, Gevaudan."

"Hello, Gevaudan, butcher, the pet. Nice. meet you."

Even with a paper bag on my head, they should've known what am I from how I look and my skin color.

That my true identity is the butcher.

"Oy, Kyo. Can it follow orders?"

The jesting from earlier instantly disappears, replaced by sharp, piercing gazes that stab into me. As expected, these are professionals in their field. There's no sign of hesitation in their eyes facing the butcher.

"Yep, hand!"

Swiftly, I place my hand on her. Like a well-behaved dog.

I felt the tense atmosphere around them loosen up when they saw my dog acting skills. Is it really okay to act like this?

As I'm inwardly bewildered, an alien who is heavily intoxicated stumbles out of the crowd and slaps my arm. Despite the rough appearance, it looks somewhat human.

"Yo... hand!"

Even to this unfamiliar drunkard, I offer my hand. After all, I am a well-trained butcher.

"Hehehe. This is interesting... Sit!"

I quickly sit cross-legged.

"Dahahaha! Alright then... Show your dick! Come on, Butcher, show us your dick! Or do you want to suck mine? Come on, Butcher, show it!"

He says that and starts moving his hips in front of me. Doing these intentional vulgar acts, is he also disrespecting Kyo, who's kinda like my owner?

　If he wants it, be my guest.

"Gyaaah! Whawhat the———ggg!?"

I immediately strangle the man's throat, silencing him.

I then stand up, lifting the man's head until it touches the ceiling, making sure everyone can see.

Aiming at the struggling man's groin. Opening my mouth wide and clamping down forcefully.

"G-gu, sto"

"No, no, no, no!!"

Kyo hurriedly intervenes. She's pulling at my apron, but in the meantime, I continue to playfully nibble at the man's stick with my teeth. Dirty.

"Let him go! Everyone! As you can see, Gevaudan is a quiet and cute Butcher, but he definitely retaliates if attacked. So, please don't make jokes or say strange things alright! Now let him go!"

Following the owner's command, the absolutely obedient Butcher releases the man.

I casually toss the drunk alien against the wall of the shop.

"Gyaah!"

The guy I threw knocks over a table in the corner of the shop.

Then, a small man who was drinking at that table stood up in surprise.

"Oi!? Hey! What the hell man! Let people enjoy drinks peacefully here... huh?"

He holds onto the spilled glass, grumbles a complaint, and then looks at me, squinting with a frown.

"――Ah! You, from that time...!"

Gray skin, pointed ears. A Dark Elf.

"... You..."

The short Dark Elf approaches me with an angry heave, grabs my apron, and starts yelling.

"You damn thief! You took everything from that damp cave! It was empty! Half of that was mine, so leave something next time! I was the one who got you there you! Are you listening, Gevaudan!"

"Gofrat."

It's Gofrat, the scavenger. The guy who, after Haruka's friends were caught, told me about the cave and sneaked in after I cleaned it up.

Even if he says that I didn't touch anything. Except for the girls.

"Gevaudan...? Gevaudan... Gevaudan..."

From somewhere else, a voice repeats my name. It's a voice I recognize.

"Gevaudan!?"

Standing up, kicking his chair aside, it was Baghwan. The dream chaser looking for a way to Atlantis. As usual, his face is mostly hidden under the feathered hat and scarf pulled up under his eyes.

"Oh, you... you're alive..."

"Ah———!"

Kyo raises her voice loudly, pointing her finger sharply at Baghwan.

"You! From that time!"

"Huh? Ah, so you're alive too, Miss Oni."

"An unregistered wanderer that made me open a strange treasure chest! Because of you, I went through something very terrible!"

"My apologies. I never thought it was a teleportation trap. After the young lady got sent away, I felt responsible and looked for you for a while, alright?"

Baghwan tries to explain with a grin, and Kyo, unusually angry, continues arguing with him.

Watching them from a distance, Gofrat mutters to himself, "Tch, Baghwan..." and goes back to the corner of the shop, sipping his drink slowly.

"Oh! Right on time!"

The next person to push through the crowd is the little old man —— Bionte the Halfling. The suspicious archaeologist who was captured in the orc village.

Bionte grabs my hand and shakes it vigorously.

"Thank you, thank you! If it weren't for you, I would've ended up as orc food, but instead, I made it back safely to Meteor Lake. Thank you, thank you. Let me introduce you. This is Simonyan, a fellow researcher I met in this town."

Saying that, a man stands up from his seat. This one is an unfamiliar face.

"Hello, nice to meet you. You're Gevaudan, the one who single-handedly wiped out the orc village, right? I heard the story from Grandpa Bionte. However, this is surprising. You certainly do appear to be a Butcher. I am Simonyan. Like Grandpa Bionte, I study ancient ruins all over Myphosis and, more or less, a scholar myself."

With that introduction, Simonyan, a well-dressed man with round glasses on his slightly hunched figure, steps forward. He seems tired, but his manner of speaking is calm and intellectual. He wears a lab coat that suits him, and his messy hair and round glasses give him a scholarly appearance.

I shake hands with him in response to his extended hand.

　——Ummm, What's with this development?

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