Chapter 67

"Thank you for the meal!"

Huh!? When did I finish eating?

I rubbed my stomach, and everyone looked satisfied. Some people were supposed to guard separately, but since Lady Nerva suggested we eat together, we all gathered around the meat. Of course, we didn't let our guard down while eating.

The Kakuhide Hippou was as tender as beef, with a rich, fatty texture. That's the best I can describe it with my limited vocabulary. The soft, juicy meat was delicious even just grilled. The saltier version was especially good.

The shabu-shabu was also delicious. The excess fat fell off, and it was even better when wrapped in leafy vegetables and dipped in fish sauce. Adding a bit of chili was good too. Thinking about it, shouldn't you add an egg for sukiyaki? No, I think I ate both ways in my previous life...

Anyway, it was delicious. When I asked if I could search on the way back, everyone agreed.

After the meal, I distributed the beginner's healing potions made by Raito to everyone. We're fine for now, but it would be bad if it affected us tomorrow.

By the way, I always want to point out "how much is a lot?" when I see warnings like "don't eat too much at once." Well, it probably varies from person to person, so I just enjoy it.

"Is it okay for us too?"

I can't tell them the appraisal results, so I just say it's usual. I actually drink it every night. Nergi looked at Koushin and the others and nodded. Honestly, the beginner's healing potion is practically free.

"Well, if we can get it, we'll take it..."

He stared at the bottle. Oh, is it the light color of Raito's potion that's bothering him? First, let's drink it ourselves to show it's safe. Here goes.

"It's not bitter, try it."

"Really? I usually can't stand the bitterness..."

Despite his words, Nergi gulped it down. He swallowed, finishing the last drop.

"It's not bad..."

Hearing that, the other members and Lady Nerva also tilted their bottles. They all looked curious as they stared at the empty bottles.

"It tastes different from the usual beginner's healing potion. Is this one made by Raito?"

"Yes, Raito made it."

Even Lady Nerva hasn't had this level of potion before. This really is an unknown technique. Speaking of which, what kind of person was the master who knew about it?

"Wow, impressive. I heard you were a skilled pharmacist."

Raito blushed and fidgeted at Lady Nerva's words. I realized Raito isn't used to being praised. Come to think of it, neither is Koushin. They don't seem to have been praised much for anything other than their appearance.

"Is this a special technique?"

"Um, no, I don't know..."

Raito's gaze wandered, finally settling on me.

"Raito learned this method from the master, but since I haven't seen it elsewhere, it might be special."

"That's interesting. It doesn't seem difficult, though."

Raito might not find it difficult because of his skill in magic control. He might have been trained rigorously without realizing it.

"Will the price be higher?"

Suddenly, Ji leaned in.

"No, I sell it at the same price as the ones sold in the market. Do you need some in stock?"

"Please. I hate giving my grandson potions. He might drink this without resistance."

"Hey, Ji!?"

Nerva frowned at being treated like a child. I negotiated with Ji, who laughed, and bought some intermediate and other potions from us. Raito's potions are not as bad as the ones sold in the market! When I pitched that, Nergi and the others also bought some, though they said they would buy more after the expedition.

We chatted for a while and then dispersed. Nergi and the others scattered, and Lady Nerva and her group went to the carriage. We gathered in front of a tent for a debriefing. For me, there was nothing special. Raito had some experiences, but he's fine, so it's all good. Koushin was... quiet. But we got to hear some old stories.

Even though we're on standby, we can't just sleep. So, Raito and I will take the last shift in pairs. We can handle anything that happens around here. The further we go, the more we might become a burden. The difference in rank clearly affects combat ability. We should be useful while we can. Raito isn't an adventurer, so he can sleep.

"Raito, can I make some anti-nausea potions?"

Just as we were about to sleep, Raito spoke up.

"Huh, you haven't made them yet?"

"I thought Raito would make them and was waiting for a chance."

Raito puffed out her cheeks. I remember that came up in conversation. But it's late, and we need to wake up early.

"Tomorrow morning."

"Actually, Raito can make them anytime."

Koushin pointed out. That's true. Lady Nerva can read the instructions, and there's no need for me to make them today or tomorrow.

"Alright, let's sleep!"

I crawled into the tent. Koushin and Raito followed. It was a slightly larger tent for multiple people. I'm small, so it's fine. Oh, why are you guys bending your legs? Damn, I have plenty of space above and below. It's tight on the sides, though. This would be impossible on a hot day. Maybe we should split the tents, even though we bought this one.

When I turned off the light magic, it became pitch black. My eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness. The campfire was extinguished before we went to sleep, so it was quiet and dark. Occasionally, I heard someone walking and a distant voice.

Soon, I could hear snoring from both sides. I started to drift off too. Human body heat is amazing... Warmth is great.

"Good morning."

I quietly emerged from the tent and greeted Katansu, who was on watch. Koushin was also awake. Actually, Koushin woke me up. I almost overslept.

"Hey, you really woke up."

Katansu, who had been sitting on a log, stood up and stretched. He was the one who said I could keep sleeping.

"Since I rarely get to experience this with a senior, I'll take over."

"Alright, it's yours. Be careful, though. You might sense Forest Wolves, so don't hesitate to wake me if there are many."

"Got it."

I watched Katansu crawl into the tent and sat facing Koushin. It was still dark outside. I didn't turn on the light in case of an emergency. It was quiet, with only the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind.

"Maybe I'm not cut out for this..."

Koushin muttered. He seemed dejected. I glanced at him, and he was fidgeting with his hands, muttering, "What should I do?"

Since it wasn't directed at me, I left him alone. Whether he's cut out for it or not is something he should decide for himself.

Suddenly, Koushin looked up. His hand reached for his sword hilt. I heard a rustling sound. I slowly stood up and faced the direction of the sound, palm out.