“I see...”

  “For the remaining contract slaves, you can either have them assessed and bought out immediately by the government office, or put them up for auction. Auctions do take both time and effort, but you could potentially get a much higher price than the instant buyout depending on the qualities of the slaves. Which will you go with?”

  “In that case, please go with the buyout,” Dola chose without a moment’s hesitation.

  “All right. Then, I shall inform them immediately. Please wait a bit longer until the assessments are done.” The aide nodded, then turned on his heel and left the room once again.

  “Boss, is that really okay? Wouldn’t we be able to get more if we put them on auction?” Shin asked Dola.

  “It’s fine. This method will cause less trouble in the future, and I don’t wanna see their faces anymore.” Dola replied frankly and shook his head.

  “...Fine. It kinda feels anticlimactic, though.” Everything had proceeded so smoothly that Shin didn’t seem quite satisfied.

  “Well, this is what it’s like when someone loses their humanity like that. You may not be used to it, but I’ll take you out for a good meal later so you can forget all of this and start anew,” Dola said to clear the strangely depressing atmosphere, ruffling Shin’s head roughly.

  “S-Stop that, boss! Not in front of him!”

  Shin glanced at Rio and resisted Dola in embarrassment, feeling overly aware of the fact that he was being treated like a child. Rio chuckled with a smile as he watched the two of them in amusement.

  ◇◇◇

  By the time Rio and the others had collected their buyout money and left the internment center, the sun was already setting in the sky; most of the day had already passed them by.

  “Since we’ve received the compensation money and all, let’s start heading back. I’ll buy you two some of the famous local kamutan!” Dola said on their way back to their lodgings.

  “Ooh! Yeah!” Shin cheered happily.

  “What’s... kamutan?” Rio asked, having never heard the word before.

  “Oh, what? You’ve never had kamutan before?” Shin looked at Rio with a somewhat pleased expression.

  “I haven’t. What kind of food is it?”

  “I see. Well, how should I put it? It’s a steamy hot bowl of soup with long and thin noodles made of rice flour and wheat flower. You slurp it up, and it tastes great.”

  At Rio’s earnest question, Shin gave a simple explanation of kamutan with a smug expression. He moved his hands, making the gesture of slurping noodles.

  “...Hmm, that certainly seems good.” Rio could imagine what kind of food kamutan was by Shin’s explanation.

  Noodles, huh? Ramen, soba, udon... No, it uses rice flour as well as wheat flour, so maybe it’s something like pho on Earth?

  At any rate, his interest was piqued. Rio loved cooking and food in general more than anything, so he was immediately filled with the desire to try it as soon as possible.

  “It doesn’t just seem good, it is good. You’ll see once you eat it.”

  “You were really touched when you ate it for the first time, too. You even tried to get Sayo to make it for you after you got back to the village... She hadn’t tried it before, so you two ended up fighting, if I recall correctly,” Dola teased Shin boastfully.

  Shin recoiled in embarrassment, then flared up at Rio, who watched him in amusement. However, it wasn’t with a hostile attitude: Shin, who had previously avoided having conversations with Rio, was now able to hold proper conversations with him, despite being a tad bit blunt at times.

  Perhaps he had a slight change of heart after Rio saved Sayo during the Gon incident.

  The three of them chatted energetically as they made their way back to their lodgings. After handing the compensation money they received from the government office to the men waiting at their accommodations, they left once again to get a bite to eat. Since it was their first day in the capital and the fatigue of their journey lingered on, they decided to split into small groups and take turns getting food.

  Thus, Rio, Shin, and Dola went out to eat kamutan as planned. They entered Dola’s recommended store, which was a ten minute walk away from their shared accommodation.

  “Hey, please get us three large servings of kamutan. With extra meat, too,” Dola ordered with familiarity. A strong “You got it!” could be heard in response from the kitchen.

  Minutes later, the rumored kamutan was done.

  “Here ya go — three large servings of kamutan with extra meat! Thanks for waiting!” A waiter brought the bowls of kamutan over to Rio’s table cheerfully.

  Rio had been asking the other two for more details about kamutan as they waited, but once he saw the real thing, he found it extremely similar to ramen.

  However, as it was a food that had been eaten in the Kingdom of Karasuki since ancient times, it probably wasn’t the invention of a reincarnated person, as Liselotte had introduced pasta to the Strahl region, for example.

  “It’s tradition to eat kamutan with hearty slurps,” Shin said proudly as he began to eat the noodles.

  Rio dug into the steaming-hot kamutan with his chopsticks. First, he took a mouthful of soup; the flavor tasted similar to a light shoyu ramen soup. Next, he scooped up the noodles with practiced movements, and brought them to his mouth.

  The noodles had a unique texture from the rice flour, but it was springy and elastic. The meat wasn’t chashu, but it was seasoned appropriately and suited the noodles and soup well.

  ...It’s good.

  It had been a long time since he had eaten something similar to ramen. In actuality, if the noodles had been made from wheat, the soup altered a little, and with chashu, the kamutan would have been exactly the same as ramen.

  I should try making ramen someday, Rio thought, his mouth turning up into a happy smile.

  ◇◇◇

  The next day, before noon...

  Beneath the dazzling blue sky of the capital, Rio walked through the shopping district of the castle town with Sayo, having been requested to buy luxury items by the rest of the trade squad.

  As for the others in the trade squad: some had gone out to sell their village’s products, some were out buying large amounts of necessities, while others stayed behind to watch over their accommodations.

  “There really are a lot of people in the capital,” Sayo said curiously as she watched the road.

  “Is this your first time in the capital?” Rio asked from where he was walking beside her.

  “Yes. My brother has visited before, but I’ve always stayed at home. He would always tell me all sorts of stories, so I really wanted to see it for myself!”

  “I heard about it. Shin pestered you to make kamutan and you two ended up fighting, or something?”

  “Yeah. He just kept bragging about how he went to the capital, so I got a little fed up. I can’t make food I’ve never eaten before, so I got mad,” Sayo said with a shy grin.

  “Did you end up making it?”

  “It didn’t work out. It came out kinda slimy and sticky...”

  “Soup aside, you need more than just rice flour and wheat flour to make the noodles. If you don’t have the knowledge, it’d be impossible to make.”

  “Huh? Do you know how to make it, Sir Rio?”

  “Yes. While it wasn’t kamutan, I have made other noodles before.”

  “U-Umm... Could you teach me sometime, then?” Sayo asked cautiously.

  “Sure, I wouldn’t mind. Let’s try making it together when we return to the village,” Rio replied with a nod.

  “Thank you very much! I actually haven’t eaten it yet...”

  “Then, how about we go eat it together after this? Since we’re in the capital and all,” Rio offered as a suggestion after Sayo had happily thanked him.

  “Yes! I’d love to!” Sayo nodded enthusiastically.

  “Let’s keep an eye out for a restaurant while we’re buying the items everyone requested.”

  With that, the two of them decided to go eat kamutan for lunch. Yet...

  The store Dola took us to is far from here, so I don’t know which store to go to... Rio thought without letting it show on his face. He wanted to take a chance so that Sayo could eat delicious food, but unfortunately, he had no experience visiting the Kingdom of Karasuki.

  Perhaps this group matchup wasn’t the best one for going shopping together... We don’t even know where to find restaurants. It’s Sayo’s first time in the capital, too. We don’t have any idea of what’s around...

  He had asked the members of the trade squad their reasoning behind grouping them this way before they left to go shopping, but they had forced it upon him for some unknown reason. Sure enough, the two of them had to walk around all morning in search of the items, comparing market prices and stock quality.

  It was more like they were sightseeing than shopping; fortunately, Sayo was in a good mood from being with Rio, and didn’t seem particularly dissatisfied. She was innocently enjoying her time shopping.

  Rio had been secretly worried the incident with Gon had left her traumatized, but Sayo showed no indication of such a thing as she willfully insisted on her own participation in the trade squad. It was reassuring.

  “Sir Rio, why don’t we just ask a local if there’s a store they recommend?” Sayo said with a carefree smile.

  “...You’re right. Let’s ask someone in the next store we go to.” Rio set aside his needless worries and nodded, his smile small.

  Well, as long as Sayo is having fun, he reasoned. Thankfully, the amount of luxuries they had to buy wasn’t that much, so the two of them continued walking around the shopping district.

  “You two youngins, over there. On a date, are we?” A young woman called out to Rio and Sayo. She seemed to be selling trinkets for women, and she had her stock set out on a mat in front of her.

  “Huh? M-Me? Eh, ah, no... Erm...” Sayo tried to respond with something, confused. Sayo realized the merchant woman was talking to her and flushed bright red.

  “We came to the capital to sell our village’s products. It’s just a shopping trip,” Rio explained on behalf of the naive Sayo.

  It was clear the merchant woman was trying to strike up a conversation for the sake of business. While it normally would have been best to ignore her and keep walking, Sayo had stopped with goodwill in mind, so it was a bit hard to leave now.

  “I see. Is that so... Hmm...” The merchant woman nodded vaguely and looked at Sayo, who was still acting embarrassed. Sayo’s cheeks turned scarlet under the woman’s gaze, who seemed to see right through her.

  “How about it, mister? A souvenir to remember your stroll through the capital with such a cute lady by your side?” The woman grinned, turning to target Rio instead.

  “T-That’s not true! And I’d feel bad! Ah, and we’re not on a date!” Sayo shook her head in a panic.

  Rio glanced at the items lined on the mat. For a street stall, the items were arranged neatly and seemed to be of good quality.

  “You’re a natural at this, miss. Sayo, is there anything you want?” Rio asked Sayo with a faint, wry smile.

  He wanted to give her something as a small token of his gratitude for taking care of him, as well as to apologize for causing trouble during the Gon incident.

  “Fweh... I-It’s all right! I couldn’t ask that of you!” Sayo stuck both her hands out in front of her and shook her head furiously. Her overreaction mimicked a small animal, making Rio laugh in amusement.

  “There’s no need to hold back. I’ve been in your care, too, so it’s a thank you present.”

  “He’s right. If a man offers to buy a woman a present, then it’s only polite to accept it. Go on, now — at least take a look.” At Rio’s offer, the merchant woman laughed and beckoned Sayo closer.

  “Eh, ah... Then, just a look...”

  Despite her bewilderment, Sayo decided to look at the items on display. She hesitated at first, but found the items were all to her liking, and a sparkle gradually appeared in her eyes.

  “Anything interest you?”

  “Erm, stuff like this one I think is cute...” At the merchant woman’s question, Sayo pointed to a flower hairpin that was simple, but cute.

  “Ooh, you sure have a good eye, miss! That’s a one-of-a-kind.”

  “Umm, is it expensive?”

  “Hmm, let’s see. How does two silver coins sound?” The merchant woman asked somewhat cautiously.

  Sayo had actually chosen one of the more expensive items available on display. In wasn’t impossible for commoners to buy, but the price was enough to be quite a hit to the wallet if purchased without consideration.

  “S-Silver coins?! S-Sir Rio, it’s fine! I... I don’t need it after all!”

  As soon as Sayo heard the price, she declined the gift in shock. It was a great amount of money to an average village girl like her.

  “I don’t mind. If you like it, Sayo, I’ll buy it for you.” Rio showed no sign of concern for the price and expressed his willingness to purchase it.

  “...Huh?” Sayo’s eyes widened slightly.

  “Ooh. You’ve got it, mister. But, maybe you should learn how to buy things at a market a bit better...” The merchant woman suggested in surprise.

  However, Rio shook his head with a gentle smile.

  “I don’t back down because of the price when it comes to a gift for a girl. That price is fine.”

  “Ahaha, wonderful! Then, I should’ve made it a little more expensive, huh?” The woman laughed heartily.

  “Is this the one you want, then, Sayo?” Rio took two silver coins from his wallet and checked with her one last time.

  “Eh? Ah, b-but...”

  Sayo hesitantly looked between the hairpin and Rio. The hairpin was extremely attractive, and the thought of receiving a present from Rio made her unbearably happy, but the price was high enough to scare her.

  “I-I don’t want it after all—” Just as Sayo tried to say that, Rio paid for the hairpin.

  “Okay, miss. Give me that one, please.”

  It was clear from Sayo’s reaction that she had taken a liking to this hairpin, so he went ahead and bought it anyway. Knowing Sayo’s personality, he figured she would’ve rejected him if he hadn’t done it this way.

  Sayo watched Rio hand over the money with a dazed expression.

  “Thanks for the purchase! Would you like a box to protect it, or do you want to put it on right away?” The merchant picked up the hairpin and a box. She stood up and approached Sayo.

  “Eh, ah, umm... Y-Yes please!”

  “Here, I’ll put it on for you. Stay still for a moment.” Sayo nodded timidly as the merchant woman put the hairpin in her hair. She froze in a dream-like trance as the hairpin was set in place for her.

  “It suits you so well! Don’t you think so, too, mister?” the woman asked after fixing the hairpin to Sayo’s loosely tied hair.

  “Yes, I think it’s lovely,” Rio agreed with a smile.

  “T-Thank you very much! Really, Sir Rio.” Sayo finally returned to her senses and bobbed her head at Rio furiously.

  “Not a problem. Shall we go, now? We still have other things to buy.” Rio shook his head, then suggested they went on their way. However, he suddenly remembered something, and asked the woman about kamutan.

  “...Oh, that’s right. Miss, do you know of any good kamutan stores around here?”

  “If it’s kamutan you’re after, then the food and dining stores are gathered toward that area over there. There’s a store called Kuma that’s quite reputable. It gets very crowded during lunch, so it’d be best to set aside some time when you go,” she replied, pointing toward the area where the restaurants were located.

  “I see. Thank you very much.”

  “Of course. I did sell something good, after all.” The merchant woman shook her head, then approached Sayo at a jog’s pace and whispered in her ear with a wink. “...Ah, Miss Sayo, wasn’t it? You have to do your best to win him over. This boy seems like quite the catch.”

  “?!” Sayo looked down and flushed.

  “Well, then! Please come again, if you ever have the chance to!” The merchant woman stepped away from Sayo and bid them farewell with a smile.

  “Will do. Let’s go, Sayo.” Rio had been watching the two of them talk silently, but at the merchant woman’s farewell, he responded with a faint smile of his own. Then, he gestured at Sayo, and began walking.

  Sayo started to walk after him, but turned back to bow at the merchant woman before she left. The woman waved with a smile.

  There was a spring in Sayo’s steps as she hurried to catch up to Rio.

  ◇◇◇

  After they ate kamutan at the store the merchant woman recommended, Rio and Sayo returned to the shopping district to resume their shopping for luxuries.

  The main road had shops lining both sides, with a row of stalls down the middle that split the road into two. With plenty of pedestrian traffic, the road was crowded with the bustle of all kinds of people. Among them, Rio and Sayo were allowing the crowd to sweep them along, looking at the stores as they walked by them.

  “T-There are even more people now.”

  “It’s past noon, after all. More people are coming out after eating lunch. If you see a good store, let’s go inside.” They spoke as they walked, when...

  “How dare you!” an angry voice yelled.

  “Kya!” Sayo’s timid frame trembled with a flinch.

  After a moment, confused voices began to stir around them.

  “What? What is it?”

  “Is it a fight? What’s going on?”

  “Damn, I can’t see.”

  “Hey, it looks like the mercenaries are messing with a woman and her kid.”

  “No way!”

  And so on. The chatter grew louder.

  Rio enhanced his hearing ability with spirit arts to pick up on fragments of the conversation, before he heard angry voices from down the road once again.

  “Insolent brat! Watch where you’re walking!”

  “The rude one here is you, mere mercenary! Just who do you think you’re addressing?!” It seemed like a man and woman were arguing; a man’s gruff yelling voice and a woman’s dignified but enraged voice could be heard in that order. Following the outburst, from the same direction of the argument, a girl’s cute voice could be heard.

 

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