Chapter 73

"Phew, I'm really glad you were here, Mongrel. Usually, when Gorillana isn't around, I often just discard the organs right there on the spot."

"That's a waste. Crazy Boar is delicious, you know."

"Even with the power of my skills, I don't have the strength to carry everything... That's why..."

Ulrika had taken down two Crazy Boars.

One was the muddy one she found first, and the other was a smaller one she spotted during her archery practice.

The smaller one, she took down without using her powerful skills. Apparently, "Strong Shot" drains a lot of magic power and can be bad to get used to. Indeed, the power was so great that there was no need to aim for weak points, and relying too much on skills could lead to trouble later. It might also negatively affect the next skill she develops.

"Wow, you're really efficient at butchering."

"I'm used to it. You see, I grew up on a livestock farm, so I've been doing this since I was little."

She began to skillfully slice into the thick, fatty skin of the Crazy Boar, exposing it to the stream.

I can't do this without hanging it, so watching someone who can do it so efficiently feels like watching a performance.

"Hey, if you cut the liver and expose it to water, it's better. It helps to drain the blood, making it more delicious."

"Hmm, I didn't know that."

"It's just my way, but I think it's a matter of preference. Mongrel, can you take care of the waste for me?"

"Sure, I can do that. So, can I leave the butchering to you?"

"Sure, let's divide the tasks."

All the unused organs of the Crazy Boar were buried deep in the ground to prevent them from being dug up and eaten. This also prevents various troubles from arising as they decompose in the deep soil.

However, digging deep in this world is a significant task. Most people don't carry small shovels, so many experienced hunters just dispose of the waste carelessly. Sometimes, they have no choice.

"Phew... We really overdid it with just the two of us. I didn't expect to take down two in one day. If you weren't here, Mongrel, I might have had to make multiple trips. Hehe."

"Carrying the meat alone is still manageable. We could even take down more tomorrow if you want."

"No, I'd be stuck with too much to sell. It's better to keep it moderate."

The meat of the Crazy Boar sells for more than that of the Charge Dear.

The fur is only valuable for brushes and similar uses, but the high-quality, fatty meat is quite popular in town. It's apparently more favored in a primitive world where you can just grill and eat it.

The main items for trade from the two Crazy Boars Ulrika took down will likely be the leg and rib meat. There's no way we can finish all of it tonight. We'll probably have to hang it on a pole for the trip back.

"But still, it's reassuring to have someone like Mongrel around for close combat. I was able to take down the smaller second Boar calmly because you held it down."

"I usually do this alone, so it's easier to just buy time."

"Hehe, we might have good chemistry."

Being a tank is great because you don't have to worry about splattered blood. With Ulrika, there's no risk of accidental shots.

"Alright, as a way to thank Ulrika-sensei, I'll prepare the meat..."

"Great! Hehe, thank you!"

There's no need for elaborate strategies with the Crazy Boar. The best way to enjoy the delicious meat is to just grill it. At such times, I start throwing stones at the sauce lovers while wearing a salt advocate's skin.

The most delicious part of the Crazy Boar is, without a doubt, the tongue. Once you remove the jaw and cut it out, a surprisingly large piece of meat comes out. Slicing it to a good thickness and grilling it is delicious.

The liver and heart are also essential. It's a shame there's no sauce for the liver... but grilling it with just salt is still delicious. This time, I'll fry the liver in the fat. This way, it's still quite tasty without sauce.

The heart, of course, is a no-brainer. Just grill it with salt, and it's the best.

If you want to eat meat that feels like meat, the loin is the way to go. It's not just delicious; it's also easier to carry after butchering, so I want to finish it quickly.

"Ah, what a good smell. ...We sometimes camp in Artemis, but this kind of bold grilling feels fresh."

"Really? I'm just grilling it normally."

"Hmm, maybe it's just that each piece is bigger?"

"Ah, maybe they are a bit big. Should I cut them smaller?"

"No, it's fine. I actually like biting into big pieces."

The sky is still bright. The butchering isn't completely finished, but we decided to have a late lunch with the offal first.

We won't be moving from our base today. I don't mind this relaxed, camp-like atmosphere.

The only thing I regret is the lack of alcohol...

"Putting it on this iron plate is great. The fat sizzles nicely, and you can grill the meat next to it."

"Wow... This is great! It looks easy to use."

"It's just an iron plate. You can scrub it in the river when you clean it, so it's easy to use."

While butchering, I collected the fat in a small pot and coated the cut liver with flour before frying it.

The liver sizzles and fries, emitting a sinful aroma.

"Mmm! It's delicious! It's so rich..."

"Right? The liver is great. It's nutritious and good for your body..."

As we were talking, a sound came from the nearby bushes.

"..."

I reacted, but Ulrika was faster.

Her previously content expression from eating the liver quickly turned serious as she took out her bow and drew it. There was almost no delay. She's really experienced.

"...Ah, it's a Dart Hide Snake..."

"It's just a snake... Ah, that one in the bushes. It's not targeting us, so we can ignore it, right?"

"...No, I'll take it down. Watch me..."

While I had the luxury of worrying about having too much Boar meat, Ulrika almost immediately released an arrow without using any skills.

The arrow, released without skills, pierced the middle of the thick Dart Hide Snake, causing it to thrash around, reminiscent of a trapped eel.

"I'll finish it off. Here goes."

"Thanks, Mongrel."

The head was severed, but the body continued to thrash violently. It's a testament to its strong vitality. It somehow seems more disturbing when it's dead. I'll hang it by the tail to drain the blood.

"...Hey, Mongrel. Since we're here, let's eat the snake too."

"Sure, I'll try this light meat... But we've really caught a lot in a short time. I doubt I'll have time to eat the legs."

"If I can't finish it, you'll eat it, right?"

"Hey, the one who suggests it should be responsible for eating it."

"Ahaha, please, it'll be fine."

Today is a meat paradise. We'll just keep grilling and eating.

Eating the liver, the fried liver, and the heart. When we get tired of that, we'll gnaw on the snake meat.

We snack on some fried wild herbs, but our dinner is mostly meat. If a vegetarian saw our meal, they might spurt blood and die.

"My hometown is a village deep in Dryden. We also ran a slaughterhouse. I think my first skill came from that experience. When slaughtering, you have to do it quickly to avoid causing pain... Thanks to this skill, I can go hunting, and life is unpredictable."

As the sun set and it got dark, Ulrika was shaking the arrow in her hand while talking.

"...Back then, the village magistrate was a pervert. He would forcibly... well, make the village boys his own. I heard he was caught, but my parents raised me as a girl to avoid being targeted. I was raised as a girl to avoid being targeted."

"Wow, that's a tough story. ...There were some really bad officials back then."

"Yeah. I heard there were other kids raised similarly. I was still young, but he was a creepy guy..."

It's like a pedophile. They exist in every era, but they seem more noticeable in the past...

"But I like this kind of outfit, and my sister treated me well, so I never really minded. I even get better discounts at stores than boys. Ahaha."

"Bad guy."

"Hehe... Because of that, I've become used to this kind of behavior."

"I see. You've had a tough life, Ulrika."

"Sure have. I'm 18, you know."

"Young, young."

"How old are you, Mongrel?"

"I'm 29, but I'll be 30 in the summer..."

"Aha, you're an old man, Mongrel."

"Yeah, 30 is definitely old man territory..."

Lately, I've started to find light meat like snake more delicious than the fatty Boar meat... Age is a harsh thing.

The Dart Hide Snake is delicious... Ulrika is just eating Boar meat. Her stomach is too young.

"But you still look young, Mongrel."

"Thanks, I guess I got good genes. How long it will last..."

"...Do you remember your parents?"

"Of course I do. ...They're dead, but there's no need to be polite. To an old man who's lived a long life, they're just distant memories."

I threw the bone-filled remains of the Dart Hide Snake into the fire.

"I've told you this before, but in the pioneer village where I lived, there was no money... Everyone, even children, had to work if they could. ...Mostly, it was just pulling weeds from the fields or gathering small stones."

"It was a busy life in the pioneer village..."

"I was a hard worker even then. I did small repairs around the house and fixed tools. Looking back, I was probably a low-maintenance kid."

I guess I developed a modern sense of self pretty early. I was probably a low-maintenance kid.

I was busy learning a new language. I was definitely a good kid who didn't bother my busy parents.

"Until then, I never really celebrated my birthday... or birth festival. When I turned six and was taken to the nearest town, I fell in love with a cheap sword in a basket outside a weapon shop. That was the first time I got a present. I was so happy."

"Aha, so you were a swordsman from the age of six."

"Sure was. I chose the shortest one, but it was still too long. I was told I could enjoy it when I grew taller."

I took out my bastard sword from its homemade leather scabbard and held it up to the fire.

"...Is that it?"

"Yeah. It's a cheap sword, but I always liked the length. It felt right to me, and that hasn't changed."

For me, with memories from my previous life, the longswords in this world are a bit too long.

The bastard sword is just right. I could use it easily even as a child with body enhancement. It's still my partner today.

"...It's a weapon with memories, isn't it, Mongrel?"

"Yeah. ...Well, let's get ready for bed. I'm full and getting sleepy."

"Okay... Let's do that."

Before sleeping, we protected the meat from being taken and burned more monster repellent to keep them away.

I thought we'd sleep soundly in the triangular tent...

"...You look like you want to say something, Ulrika."

"Ah, you can tell...?"

"...Did you hear from Lina? Yeah, it's fine. You can sleep in the tent too. In the back? We can fit two people, barely."

"Yay! Thanks, Mongrel!"

Lina also loves tents too much...

Well, it's understandable. The tent is protected from rain and wind and is quite warm...

"What's so fun about two guys sleeping side by side..."

"Well... I actually like this kind of thing..."

"Ulrika, if you snore too loud, I'll kick you out."

"Aha, scary... My sleeping habits might not be great, but please bear with me a little..."

"Sure, as long as you don't hit or kick me."

So, I ended up sleeping side by side with a guy, watching the fire from the wood stove.

...Well, at least he's not a slob. If it wasn