SWNOVELXO Chapter 107
Chapter 107. Battlefield Of Hell In The Wilderness
I am currently on the battlefield.
In the hellish battlefield where corpses lie in heaps and the sound of clashing swords never ceases.
It was a tragedy after returning to the inn.
――――
“Tonight’s the night for cutlets!”
It was when I was using the Kurigu to wash off the day’s dirt.
“I’ve been longing for hot cutlets so much that I thought I’d get a hole in my stomach! If I don’t eat right away, who knows what I’ll do!”
That’s practically a threat.
“I get it. But more importantly, about tomorrow, I’m setting aside the day for preparation, so use it as you like.”
I thought I’d take a break and look around town too.
“That’s fine, but what about the card-shaped Kurigu?”
“Oh, right… I almost forgot. We’ll report on that in the morning.”
I’ve been so busy with the stall that it slipped my mind.
“Very well.”
“After that, we can move freely.”
“Akira, I’ll guard you.”
“It’s just for one day. If anything happens, I’ll deal with it properly.”
Yaralai looks aside thoughtfully. I appreciate the elf’s protection, but sometimes I want to move alone.
“Understood. Be careful.”
“Okay.”
“I’m not cooking dinner tomorrow either. Let’s meet the morning after.”
“Understood.”
Both nodded.
“Alright, let’s make those cutlets…”
As I started to take out the cooking tools from the container, Hagg stopped me with his hand.
“Wait, Akira. I’ve reserved the Lizard’s Tail Inn tonight.”
“Reserved?”
Why?
“I bragged about the tonkatsu to the blacksmith guild folks, and they all wanted to try it.”
Why would you do that?
“Hey, you didn’t mention anything about my abilities, right?”
“Of course not! I just told them I was teaching Veliero how to cook.”
That’s still problematic.
“Don’t worry, that information was already somewhat leaked. Veliero probably spread it intentionally.”
I see. To introduce new dishes and ingredients, they spread the word that they were taught by an outsider. Clever Veliero Trading Company. Always ahead of the game.
“So the dwarves insisted we let them eat too. Since we already had a promise, I reserved the place.”
“What if we couldn’t make it today?”
“That’s why I didn’t tell you.”
Got it.
“…I don’t mind treating you and Yaralai, but I really don’t want a bunch of dwarves.”
“Hmph, we settled that. They’re splitting the cost, including ours!”
“And me?”
“I don’t know~”
The dwarves glare up at me evilly. They’re mocking me.
“…!”
Wait, did I just hear a “snap” from the elf’s forehead?
“Kill you!”
“Hah! Try it, weak elf!”
Both draw their weapons simultaneously. In my tiny room.
“No dinner for you two.”
“Sorry.”
“Apologies.”
They quickly sheathed their weapons. This is gonna be a long night.
――――
So we arrived at the Lizard’s Tail Inn, but for some reason, Narnia is here.
I didn’t notice (pretended not to) that she was in the room the whole time during our earlier exchange. I ignored her like a piece of furniture.
She naturally followed us to the inn. Apparently, she got Hagg’s permission. Well, that’s fine.
Inside the inn, there were six dwarves and nine humans. Clearly blacksmiths, with blackened hands and bulging muscles.
“Hey Hagg, you’re late!”
“Hmph, it’ll make the meal taste better.”
“No kidding!”
An older-looking dwarf pats Hagg’s shoulder hard. Hagg retaliates equally hard. Are all dwarves like this? As long as it doesn’t affect me, I don’t care.
Seeing the unexpected crowd, I mentioned the lack of cooking equipment. The silent innkeeper allowed me to use the kitchen and even permitted me to use their grills and charcoal. I set everything up.
Luckily, there was an iron pot, which I borrowed for frying. I also bought binchotan charcoal.
While preparing a mountain of pork, I remembered something and called Hagg.
“What is it? Is it ready?”
“No, do you remember the promise about the good liquor?”
“Of course… Wait! Is it…”
Hagg’s eyes gleam. That’s intense!
“Yes, I intend to treat you, but you drink a lot, right? If you share it with others…”
“Just give it to me! Three bottles!”
He grabs my shoulders and shakes me. He might eat me.
“Wait, wait… I’ll get it now. Stay!”
I hurriedly bought three bottles of 12-year-old single malt for 29,800 yen each.
Remaining balance: 18,247,610 yen.
“Oh?! What a beautiful bottle! The clarity of the glass and the luster of the liquor inside… It’s comparable to the elves’ top-grade liquor.”
Hagg snatched the single malt as soon as I took it out of the container.
“Elves make liquor?”
“Didn’t you know? As much as I hate to admit it, their liquor is top-notch. Especially their wine and firewater.”
That’s surprising.
“Really. I thought dwarves loved liquor and made their own.”
Hagg snorts.
“Fool. We can’t wait for liquor to age! We only make fermented drinks that take 2-3 days.”
“That’s nothing to brag about.”
“Hmph. There’s always someone who wants our iron products. We just trade for it.”
“Fair enough.”
Is that… practical?
“Nowadays, human-made firewater is quite good. They use machines we dwarves made.”
“Interesting.”
Maybe giant stills? Then this liquor isn’t that rare?
“Hmm. Just looking at it makes me thirsty… Let’s try it…”
Hagg takes out a glass from his item bag. It’s not very clear, but well-cut.
Pour… pour…
The unique low sound of liquid and gas exchange fills the air. The amber liquid, the result of human knowledge, technique, and fermentation, fills the glass halfway. Hagg, with his large hand, gently swirls the small glass. The rich aroma reaches me.
…I might want some too.
Hagg enjoys the aroma for a while, then gently brings the glass to his lips.
Sip… sip…
A surprisingly quiet gulp for his big mouth. It’s like angels are dancing.
“Phew… ha…”
Hagg looks at the ceiling with a blissful expression. Or maybe he’s seeing nirvana.
I thought he’d say something, but he silently refills his glass. Slowly drinks it. Savoring it.
Repeats the process over and over. Silently.
Finally, after finishing all three bottles, he lets out a long sigh.
For a while, he stays still, savoring the afterglow. Then suddenly, he lifts his head.
“What… What is this?! This isn’t just good or bad! It’s beyond any liquor! This is a drinking miracle! A gift from the gods! Unbelievable! What have you given me?! Knowing this, I can’t drink anything else!”
Hagg, who had been quiet, starts talking excitedly. His gestures are exaggerated, and is he glowing?
“T-Tasted good, huh?”
“Good?! That’s an understatement! Rich and mellow! Not just a woody aroma, but a hint of fruitiness that fills the nose, and a smooth, clean finish! Everything about it is world-class!”
Hagg rants passionately. Not even tonkatsu drove him this crazy. Japanese whiskey is amazing.
“Ah.”
I suddenly remember.
“What?”
“Well, the reason you agreed to join the journey was this liquor, right? I treated you as promised, so I thought you’d go separate ways.”
Yes, Hagg’s reason for coming on this journey was for good booze. I had completely forgotten.
“You… serving such good liquor and saying such things. If I don’t go with you, I’ll never drink it again! And I’ll worry about what will happen if you get kicked out!”
“Uh, oh.”
Despite his harsh words, it seems he’ll stay with us for a while. Having Hagg and Yaralai is just too strong.
“Then, tomorrow’s plan is as scheduled. I’m glad you liked the booze… but are you going to share it with the dwarves and blacksmiths over there?”
“Hm… hmm… they’ve been good to me. I’d like to let them drink it, but…”
Hagg crosses his thick arms and starts thinking. Not that it matters, but please stop glowing. It’s scary.
“By the way, is this liquor expensive?”
“Hm? It’s 29,800 yen per bottle.”
“It’s quite pricey for liquor, but not as much as what nobles drink. Considering the taste and the container… no, it’s ridiculously cheap… hmm.”
Hagg thinks again.
“Wait a moment.”
Hagg finally stops his radiant glow and goes back to his comrades. He soon returns.
“Akira, due to budget constraints, we’ll only buy five bottles. They gave all their money just from smelling the bottles!”
All their money… I hope they calculated enough for the tonkatsu… well, Hagg isn’t one to break promises. So, I take out five bottles of single malt and hand them over.
“Hagg, I can’t do it often, but I’ll treat you sometimes, so don’t act too childish.”
“I understand… I think.”
Wow. What a reassuring response!
…I’ll just have to trust him.
Hagg, holding the bottles, disappears back into the shop, and I keep frying cutlets one after another.
When I brought out the first large platter of tonkatsu to the shop… it was a battlefield.
“Aren’t you pouring a bit much?!”
The first thing I hear is a deep shout.
“You’re a picky one! I’m distributing evenly to everyone!”
“You’ve got three drops more!”
Hagg’s rebuttal draws complaints from others. …Three drops, really?
I see a guy with a bruised face lying on the floor. I could roughly guess since I heard noises while cooking.
Blacksmith guild members are fighting over unopened bottles. Even Hagg seems to struggle against everyone at once. And Yaralai, sitting at the counter, quietly sips his allotted whiskey. He notices me and says,
“…Delicious… but frustrating… better than elf liquor…”
So that’s why he looks troubled.
“Elves are good at making liquor, right? Even Hagg praised them.”
“Yeah, elves are good at it. I’m… not. Elves’ wine is popular with nobles. Fire wine too.”
“Really?”
“Recently, humans made fire liquor, whiskey. It’s good. This too, but the depth is different. Elves use distillers too, but the equipment must be different.”
Yaralai looks at the liquor while sipping.
“Well, glad you liked it. It’s a bit pricey, so I’ll treat you sometimes.”
Yaralai’s ears twitch, and he looks at me.
“A promise between men.”
He’s really into it. I forgot he liked alcohol. Hopefully, he won’t become a troublesome drunk.
“Got it. But don’t drink too much.”
“…I’ll be careful.”
Please do.
While I’m talking with Yaralai, a fight breaks out behind me. Even Hagg is struggling with bare hands against the dwarves.
“…That fool, feeling guilty.”
Huh? What do you mean?
“Probably gave himself more.”
“…I see. What a fool.”
He must’ve thought he wouldn’t get caught, but these guys seem to notice even the smallest difference.
“Can’t be helped… I’ll stop them.”
“Want some help?”
“Only if it turns into a brawl.”
Yaralai nods. But it should be fine.
“Hey, you guys, stop messing around.”
I place a mountain of tonkatsu on the table.
“Huh?”
“Who the hell are you?!”
“Don’t get in our way!”
Bloodshot eyes all turn to me.
“Oh, is that so? This is the super delicious food that impressed Hagg…”
Everyone freezes.
“No food for idiots who keep fighting.”
I place the sauce next to the tonkatsu.
“This is the secret sauce. It makes the food three times tastier… better eat quietly before I take it away.”
“Akira! Without black sauce, tonkatsu’s taste is halved! Are you a demon?!”
“Then end it now. I won’t make any more.”
Normally, this should be enough, but with Hagg’s lot, it might not be.
“Hm… okay. I promise to divide the last bottle evenly, so everyone calm down.”
“Stop arguing… that smell is killing me…”
“What kind of dish is this?”
“Hagg’s been bragging about this dish.”
The crowd gulps in unison.
“Oh, and buy bread from the shop. It’s good to sandwich the cutlets.”
Today, I can’t provide bread. It’s against guild rules to sell bread outside the guild, and different-tasting bread would raise suspicion.
Muscular men swarm the tonkatsu. Dwarves seem dominant, but humans hold their own. Blacksmiths must be strong.
I see Narnia, securing her share from Hagg, happily munching. Women in this world are shrewd. Yup.
So, the cutlet party continued.
In the end, I added two more bottles of single malt and fried an absurd amount of tonkatsu. Just making it made me feel sick.
I changed the oil several times, and the shopkeeper took the used oil, saying he had a use for it. No trash problem, but what’s he going to use it for… I’ll not think about it.
Thus, the noisy night ended.
――――
I princess-carry Narnia, who fell asleep happily, to the inn. A princess with a full belly and drooling, that’s so Narnia.
Her father receives her and thanks me. I wave in response.
Hagg and Yaralai also retreat to their rooms, satisfied.
I crawl into bed, yawning.
Tomorrow is a rest day. I’ll take it easy.
I spin the symbol with my fingers, making today’s report.