LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 89 - Chapter 89: Returning Home
Chapter 89: Returning Home
“The situation around the Tamir Mountains might be worse than we thought”
Menas said with a troubled expression when informed that Hajiramu had not yet returned.
Although I had been relaxed, thinking that if he was a few days late, it might be due to some mistake, Menas seemed to perceive the situation a bit more seriously.
Well, for them, it could be a matter of life and death, so they had to be cautious.
“It might be better for us to stay in Savoia until the situation clears up. If it’s alright with you… when Bonus-san and the others head towards Vaintz Village, could we accompany you part of the way?”
“Of course, no problem. We’ve been friends for a long time, so don’t worry about being too formal. In fact, I’ll even escort you to where you need to go.”
“Thank you very much. We might indeed take you up on that.”
Menas smiled politely but seemed to ponder something.
She crossed her arms and lightly touched her lips with her index finger. Menas often made this gesture when lost in thought. Whether it was unconscious or not, it had a certain charm.
Meanwhile, Melanie was busy rearranging accessories on her stall, seemingly chatting rapidly with Shiro.
It seemed she was already thinking about accessories for Shiro. For some reason, Gazat was also enthusiastically joining in on their conversation.
“Anything would look good on Shiro, but I think earrings, ear cuffs, or piercings would definitely suit her hairstyle!” Melanie exclaimed.
“I’d recommend ear cuffs. Of course, wearing both would be nice too! Also, while silver would be good, adding some color might enhance the contrast with her beautiful white hair,” Gazat suggested.
“I want something cute.”
Shiro seemed a bit embarrassed as she was adorned with various accessories, but surprisingly, she seemed to be enjoying herself.
By the way, while Melanie handled a variety of accessories at her stall, she didn’t seem to actually produce them herself. She only handled the design and customer service, outsourcing production to multiple craftsmen.
Of course, they probably didn’t deal with high-end gems, but they didn’t seem cheap either.
In this world, it wasn’t uncommon for men of certain ages like Hajiramu and Gazat to wear accessories like rings or bracelets. Used correctly, they could enhance one’s social status and even help gain trust.
I had learned the hard way that if you looked too plain, you’d easily be underestimated.
Maybe I should have something made for myself…
After exchanging greetings, Kuro and Edda had started what seemed like cat’s cradle. They leaned their heads together, enjoying themselves.
“Yeah, yeah, pull the string there. And then… ta-da! It becomes an imp!”
“Gyau! Gugyau gyau!”
Surprisingly, Edda was quite skillful, creating an imp shape with the red string.
Kuro clapped her hands in delight upon seeing it.
Watching their heartwarming interaction, Menas approached me again.
“Bonus-san, do you know where we’re staying?”
“Yeah, Jeda told me before. It’s the place with the green sign, right?”
“Yes, that’s the inn. Generally, we’ll be there or at Misharl running our stalls. So, please let us know when you can talk with Hajiramu again. Although… I think we’ll be visiting your stall again soon.”
“Thanks as always, Menas. Feel free to come to our stall anytime. I’ll treat you,”
“I look forward to it.”
The sun was starting to set.
It was about time we moved.
“Kuro, Shiro, shall we head back?”
“Gugyau!”
“Yeah”
“That’s it for today, Melanie! It was great to see you again after so long. I’ll contact Menas again too.”
“Yeah, I was happy too! I can’t wait to see Gisella and Zamza soon.”
“Alright then, see you later, Bonus. Edda, Gazat, let’s head back.”
“Okay. Bye, everyone!”
“Let’s have dinner together when things settle down again. See you later!”
I called out as they parted ways with Melanie and Menas, hurrying a bit as we made our way out of the city.
It had been enjoyable coming to the city after so long. In the past, just walking through the streets had made me feel anxious and tense, but now I knew more people, and I was somewhat familiar with the city.
And somehow, Kuro and Shiro were always alert, positioning themselves on either side of me.
Their presence was truly reassuring. Now, I could walk the streets confidently without worry.
Passing through the east gate, we hurried back, glancing at Vaintz Village’s shelter along the way.
I wondered if Mil was preparing dinner by now. It felt strange, considering we had been together until yesterday.
I hope Gisella is having dinner properly too…
“Did you wait long?”
“No, I just arrived a bit early.”
Elizabeth and Zamza stood out even from a distance as they stood alone in the wilderness. They seemed to be exchanging words like a newly formed couple, with Elizabeth being pulled up by Zamza.
“Well, it’s the first day, so it’s hard to tell the time. Thanks, Elizabeth. How’s Kohaku?”
“Oh, she’s sleeping now.”
Zamza replied while adjusting the baby carrier to reveal Kohaku sleeping soundly.
He gently stroked her neck, and Kohaku made gurgling sounds with her eyes closed. She seemed lively.
It seemed Zamza and Elizabeth had been taking good care of her.
In the quiet wilderness, as I stroked Kohaku’s warm and soft body, my excitement from being in the city earlier seemed to subside.
It had been quite an eventful day.
“Let’s head back. To the hideout.”
“Gyau gyau!”
“Sounds good.”
“Got it.”
We soon headed towards the lake. I had wanted to wash up as soon as we returned to the hideout.
After spending a long time exposed to the dry, dusty air of Savoia, I felt a bit itchy.
Besides, I preferred to wash up while it was still somewhat bright outside.
“Ah, feels good.”
“Gyau~”
“Mm, feels nice…”
It seemed everyone felt the same way.
Kuro quickly discarded her clothes and slipped into the lake with her supple body. She submerged herself in the water for a while before starting to hum a tune while tending to her hair.
Shiro entered the water slowly and quietly, stretching her body with closed eyes, enjoying the sensation.
The sun was about to set completely.
Under the sky where day and night mingled, soaking in the water, I felt a strange and indescribable feeling.
It reminded me of the time when I used to commute by train, looking at a similar sky, traveling between the office in the city and the shabby apartment in the countryside town.
I never thought I would commute to the city like this in this world too.
“Bonus, lost in thought?”
“Yeah, I just remembered something from the past. And, uh, I was just pretending to admire the scenery while actually admiring Shiro’s nakedness.”
“…Ugh!”
“Gyau~?”
“Eek, Kuro! No piggyback rides now!”
We ended up playing in the water until it was completely dark, enjoying the cool water against our heated bodies.
After hastily drying ourselves and putting on our clothes, it felt a bit chilly.
As we headed towards the area with the kiln to start a fire, Zamza was already starting to cook.
It seemed he was cooking the dish Mil had taught him.
Nevertheless, it was just a matter of cutting vegetables and meat into bite-sized pieces, arranging them tightly on a large iron plate, sprinkling them with salt and oil, and roasting them in the kiln.
“Speaking of which, what did Zamza eat for lunch?”
“Huh? The same as this. It was pretty good, you know?”
“Well, I guess… Your nutritional balance is perfect. Oh, let’s try adding this cheese we got from the city.”
“Cheese?”
A cylindrical-shaped goat cheese was being sold, so I couldn’t help but buy a chunk.
Apparently, this cheese was made in Vaintz Village and seemed to be quite famous.
After trying a small sample, it was indeed quite tasty.
This time, I decided to cut the cheese into small cubes and generously top it on the meat and vegetables.
Then, I discreetly pulled out Pink nestled among the vegetables, put the food into the kiln, and waited for it to bake.
Elizabeth was feeding Kohaku milk, while Shiro was gently stroking Elizabeth and watching her closely.
Kuro seemed to be using the fabric she bought today to make everyone’s underwear.
“Come to think of it, Zamza, I want to make clothes and gear for you too, so let’s go to Savoia together soon.”
“Yeah, that’s fine. What about Kohaku?”
“Can’t we take her to the city?”
“From what I saw today, there doesn’t seem to be any problem.”
“I see… but I’m a bit worried about giving her anything other than Elizabeth’s milk.”
After a while, the cooking was done.
Shiro and I transferred the food onto small plates.
Kuro also paused her work and joined us.
The dishes were quite haphazardly made, but they looked tastier than expected.
The hot cheese with a bit of browning was irresistible.
“Delicious! Bonus, this is tasty!”
“Is that so?”
“Gyau-gyau”
“It’s delicious, right?”
Simple seasoning but delicious in its own way.
Kuro and Shiro seemed quite satisfied too.
Zamza seemed the most delighted with the meal.
Since he seemed to enjoy preparing meals so much, he might get addicted to cooking eventually.
“Oh, looks like Kohaku can already walk.”
Just as Kohaku finished drinking Elizabeth’s milk, she staggered toward me.
Perhaps she had slept well during the day; her eyes were wide open, and she seemed very energetic.
For some reason, she tried to climb onto my body.
Her movements were like those of a baby, but her body was quite big, so it was surprisingly heavy.
“Unyaa!?”
“What are you doing, Pink…? This is Pink. You can’t eat her.”
Suddenly, Pink jumped out of my pocket, startling Kohaku.
After a moment of surprise, Kohaku sniffed Pink curiously.
Seemingly satisfied, Pink swiftly went to Shiro and begged for cheese.
“Kohaku, can you go to the city?”
Kohaku tilted her head in response.
Could she drink regular goat milk?
And what should I use to feed her?
But then again, I had no idea how to raise a giant black panther cub…
It might be a good idea to consult with Mil or Menas.
They might offer some helpful advice.
“Gugyaugyau~”
“You’re good”
“Meeee~”
Kuro and Shiro were brushing Elizabeth as if praising her.
Indeed, upon closer inspection, although Elizabeth was as affectionate as ever with Kuro and Shiro, she seemed somewhat tired.
She had been taking care of Kohaku all day, which must have been exhausting for her.
On the other hand, Kohaku didn’t seem to mind at all and playfully nibbled on my fingers.
“She’s still just a baby.”
“Nyau!”
Now, I wonder if I’ll be able to meet Hajiramu tomorrow.
Come to think of it,at least one casual outfit might have been finished for Kuro and Shiro.
I’m quite looking forward to it.
I hope Thomas and his family aren’t pushing themselves too hard…