Chapter 8

What is it? Meat? Or is it my behavior that's strange? Can't you say something instead of just staring?

Silent confrontation.

It was Scroo who broke the silence first.

"Can you trade me a piece of bread for this?"

With that, everyone raised their hands. Why so popular? Did everyone want something warm to eat too?

"Well, I can give it to anyone who wants it."

"But, that's not right... It's your achievement."

The leader, who had raised his hand, hesitated. It's not like it's a big deal or anything.

The meat started sizzling. To make sure it cooked evenly, I rotated it. For a rabbit, it had a lot of fat. I wish I had some pepper. In this world, pepper is expensive, just like in other fantasy settings.

Someone swallowed hard.

"Um, is it rare to cook meat on a journey like this?"

"No, not really. None of us usually cook, so we just have dried meat when we're outside. Some people make simple soups, though."

The adventurer passengers nodded in agreement with the leader's words.

"There are people who cook the meat they catch, but yours is different somehow."

"Huh? I'm just cooking it normally."

What's the problem?

"Yeah, the color of the meat is different."

Scroo's words made me think. In this world, the blood isn't drained properly, as far as I know. The meat served at the inn yesterday was quite wild. The old lady who came with us on the hunt was angry when I started draining the blood on the spot.

I wish I had some soy sauce and rice. My stomach growled as the fat dripped from the skewer. I filled a cup with water and got ready. I wish I had some tea leaves too.

"Is it ready yet?"

The leader is quite a foodie. The other members watching are giving him intense looks.

"Just a little longer, I think."

If I cooked it over charcoal, it would be even better. I wonder if they have charcoal. I didn't see any in town.

The circle of people around me got smaller, each holding something to trade. I don't mind giving it away for free, but I'll take what I can get.

"Hmph! What's all the fuss about a measly rabbit? I've eaten Golden Cross Cocco! It's a high-end meat worth ten gold coins!"

However, the merchants weren't part of the circle. They were munching on dried meat a bit away. The brat stood up and puffed out his chest, saying, "It was super delicious!"

"Wow, that's impressive. You're right, we don't need this meat. You're enjoying your delicious dried meat. Please keep eating without worrying."

What's a Golden Cross Cocco? A chicken? Don't butt in. Are you just seeking attention?

Someone chuckled at my deadpan response. The brat gritted his teeth in frustration. I won't give it to those who don't want it.

"Is it ready now?"

The meat was nicely charred and the excess fat had dripped off. It was calling out, "Come, eat me." I pulled the skewer out of the ground and offered it to the leader, who was practically drooling. He suddenly came to his senses and dashed to his luggage. He quickly returned.

"Here, in exchange for this."

He held out a piece of paper. Not knowing what it was, I took it anyway. The support was there. An impromptu trading session began. People traded bread, sweets, and healing potions. I don't mind, but I'll take what I can get.

In this way, I shared the skewer meat with everyone except the merchants. Haha, it was close. I won't give it to those who don't want it.

Now, time to eat.

When I bit into it, the fat oozed out. I've heard rabbit meat is similar to chicken, but this one is mild yet has a good amount of fat. The slight saltiness brings out the flavor. It's not tough because I cooked it over a low fire.

In other words, it's delicious!

"Wh-What!? This is rabbit?"

"Delicious! The smoky flavor and lack of gamey taste are great."

"Munch, munch. No more..."

I'm glad everyone liked it. There are about four large pieces of meat on each skewer, so with just this and some bread, you can get quite full. Oh, I made sure to give some to the guards too. It would be a shame if the leader got ambushed.

I have one skewer left, but I'll save it for breakfast. I wrapped the cooled meat in leaves and put it in my bag. My luggage has increased with the items I received. Well, I bought a crossbody bag in town, so it fits.

By the way, what was that paper the leader gave me?

A palm-sized piece of paper with a pattern drawn on it. The leader noticed me staring at it and asked,

"Is this your first time seeing it?"

I nodded, and he gave a meaningful smile.

"That's a magic circle."

"Really? A magic circle!?"

I've never heard of it before. They have them in this world too. It's not really circular, more like squiggly lines in a geometric pattern.

"What kind of magic circle, and isn't this expensive?"

The leader waved his hand, reassuring me.

"It's not for sale. A friend drew it as practice. But it works perfectly! It's a magic circle that emits a good smell."

...What? When and how do you use it correctly?

"If you put it in your bed, it will help you and a woman..." *SMACK!*

Before he could finish, a woman in the party hit the leader on the head hard.

"What are you giving to a child!?"

Seriously, what did he give me? I hope it doesn't have any aphrodisiac effects. I pinched it with my fingers, but I didn't want to push it back, so I quietly put it at the bottom of my bag...