Chapter 39

Walking down the main street of Reoriga City with Samyue, we bought food from the stalls scattered around.

Grilled meat on skewers and milk tea.

We sat side by side on a bench, and Samyue offered me the meat.

"Reni-sama, this seems to be lamb."

"Sheep."

"Reoriga City is developing, but the outskirts are vast grasslands. The villages beyond seem to be engaged in sheep farming."

I nod in agreement with Samyue's words.

Before coming to Reoriga City, we visited a village that raised cattle, but they didn't have sheep.

"The drink here seems to be made from sheep or goat milk. Both might have a bit of a unique flavor. If it's too much for you, I'll drink it, so don't hesitate to tell me."

"Okay, thank you."

I smile in response to Samyue's consideration.

Even before we came to Reoriga City, Samyue would subtly recommend the local specialties.

I think she did a lot of research in advance when I said I wanted to travel.

Experiencing the world of my favorite game with my own senses is really enjoyable.

I would have been quite happy on my own, but thanks to Samyue, it's even more fulfilling.

"Itadakimasu."

I take a bite of the meat Samyue handed me.

The meat, cut to about 5mm thick, tears along the fibers.

I put it all in my mouth and chew it thoroughly—

"It's delicious!"

Unlike beef, the meat itself does have a bit of a unique flavor. A grassy smell? That's the feeling I get.

However, the abundant spices gently wrap around that smell.

The firm texture of the meat becomes more flavorful the more you chew, and it goes very well with the slightly sweet and savory sauce! But...

"Samyue, it's spicy..."

The spices are quite strong.

If I were still a high school girl, I could have eaten it easily, but at four years old, the spiciness might be a bit painful...

"I'm sorry, I asked for less spice, but..."

"Drink..."

"Yes."

I hand Samyue the half-eaten skewer and take the milk tea instead.

Swallowing the beige liquid, my mouth warms up.

"It's delicious."

The spiciness in my mouth seems to soften and melt away.

The smoothness of the milk fat and the warmth of the drink gently dissipate the spices in my mouth.

"Amazing...! Samyue, this combination is incredible!"

"Are you okay? The spiciness..."

"The meat alone is spicy, but when eaten together, it's just right!"

"I'm glad."

Samyue sighs in relief at my words.

"How about the unique flavor? Is it noticeable?"

"I can smell the grass, but it's not bothersome."

The drink also had a grassy scent, different from milk, but the spices in it didn't make it unpleasant.

"Reni-sama, would you like to eat more?"

"Sure!"

I take another piece of meat from Samyue and take a bite. As expected, it's spicy, so I drink the beverage to ease it. Yes, this combination is a perpetual motion machine.

Next to me, Samyue eats in the same way. Her meat seems to have more spices than mine, but she doesn't seem to mind. She's an adult... Indeed, 130 years old...

After strolling down the main street, we head to the inn before evening to secure a place to sleep.

Holding hands with Samyue, we walk to the front of the inn. Before opening the door, Samyue speaks to me in a voice only I can hear.

"Reni-sama, it seems a bit noisy inside. As a precaution, could you use your presence concealment?"

"Okay, I understand."

At Samyue's suggestion, I immediately put on the hood of the "Hermit's Robe."

This way, I won't be seen.

We enter the inn, and sure enough, as Samyue said, someone is talking at the reception—

"If an elf with a child comes, please contact the city hall immediately."

"That's fine, but..."

A serious man and a confused receptionist. Samyue and I watch them.

From this conversation, it's almost certain they're looking for us.

I glance at Samyue, and she nods, as if to say she understands.

Then, she lets go of my hand and approaches the men talking.

"Is there something you need from me?"

Samyue speaks calmly and without emotion. As expected of Samyue. Calm and collected.

The two men turn to look at Samyue.

The receptionist exclaims, "Whoa!" It's natural to be surprised when the person you're talking about suddenly appears, especially if it's a beautiful elf girl.

However, the other man doesn't seem particularly surprised and even smiles.

"I'm glad, I've been looking for you."

His face is—

"Oh, the knight."

—The knight who was fighting the dragon. I think he was one of the people I helped with my healing potion.

"Was that voice...?"

I inadvertently mutter, causing the knight to look around.

He can't see me because I'm hidden.

"Is there something you need from me?"

Samyue stands in front of the knight, blocking his view. Her words are exactly the same, just like Samyue.

"I'm sorry, I was looking for you to give this."

The knight says this and hands something to Samyue, making sure no one else can see.

That's... a letter, right?

I can see clearly what he took out from his pocket, even though I'm hidden and short.

A white envelope with a red wax seal.

Samyue checks the wax seal and puts it in her pocket to hide it.

"I'll check it in a quiet place. If a response is needed, what should I do?"

"In that case, please give the letter to the city guards or come to the city hall."

"Understood."

The knight seems to have finished his business, bows politely, and leaves.

Samyue then checks in at the inn and gets a room.

I follow Samyue, still concealed, to the room she is shown.

The room is on the top floor. Inside, it looks like a living room, and apparently, the bedroom is separate.

Once the person who showed us the room leaves and we are alone, I take off the hood.

"Samyue, how was it?"

"Reni-sama, you must be tired. Please, have a seat here."

Samyue offers me a large sofa in the living room.

So, I sit down, and Samyue kneels at my feet. Then, she hands me the envelope she received from the knight.

"Reni-sama, this wax seal is only used by the royal family."

On the white envelope, a very noticeable red wax seal.

The seal Samyue shows me is a lion with a crown.

The wax seal is only used by the royal family, which means the person who sent this letter is a member of the royal family—

"…It seems the person we saved from the dragon was the princess of this country."