Chapter 10

Dorf prepared the duck, and the bone parts with a little meat still attached were lightly seared, cut into chunks, and boiled in sake and water. The broth was discarded once, and then the bones were simmered slowly again with bay leaves added.

The fatty red meat was cut into bite-sized pieces, lightly grilled, and browned on both sides, then added to the pot with vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

Since duck meat releases a lot of fat when cooked, the fat was used to sauté the chopped onions until they turned a caramel color. Butter was added, and flour was sifted in, stirring slowly from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning. Once it turned into a cream paste, it was added to the pot with olives and herbs.

Barbara, who was standing in the kitchen preparing side dishes, was humming a cheerful tune.

Once the pot came to a boil, rock salt was added to adjust the flavor, and it was simmered for about an hour. After that, it was taken off the heat and cooled. It tasted better when reheated just before eating, rather than eating it freshly made.

Although it had been a while since I had stood in the kitchen and cooked for someone, it was enjoyable, and I felt like singing along with Barbara.

...However, a heavy atmosphere hung over the table in the living room that continued from the kitchen.

Dorf, with his arms crossed and a stern expression, and Gilbert, who was tall and had good posture but was hunched and looked small, were sitting across from each other.

"...Gilbert, as we discussed this morning, with the right modifications, you can use your well-trained core to wield an axe with sufficient power, even with your injured dominant arm. Battle axes are more rough and ready than swords."

Dorf, speaking in an unusually low voice, took a sip of tea and looked Gilbert in the eye.

"But, they don't have the agility of a sword and aren't suitable for defense. They are large and slow, and when fighting beasts, even with power, they leave you vulnerable. ...Are you going to get yourself killed?"

Gilbert, after a moment of silence, as if trying to endure something bitter, shook his head.

"Don't be ridiculous... Even that person wouldn't want that."

His low, strained voice was slightly hoarse, as if suppressing various emotions.

Silence fell again, and Dorf closed his eyes, stroking his beard with one hand, thinking for a while. Then, he opened his eyes, looked at Gilbert's face, and let out a long breath before standing up.

"Barbara, after dinner, we'll start preparing for the journey."

"Sure thing!"

Barbara's bright, confident response echoed.

"Huh!? What, what do you mean...?"

Gilbert, raising his head abruptly, voiced his confusion.

"The modifications for the auxiliary device aren't designed for long-term use. Regular repairs are necessary. And to add a defensive feature, we need to know what we're fighting against."

Gilbert seemed to be speechless, his eyes wide.

Then, Dorf turned to me, who was standing in the kitchen, and smiled.

"Hey, Flora, do you have any plans after this? If you don't mind, would you like to—"

"Hey, wait, old man."

Ignoring Gilbert's confusion and anxiety, Dorf showed a mischievous smile.

"As you can see, Barbara and I are embarking on a long journey in our old age, and we need someone to help with our daily chores. Would you like to join us?"

Surprised by the sudden offer, I opened my eyes wide and froze.

However, it was true that I hadn't thought about what to do after leaving this village. My hometown, the Cadira territory, was poor, and there were few jobs for a woman. Considering the burden on my uncle, I had been hesitant to return and was in a dilemma.

—And perhaps as a reaction to being called a "useless wife who can't do anything," a spark of defiance ignited in my chest, making me want to find something, even something small, that I could do.

"I would love to join you!"

As I said it, I felt my body temperature rise slightly.

"Wait, wait, wait a minute. Do you know where we're going...? It's dangerous. You, and Flora, can't be involved in this."

Dorf turned to Gilbert with a bright, carefree smile.

"Gilbert, didn't you say earlier that you want the people you care about to be in a safe place?"

Gilbert nodded, frowning.

"So, rest assured. I'll be in the safest place closest to the battlefield where you are. Of course, Barbara and Flora will be with me."

Dorf declared this with a proud chest and laughed heartily.

Gilbert, hearing this, was taken aback, his mouth open in shock. Then, his troubled expression gradually softened, and he muttered with a half-smile.

"Well, I can't deny that they are important... But, to say it yourself...?"