Tanimaki and the Dragon Hunt (Part 11)

“Thanks, Tanimaki...”

Debiru thanked him, still looking somewhat dazed.

“Meow! Of course, meow! I’m a hero, remember? A real hero, meow!”

Tanimaki puffed himself up, trying to hide how flustered he was.

“Meow! Wait a second, meow! What happened to all the people who were being held captive? Don’t tell me they were all buried alive...?”

Tanimaki and Mayutan both went pale.

“Don’t worry. I rescued everyone. You know—while Mayutan was giving Debiru the Matatabi Water,” Mashu replied calmly.

Only then did they notice that all the townspeople were safe and gathered a short distance away.

“When did you even have time to do that? That composure, that speed, that strength, that judgment... You just reminded me all over again that you’re an android,” Mayutan said, clearly impressed.

“Well, yeah. What’s the point of being an android if I can’t do at least that much?” Mashu replied with a hint of pride.

“You’re incredible... We really are lucky to have you, Mashu.”

Now fully conscious, Debiru looked at Mashu with newfound respect.

After returning to town, the rescued residents thanked Tanimaki and the others from the bottom of their hearts and offered to treat them as honored guests.

Bianca, however, offered them not a single word of thanks.