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“Well then, we’re going out to eat.” (Shizuma)

“Got it! Even if you’re late, don’t worry, the door’s unlocked even late at night. Though I’ll be asleep, so my grumpy husband will greet you.”

“Haha, understood.” (Shizuma)

After informing the landlady-san, we headed out into the Adventurers’ Den, now dyed in the colors of dusk.

Apparently, adventurers who have gone out on missions beyond the city have started returning, and the number of people on the streets has significantly increased compared to earlier.

Street lamps seemed to be properly placed as well, and I felt like this street probably never truly sleeps, even after sundown.

Well, maybe it gets quiet after midnight. But at the very least, I’m lucky to know this is a world where I don’t need to worry about lights at night.

“What do you feel like eating, Melt?” (Shizuma)

“I dunno, it’s hard when you just ask like that.” (Melt)

“Ah, right… Then how about you tell me what kind of ingredients you’re in the mood for? Meat, fish, veggies?” (Shizuma)

…Not that I have any clue where anything is, though?

But based on how the shops look and feel, maybe I can make an educated guess?

…I need to learn how to read soon.

“Hmm… Maybe fish?” (Melt)

“Got it. Well…it’d be nice if we could smell something grilling.” (Shizuma)

If this were a seaside city, I bet there’d be tons of seafood restaurants. But unfortunately, this place doesn’t seem anywhere near the ocean.

Still, we might get lucky if they’ve got good refrigeration and distribution.

…But horse-drawn carts are the main transport method, so maybe not.

Isn’t there some magic solution to this?

“Mmm… I smell something grilled fishy coming from over here.” (Melt)

I walked down the street while led by Melt, who looked strangely fitting as she sniffed the air.

Yup, adorable.

“Is it around here? Ah, smells so good! What is this, maybe some ocean fish?” (Melt)

“Oh, so you’ve never had ocean fish before?” (Shizuma)

“Nope, I only saw the sea back when I was a kid and was still  allowed to go outside freely. I’d love to visit the ocean someday.” (Melt)

“Yeah, same here. I’d like to see a coastal town.” (Shizuma)

Looking around, it seemed we wandered into an area filled with restaurants. So many scents mingled in the air that it was hard to pinpoint one specific place.

Same goes for Melt. So, we resorted to checking out each storefront.

“This one’s…a tavern.” (Shizuma)

“Alcohol, huh… I’ve never tried it before.” (Melt)

“I don’t think you’re allowed to drink yet, Melt.” (Shizuma)

“Really? Is there a rule?” (Melt)

“Well, maybe they’ve got some fish dishes too. Oh, there’s one.” (Shizuma)

Peeking into the tavern, we saw what looked like smoked fish being carried out.

Nice. Looks tasty. Probably not just my personal opinion, but the conclusion of all the characters’ experience and knowledge I’ve absorbed.

In my mind, a voice mused: “There’s no way such beautifully smoked fish could taste bad. Judging from the sliced vegetables on the side, they’re probably meant to be eaten together for a contrast in flavors.”

Damn, I’m drooling.

“Melt, let’s eat here.” (Shizuma)

“Let’s do it! Smoked food! The kind of smoked food that’s a pain to make! Let’s dig in!” (Melt)

Here we go! A tavern in a fantasy world! Overflowing with manly romance!

“Melt-san, would you mind ordering for us?” (Shizuma)

“I can read the text…but I don’t know what kind of food most of this is… Ah! But I recognize the smoked bull trout! The one with veggies!” (Melt)

“Alright, then two of those… Do they have any bread or something?” (Shizuma)

“Let me see… Yup, they do. I’ll order two sets.” (Melt)

There were no booth seats or anything, just lots of tables crammed into the space. Melt and I sat at one and ordered what we came for.

I was a bit worried they’d give us dirty looks if we didn’t order alcohol, but that didn’t happen. Relief.

“Everyone seems to be having fun. Probably all drinking.” (Melt)

“Yeah. Wonder what kind of booze is popular here. Probably ale or something.” (Shizuma)

Probably not cold ale, right? I mean, chilled beer is a Japanese thing, isn’t it?

…Wait, that’s totally a frosted glass mug I see over there.

The stuff inside is golden, too. What the hell? Do they have fridges? Is that beer!?

“…Right now, I’m clearly over twenty. So it’s fine.” (Shizuma)

“Huh? That was random. What’s up, Seimu?” (Melt)

“Just…justifying myself. Excuse me, could we get two of the same mugs they’re having over there?” (Shizuma)

“You got it! Two iced ales coming up!” 

Oh, they didn’t even stop Melt from ordering one. So it must be okay for her age in this world.

Or maybe she just looks more mature…

…Well, as long as she keeps her mouth shut, she does look more like the older sister type.

Once she talks, she is a total kid though.

“Looks like I’m allowed to drink too!” (Melt)

“Seems that way. Let’s wait a bit for the food, then.” (Shizuma)

Man, I had all kinds of typical fantasy tavern events in mind, but it looks like I don’t need to worry about that right now.

If I had to imagine something happening…

Maybe one of those “Hey, you got a cute girl with ya” situations?

The drunk picks a fight with the guy just for having a girl with him.

And second most likely cliche event: “A fight breaks out nearby, and we get dragged into it!”

Yeah, no thanks. If that happens, I’m outta there instantly.

“What are you grumbling about by yourself?” (Melt)

“Just thinking dumb stuff.” (Shizuma)

“Really? I was thinking about something very important: should I start biting the fish from the belly or the back?” (Melt)

“Back’s better.” (Shizuma)

You know, there’s a saying about fish: “Sea fish from the back, river fish from the belly.” Or something.

Wait, am I remembering that wrong? Maybe it’s about cooking methods?

Sea fish are grilled from the back…river fish from the belly…? And when plating, sea fish face belly-forward, river fish face back-forward…?

Whatever! As long as it can be eaten, it is fine!

“Forget I said anything. Just eat it however you like.” (Shizuma)

“Okay, I will. I haven’t had much smoked food. It takes at least a day to make and is usually made for preservation, so I haven’t really eaten it much.” (Melt)

“Same here.” (Shizuma)

But I do have memories and experiences of eating it.

Come to think of it, maybe these ‘memories from the character’s past’ are actually just a reflection of the developer’s thoughts and experiences?

When I think deeply, I start to recall stuff that sounds like modern Earth knowledge.

Like drinking with someone in a foreign tavern.

Getting access to a person’s memories and experiences all at once might actually be insanely indulgent. Or even cheating.

“Thanks for waiting. Two smoked bull trout, vegetable assortments, two plates of baguette, and two iced ales.”

“Yes! It’s here! Whoa! It’s smoked to a beautiful golden color!” (Melt)

“Ooh! And look at all those sides!” (Shizuma)

The fish looked like rainbow trout, split open.

Must have been smoked while open.

“That’s a lot of work. They even removed the belly bones.” (Melt)

“Hohooh… Looks like you stuff veggies or cheese inside the fish, close it back up, and eat it that way.” (Shizuma)

“I’m already doing it. Looks so good…” (Melt)

Melt had already stuffed onions and cheese into the belly of her fish and was chowing down with her hands.

Looks like that’s the right way to eat it. Others around us were doing the same.

I copied her and took a big bite!

“Mmm!? Ngh… So good…” (Shizuma)

The smoky flavor mixed with raw onion filled my mouth.

It didn’t seem like a fatty river fish, but the flavor was strong! It held up against the smoke!

The salty seasoning brought out the sweetness in the veggies… and mixed with the cheese for an overall bold flavor…

“Ngh… Ngh… Pwah!” (Shizuma)

“I’m gonna try the drink too.” (Melt)

The cold ale didn’t have much fizz or punch.

But it was nicely chilled, with a hint of grain and maybe some citrus peel. It went down my throat fast.

Drinking with food like this is incredible…

I’m seriously glad I got this body…

“Delicious!!! So good! Two fish aren’t nearly enough!” (Melt)

“Totally! This alone made coming to this town worth it!” (Shizuma)

“Right!? Ahh… I’m so happy.” (Melt)

Seeing Melt that genuinely happy made me happy too.

…The food scene here is seriously top tier. I’m looking forward to life in this world.

——

We ordered more fish, veggies, cheese, baguette, and drinks, as we fully immersed ourselves in the moment.

And then, I felt someone approaching our table.

Could it be…? Is this really going to be one of those cliche events!?

A mix of danger and excitement welled up inside me.

Alright, I’ll protect Melt. She’s clearly a young girl out of place in this tavern, so it’s no wonder she drew attention.

I called out toward the presence approaching us without looking.

“Can I help you with something?” (Shizuma)

As if to wordlessly say, “I’ve noticed you” and “I’m no amateur.”

Now then, how will you react…!

“Sorry, bro, we’re about to close, so I’m just going around asking if anyone wants to order one last thing.”

“Ah…yes, understood. I’ll head out after I finish this.” (Shizuma)

“Alrighty! Thanks for eating so heartily!”

I was mistaken.

How embarrassing.

“Aah, that was so good…! It was such a treat here too. I’ll have to work hard and earn some money.” (Melt)

“I’ll do my best too. I’ve barely done any adventurer work before.” (Shizuma)

“Really? Wanna go look for work at the guild tomorrow? Or maybe go sightseeing around the city?” (Melt)

“Hmm… I think I’ll try finding the Pigeon Company first.” (Shizuma)

“Ah, the merchant place? Then what should I do? Maybe I’ll go to the guild alone and look for work?” (Melt)

Going separately, huh. Well, that might actually be fine. It’s not like she’s so weak that she needs me around all the time. She seems to have a decent sense of danger at the very least.

“Try to pick jobs that can be done inside the city, at least until you’re more used to things.” (Shizuma)

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. I’d feel safer with you when going outside anyway. But I’d also like to do some sightseeing while we go to the merchant’s place.” (Melt)

We started heading back to the inn as we discussed that.

But apparently, my trivial thoughts had a habit of popping up outside the store.

Ahh…we’re definitely being followed. This time, I can actually feel trouble brewing.

“Hmm… Melt, can you run ahead to the inn?” (Shizuma)

“Yeah, someone’s coming. Will you be alright?” (Melt)

“Piece of cake. Just make sure you run full speed to the inn. Be careful of alleys and side streets.” (Melt)

“Got it. Good luck, Seimu.” (Melt)

After exchanging words in a whisper, I moved as if on cue…

“Ah! I forgot something!” (Shizuma)

I shouted loudly on purpose and spun around all at once.

There stood a trio of surprised people.

…Huh, they’re all women.

“What’d you forget, bro?”

“Whew… You really do have a cute face.”

“And the brat you were with just left—how convenient.”

…Um, wait, was the target not Melt, but me…?

“Uh…ladies, do you perhaps have some business with me?” (Shizuma)

“Now you’re talking. We’ve had our eyes on you in the tavern for a while. How about a drink with us? That place closes too early.”

“Come on, why not? It’s rare to find someone like you around here. We’ll show you a good time.”

Turns out, the ones who had been following us were three drunk women of the worst kind.

And somehow, their goal was me.

“I’m sorry, but I must decline. I’m heading back to the inn, so if you’ll excuse me.” (Shizuma)

I declined firmly. This has nothing to do with preference or looks; there’s no way I’m getting involved with people who clearly mean to attack someone.

And of course…

“There’s no path where you get to say no, you know?”

A sword and spear were pointed at me. One of them had circled around and wrapped her arm around my waist, blocking my escape.

See? This is the kind of people they are. Then I won’t hold back either.

I believe in gender equality.

“…I’ll make sure your body learns not to try anything funny ever again.” (Shizuma)

I grabbed the arm wrapped around my waist, and with a shoulder throw, slammed her straight into the ground.

“Gya!”

“He can fight?!”

“Damn it, we got careless.”

I stomped on the one on the ground, and confirmed she was no longer moving.

Don’t kick a woman? Never heard of that. For personal reasons, I’ve decided that if a woman does something cruel to me, I won’t go easy on her.

“I’m going to beat all three of you within an inch of your lives. You ruined my nice evening, so I’ll make sure you never want to go out at night again.” (Shizuma)

There are still people on the street, but if none of them are coming to help…

Well, it’s probably a common enough sight, isn’t it?

Then keep pretending you’re not involved, all the way to the end.

Ignore their begging, their screams; all of it.

They’re the ones in the wrong. Even if they’re women, I’ll make sure they understand.

——

Author:

(´・ω・｀) No way I can beat three of them!

(´・ω・`) Idiot, I’m gonna win

(´・ω・｀) Caution: The protagonist of this story does not hold back even against women if they are enemies.

There will be more scenes like this, so if that makes you uncomfortable, this story may not be for you.

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