Volume 1 - CH 27

[Alright, that was easy-!]

Successfully scaling the wall, I then used that momentum to enter the town.

[Ooh, it's kinda amazing]

To describe the cityscape I saw while gliding, the building that had a similar color to the gate were lined up in an orderly fashion, giving it a sense of unity. I have thought so before I entered but, it's impressive that they chose such a place to build a town.

Considering where the location is, it doesn't seem like there is a lot of residents but, is that the shopping district over there? It definitely seemed like one, looks bustling......

[Mugyu]

...Engrossed in my thoughts, that was when I felt a light impact around my lower half. At the same time, I heard a voice.

[Ah, this is bad]

Enthralled by the scenery, I failed to realize I was slowly going lower and lower. It seems like I bumped into the lady from the back, and as she fell the content of the basket she was carrying spilled on to the ground.

[S-sorry. Are you ok]

As the lone remaining individual still standing, I helped the lady up and picked up the scattered content. This is, bread I supposed.

[Ah, what should I do. Just when I finally bought the groceries......]

Staring at the bread that was now covered in dust, the lady expression warped as if it was the end of the world. Well, in this situation, I guess food is really valuable.

...Even if it's an accident, I was the one responsible. In this case, I think I have no choice but to take responsibilities for it.

◯◯◯

...In any case, I followed the lady back to her home, and compensated her for the bread.

Taking once-fallen bread and inserting it into the bag of unlimited capacity, the goods was disassembled into wheat which I then used to make a new bread out of it.

To be expected of a premium goods born from the ultimate cauldron, [I have never eaten such a delicious bread in my life] as she happily proclaimed which in turn gave me a sense of relief.

[Herb tea goes well with delicious bread. Here you go]

The lady with long braided black hair served herb tea with a smiling face. It seems like she is nurturing herbs in the garden, making this fully home-grown. Even though I was the one at fault, I am a bit ashamed.

[Miss alchemist, you made it here by via the mountain I see. I thought for sure that you fell from the floating city]

[What is this floating city you speak of?]

[During this season, the floating island will pass by this town, and on the island is a town too. This city is far from other settlement, so I thought for sure you were a visitor from the floating city]

Ehehe, as he laughed. Heeeh, there is that kind of town. As expected of a fantasy world. I have dreamed of things like of floating continent too, if possible, I would like to visit it.

[Can you tell me more about it. Do you know about how to get there?]

My face closes in to the lady as I sprung the question on her. Of course, if she demands something in exchange for the information I am prepared to answer to my best of my abilities.

[The way is simple. Match the timing and jump onto the floating island from the mountain peak]

[Eeh, what's with that. Isn't there a more, such as transferring via a magic circle inside a shrine or getting there by riding a dragon, something along that line?]

Without expecting anything in return, the lady answered me. Processing the new information, I couldn't help but bare my thoughts. There is zero semblance of fantasy in that method.

[I don't really get what you are saying but jumping from the peak is the simplest method. If you fail you will be seriously injured though]

It doesn't change the fact that you are jumping off the peak, of course you will be injured in the case of failure. Could this person be a bit airheaded I wonder.

[...Uuun?]

Somehow, this lady is giving me a familiar vibe that I felt. Pretty recently too.

[Excuse me, I apologize if I am mistaken but do you happen to have a younger sister at the village at the foot of the mountain?]

As I questioned without much thought, her face changed into one of surprise. Following up with [Could you be Mizuri's elder sister], [That's right! That's right!] she excitedly confirmed.

Now that I have think of it, they have the same hair color and I don't know whether is it her gestures or her presence but they definitely felt like sisters.

...But Mizuri said that her sister resembles me......or something along that line, but is that really true?

[You met Mizuri? Is she doing well?]

[Y-yes. She's doing well]

The lady whose tension was clearly going through the roof belatedly introduced herself as Aque, and she enquired everything including the smallest details about her distant sister.

It's not as if I know a lot but I recalled the exchange with Mizuri when dining and bathing together and somehow managed to answer the barrage of questions.

[She's currently the manager for the hot spring facilities] as I relayed the news, [That girl? You are really good at joking, miss alchemist] I was met with a chuckle. It's true though.

[...That girl have been careless even way back then, she would want to help even though she messed up a lot. But that makes it even cuter]

Eventually, it went from questioning to reminiscence, and every memory would end with the punchline of [My little sister is cute]. At this point, I thought to myself that I stepped on a landmine which I regretted but it was already too late.

...Incidentally, I did not mention that Mizuri almost became a human pillar up till the very end. This person seems to be very doting towards Mizuri so it's wise not to make her worried.

◯◯◯

[Given the occasion, please stay over today. I will treat you to our specialty, Toria Chicken]

With my hand holding onto the fifth refill of herb and hearing tales of the sisterly love, it has gotten dark.

It is said that a day at the mountain pass by faster, my body and heart are also almost at its limit. I decided to take up her offer.

[By the way, what is this Toria Chicken you speak of?]

[At the edge of the town there is an aviary, and using the Toria bird grown for agriculture as ingredient, it's the specialty cuisine of this town. The chicken is covered in spice and then grilled]

From what I can deduce, perhaps it's something like Tandoori Chicken. I am looking forward to it.

...Or so I thought, while looking forward to dinner with inflated expectations, it suddenly became noisy outside. Now, I wonder what could be happening.