Chapter 64: Curry
Well, now that I’ve fulfilled Yukihyo’s wish, I should be able to create a sanctuary. However, the location still needs to be decided.
“Is there a recommended place with beautiful scenery where Spirits can easily approach?”
“……tch.”
“Get on the Deer.”
Recalling the journey so far, I’d prefer to ride a horse, but unfortunately, the horse is injured.
“To think a human would ride on Canule. What a fortunate one.”
“……”
Is Canule the name of the deer? I want a comfortable ride.
I give up and mount the deer.
And once again, an unexpected surge of gravity hits my insides. This time, I’m already leaning forward and gripping the horns, so I don’t have to worry about being thrown off.
“……tch.”
“How about here?”
And just like that, we come to a sudden stop.
“Sorry, but it seems a bit too desolate for me.”
Please, no sheer cliffs.
“I’d prefer a place with a large tree and underbrush, and if there’s a spring or something, that would be great.”
Having realized that comfort and beauty vary by race, I express my specific hopes to facilitate communication.
“……tch.”
“Is that the human’s preference?”
I’m grateful for how quickly we can communicate. Just then, I catch sight of the horse galloping hard to catch up, and we accelerate again. The horse is really trying its best to keep up.
“……tch.”
“How about here?”
Enduring the sudden jolt, I look around and see a large tree and a spring, just as I hoped. The area is damp with moss, but here, there’s a clear spot where other trees break, allowing sunlight to shine down. The soft, light green grass accentuates the warmth, creating a somewhat mystical, fantasy-like landscape.
I check the map; the location seems good.
“Thank you. This place is even better than I hoped.”
“……tch.”
“Then I’ll set up the Barrier.”
“Oh, is the horse okay?”
“……tch.”
“It’s fine; as long as it’s your contracted partner, even if it’s a Demon Beast.”
As Yukihyo emits a low, rumbling sound, the deer’s bell rings in response. The white fur of Yukihyo begins to glow softly, spreading light as the Barrier is formed.
And then the horse arrives.
“Good job.”
I can’t help but speak up. Given the time delay, that deer did great; it really worked hard.
“……tch.”
“Well then, thank you for your help.”
“Thank you as well.”
“……!!”
The soundless Yukihyo and the deer dash away, with the horse struggling to keep up. That horse seems a bit of a hard worker; I hope it’s okay.
—But well, it should be fine. I remember Yukihyo calling the horse a friend and stop worrying.
I take another look at the map. The area I just checked has newly appeared forests and cliffs in the previously blank space. Does this mean that even in places where the Gods’ power doesn’t reach, new locations are added based on where I’ve been?
No, it seems more than just the places I’ve passed through are showing up; a much wider area is emerging. Could it be because of the horse I contracted? Perhaps it’s its range of activity or territory?
I have to complete this map. There should definitely be places similar to Japan’s vegetation…! Besides crafting, I’ve found another source of enjoyment.
Now, what should I do here? I’d like a roof to avoid the rain and walls to shield from the wind, and at least a table to drink tea. If I dismantle things outside the Barrier, near the spring’s water flow, the Demon Beasts should take care of any unwanted items.
Thinking about what to create is really enjoyable.
After a while of pondering various ideas in this designated spot, I find myself smiling as evening approaches.
I return home via the Rented House and pet Rishu, who runs up to me. Today is definitely curry day!
Onions, carrots, potatoes, and pork belly. A perfectly ordinary household curry, but with generous chunks of pork belly. The salad consists of pea shoots and tofu with sesame dressing. Pickles and sparkling water.
I pile the freshly cooked rice high with curry and get ready to dig in.
Mmm. The pork belly is satisfying and delicious. I’m really glad I set up a Japanese-style diet.
In a world where concrete and asphalt are nowhere to be seen, enjoying a delicious meal. Thanks to Rishu, I lead a healthy life, ending the day with a soak in the bath and a clean, comfortable bed.
Some classmates say they can’t live without the internet, but this lifestyle seems to suit me just fine. I was only using the internet to look up things I needed to disappear, and it was quite restrictive. I really wonder why I had to deal with so many limitations.
Long live a life without constraints! I’ll have seconds and even indulge in dessert.
In high spirits, I savor another plate of curry. For dessert, I have yogurt-flavored gelato and Gâteau au Chocolat.
First, the gelato; its gentle acidity refreshingly wipes away the curry’s richness from my mouth. The Gâteau au Chocolat is rich, slowly melting and sticking in my mouth.
With furniture to my liking and a comfortable temperature, I can do what I want tomorrow too. Rishu is at my feet, and I feel happy.