Chapter Eight: Explanation, Agreement, Invitation, and I
How to move forward, what to learn, and how to live…
As I sink deep into the whirlpool of thoughts, Mr. Ville suddenly looks up. Huh? What’s with that resolute expression? Is there something on your mind?
“Hey, Rin, earlier you said you wanted to find work, what kind of work did you want to do?”
“Eh? Um… hmm… That…”
Upon being asked again, my thoughts came to a sudden halt. Right… Even though I want to work, what can I do?
My main job, acupuncture… I don’t even know if I have the necessary tools, and I have no idea about the procedures for starting a practice here. I can do some massage to a certain extent, but again, I’m completely clueless about the procedures and everything involved in starting a business. In this period, caregiving is mainly done within the family, and there’s hardly any room for outside help…
Using Survival to gather and sell things that can be eaten seems like a viable option, but even then, there might be intermediaries involved, and there are likely rules and regulations regarding buying and selling. And above all, I cannot defend myself if I encounter dangerous creatures!
…Hmm?
Could it be that I’m… in a bind…?
“…From your reaction, it doesn’t seem like anything is coming to your mind immediately, right?”
“Well… There are things I could probably do, but I don’t know the steps to get there…”
“I see… In that case… If you don’t mind, would you be interested in being in charge of meals for me… for our party and handling simple cargo transportation?”
“Meals and cargo…? By being in charge of meals, do you mean becoming a chef?”
Mr. Ville peers into my face as I fall silent, lost in thought.
The word “party” for a moment lifts my mood. Adventurers do form parties after all! They delve into dungeons, right!? Splitting into vanguards and rearguards, entering into battle areas, using allies as cover… This must be the epitome of life in a fantasy world, and part of me does want to witness that firsthand…
“I don’t need anything too elaborate made by a ‘chef’. Just make whatever you like, however you prefer is fine…”
“But then, wouldn’t it end up like the meals earlier? Couldn’t almost anyone make that?”
“…Well, you see… for some reason, everyone in the party who tries to cook ends up with catastrophic results…”
Cook huh… As I tilt my head, Mr. Ville subtly turns his face away.
Eh… Wait…? Really…? That bad…?
“We explore a dungeon, battle monsters, and search treasure chests… But when we, exhausted, camp, all that awaits us are burnt raw meat, a soup so salty it makes your tongue shrivel, or as thin as hot water!”
“What do you mean…? Oh, wait, maybe I get the gist of it…”
Burnt raw meat… what a contradictory combination. Probably charred on the surface from excessive high heat, while the inside remains juicy and dripping with blood…? And a soup that’s either too rich or too thin, an "all or nothing" situation… Did it simmer too long or was there too much water added…?
Eh, but is cooking really that hard…? Shouldn’t it turn out decent if you more or less follow a recipe…?
“The fish you grilled yesterday… It was perfectly roasted and seasoned!”
“O-oh?”
“The porridge this morning wasn’t burnt and blackened at the bottom, nor is it undercooked and crunchy like you’re eating sand!”
“What with such porridge!? Did you really eat it!? Is that real experience!? What a huge disaster!”
“Yeah, every quest turns into a major disaster! We’ll pay you, and you’re free to do as you please when not on a quest! So please, help us!”
Before I knew it, Mr. Ville’s face, terrifyingly serious, was right before mine. Perhaps recalling past disasters added extra fervor to his recruitment efforts. Gripping both my shoulders firmly, Mr. Ville got so worked up that I thought he was about to start shaking me back and forth.
Um… yep. I understand him. I’m a foodie too, so I know how disheartening it can be when the food isn’t tasty. And I can imagine getting that worked up at the recollection of such a disastrous dish…
But does it have to be to the point where it’s like you’re about to scream out in grief to the heavens…? Besides, there must be plenty of adventurers who can cook, so I don’t necessarily have to be the one, right?
“…Rin, you may have a face that says ’It doesn’t have to be me,’ but those who can cook are already under contract with some party or another… That’s why meeting you here, essentially a free cook, is a stroke of luck!”
“Hehe… You read my mind… So, there are exclusive contracts…”
“Above all, I don’t think it’s a bad deal for you, Rin. Instead of struggling financially while searching for a job you want, wouldn’t it be better to help us, earn some money, and figure out a way to pursue your desired profession?”
“….When you put it that way… Having daily income or not makes a big difference…”
“And besides, even if you can find a job, wouldn’t it be more comfortable working in a place where I, who knows your circumstances, am present, rather than starting from scratch with people who know nothing about you? I can support you, and I can also mediate with others too.”
“Oh wow… Having support would be greatly appreciated.”
“Of course, I can’t guarantee a 100% safe journey, but our party has some skilled individuals, and we also have female members, so I believe you can feel somewhat reassured.”
“…Having an all-male workplace would be a bit uncomfortable, right…”
Well… Somehow it feels like I’m being scouted with a very spirited presentation…
But when I think about it, I guess he has a point… If someone said "I’m from another world and have useful skills! But I don’t know common sense here!" I feel like that someone wouldn’t fare well…
In this world where I can only rely on myself, Mr. Ville’s offer to help is quite appreciated. Considering I don’t even have money for everyday expenses, refusing doesn’t seem like a good move…
“…But that’s just pretense.”
“Huh?”
…And amid listening intently to Mr. Ville’s explanation, an unexpected word pops out. It’s not the kind of word you hear much in presentations… right? I look up in surprise and see Mr. Ville’s shy and bashful smile right up close.
“You happened to rescue me when I collapsed from hunger, remember? It’s only natural for me to want to help a kind-hearted benefactor like you and show my gratitude personally, don’t you think?”
“….Heh!?”
“What’s with that reaction? When you were in dire straits yourself yet still tried to help others, isn’t it only natural for me, the one you saved, to want to help you in return? I’m just saying I’ve taken enough of a liking to you to want to spare you unnecessary hardship.”
“N-no need to… think that much…! I-I’m sorry!”
I couldn’t help but let out a strange sound in response to the handsome guy’s power that showered me at close range. But I’ve done nothing wrong!? Even though he looks a bit intimidating, being told "I like you" by an unmistakably handsome guy face to face is embarrassing, you know! I understand it’s just gratitude for lodging and a meal, but even so, the impact is more than enough.
Handsome guy, koeeeeeeeeee!!!
But still…
“At the very least, I hope you will join us, so I want us to get along and deepen our bond first. So…”
’…Let’s reach mutual understanding on what will satisfy us both’ is what he wants to say, right?
When Mr. Oni narrows his blood-colored eyes and ferociously grins as if to say “I won’t let you escape”… for an instant, my maiden heart flutters. Takanashi Rin, it’s a lifelong blunder!
Even if it’s for an instant, this is indeed a blunder!!!
The translator's corner
Unpalatable home cooking… When I’m planning to cook something new, it often turns out not so good :(. A few old proven recipes work out pretty well for me, though.
Damm amazing note
ReplyDeleteHe got my heart fluttering too 😭
ReplyDeleteAnd I also have trouble with cooking things for the first time man, it always takes me tons of tries to perfect it