NOVEL WEB Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Imp
Chapter 8: Imp
An imp, huh… So, this world has creatures like this too. Well, if anything, Pink is more of a mysterious creature.
“Gyaaa gyaaa gyaaa gyaaa!”
“Bonus, have you ever seen an imp before?”
“No… this is completely new to me.”
“Generally, Kidanakemo are much rarer… Their main feature, to put it simply, is that they’re a type of monster that attacks people.”
“I see… I understand.”
“Gyaaa?”
Indeed, it does look kind of ominous. It’s about 140 centimeters tall, I suppose. It has dark greenish-black skin, slightly pointed ears, a hooked nose, and shark-like teeth. There’s some black hair growing sparsely on its head, with two small black horns. It has large black eyes without whites, blinking rapidly. Its hands and feet are shackled, and it wobbles as it walks, tethered with a rope. It seems restless, glancing around in various directions. It gives off the impression that it doesn’t quite understand its own situation. Occasionally, it makes strange noises towards us or Menas. Overall, it looks grotesque. However, on the other hand, perhaps due to its childlike body, it evokes a bit of pity.
“While imps are indeed creatures that attack people, they can also be domesticated and used as labor.”
Oh, so that’s where this conversation is headed… It’s getting a bit uncomfortable.
“How much of a danger do they pose?”
“Since there’s a significant variation among individuals, it’s hard to say… Well, generally, their abilities match their appearance. So, as laborers, they’re not particularly dangerous.”
“Gyaaa? Gya gya gya!”
I’m not complimenting you. Somehow… this guy seems quite carefree.
“Typically, the threat posed by imps is in their numbers. When they gather and become aggressive, they can even destroy towns in some cases. However, if used individually for tasks, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”
“I see… So there wouldn’t be any problem using them individually as pack carriers?”
Certainly, it might actually be a pretty good suggestion. They should be able to climb up and down cliffs, and carry at least a minimum amount of cargo. Their inability to speak might actually be an advantage in keeping secrets.
“As Bonus anticipated, imps are one of the underground commodities we deal with. However, of course, there’s nothing illegal about it. But in the Western Kingdom, there’s also a lot of damage caused by wild imps, so some people dislike them. Some may even look at the owner with suspicion. In the Eastern Empire, they’re treated like animals and are relatively commonly used as labor.”
“Like domesticating wild animals?”
What should I really think about this? Even when I look at it from my fluffy ethical standpoint, it feels a bit awkward. Are they pets, partners, subordinates, or slaves? Honestly, I can’t make a judgment. In a world where life is cheap, it’s pointless to ponder such vague things. Let’s think realistically.
“What do they eat?”
“Since there’s quite a variation among individuals, this one seems to eat anything we humans eat.”
“Gyaaa gyaaa gyaaa.”
Seems like it’s enjoying itself. Well, one person’s meal won’t make much difference. Currently, our hideout’s harvest is in excess because it can’t be used for business.
“…Based on my past experiences, I think this individual is probably a good one. It’s docile and doesn’t show aggression towards humans. It seems a bit odd, but it shouldn’t cause any harm. Since this is a good individual, I thought it might be a good idea to offer it to Bonus at a discounted price and introduce it.”
Perhaps, Menas is trying to reach out to me a little bit. After all, this proposal doesn’t really benefit Menas. She’s suggesting to sell me a product that could be sold normally in the Tamir Kingdom at a lower price. Moreover, by selling it to me, she’s not only anticipating that my impression of her group might improve but also considering the possibility that it might worsen. And she’s already built up a decent relationship with me, despite not having to take such risks. As someone who does business between two countries, she’s sensitive to individual values. In other words, by making this proposal, she’s fully aware that my perception of them might change and is taking the risk. Above all, her voice makes me feel a tension that I’ve never felt before.
“Menas, thank you for the good suggestion. I’m glad you made such an open-minded proposal.”
“I must say, that’s a bit exaggerated. Well, but when you put it that way, I don’t feel bad about it.”
With that, Menas smiled a little, looking relieved.
“Gyaaa gyaaa! Gya gya gya!”
“So, we’re all set then! Imp!”
“Gyaaa?”
I’m starting to feel anxious about how well this will go.
“Well then, it’s 50,000 reis.”
That’s cheap. Can’t even compare it to a camel.
“Thanks, that helps a lot. Can I also have the ankle and wrist shackles?”
“Yes, of course. It’s fine. Just observe for a while, and if everything seems okay and they get used to it, you can remove them. Sometimes, they only wear them while sleeping. They don’t have enough intelligence to deceive people, so you can trust them in that sense.”
I see. Indeed, in that sense, they’re easy to manage as laborers.
“By the way, are there many other creatures like this?”
“Yes, there are various types of hostile creatures across countries. Generally, they’re referred to as monsters in the Western Kingdom.”
“Monsters… sounds scary. Are there dangerous types even among imps?”
“While imps are overwhelmingly numerous among monsters, individually dangerous ones are rare. There are some higher-ranked imps, but capturing such individuals is difficult, so they’re not traded and are usually just exterminated.”
“There are so many terrifying creatures out there that I don’t know about…”
“No, no, there’s nothing here that’s scarier than the Kidanakemo, which only inhabit this place known as the hell’s cauldron. Even large flying dragons don’t come near this place. You don’t need to fear monsters when you’re living here so calmly.”
Flying dragons exist? And were Kidanakemo really that dangerous? I guess I’ve become numb to the surroundings while Pink is roasting.
“Well, I’m just lucky. Plus, I’m quite fearful, so maybe that’s why I’m managing to survive here.”
“Indeed… It’s important to fear the right things.”
After that, I was taught about the behavior and handling of imps for a while. Generally, monsters, not just imps, don’t reproduce through mating. Especially imps, seem to spontaneously generate in holes like caves, whether natural or artificial. It seems that various types of imps are born depending on the environment of those holes. Their characteristics are roughly child-sized bodies with small horns, and they neither grow nor age. It’s questionable if they’re even living beings anymore. When I asked how they are made to work, I was told it’s the same as with dogs… Although they’re more intelligent than dogs, so it shouldn’t be too much trouble. When I asked what to do if they resist, I was told with a straight face that if you break their spirit with violence, it should be fine. That’s too scary… Can I really do something like that?
“I’m starting to lose confidence, but I’ll do my best.”
I paid Menas from the bag I received earlier and took the rope.
“Well then… let’s go. Make sure to stick close to me.”
“Gya gya… Gya?”
“Menas, goodnight. Thanks for today.”
“No problem~. Thank you as always.”
She sees me off to outside the tent.
The sun seems to have set without me noticing.
The imp starts walking with the rope, and without needing to be pulled, it follows along with a curious expression.
For now, let’s move to my usual camping spot.
Taking another look at the imp, I can’t help but think it’s filthy. It doesn’t seem like it’s ever taken a bath. Well, water is precious in this place. I’ll wash it well when we get back to the hideout. While occasionally looking at me with a curious expression, it sometimes makes strange noises. I’m starting to feel oddly like a guardian and quite conflicted. Can I really sleep peacefully like this? What should I do with this rope? Should I keep holding it while sleeping… or maybe tie it to something? Its teeth look sharp, and it would hurt if it bit me. I’m starting to regret this now. This negative mindset won’t do. Maybe if I give it a name, my perspective will change. Alright… I’ll decide quickly and intuitively. It’s mostly black.
“Alright, from today, your name is Kuro! And I’m Bonus!”
“Gyaaa?”
After pointing my finger and saying the name multiple times, it seemed to understand somehow. When I called its name, it started bouncing around with joy.
“Smarter than I thought. And giving it a name really makes it feel a bit cute, huh. I’m quite simple-minded, aren’t I… Well, humans are like that. It helped me emotionally to some extent. Maybe because of that, I suddenly felt tired. Should I sleep with the rope?”
“Kuro! I’m going to sleep. You should lie down too!”
“Gyaa gyaa!”
When I wrapped the rope around my body and lay down, Kuro also lay down nearby.
It’s quite smelly. Will it get better if I wash it…? Despite seeming quieter, its eyes were open, gazing vacantly at the starry sky. Its big eyes glinting creepily… I’ll pretend to sleep and observe for a while. Can I really sleep in this situation? I observed for about 30 minutes, but Kuro didn’t move much. I thought I’d observe until it slept, but ultimately, I succumbed to sleepiness and closed my eyes.
When I woke up in the morning, Kuro was sleeping right next to me, snugly.
I thought my heart would stop. And it still smells bad. I’ll have to brush its teeth when we get back to the hideout. Around me, the caravan was almost ready to depart. Perhaps because of yesterday’s events and staying up late, quite some time had passed since sunrise.
“Good morning, Bonus. So, you decided to bring that one along, huh?”
“Good morning, Gazat. Yeah, I did. I bought it from Menas yesterday. Are you leaving soon?”
“Yeah, it’ll surely be useful. …Oh, it’s about time to leave. Oh, by the way, thanks for the meat yesterday. I almost forgot to thank you.”
“No, no, I’m always grateful to you guys. Let’s rely on each other again this time.”
“Gyaa?”
It’s awake. It looked around for a while, but when it spotted me, it scampered over.
“Kuro, good morning!”
“Gyaa gyaa gyaa!”
“Good morning, Bonus. You gave it a name, huh. Kuro, huh.”
“Good morning, Edda. Good morning, Jeda.”
“I see, that might actually be somewhat useful. Menas really is something, making interesting proposals.”
Jeda nodded in agreement on his own.
Edda seemed to remember something and started speaking with a mischievous look.
“By the way, there’s a rumor that monsters sometimes suddenly undergo growth changes and go berserk. Be careful not to get eaten by that one~”
“That’s just superstition. Don’t scare him too much.”
Edda, you… Don’t set up strange flags like that.
“Anyway, the important thing is to make sure to feed it well. As long as you feed it at least the minimum amount every day, there shouldn’t be any problems. If it gets too hungry, it might run away to look for food or start rampaging.”
“As I mentioned before, there’s plenty of meat, so it should be fine.”
“Gyaa gyaa.”
It casually joined the conversation. Edda’s words do have a ring of truth to them. Perhaps she has actually used them as laborers before.
“Got it. I’ll make sure to give it a better diet than Edda does.”
“Gyaa!”
“Indeed, being able to eat that meat every day is enviable… …Can’t you take me with you too?”
“Well, next time, this one will be with us, and I think I can bring more meat. Jeda, I also ordered that seasoning you wanted!”
“Alright!”
Well, with all that said and done, there were some unexpected turns in this deal, but it ended safely. Finally, I said goodbye to Menas again.
“Menas, thank you! Let’s work together again next time!”
“Yes, likewise. Please take care until next time.”
Buying Kuro was unexpected… Well, there are some worries, but I’ll have to figure it out somehow.
“Alright, Kuro, let’s head back to the hideout. …But before that, let’s introduce you to Pink over breakfast.”
“Gyaaa?”
With Kuro standing there looking confused, I prepare breakfast.
For the time being, I didn’t have the energy to do anything fancy, so I lightly seasoned all the meat and potatoes in my bag with salt and grilled them.
The meat was cooking nicely.
“Grumble grumble…”
When I looked over, Kuro was drooling and staring at the meat.
Its face is too monster-like.
Anyway, I transferred some of the properly cooked food onto plates, and then Pink came out of my pocket.
Kuro was startled by the sudden appearance of Pink and ended up tumbling over.
“Kuro! This is Pink. It’s your senior, so get along!”
“Pink, nice to meet you.”
“Gyaa gyaa gyaa.”
Pink glanced at Kuro and immediately bit into the meat. Meanwhile, Kuro, for some reason, was cautiously observing Pink.
“Kuro, this is your share of the meat and potatoes. Peel the potatoes before eating.”
“Gyaa gyaa gyaa gyaa!”
When I handed the plate over and spoke, Kuro skillfully balanced it without spilling and jumped around.
Ignoring the mysterious dance for now, I ate what was on my plate.
After watching me eat, Kuro also eagerly dug into its own food.
“Gyaa! Guggya guggya guggya!”
Always so noisy.
But it seemed either extremely hungry or just really pleased, as its mood was abnormally good.
It closed its eyes, waved its hands around, and danced a mysterious dance.
Its energy level is high…
Well then, time to head back to the hideout!
On the way back, I had Kuro carry the luggage.
It was lighter compared to the way there, but it seemed to handle it quite easily. It had more strength than I expected.
I just wish it would stop swinging the bag around so dangerously.
By the way, Gazat quickly repaired the broken bag.
That chubby guy can actually do quite a lot of things.
He’s handy and apparently quite skilled in combat too.
In his younger days, he was a famous cutlass wielder.
At first glance, he seems like just a friendly old man, so it’s easy to be fooled.
When the three of us first met, I thought he was chosen as the negotiator, but it turns out he’s also a force to be reckoned with when push comes to shove.
Just before reaching the hideout, we unfortunately encountered a large buffalo.
As usual, Pink handled it.
Kuro got excited watching, making a lot of noise.
It seemed to bother Pink, who was already tired.
Eventually, it darted into my pocket.
But what was surprising was that Kuro didn’t try to escape from the buffalo. Instead, despite its fear, it stepped forward to fight alongside me.
It just waved its hands and made noise, so I don’t really know the whole story.
Anyway, because of this incident, I somehow felt reassured that we could get along together.
Of course, there’s no real basis for that.
The hideout is going to be lively all of a sudden.