(Walson)
Flakes of white snow drifted down, and in this cold weather, the streets of the European-style town were already devoid of pedestrians.
The magic-powered street lamps trembled as they emitted a flickering light, casting long shadows that seemed frozen in blocks.
Right now, I'm in the [Dog House], in my workshop to be exact. Having just finished taking a warm bath, I operated the [Brewing Stand] in the workshop while contemplating our future plans.
After discussing with Melon and Grace, it was decided that we would temporarily leave the capital city. The departure date is the day after tomorrow.
The first stop is to return to my hometown in Sadin Village to see Father Marbon, Maany, and the old nun, whom I haven't seen in a year.
...I must also find Miss Nakula tree. If necessary, I will carve mine, Grace's, and Melon's names on it, symbolizing everlasting bonds.
There are so many things I want to ask her, I want some clarification.
...Just kidding, let's talk about the main issue. Because recently, there have been many incidents and abnormal activities of monsters on this continent, starting with the information that Melon brought back.
According to the information obtained from the intelligence agency by Melon, there have been numerous abnormal monster activities and incidents in recent days.
Normally, I wouldn't need to worry about such matters.
Although monster rampages are extremely dangerous, occurrences like these are not uncommon throughout the entire continent. Even during the time when I was still living in the orphanage, such sporadic events would happen in the forest.
The mysteries surrounding the birth of monsters are still largely unsolved. However, one rule is almost certain, and that is the birth of monsters requires the gathering of magical energy.
Specifically, it involves the gathering of elemental spirits in a particular area, along with various conditions and circumstances. Through a fortuitous combination of factors, it leads to the birth of monsters. Even the monsters in Minecraft are influenced by this rule.
The routine extermination missions of the Adventurer's Guild also serve to prevent such situations in advance.
However, the current situation is quite unique because, according to convention, monster rampages are localized and sporadic natural disasters. But now, they are occurring consecutively in the central region of the continent.
...I hope it's not related to Decay... Please spare me.
Before I finish speaking, it's important to note that the unrest extends beyond monster occurrences; there is also a tense international situation.
Perhaps you have already forgotten, so let me provide some background. The territories controlled by the Bishop Branch and the Grella Branch are the western and eastern regions, respectively. Sandwiched between the two neutral countries are the elven kingdom, the Braatio Empire on the plateau, and the dwarf kingdom, Mount Bridge Dwarfhama.
Let's set aside Mount Bridge Dwarfhama for now, as the issue lies with the Braatio Empire.
Do you remember the spy organization that me, Melon, and Grace fought against before in the capital? After exposing it to the light of day, the Eastern countries led by the Kingdom of Teigitan strongly condemned the Braatio Empire.
Although Derisha told me that the dispatching of spies was only a personal decision of the second prince of the Braatio Empire, even without direct succession rights, the actions of a prince of a nation are enough to be considered a political topic.
At the same time, the Grella Branch, which has always been in a weak position within the resistance Bishop Branch, has recently become more assertive. I also heard that they claim to have received miracles from the goddess, the [Miracle Water] that can heal all ailments. It is said that there was a public demonstration where the Pope publicly healed a near-death patient using the [Miracle Water].
[Miracle Water] huh... I wonder how it compares to my potions...
Sorry, I went off-topic, moving on. By claiming to possess miracles, the Grella Branch is fiercely challenging the Bishop Branch. The reason the Bishop Branch has always been powerful is that they have the symbol of the goddess's blessing, the Hero.
With this Hero, they can rightfully label the Grella Branch as a heresy. The stalemate in the past was based on the Bishop Branch looking down on the Grella Branch and not bothering with them.
But now... if the Grella Branch claims to possess miracles, what will happen? And with the Braatio Empire no longer being neutral...
Damn, it feels like we're heading towards war.
In my previous life, there was peace and no wars. But living in this era, I can fully feel the helplessness of being a civilian in a medieval society.
"Walson, I bought some Alotar potatoes. Do you want to have some?" Just as I was feeling troubled, I heard a knocking sound from outside the studio. Before I could respond, Barella's face popped in through the door.
The door opened as she moved, and she was shaking a paper bag in her hand.
"Hmm? Did you just go out to buy something?" I put down the brewing station and caught the blue object that Barella threw at me. It was a bit hot, and I almost dropped it.
Alotar potatoes are a common root vegetable in the capital. The flesh inside is green, and when roasted, it tastes like salted potatoes without the need for additional seasoning.
Although they are common, the cost of cultivation is quite high, making them a premium snack that is only bought and eaten during important festivals.
But considering our economic situation, Alotar potatoes are not worth mentioning.
"Yeah, it's super cold outside!"
"Did any shops stay open at this late hour? Melon and Grace have already gone to bed, and I assumed all the businesses outside would be closed," I looked at Barella with some confusion. It was already past 11 p.m.
Melon usually doesn't go to bed this early, but today I had some unfinished tasks, so I told her to go to sleep without doing her rounds.
"That's why I had to go to the eastern market. It was freezing! I finally found a shop that was still open," Barella said while sitting next to me and started eating the Alotar potatoes.
Having a late-night snack together, huh, hehe.
"Oh, what did you need to buy so urgently?"
"It's feminine hygiene products. We're leaving the day after tomorrow, you know? You're always running out of supplies," she said.
"Oh no, I forgot!" I genuinely forgot... Oh, I'm so inconsiderate...
"You're always so absent-minded when it comes to these delicate matters, even though you're so meticulous when designing things," Barella said as she sat down beside me, munching on the Alotar potatoes.
Sharing a midnight snack, huh, hehe.
"Well, thanks a lot... But you didn't have to go out so late."
"Well, it's just that... Oh, right, umm... I like to finish things as soon as possible. It's good to have some extra time tomorrow in case of any unforeseen circumstances, right?"
"I see. Anyway, thank you." That reason is a bit far-fetched... but whatever.
"Not just you, even Grace and Melon aren't very attentive when it comes to taking care of these things... Well, I'll take care of you all and make sure you're well taken care of," Barella said confidently, puffing up her chest.
Yes, she will be joining us on this journey back home as well.
...I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Our honeymoon-like time with the three of us is gone... But now Barella has no one else, and once we leave, she'll be alone.
...Well, I was just joking. She's also a member of the [Dog House] after all, and shouldn't be left behind.
Moreover, since the location of the recent monster rampage incident includes the Braatio Plateau, the hometown of Barella, she also has a reason to go there.
But...
"By the way, since it's your hometown, will you be going to the place where you lived as a child? You can inquire about your childhood stories, things you liked to do, or even see traces of your past life, like clothes you used to wear..."
"Hey, are you a pervert?" But I have no idea why she's so excited! It's like a schoolgirl getting ready for a field trip.
No, that analogy doesn't work. It's more like an excited lolicon getting ready with a camera to infiltrate an elementary school. Yeah, that's better.
"That's crossing the line, you know?"
"Let me tell you, you can't bring too much alcohol. Even if you compress space and weight using the [Pouch], it might still be too heavy for you."
"That's even more over the line! Do I look like a sake barrel to you?"
"Well, why do you think I call you Barella?"
That's how it goes. The departure date is set for the day after tomorrow. If we calculate based on our previous travel speed, it would take a week just to get from the capital to Sadin Village... but this time, it should be faster.
After all, since the incident in Abyssal City, my level has increased significantly, and that has made Rifle stronger too. I haven't seen its full power yet, but I think it will have no problem pulling the carriage.
Anyway, the sudden incident requires a quick response from my side, so I need to start preparing for the journey immediately these days.
I didn't mention it before, but the stock of milk I've been accumulating is running out. That's the most important thing, so a few weeks ago, I went to the merchants' guild to order a large batch of milk, which is expected to arrive tomorrow.
After entering the capital, many of the ingredients for my potions come from the market. For a certain "special need," I requested items from tropical regions through the [Mart Chamber of Commerce], and they arrived this morning. That's also the main reason why I'm currently brewing potions, but I'll talk about that later.
And then there's the [Crimson Stones]... I think I might have to dismantle some facilities at home. This resource, which currently has no substitute, is running out.
Lastly, there's the wolf carriage that has been sitting idle in the backyard for some time. It needs some modifications too.
As I mentioned before, the wolf carriage is basically the same as a camping car in terms of design, originally meant for three people. But now that we have Barella accompanying us, we need to make it bigger, or else someone will have to sleep outside... that's just too pitiful!
But if we make it bigger, we also need to consider whether Rifle can handle the weight...
...
Right, since we're all running a restaurant now, why not transform the wolf carriage into a food truck and also put up the [Dog House] logo designed for Barella on it?
...Hmm? That way, it feels more like an outing with staff rather than a friend.
"You are going too far, Walson... calling me that..."
"Hey, Barella, are you going to sleep? Can you accompany me for a bit? I want to test something."
"Huh? Not yet... what's up?"
"Can you stay with me? I want to test something.”
"Uh... Ah! Sure, no problem!"
...In the end, she easily agreed to it.
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