olume 4 Chapter 1: Reunion 1

TL Note: Please note that this chapter was split by the author himself.

This is also the extra chapter for the week, so a huge thanks to all the donors for making this chapter possible.

Its already been three years since Ryouma parted with the dukes family at Gimuru, and approximately two years since Ryouma retrieved his inheritance.

It was on the morning of such a day, that a carriage departed from the gates of the town of Kereban that was a few days distance from Gimuru. Within the carriage were the figures of six people. One was an old man who worked as the coachman, while the other five were young girls of marriageable age.

The coachman was the butler of the Jamil Household, Sebasu. And the ones inside the carriage were the daughter of the Jamil Household, Elialia Jamil and her friend and cla.s.smate, Miyabi Saionji. Also within the carriage were the eldest daughter of a count, Mich.e.l.le Willdan, the knight and eldest daughter of a baron, Riera Clifford, and the magic tool craftsman apprentice, Kanan Shuza.

Dressed in inconspicuous clothing, these five young girls have left the capital, and have been travelling with Sebasu-san on a carefree trip.

It wont be long till the city of Gimuru. [Elia]

Right~ [Miyabi]

If everything goes well, well be there within 2 days. [Mich.e.l.le]

Im looking forward to seeing the matches being held at the arena. [Riera]

As for me, Im most interested in Elia and Miyabis friend. [Kanan]

These five young girls made use of the academys extended leave to go on a trip. And are now happily talking about the things they are looking forward to in Gimuru. The reason behind choosing their destination as Gimuru is partly because of Elias promised reunion with Ryouma. However, thats not the only reason theyre going to Gimuru.

In the past two years, thanks to the all the efforts of Gimurus hired earth magicians and workers, Gimuru was able to complete the new town to the south where the arena is, making the place much more lively than what it used to be. They, especially Riera who aims to be a knight, hope to see the matches of the many adventurers and people that take pride in their skills.

Although this trip might be a carefree one, as three of the young girls are daughters of n.o.bles, they are being accompanied by the head butler of the Jamil Household, Sebasu, who acts both as their coachman and bodyguard. Of course, the young girls parents had all given them their approval to go on this trip too.

Some time later as the carriage continued to proceed toward their destination, Elia looked out the window. As she gazed at the scenery outside, she muttered, saying

Ive heard rumors of bandits attacking while on the road, but I cant feel even an inkling of such presence. [Elia]

Gimuru has gotten popular lately, causing the tourists and merchants to increase. Because of that the number of bandits have also increased. However, Gimuru isnt one to take that lying down. In order to deal with them, Gimuru put up requests against the bandits with relatively high compensation. As soon as the rumors circulate, the adventurers gather, and the bandits are dealt with. But in the unlikely situation that we do happen upon some, please rest a.s.sured, I will be here to protect you young ladies. [Sebasu]

A first-cla.s.s magician such as Sebasu could easily deal with bandits while protecting five people. And even if the carriage were to be ruined, Sebasu could still run away with the group in tow with his dimension magic.

Moreover, the path were taking is safer than the other paths. There should be little chance of bandits appearing here. [Sebasu]

As he said that, he took the reins of the horse, guiding it toward one of the many roads leading to Gimuru. The path the carriage was headed for was the path that crossed over a mountain.

Sebasu-dono, why is this path safe? [Riera]

Having been born to a family that has served as knights for many generations, Riera possessed a wealth of knowledge when it came to dealing with bandits. It should have been common sense that bandits preferred the mountain roads, where they could lie in wait at an opportune place for some unknowing prey. She could not understand why Sebasu would judge the road they were taking to be safe.

At Rieras question, even the other four couldnt help but pay attention to Sebasu.

This is something I happened to overhear at Kereban, but apparently, theres an adventurer that's been frequenting this road lately. He goes around subjugating the bandits even without receiving a prior request. Moreover, he makes sure to deal with all of the bandits, not leaving even a single one untouched. Such actions have apparently stricken fear into the hearts of the bandits, causing most of them to stay clear of this road. [Sebasu]

When the five girls heard that, they were able to understand. Afterwards, they began to talk amongst themselves again. As they did, Sebasu happily watched over them as he drove the carriage.

As their carriage continued through the mountainous road, they pa.s.sed through other carriages, and even the travelers that were resting by the road. When noon came, the girls had to stop their carriage as well in order to rest and have lunch.. As they ate, they talked about the people pa.s.sing by.

This road sure has a lot of people pa.s.sing through it, huh? [Kanan]

I know right? Theyre probably gatherin here caused they heard that the roads safe. [Miyabi]

Because of that rumor? [Kanan]

Most likely. Besides, with this many people pa.s.sing through here, it wont be so easy for the bandits to attack either. Well being safe is nice and all, but Im a bit worried about the lodging once we get to the next town. [Mich.e.l.le]

The next towns not that big either too. Itd probably be better if we hurry, huh? [Riera]

I dont think hurrying now would make a difference though. [Mich.e.l.le]

They ate like that as they talked amongst themselves. When they finished eating, they began to move again. And fortunately, they were able to make it to the town, before the sun had set.

This town is called Mek. Its mostly just a stopover town for people to rest while on their way to Gimuru. And as its only a days distance from Kereban, a lot of people heading to Gimuru drop by.

It was on this town that a problem appeared.

My deepest apologies, but there are no longer any free rooms [Clerk]

I see [Elia]

The six left the inn that refused them. Just as they had feared, they werent able to get an inn.

This village is an inn town, so therere many inns in it. But at the same time, there are also a lot of people heading for Gimuru. Moreover, that already overwhelming number was further increased because of the rumor thats been circulating. There are some new inns being built, to allow the town to accommodate more people, but unfortunately, they arent done yet. As a result, the towns inns are being constantly filled with people.

If the three daughters of n.o.ble lineage were to announce their presence, it would be possible to forcibly take some rooms, but their personal values wouldnt let them do that. Because of that, they had no choice but to go around to look for an inn. In the end, they were refused, and they finally had no choice but to sleep inside Sebasus Dimension Home.

Because they gave up on staying at an inn, the girls werent able to experience one of the joys of travelling which was to stay at the inn of the land they are visiting. So instead, they went around to see the gorgeously decorated lively town, window-shopped at a souvenir store, and when theyd whetted their appet.i.te enough, they went to eat supper.

Does this town have any specialty? [Kanan]

There seems to be a lot of delicious restaurants. [Mich.e.l.le]

But because theres plenty of delicious restaurants, it becomes a dilemma which one to go to. [Elia]

Then in that case, Ill go and ask. [Kanan]

As Kanan said that, she went to a nearby shops clerk, and she began her inquiries. She came back after a while.

I got some info~. Theres a bar near the west gate of this town called Woodsman. Theres also a restaurant with delicious cooking at the east gate at a restaurant called Teres.h.i.+ Diner. And then if we want to eat a variety of foods, the clerk said to go to the northern part of the town as therere many carts gathered there. [Kanan]

Regardless how delicious the cooking may be, itd be better not to go to the bar. [Miyabi]

Itll be a pain if we get caught up with some weird guy after all. [Mich.e.l.le]

So that leaves the carts or Teres.h.i.+ Diner. [Riera]

There, Elia asked Kanan this.

I wonder what kind of food the cars serve. [Elia]

Ah~ Its because Elias a lady after all. [Kanan]

As Kanan said that, Riera began explaining.

They generally have a lot of food on stick. Therere also plenty of soups and drinks. And then, therere also places that properly serve food. And even if the disdh is the same, the taste can change depending on the store. A good cart can provide really delicious food. [Riera]

Oh? Riera, have you gone to carts before? [Elia]

I dont go that much, but before I enrolled into the academy, my dad sometimes took me. Dad says its convenient to eat at those sort of places because it makes it possible for him to have an honest conversation with his subordinates, so because of that, he frequents the food carts. [Riera]

So thats how it its. [Elia]

Since Elia doesnt seem to have any experience with the food carts, how about we eat there? [Mich.e.l.le]

If everyones alright with it, then please. [Elia]

Im fine with it! Its been a while since Ive gotten to eat from a food cart. [Kanan]

Im alright with the food carts too, but I dont think thatll be enough to have our fill. [Miyabi]

Then in that case, we can go there to taste some food from the carts. Then if thats not enough, we can just go eat at a proper restaurant. [Riera]

Perfect! As long as we pay attention to the amount we order, there should be no problem. [Elia]

Like this, the girls headed for the northern part of the town where the carts were gathered.

With Kanan in the lead, the girls headed for the area where the carts were gathered. When they got there, they were greeted by a large, rectangular plaza that ran along the towns outer walls.

The plaza of the town can be entered through the side road from the main street. Meeting the people entering from the side road are the over 40 carts lined up. There are many customers going around between the carts and the side street. With the hustling and bustling and enthusiasm all together the atmosphere area was like that of a festivals.

There are so many people. [Elia]

I havent gone to food carts all that much with my dad, but from what Ive heard, one of the joys of eating at food carts is finding a delicious one amongst all the rabble. With this many carts, theres bound to be one thats delicious. [Riera]

Lets go and find a delicious place ta eat at already. [Miyabi]

At Miyabis words, the five of them went to take a look at the food in the carts. Meanwhile, Sebasu nonchalantly made sure that there were no suspicious people around them.

When they found something that caught their eye, the five of them went along with Sebasu-san toward that cart. At first, Elia couldnt calm down as she impatiently carried the skewered meat to her mouth, but after a while, she finally showed signs of getting used to it.

When everyone had their fill, Mich.e.l.le said this.

Hmm I think Ill finish after one or two more. As expected, we wont be able to go see all the carts. [Mich.e.l.le]

I think Ill do the same. [Miyabi]

Right then what should we eat? Weve already eaten all sorts of skewered food, so [Elia]

Id like to eat something that fills me up more. [Kanan]

Then in that case, how about that cart over there? [Sebasu]

As Sebasu said that, he pointed toward a cart with a long queue waiting on it. As the cart was hidden by the crowd of people, the six of them couldnt see the cart. However, there was a sign that was raised up high where the food being sold was written.

Slime Den Restaurant, special meat buns? [Mich.e.l.le]

From the town of Gimuru I think that might be [Elia]

Yes. Its the name of Ryouma-samas store. [Sebasu]

By Ryouma, you mean Elias friend, right? [Riera]

Yes. Some time ago he mentioned in his letter that he had employed someone whom he turned into a head chef and opened a store with But I didnt know that it was a cart. [Elia]

Dont you think the stores name might just be an imitation? [Kanan]

The possibility that Kanan mentioned does exist, but Sebasu promptly denied it.

Thats genuine. Its most likely Ryouma-samas cart. I also havent heard anything about Ryouma-samas cart, but he probably came here to spread word about his store. [Sebasu]

The papers for a cart can easily be done. Moreover, finding a place for one wont be hard either. Because of that, its not strange to have just one or two cooks operating one. Moreover, by spreading word of his own store to all these people heading that are heading toward Gimuru, the possibility that a lot of people might come to his store shouldnt be hard to imagine.

Hearing that, the five understood. In that case, the next problem would be the taste.

Ive never heard of that meat bun dish hes talking about. What kind of cooking is it? [Elia]

Its seasoned grilled meat mixed with all sorts of ingredients and then packed in a bread. However, the bread used is completely different from a normal bread. The bread used is made not by frying, but by steaming, so its extremely soft. And with the juice of the meat permeating into the bread, the taste of the ingredients become superb. Ive had the pleasure of eating it once, and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious. [Sebasu]

When Sebasu answered Rieras question, everyone suddenly became interested in the meat buns.

It kind of sounds delicious. [Kanan]

Shall we go try it? Well be meeting him later, so itll also serve as a good topic for conversation. [Riera]

Still, the lines pretty darn long [Miyabi]

Moreover, there also seems to be a limit on how much one can buy. [Mich.e.l.le]

On the stores sign was pasted: only two per person. This is to spread the stores meat buns to everyone, please cooperate.

Just two, huh? Then I guess Ill go buy some dessert somewhere. Can you guys buy my portion too? Of course, Ill buy dessert for everyone. [Mich.e.l.le]

Ill lend ya a helping hand. Carryin six peoples worth of foods bound to be a handful, right? [Miyabi]

Then in that case, Ill come along too. Riera-sama, please take care of our familys young lady. [Sebasu]

Leave it to me. [Riera]

Like this, Mich.e.l.le, Miyabi, and Sebasu left to buy dessert. The ones left in that place were Riera, Elialia, and Kanan. They were lined up at the end of the queue.

Riera felt something amiss when Sebasu chose to leave Elia, whoe he was supposed to protect the most, but her thoughts were interrupted when the other two called out to her.

Whats the matter, Riera? [Elia]

Keep going. The queues unexpectedly fast, so if you stop, well become a bother. [Kanan]

A, Ah Right. [Riera]

What Riera was pondering about was actually what would happen if a situation where she cant handle occurs. But changing her way of thinking, Riera followed the line. Just as Kanan had mentioned, the line was actually quite fast. At this rate, it shouldnt be long before it becomes their turn.

The three waited for a while, then their turn finally came. The cart was being operated by two black-haired men who cooked the food and served the customers. The two had the exdact same face and appearance, so they were clearly twins. With Riera in the lead, the three of them closed in to the clerk. The clerk called out to them.

Welcome! [Clerk]

Six meat buns. Theres three of us. [Riera]

Said Riera as she ordered the meat buns. But as the clerk was about to respond, the clerk suddenly stopped mid-speech.

Unders [Clerk]

Before Riera, who became wary of the clerk, could say something, the clerk muttered.

Elia? [Clerk]

When the three heard that, they were more or less surprised, but the one surprised the most was the one whose name was called, Elia. When Elia took a peek at the clerk who called her name, she felt that it was a face she had seen before.

As she tried to recall, she spoke the name of the person that came up in her thoughts.

Ryouma-san? [Elia]

So it really is Elia! Its been a while! [Ryouma]

Elia nodded her head to confirm the clerks, Ryoumas, words. And then she smiled.

These two have been keeping in touch with each other through their letters, but letters arent able to show one another their appearances. Moreover, they were both going through a period of growing up, so after not having met for three years, they had grown up, and werent able to recognize each other with just a glance.

The both of them were taller compared to three years ago. Elia had grown to around 160cm, while Ryouma was half a head taller. And more than anything, Elias body was become much more rounded like a womans, while Ryouma wasnt fat by any means, he was body is built with muscles. It cant be helped that neither of them were able to recognize each other.

Although they were surprised at the sudden reunion, Ryouma and Elia began talking to each other while her friends were left dumbfounded at the realization that the rumored friend was actually the man before them. But then, a mans voice sounded out from behind them.

Hey, hurry up [Man]

Ah, yes! [Ryouma]

We can't talk here, huh? [Elia]

As Ryouma filled the paper bag with meat buns, he asked Elia.

Elia, where are you staying at today? [Ryouma]

Actually, we couldnt find an inn because of all the people. So well be staying at Sebasus Dimension Home instead. [Elia]

Oh Im going to close soon, so if you dont mind, how about we meet later? [Ryouma]

Yes, lets. But where [Elia]

Lets meet at the Teres.h.i.+ Diner to the east of this town. That restaurants being run by a pair of now married, former adventurers, so its safe. [Ryouma]

Alright. I'll see you then. [Elia]

Thank you for your patronage. Next customer! [Ryouma]

After finis.h.i.+ng their quick exchange, Elia and her friends left Ryoumas cart. And just as they left, Mich.e.l.le and the others who had gone to buy desserts arrived. Elia and the others explained to them what had just happened at the cart.

After eating the meat buns and the desserts, the six of them all gathered at the Teres.h.i.+ Diner to meet with Ryouma. Speaking of which, the meat buns were a huge success.