SIAW Vol. 2 Chapter 19 Part 1

Chapter 19 – ALA, Our Base of Operations

After scurrying out of the Magicians’ Guild, I noticed it was getting dark already. I quickly ran out of town, picked up Misha in ALA and we returned into town together.

I was too tired to feel like doing anything else that day, so I just took it easy in the inn.

～

The next day…

I left town in the early morning, sent Misha in the ALA to train, then went back into town.

I first thought of spending a few days in the ALA myself before going into town again, but I remembered that Sasha had asked me to do something for her.

I thus went to the Caron Trading Company and greeted Raana, who was behind the counter.

I was promptly led to a private room, where I sat across Raana and Caron.

“I’m glad to see you arrived in town safe and sound, Tenma. I heard you would arrive two days ago, so I was a bit worried.”

Caron opened the conversation in such a way.

“I am sorry for making you worry. I did arrive in town as planned, but I had some business to take care of and could not come sooner.”

Caron replied with a smile.

“It’s fine, it’s fine, as long as you’re safe. Thank you for coming to see us.”

After exchanging greetings, I mentioned the other reason for my visit.

“Actually, Sasha of the Pioneers’ Village asked me to visit you. They are thinking of selling this as the village’s specialty, and wanted your opinion whether it could sell or not. If you think there’s a chance, could you send a convoy to buy it in bulk from the village?”

I took out three small pots and placed them on the table.

Caron opened the lid and examined the contents of each one, but he didn’t seem to understand what was inside.

“What would these be?”

“These vases contain a dried mixture of herbs and leaves, to use as seasoning when cooking, for example. You can sprinkle them while cooking meat or use them with salt to add flavor to ingredients. They’re also delicious in soup.”

Caron didn’t seem to be able to follow completely, but Raana, sitting next to him, chimed in.

“Were these used in the skewers we had in the village, perhaps…?”

“Yes, that’s right!!”

Caron, fully realizing what we were talking about, nodded with conviction. He too seemed to remember the food we had at the village the other day.

“I did wonder how they created a flavor like that.”

Raana commented, cheerfully, and Caron nodded in agreement.

“The food that day was indeed delicious. I had never tasted something like that, so I wondered how they cooked it too.”

Raana started smelling the vases, a smile on her face. She seemed more interested than Caron in the herbs.

“I think they can sell well, that’s for sure. It will also depend on the price, though…”

Caron seemed to be already doing calculations in his head.

“This, on the other hand, is a gift from me.”

So I said, while pulling out 50 pieces of jerky.

“This is a kind of dried meat, made by smoking Forest Wolf. It’s called jerky.”

Hearing the words “Forest Wolf” brought a sour expression on Caron and Raana’s faces. The usual reaction.

“Er…Forest Wolf…?”

I thus exhibited the information I knew to be most effective.

“Several adventurers have stated that it goes great with drinks. Please, just try and have a bite. If you don’t like it, the Napping Cat Inn will buy it from me for 8 bronze coins a piece.”

Caron’s expression instantly changed.

“8 bronze coins for one of these!? Did they really guarantee they would buy it?”

“Yes, they can’t wait, actually. I processed this meat myself, and have no plans of making a business selling it or anything. I just made some to give out as a gift. Marissa of the Napping Cat Inn just asked me to sell some to them, so I couldn’t refuse.”

I could see Caron’s expression turning to mild disappointment.

I asked them to think about what they wanted to do about the herbs, then left the shop.

～

After the visit to Caron’s trading company, I left town and headed to the waterfall in the area I copied to create ALA.

While walking, I was lost in thought.

Since I had a lot of things I wanted to keep hidden, living in ALA would be definitely more comfortable than staying in town…I wasn’t too interested in what the town had to offer, anyway, so visiting it once every three days or so would be enough.

A few minutes later, I found a Honey Bee hive.

I used the Dark Magic spell Stun to knock them all out. Inside the hive there was the Honey Bee Queen, but she seemed terrified of me and did not show any intention to resist.

I took about half of their honey, then went inside ALA.

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