Chapter 61: Recommended Items
I could choose as much cheese as I wanted from a large platter that held various types. Of course, I had to pay for whatever I picked, but it was quite enjoyable.
There were several cheeses with a pure white cross-section but a surface that looked sooty. I learned that they dusted the goat’s milk cheese with charcoal powder to soften its unique tang. It seems this is quite common with goat cheese.
There were also white mold cheeses and blue mold cheeses, among others. Overall, these cheeses had a stronger character than what I was used to back in Japan, but I was getting accustomed to them. If I had gone to a high-end shop, I might have had the chance to try these kinds of cheeses, but I was only familiar with processed cheese or the kind used on pizza.
Later, I planned to make four types of cheese pizza and drizzle them with honey. A mochi mentaiko pizza would be nice too.
The thinly sliced baguette came with the cheese, so I piled it on and enjoyed it. I discovered that washing down the lingering cheese aroma with wine felt quite nice in this otherworldly life.
Once the conversation settled a bit, I pulled out a bag from my satchel.
“This is for Chris and Dean, and this one is for Retze and the others.”
I mentioned to Ash and the Butler that I had made cloth bags for Retze and asked if they wanted one. Both of them said yes, so I had made them.
My Production Talent was quite handy; after making a few bags, I no longer needed blueprints. For bags, I could cut them out directly without needing a template.
When Ash learned I was making five bags, he expressed concern about the short turnaround time, but I was more than capable.
“Oh, thank you,” Dean said as he reached for the black leather bag, and one by one, they passed into their rightful owners’ hands.
“Please check the payment.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I collected the payment for Ash and the Butler, as well as from the others.
My bag felt heavier than when it had contained the other bags.
“Hey, the inside of this…”
“I made it sturdy.”
“It doesn’t match the price.”
Retze looked exasperated.
“This one too…”
“Indeed.”
The Butler and Ash were peering into their respective bags.
“Once we return safely, treat me to something.”
“Got it, I’ll treat you to a barrel once we get back.”
Wait, but he’s underage, right? He may be considered an adult here, but even if he says he’ll treat me according to their customs, he hasn’t had that much to drink.
“Let me handle the cooking costs. Is this place alright? I’ll arrange for a cow.”
“Sure.”
Ash nodded at the Butler’s words.
A cow! While pork and chicken are commonly used, beef requires a lot more investment in livestock, making it expensive. By the way, flying birds are considered the best meat because they can fly. Why is that? Is it because the Spirits can fly?
Was it about two copper coins per kilogram? I wonder how much a whole cow costs? It might go for ten gold coins.
“I’ll chip in too, so can I join?”
“Me too, me too.”
It seemed like the celebration after the hunt was set. I was the only one not participating, so I was on the free course.
After that, we went shopping for the hunt. Ash and Dean ended up carrying a heavy Dutch oven-style pot, while the Butler and Retze were tasked with writing down recipes. We also grabbed some snacks along the way.
“Don’t push yourself, come back safe.”
“We’ll meet again.”
Dean shrugged at my words.
“Actually, I think I’ll avoid going to the Guild for a while.”
“Oh, because it’s filled with unsavory characters.”
Retze said.
I figured it was because meeting those who could see Spirits might lead to various complications, but whatever.
“Ash, did you get bothered?”
“I was asked for money… but they left quickly.”
Ah, so he furrowed his brow, huh? Wait, did Ash get shaken down for money? That doesn’t seem right.
“There are already many who have witnessed him carrying a bear, so I doubt anyone would bother Ash lightly. But if they do, just call for me.”
“Indeed. If the Moonlight Prince or Retze gets bothered, feel free to drop my name!”
The two Silvers agreed.
“I’ll handle it as well…”
The Butler offered.
This Butler always smiles gently, but I get the feeling he might be hiding one or two hidden weapons. He carries a Spirit that’s stronger than the average ones.
Thanks to the previous investigation, Ash, the Butler, and I had all moved up from Bronze to Copper. We had brought back a Three-Horn from our investigation, so we even earned an extra star.
You can become Iron Rank if you’re strong enough, but to go higher, you need to have a full set of stars. Stars are marks of significant contributions to the town or acts that earn respect.
As a result, many Iron Ranks are strong but have poor conduct. They gather to participate in hunts just to earn the stars that come with it.
The townsfolk need the hunts to be successful, so they tend to overlook minor troubles before the hunt. However, afterward, they can be quite unforgiving; the residents are surprisingly shrewd and pragmatic.
“Oh, are we heading in the same direction?”
After parting ways with Chris and Dean, who were still planning to drink, the four of us continued down the alley. Despite saying our goodbyes, Retze was headed the same way.
“Ash and the others are neighbors, huh?”
“Indeed.”
“I rent a room near the gate close to the Demon Forest. It’s cheap.”
That area is somewhat shunned because it’s near the Demon Forest, where Demon Beasts come from. Plus, it’s far from the Guild that only opens during events, making it a bit inconvenient for Adventurers.
“My landlord recently mentioned he was going to renovate the toilets, claiming he would raise the rent.”
Retze’s grumbling caught the attention of Ash and the Butler, who looked at me.
“New sewers and toilets will make it more comfortable.”
“Looking back, I have no idea how I tolerated that smell.”
The two of them recommended the toilet renovations.
We were exchanging recommendations for food and supplies, but it seemed the top recommendation of the day was the toilet. It might be close to a form of evangelism, but that’s a good thing.
“Hmm.”
After parting ways with the deep-in-thought Retze, we each headed home.
I activated the fireplace and teleported home. I gave Rishu a good scratch as he rushed over and then poured myself some milk. I had planned to eat curry, but I had snacked earlier and wasn’t that hungry.
By the way, I wonder how Ash’s house’s bath is coming along?