Chapter 53

"Hey, Mongrel's here too!"

"What's up with him! He's brought a girl... Oh, it's Lina!"

"Lina's so cute! She looks great with you!"

"Y-Yeah, thanks."

When they entered the guild, the tavern was already bustling with many people. Although some guild members who were based elsewhere might have come in, they probably didn't want to be overwhelmed by the locals, so there were fewer unfamiliar faces today.

Still, the atmosphere was different from usual. The men, who usually wore heavy armor, were dressed casually, and the women were dressed up to the nines, probably because it was a festival. This sense of unreality made many people sit at tables together, crossing the usual party boundaries, and share drinks.

"Hey!? Lina and Mr. Mongrel, weren't you two touring together today?"

"Ah, Senior Ulrika. Well, we did tour for a while, but when we heard we could drink at the guild, we decided to come together."

"Ah, what a waste... You two should have stayed out longer... But never mind, come sit over here. There's plenty of space."

In one corner, Ulrika was also present. She was dressed up today, with her shoulders exposed. Her broad shoulders didn't look entirely masculine...? But it was hard to say. There are a lot of tough women in this world.

"Hey, Ulrika, did you see the dance?"

"No, I didn't. I just walked around a bit outside, and then I've been here with Sheena and the others. Look over there."

Ulrika pointed to where Sheena, Nastasha, Sally the leader of "Young Sapling's Staff," and Alektra the deputy leader of "Harvest Sword" were gathered. The high-class members were sitting around a table, reciting poetry in low voices. They were giving and taking copper coins from a row on the table each time someone recited. ...This is probably some kind of highbrow game in this world. It looked boring, and I had no interest in it.

"Senior Mongrel and I saw the dance a bit. The colored jelly slimes being released were amazing."

"Wow, that sounds great. But it must have been crowded, right?"

"It was crazy. If Senior Mongrel hadn't pushed through, we wouldn't have made it."

"Wow, you're strong."

In situations like this, being physically powerful is a big help. Japanese people can push through anywhere with continuous chops, as long as they don't cut in line.

"Hey, the jellyfish is really good."

"Right, right? There's still a lot, so feel free to eat as much as you want. And the beer too!"

"The festival is the best."

This jellyfish dish, which is like a vinegar salad, is quite good. In my previous life, jellyfish was also a good snack, but it seems even better in this world. The beer is... well, it's just okay. Honestly, warm beer is a bit sad. But it's still a liquid cooler than body temperature, so I can pretend it's cold... I can get used to it and it will taste good.

"Senior Mongrel, aren't you going to eat the sweets you bought earlier?"

"Sure, I brought some spices to try with it."

"Excuse me, three beers."

Near the wall of the guild tavern, a bard who is usually not around was performing, and the members of the "Regal Guard" were listening happily. It's only on festival days that you see them here. The place usually feels cramped due to the equipment and luggage, but today it feels spacious. However, it's also noisy because of the influx of people, but the noise is not entirely bad.

"Excuse me."

While enjoying the comfortable atmosphere and watching the floating yellow jellyfish, a man in armor entered from the entrance. He was a knight, a few levels above a guard, and probably a squire.

His presence tightened the atmosphere, and the tavern's air became tense.

"I am a messenger sent to this guild by the Earl of Regal. I have a message for all present, so please listen quietly."

The bard's performance stopped, and the squire cleared his throat. He unfolded a large, high-quality parchment and puffed out his chest.

"Citizens of Regal, I am delighted to celebrate this fine day with you. This year, the moon goddess's prayers have been answered, and she has promised a bountiful harvest. Today, let us raise our glasses together and savor the fine cuisine. The beer and some of the food are my gifts. Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."

Someone clapped. They were already drunk.

"Also, this message is a letter of gratitude to Sir Chaos, the inventor, who is somewhere in Regal. Since his whereabouts are unknown, it will be read simultaneously in various places, so please bear with us."

...Huh.

I hadn't seen such a messenger before, so I had an idea, but yeah, it was a message to Sir Chaos.

"Sir Chaos. I wish to report that the harvest of the previous year has yielded excellent results thanks to the wisdom you provided. First, I offer great thanks for your 'saltwater selection' and 'seed disinfection.'"

Ah... I suggested it as a last resort, but they actually implemented it. So, the Earl of Regal did it. That's impressive. Especially the seed disinfection, which wouldn't have been easy to do on a large scale.

...Well, it feels good to be praised.

"...To be praised by the Earl, that's really something, isn't it?"

"Yeah... I wonder if he's really in Regal."

Well, he might be closer than you think.

"And there is one more thing for Sir Chaos."

What, there's more?

"I wish to inform you that the 'distilled alcohol' you have been developing has been completed."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

"Are you okay, Senior Mongrel!"

S-Seriously! They made it, the distilled alcohol!

"Today, I will serve this new drink, whiskey, to the people of Regal. Although it is difficult to mass-produce, I plan to gradually increase production."

The man then took out a large glass bottle from his luggage. The amber liquid inside... it looks exactly like the whiskey I used to enjoy in my previous life.

The guild members in the tavern gasped at the mention of the new drink. Everyone was looking at the bottle with interest... but it's mine... can I have it all...? No, that's not possible...

"...That's all. The distribution of the alcohol is up to this guild, but the Earl of Regal hopes it will be distributed equally to everyone. Please do not disappoint him. Also, as it is a strong drink, be mindful of the amount you drink and drink water afterward. That's what he said. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

After entrusting the large bottle to the guild, the squire posted the parchment on the bulletin board and left. After a moment of silence, the bard resumed a bright tune, and the atmosphere returned to its lively state. Some people came to read the letter, while others were very interested in the new drink.

"Should we try it too?"

"Yeah! It sounds fun! It's a strong drink... Mr. Mongrel will drink it, right?"

"Of course! I love strong drinks!"

"Wow, you're enthusiastic."

We joined the line of eager drinkers at the reception.

From the front of the line, I heard disappointed voices. It seemed they were unhappy with the amount of alcohol in their glasses. When it was my turn, I saw that the amount was about two finger-widths. For a straight drink, this amount is more than enough.

...Ah, this familiar smell. I wonder what kind of barrel they used. I can't tell, but this is definitely whiskey.

"It's a small amount..."

"Yeah... They should have brought a barrel."

"Come on, let's try it first. It's our first time, so just a small sip."

"Alright, I'll try it..."

While the two of them were disappointed with the small serving, I took a sip of the whiskey.

The alcohol tingled on my lips. The wood aroma, somewhat like chocolate. The hot sensation on the throat... Ah, it's nostalgic. This is definitely whiskey.

"Delicious..."

"Hot!? It's so spicy!"

"Ugh, what is this? It's like medicine!"

"Ah, but it... it's actually good...!"

"Do you understand, Lina... This is good..."

"Ah, really...? You two are too strong with alcohol...?"

"Senior Ulrika... If you don't want it, we'll drink it..."

"Hey, Lina, your eyes are sharp! That's scary!"

Ignoring the stunned Ulrika, Lina and I sipped the whiskey while eating the jellyfish. This is good. Thank you, Earl of Regal. Thank you, Sir Chaos. No, Sir Chaos is me.

"To Sir Chaos!"

"Cheers!"

"This is a good thing!"

"Whiskey is the best!"

While some people couldn't handle the drink, it was very appealing to those who could. The ones who immediately got hooked on the strong drink were raising their small glasses to praise the inventor.

It might not be enough to get drunk, but it's enough to enjoy.

"...Cheers."

I raised my glass in a small toast to the table praising Sir Chaos, responding to their gratitude.