A Cheers at a Cheap Tavern
There had been a minor disturbance, but the mission was completed safely somehow.
After sleeping in the work cabin for the night, we set off for Regor as soon as there was light the next day.
On the return journey, we had the added task of making the three men we had captured walk with us. However, the robust and healthy men accompanied us without reluctance. Maybe because their spirits were broken, or perhaps due to the intimidating presence of Gorilliana-san walking behind them. I found it frightening myself.
Additionally, on the way back, Sheena demonstrated her exceptional archery skills by taking down a Marukko dove perched on a tree.
The arrow hit its mark, piercing from throat to crown in one shot—an absolute feat worthy of her nickname as 『Everlasting Arrow』. I wonder if I'd reach that level after practicing for decades. Unlikely. I wouldn't want to put in the effort for decades; even a driving school camp seems bothersome.
「Mongrel-san, here's this bird meat for you. It's not exactly a thank you, but think of it as an apology for testing you. Please accept it.」
And so, I acquired the Marukko dove meat.
It was an additional income aside from the guild's reward, and I made sure to always accept such things because food is justice.
「Sheena, call me again if anything comes up.」
「... I'd like to say you're doing great, but you're quite cheap, you know.」
Having hunters who can gracefully catch their prey and magic users who can maintain cleanliness with water magic around me was quite pleasant, to be honest.
Especially Natasha's water magic—it was justice. Sanitation water at its best.
「Then, Mongrel-senpai, how about joining our party? Artemis is a great place, you know.」
「Ah, I'll pass on that.」
「Why not!?」
「Oh, come on.」
「Because nothing beats the comfort of being on your own.」
「Oh, what's that supposed to mean...」
Well, you know.
Gathering ingredients for Lord Chaos, using cheats where no one's looking to make the missions easier—there are a lot of things, right?
Considering that, it's just impossible.
You've been allowed to go along for fishing sometimes, so let's call it even, Raina.
The handoff of the three rogue bandits went quickly.
With evidence and their own confessions, it didn't drag on. I had concerns that if they resisted at the last minute with "We weren't poaching," it would have been a waste of time, but that didn't happen.
I don't know if the trio was truly remorseful, but for the time being, they seemed intent on showing sincerity by behaving well. Even if they become criminal slaves, they should just keep working hard. Not that I want to see those guys again in the free world anyway.
When we returned to Regor, it was nighttime, so I parted ways with the Artemis group right after reporting back.
Having walked through the forest over two days, I was at my physical limit, utterly exhausted...
But, instead of crashing, I strolled over to the 『Forest's Bounty Inn』 to celebrate accomplishing the mission by myself.
「Oh, yeah, ale is the best. Magic water isn't bad, but when it comes to hydration, ale is the way to go.」
Earning money and it being nighttime could only mean one thing—drinking!
Though, hunter's meals and wild plants are great, right? Homemade dishes made with fresh ingredients are not bad either, right?
But honestly, nothing beats a meal you don't have to prepare yourself—the luxury of having your meal brought to you while you just declare what you want and wait. It's an indispensable system for a rich life.
I'm not dismissing home-cooked meals tailored to one's taste, but humans do, on occasion... quite frequently even, have a significant urge to enjoy an easy meal, you see.
「Oh? Ahaha, I see someone here who I just parted with.」
「Oh, hey there, Ulrika.」
As I was enjoying my meal, Ulrika took the seat next to mine.
An Artemis archer, someone young whom I could speak to casually... Or so I thought, but turned out to be a guy. Honestly, it surprised me. Even now, looking at him, it's hard to tell.
Well, people in this world, both Harpelians and Sangraelians, are quite the lookers, so that adds to the confusion.
「Come on, you could have just joined the Artemis debriefing instead.」
「Doesn't being surrounded by women tire you?」
「Not at all! Everyone's really nice. Excuse me! I'll have an ale, rabbit meat soup, and some salted beans!」
「Got it!」
「I see... You do seem to have a strong sense of camaraderie. Knowing Raina is being well taken care of puts my mind at ease.」
「... You're really kind, Mongrel-san.」
What's with those eyes, those affection-filled eyes?
Just so you know, only the girls are allowed to give me those glances.
「Do take care of Raina for me, Ulrika. Though it seems redundant to say now, I mean continue to do so. She's still not quite adjusted to city life.」
「Yeah, when there's a chance, I plan to take her along on missions to the capital. Artemis's newcomer has lots of potential. We'll treat her with utmost care.」
「That's good to hear. ... Hey, can I get some of those salted beans?」
「Eh? Well, alright... Sure.」
「Thanks. I'll trade you this rabbit meat skewer.」
「Really? Thanks.」
That day at the Forest's Bounty Inn had a rabbit meat theme, but rabbit just doesn't quite do it for me.
While it provides a fair sense of satisfaction in terms of meatiness, it doesn't quite pair well with alcohol, which is a bummer.
「Hmm... expensive places are nice and all, but frankly, places like this are also really good... cheap and quite tasty, too.」
「Now that you mention it, Artemis doesn't frequent here much, do they? Many other folks come often.」
「Yeah. Sheena-san and Natasha-san favor different places. Here, the tables are a bit small and cramped.」
「Fanned by those two... must be a pretty upscale place, I bet.」
「Ahaha, a bit, yes. It's a place I like too, but... I do have a liking for here.」
「That's kinda just how guys' palates work.」
「Eh? Does it matter?」
Yeah, somewhat. The seasoning here is straightforward, packing a punch, you know.
In that sense, Ulrika, you really are a guy after all.
「... Mongrel-san, you don't pry much about me.」
「Hm?」
「You know, about my appearance, or the way I talk.」
Oh, that, yeah. Well, you know.
「When you want to talk about it, I'll listen. I won't forcefully pry. There's no inconvenience anyway. Whenever the feeling strikes, that's when we'll have that talk.」
Well, if I said I had no bias, that'd be untrue.
But, in my previous life before reincarnation, there were, you know, those LGBT issues. Various problems around that matter existed, right?
While not indifferent, I learned about it, acquiring some sense and consideration on those matters, perhaps.
Having lived in such a world, you wouldn't go, "Ah! A tranny. Eww!" or react with a zero-score response, right?
Trying not to show bias—it's full of contradictions and all, but it's there.
「Ah, I'm glad.」
「Hey, Ulrika.」
「Hmm, what is it?」
I looked into the slightly tipsy eyes of Ulrika.
「Could I get just a little more of that salted bean?」
「... By now, just order some yourself!」
「It's less about wanting a full new dish and more... want, you know? Definitely want to eat it, but not in full.」
「Excuse me! Salted beans and two ales! ... See, ordered a new serving. Let's share, alright?」
「Thanks a lot.」
「Honestly!」
Having someone else order for you—this level of laziness is unparalleled...
That day, I continued drinking late into the night with Ulrika, enjoying the manly seasoned snacks together.
As we talked, I got the vague impression that he wasn't after my behind, which was a slight comfort.
He's just a drinking buddy. That's a relief... Really, that was my one concern all along...
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Hmm, a wild LGBT topic appeared.
Don't really matter to me honestly. People can be whatever they want to be.
【(˶• ֊ •˶)】