NOVEL NEXT Chapter 305 - Touring the Food Stalls
Touring the Food Stalls
“Hmmm, I see, I see.”
“Ah, Rune.”
Asuka, who’d gotten worked up and let go of my hand, was now arguing with Goot. I was watching them, bewildered, and then Rune, who’d appeared beside me at some point, muttered that, looking amused. What do you mean, you see!?
“Don’t worry so much, Meg! Those two are just declaring each other as rivals.”
“Rivals? Ah, that’s right, they’re both boys, and around the same age.”
“…It’s a bit different, but, well, I think that’s fine.”
It’s only natural for them to be competitive because they might have to fight each other in the tournament, and they’re the same age. Just as I was thinking that, I heard someone chuckle and turned around. Kei-san was smiling at us. Did they find the children amusing?
“Hmm, you’re quite the heartbreaker, Meg-chan.”
“Eh, me?”
“Fufu, don’t worry about it. So you’re going to tour those food stalls, right? You two.”
What does he mean, heartbreaker? It doesn’t make sense! Well, whatever. I’m not going to worry about it if he’s saying it’s fine. Asuka and Goot, who were still bickering, were startled by Kei-san’s voice, and then came back to us. Honestly, I have to scold them!
“Hey, stop fighting! We were all looking forward to touring those food stalls… it won’t be fun if you two are like that!”
“Ugh.”
“Uuu, sorry, Meg.”
I scolded them, as they sheepishly returned, resting my hands on my hips. I’m much, much older than them, mentally speaking! I have to tell them off! …But aren’t they a bit too dejected? Did I say it too harshly?
“Haa, such pathetic men! Let’s just leave them!”
“Eh, eh, but Rune—”
“It’s fine! You two stay there and sulk! I’m going on a date with Meg!”
“H-Hey, I’m also coming!”
“I’m the one who’s going on a date with Meg!”
Rune’s incredible. I see, so that’s her tactic, to just leave! It’s incredibly effective on children. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Well then, let’s all go together!”
I told them that, and they both blushed, embarrassed. I guess they feel awkward about fighting. But they’re children, so I’m sure they’ll make up quickly! I’ll keep an eye on them.
I bowed to Kei-san and Ashley-san, saying, “I’ll be in your care,” and we were off! What kinds of stalls are there?
We walked down the road lined with food stalls, Ashley-san, who’d apparently been to this town for work, leading the way. Kei-san was at the back, so us children were sandwiched between them.
I was walking, holding hands with Rune, accepting her suggestion that we should help Asuka and Goot become friends. I could hear them complaining behind us every now and then, things like, “Why do I have to walk beside this guy?” It seems like the path to becoming friends is longer than I thought.
“There’s a sweet smell, Rune.”
“And I can smell meat!”
It was hard to choose because delicious smells were coming from all directions. Rune’s a carnivore, her eyes were sparkling when she saw all those meat stalls. It’s incredibly cute.
Kei-san, who’d been watching us, smiled gently and suggested that we try one of each. Ugh, which one should I choose?
“I-I! I want that meat!”
Rune was the first to excitedly say that, raising her hand. She chose what looked like smoked turkey, the ultimate meat. It was a whole leg that’d been smoked, and it definitely had the strongest, most appetizing smell. I actually already had it at the party, and it was incredibly delicious. But I’m sure I can’t eat a whole one. Apparently, it’s called smoked cheek.
Rune, who’d happily accepted it, was staring at the meat, practically drooling. “It’s okay to eat now, you know?” Kei-san said, and she immediately took a bite.
“It’s so deliciouus!”
“Fufu, I’m glad, Rune. But can you finish it?”
“This is just a snack, a snack!”
Rune, saying this, diligently stuffing her face, looked incredibly happy. But this is… a snack, huh…? Rune also eats a lot! I’m so envious!
“Ah, I want that!”
“Me, over there! That one wrapped in meat!”
Asuka then pointed at something that looked like a steamed bun, and Goot pointed at a rice ball wrapped in meat. They’re both carnivores! Kei-san and Ashley-san bought those for them, and they stared at what they were holding, comparing.
“…That also looks delicious.”
“Yours too…”
“Want to share?”
“Really? Yes! You’re a good guy, Goot!”
Ooh, the power of food! Delicious things are always right.
“Meg-chan, have you decided?”
“Ah, um…”
Kei-san spoke to me, and I was startled. After thinking about it for a bit, I timidly said,
“Um, that one… is that okay?”
“Hmm? Ah, the Appli Candy. Fufu, you always choose cute things, Meg-chan.”
I chose candied apples. It’s because they were so pretty, small apples, smaller than my fist, coated in candy, sparkly and delicious! I was also interested in the chocolate bananas and the crepes, but my stomach was still struggling with all that food from last night. I can’t eat anything too heavy. I exercised, but I’m still not hungry…!
“Here you go.”
“Wow! Thank you!”
Ortus is paying for everything. Ah, Annulus is paying for Rune and Goot’s food. So basically, it’s guild funds.
They’ve decided to use guild funds for the food and drinks we buy here. They’re telling us to spend freely, because one of the goals of this tournament is to stimulate the economy. Apparently, the plan is for other people to also buy food, when they see us, guild members, happily eating. It’s advertising!
“It’s so sweeeet! So deliciouus!”
I took a bite and was overwhelmed with happiness, the sweet flavor of the apple filling my mouth! Just as I was enjoying it, resting my cheek on my hand, everyone was staring at me, smiling. Even the passersby!? H-how embarrassing!
But thanks to that, customers started to gather at the stall we bought from. It’s already working!
“H-Hey, our grilled dumplings are also delicious, you know!”
“Our seafood is grilled with a special sauce, it’s delicious!”
Maybe because of that, the other stalls started calling out to us too. W-Wait! I can’t eat that much!? Eh, Asuka wants to try them? You too, Goot? Ah, and even Rune! Kei-san and Ashley-san also started to eat, it’s like they’re on a quest to conquer all the food here! They’re incredible.
Me? I was watching them as I ate my candied apple. Sorry that I can’t be of any help… sniff. Ah, but I did try some of their seafood. I couldn’t resist that soy sauce-based sauce. Those large scallops were juicy and delicious! But I’m full! I wish my stomach was bigger.
After enjoying all the food, we decided to go for a walk and then return to our base. Because I wanted to see what the town’s like.
I actually like the townscape here, it’s simple, with those stone buildings. But it is dusty because of all the sand. I bet cleaning’s hard for those who live here. Maybe they could sell some special cleaning magic tools. It looks like something that could be handled with wind magic… but I wonder if they’ve already thought of that? I’ll ask Dad later.
As we were talking about that, the sun started to set, so we decided to return. Rune and I giggled, saying that Annulus is also in the back of the plaza, so we’re probably nearby.
“…………”
“Wah, huh? What’s wrong, Ashley-san?”
Ashley-san, who’d been leading the way, suddenly stopped. Rune, who’d bumped into him, asked that, looking up at him curiously. Ashley-san, without saying a word, raised his arm and pointed. Hmm? It’s a bit noisy.
“Ah, I see. Meg-chan, it looks like someone you know has arrived.”
“Someone I know?”
“That’s right, you can tell by their presence, right?”
It seems like Kei-san instantly noticed. Their presence, huh? I was about to investigate… but there was no need. I subtly focused on it, and instantly realized who it was.
“Father-sama!”
The Demon King and his group had arrived! I didn’t notice right away because he always erases his magic power, so he doesn’t affect everyone, but… he was attracting attention, because of his incredible presence and beauty.
You can clearly see his aura, when he’s like this, in a crowd. It’s incredible, how he’s able to have such a presence, just from walking. Maybe that’s what it means to be the Demon King.
I wonder if I’ll also be like that someday. …I don’t really want to be the center of attention everywhere I go. Well, he’s probably even more noticeable because he’s with the Demon Kingdom group.
“Ah, Meg. It’s been two days.”
Father-sama, his face brightening the moment he saw me, happily spoke to me as he approached. The destructive power of that smile was so great that a few of those watching fainted. They died from excitement. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
“U-Um, Father-sama, are you also heading for the plaza?”
“Yes. You too, Meg? Eugene told me that the Demon Kingdom’s base is next to Ortus.”
He doesn’t mean anything by it, and he doesn’t even seem to care, so I decided to ignore it and asked my question. But because of that, he was now a happy, adorable Demon King, and I saw a few more people faint out of the corner of my eye. Ah, this is bad, there’ll be no end to this if I keep paying attention. It’s probably best if we quickly leave.
“Well then, let’s go together! I’ll show you the way!”
“M-Meg, on her own…!?”
So I took Father-sama’s hand and pulled him along, saying, “Hurry, hurry!” But ah, huh!? More people are fainting!? Why!? I understand why Father-sama’s trembling!
“Haa… you still don’t understand… how you look, do you?”
“Ah.”
I was startled by Licht’s words, who’d exasperatedly appeared behind Father-sama. That’s right, I’m considered a beautiful girl. Th-There’s nothing I can do about that! And come to think of it, even Rune and the others are frozen! So seeing the Demon King in person is that big of a deal. I was a bit oblivious. I’m sorry.
“Hmm, at any rate, let’s quickly head for the plaza. Ashley, I’ll leave Rune and Goot to you. Asuka, stop spacing out and let’s go.”
It was Kei-san who took charge of that slightly chaotic situation. Kei’s so reliable! Rune and Goot, after being patted on the back by Ashley-san, were startled, and then started walking again. They’re like robots.
When I looked to the side, it looked like even Asuka was a bit nervous. Maybe it’s because he’s an elf, not a demi-human, so he’s not as affected.
But this is awkward. “I apologize, on behalf of our Zahariash-sama,” Kron-san said flatly, and that made everyone even more nervous. Th-This is so awkward… chaos!!