Chapter 79
(Not that it matters... but why is there a supermarket in this world?)
As he passed through the store's entrance, Clael tilted his head.
Despite having a medieval European-style setting, there were trains, beach outings, and camping as leisure activities—reminding him once again that this was a game world.
"Ah, Master Clael. I've been waiting for you."
Upon entering the store, Reina was waiting with a shopping basket.
The basket was already filled with a large amount of food and drinks.
It was mainly meat, along with vegetables, fish, and shellfish like scallops and turban shells.
"Oh, there's sausage too."
"Yes. You like them, don't you, Master Clael?"
"Yeah, I guess."
Clael scratched his cheek with a finger, feeling oddly embarrassed.
He knew it was a bit childish, but Clael liked sausages smothered in ketchup and mustard.
Reina knew that too, so when they lived together, she would regularly serve sausages at the table.
"I also bought condiments and olive oil. Is there anything else we need?"
"Hmm, I think we've got everything we need... probably?"
If he had to name something else to buy... maybe dessert after the meal?
It would be even better if they had some refreshing fruits.
"Ah, dessert. I didn't buy that yet."
"Well then, shall we go look together?"
Clael and Reina walked side by side to the fruit section.
Perhaps because trade ships occasionally visited the port near the beach, they had not only common fruits like apples and oranges but also rare tropical ones.
"Oh, what's this? It's really hard..."
"Ah, that's a pineapple."
"Pineapple?"
Reina tilted her head.
It seemed this was her first time seeing a pineapple.
"Underneath this hard, spiky skin is the fruit. It's a bit sour, but should we buy one?"
"Yes, absolutely!"
They added a pineapple and also picked up a mango, placing them in the basket.
It ended up being quite a lot—clearly more than enough for two people.
(Well, as long as Reina's here, nothing will go to waste...)
Clael gave a wry smile.
As shown by the recent buffet, Reina had a hearty appetite.
She would no doubt devour all this food with ease.
"This should be plenty. If it's not enough, we can always come back for more."
"Yes, let's go."
They finished checking out and carried the food into the forest behind the store.
He thought it might be too early for lunch since they had arrived in the morning, but picking out the food took time, and it was already almost noon.
If they started the fire and began cooking now, the timing would be just right.
"Alright then, shall we begin? Please grab the tools over there."
"Understood... How do we use these tools?"
"Ah, it's fine. I kind of know how to use them."
Clael himself had never done a barbecue, but he had watched camping videos on video-sharing sites in his previous life.
"First, put the fire starter into the firebox. Then stack the charcoal on top of it..."
Then, using a magic item that worked like a lighter, he lit the fire through a hole on the side of the firebox.
In the videos, lighting charcoal seemed somewhat difficult, but thanks to the magic item, it ignited surprisingly easily.
He used a fan to blow air and strengthen the flame, then moved the charcoal to the barbecue grill. By adjusting the amount of charcoal on each side, they could control the heat.
He placed a grate on top of the grill, used tongs to apply oil... and with that, the barbecue setup was complete.
"Alright... now we just need to put the food on top."
"Wow, amazing! Master Clael!"
"The amazing part is the magic item... As expected of the Gold Course. Starting a fire was so easy."
It was so easy that it almost felt unsatisfying.
Still, he was relieved he didn't fumble and embarrass himself in front of Reina.
"Well then, could you handle the food?"
"Yes! I'll take care of it from here!"
Reina clenched both fists and gave a spirited "Muun!" as she got fired up.
It seemed she had already done the prep work while Clael was starting the fire.
She skewered appropriately sized cuts of meat and vegetables and lined them up on the grill.
"Let's grill the fish too. I'll use foil for this one."
She placed the fish, seasoned with olive oil and spices, along with mushrooms and onions, and wrapped it in something like aluminum foil.
Then she set it directly on the grill to steam-cook.
"Gulp..."
The meat gradually began to cook, releasing a savory aroma that whetted their appetite.
"Now, add some sauce... and it's done!"
Reina held up the skewers of grilled meat and vegetables.
"Here you go! Please eat, Master Clael!"
"Thanks for the food...!"
Clael and Reina each grabbed a grilled skewer and took a big bite.
"............!"
Delicious.
It had a different flavor from restaurant meat dishes.
The taste was strong and far from refined... but after sweating from moving around in the summer heat, the salty flavor soaked into their bodies.
"Delicious...!"
"It's so good!"
Clael and Reina exchanged smiles and eagerly devoured the skewers.