novelraw Chapter 50 : Resumption
Chapter 50 : Resumption
Resumption
It has already been two days since the old man from the stonemason guild left.
The old man repeatedly expressed his thanks to me and Plerine, saying that it was his first time finishing a project of this scale so quickly.
'If he was so thankful, he could've done more than just say it—he might as well have given us a discount on the construction fee.'
Though I briefly grumbled about this inwardly, the remodeling itself was of a truly satisfying quality.
Just look at this signboard, written elegantly in the official Imperial language.
The rich sheen of high-grade ebony wood was unmistakable.
In contrast, the shop's exterior had been entirely repainted a pale grey to add a touch of complementary color.
The interior went without saying.
From the floor, tables, and chairs to the pillars, everything run-down was replaced.
The lighting had even been rearranged with a modern sense of style, as a bonus.
Of course, the most important functional upgrades were also implemented perfectly.
There was a boiler powered by Plerine's semi-permanent blue flame, and adjustable firepower cooking stoves for the kitchen.
With facilities and interiors like these, this place could confidently claim to be the best in the North—no, perhaps the whole continent.
'Farewell forever to the shabby inn, Fairy's Leg.'
Sure enough, even the system window for [Inn] had started to see its reputation skyrocket.
[Inn]
〈 Grade: Inn that's starting to gain word-of-mouth 〉
〈 Reputation: Small city-level (147/300) 〉
---------(Staff List)--------
〈 [1] Nanabas Lokario 〉
└ Grade: ???
└ Buff Application Rate: 50% + 0%
〈 [2] Plerine 〉
└ Grade: SSSR
└ Buff Application Rate: 50% + 0%
And Plerine's staff grade was a whopping SSSR.
I didn't yet know exactly how high that was, but still, didn't it look impressive?
To be honest, it was such a sweet taste of growth that it made me want more.
If only the shop's location were safer, it would have been perfect.
'Of all places, it just had to be in a village near the frontline.'
It couldn't be helped. All I could do was become stronger—strong enough to protect my shop and my staff.
And an important event for my own growth was just around the corner.
"Let's get moving!"
"Mm!"
"Okay!"
The day to finally resume business had arrived!
We were now preparing a meal for the military officers.
Naturally, as it would be the very first impression of our shop, I felt the tension in my shoulders.
As I worked in sync with my staff, a knocking sound came at the shop's door, and Naba dashed out first.
"Welcome!"
I followed Naba out of the kitchen, and the officers of Granfen, those above platoon leader rank, were entering.
They looked around at the newly renovated shop in astonishment.
"Was this place always so clean?"
"It's different from what I heard."
Yes.
This was exactly it.
This was the kind of reaction I'd spent all that money hoping for.
I tried to hide my satisfaction as the last person to enter was the battalion commander, who greeted me.
"Hoho. Truly, the shop is unrecognizable! Looks like commander Hank kept his promise and helped you out."
I found myself annoyed the moment I heard the green-eyed guy's name.
'Come to think of it, I'd forgotten about tattling to the battalion commander.'
He acted like he was helping in front of others but snuck off behind their backs, then tried to have me die in an "accident"—that bastard.
I racked my brain, quickly wondering what to do with him, but the battalion commander kept speaking.
"I was worried, but it's a relief. Truly, it is. commander Hank?"
He seemed to be searching for the person in the shop,
'... He's not here.'
The green-eyed guy was nowhere to be seen.
The blond, Lantz, seemed about to report something to the battalion commander, but hesitated at a glance in my direction.
That guy, is he just ignoring me?
"It's fine, you can say it. Or is it something our cook shouldn't hear?"
"... No, sir. In fact, commander Hank has not returned since responding to an emergency dispatch reported last night."
"He's still out?"
"Yes, sir."
"And the dispatch was last night?"
"... Yes."
The battalion commander silently closed his eyes, then let out a low sigh and spoke.
"Everyone must be hungry, so sit down."
"Yes, sir!"
Noticing the battalion commander's displeasure, the officers moved in perfect order.
'Well, if the battalion commander has any sense, he'd be able to tell that the duel was Hank's doing.'
And for someone like that to not show up at this first meal? Clearly, he was skipping out using a deployment as an excuse.
For me, it was a relief not to have to serve an unlucky customer.
For now, I'd focus on my job.
"I'll serve the food right away! Please wait just a moment."
I pitched my voice three tones higher than usual and put on my most courteous smile as I started serving.
Tap, tap, tap.
Dishes landed, steam swirling into the air.
The battalion commander's face lit up as soon as he saw what was placed before him.
"Oh ho, this dish—isn't this vegetable porridge? Like the one you made before."
He spoke in excitement, clearly happy, but unfortunately that was not quite correct.
To put it precisely, it was half correct.
This morning's breakfast was—
"It's meat-vegetable porridge. Please enjoy."
A light, easy dish for breakfast, visually similar to the stews these medieval types often ate.
"Isn't this stew?"
As expected, the officers hesitated at the unfamiliar dish.
"It kind of looks like someone chewed up the potatoes and spat them out... ahem."
Some nearly voiced their complaints, but realizing they were with the battalion commander, they held back.
The battalion commander, on the other hand, picked up a spoon without care for his subordinates' gazes.
Chomp.
Chew, chew.
The battalion commander slowly raised his head; his brow furrowed, his gaze wistful.
Here it came: the battalion commander's "forehead of truth".
Gulp.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed the food down and spoke.
"It was delicious before, but with meat in it, the umami is on a whole different level! Truly a fantastic taste! Hohoho!"
He happily kept scooping up spoonfuls, and the other officers stared at him in a daze.
"......"
Feeling the silence, the battalion commander paused for a moment, then spoke to the officers.
"What are you all doing? Aren't you going to eat?"
"Yes, sir!"
The officers realized they couldn't delay any longer and picked up their spoons, though their faces were still less than enthusiastic.
But I knew—they'd soon be satisfied.
"Huh?!"
As expected! The blond, Lantz, immediately opened his eyes wide.
"What is it?"
Another officer asked Lantz, who replied with a mysterious smile.
"You'll know if you eat. Just eat."
And soon after,
My employees and I got busy.
"Cook! One more bowl here!"
"Coming, coming! Plerine! Take all of this out!"
"Okay!"
"Boss! An empty bowl here!"
These crude medieval folks—seeing them completely floored by modern flavor—truly a sight to see. Heh.
〈 The customer is satisfied with the meal. 〉
〈 You have gained 1 'Satisfaction'. 〉
〈 Customer – Yvon Nemes acknowledges the food. 〉
〈 You have gained 1 'Recognition'. 〉
〈 The customer is satisfied with the service. 〉
〈 You have gained 1 'Satisfaction'. 〉
〈 Customer – Kane Glur is...
.
.
〈 Quest [1] Promote Korean Cuisine (Stage 1) objective achieved. 〉
〈 Congratulations. Reward will be paid. 〉
〈 A new quest has been added. 〉
.
.
Even after a long time away from shop work, I didn't feel tired at all.
My brain was awash in dopamine from the shower of points and quest-clear notifications.
'This is fulfilling.'
Making delicious food, serving it to customers, having those customers enjoy and acknowledge it—it was such a welcome and refreshing feeling.
When all the dishes I'd prepared were finally gone and I stepped out of the kitchen,
Creak. The door opened with a sound.
"?"
A person, their upper body covered in blood, entered.
Their blood-soaked hair was a stark red, now hardening as it began to dry; only the eyes, untainted by blood, showed their own color.
Bright green pupils.
'Green-eyed guy? Hank?'
It looked like Commander Hank, who'd apparently not returned since going out last night.
Everyone was startled at the sight and shot up in surprise, saying things to him; for my part, I was mostly concerned about the blood on the floor.
"By iron, I swear."
"Loyalty shines upon you."
"Sorry for being late. It was an urgent situation..."
"It's fine. Give your report."
The other officers fell deathly silent, staring at Hank.
"A large group of impet was found near spirit stone quarry post 13. There were over 200 confirmed."
The previously jovial atmosphere instantly fell flat.
No matter how low-rank the monsters, having more than 200 impet appear could only mean one thing.
"Hoho. A minor Demon Realm, is it."
I'd forgotten. The Duchy's enemies were not only the federation.
*
"Boss. I know about the Demon Realm, but I've never heard of a minor Demon Realm. What is it, that everyone left in such a hurry?"
With the officers gone as if swept by a tide, Naba asked.
"Hmm. Plerine, you know about minor Demon Realms, right?"
"It's coming back to me now."
As expected, Plerine could recall everything except her own past.
"In that case, can you explain it to Naba for me?"
"Me? Why?"
I didn't say, "Because I don't want to bother explaining myself."
"If you talk about it, maybe you'll recall something further."
"Hm, that's true."
Plerine started explaining as she tidied the dishes left in the hall.
"The demons' land is called the Demon Realm, and a small Demon Realm is called a 'minor Demon Realm'."
"......"
Hm. Was that it?
"Plerine?"
"What. That's correct, isn't it?"
Still as curt with Naba as ever, and Naba squinted at her, losing patience.
Haaa. Couldn't be helped, I'd have to explain myself.
"Naba, do you know the geography around Granfen?"
"Yes. I saw it on the map posted at the adventurer's guild."
"That makes this easy to explain."
I recalled the map I'd seen in the Grey Fortress's library as I continued.
There were many countries on the continent, but around Granfen, three bordered each other like in the Three Kingdoms.
The Kaischen Duchy, the Heroni Federation,
and the land of the demonkin, 'Yom,' known to outsiders as the Demon Realm.
"The Demon Realm looks like a fog full of ash from the outside. So, how do the demonkin expand their territory?"
"Well... I doubt they seize it the way humans or other races do."
"Correct. They use a process called 'demonification' to turn normal land into Demon Realm. And the places where this is happening are called 'minor Demon Realms.'"
"Ah, so that's why the officers left so urgently."
"With spring coming, and having to prepare for war against the Heroni Federation, a minor Demon Realm popping up makes things dire."
Honestly, this was why it had been so hard for me to pin down the timeline before reading those books at the library.
By late-game, at least one of the Duchy or Federation was usually destroyed.
Not only was there war between the two, but fighting so near the Demon Realm led to frequent, devastating battles and the rise of these minor Demon Realms.
National power declined, often fatally.
But with the two countries still at war, no wonder I was confused.
'Really, the timing couldn't be worse.'
Unlike dungeons, which always appeared at set times and places every game loop, minor Demon Realms emerged randomly, caused by the actions of demonkin and other NPCs.
And yet, here one was, appearing in Granfen, the place I had to protect, right as another war loomed.
"Boss, is our village going to be alright?"
I was quietly empathizing with Naba's anxiety when Plerine answered for me.
"Don't worry. It'll probably be fine."
"What do you mean, Plerine? Are you just saying that because you're a mage and not concerned for yourself?"
Little sparks cracked in front of Plerine's face at Naba's jab, so he quickly changed the subject.
Plerine snorted and went back to her usual poker face.
"Minor Demon Realms are generally dangerous, but the degree of risk depends on when they're discovered, how far along the process is, and what monsters appear."
"Risk level?"
"Right. Think back—what did the cabbage-looking guy say earlier?"
Cabbage-looking guy must refer to Hank, the green-eyed one.
"He said there were about 200 impet."
"Right. 200 impet means this is a minor Demon Realm of the lowest danger class. That's within what this village can handle."
Just as Plerine said.
Impet are the weakest monsters in all of Belkhazium.
A minor Demon Realm with just 200 impet would certainly be manageable if Granfen's forces and Squire Schutmann worked together.
"But still, Plerine, won't there be some casualties dealing with the minor Demon Realm?"
She answered my question with a smile.
"A few are bound to die. Actually, I hope some do. Earlier, someone tried to grope my butt."
"... You held back well. Good job."
"Don't mention it. Anyway, I'm not impressed by these village soldiers."
I could understand Plerine's dislike.
She'd been thrown in jail as soon as she arrived, her employer had almost been killed in a duel, and just now, she'd nearly been sexually harassed.
'But I can't feel that way.'
I was now officially a soldier of Granfen.
That meant a drop in the unit's combat power directly threatened my survival.
So of course, I wasn't happy about the appearance of a minor Demon Realm.
'Ah. I miss it—if this were a game, I'd be rushing into that minor Demon Realm for fun.'
There were three things I liked best about the game Belkhazium: wars, dungeons, and minor Demon Realms.
As someone who chased character growth, it was the player's job to seek out risks, solve them, and reap the rewards.
'But in reality, I'm not strong. And unlike in the game, I only have one life. Haaa.'
I consoled myself by imagining the minor Demon Realm near Granfen.
With about 200 impet, the boss would almost certainly be a low-rank demonkin—an Imprel.
'The reward would be a low-rank Spirit Orb for sure.'
Spirit Orb: an item that permanently increases the maximum MP for three characters.
Different colors can't stack, but for someone like me who hadn't gotten any yet, it'd be all gain.
'Damn, I want it.'
I was stuck right at the threshold of 3rd-rank.
If I could just get a low-rank Spirit Orb, I might even achieve the enlightenment needed to advance.
But—
'With my stats now, I'd need at least two 4th-rankers in a party to take down an Imprel.'
Or go with a squire at fifth rank. I let out a long sigh at the thought.
"What are you sighing about?"
Plerine appeared in front of me, the odd mage with purple hair and an eyepatch.
"Ah."
That's when I remembered a crucial use for Plerine.
Plerine was my living, walking boiler,
my kitchen range,
my gorgeous server,
and—
'My superpowerful combatant!'
A 5th-circle fire mage capable of silent casting.
Actually, back on our way to the Grey Fortress, Plerine had turned a whole mob of impet to ashes with minimal effort.
'And she's a mage. Better than a squire in this case.'
In a one-on-one fight, a martial artist had the advantage over a mage of the same rank, but against a horde of weaker enemies, the mage was far superior.
'Wait, in that case...'
The hippocampus in my skull flexed. With my decade of Belkhazium game knowledge and Plerine, a 5th-circle mage—
'A minor Demon Realm with 200 impet should be totally doable!'
My dopamine surged.
If Plerine and I attacked it first, I'd power up and Granfen's forces wouldn't take losses!
"Plerine!"
"Hm?"
She gave me a look as if to say, 'why are you yelling all of a sudden?'
"We're pulling an all-nighter today!"
"... Eh?"
No telling when they'd march out to the minor Demon Realm, so we had to get there and claim it first.
"Let's finish evening service and then, before dawn, go clear out the minor Demon Realm."
Clatter.
Naba, startled, dropped the dishes, and slowly turned his pale face toward me.