Chapter 115: It Seems Practice is Necessary
When I asked Dinoss if I could join him on a demon beast hunt, he agreed, saying he would prepare and head deeper into the forest. If the weather holds up, we’ll set off in five days.
But there’s one problem.
“They’re going by horse. Ash and the Butler can definitely ride, and Dean and Chris said they’d ride to the Fortress City.”
It seems Dinoss’s three kids can ride just fine, so they don’t think for a second that I can’t ride a horse…
“Wait, you can’t ride?”
“Does that mean Retze can ride too?”
Is it just me? Am I the only one who can’t ride?
I came to ask with a glimmer of hope that Retze might not be able to ride either. Well, considering how close he seems with Dean and the others, I figured he probably could.
“Well, adventurers need to be light on their feet. There’s also the job of guarding, and the Guild in this town called adventurers due to signs of a demon beast outbreak. Sometimes, speed is crucial, including travel, to jump on money-making opportunities. Sure, there are those like me who settle down in one place.”
“Is it some kind of mandatory subject or something?!”
Even if I don’t have the money to buy a horse or a place to keep one, there’s a horse rental shop, so that’s not a problem. They even rent out gentle donkeys.
Is it like how you need a car in the countryside of Japan? I got my license, but this world doesn’t have cars.
“Before I settled here, I made the rounds to gather information in the surrounding towns and villages, hitting all the major spots. You’ve never ridden before?”
I thought he was well-versed in international affairs, but it turns out he’s been doing this kind of groundwork for a long time.
“If it’s a deer, I can ride one.”
“Normally, you wouldn’t have that option!”
I answered seriously, only to be met with a retort.
“Well, if I can ride a deer, I should be able to ride a horse. I’ve never done it, so I don’t know, but it’s not like riding a deer is easier than riding a horse. Just choose a gentle one from the rental shop. If it comes down to it, you can ride with En or Baku.”
Considering my weight, that’s probably the best choice for the horse.
“It’s not cool, but it can’t be helped. I’ll practice riding later—oh.”
“What is it?”
“I have a horse in mind.”
“What kind of horse do you have in mind? One that would let you ride it?”
“Yeah. If the horse refuses, I’ll ask Yukihyo for help.”
To be precise, I’ll ask Yukihyo if I can ride a deer instead.
“Wait. I’m starting to lose track here.”
Retze uncrossed his legs and sat up straight.
“It’s fine; Dinoss said he’d be going into the forest. I can keep up. Thanks, that solves it.”
If it’s in the forest, I think it should be within the horse’s range of movement.
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
“Oh! You’re here!”
Dean came down from the second floor.
He was carrying a bag that looked light; it was probably laundry. The three in this house also use the laundry service recommended by the Butler.
“I need to gather my laundry too.”
Tomorrow is the day the laundry service comes by, and if I have laundry, they’ll collect it. I need to strip the sheets and pack them into the bag.
I heard the laundry service has a Spirit Possessed worker, and while the fee for a request is usually double, they do a great job making everything fluffy and white.
“Oh, I think Dinoss will invite us to work tomorrow, so if you’re free, Dean and Chris, please join.”
“Sure, I’ll go anywhere.”
Dean dropped the laundry bag near the entrance, grabbed a cup, and sat down.
“Retze too.”
I asked, even though I’d already been turned down once, but I figured it was worth a shot.
“If we’re talking about going into the forest on horseback, it’s either the Abandoned Mine or…”
Oh?
“Are you interested? Right now, it comes with this wine.”
I spread my arms toward the wine jar he had brought earlier as a snack.
It’s the same wine he brought to Dinoss’s house. It’s not just a bonus; Retze is currently drinking it.
“What kind of invitation is that? I can only foresee you causing trouble, so I’ll tag along. But first, I need to practice riding.”
Retze casually threw in a warning.
“I’m in. By the way, Gene, you really can’t ride? That’s surprising.”
Dean declared as he poured wine from the jar.
“If the date is set, it’s better to reserve a gentle horse at the rental shop.”
I thought he’d tease me, but he didn’t.
“If I really get invited tomorrow, I’ll reserve horses for everyone. If I secure the same horse starting tomorrow, it’ll be easier to get used to it.”
Retze suggested.
“Ugh. I’ll do my best.”
When I rode a deer, I just held onto its antlers. I’ve taken care of cows and pigs, but I’ve never touched a horse.
“If you don’t get used to it, you’ll end up with a sore backside.”
“Eh?!”
Dean grinned.
Isn’t this more challenging than hunting demon beasts? This feels like a trial.
I want to make progress on selecting and preparing the base for Naruadeid, but right now, riding a horse is my top priority.
There’s a spot with a great view, a crumbling mansion that looks like a remnant from the war, situated between a fortress and a castle. Fortunately, it’s been abandoned for a long time, and since the island itself is depopulated, it was cheap, so I’ve decided to renovate it.
This time, I plan to hire various craftsmen without putting in too much effort myself. I’ll hand over design documents for just the parts I’m involved with, intending to keep the overall picture unclear.
I’m also experimenting with how rumors spread when I’m not directly involved, probably resulting in a house that’s out of the ordinary. Well, the topic of the healing potions rarely comes up regarding the maker; it’s usually about the effects of the medicine, so I expect the house will end up the same way.
To put it another way, it’s like a product name being famous while most people don’t know the manufacturing company. Like a certain snack.
I’m debating whether to place someone in between to minimize my recognition, but for now, I’ll just keep scribbling the design documents.