The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 125

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five: Do You Like Absurd Demands of a Beautiful Older Brother?

Mr. Ville snatches the paper from his smiling brother’s hand, his gaze fixed intently on the document. As his crimson eyes move back and forth across the paper, his expression seems to grow increasingly grim.

“Hey, wait… Don’t tell me there’s monster trouble here in the royal capital too…!?”

“Yes. Probably starting around the time of what you call the ‘saint summoning’.”

The older brother answered casually, still smiling, as Mr. Ville looked up from the paper and muttered.

Saint summoning.

…As I thought… that was the turning point after all…!

My skin prickled at those words, which should have been familiar… or rather, which had become all too familiar to me. I had expected it, but hearing it confirmed by someone else made it feel all too real and somehow terrifying.

Half of me felt, "So it really was that," while the other half wondered, "Why is the saint summoning the trigger?”

Still… if the monster incidents are happening here too, how widespread could this be?

I hope there aren’t any injured… or dead people…

“This is a matter that was just reported. There’s been no damage yet, but if we can respond quickly, that would be best, right?”

“…You weren’t planning on having us handle it from the start, were you?”

“Of course not! This is truly a coincidence. I was going to take it to the capital’s guild, but when I heard you all were coming, I thought it might be convenient.”

The older brother waved his hand nonchalantly, unfazed by Mr. Ville’s sharp, suspicious gaze.

At that moment, a display-like image appears in mid-air before me. If the large blue dot represents our current location, then the small red dot nearby must be the destination? From what I can see, it doesn’t seem too far, but… I think it might be getting dark soon.

Well, with Campy, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

Confirming that Mr. Ville had tucked the paper with the information into his pocket, the older brother deepens his smile and waves his gloved hand gently.

With that, everyone bows deeply once more and quietly leaves the room.

I follow, still holding Gomamiso…

As we exit into the hallway and close the door, I feel my shoulders lighten.

I must have been really tense.

“I… I was so nervous…! That atmosphere was scary, scary, scary, scary…!”

“Ah… well, I’m sorry about my brother…”

“He’s not a frightening person, but the aura he exudes is quite something.”

Mr. Ville patted my back sympathetically in response to my involuntary outburst.

Even the usually composed Mr. Xenon seemed to have been tense, his shoulders now relaxed in relief.

Well, yes… I don’t know exactly who the older brother is, but that aura of absolute authority was impressive. That kind of presence isn’t something you can acquire overnight…

The man who guided us earlier is leading the way down the hallway again.

Taking advantage of the slight distance, I quietly speak to Mr. Xenon beside me.

“By the way, what are we going to do now?”

“From what I read in that report, it seems a strange shadow has been spotted in a nearby village. We’re going to investigate that.”

“Strange shadow…?”

“Apparently, a large shadow has been seen flying over the village between evening and night. The request is to investigate… and if there’s any danger, to eliminate it.”

From what Mr. Xenon told me as we walked down the hallway, it sounded pretty scary for the villagers. Something unidentified flying around in a place with little lighting—that would be frightening. I can understand why they’d make a request like this…

Though the timing of when this report came in seems a bit calculated… let’s believe the older brother’s words that "there’s no ulterior motive.”

The hallway felt slightly shorter than when we came, and we were guided to what seemed to be the same small room as before. The man who had been leading us bowed gracefully and silently disappeared down the hallway.

Sure enough, opening the door revealed the same interior we had left earlier.

In front of the door leading to the underground passage, Mr. Ville bows his head slightly.

“…I’m sorry for involving you in this strange situation.”

“That’s my line, Mr. Ville. From what we’ve heard, it seems like the trigger was indeed ‘saint summoning’… I should be the one apologizing…”

I hurriedly waved my hands in front of the visibly dejected Mr. Ville.

Because! Aren’t I the one causing more trouble? If I hadn’t joined the party, he and everyone else wouldn’t have had to do anything…! Oh no… Am I really just causing them inconvenience with my presence…!?

“Now, now. You were the one caught up in this ‘saint summoning’, Rin! You don’t need to worry about it!”

“Mm! You… not bad!”

Mr. Ed and Ms. Aria gently placed their hands on my back as I bowed my head. I could feel the warmth of their comforting touch.

“If the ‘saint summoning’ was the trigger, we can probably expect similar monster incidents to occur in the future.”

“Considering that, it’s better for you to stay with us, Rin. We might be able to find some clues, right?”

Oh… everyone… everyone is so kind!

As Mr. Xenon and Mr. Ville patted my head with gentle smiles… and with the kindness of everyone in the Gourmands, I struggled to secretly wipe away the tears that welled up.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 124

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four: A Sudden Scramble

Mr. Ville slowly opens the faintly creaking door.

Beyond the thick honey-colored door, an interior surrounded by furnishings as refined as those in the hallway, if not more so, come into view. And at the far end of the room… the person who is likely the owner of this room is sitting there, but I cannot get a good look at what kind of person he is.

Everyone except Mr. Ville quietly bow their heads. I follow suit, bending at the waist while holding Gomamiso, who has become as docile as a "lamb," perhaps overwhelmed by the atmosphere… This posture is quite challenging for someone who once had a minor back sprain…! But I cannot be the only one with my head up while everyone else is bowing. I can read the room that much at least!

“Ah… please don’t be so formal. I’d like you to raise your heads. I’m grateful to you all for being with my brother.”

I felt like we had barely lowered our heads before we were told to raise them again, but maybe some time had passed… I think my sense of time was distorted by nerves. The same voice we heard through the door now spoke again, this time with a faint laugh.

The tense atmosphere relaxes, and from the faint rustling of clothes and the flow of air, I can tell that everyone has raised their heads. Not wanting to be left behind, I slowly raise my head too. Do I manage to avoid standing out by being the only one late?

The room that came into view again is not exactly opulent, but it has a calm atmosphere with royal blue as an accent color in various places. The furnishings and small items scattered around are probably of high quality, but I can’t really tell how valuable they are… I can tell they are well-crafted, though. And above all, beyond the reception table and sofas… The pressure emanating from the room’s owner sitting behind the imposing desk at the back of the room is… well, even to my amateur eyes, it is an extraordinary presence!

No, it’s not that Mr. Ville’s half-brother has a stern face or an imposing physique. This person, with long jet-black hair loosely tied back, has features more in line with Mr. Xenon’s. His face has the classic good looks of a handsome man, and he has a tall and well-proportioned physique. Moreover, he is smiling gently and softly… but there is something powerful about that smile.

“First… welcome back, Ville. There’s a lot I want to say, but let’s save that for later.”

“Ah… yeah… I’m… I’m home…”

“Really. We’ve been keeping tabs on your movements to some extent, but it seems things have gotten quite interesting.”

“Wha… since when…?!”

“I may not be as well-connected as Father, but my reach is fairly long too, Ville.”

The older brother smiled amiably, resting his elbows on the desk and placing his joined hands under his chin… a pose reminiscent of a certain commander with his mouth visible. Mr. Ville’s voice, facing him, was slightly… no, quite shaky. Whether from nervousness or awe towards his "big brother." Well, I suppose anyone would react that way if they found out they’d been under Big Brother’s surveillance without knowing.

…Ah, somehow… Mr. Ville’s back reminds me of my younger brother when we fight. He’d confront me, torn between "Sis is scary" and "Give me my snacks"…

As I gazed at the pitiful "little brother’s" back with sympathy, I suddenly met the red eyes behind the desk. They seemed slightly lighter in color compared to Mr. Ville’s, I think?

Those eyes, which had been softly smiling until now, narrowed especially gently, and then moved to look at everyone’s faces.

“Thank you so much for accompanying my mischievous little brother who suddenly ran away from home. It’s terrifying to think what reckless things he might have done without you all.”

“Hey, stop it! It’s hard for them to respond to that, whether with a yes or a no!”

“You say that, Ville, but I’ve been so worried that your recklessness might cause trouble for others…”

“Ah, geez! This is why I didn’t want to come back…!!!”

The older brother, maintaining his commander pose, looked our way and smiled.

Even the battle-hardened party members seem flustered, unsure of how to respond correctly to his words.

Naturally, I too was wondering how I should respond… and seeing his smile up close caused major damage to my heart! The smile of this handsome man, who could easily be called beautiful, had quite an impact even from across the desk…

As the older brother showed his composure, Mr. Ville held his head and let out an anguished cry.

Aaah… being played around like this by his older brother… I can see why he was reluctant to come. It’s kind of like… a son being teased in front of his visiting friends by his mom? The older brother’s teasing probably includes some element of punishment for Mr. Ville’s sudden departure, but it must be quite painful for the person being teased…

As I watched the brothers’ conversation that I couldn’t intervene in, the smile suddenly disappeared from the older brother’s face, who seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the exchange with his long-absent brother.

“Well, jokes aside. I’ve been receiving various… information on my end as well.”

“…I thought the information would be gathered here, but I see it’s really true.”

“Would you like the information we’ve collected, Ville?”

“Huh? No… uh, what? Of course, I want it! Why do you think I came all the way to the capital!?”

With a thud, a large stack of papers was placed on the desk. Before I could wonder where he had produced them from, several scrolls and what looked like bound documents were piled up on the desk.

This must be the various information gathered by the older brother.

Mr. Ville, taken aback by these unexpected words, hesitates for a moment before a sheet of paper is thrust in front of him.

…I can’t read it, but something is definitely written on it.

“I don’t mind handing over the information. But before that, there’s a little job I’d like you to take care of, okay?”

The older brother tilted his head slightly, looking at Mr. Ville with his red lips curved into a smile. The party leader let out a low growl from his throat, then took the paper as if in resignation.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 123

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three: Exciting & Heartwarming Reunion♪ No Surprises Here☆

The narrow staircase made of stone walls and steps exudes an atmosphere that screams "secret passage." Lantern-like lights hung at regular intervals, casting a soft light around and underfoot, which adds to the ambiance. A cool breeze occasionally caresses my cheeks, suggesting that air is finding its way in from somewhere. It seems like there is proper ventilation, so suffocation probably isn’t a concern.

After descending for a while, we finally reach level ground. However, it is dark ahead, and the passage seems to stretch on for quite some distance.

“Still, building an underground passage like this must have taken a considerable amount of time and manpower.”

“You think so? With earth magic to dig and short-range teleportation magic to place stones, it might not have been that much trouble.”

“Oh… Is that how it works?”

“Well, you know about this country’s history, right, Rin? Even races like elves, who are skilled in magic, were pushed here too.”

Since the space echoed easily, even a soft murmur seemed to carry. Mr. Ed, walking behind me as I looked around curiously, tapped the stone walls lightly as he answered.

Ah… magic. Magic, huh?

For someone like me, born and raised in a world where "magic" and "spells" were purely fictional, it’s incredibly mysterious. It’s something very familiar from stories and games… but always out of reach. To think that such mystical techniques are commonly used in everyday life in this world… I’m experiencing quite the culture shock. I guess that means the buildings above ground were probably mainly constructed using magic too.

“But you know, it doesn’t seem like there was no physical labor involved. There’s a limit to the number of people who can use large-scale magic, and the detailed decorations and fine-tuning were likely done by hand.”

“Ah, I see. So the broad strokes were done with magic, and the details were added by hand?”

“Even so, it must have been way faster than doing everything manually. If I’d lived back then, I bet I would’ve been roped into helping out in various ways.”

“Oh, I can imagine! I still can’t quite wrap my head around your magic, Mr. Ed! But I can tell it’s amazing…”

Mr. Ed smiles cheerfully as if it is no big deal, but I remember him effortlessly demonstrating the magic of various elements—fire, water, wind, lightning… He must be quite a formidable "magician"!

As we chat in low voices, the passage begins to slope upward. We seem to be heading back to the surface. Sure enough, the passage ends in a staircase, which we have no choice but to climb.

We ascend the gently spiraling stairs slowly, and then…

“W-Wow… amazing…”

I almost let out an exclamation at the sight before me, but remembering Mr. Ed and Ms. Aria’s earlier warning, I quickly covered my mouth.

Fluffy carpets, pillars with ornate carvings, and high-quality antique-looking furnishings scatter about… Even to my amateur eyes, it is clearly luxurious but arranged in a way that isn’t ostentatious. It is chic, with quality items… but displayed in a way that avoids looking nouveau riche. The sense of style is impressive. After walking through the dark passage and finally reaching the surface, to find myself standing in such an opulent gallery… it feels a bit unreal.

‘Hey, hey! I wanna walk too!’

“Shh! Gomamiso, shh! Be quiet, okay? Don’t squirm!”

I hugged Gomamiso tightly as it struggled in my arms, wanting to "explore," and whispered in its ear to stay quiet.

Please, show the same level of situational awareness you did earlier! We can’t afford to break any of these furnishings!

Thanks to the carpet absorbing the sound of our footsteps and rustling clothes, the gallery remains eerily silent despite our group of five people and one cat.

No one speaks as we move forward.

Whoa… what’s with this atmosphere?! I’m getting so tense!

Cold sweat trickles down my back from the tension. And then…

“It’s okay, Rin…”

“Oh, Ms. Aria…”

“I don’t think… anything bad will happen…”

Something cool and soft touched my tense arms holding Gomamiso. I managed to stop myself from jumping in surprise and shifted my gaze to see Ms. Aria with a gentle smile, linking her arm with mine. Though her skin was quite cold, the human touch was somehow reassuring. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. I smiled back at Ms. Aria as she squeezed my arm comfortingly, and we continued walking through the silent gallery.

After walking for what feels like ages… Mr. Ville stops in front of a door similar to the ones we had passed.

He bites his lip, clenches his fist to knock… then lets it fall limply. As he raises his fist again, determined to knock this time…

“The door is open. Come in, Ville.”

A calm, composed voice resonates from behind the honey-colored door, as if seeing his movements.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 122

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two: An Upper Experience in an Uptown without Ups and Downs

Trying not to rush but still eating quickly, I finish the skewers and pick up Gomamiso, who is begging for more food. Sensing the somewhat tense atmosphere from my forceful embrace, Gomamiso becomes uncharacteristically quiet, as if its usual inability to read the room is a lie.

It pokes its head out of my arms and perches on my shoulder, ears and tail standing straight up as it looks around.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ville and Mr. Xenon, who had already left their seats, are paying the bill and heading out.

As I turn to follow, I feel a tug on my clothes. Looking down, I see Ms. Aria’s white hand gripping the edge of my outfit. While Mr. Ville is walking ahead, Ms. Aria follows at a slightly slower pace, not letting go of my clothes…

We end up in a formation with Mr. Ville and Mr. Xenon in the lead, follow by me, Ms. Aria, and Mr. Ed at a slight distance.

“Rin, just stay with us behind Ville and bow your head like we’ll do, okay?”

“Mm. If you stay quiet, it’ll be fine…!”

“Uh, oh, okay…”

In a formation similar to our previous shopping trip, I found myself sandwiched between Ms. Aria and Mr. Ed as we made our way from the lively downtown towards the upscale residential area, the uptown.

The downtown area, now approaching dusk, is bustling with people hurrying home.

As we weaved through the crowd, Mr. Ed, wearing a seemingly friendly smile, whispered to me quietly. Ms. Aria also gave a faint smile and took my free hand.

…Huh… wait… what’s with this atmosphere!? It feels like we’re marching to our doom or something!

Huh? Aren’t we heading to where Mr. Ville’s family is?

Huh?

“Well, you’ll understand when we get there, yeah. They’re not bad people, but…”

“Mm. You should… keep holding Goma… too.”

“Wow… this feels like it’s becoming a really big deal…”

Noticing my obvious confusion, Mr. Ed added an explanation with a slight shrug.

At the same time, Ms. Aria, who had let go of my hand, gently lifted Gomamiso, who was still on alert on my shoulder, and handed it back to me. Judging from Ms. Aria’s serious gaze, there must be quite a reason for all this…

Unlike the crowded downtown, the uptown is already much quieter. I heard that at this time, many families send their housekeepers home and enjoy family time. That’s probably why more people are heading downtown than coming this way…

Amidst this, the lead group… I mean, Mr. Ville and Mr. Xenon suddenly turn down a side street. I readjust Gomamiso in my arms, who is still looking around intently, and follow them.

The side street seems to be lined with what looks like small restaurants. High-end-looking establishments, illuminated by storefront lanterns and street lights, are lined up every few buildings.

The place Mr. Ville enters is a building at the very end of this row… or so it seems.

“Hmm… this… requires some courage to enter, doesn’t it?”

“It doesn’t look like… a shop, right?”

“Yes, it’s almost like a private residence…”

The building has the same imposing structure as the uptown residences we have passed, with a matching atmospheric wooden door. There is no sign, just a brass plate with what seems to be the shop’s name on the door… If the lead group hadn’t gone in, this is definitely the type of place I’d never approach, yup. If someone told me it was "someone’s house," I’d just say, "Yup, totally agree.”

“Oh, good. I was worried we lost you since you entered a bit late.”

“…Sorry… It seems I had less awareness of my surroundings than I thought.”

“It’s okay! I came along with Mr. Ed and Ms. Aria, so no worries!”

Still, steeling myself to enter, I found the inside to be more like a bar than a restaurant.

Aside from the chic counter, there are no tables, and the dimmed lighting gives off a vibe that screams "for classy adults!”

Just as I was about to be overwhelmed by the ambiance, Mr. Xenon and Mr. Ville noticed our late arrival. Mr. Xenon smiled softly as he spotted us, while Mr. Ville lowered his eyebrows and gave a small bow.

But considering Mr. Ville’s feelings, he is about to face the family he’d been so apprehensive about… It’s understandable that he’d lose awareness of his surroundings. Fortunately, or perhaps I should say thankfully, Ms. Aria and Mr. Ed were with me, so I didn’t get lost.

Thinking this, I clenched my fist and smiled, which seemed to relax Mr. Ville’s expression.

“…It seems everyone has arrived… Please, this way…”

Suddenly, a calm voice came from behind. Turning around hastily, I saw a man who appeared to be in his early old age standing behind the counter. I hadn’t noticed him arrive.

With black hair mixed with white neatly combed back, wearing a white shirt and black vest, he has the perfect "bartender" vibe. Judging from the scale-like features on the back of his hands and cheeks, he seems to be a lizardman type with strong human-like characteristics.

As I stare at him with interest, he smiles back at me and smoothly reaches for a bottle at the very end of the shelf. He tips it down… and the shelf section rotates, revealing what looks like stairs leading underground.

“Woah?”

“A-Are you alright, Rin? Come on, let’s go.”

“I’m fine…! I just didn’t expect such a mechanism…”

I inadvertently stepped back and almost lost my balance, but Mr. Ville’s palm stopped my back. I answered the concerned voice coming from above while regaining my composure.

The exterior was like a hideaway bar, but I never imagined the interior would have such an intricate mechanism…!

“Well then, please take care… Have a safe trip…”

Watched off by the quietly bowing bartender, I stepped into the even darker secret passage.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 121

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-One: This Isn’t About Eating All the Capital’s Specialties Before Going Home!

Led by Mr. Ville, we all entered "The Big Bear’s Tail." Despite its stone exterior, the inside was surprisingly warm, with walls neatly plastered and wooden floors and tables. It didn’t feel cold at all. In fact, the place was bustling with various races, giving off a lively and cozy atmosphere. We decided to order Mr. Ville’s recommendation—the meat skewers. They apparently use something called "spring salt," which is said to have a unique flavor…

“It’s made by boiling down hot spring water, right? I’m so excited to try this new method!”

“I’m surprised there’s an ingredient even you don’t know about, Rin.”

“What’s with that assessment?! I only have the knowledge of ‘just a foodie’!”

As I sat down, excited about this unfamiliar seasoning, his strawberry-colored eyes widened in surprise. I hastily denied it, but not just Mr. Ville, even the other members had that "Oh, stop joking" look on their faces…

This is an unexpected overestimation.

Look… No matter how knowledgeable I am, I don’t know every ingredient in the world! I only have slightly more knowledge than an average person!

…I tried to explain myself, but why would not anyone believe me…?

The expectations… the expectations for the cook are too heavy…!

“Sorry for the wait. Here’s your rainbow spring salt grill.”

“Th-this is the spring salt grill…!”

“And here are your drinks as ordered. Please enjoy at your leisure.”

Just as I was about to slump under the weight of expectations and trust, a child-like, slightly lisping voice rang out. A smiling kobold waitress with droopy ears approached our table, carrying a plate piled high with meat skewers and our drinks.

The extra plate under the one with meat must be a trick to let the beastfolk serve without holding the food plate directly.

She placed the plates and glasses on the table with her fluffy paws, bowed her head, and returned to the kitchen.

Ms. Sheila has a curled tail, but this kobold waitress has a big, fluffy droopy tail. As expected, kobolds are so cute.

“…Rin. Sorry to interrupt your thoughts, but let’s eat before it gets cold.”

“Oh, right! The spring salt grill The meat!”

“Here. This is… your portion, Rin.”

“Thank you, Ms. Aria!”

It seems Ms. Aria had already secured her portion and casually placed a meat skewer on my plate.

I’m really grateful to have joined a party that’s so kind to their cook.

I immediately put my hands together and pick up the still-steaming meat skewer. The appearance is… like a normal grilled skewer, I guess. Finely chopped herbs are scattered here and there on the nicely browned meat. I can’t see anything special about the salt they said they used at this point. Thinking I cannot judge by appearance alone, I take a big bite… and instantly, rich juices flood my mouth.

“…!”

“No need to force yourself to speak, Rin. I can tell it’s delicious just by looking at your face.”

“Your eyes are literally sparkling, indeed.”

As I instinctively turned to Mr. Ville sitting next to me, he was nodding with a face that seemed to understand everything, already holding an empty skewer. As if it were nothing, he was dividing more meat skewers between my plate and his own. I thanked him with just my eyes, and Mr. Xenon, who had apparently witnessed the whole scene, was chuckling amusedly. Of course, he too was holding a meat skewer.

…It’s strange… a meat skewer in the hands of a classically handsome Elf should look out of place, but somehow when Mr. Xenon holds it, it doesn’t feel odd at all… Maybe it’s because I’m used to his usual eating habits. Come on, sense of incongruity, do your job.

“…This meat is incredible! It’s juicy but doesn’t feel heavy at all…!”

“Right? No matter how much you eat of these skewers here, you never feel weighed down.”

“And the seasoning! The herbs are perfect, but the balance of salt is even more amazing!”

“Indeed. It has a different flavor from sea salt, doesn’t it? I don’t know why, but it’s said to be milder than sea salt.”

“…You’re right, it’s not just salty, there’s a subtle sweetness in the aftertaste… I… I want to buy more to take home!”

I bit into the juicy rainbow long-tail fowl meat, chewing and chewing… The meat, which bounced back against my teeth with just the right amount of elasticity that I wanted to savor forever, had somehow disappeared down my throat before I knew it. As I exhaled with a "whew," the refreshing scent of herbs passed through my nose. Feeling a bit dazed, I glanced over at the strawberry-colored eyes, only to see that the leader, who had already finished his second helping, was giving me a smug grin.

As Mr. Ville said, the spring salt generously sprinkled on the surface of the meat is sharp enough to feel a bit salty when it hits your tongue, but that sensation quickly fades, and you can even taste a hint of sweetness. To begin with, compared to the salt I usually use in cooking, it has a much rounder saltiness. It’s not like it’s low sodium or has a low salt concentration. It’s a soft, rounded kind of saltiness…

Ah! I need more vocabulary! I need words! But really, this is such a delicious salt!

“That’s right. After we’re done with this business, we should do some shopping before heading back to Ellarge.”

“And hunt an Orc King too, right?”

“Don’t forget we’re also stopping by the town of Melnoa. Rin, you wanted to see the knives there, didn’t you?”

“Yes. I’m really curious about the knives here!”

As our leader smiles at me, I feel somewhat relieved and start on my second helping of meat skewers. This piece is fattier than the previous one. With each bite, sweet fat bursts from the springy meat. It’s probably similar to the part of a chicken near the tail. It could easily become too rich, but thanks to the crispy grilled skin, the crunchy cartilage, and the explosive umami in my mouth, I don’t feel any unpleasant heaviness at all. Rather, the rounded saltiness of the spring salt is accentuated by the sweetness of the fat, and the fruit water I’m drinking as a chaser is just so delicious…!

“…Rin, you can keep eating, but listen. Once this is done, we’re leaving.”

“…!”

“It seems our contact is already waiting for us.”

Mr. Ville’s hushed voice shook my eardrums as I was experiencing a worldly paradise.

Fighting the urge to ask him to repeat himself, I quietly swallowed the meat in my mouth.

…I’m not sure when it was passed to him… but in Mr. Ville’s lightly closed palm was a crumpled piece of paper.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 120

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Chapter One Hundred and Twenty: Isn’t It Fun To Go Food-touring With People Who Have Their Favorite Shops?

After staying overnight in that spot, we were able to travel close to the capital using the Camping Car, but there were more people on the Highway than expected. We got out of the vehicle in a place out of sight and walked for about two hours, I think… When we finally saw the city walls, I was really excited.

“That’s quite a friendly familiar you have there. You must be a great tamer!”

“Th-thank you… I’m glad you think so…”

A lizardman guard in full armor petted Gomamiso’s fluffy head. He’s the one who checked the familiar recognition ribbon on its neck and the magic stamp on its front paw. According to the lizardman, beast-type monster familiars rarely allow themselves to be held or ride on shoulders.

…Well, it’s Gomamiso after all… The guard is praising me a lot, but I feel quite awkward about it… I ended up speaking in broken sentences. By the way, the magic stamp apparently works in such a way that when you shine a light-like magical tool on it, the stamp mark glows and becomes visible… It’s kind of like… those re-entry stamps at events… The ones that are invisible at first but react purple under UV light… This allows them to distinguish familiars even if the recognition ribbon is lost.

“Woooooow…!”

‘There are so many people!’

“Are you alright, Rin? Please don’t get lost as you declared yesterday, okay?”

The royal capital of Schulbrand, which I am visiting for the first time, is truly a beautiful city. White stone pavements lined with orderly white stone buildings. Not only the windows and entrances, but even the roadsides had stone planters filled with colorful flowers. Every time the mountain breeze blew through, a sweet floral scent wafted around. It is a lively atmosphere that matches well with the bright bustle of the city.

I found myself gaping like a total tourist at the sight, so different from Ellarge. Gomamiso on my shoulder was also excitedly looking around, its tail and wings twitching.

Just like when we first arrived in Ellarge, I’m being led by Mr. Ville, who’s pressing his fingers between his eyebrows and groaning, as we make our way into Schulbrand. According to Mr. Ville, there are four entrances, one in each cardinal direction, and the main streets from these lead to the grand plaza in front of the royal castle. The roads are divided into main and back streets centered around this crossroads, with the main streets having more shops and the back streets more residential areas.

We’re heading to an area right between the back and main streets… A place with a mix of residences and shops, full of everyday life…

As Mr. Ville led me by the hand, we turned onto a narrow street off the main road. It’s neat and orderly, but you can see belongings placed in front of houses, and laundry fluttering on ropes strung between neighboring houses… It really feels like a lively residential area. But there’s no trash on the ground, and no bad smells either. It’s clean, but you can really feel that people are living here… I like this kind of atmosphere.

“My favorite place for rainbow long-tailed fowl is ‘Walking Trent Inn’! Their grilled skewers are delicious!”

“Mm. I like the whole roast at ‘Jade Maiden’… It’s stuffed full and tasty…!”

“My recommendation is the stew at ‘Silver Stardust’, but it’s on the opposite side from here…”

I walk down a street with a mix of shops and houses, almost like a Showa-era shopping district, listening to everyone’s recommendations. Mr. Ed, Ms. Aria, and Mr. Xenon… they all seem to have their own favorite shops. As we walk, I peek at the storefronts. Thanks to our shopping trip before entering the dungeon last time, I can now read the prices!

The cost of living… don’t seem too different. However, rare spices are a bit expensive. Well, compared to Ellarge which is directly connected to a port, it’s natural for prices to be higher here due to transportation costs, labor costs, and middleman margins. But the quality doesn’t seem bad, and it doesn’t feel like they’re ripping people off… Vegetables, meat, and herbs that seem to be produced nearby are almost the same price as in Ellarge…

“By the way, Mr. Ville, do you have any recommended shops?”

“Me? Let’s see… The seared meat at ‘Big Bear’s Tail’ nearby. They use spring salt, which gives it a unique flavor.”

“Ah! ‘Big Bear’s Tail’! Their grilled skewers are delicious too!”

When I asked if Mr. Ville, who was leading me by the hand, had any favorite shops, he turned back to me with a grin and pointed ahead.

In that direction… there’s a small sign with what I assume is the shop’s name written on it. That must be ‘Big Bear’s Tail’. Though I can’t read it!

As I tilt my head wondering "What on earth is spring salt…?", Mr. Ed, his eyes shining, explains that it’s salt made by boiling down hot spring water from the Melnoa Volcano area. Unlike salt made from seawater, it’s said to be mild with a hint of sweetness.

“Ville… Were you aiming for this place from the start?”

“It’s the closest to the north entrance, isn’t it? That’s the privilege of being the guide.”

Mr. Ville raises the corner of his mouth in a smirk, avoiding Mr. Xenon’s slightly resentful gaze.

…When a slightly rugged handsome guy like Mr. Ville smiles like that, it’s like… he’s a good person, but somehow he looks a bit roguish, you know?

“Let’s begin by eating here!”

“It smells so good…! I can’t wait!”

With that slightly roguish smile still on his face, Mr. Ville’s eyes catch mine. Along with the savory smell wafting around, my stomach growls with hunger. Well, of course, I’m hungry after walking for two hours!

Grinning back at those strawberry-colored eyes, I start to loosen the strings of my wallet tucked away in my pocket.

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 119

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Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen: Heading to the Royal Capital

As the commotion over the tartar sauce finally settled down… I found myself subjected to the "pay attention to me" attacks from Gomamiso, who had been completely ignored and was now sulking. The cat, huffing on my lap, refused to unbend its stubborn attitude even when I tried to appease it with leftover fungbird meat and boiled eggs…

I’m currently serving my sentence of holding its surprisingly heavy body while continuously stroking its throat. If I stop, it demands "more petting" with its front paws!

“Speaking of which, what’s our plan when we arrive at the capital tomorrow? Are we booking an inn?”

“No. I’ve already contacted… my brother to let him know I’m coming… He’ll probably reach out to us… I think…”

“Oh, you contacted him! That’s pretty proactive for you, Ville, especially considering how reluctant you were!”

“Well, showing up without an appointment would probably just get us turned away at the door.”

Mr. Ville, who had just downed a cup of barley tea in one go, exhaled with a slightly sullen expression.

It’s rare to see our usually calm leader so hesitant to go somewhere… but he still does the proper things like making appointments. I think he is really quite conscientious at heart.

According to Ville, his brother holds a busy position, so he’ll likely contact us in some way when he’s available. Until then, Mr. Ville, laughing in a somewhat dejected manner, suggests we could grab some food from the street stalls in the downtown area.

“Oh, so there are street stalls! Is it similar to Ellarge?”

“The downtown area has a similar atmosphere. You won’t see many food carts or stalls in the uptown area, though.”

“Ah, uptown… I see, so there’s that kind of area too…”

“It’s laid out with the royal castle in the center, surrounded by the administrative district, uptown, downtown… that kind of structure.”

From the diagram Mr. Ed drew on the table with his finger, it seems the city spreads out in concentric circles around the royal castle. There’s the administrative and business district, the uptown area with fancy shops and mansions, and the bustling, casual downtown… with different kinds of residents in each area.

In contrast, Ellarge is a port town where goods from other regions gather… So for better or worse, it feels like a "city of commerce." The whole city has a large shopping district vibe, with shops everywhere and people of all social classes working together in a bustling atmosphere…

Well, I suppose it’s natural for the cities to have different atmospheres, given their different origins.

“If Ellarge is a city of brick and plaster, Schulbrand could be described as a city of stone and flowers.”

“Oh! From what I’m hearing, it sounds like a beautiful place!”

“Mm! The downtown food stalls have lots of delicious things too!”

Mr. Xenon added this information with a smile. A city of stone and flowers… Does that mean there are many stone buildings? And flowers planted in windows and on balconies? From what I can imagine, it seems like a beautiful and bright city. Seeing Ms. Aria clench her fist with sparkling eyes, the food must be delicious too.

“Oh, right, wasn’t there something about mountain delicacies being famous there? Can we go on a food tour to try the rainbow longtail we had at the Wildcat Pavilion last time?”

“Rainbow longtail fowl can be fried, grilled, stewed, steamed… Each shop has its own unique way of preparing it.”

“Wow, that sounds amazing! I can’t wait!”

“It’s enough of a famous ingredient that people debate about which place is the best.”

As I unconsciously swallowed, remembering that rich taste, Mr. Ed laughed while listing some recommended dishes. At Mr. Ed’s words, Mr. Ville poured more barley tea into his cup with a faint wry smile.

Yup. Maybe inspired by Mr. Ed’s words, Mr. Xenon and Ms. Aria have started quietly discussing "that shop" and "this shop"… talking about their favorite places. If our party is like this, I can imagine the debates that must happen among the city’s larger population.

…Wait a minute, everyone seems oddly familiar with the capital…?

“Um… Have you all been to the capital before, by any chance?”

“Hm? Oh, did we not mention it? We originally based our activities out of Schulbrand.”

“Well, after Ville decided to run away from home in grand style, we moved our base to Ellarge.”

“…The journey… was tough… you know…”

“Mainly in terms of food, though.”

“What?!”

Amid the favorite shop debate that Mr. Ville had somehow joined, I timidly asked… and a shocking new fact came to light! Everyone used to be locals there! No wonder they’re so familiar with the city’s layout, atmosphere, and various shops!

Thinking about it calmly, I suppose it’s better that everyone knows the capital well, rather than none of the party members knowing anything about the roads or information there.

It’s just that I had this image that big cities might have places you shouldn’t casually visit… though that might be my prejudice…

“Come to think of it… I completely forgot to mention that. Sorry…”

“No, it’s fine. If anything, I’m relieved that you all know the capital so well. If I get lost, you’ll probably find me quickly!”

“…Ah… Why is it that I can only imagine you getting accidentally separated from us while being distracted…?”

Mr. Ville, with "I forgot" clearly written all over his face, hurriedly bowed his head. I made a fist to show him I didn’t mind… but that only made him lower his eyebrows and press his fingers against his brow…

…I don’t understand…

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 118

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Chapter One Hundred and Eightteen: Is There Enough Tartar for the Mountain of Fried Food?

As I bring the heaping plate of freshly fried food to the table, the atmosphere is so tense you’ll hardly believe it is just a dinner table. The source of this tension is a bowl of tartar sauce placed squarely in the center of the table. It seems Mr. Ville shared his shocking experience with the rest after tasting the sauce.

“I heard from Ville… Rin, what on earth have you created…?!”

“A rich yet refreshing sauce that pairs perfectly with fried food… I can only foresee war breaking out…”

“This… is unbelievable…!”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m boiling more eggs for extra sauce right now. If you help peel them, you can have as many refills as you like!”

“I’m in!”

As I set the large platter of fried food on the table and gave a thumbs up, Mr. Ville let out a roar. Everyone joined hands at once, quickly muttering a pre-meal prayer. I thought everyone always said grace properly no matter how hungry they were… but then I realized I’m also the type to put my hands together and say "Itadakimasu" before eating.

We’re kindred spirits! Yup!

I’ll join in the prayer too… and then jump into this feeding frenzy before everything’s gone!

“Mmmmmph!”

“Wow! That’s foul play, Rin!”

“Rin… you… you…!”

“…!!!”

Eight pairs of eyes stare at me as they stuff their mouths with piping hot fried food dipped in tartar sauce. Mr. Ville just kept his eyes wide open as he piled more fried food onto his plate. Mr. Ed and Mr. Xenon gave me a look that was a mix of troubled, angry, and delighted… but their hands never stopped reaching for more food. And Ms. Aria? She just kept eating steadily, her eyes sparkling with joy.

…Yup, sorry… I thought everyone would like mayonnaise-based sauces, but I never expected it to be this intense…!

“Listen! It’s rich, sure, but you added lemon, right, Rin? That makes the aftertaste refreshing, so it doesn’t feel heavy even when you eat it with fried food!”

“The texture of the chopped onions and pickles really comes through in the rich egg sauce… And when you add the crunch of the fried batter, it never gets boring to eat.”

While fighting over the fried food, Mr. Ed and Mr. Xenon manage to eloquently describe the taste. All I can do is nod…

W-Well, I’m glad they’re enjoying it… But I’m overwhelmed by how quickly the mountain of fried food and sea of tartar sauce are disappearing.

…If I hesitate now, I’ll miss out on dinner!

I hurriedly plunge my chopsticks into the pile of fried food, securing a few pieces on my plate. Ms. Aria, who’s been eating in a trance-like state… but occasionally looks at me with sparkling eyes and nods vigorously… squeezes some lemon over my food. I drizzle some tartar sauce over it.

“Mmm! Hot! Fungbird fry with tartar sauce is perfect!”

As I bite into the crispy, hot batter and feel the temperature contrast with the cool tartar sauce, I realize it’s the famous fungbird meat. The moment my teeth sink in, the meat juices burst out—it’s incredibly juicy. The texture isn’t tough at all, probably thanks to the quick high-heat cooking. Rather, the meat has a nice firmness to it, with fibers that give it a satisfying chew. As expected, the light-tasting meat pairs wonderfully with the rich tartar sauce…! There’s a slight sweetness—maybe from the ketchup I added as a secret ingredient? Oil seeps out of the crispy batter, but it’s perfectly balanced by the crunchy texture of the mixed-in onions and the unique flavor of the pickles. When I bite into a larger piece of onion, there’s a sharp, spicy kick that stimulates my tongue, keeping the flavors interesting. And at the end, the scent of lemon wafts up my nose…!

“This isn’t just ‘good,’ Rin…! What is this sauce?! It goes well with fungbird, sure, but it’s also perfect with rock seabream fry!”

“By the way, Mr. Ville, I think this sauce goes best with milder ingredients. It should be delicious with fried mushrooms too.”

“What… did you say…?!”

Mr. Ville, who had been eating with a dreamy look in his eyes, finally seems to return to reality. Wiping sauce from the corner of his mouth with his fingertip, he stares at me intently with his now-focused strawberry-colored eyes.

…Ah… he’s discovered it now… The joy of eating not just fried meat, but fried fish with tartar sauce…!

Personally, I love putting a dash of Worcestershire sauce on fried fish, then topping it with tartar sauce—it really makes you want to eat more rice… But if I teach this to our party of Gourmands, no amount of rice would be enough…

As Mr. Ville freezes before this new taste temptation, I take a bite of a fried mushroom I had put on my plate, topped with tartar sauce. The mushroom, which looks like a giant version of a closed-cap mushroom, has a crisp, easy-to-bite texture. It’s thick and meaty, and with each chew, flavorful juices burst from its fibers into my mouth. Add to that the tartness of mayonnaise and the richness of egg… Isn’t it just perfect?

“…Rin… the sauce… it’s all gone…”

“Eh?! Oh, that was faster than I expected. Well then, could you help me peel some eggs? I’ll make a second batch!”

“Yes…! Gladly!”

As I watched Mr. Ville reach for a fried mushroom, I heard a tiny voice from beside me. Ms. Aria, with drooping eyebrows and shoulders, was tugging at the hem of my clothes, holding the now-empty bowl in one hand.

But well, this was somewhat expected, so as I’d promised earlier, I bring a mountain of boiled eggs to the table… and everyone helps peel them with incredible enthusiasm! As I mash the quickly peeled eggs with a fork, I’m deeply impressed by the power of mayonnaise.

…At this rate, fried chicken… or rather, fried fungbird and cockatrice would disappear in an instant too…

As I generously scoop mayonnaise into the bowl repeatedly, I decide to keep tartar sauce sealed away for a while…

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The Forsaken Saintess and her Foodie Roadtrip in Another World, Chapter 117

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Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen: I Am the Type to Add a Secret Ingredient to Tartar Sauce

After that, Ms. Aria, Mr. Ed, and Mr. Xenon returned with an impressive amount of drop items, just as much as before. We then headed straight for the royal capital. Despite a slight delay, I managed to drive smoothly without encountering any monsters, accidents, or obstacles. Thanks to this, we covered a good distance by sunset, reaching our targeted area. At this rate, we should reach our destination, the royal capital Schulbrand, by midday tomorrow.

As usual, I parked the Camping Car a little off the Highway and we set up our camp for the night. By the way, you might wonder what foot travelers do… They usually stay in post towns along the road. So, they plan their journey to leave early in the morning and reach such places before nightfall. For those traveling by horse-drawn carriage, sleeping in the carriage is a common practice. Come to think of it, I feel like I might have seen some village-like settlements along the road…? While it’s not that I’m not curious, preparing dinner is the top priority right now!

“Well then! I just need to fry the ingredients!”

“Rin! Rin! Cut lemon again?!”

“Yes, please!”

I prepared the fungbird, fiddlehead ferns, and the edible mushrooms that often grow near fungbird flocks by coating them in the batter. I also took out the frozen ingredients that had been left from last time… Just as I was about to start frying, Ms. Aria brought out a lemon from the vegetable compartment. I nodded to Ms. Aria, who couldn’t hide her excited expression, and she proceeded to cut the lemon with string. Unlike last time when she cut it into very thin slices, this time she cut it into larger pieces, probably realizing that the previous cuts were a bit difficult to use.

Oh! Ms. Aria is learning about cooking!

As she carries the lemon to the table, I slide the battered ingredients into the oil. Immediately, there is a sizzling sound of moisture dancing, and fine oil droplets splash onto my arms and hands. It’s a bit hot, but compared to the pleasure of biting into piping hot, freshly fried food, this is nothing…! Note that if you mess with the food right after putting it in the oil, the batter will come off…

“Alright! Let’s make the sauce while we have time!”

“Oh. The special sauce you mentioned earlier?”

“That’s right, that’s right! I think it’s essential for fried food…!”

Mr. Ville came over, switching places with Ms. Aria, and peered at my hands with expectant eyes. He must be eager to know the answer to the mystery from lunchtime.

Meeting his strawberry-colored gaze, I took out the eggs I had boiled while waiting for everyone to return from hunting, along with chopped pickles and onions from the fridge. I put the boiled eggs into a large bowl and start mashing them with the back of a fork.

Meanwhile, the batter had hardened quite a bit, so I flipped the food to prevent burning… I can handle this kind of multitasking with ease… I guess it’s true that passion makes you skilled at something? While frying the other side, I added the pickles and onions to the bowl…

“Now it’s time to leave it to the senior mayonnaise!”

“…Mayonnaise…”

“It’s a condiment made from vinegar, oil, and raw eggs… but I haven’t seen it around here…”

“R-Raw eggs…!? Is, is that edible…?”

“Ah, from that reaction, I guess eating raw eggs isn’t common here… It’s made in places with strict freshness and hygiene controls, and it’s actually delicious.”

“Delicious even though it uses raw eggs… The food from your world is full of mysteries, Rin…”

When I listed the ingredients, Mr. Ville’s face tensed up a bit. Ah… Well, I’ve heard that raw eggs are considered exotic food in some countries, so maybe it’s similar in this world…? As I was explaining that it’s a very common condiment where I lived, the fried food started to look perfectly cooked.

I take out the golden-brown fried food and put it on a tray, then slide the next batch into the oil. Amidst the sizzling sound and fragrant aroma of frying food, I open the jar of mayonnaise with a pop and a faint vinegary scent mixed with the surrounding air. I scoop up a generous amount of the thick, creamy mayonnaise with a spoon and add it to the bowl! The way mayonnaise returns to its original volume in no time is truly "mysterious," but being able to use it without hesitation is an incredible advantage.

As I mix the contents of the bowl well with the fork I have been using, the crumbled egg yolks blend with the mayonnaise, intensifying the yellow color. Once everything is well combined, I season it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice… and add a little ketchup as a secret ingredient, which is the Takanashi family style.

After mixing it well until the red of the ketchup is fully incorporated, the tartar sauce is complete!

Mr. Ville, who had seemed a bit apprehensive about the raw egg ingredient, is now intently watching the tartar sauce-making process, probably curious about this unknown food.

“Mr. Ville, would you like to taste it?”

“Is, is that okay…!?”

“I’ll use this spoon when I serve it at the table, but I was planning to wash the fork anyway, so…”

I scoop up a bit of the sauce, making sure to get some of the chunky bits, onto the back of the fork I have been using to mix and hand it to Mr. Ville, whose face is full of curiosity. He immediately takes a bite.

The moment he puts the fork in his mouth… his strawberry-colored eyes widen, and he stares at me intently.

“Wh… what… what is this…!?”

“It’s the special sauce I mentioned at lunch… tartar sauce. I think it goes well with fried fish or today’s fried fungbird!”

Words spilled from Mr. Ville’s lips as he stood there, fork in hand. His strawberry-colored gaze was fixed on the silver fork that had just held the tartar sauce. When I told our dazed leader about today’s ingredients that would go well with this sauce, his face turned towards me with a movement so stiff it almost seemed to creak.

“…This sauce… on that fried food… Rin, are you a devil…!”

“Devil? That’s so rude!! I’m just a food-obsessed person!!!”

Mr. Ville, seeming to have had his soul completely stolen, howled in a voice that couldn’t hide his shudder.

Hey! I just really love delicious food, that’s all!

As I lifted the freshly fried food onto the tray, I raised my voice to correct him.

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