Chapter 194: Captured
A gesture from Ryokuen, attached to Ash’s bracelet, indicated that we had left the country. It was a bit late, but within the planned timeframe, so I felt relieved.
“Got it. Thanks.”
I moved my index finger up and down, and the Spirit mirrored my motion. It was a gesture for “yes” or “understood.”
With this, Ryokuen on Ash’s side should be making the same movements. Even though I couldn’t speak to a Spirit, I could somehow convey what I wanted to say. But Ash was different, so I had taught him about five different gestures.
I figured Ash would eventually understand once he got used to it. He seemed to be getting along well with Az.
Today, we would be working on the Forest House.
“Please help with the roof construction.”
“Sure.”
I had previously secured a promise from Retze that he would help every few days, and yesterday he agreed to come today.
“Don’t teleport me to a different place right after I respond! My brain can’t keep up!”
I was scolded as I was forcibly teleported without a say.
“I thought it would be better before you made up your mind.”
I felt it was pointless to worry.
“Don’t skip the explanation! Explain!”
“Roof construction, roof construction.”
“I thought we were re-roofing the Kanum! You were worried about leaks, right? Where is this place?!”
“The Forest.”
“I can see that!”
How rude of him.
“Is it deeper in the Forest? There are Three-Horned Wolves around.”
Recently, Demon Beasts and Black Spirits had stopped coming here.
“You’ll die!”
“This bright area is safe, so it’s fine.”
“…”
Retze fell silent, pressing his hand against his forehead.
“I’m sorry. It’s fine if it’s just lifting timber, but aligning everything alone is tough.”
“Alright, let’s get this done quickly. I want to return to reality.”
Though, this is reality too.
We started by raising the ridge beam. This is the highest point of the roof, and the day we raise it is the day of the roof-raising ceremony. I wasn’t sure if they had that custom here.
The ridge beam was processed to allow for the installation of purlins, so I had Retze hold the opposite end while we aligned it. The angle of the purlins would determine the slope of the roof.
During the day, we prepared charcoal and a grill for some barbecue. The reward for helping was a promise of food, so I went with something safe.
The meat was from the Pantry, featuring Japanese beef: loin, harami, kalbi, and marinated ribs. The beef tongue, particularly the base, was tender and pale since it doesn’t move much, while the tip was tougher and needed to be sliced thinly; both were good in their own way.
The vegetables included onions, bell peppers, and thick asparagus. A bit of pork, white rice, and napa cabbage kimchi. Ssam was ready!
“The food is ready.”
“Alright.”
I called Retze, who was carefully scanning the surroundings to avoid stepping out of the sunny area.
“Here’s the beef, and over here is the pork. Grill it and eat up. This is for holding the meat.”
I handed him the plate of meat and tongs.
“Another strange tool has appeared.”
“It’s easier than chopsticks.”
I picked up a slice of meat and placed it on the sizzling grill with a satisfying sizzle.
Sizzle, sizzle, then a hearty bite.
“Oh, this is beer.”
Perhaps influenced by TV shows or commercials, I felt the temptation to try cold beer. I had held off for a year, so I would resist, but I could let Retze drink it instead. I would stick to sparkling water!
“It’s cold.”
Retze said as he received it. Here, beer is usually served at room temperature since there’s no refrigerator.
“Thanks for your hard work! You really helped!”
“Since I’m helping you, you should invite me in a better way.”
I raised my sparkling water slightly, and Retze lifted his glass of beer in response.
What would a better invitation look like?
“Wow, the meat is so tender!”
“When your mouth gets greasy, dip it in this spicy miso and wrap it in Ssam.”
The beef here seemed to lack nutrition or something; it was low in fat. Even if there was fat, there was no such thing as marbled beef.
I alternated between eating rice and meat! The privilege of those who can eat with chopsticks. When eating rice, I don’t have to switch back to a spoon, ha ha ha!
“You’re really skilled. But it looks convenient.”
“No, everyone in my hometown can use them.”
“Is that a tool from your previous world? I’ve never seen anyone eat with a stick here, so don’t use it in front of others!”
“Okay!”
Retze had a strong impression of my stick!
Despite all that, Retze stayed with me until evening after we finished installing the purlins. I presented him with a bottle of alcohol as a souvenir, and that wrapped up the day.
The next day, I worked alone on the tile roofing. The roof was made of thinly split dark blue natural stone tiles, which I liked, but since the stone allowed water to seep through, I laid copper sheets underneath to prevent leaks. Once the copper sheets were in place, the roof would function properly, but the appearance mattered too.
I liked the greenish-blue patina of bronze roofs seen on European cathedrals, but it didn’t quite fit this house in the Forest.
By the way, the copper sheets were now referred to as Spirit Copper. I had worried about the weight, but even when made thinner than paper, they were incredibly sturdy. Since I had no other use for them, I planned to use them liberally.
Meanwhile, on the Island, the two builders and stonemasons who had expressed their desire to move were likely constructing pathways around the well of the Tower by now. They would surely be surprised to find the well brimming with water.