CH 143

The village looked like an ordinary village.

It was about the same size as the village in the south of the Kingdom of Karim. Perhaps because of its proximity to the mountains, there were many stone houses. There were more dwarves passing by than any other village, just like the port town of Ruda, which may have been a factor that made it a little unusual.

Thinking about this, I looked up at the sky as I walked along the road leading across the village.

The shining sun was still low in the sky. Considering the time we had spent walking through the cave, it was probably still early afternoon.

“What should I do?”

Should I continue through the village to the next town where Borok-san’s son was supposed to be, or should I stay here for the night?

There was no need to hurry, and even if I left now, I might not get there in time for light. I decided to stay in the village for the night and take a walk around the village.

Passing between houses and fields, I walked along a rutted road without any direction and saw a small stone bridge with no railing in front of me.

I could hear the sound of water splashing and the rumble of something crashing.

I wondered if there was a river, and as I walked towards the bridge, I looked in the direction of the sound and saw a wooden wheel spinning on the river, pushing the water up.

A water wheel. I wondered if they are making flour.

I proceeded to the top of the stone bridge and bent over the edge to look into the river.

The river was about a meter wide, with stones paved on the bottom and moss-covered stones piled up on the sides – it looked like a man-made waterway.

“Hmm?”

I felt something move in the clear water, and when I looked closer, I saw the shadow of a small fish. If I had a fishing set, I might be able to catch it. If I get a chance, I’ll try to find a fishing rod.

I walked through the narrow alley between the houses, avoiding the children running around, and came out to the square, where a savory smell tickled my nostrils and made my stomach growl.

“…I should have lunch soon.”

If I think about it, I think it’s been all fungus, fungus, and fungus lately. I don’t want to see any more of those mushrooms for a while… It’s been a while since I’ve had anything meaty to eat!

I’ve been lured to the shore like a fish being fished out, hooked by the scent like a fish hook, reeling me through the square, I arrived in front of a store.

“Here?”

The mossy stone building looked sturdy and had a long history. A fragrant scent was blowing out from the wide-open door and wooden windows, my stomach was dancing and rumbling.

I made an involuntary swallow.

I walked into the store, suppressing my nervousness.

Inside the building, on the right side, there were several round tables lined up, where some men who looked like farmers were chatting. At the back of the building on the left, there was a counter where a middle-aged man who looked like a tribesman was baking something.

I could hear the sound of something roasting near the man’s hand. And the resulting smoky aroma.

I sat down on a chair at the counter, enjoying it.

“Can this child stay?”

“Just don’t put him on the table.” (Tavern Master)

I moved Shion from inside the hood onto my shoulder and placed him on my lap.

“What do you recommend here?”

“Well, this one, of course.” (Tavern Master)

As he said this, the man tucked his chin and returned his gaze to his hand.

In his hand was a shiny black frying pan, and inside it were four trapezoidal white lumps, about five centimeters long, like cut pineapple rings, that were sizzling and smoking.

…What is this? …meat? It’s a little different from what I’m used to. I think this is the first time I’ve seen this kind of ingredient.