Chapter Fifty-six: The Work is 20% Action and 80% Preparation. Now, Watch How I Finish It
The shops Ms. Sheila introduced me to were truly hidden gems. While their exterior appearances might give one pause before entering, the products they offered were genuinely good. What’s more, she even introduced me to the owners and staff so I could shop there alone next time.
I can’t thank her enough!
But most helpful this time was being able to procure hard wheat flour… in other words, "bread flour" at one of the recommended shops. I had some all-purpose flour on hand, so I could manage certain dishes. But for making pasta, dough, and the like, you really need bread flour, you know? While I was at it, I also stocked up on dried beans, dried mushrooms, dried vegetables, smoked and salted meats, fruits, vegetables, and even a nice chunk of rock salt that I personally wanted. I borrowed a large backpack from the guild before leaving, and let me tell you—I loaded that thing up to the point it was digging into my shoulders! Of course, my trusty wrapping cloth came in handy too. It’s amazing how much you can carry with just a piece of cloth.
Oh, and eggs were surprisingly affordable, so I grabbed some of those too. I had this image that eggs were pricey in the era before modern, large-scale poultry farming… but for some reason, they were quite reasonably priced. Why exactly eggs were so cheap remains a mystery. But based on Survival, they seem edible, tasty, and a convenient way to get animal protein! There was no reason not to buy them.
“Gnnnghh… A-Anyways, with all this, I should at least be able to cover staple foods and main dishes. Hopefully, we can procure fresh meat on location… or get some as monster drops!”
“A-Are you okay, Ms. Rin? I can carry a bit more if needed.”
“It’s a bit heavy but totally manageable! ‘If you are prepared you don’t have to worry,’ as they say…!”
Ms. Sheila was peering at me with a concerned look, but while the load was heavy, the backpack made it bearable—not to the point of "I can’t take it anymore!”
In fact, Ms. Sheila is already carrying various small vegetables and eggs, so I can’t burden her any further. After all, it’s the food for our party, the Gourmands.
Given my repertoire and cooking skills, I can’t perform the godlike feat of serving a different menu every day like the genius chef who accompanied a certain polar exploration team or the Japanese cuisine expert who joined a famous fishing-loving writer on his world fishing trips. But if I want everyone to enjoy the food without getting sick of it, I need a decent variety of ingredients. So this grocery run was crucial preparation.
“Oh, Ms. Sheila, I want to use my skill to pack this all up, but is there a discreet spot to do that? I’d rather not use it too openly in front of the general public…”
“How about the guild’s courtyard? It’s pretty spacious, and adventurers often train there, so using skills wouldn’t seem out of place.”
“Really? But do I need any special permission or paperwork to use the courtyard?”
“No need! You can head straight there once we arrive at the guild.”
“Then I’ll make a beeline for the courtyard once we get there!”
Organizing all these supplies will take time, and if I meet up with the rest, I want to be ready to depart right away. But I can’t exactly set up the Camping Car out on the street—people who can’t see it would just see supplies vanishing into thin air! That’d cause a huge commotion!
So when I asked Ms. Sheila about it, turns out there’s a perfect spot! The courtyard would let me summon Campy discreetly, and meet up with everyone, and using my skill in a corner might just seem like training rather than draw attention. Perfect for prepping, right?
For the time being, I’ll just toss in the dry goods and root vegetables that are fine at room temperature, while leafy greens and fruits can go in the fridge’s vegetable compartment, I suppose…?
Picking up some nicely plump and glossy tomatoes and eggplants along the way, we headed back to the guild. The whole way, the bouncy laughter of playing children, vendors’ calls, giggling neighborhood ladies gossiping, the general bustle of working people—it all filled my ears.
…I may not know this town deeply, but personally, I think it’s a good place. The grandmas giving veggie extras, the friendly shopkeepers, people offering to help carry bags… A town filled with such kind people shouldn’t be ravaged by monsters spilling out of a dungeon. I want their lively, peaceful days to continue forever…
“Okay, Ms. Rin, the courtyard is just straight through this turn!”
“Eh!? O-Oh, we’re already here. Thank you!”
“Yes, although I had hoped to escort you to the courtyard myself. My apologies for the half-baked guidance—other staff needed me for something…”
“Not at all! I’m so grateful you showed me those wonderful shops! Truly, thank you!”
“Please do your best too, Ms. Rin! And don’t hesitate to ask if you need anything else!”
Before I knew it, Ms. Sheila had lightly tugged my hand, and I found myself standing outside the guild entrance. I must have unconsciously quickened my pace at some point—we arrived sooner than I expected. Looking down, I saw Ms. Sheila frowning with a troubled expression.
No no, please prioritize work! I’ll be just fine on my own from here!
Shaking her hand firmly with gratitude, I watch Ms. Sheila’s apron dress flounce as she scampers back the way we came, disappearing around a corner.
“…All right, let me load this before linking up with Mr. Ville and everyone!”
“Load what, Rin?”
“Huah!? M-Mr. Ville!?”
“I was just about to go pick up the gear for our expedition now that the details are sorted, but then I spotted you and Sheila… Is this luggage yours?”
“I can handle this amount on my own, and you have your equipment to retrieve, right? Please prioritize that.”
“I overheard earlier that you’re headed to the courtyard. My gear is being kept in the guild’s storage, but cutting through the courtyard is a shortcut. Plus, it must be tough to carry all this on your own, correct?”
No sooner had I turned my heel toward the recommended courtyard than a familiar voice called out. Sure enough, there was Mr. Ville, swiftly snatching up the paper bag and the wrapping cloth bundle at my feet before I could protest. Well… it’s definitely easier without luggage, but… I don’t want to burden someone who’s about to venture into the dungeon with exhausting physical labor.
Not that reaching for the bags did any good—he just lightly brushed me off!
When someone as tall as Mr. Ville held the bags up high, I physically couldn’t reach them no matter how far I stretched. Dammit!
N-No, I’m definitely not crying!
“Don’t worry, I’m not so frail this little load will fatigue me. Now, the courtyard’s this way, okay?”
“A-Ah, wait, Mr. Ville!”
Grinning like he could read my mind, Mr. Ville strode off toward the courtyard.
Even if you leave me behind, the Camping Car can’t be loaded without me, you know, Leader!
I readjust the backpack that has slipped down and hurriedly follow Mr. Ville…
The title sounds like someone is about to start rapping. Thanks for translating and formatting and creating such a wonderful reading experience!
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