Chapter 55

The preparations for the feast were quickly put in order.

A row of wooden boxes, serving as chairs, was arranged a little away from the hearth, and large planks were placed on top of barrels of knee height, turning them into tables. Just as the second son, Niniras, was rummaging in one of the tents, he returned carrying a barrel identical to the ones used as table legs, though this one seemed to be full.

When he pulled the wooden plug from the side of the barrel, a light brown liquid spurted out. Skillfully catching it in mugs, Niniras passed them around.

One of the twins threw plates one after another from the wooden boxes into the air, and the other caught them effortlessly, handing them over to Diarg, who was crouching by the hearth. The wooden spoon that had been stirring the iron pot was lifted, and the thick soup was poured into the plates, which were then lined up on the table.

The third son, Gugtaf, was grinding something in a black stone mortar. It seemed to be dried blue fruit peels mixed with salt and red pepper. When this was sprinkled over the soup as a finishing touch, a citrusy aroma suddenly filled the air. The delicious smell made Muu, unable to wait any longer, tap Tore on the knee.

Finally, the withered outer leaves of a pointed cabbage were discarded, and the fresh inner leaves were placed on the table as plates. On them, large sausages, sizzling and dripping with meat juice, were placed. A small spoonful of salted pork fat was also added as a garnish.

It was a menu one might see in a cheap tavern, but in a place so far from the city, it was quite a feast.

The eldest son, Rorolf, confirmed that everyone was seated and stood up, raising a mug of beer.

"Today, four guests have come to our riverside. The famous 'Mud Fishers' and their companions! Look, when was the last time we had such beautiful guests?"

"Probably never, brother. Let's get on with it."

"Right, you're right. This is the best hospitality we can offer. Drink and eat to your heart's content! May the six gods bless us!"

"May the six gods bless us!"

With the toast, the noisy dinner began.

Tore immediately brought a deep bowl of vegetable-packed soup to his mouth. The broth, thickened with barley, gently enveloped his tongue. The flavors of the cooked vegetables followed one after another, and the dish was finished off with the red pepper and sour green yuzu.

Savoring the sensation as it fell down his throat, Tore sighed deeply.

Curious about the ingredients, he scooped them up with a spoon. Potatoes, onions, and green peas emerged from the bottom. When he put a large chunk in his mouth, the rich flavor of fish spread.

"What is this..."

"That's dried blood fish. Look over there."

Following the words of the shield bearer with the overgrown bangs, Tore looked toward the embankment. Several fillets were hanging from a wooden frame between the tents.

"We also make smoked fish."

Indeed, a large pot that looked like it was used for smoking was placed on the hearth.

"We get so many that we try to come up with ways to keep from getting tired of them."

"Do you not sell them?"

"It's quite far, and it's difficult to carry them. They also spoil quickly."

The quality of the blood fish's flesh drops rapidly after a while, so the buying time is limited to the afternoon of the day they are caught. From this location, which is a two-hour walk to the buying station, it's not worth the effort to bring just one or two fish.

"Besides, if we bring too many, we'll be caught."

"Is it really that hard to catch them?"

"Actually, it's easy here because they often get caught on the riverbed."

Naturally, blood fish don't come up to land, so most of them disappear into the river bottom when killed. If they were to bring a large number of these hard-to-recover monsters, they would be suspected and investigated.

"Would you like to take some as a souvenir?"

"Is that okay?"

To everyone's surprise, it was Yuril, sitting next to Tore, who perked up. The girl from the northern country was actually a big fish lover. However, in this area, far from the sea, only processed fish were available, and they were quite expensive.

The neighboring former border town, Bosseria, had partially recovered, but the northern road was still under strict surveillance, making it difficult to get fish.

"Yes, take as much as you like."

"Thank you. I'm really looking forward to it."

Yuril, her cheeks slightly flushed from the alcohol, raised her mug in gratitude. Diarg, smiling warmly, asked Tore in a curious tone.

"I was surprised. When did you cross the forest? And not just you, but your companions as well..."

"Yeah, a lot happened. I'm a junior in this hunting ground, so please take care of me."

"No, I should be the one to say that. By the way... are Rorolf and the others being too reckless? They don't mean any harm, but they can get a bit carried away and sometimes lose sight of their surroundings."

"I appreciate all the help they've given me. And I was impressed by what they've built. It's amazing they managed to do so much."

"They are very passionate. I'm also one of their beneficiaries."

Diarg glanced at the brothers, who were happily drinking more beer, and then lowered his voice slightly as he asked Tore.

"So... I heard you came to help. Is that true?"

"Yeah, it sounds like fun. Can we help with the construction?"

"Really? Thank you so much."

The young man of the Chaekak tribe, his neck turning red as he tilted his mug, continued in a whisper.

"Actually... I had the impression that you were a solitary person. But I was surprised to find out that you're not. I didn't expect you to join in such a silly project."

"Maybe as you get older, you want to get involved in more things."

"Is that so?"

"Well, my belief is that relationships without ulterior motives often bring more benefits."

"Ah, I see. I'm also very happy to have met them."

As he said this, the sturdy shield bearer looked around the table again.

The three large brothers were already engrossed in drinking, telling silly jokes and occasionally waving their fists. Yuril, having fully relaxed, was emptying her mug at the same pace, smiling and joining in their conversation.

Sora and Muu were greedily devouring the deep bowls of soup, moaning as they bit into the sausages. Next to them, the green-feathered Tapas and Tali, with their eyes narrowed, were busy serving, refilling the soup and cutting the sausages into bite-sized pieces for the children.

Turning back to Tore, Diarg nodded deeply and raised his mug.

"Then... although it's not really my style, let's have a toast?"

"Sure, to good encounters and good companions."

"Yes, to encounters and companions."

The feast continued until the sun had fully set, and Tore and his companions decided to stay at this riverside. Simple tents for shelter from the rain were hastily set up, and everyone rolled into their beds. Thanks to the spirit grass, there were no annoying insects, and the monsters stayed away from the shore. A cool breeze from the river passed through the tents, which were left open at both ends.

Tore and his companions stretched out and enjoyed the safe and comfortable beds.

While being hugged by the snoring Muu, Tore poked his head out of the tent and looked up at the night sky. The midnight sky, without a cloud, was dotted with stars twinkling like grains of light.

"Beautiful, isn't it, Tore?"

"Yeah, it's a great view. ...I feel like there are more stars here than in the city."

"Maybe. It reminds me of the village."

Tore recalled the conversation from dinner as he heard Sora's response from the neighboring tent.

"Hey, Sora. Is adventuring fun?"

"Yes. I've seen such a beautiful sky, and I'm really grateful to you for bringing me here, Tore."

"...I see. That's good."

Thus, Tore and his companions' first day at the Blood Fish River passed.