Chapter 10

Feathers scattered like snowflakes. In the back of the carriage, I was plucking and discarding the feathers of the Rotcrow. In my previous life, this would have been a reason to get scolded, but here, as long as no one was around, it seemed to be fine. Eventually, the wind would scatter them, so it was apparently "no problem."

After plucking both birds, I burned the remaining down feathers. It would have been easier to use the fire from a campfire, but since we were in the carriage, I tried using the fire from a life magic spell. I produced a flame in the palm of my hand... It was difficult. The fire was small, and it seemed impossible to hold a bird with one hand while doing this.

"Hey, don't make a fire in here!"

Moreover, I got a complaint from the young master. It was a reasonable point. I should apologize sincerely.

"Hmph! My life magic is much more impressive. I won't show you, though!"

If you're going to say that, don't say it. No, do you want me to show you? But I haven't even produced water since yesterday.

Life magic is something most people can use, though on different scales. So, I don't think it's something to be proud of.

"I learned it from a teacher in the capital!"

Ah, so that's what you wanted to boast about. But having a teacher for life magic, is that really necessary?

"Wow, impressive, as expected."

Here, I should tease him a bit.

Life magic can produce a small flame, a cup of water, and a fist-sized ball of light. There are no cleaning or purification spells in this world's convenient magic. I really want one since there are no baths, but I've never met anyone who can use them. However, I have a feeling that it's not impossible, and if I work hard, I might be able to use them someday.

I think this instinctive feeling of "being able to use" and the power of imagination are the key to magic. Also, the total amount of magic power, I guess.

We arrived at the campsite without any particular incidents. We were attacked by monsters twice on the way, but the guards handled them easily. It seems to be a normal number of attacks.

I thought, "Do we even have guards?" I apologize for that.

Today, we have game, so we only need to gather firewood. Everyone was eager to get their share, so it was done quickly. Of course, the usual two were just observers. Well, the older man was hovering and looking at us.

I started the fire and burned the down feathers. Once it was clean, I quickly prepared the meat. Today, we're having skewers. I thought about borrowing a pot, but no one had one.

I added items to my shopping list: a skillet, a cutting board, a pot, a ladle... My luggage will increase, but meals are important. If I can earn money by registering, I'll buy them. But first, I need to get weapons and armor.

Today, I tried a bit of flavoring. While picking up dry wood, I found a plant that could be used as a spice. It's called rocca, and it's primarily used as medicine. It has a spicy flavor and is good for the stomach, so I used to love it.

I grilled it without burning, dried it until it was crispy, crushed it finely, and sprinkled it on the meat with salt. I got everyone's permission first.

The skewers of Rotcrow meat sizzled. It seemed to have less fat than rabbit. Bird meat, huh. I want to eat fried chicken. I think there are ginger and garlic-like things, but there's no soy sauce. Besides, frying oil is expensive.

"However, you're quite skilled, aren't you?"

Huh? While daydreaming about fried chicken, I was told something by Hyater. His gaze fell on my hands.

"This?"

"Yeah."

Is that so?

I was trying to make a plate out of earth magic out of boredom. I understood it as a magic to manipulate earth, and I thought I could make something like a baked clay pot.

At first, I made something like a thick wooden board. Gradually, it became thinner and more plate-like, but this time, it lacked strength. Maybe I need some chemistry knowledge.

"Is this not something you do with magic?"

Tilting my head, Hyater looked up at Lily, who was standing next to him. She shrugged and said, "Well, yeah." By the way, she was the one who hit Hyater on the head yesterday.

"Because of my profession, I only use it for attacks. Earth magic, like throwing pebbles, right?"

"Yeah. The one he used during the day."

"...I think that's a different thing."

I was given a look of exasperation. But he is throwing stones.

"Also, making a stone wall or something. But I heard that's quite difficult? Generally, mages have a habit of conserving their magic power, so some don't even use life magic."

"Is that so? Even though it's convenient."

As I said that, the plate-like object in my hands cracked with a "pokyo" sound. Hmm. Why?

The broken pieces were scattered at my feet.

"Doesn't that tire you out?"

Lily asked, looking puzzled. I've failed many times.

"I'm still okay."

I've experienced the feeling of running out of magic power many times, so I can recognize the signs. A throbbing headache comes. If I ignore it and continue using magic, I get nauseous. In the worst case, I black out.

"Is your total amount of magic power abnormal? Or is it the way you use it?"

"Abnormal... I do have the skill for magic manipulation."

"Magic manipulation, huh. I've heard of it."

Lily's head was still tilted. Even if she doesn't understand, that's how it is. It's taboo to delve too deeply into someone else's skills.

"Oh, the meat is done!"

In the end, I couldn't make a plate. I'll make a nice-looking plate for cooking someday!