Third Outer World Story Series: Pumpkin Sorcerer - Chapter 101
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
Winter has set in.
In Samsara Egg Village, working from home was a regular pattern during the winter. However, as preparations for the building investigation were underway this winter, activities were more active than usual, and people and goods were coming and going more frequently than usual.
The mass movement of people can create a safer, albeit relatively speaking, street.
“It’s been a long time, Pumpkin-dono.”
“…”
His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince arrived through the safe path, mingling with the mass of people.
Behind the Crown Prince, a number of knights were waiting as his guards.
“Um, why are you here?”
“I gave you the reward for what was requested the other day, but the rest has not been paid yet. So, I have come to deliver that.”
“?”
Pumpkin questioned the prince about the reason for his visit, but the prince’s response was beyond his understanding.
As an adventurer, Pumpkin had received a request from the prince and accomplished it, and the reward was as agreed upon beforehand.
And yet there was something else to be given in addition to that? What did he mean by that?
“So, Pumpkin. I would like to bestow upon you the title of Baron of Senko.”
…Yeah. That’s some oversized hassle. This is why…
“I decline.”
“You…”
“That’s a quick answer. I honestly thought you would say so too, but is there any reason for that?”
The captain of the escort team was about to say something in response to Pumpkin’s words, but the prince stopped him with his hand while questioning him.
“Well, I am content with my current position as village head, and when I think about living as a sorcerer, I feel that a court rank is nothing more than a hindrance.”
“Although I’m not referring to a court position, have you considered becoming a court sorcerer? With your magic power and magic, you could even become the head of the court mage right away, which would make it easier for you to pursue your own research.”
“To me, magic is a method, but not a purpose. And if I am to fulfill my purpose, I don’t need the position of court sorcerer. First off, giving such a prominent position to a pumpkin that is just beginning out can only cause unwarranted animosity.”
To add to that, receiving this kind of position entailed various ties and other complications. This was another reason why he did not want such a position.
“I see. I don’t necessarily understand that feeling, but don’t you want to have a title for another Spalpkin? The position of the entire race would greatly change if one individual had a title, isn’t that right?”
“Even if I had one, I wouldn’t be able to make the most of it. There will eventually come a child who is suitable for such a role, and you may then give it to that child.”
“Hmm…”
The prince showed signs of contemplation at his words.
In fact, the Spalpkin was a race that lived only in a place that belonged to the more remote parts of the countryside when it came to the status of the race as a whole… Pumpkin didn’t think it would be much of a necessity.
“How about a title of barony with no duties, no rights, nothing, really just an honorary title?”
“Even so, I’m afraid some misunderstood person might come along.”
“Don’t worry, your name is better known in the center as the dragon-slaying sorcerer, and I doubt there are many who would even think of picking a fight with someone like that.”
“Ugh…”
When Pumpkin said something like this, the prince would likewise reply in the same manner.
After that, he tried to divert the conversation by talking about Rio and the armor made of ash-hardwood, but to no avail. The conversation was always going to be interrupted.
Apparently, the prince was determined to bestow upon Pumpkin a title or something equivalent.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah! Just accept it! There is no greater honor than to receive a title directly from the Crown Prince!”
As a matter of fact, the escort who has been quivering as if enduring something for a while now was trying to intimidate Pumpkin by raising a loud voice with blue streaks. Those guys were not good enough to intimidate Pumpkin in any way though.
At the very least, try intimidating me after releasing Entdragon-level magic power. Then I’ll be a little concerned.
“As if I care. I prefer my life now, where I can live comfortably. You can do your scheming and plotting where it doesn’t bother me.”
Even though he can’t reveal it to the public, in effect Pumpkin was in the service of Lean, the God, so the position he received from the humans was nothing to be thankful for.
If I could get a compliment from a spirit who is older than Mizuki, then maybe I would accept it.
“Sigh… apparently it’s swifter to talk honestly to you than to speak pretentiously to you.”
“Hmm?”
The prince let out a sigh once and began to formulate his words in a tone as if he had given up on something.
“I’ll tell you the truth. If I were to give a fair evaluation of what you have done in this case, I would have no problem giving you the rank of a marquis or a count. In any case, even with prior information and our cooperation, you have practically single-handedly recaptured Senkonoto Castle, saved His Majesty, his concubines, and the princess’, reduced the God of Destruction himself to a single arm when he could have been summoned and exterminated the misshapen creatures created by the God of Destruction’s believers. And yet, for some reason, someone didn’t talk about the misshapen creatures he had defeated.”
“…”
“Count Kunuki and I, who have been informed that you were unwilling to take such a post, managed to persuade the aristocracy to bestow upon you the title of baron in name only without even holding a formal ceremony to do so. And since no one has rendered more distinguished service than you, with the exception of one person, the others would not be eligible for any rewards at all. It would be a terrible humiliation to me and Count Kunuki if you refused to take the title. Can you imagine the trouble this could cause?”
“Mmm…”
What can I say… I might have to accept it if it goes this far. Or rather, if I don’t accept it, it will lead to additional troubles. Mainly in terms of financial resentment.
“I understand… I’ll accept it.”
“Yeah. Thank you, Baron Pumpkin.”
With that, Pumpkin became the first individual of the Spalpkin race to have a title.
——————
Incidentally, High Priest Sakri of the Church of the God of Creation revealed that the mysterious girl with orange hair and black and white attire who blew off the arm of the God of Destruction turned out to be an apostle of the God of Creation based on the prince’s account. Apparently, for an apostle of the God of Creation, any honor in the world of humanity was out of proportion, so he decided to do no more than mention her appearance as one of the apostles of the God of Creation in the scriptures of the Church.
In fact, it could be said that they gave up on it because they couldn’t even find a trace of the figure anywhere they looked.
“Well then, we shall leave you now.”
“Thank you…”
It’s just that… Yeah. There are three things about this story that I want to get into.
First, this girl and I are the same people. So the rewards are well-deserved.
Second, I am not an apostle of the God of Creation. If I had to say, I am an apostle of Lean-sama. You don’t have to draw it in the scripture without my permission.
Third, why do you call me a “girl”!?
At any rate, this was undoubtedly Lowizc’s handiwork, and Pumpkin would beat her up later while also bringing up Uriko’s case.
Fuhahaha. You just wait and see… Lowizcccccc!