NOVEL NEXT Chapter 41 - Chapter 41: Earth Dragon Slayer
Chapter 41: Earth Dragon Slayer
After finishing lunch and doing the dishes, Hajiramu showed up.
“Are you on a break right now?”
“Yeah, but it’s fine. I’ll get it ready now, so wait a moment.”
“My apologies.”
Today, I was planning to deliver it, but it seems like he came to buy directly.
He’s wearing a navy blue, seemingly luxurious robe and has a beautifully decorated small dagger tucked at his waist.
At first glance, he looks like a plain guy with receding bangs and a modest beard, but he always dresses stylishly.
As usual, he leans against the stall, fiddling with the middle finger ring, looking bored as he gazes at the street.
“Do you like the coffee and chocolate?”
“Yeah, I liked them both. They’re also good for waking me up.”
“That’s good. Would you like to taste this one too? I’m thinking of commercializing this orange chocolate.”
“It has a nice aroma… There’s a slight acidity and citrus flavor typical of oranges added to the chocolate. It emphasizes the fruity taste of the chocolate even more. It’s delicious. Using only the peel of the orange might be good. It would enhance the aroma, and the bitterness of the chocolate and the peel would intertwine, creating a more complex flavor.”
I didn’t know he was such a talkative guy.
He seems to be quite a gourmet.
And his opinions are consistently accurate.
This is the most helpful advice I’ve received so far.
“Wow, you can analyze it so accurately with just a small amount… Thank you. I’ll take that into consideration.”
“Gyah-gyah.”
Kuro brings the coffee.
Hajiramu grabs the cup, leans in to smell it for a while, then takes a sip.
“The aroma is different. I’ll come directly to buy from tomorrow.”
“Well, freshly made is always the best.”
Melanie, who was watching the scene from the side, timidly spoke up.
“Um, are you Hajiramu, the Earth Dragon Slayer?”
“Yeah, formerly.”
“Wow… What an amazing nickname. It’s so cool.”
“Huh? Bonus, didn’t you know? He used to be the exclusive mercenary for the lord, and he’s famous in Savoia. By the way, the current exclusive is Marie.”
“I’m just a receptionist at the brokerage now. This job suits me better.”
It’s surprising and yet not so surprising…
Is it because everyone was intimidated by him that his reception isn’t popular?
“I always thought you were an excellent staff member, but I didn’t know you were so strong as a mercenary.”
“I’m not particularly strong. My combat ability is average.”
“I don’t know the difference, but I know Marie is strong.”
“A mercenary doesn’t need that kind of combat ability.”
“But Marie inherited it, right?”
“I opposed Marie taking over. Well, various circumstances led to it happening in the end… Actually, I think someone like you would be more suited to be a mercenary.”
“Huh? Him, Bonus?! I don’t get it at all.”
Melanie says something rude as if it’s obvious.
Well, I don’t think I’m suited for it either.
“Bonus shouldn’t be a mercenary.”
“Gyah-gyah?”
Shiro disapproves.
Hajiramu, glancing at us, finishes the last sip, returns the cup and saucer.
“Well, you can make coffee and chocolate.”
“I’ll do that without worrying.”
“Will you be doing this tomorrow as well?”
“That’s the plan.”
“I see, I’ll come again. It was delicious.”
With that, Hajiramu quickly walked away towards the brokerage.
“Oh, so he’s the Earth Dragon…”
“In fact, he has another nickname, the Cunning Hajiramu.”
“I see… that makes sense.”
Well, he’s definitely not the type to face monsters head-on.
Still, he has the strength to defeat an Earth Dragon. Achieving results, earning recognition, inspiring fear, and yet remaining inconspicuous. I wonder what kind of life he has lived. Hajiramu is about 10 years older than me… I’ll take that as a reference.
“Hey, Bonus. How about coming to my house with everyone next time?”
“Huh? Melanie’s house?”
“Yeah. Since we’ve become friends with Kuro and Shiro, and it looks fun when I see you guys together~. I’m pretty good at cooking, so what do you think?”
“Gyah-gyah!”
“Thank you, Melanie.”
Already, Kuro and Shiro seem eager to go.
I have no objections either.
“If you say so, I’ll gladly come. …Actually, I’ve recently gained another companion. Can I bring them along too?”
“Gisella, right? I’ve met her once. Of course, bring her along.”
“Oh? Is that so? Well then, since it’s a good opportunity, let’s all go together.”
“How about the day after tomorrow? You’re going drinking with Marie tomorrow, right?”
Oh no. I forgot… I completely forgot about it.
Why does Melanie remember while I forget?
I don’t have a smartphone, and of course, there are no notebooks or sticky notes. With my unfortunate brain, everything quickly disappears into the depths of memory.
“That’s right. Then, the day after tomorrow. …Oh, I’ll bring some smoked meat, so let’s use that too. It’s quite popular. I’ll bring some next time too.”
“That sounds great. Wow, I’m getting excited!”
“Gyah-gyah!”
“Oh, Gisella’s here.”
“Hey everyone~ I somehow felt like picking you up.”
Being a head taller than everyone else around, she stands out just by walking.
She said she planned to do blacksmithing work at home all day today.
“Are you done with the blacksmithing?”
“Yeah. I felt like seeing everyone’s faces, so I came.”
“Gisella-san. Hello.”
“Melanie has been taking care of me since I started my stall. ”
“Melanie-san? Hello. Nice to meet you.”
Melanie blushes as Gisella smiles. She’s like this with Shiro too. Well, onis somehow give off a neutral vibe, so I guess it’s understandable.
“We’re going to Melanie’s house the day after tomorrow.”
“Is that so? Nice to meet you.”
“Yeah, nice to… meet you…”
What’s with all the fidgeting? When she talks to me, she usually seems so relaxed.
“Well then, Gisella, want to help out at the stall for a bit?”
“Sure! Let’s do our best together, Shiro, Kuro~”
“Yeah.”
“Gyah-gyah!”
The afternoon was moderately busy as well.
Gisella is an oni and has a large body, but her facial features are well-proportioned, elegant, and beautiful. Since becoming a companion, she’s been smiling more and has a good personality.
There were many women gazing at her dreamily and men with widened smiles. I can feel my presence at the stall gradually becoming like air…
It’s about time for an upgrade in clothing.
Maybe I’ll go shopping tomorrow.