Bastard Swordsman

Chapter 53 : Amber Gratitude

Amber Gratitude

「Oh, Mongrel's here too!」

「Who's that with him? Oh, it's Raina!」

「Raina-chan is so cute! It suits you!」

「U-Uh, thanks.」

When I entered the guild, the tavern was already bustling with people.

Other guild members based elsewhere could also have come in, but perhaps they disliked being overwhelmed by the locals' enthusiasm. There were few unfamiliar faces today.

Even so, the atmosphere was different than usual.

The men who typically wore armor were dressed casually, and the women were dressed up, likely because of the festival.

Maybe it was the surreal atmosphere, but many people were sitting at tables across party lines, sharing drinks.

「Huh?! Raina and Mongrel-san, weren't you two going to look around together today?」

「Oh, Ulrika-senpai. Yeah, well, we were looking around, but we heard we could drink at the guild, so we thought we'd come here together.」

「Ahh... You should've stayed out longer together... Well, anyway, have a seat here, both of you. There's room.」

In one corner, Ulrika was also present. She, too, seemed to be dressed up, with her shoulders exposed. Her broad shoulders could almost make her look like a guy... Yet again, given this world, there are many bulky women.

「Oh, sorry, Ulrika-san. You're all dressed up too. Your outfit suits you.」

「No, no, no, it's fine with me, really.」

As we sat down, an unfamiliar waitress brought over a set of beer and jellyfish dishes.

We didn't even have to order; apparently, it's free today. Much appreciated.

「Alright, Raina. Today, we're drinking as much as possible.」

「Uh, well, but I think it's better to drink at your own pace.」

「Oh my... What a good kid you are.」

「Hey, can you stop petting me?」

Looking closely, I spotted jelly slimes floating around inside the guild.

They were dyed yellow jellyfish. They floated near the high ceiling, perhaps aimlessly, with some insects nearby.

「Hey, did you see the dances, Ulrika-san?」

「Nah, just a bit of a look around outside, that's about it. Afterward, I stuck around here with leader Sheena and others. Look over there.」

Ulrika pointed towards Sheena and Nastasha, along with Sally, the leader of the 『Sapling's Staff』, and Alectra, the deputy leader of the 『Sword of the Harvest』.

Seeing gold-rank folks gathered at a corner of the tavern, I thought they were mumbling poetry contests at the table. Each time someone recited, they'd exchange coins from the tabletop.

... That's probably some sophisticated game from this world. It sounds boring, so I wouldn't want to engage or find interest in it.

「Mongrel-senpai and I watched a bit of the dance. It was truly amazing when the colored jelly slimes were released.」

「Sounds nice! But wasn't it crowded?」

「Totally! If it weren't for Mongrel-senpai pushing us through, we'd never make it.」

「Wow, that's impressive strength.」

In times like this, having a physical strength is helpful. In Japan, if it's not about cutting in line, you could chop your way through infinitely.

「Hey, the jellyfish is really good.」

「Right, right? There's supposedly plenty, so eat as much as you like. Beer too.」

「Festivals are the best.」

This jellyfish-like pickled dish makes for a nice snack.

Even in my past life, jellyfish was a great snack, but in this world, it feels even better tasting.

The beer... well, it's pretty ordinary. Honestly, lukewarm beer is a bit sad, isn't it?

But since it's lower than body temperature, you could kind of say it's cool... I drank while convincing myself. Once you get used to it, it's enjoyable.

「Mongrel-senpai, would you like the candy we bought earlier?」

「Sounds great. Oh, I brought some spices, let's sprinkle some on.」

「Excuse me—three beers, please.」

Along the tavern walls, bards, not commonly present, performed. Nearby, members of the 『Regor Security Force』 enjoyed the peace.

They aren't regulars at the guild, but their presence is exclusive to festival days.

Usually, with the equipment and baggage, despite enough seating, it feels cramped. But today, without those things, it feels spacious. Not only that, the people crowding make it noisy, but this lively atmosphere isn't bad at all.

「Excuse me.」

As I immersed myself in the cozy air, watching the yellow jellyfish floating above, a man in armor entered.

More above a guard, this was a knight. I assume the man was his attendant.

Just their presence tightened the atmosphere. The tavern naturally tensed.

「I'm a messenger sent to this guild by Count Regor. I have a message for those present, so lend me your ears.」

The bard's music ceased as the attendant cleared his throat lightly.

He unrolled a fine sheep parchment and straightened his chest.

「Citizens of Regor, I am delighted to be able to celebrate this good day together. Once again this year, the prayers to the Moon Goddess have been answered, promising abundant harvests. Come, let us share drinks and enjoy the feast. Beer and some meals are my gifts. Enjoy them to the fullest.」

Someone burst into applause. Those folks are way ahead in terms of celebrating.

「Moreover, this message is a letter of gratitude addressed to the inventor known as Lord Chaos, who is assumed to be somewhere within Regor. We read it simultaneously in various locations due to uncertainty about his whereabouts, and we beg your pardon.」

... What?

I see, I never really paid attention to these messengers, but this one's addressed to Lord Chaos.

「Lord Chaos, I am pleased to report that thanks to your wisdom, last year's harvest turned out to be a magnificent success. Firstly, let us express our deep appreciation for your contribution through 'Saltwater selection' and 'Seed disinfection'.」

Ah... I mentioned them, hoping against hope, and they implemented it.

I see, Count Regor got it done. Amazing, considering how major seed disinfection isn't an easy task.

... Well, it doesn't feel bad being praised.

「It's amazing to be praised by the Count-sama, isn't it?」

「Yeah... Do you think he's really in Regor?」

Well, you know, he might be surprisingly close by.

「And to Lord Chaos, we have one more notification.」

What, there's more?

「We are pleased to announce the completion of the 'Distilled Liquor', which development began previously.」

「Ugh, gah, cough cough.」

「Are, are you okay, Mongrel-senpai!」

No way! It's done—distilled liquor!

「Thanks to the knowledge provided by Lord Chaos, we are preparing to serve this new liquor, whiskey, to the citizens of Regor today. Though making it in large quantities is still challenging, we plan to gradually increase production volume.」

With those words, the man brought out a large glass bottle from his baggage.

The amber liquid inside... looked exactly like the whiskey I savored in my previous life.

Hearing about the new liquor, the guild members in the tavern expressed their admiration. Everyone was eagerly eyeing the bottle... but it's mine... can't you let me have it all...? No? Okay...

「That concludes the message. The apportionment of the liquor is left to this guild's discretion, but Count Regor desires it be distributed equally among all. Make sure not to disappoint the Count. Please also note, it is strong, so do mind your intake. After drinking, ensure to hydrate. Understood?」

「Y-Yes, Sir!」

After handing over the large liquor bottle, the attendant pinned the parchment on the bulletin board and walked away.

After a moment of silence, the bard resumed a lively tune, bringing back the energy.

Some gathered before the letter of gratitude to read it, while most seemed intrigued by the new liquor.

「Shall we try it too?」

「Yeah! Sounds fun! A strong drink... Mongrel-san, you're drinking too, right?」

「Of course! I love strong liquor!」

「Wow, such enthusiasm!」

Joining the drinkers rushing to the counter, the three of us queued up.

Hearing disappointed voices from up the line, it seemed they were dissatisfied with the amount poured in their cups.

When it was my turn, I found it to be two fingers' worth. For straight, this amount was more than enough, I think.

... Ah, that pungent aroma. What wood is the barrel made of? Don't know, but it's undoubtedly whiskey.

「Seems like only a small amount...」

「Right...? They should've brought a whole cask.」

「Well, well, let's just have a small taste first, alright?」

「Alright, I'm going to drink... but...」

Leaving the two disheartened by the small portion, I took a taste of the whiskey.

The alcohol soaked into my lips. The scent resembled chocolate, like the aroma of wood.

The burning sensation on the throat lining felt almost detrimental... Ah, nostalgic. This is indeed whiskey.

「This is amazing...」

「It's so strong! It's really strong!」

「Wow, what is this!? It's powerful! Almost like medicine!」

「Oh, but... this is really good...!」

「Raina, you get it... This is nice...」

「Really...? Don't you two drink too much...?」

「Ulrika-senpai... if you don't want yours, we'll have it...」

「Hey, Raina, your eyes are scary! Calm down!」

Ignoring Ulrika's bewilderment, Raina and I nibbled on jelly while sipping whiskey.

This is good. Thank you, Count Regor. Thank you, Lord Chaos. Wait, I am Lord Chaos.

「To Lord Chaos!」

「Cheers!」

「This is wonderful!」

「Whiskey is the best!」

It might not be pleasant for everyone, but for those who can drink it, it's a highly attractive liquor.

Those who quickly got hooked on this strong drink raised their small cups in praise of the inventor.

Though below in quantity to cause total inebriation, it's enough for them to enjoy.

「Cheers.」

Quietly raising my cup toward those praising Lord Chaos, I responded to their gratitude.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=

Mongrel casually introducing strong liquor in another world.

【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】