Unchanged Samurai In Another World

Episode 52: The Samurai Treated as an Oddball

After detailed discussions, we decided to share lunch at the magistrate’s residence.

“Thanks to the local turtles, we can’t offer much in terms of grand hospitality, but we do have a variety of seafood freshly caught from nearby waters. Please, enjoy them.”

The room we were led to was filled with intricately prepared dishes, leaving little space. An indescribably pleasant aroma permeated the air. The vibrant colors were stunning; it was as though flowers had bloomed on our dining table.

“Honestly, I’m surprised, Cross. You were a retainer to Lord Renald, huh? Is being an adventurer just a disguise?”

From across the table, Tyumen addressed me.

By Lord Renald’s request, the protectors were also invited to join us for lunch. Only Pina firmly declined, choosing instead to assist as a maid and server for the Borello family.

“No, I’m not a retainer. I’ve accepted a mercenary guard mission and am accompanying Lord Renald as such. I’m an E Rank adventurer but also a C Rank mercenary.”

“Whaaat!? You’re balancing both jobs?! And if you’re C Rank, doesn’t that place you in the intermediate category? Is this side your main gig?”

“Being an adventurer is my primary occupation. I’m also part of a party. It’s a long story if I explain further…,”

Kurosu briefly recounted the reasons he became a C Rank mercenary.

“You’re worse than I thought…”

“Likewise, I’m surprised by you. I didn’t know you were a nobleman’s son. You even mentioned wanting to move…,”

As we chatted casually while nibbling on deep-fried small fish, Tyumen suddenly began flailing his hands in agitation.

“Hey! Keep your voice down! …Though I can’t tell my old man, living in a rural area makes me yearn for the city. It’s not that I dislike Navar, but from birth, I’ve never left this town. In another ten years, if I continue here, I’ll become the magistrate and lose any chance of leaving Navar. Before that happens, I’d like to at least see another town once… Do you understand how I feel?”

“I kind of get it… It’s been about ten years since I left home, roaming around. It’s not some poetic nostalgia, but the longing for my hometown is stronger.”

“You’re a strange one, you know that? You should just return, but I envy you… It’s a good way to live.”

Though wearing a faint smile, it was devoid of jealousy or envy. Instead, it carried a sense of resignation that reminded Kurosu of his eldest brother, who faced a similar situation. Despite his carefree and playful demeanor, his brother sometimes had lonely eyes as he gazed at the landscape beyond the mountain peaks.

“If you insist, come visit Angila once. You can stay at my place.”

As Tyumen and I whispered among ourselves, Raoul, who had been nodding along to Renald’s conversation with the baron, joined in our discussion.

“Master Cross doesn’t live in an inn but has rented a house?”

“A friend and I, four of us total, live together in a rented house. It’s far from the main street, but it’s peaceful and with fewer residential homes, we can practice as we like… What’s the matter?”

Mid-conversation, I noticed Raoul’s gaze fixed on my mouth.

“…What exactly did you just put in your mouth?”

His widened eyes reflected genuine surprise. Checking the plate, there was nothing particularly strange.

“Whatever this is… Did I eat something forbidden?”

What Kurosu had pointed out was a sumptuous selection of sashimi. Fresh fish and shellfish were luxuriously arranged on a plate alongside ice.

“…That sashimi was meant for me and my father. Humans can’t eat raw fish, right?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. This is my first time trying it without seasoning, but I enjoy sashimi. Back at my hometown, it was a hugely popular dish only available in port towns.”

While speaking, Kurosu used a fork to skewer a piece of translucent white fish, rich in fat, and placed it in his mouth. The texture was cool and tender, and the flavor spread as he chewed—thicker than expected, it bore a striking resemblance to snapper but had a robust flavor that couldn’t be compared.

The nostalgic spices and seasonings tingled his tongue. Though he didn’t intend to criticize the food served, pairing it with Chinese ginger or spicy soy sauce, or fresh seaweed with vinegar-miso, would further enhance the flavor.

“It’s delicious.”

Savoring the dish left Kurosu with a satisfied expression, while the others reacted in various ways.

“Ugh… He actually ate it. Is this guy even human?”

“M-m..Master!”

“Cross, stop there. You’ll upset your stomach.”

“J-just one piece to try!”

“No way, Aureik! Do you want to die!?”

“To think eating raw fish is a trait exclusive to the Lizardmen… No matter, if you enjoy it, I’ll have more brought out.”

Though a bit irritated by the surprised looks from the group, Kurosu appreciated the generous baron’s offer.

“Even your stomach is as strong as the rest of you, teacher…”

“Renald, who is this ‘master’ you speak of? What exactly is he?”

Responding with a cheerful smile, Renald satisfied the curious baron’s inquiry.

“Cross is a mercenary who accepted the request to guard me but has changed my perception of life. In just three days, I’ve come to trust him fully. To my dear Baron Borello, he is also my mentor.”

“We knights too have greatly benefited from his teachings… During our spare time, we’re receiving extra training. Both I and the knight trainees deeply respect him.”

“Hmm… Tyumen,”

The baron paused briefly, as if calculating something, then called out his son’s name with a solemn expression.

“Uh… What is it, Dad?”

“It’s fine.”

“Huh? What’s fine?”

“Earlier, you mentioned wanting to see other towns before becoming magistrate. If Lord Renald and the knights commend him so highly, I see little concern in letting Cross take care of you for a while. Go to Angila, broaden your knowledge.”

At that, Tyumen shot out of his chair as if propelled by a spring.

“What, were you listening!? Wait, are you serious!?”

Leaning over the table, Tyumen slammed both hands down, causing several finely plated dishes to topple due to the vibrations from his large frame.

“Hmph, did you think I wouldn’t notice your thoughts? The tales you spin endlessly at the guild are surely to hear about other towns from adventurers who’ve come far and wide. Anyway, while that irksome turtle is around, my duties as magistrate are also limited. Upon return, I’ll have you study the job, but this is a good opportunity. Go and expose yourself to other lands while you’re young.”

“Seriously!? Awesome, Cross! You have to take me to Angila!”

With the baron’s approval, Tyumen could barely contain his excitement and began wagging his tail, a trait shared by dogs to express emotions.

“…My Lord Magistrate, is it truly wise to leave your heir—an heir of a prestigious family—in the hands of some unknown adventurers and mercenaries? We delve into labyrinths frequently. It is inherently dangerous.”

For a family line, the heir is second only to the head in importance. As with Kurosu’s older brother, the heir’s actions are heavily restricted, willingly or not.

“Cross, Tyumen and I are both born of the sea. The sea has provided much to Navar, but it’s by no means gentle. For sailors, danger is a daily occurrence. Especially for deep-sea fishing, it’s almost like going on a life-or-death voyage. I want my son to become a strong man who doesn’t falter no matter what happens. Please, take good care of him.”

An unyielding determination gleamed in those eyes. It seemed foolish of Kurosu to underestimate the baron’s decision as impulsive.

“My Lord Magistrate, if that is your wish, I’ll take full responsibility for Tyumen’s safety. I promise to bring him back alive.”

And thus, one more companion joined us on our journey home.

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