The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 159

After teleporting back to our room, we ate some lunch.

“It’s amazing that there’s a hot spring.”

“…There’s nothing like that around here.”

“I want to go!”

“Leanne, I’m counting on you!”

“Yeah, yeah…”Leanne responded.

The women were all excitedly chatting about the hot spring while eating lunch.

“We found a great spot. Since we’re the only ones who know about it, no one else will show up,” AI-chan said happily.

“Yeah. The view was great, so we should be able to relax and enjoy it.”

Maybe I’ll bring some sake next time.

“Exactly. It’s the perfect way to unwind during the dull winter.”

Indeed, indeed.

As we talked about the hot spring, we finished lunch and moved on to having tea.

“Alright, enough about the hot spring… I was able to detect the dragon at that time.”

Everyone turned to look at me.

“Yuuma-sama, your detection range is 500 meters, right?” Leanne asked.

“Yeah. I sensed it around that range. It’s the same mana signature as the one we felt in the western forest.”

“So that means the dragon hasn’t crossed the mountain?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then we can consider the request complete. I’ll report to my uncle,” Leanne said.

So, it’s done, huh…

“About that, hold off a bit.” I interrupted.

“Did something happen?” she asked.

“The dragon noticed us too. And on top of that, it had the audacity to direct killing intent at us.”

“That’s…”

Leanne hesitated, struggling to respond.

“It came closer when we encountered it in the western forest. It seems to be reacting to me or my shikigami,” I said.

“What do you want to do?” she asked.

“Even if we report it to the king, he’d just tell us to deal with it, wouldn’t he? I’ll go check it out.”

“Well, there’s no one else who can handle it… I’m sorry, but we’re counting on you,” she said.

If they sent an A-rank adventurer and got greedy, that could cause problems.

“Still, killing intent, huh… Do you think it will listen to reason?” AI-chan asked.

“Can dragons even talk?” I wondered aloud.

Aren’t they just flying lizards?

“They can. They’re an intelligent species,” AI-chan replied.

That makes it even harder to kill. But if it can talk, maybe I can negotiate.

“Would you like to bring forward Natalia, who is harmless to humans and animals?”

“I’d end up crying! Let’s first clip its wings so it can’t escape, and then we’ll try talking,” Natalia responded.

What is this conversation?

“Um, Yuuma-sama, would it be better to report this to my uncle first and wait for instructions?”

Leanne spoke with a hint of unease.

“Well, there’s no need to rush since we’ve come this far. Considering the possibility of a fight with the dragon, it might be better to rest this afternoon and head out tomorrow,” I said.

It’s not like the dragon is such a big deal, but there’s no reason to push ourselves unnecessarily, and there’s no need to rush. We’ve got time.

“Then I’ll go and report to my uncle,” Leanne said, setting down her chopsticks. It seemed she had finished her lunch.

“Got it. Let the king know it’s no big deal. Honestly, that infamous thief Ludger—or Otto—was tougher,” I added.

“I’ll make sure to mention that. Well, I’ll be off now. I’ll be back by evening,” Leanne said before teleporting away.

“Is it fine to call it a break for the afternoon?” Natalia asked, having been listening in.

“Yeah, seems like it. I’ve got nothing else to do. I’ll head to Pamela’s place and settle accounts from our recent work,” I replied.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll come with you,” Natalia said, tagging along.

“I need to do some maintenance on my bow,” Lily said, making it clear she wouldn’t join us.

“I’ll pass,” Annie added.

“…Same here.”

Yeah, I figured. It’s just the same old thing with them.

After finishing up with out meal, we left the clan house and decided to head to Pamela.

As the three of us stepped outside, a sharp, chilly wind accompanied by a whistling sound hit us.

“So cold…” I muttered.

“It’s definitely winter now,” AI-chan replied.

“Oh, I’ll give you these gloves,” Natalia said.

She handed gloves to both AI-chan and I, and we put them on.

“Wow! They’re so warm!” AI-chan exclaimed.

“Yeah, no kidding. Did you knit these?” I asked.

“Yep. Do they fit okay? This is my first time knitting gloves for a man and a child, so I wasn’t sure,” Natalia said.

Despite her uncertainty, they fit perfectly and were warm.

“They’re great! You’re really skilled,” AI-chan said cheerfully.

“Yeah, thanks a lot,” I added.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Natalia said with a bright smile.

“Alright, let’s get going,” I said.

Braving the cold, we walked toward the guild. When we arrived and entered, we found no adventurers inside. Normally, there would be three receptionists, but today there were only two.

“Pretty empty in here…” I observed.

“Well, it can’t be helped. It’s freezing,” Pamela said from the reception desk, resting her chin on her hand.

“Only two of you at the desk?” I asked.

“There’s nothing for three people to do. Regulations require at least two of us to be here, so we’re stuck. We’ve only had a few customers since morning,” Pamela replied.

It really did seem like they had nothing to do.

Pamela, who usually spoke formally while working, was talking casually now.

“When it’s this cold, everyone would just take the day off. By the way, even fewer people will come tomorrow.”

“Why’s that?”

“It’s going to snow.”

It wouldn’t be enough to pile up, but it would snow a fair amount.

“Now that I remember, Yuuma-san can predict the weather…I’ll take tomorrow off.”

“Yeah, you should. Anyway, let’s settle the accounts,” I said.

With that, AI-chan and Natalia placed the magic stones on the reception desk.

“Alright, let me see here…” Pamela said, inspecting the stones and starting the calculation.

“By the way, do you like hot springs?” I asked.

“Well, I guess I do? I haven’t gone to many, but I like baths in general,” Pamela replied.

I suppose not many people dislike them.

“Good, good.”

“What’s this about? Are you taking me to one?”

“Leanne will take you.”

“Really? Wait, where is this?”

In the mountains.

“Well, after we wrap up this job. It should be done by tomorrow,” I added.

“Hmm… well, that works. Anyway, here’s the payout,” Pamela said, handing over the payment.

Pamela had finished the settlement and placed the gold coins on the reception desk.

Once we received it we returned to the clan house.

Natalia and I were playing a card game, when Leanne came back.

“How did it go?” I asked as Leanne settled into the kotatsu.

“Depending on the situation, he wants to avoid anything too rough. Also, if we’re going to kill, make sure it’s a clean kill.” Leanne said.

Well, that makes sense.

“Will there be a reward?”

“He said there will be one once it’s resolved. Of course, the guild will pay as well. And Yuuma-sama, you’re A-rank now.”

So, becoming an A-rank isn’t that hard, huh.

“Well, that’s fine. Then let’s go tomorrow,” I said.

“Let’s do that,” Leanne agreed.

After that, we ate dinner and rested.