Episode 195: Three-Star Hotel
“We possess the means to travel through the sky, but in reality, are there monster threats in the sky as well?”
“…Hmm.”
While clearing away the set table, Arborea Heath and Teariada Elemes stood side by side, continuing their conversation.
“That’s right… There are several types of monsters that fly in the sky. Some are said to be unbelievable, like something out of a story. For example, giant birds like eagles, moths much larger than carriages, and the Silver Dragon, which has only been witnessed once in our country’s history.”
“We’ve heard stories of the former two in our country as well. But a Dragon? Could it have been a misidentification?”
Teariada smiled wryly at Arborea’s question.
“Many in our country share the same opinion. After all, it’s an old record. It’s been dismissed as fabrication, hallucination, misidentification, and so on. However, there are witnesses from that time among our elders. I’ve heard it was about 250 years ago, but a Silver Dragon was indeed sighted flying in the sky.”
“I see. I’ve reaffirmed that the Demon Forest cannot be underestimated.”
While casually agreeing, Arborea Heath extracted more information.
“But do you live in the forest? I’ve heard such stories.”
“Ah, that’s right. Today’s lodging is on the border with the forest. You’ll be able to experience it a little. From tomorrow onwards, we’ll be walking through the forest. However, the roads are well-maintained, so you probably won’t be aware of it.”
“Thank you for your consideration. Well, the clearing up is almost finished. I look forward to your guidance again.”
“Yes, of course.”
With that, they boarded their respective carriages.
The group began to move again.
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“Welcome today. This is our inn’s specialty, tea hot pot.”
“Oh, I’ve been waiting for this. Ah, you there. Please serve us.”
“Understood.”
Surrounding a round table, Teariada Elemes, Arborea Heath, and Alisterta Heath began an early dinner.
The journey was already on its third day.
They were told that they would arrive at Aarlan Port, a port town on the Lanta River, the Forest Country (Lebresta)’s main artery, tomorrow night.
However, due to the delicate distance, they needed to rest early today and depart tomorrow morning.
“This isn’t a place for difficult discussions, please relax.”
On the first and second days, the inns were not very large, so meals were in separate rooms.
Today, they were in an inn with a VIP room, and they could have their meals in a room befitting it.
The interior was decorated with ornaments using plants, as befitting the Forest Country (Lebresta).
Large wreaths woven with dried flowers, wooden carvings, and tapestries.
The furniture used was carved in detail, creating a subtle sense of luxury.
And the meal served was placed in the center of the table.
“Would you like fruit water for your drinks?”
“Ah.”
Arborea and Alisterta nodded silently.
Dishes were prepared one after another in front of the group.
“This dish is made by simmering round pork from the Lanta region and various vegetables with tea leaves, homemade Miso, and herbs. Excuse me, I will light the fire.”
Under the pot piled high with ingredients was a Magic Tool that appeared to be a Stove.
When the Boy (Waiter) moved the lever, a Fire lit between the trivets.
Stove Magic Tools have been confirmed to be in use within the Afrasia United Kingdom.
It was a rather incomprehensible (fantasy) tool that generated Fire by bringing some kind of Magic Stone close to the central stone called the Fire Magic Stone.
From the results of previous investigations, it is predicted that the Fire Magic Stone has the property of igniting when the Maso Density becomes high.
By the way, all the Stoves in the Afrasia United Kingdom seem to be imported from the Forest Country (Lebresta).
It seemed that they were used in fairly wealthy homes, and a considerable number had been imported.
In other words, it was a Magic Tool that was extremely commonly used in Lebresta.
“Excuse me.”
A dish that seemed to be an appetizer, with ingredients solidified with gelatin, was served. At the same time, fruit water was prepared.
“Then, wishing for a good relationship between us from now on, Uranta.”
“”We agree (Uranta).””
Arborea and Alisterta chanted words synonymous with a toast.
＜Heath＞ recorded that the food was very delicious.
It was predicted that Commander (Eve) would want to eat it, so information such as seasonings was obtained.
In particular, the bacteria unique to fermented foods are important. It will be necessary to obtain the actual product and isolate and culture the fermentation bacteria.
However, since it is a perishable item, it cannot be taken on this journey.
It was decided to import it to the East Gate City along with regular Trade Goods.
While having a conversation that was somewhere between small talk and trade negotiations, ＜Heath＞ continued to probe for information. The other party was a seasoned diplomat, but this side was a Superintelligence capable of recording and analyzing all surrounding information.
From slight words and gestures, all information was combined to uncover the truth.
“Ah, that was delicious. Thank you. I enjoyed it for the first time in a while.”
“It’s been a long time, Teariada-sama. And, nice to meet you, ladies. My name is Rakuradin, and I am the head chef of this inn.”
“It was delicious. Thank you.”
The head chef was called out, and they had a light conversation.
In it, information was leaked that some ingredients were becoming scarce.
Perhaps the production areas or distribution hubs have been damaged by Monsters.
This road is passing quite far to the south, so the butterfly Monsters have not come.
However, the impact is certainly eroding the Forest Country (Lebresta).
◇◇◇◇
They returned to their assigned rooms.
An attendant lit the installed lighting Magic Tool, prepared water pitchers, and then bowed and left the room.
Arborea Heath and Alisterta Heath, after confirming that the attendants were gone, began inspecting the room.
Lighting Magic Tool.
It uses some kind of glowing Magic Stone. This also seems to emit light depending on the Maso Density.
The brightness can be adjusted by moving the lever attached to the Magic Tool.
The type of light is similar to that produced by fluorescence. The exact wavelength would require a high-sensitivity Sensor to determine, but it is not very important, so it is postponed. The actual item can be obtained if requested.
The construction of the bed, the sheets and blankets, are of reasonable quality. The weave is fine, and the texture is good.
Presumably, the quality of the yarn is good.
The weave itself is somewhat uneven, suggesting production by hand or by a low-precision knitting machine.
However, since many fabrics were observed along the way, it is certain that they are being mass-produced by some means.
At least, there are no workers who appear to be in a slave class within the observed range.
If so, it was thought that it was not hand-woven, but mechanized to some extent.
The quality of the furnishings is also high, and it can be judged that Lebresta has ample national power overall.
Furthermore, they are using some kind of mass production method, albeit limited.
If they continue to develop smoothly, they could become a powerful nation.
While making such inferences, ＜Heath＞ put the Communicator Doll to sleep.
◇◇◇◇
What was served for breakfast was soft white bread and butter, a salad of fresh leafy vegetables and grilled sausages, and a soup that looked like corn soup.
The white bread means that the wheat milling technology is excellent.
The softness means that fermentation technology using yeast and the like is widespread.
The salad shows that there is a habit of growing vegetables and eating them raw. Dressing is also added, and a commitment to food can be felt.
The sausages are also well-seasoned and even smoked. It can be predicted that they are distributed as preserved food by some means.
The soup is thought to be made from corn or similar grains. This means that it can be crushed and stirred smoothly with some kind of tool. Cooking utensils are also developed.
After all, not having to allocate resources to war greatly contributes to increasing national power.
It was fortunate that we were able to take measures early as a neighboring country.