Is It Bad That the Main Character’s a Roleplayer?

Chapter 47: Pray and Pray Again (5)

“Wait, that’s different from what you told me!”

Naturally, Windhand ended up shouting in anger. His subordinates, listening to our explanation from behind him, also seemed rather shocked.

“What sort of dragon do you plan to slay with that kind of plan?!”

He slammed his fist on the bar table of the inn we’d rented out. It wasn’t like I couldn’t understand his fury.

I might not have believed I could deal with a dragon in half a day, but he probably thought we at least carefully planned out the attack if we were that confident.

However, our forces were completely disorganized.

We managed to get a ship quickly, but the cooperation between the three forces was still rather sluggish.

At least the Temple should have contacted other cities to gather some support, right?

According to the Archmage, the Magic Tower was still complaining. Meanwhile, the Lord still claimed that the Sea Dragon would never do something like this, essentially hiding from reality.

“This is a breach of our contract!”

“Hmm, it really isn’t.”

“A scam, that’s what it is!”

As the Archmage kindly explained and interpreted the details of our contract to him, Windhand grabbed his head and shouted.

“I shouldn’t have signed a contract with one of those sneaky wizards!”

Looking over it again, I could see this contract truly was written such that his side was disadvantaged, but… what could he do? He already signed it.

Since it has been notarized by the Adventurers’ Guild, even if he unilaterally wanted to cancel it, the only thing awaiting him would be massive cancellation fees. If he chose to skip out on that bill, the Adventurers’ Guild would go after them with raised swords, like loan sharks, to collect on their debt.

Windhand had no way out of this now.

“Don’t be too upset. Now that Spartoi have been seen around Gamak Bay, they can’t procrastinate any longer.”

“I’m in a hurry here…”

I felt like patting his back and comforting him, but my character would never do something like that. I leaned back against the wall and simply observed as the conversation continued.

“No, but if you had even a shred of conscience, you shouldn’t act like this, right? You should have at least prepared some ships and troops!”

“Hmm. But we already prepared one ship, didn’t we?”

“One? Ooone?!”

“Calm yourself. As you have already witnessed the Spartoi, you should agree that there is no need to prepare more than one.”

To appease Windhand, the Archmage quickly explained the basis for his words.

“Now that we have confirmed the presence of Spartoi in the area, mobilizing additional ships will only increase the number of victims. No matter how skilled the people on board a ship are, if there's a hole in it, then it will sink.”

“So, you want to kill the Sea Dragon with a single boat?”

“There is no rule saying we must slay the dragon while at sea. We plan to lure it onto land. But to do that, we must enter the Dragon’s Gate at least once. That’s why we recruited you.”

For a hastily prepared statement, it sure sounded plausible. Strictly speaking, the Archmage was just repeating one of the alternatives he’d previously mentioned, tailored to this situation.

Well, it didn’t matter either way for the listener. It still was a headache-inducing plan.

“That’s just absurd. You want us to come onto land with a sea dragon on our heels? With a ship? Do you actually think that’ll work?”

“And the danger isn’t much different from dealing with it at sea?”

“That’s right…! No, well. It’s still better than facing a sea dragon at sea, but is there any guarantee the Spartoi won’t sink the ship on our way there?”

“The Magic Tower informed me that it could withstand that much.”

“What kind of ship is it?”

Perhaps perplexed by his confident answer, Windhand calmly asked a question that the Archmage answered, reciting the information about the ship we had prepared.

As I had already heard about the ship beforehand, I knew it was quite good. The only question remaining was whether it could withstand a dragon’s attack.

“Damn, we won’t get sunk by those Spartoi or crocodiles or whatever, at least. I can definitely sail to the Dragon’s Gate with it.”

“With your skills, I believe you’ll be able to return safely, as well.”

“Hah, no need to flatter me.”

“It’s not just mere flattery.”

“Enough of that… If we use the magic embedded in it… Tsk. Even if it’s this ship, I can’t guarantee we can outpace the Sea Dragon. It’s not an easy opponent, after all.”

“Do you know this ship?”

“I’ve been chased by it before. It was quite thrilling seeing such a huge vessel reach such speeds.”

The Inquisitor started trembling slightly at those words.

Luckily, Deb, who was beside her, managed to stop her. He seemed to get hit in the solar plexus for his trouble, but the two didn’t appear to care much, so I guess all was good.

“Is it very fast?”

“The best ship I’ve seen so far. However, it’s so fast that changing direction on the spot might be difficult. However, that can be solved by simply turning off its magic devices, so it shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

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Windhand looked far more relaxed than before. He was still angry but seemed more reassured now, knowing the ship he would be using was the best around.

“We’ll probably provoke it with the artillery devices installed on board.”

“That’s right. It would be nice if we could hurt the dragon with them, but if we just manage to annoy it enough, it’ll probably follow us.”

“Hah, I don’t know if that’s a good thing, though.”

If it were possible, the former would be better. However, they don’t usually make it that easy in games. I mean, the damage dealers wouldn’t have anything to do otherwise.

I wasn’t the one who would actually operate the artillery devices, but still.

“Then, will the crew members who originally operated the ship also be coming?”

“Probably not. They never offered to provide us with a crew.”

“What? Then we can’t operate the ship!”

“We’ll be able to use the devices, though. I have been taught how to operate them, and the other mage supporting me will be provided by the Magic Tower, as well.”

“That’s good and all, but who will be manning the ship itself?”

“That’s…”

The Archmage’s words trailed off. That was answer enough. Windhand slammed his hand against the table.

“Do you have any idea how big that ship is? It’s almost three times the length of a small vessel!”

“Is that a problem?”

“That’s why landlubbers are just…!”

Windhand grabbed his head and explained it to us as calmly as possible.

“On average, about twenty to thirty sailors are needed to operate a small ship. So how many sailors do you think are necessary for one that’s three times as big?”

“…I see. So, it’s a manpower issue?”

“Even if we exclude those in charge of combat, we need at least thirty sailors who know how to operate the ship. Under the circumstances, that’s the minimum.

“First, how many sailors volunteered?"

The Archmage gave Deb a signal, to which he opened his mouth.

“Seven ordinary ones."

“Only seven… Don't tell me they’re all newcomers, as well."

“Don't worry. I didn't pick just anyone just because it's urgent."

“That's something for me to judge. We're still short a few."

“Did you include your men?"

“Looks like you guys included my men in your calculations as if it's a matter of course, huh?"

Deb shrugged his shoulders as if he couldn’t say anything about that. Windhand didn't ask him any more questions, either.

“Even after adding my kids, we only have twenty-three. We need at least ten more people. Fortunately, we have important positions like navigator and helmsman covered."

However, just because he stopped grilling us didn't mean everything was good. One thing still remained unanswered.

“Isn't twenty-three enough?"

“Twenty would be enough for just a day trip, but… our destination is the Dragon's Gate. Even if the weather is decent, what about the center of it where the Sea Dragon is rampaging? We don't know what will happen, so we need a good crew to deal with whatever is thrown at us."

Is that so? I didn't know much about boats, so even if he said these things, it didn't really resonate with me. According to Windhand, it seemed his subordinates, who were sailors, would have to go through some hardship.

“Well, we can't really hire any more sailors because they believe the Dragon's Gate should never be ventured into, but if we ask the Temple…"

“Did you seriously just bring up the Temple in front of people from Yabad?

“…I know your people hate the Temple. I also suffered quite a bit because of them, so I don't particularly like them, either. However, we have no other choice right now, do we?"

Hearing Windhand raising his voice again, Deb spoke soothingly to him. This was rather frustrating for those of us who didn't know what happened between the people of the Yabad region and the Temple.

Just why did they hate it so much? At this point, wouldn't it be better if the Inquisitor wasn't present right now?

“The Temple was also the first to step forward to support us. I understand how you feel, but please endure it a little until this matter is over."

“Damn it…"

Perhaps annoyed by this situation where he had no choice but to receive from the ones he hated, Windhand gritted his teeth and touched his forehead. Jingle. The drop earrings hanging from his ears made a clear sound.

“Right, shit. It can't be helped. It's not like those guys will set foot on Jacrati, and we have to help our brothers…"

He eventually voiced his acceptance and willingness to compromise. Rattle. Soon after, the Inquisitor turned her head and crossed her arms, accompanied by a metallic sound.

“Since securing a proper crew is the most important thing right now, I'd like to ask you to do as you said…"

Creak.

The moment the pub’s door opened, our conversation cut off.

* * *

* * *

Although the innkeeper had vacated the place in exchange for some jewels and hung a flag bearing an X by the entrance, it seemed some clueless person still came in.

“I-Is anyone there?”

Fortunately, the visitor only poked his head in, showing no intent to enter completely.

“We’re not open right now.”

Deb quickly came forward and responded.

“We even placed some cloth over the window, so what made that guy think of coming in here?”

One of the privateers grumbled. It was understandable. Considering their position, we had draped sheets over all the windows so no one could see inside.

Still, here we had someone with enough guts to think of entering the store. Perhaps he was just desperate.

“What?”

However, Deb’s reaction was a bit strange.

“Hey, Mister.”

“…?”

“If we play our cards right, I think we might be able to get some sailors without the Temple’s help.”

…It seemed that guy wasn’t just a typical guest.

“What? A recruit?”

Of course, Windhand, the navigator, was the first to show interest. Deb shrugged his shoulders.

“He asked if we were still looking for people to man the ship heading to the Dragon’s Gate and if we would accept him.”

“What’s his skill level?”

“…He isn’t from this city. I'm not all that sure about this, but if you ask me, he looks to be a former pirate.”

“A pirate?”

Windhand’s eyes started to sparkle.

“We’ll put our robes on first… Then bring him in.”

At Windhand’s instructions, all the pirates covered themselves with robes.

Then, once all their faces were concealed, Deb brought in our visitor. It happened to be a face I was quite familiar with.

“Hey, we meet again.”

It was the talkative former adventurer who guided Deb and me to the Guild last time.

“You don’t mind whether I’m a former adventurer or a former pirate, right?”

“Well, guess I shouldn’t have listened to that little brat. Life’s more important than money.”

“I’m out if you say you have no captain.”

“Even if I’m a former pirate, that doesn’t mean I can’t volunteer, right?”

Soon after, the area near the inn’s entrance filled with sturdy sailors. Regardless of age or gender, young or old, they were all packed with muscle.

Just going off their appearance, none seemed especially skilled.

“What? Why is Windhand here?”

“What?! Windhand?”

“…?”

However, one of them recognized Windhand right away. Although he hadn’t properly closed the front of his robe, his face was fully covered.

That went far beyond being observant.

“What? How did you find out?”

“No shit, how can I not recognize the person who made me quit piracy.”

“What? What did I do?”

“I remember those who beat me up quite well. I can’t be wrong.”

The sailor grumbled but easily told us how he recognized him so quickly.

“Do you remember Captain Slawesi, the guy you pummeled for blocking the road?”

“Slawesi…? A-aah! Thornbeard!”

“Ooh, he remembered your nickname.”

“How could I ever forget you when that fellow sailor over there hurt my pride so much!?”

Windhand chuckled, saying it wasn’t that strange that he managed to recognize him so quickly. He then continued after tapping his knee.

“The Thornbeard crew is quite trustworthy! They were reputed for their sailing skills. Is that all of you?”

“That’s right. Ah, I never thought I’d ever see you again after that, but here we are. Is the world really that small?”

“But if Windhand is here, does that mean he’s joining the Dragon subjugation?”

“What?! Windhand is joining? It’s kinda annoying, but if Windhand’s the captain, it’s worth trying!”

“At least we won’t die from the torrents.”

As if fearing no one noticed he was a sailor, he rushed in like an ebbing tide and poured out words like tidal waves. Also, despite their once poor relationship, the crew members seemed very satisfied now that they recognized each other’s skills and the prospects of working together.

“Good. If that’s how it’ll be, then it’s actually worth a shot.”

Windhand reacted similarly.

“Vice-Captain, what do you think?”

“Other than thinking that even dreaming of slaying a dragon is insane… Yes, if it’s just going to and from the Dragon’s Gate, it should be worth an attempt.”

The vice-captain also seemed to approve of those sailor recruits. He immediately gave his okay.

Now that the crew shortage problem had been solved once and for all…

「❖ Corruption Washed Up from the Sea

∎ Find a way to approach the Sea Dragon

∎ Go to the Dragon’s Gate

∎ Find the source of the Negative Energy and Purify it」

…the quest finally updated.

“Wahaha, I heard you couldn’t find anyone to help you, so I tried convincing my old colleagues to join. I’m glad I was of help. We could say I paid the price for saving my life with this, right?”

And the number one contributor to this fortuitous turn of events was that chatty former adventurer.

Wow, I never thought this guy’s eventful career change that he talked about nonstop would come in clutch like this. At that moment, I had no idea the snowball that had started rolling when I handed out medicine in Tatara would roll this far.

Life really was unpredictable.

“…You’re not so simple a person to get involved with slaying a dragon just to repay me for somewhat saving you, are you?”

“Wahaha! If you put it that way, you make it sound like you didn’t fight that huge Demon in Tatara!”

The former adventurer laughed heartily.

“Rather, if no one stepped up, we would all meet our doom, so how can we just stay silent? Running away to just save our lives for now is nothing but procrastination. That’s hella stupid. Just because there’s no immediate damage to our city right now doesn’t mean the problem will go away.”

That was a pretty good statement. It was something everyone could agree with, and if not for my character setting, I would have laughed, agreed, and showed some admiration.

“Tatara, you say.”

However, Windhand seemed more focused on something else instead.

“Anyway, while you’re here, have a little chat with my kids. You should at least get to know those whose orders you’ll follow.”

“Right.”

“You have to follow what the captain says.”

“I’d like to call the other crew members I managed to hire, but… if I bring them now, it will only attract attention.”

Still, Windhand was more focused on his own matters than asking after that incident. A big reason for his decision was probably that it was meaningless to hear of my exploits when he had already joined us.

“Let’s stop talking about that. The minimum conditions for a proper crew have been met. Sea routes, manpower that will wait for us at Gamak Bay until we get there, ways to prevent the dragon from leaving Gamak Bay! There’s so much else we need to discuss.”

At that point, a question was circulating in my mind: couldn’t I just stay on land?

“Don’t worry. Now that you’ve all joined us, we have a basis to move forward. Oh, yes. If it’s alright, would you like to speak for us during the meeting? I might be able to do something, but as I’m not a sailor, I might miss certain things.”

No, really. If we were just luring the dragon to Gamak Bay and slaying it there, couldn’t I just wait at the bay? Even if I got on that boat, there wouldn’t be anything for me to do.

“That’s great! I’ll make sure to rip them off properly! Ah, but only the Lord can know of our identities, so you can do the explaining for now.

“Don’t worry.”

However, that probably wouldn’t work, either. I might break character.

Sigh, I usually didn’t get so absorbed in roleplaying that I ended up undergoing this kind of suffering.

“The ships in the harbor are sinking!!”

At that moment, a scream rang out from the port. As the person neared this place, his words became clearer.

“The ships in the harbor are sinking!!”

We could never overlook those words.

Rustle.

I pulled my body away from the wall.

Rattle.

The Inquisitor picked up the mace placed beside her.

“Are you leaving?”

I didn’t know who was behind this—I did have a guess, actually—but now was the time to hunt.