After killing Gwen, things progressed smoothly.
Having been at the outskirts of the forest, we managed to exit without encountering any black tigers.
Among the guards, there were those who knew about Eric and the others, so our story wasn't doubted, and they immediately moved towards apprehending the slave traders.
Though the underground organization wasn't completely dismantled, a significant number of people were captured. The man who had enslaved me was also scheduled for execution by hanging.
There were no consequences for killing Gwen. Perhaps due to the poor security, it seemed that most acts of killings were tolerated if the other party was a serious criminal.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
And now, we've come to the present.
""""Cheers!""""
I came to the tavern with Eric and the others to share the joy of survival. It took time for everyone to gather due to interrogations and work-related matters. Today marks the 7th day since we returned to the city.
"When Eric rushed to my aid, I was even ready to give up my ass."
"I still remember the moment Haruki killed that damn Gwen every night. Thanks to that, alcohol tastes great every day."
"The look on the black tiger's face when Nick stabbed its nose with a spear is hilarious, no matter how many times I think about it."
"I think the behind-the-scenes MVP is Luck. The way he intimidated the black tiger was probably the most effective. I thought his voice was too high-pitched, like he was joking."
"Yaaah (high-pitched)! Wooooh (high-pitched)! Heaaah (ultra-high-pitched)!"
"Ugh, you idiot! Stop doing that while drinking!"
We celebrated each other's achievements over drinks. It was my first time drinking, but it wasn't that bad. The drinks were apparently made from fruits, and it had a refreshing taste that made it easy to drink. Without realizing it, I was already on my third cup.
With a slightly fuzzy head, I gazed at Eric and the others. They no longer carried the stifled atmosphere from when they were enslaved. Everyone's physical and mental strength has fully recovered, and they're returning to their daily lives.
I'm the one who hasn't fully recovered. Physically, I'm fine, but mentally, I'm struggling.
It was fine for the others to continue living their lives as ordinary citizens since they had a place to go back home to. But for me, there was no place to belong and no life to go back to—I was in a limbo.
Until today, there were things to do due to the interrogations with the guards, but from tomorrow onwards, there's truly nothing. Nothing I should do, nothing I want to do.
Even if I try to find something I want to do, the impact of being in life-threatening situations for days on end seems to have extinguished my motivation. It might be something like burnout syndrome.
Fortunately, the sword I took from Gwen and the black tiger's liver weren't confiscated, so I have financial security. Selling everything brought in 18 million gold.
Among the fallen comrades, I distributed a portion to the families of those whose identities I knew. My share amounted to 600,000 gold. Considering that 1 gold is roughly equivalent to 1 yen, I could live for about three months without doing anything.
I have to somehow restore my motivation. I found myself lost in thought, slightly detached from the group.
"Happiness... I wonder how it feels?"
Spacing out, those words spilled out of my mouth. It was what I am seeking right now.
Back when I was in Japan, my happiness—or rather, my interests—revolved around games, manga, anime, and being a hardcore otaku.
But none of that exists in this world.
I can't play the latest version of my favorite game, enjoy the continuation of my eagerly awaited manga, or watch the anime adaptation of a beloved manga scheduled for the next season.
"Will I never really know what one piece is…?"
As I muttered these words, a heavy sense of despair washed over me.
It's clear that I'm far from happiness right now.
While I was muttering to myself, the man next to me at the table started speaking.
"Y'know, lad, true happiness is about enjoying good booze and food to your heart's content as well as being surrounded by beautiful women."
His face was beet-red, and his speech was slightly slurred. He was clearly drunk.
But he had a point. I especially love cute girls. Many of my favorite manga and anime were harem-themed.
"I see..."
Strangely, I found his words resonating with me as he continued.
"Having a harem of ten or twenty mistresses, that's the way a man should live!"
The man got up from his chair with elevated enthusiasm, swaying his hips and gesturing as he continued his impassioned speech.
Suddenly, a group of men, including Eric and the others, gathered around. In contrast, the waitress girls retreated to the wall, trying to make their presence thin.
The men talked about their preferences, claiming that Nosst-produced alcohol is the best, that women with large asses are the finest, and even debating about the charm of women being their boobs.
Each of them passionately expressed their opinions. Eric, in particular, is passionately discussing his views. He's been going on about the magnificence of plump thighs for the past ten minutes. There's no sign of him stopping anytime soon. The emotions of confronting the black tiger together seemed to be fading.
It was an incredibly damning conversation. The waitresses are giving them disapproving glances. However, everyone's faces were filled with joy as they conversed. Without realizing it, I was itching to join the circle.
"Listen lad, men are creatures who live for their dreams. The bigger the better!"
The man patted my back while he spoke. It wasn't unpleasant. I could even feel his genuine passion as he pat my back.
"I guess you're right."
"Damn right I am!"
My body gradually warmed up. It's a bit similar to the feeling after eating spicy food. It's a sensation that makes me want to run.
"I'm gonna live my dream!"
"That's it, that's it! Haha!"
Then I remembered.
I used to dream of having a harem when I was younger, around ten years old. It was one of those childhood dreams that gets sealed away with the growth of ethics and norms. It didn't disappear, though.
Deep down, I've always been seeking a harem. The moment I realized that, a surge of energy welled up from within me.
There's a peaceful and safe life waiting in the city. With my physical abilities, I could find a decent job.
However, to aim for a harem in this world, I need to make a fortune, attain a corresponding status. Otherwise, I won't be able to support or protect multiple women.
I have no skills or connections. If I want to aim for wealth, becoming an adventurer is the only option.
Deliberately stepping onto a dangerous path is foolish. But for now, I don't want to extinguish this burning passion in my heart.
I made up my mind.
"I'll make a harem! The best booze, the most delicious food, and women in the world! I'll have them all!"
"Ohhhh! That's what it means to be a man!"
Just uttering those words has yet to trigger any actual change, but the world felt different, hell, it looked even more vibrant. The listless me from yesterday is no more. All of the men around me cheered for the birth of a new man (idiot).
