Butcher Demon - Chapter 312

Now to summarize everything up to this point.

This is Hazafungi, a town where Mifosis subhumans gather, situated in a corner of the Hyperborea continent. The one in charge here is a woman named Faye, who is also a subhuman. Kyo, an adventurer and an oni, has settled in this town. She has jinx pussy. Like if you hug her, you will randomly get your head bashed in with a flying hammer.

Arshella mentioned that subhumans were isolated due to the Demon Lord’s policies. This must be the isolation she spoke of. Judging by the not-so-large population of the settlement, it can be inferred that such settlements are scattered throughout Mifosis.

In terms of avoiding attention, staying in Hazafungi isn’t a bad choice. However, this place is a bit too desolate. I want more information on a global scale and I also want to know how to get to Tartarus, a massive dungeon located in the Demon King’s territory. Yeah, it seems like it would be better to extend my journey a little and head to a bigger city.

As I indulged in mushroom cuisine—absolutely delicious! Amazing flavor and aroma! The chewy, crunchy texture is like a delightful sweet bun party happening in my mouth!——while organizing the current situation in my head, I noticed the two starting a serious discussion with solemn expressions.

“Even if it’s an emergency, it’s unlikely that a group of subhumans will be accepted.”

Faye said, furrowing her brow. Kyo had a similar expression and shook her head.

“At this rate, to be honest, it won’t last even a month. It might be better to move while everyone still has the strength. Even if we can’t go inside, just being able to set up camp close to the <Ancient Grove> is still better than here.”

It seems they’re discussing evacuating the entire settlement to the next destination I’ve set—apparently a large town called Meteor Lake.

It seems they were discussing the idea of evacuating the entire settlement to the next destination I’ve set, a big city called Meteor Lake.

When the nearby animals can’t be caught, the food situation becomes difficult. Additionally, it seems that magical beasts occasionally wander in, making the fields outside the town vulnerable, making it so much more difficult to farm. While this place is protected by a magic stone to ward off the beasts, it’s not a hundred percent foolproof.

The two were in a discussion with no visible solution in sight, and it seemed it would take some time. As an outsider, I had no place in their discussion. I stepped outside the tavern.

I took out my smartphone from my apron pocket and held it up to the sky—it’s become a daily routine lately. I am like an old man who wants to be in contact with others. I move my Phone up, down. Well, I guess I’m not going get any signal out here—wait, huh?

A massive number of notifications on my smartphone…?

I-I have a signal!!

Weak signal, but it’s there! It’s time for the internet!!

I hurriedly touched, swiped, and tapped away.

From Haruka, Ed, and Yakonen. Emails from people whose contact information I had exchanged. But before replying to any of them, there was something I had to do.

I checked the disaster bulletin board where I had left a message the other day.

――A reply!!

It was faster than I thought. As expected of Abigail!

『KoraToNaNekaiNoNiMiraNeranchiShichiMochiNeRaSuraToNiKachiNeKuraMoIKaiNuchiMiikiRaneToNaNoNakaKachiNeNiNiKaiSuNaNeTsunRaNaKuraNaNeToChikichiToNaNeMochiNoChiToIkaIruRaSuINeKaiNoniMiraKuraMimiNonRaKaNiMiNiNiSuNaRuMiChiMimiShiiMoRaNeNoNiNiKaiRuMiNiKoNasuRa』

What is this…?

It was just a string of incomprehensible characters.

Disappointed. I’m really disappointed. I was sure it was Abigail…

I don’t know why someone is doing this, but please stop. I’m serious.

『Please, no prank. I’m genuinely searching for someone.』

…And that’s that.

Well, at least I know the disaster board is functioning. I’ll continue to wait for a message from Abigail or Natsuki.

Next, I need to reply to Haruka.

“Just arrived in Alien Town a little while ago. Yakumo is safe.”

Unfortunately, the signal was lost after sending. Unstable.

A Butcher wandering around in search of invisible radio waves. But there was no more signal. Reality is cruel. Instead, all I got was strange looks from the people in the settlement. Dammit.

I gave up on my futile, smartphone-addict-like moves and started inspecting Yakky that parked nearby and maintained the camping gear.

While cleaning the soot off the stove’s chimney, I secretly observed the Hazafungi people.

Everyone is skinny. Clearly malnourished. And they lack vitality. Still, they manage to survive.

Not having magic is a severe disadvantage in surviving Mifosis.

I used to think they could survive without magic no problem, but I’ve come to understand that on this journey. The environment is just too harsh. If you can’t use magic, you won’t only struggle to protect yourself, but you’ll even have trouble finding today’s meal. You can’t live on your own. That’s why I feel it’s inevitable for them to be shunned. Whether you see this as discrimination or a practical measure is a matter of differing opinions.

Laughter leaked from the tavern.

Kyo seems to really like Faye.

She mentioned getting a place here, and her admiration for Faye is clear as day. In that context, she seems to want to somehow help this settlement.

I feel bad for the two, but I think it’s a futile attempt.

If they want to save the people in this town, it’s not just about providing safety and food, it’s about showing them a hopeful future. A path to happiness that they can grasp. And that, unfortunately, is impossible given that they are subhumans. It’s a dead end. Faye probably understands that too.

Even if she understands, I wonder if she intends to continue the role of overseeing these emaciated people until the end? If this were Earth, surely there would be plenty of people who would accept her just because of her appearance.

Even now, the serious profiles of Kyo and the one discussing inside the tavern, honestly, looked pitiful. It might be an unnecessary concern, but it’s probably none of my business.

Come to think of it, the lunch meal was just mushrooms. Yakumo must be hungry, in his growing years. Alright. I have time, so let’s make something nutritious.

I decided to prepare an early dinner. I still have some emu meat I caught in Australia, salt-aged. Emu meat is light and delicious. A little smelly though. Also, the eggs are huge and the shells are green. The big-sized sunny-side-up made from emu eggs was well-received by the two.

Since entering Mifosis, all I encounter are magical beasts, and I haven’t been able to hunt for meat at all. Once I finish this, I’ll have to start using the preserved food. It might be about time for me to seriously look for prey to hunt.

I put firewood into the stove I cleaned earlier and lit the fire. Once the furnace warmed up, I quickly stir-fried the emu meat on the iron skillet. Seasoning with just herbs and salt, keeping it simple.

Wow. The wood stove is amazing. Outdoor cooking is way too easy because of it. Civilization is the best. It’s like I’m a primitive man cooking by skewering meat over a fire. Use whatever is available.

――Order’s up!

When I looked up and was about to call Yakumo, my eyes met with the townspeople gathered around. Everyone’s gaze is fixed on the emu herb stir-fry.

This might have been a bit of a mishap? Well, what’s done is done.

“Yakumo.”

I called him, and he and the two came out of the tavern.

Ignoring the gazes around me, I sat Yakumo in an outdoor chair. I tied a napkin around his chest, pretending to be a first-class waiter. Now, enjoy.

Ignoring the gazes of the people around, I sit Yakumo on a chair. I tie a napkin around his chest, playing the part of a top-notch butler. Now, please enjoy.

“Kyo.”

“Uh, no, thank you…”

On the other hand, Kyo hesitated. It was probably because of the surrounding gazes.

I also have some thoughts about this situation. However, trying to hide something would be futile at this point. It’s already out there, boasting about having food in the midst of a food shortage….I didn’t mean for it to come off that way, but I ended up becoming a distasteful butcher.

“Gevaudan-sama.”

Faye approached me as if she had made up her mind.

“While I understand this is a very selfish request, if you still have food, could you spare us….even a little?”

Naturally, a request for help.

“I also want to ask for your help. You received quite a bit in that Australian town, right?”

Kyo also lowered her head.

However.

“In, return?”

Professionals don’t work for free. The food in the bed of the truck is a rightful reward for helping Haruka and the others. What will Faye and the others do for me?

Professionals don’t work for free. The food on the truck is a rightful reward for saving Haruka and the others. What will Faye and her people offer me?

“With Mifosis’s <Electrum> I have a bit saved up. Other than that, I only have precious herbs and mushrooms…”

I’m interested in Mifosis money, but at this moment, not knowing how to use it or its value, I can’t be convinced to trade something with currency. It’s too easy to be deceived. I can’t just give away valuable Earth provisions that are industrial products, respectable quality, and long shelf life for next to nothing.

“Not, want.”

“Wa…what!? what are you――!?”

Kyo, surprised, stood next to Faye. It seems like she didn’t expect me to decline.

Here, I can understand the common sense of being flexible in a situation like this.

However, dealing with extortion won’t lead to anything good. Generosity won’t solve anything. In fact, it’s the worst act to do, posing danger not just to myself but also to the people here. The lessons I learned during the extreme poverty days are still ingrained within me. I shouldn’t freely lend things without it being for friends or family.

Faye then proposed several item exchanges as part of the trade, but as someone who has Yakky and handy companions, I found them all to be unnecessary.

With my indifferent response, Kyo eventually gets angry too. But I won’t give in.

If she suggests going hunting together, I wouldn’t mind taking her with me, I’m planning to hunt anyway. But she doesn’t make such an offer. From the townspeople, I don’t see their determination to try and solve things on their own. Could it be that the people in this town have been dependent on Kyo and Faye for so long?

“Haah… You’re oddly stubborn about this topic. Well then, I guess I’ll—”

“Understood.”

Perplexed, Kyo, at her wit’s end, tries to wrap up the conversation, but Faye interrupts.

In her determined eyes, she saw through the ugly me.

“Faye-san?”

“I have heard about you from Kyo-sama. I will offer myself to you. So, please, listen to my request.”

“Wh-what!?”

Suddenly, Kyo panics.

“Y-you don’t have to do something like that! If I go out, I might catch at least one—”

“The area around Hazafungi is very dangerous now. I can’t let Kyo bear the risk alone any further. Gevaudan-sama, instead of freely using me, could you please help Kyo find food together? Even if we want to move to Meteor Lake, I’m worried about the food during the journey.”

“It’s better to stop. You’ll regret it for sure. Because… if you say things like that… this person will really do terrible things to you, you know? This person…both in appearance and inside, is a beast!”

Kyo points at me, yelling.

“He’s a womanizer who doesn’t feel any hesitation about abandoning a woman he just met! I told you in a roundabout way before, but to put it simply, I’ve been through a lot because of Gevaudan-san!”

That’s all true. But it stings a little.

“With this body, I can offer myself to him as many times as needed. And if it prevents everyone from starving, isn’t it alright? I won’t die from it.”

“Mind, broke, may, die.”

Kyo turned pale and clutched at Faye’s sleeve.

“Stop it, it’s dangerous. You don’t have to…if I go, I can at least――”

“Don’t worry, Not horny. Kyo, talented.”

“O-oi!? S-Stop that! don’t speak it like that! It might create strange misunderstandings! And where did you learn such obscene words?!?”

Hiding her face with a mushroom hat, Kyo looked around nervously. I’m good at alien language. I learned it from Lydia a long time ago.

“Then, how about this——would you like to eat me?”

Faye puts a hand on her chest and steps forward.

“I’ve heard that Butcher roams Mifosis, consuming all kinds of meat. My flesh will surely have a special taste as an offering to Butcher. One finger for a single catch. If that’s not enough I can offer my eye or ear, it is not a necessity for me to live. No matter how much of my body part I lose, no matter how much suffering I endure, how badly I’m treated, as long as you help these people, I swear I’ll serve you.”

Faye looks straight at me and presents an enchanting proposal. Her eyes seemed to be burning.

——How can you make such a decision so suddenly???

Feeling overwhelmed by the incomprehensible force, an angelic Gevaudan, and a corrupt Gevaudan appeared.

The angelic Gevaudan said——This a real chance. You’ve been told to conquer and consume, so go ahead. This is a wild nature that deviates from the rules of the human world. There are no penalties for punishing yourself. Now, liberate yourself.

The corrupt Gevaudan said——If you eat a woman, you’re done with the Kyo. And can you confidently tell Abigail about this? Stop using being a Butcher as a convenient excuse. You pathetic softy. If you want to walk proudly under the sun, go out and hunt quickly, you ugly swine.

Both have their points.

Caught in a dilemma between two Gevaudans, Yakumo, who had eaten emu meat, approached Faye and stood beside her. It’s the time for the post-meal whistle. He’s a free spirit, but with the attention on him, my paralysis was released.

I couldn’t help but sigh.

“You do, anything?”

“Yes.”

“No! you cannot!”

“Deal, complete, dark soon, hurry.”

I grabbed Yakumo, tossed furious Kyo into Yakky, and hurriedly headed into the forest, fleeing from the scene.