Chapter 47

With Tulu's help, I advanced the development to meet Nemos' conditions. The area needed to be divided into twenty-five blocks, and today we finished digging and laying rocks for two blocks. Including the original base and the planned forest area, we still need to develop twenty-one more blocks. It's going to be a long road.

After dinner, we had an exciting discussion. We were finally going to a place with civilization in this different world.

"Yuta, there are a few options, but is it okay if we act as adventurers?"

"Yeah, given my situation, being an adventurer seems the safest choice."

"That's true. We could also be merchants or mercenaries, but adventurers are more suitable in terms of our abilities."

Being a merchant is an option, but being a mercenary isn't. Fighting humans seems more troublesome than fighting monsters. Mercenaries in a war-prone world don't sound like a good idea.

"So, what places do you recommend, Sylphie?"

"I have two recommendations. One is the Labyrinth City in the Chrysoprase Kingdom, and the other is the town of Sunstone in the Garnet Kingdom."

The Labyrinth City, that sounds intriguing. A labyrinth is a dungeon, right? A high-risk, high-reward city where people chase after immense wealth and fame. It's romantic.

"Tell me about the features of each place!"

"Yuta, I'll explain, so please calm down. Your eyes are shining too much, it's a bit scary."

... It seems that hearing about the Labyrinth City made my romantic side run wild. Sylphie looks a bit taken aback.

"Ahem... I'm calm now. Please explain."

"First, the Labyrinth City in the Chrysoprase Kingdom. The labyrinth is a place where rare materials and treasures can be found. It's a city where wealth and fame gather, but it's also a place with a complex power structure due to the pursuit of rights and interests."

"The complex power structure sounds like a lot of trouble."

"For example, the country, nobles, church, adventurer guild, and merchant guilds are all competing for rights and interests. However, since it's an important source of income for the country, it won't be involved in wars until the last moment. It's also known as the City of Desire."

The Labyrinth City, also known as the City of Desire... It sounds complicated, but the nightlife seems vibrant and appealing. A city where many rough and wealthy people gather. It fits the conditions Nemos mentioned about a city with a developed nightlife.

"Even though it sounds like there will be a lot of trouble, why the Labyrinth City?"

"Well, there will be a lot of trouble, but the nature of the Labyrinth City means that if you can show your strength, it's a place where you can live comfortably. Earning money in the labyrinth is the most valuable thing there."

"How about my strength?"

"Well, you'll need to learn the basics of exploring the labyrinth, but with our help, you should be fine. If we're willing to use our powers for attacks, we can do anything."

... It's a tough decision. I do have a romantic side, but relying too much on the spirits doesn't feel right. Just defeating enemies that attack us, we can take a leisurely stroll to the deepest level.

Financially, it might be fine, but to enjoy life, some constraints are necessary. I want to fight as much as possible with my own strength. If it gets too tough or troublesome, I might rely on Bell and the others, but if my strength is sufficient, the Labyrinth City is a viable option.

"One thing I'm concerned about is whether I'll get involved in the power struggles if I show my strength."

"You'll join the adventurer guild, right? If you show your strength, you might get some offers, but the guild can help you deal with them. The guild can't afford to lose talented people."

I see. If I don't stand out, I won't get offers. If I do, the guild will protect me. That sounds good.

"What about the other option?"

"The town of Sunstone in the Garnet Kingdom. This is a large country, so even if a war breaks out, this town won't be involved. The monsters around here aren't very strong, so you can earn a decent living while taking it easy."

"That's a short explanation."

"It's a town without many distinctive features, but it's a perfect place to live a peaceful life."

... This option is also very appealing. It's like choosing between aiming for stardom in the entertainment industry or a stable career as a civil servant.

"Both options are attractive, and I'm having a hard time deciding."

"You don't have to choose just one. Why not think about it more casually?"

That's right. I can visit both. If I go to a peaceful town first to get used to this world and then to the Labyrinth City, it seems safer. I think it's safer, but the Labyrinth City strongly appeals to me.

If I can choose where to go first, in this fantasy world, shouldn't I dive into the hot water instead of the lukewarm bath? The vibrant nightlife is irrelevant.

"Okay, I've decided. I'll go to the Labyrinth City. This is a different world, after all. I don't want to miss out on the fun. How long does it take to get to the Labyrinth City from here?"

"Hehe, the Labyrinth City, got it. If I don't carry you, it will take less than four hours. If I do, it will take about twice as long."

So, carrying me, it's twice as fast as a lower spirit. Impressive, Great Spirit.

"Then, it's better to summon Bell and the others when we arrive."

"Right, that way we'll get there faster."

If it takes less than four hours, I can come back to this place frequently. The Labyrinth City it is.

Tomorrow, we have to harvest the Forest Radish, but it won't take long, so we can have breakfast with the harvested vegetables and leave. We should arrive by mid-afternoon. I can't wait, so let's leave tomorrow.

But I feel like I'm forgetting something. I feel like something happened...

"Hmm, Sylphie, is it okay if we leave for the Labyrinth City after breakfast tomorrow? ... Ah, I forgot about the promise to serve alcohol from this world if we make a contract."

I suddenly remembered something that was bothering me. It would be a big problem to leave it unattended after promising a feast.

"Oh, good, you remembered. Nomos was a bit worried about it yesterday."

"I forgot because of everything that's been happening. Then, let's do the expansion work after the harvest tomorrow and have the alcohol at night. We'll leave for the Labyrinth City the day after tomorrow."

I want to go to the Labyrinth City soon, but I can't neglect my obligations to those who have taken care of me. Come to think of it, I haven't even had coffee. I've been so busy lately.

"Hehe, that's good. I'm looking forward to it. I'll let Dine, Nomos, and Dolly know."

"Thanks, Sylphie."

Sylphie seems excited too. Come to think of it, Sylphie and Dine were also eager to try the alcohol from this world. If it improves their mood, that's good. I should have bought more alcohol.

For me, three bottles of each type was a significant purchase, but in this different world, it might not be enough. I don't have that much money, though.

If I had known I was coming to a different world, I would have spent all my savings on shopping... My savings... I feel like crying.

"It's fine. Tomorrow will be early, so if you don't have any more questions, you should rest. You seem tired, Yuta."

Sylphie suggested I rest, noticing the sudden change in my mood. I do feel sad, but... Yeah, I'll take her advice and go to bed early.

"Okay, I will. Good night, Sylphie."

"Good night."

I parted ways with Sylphie and returned to my bedroom. I felt a bit lonely and cried a little. It's a mild case of homesickness. There's nothing I can do, so I'll think about the Labyrinth City. A grand epic of dreams, hopes, love, and desire awaits.

***

"Harvest time!"

"Harvest time!"

"Kyu kyu kyu!"

"Harvest!"

"Ku ku ku!"

Lately, I've been shouting in the morning when there's an event. Since there's no one around except for the spirits I know, it's quite relaxing. The Great Spirits don't participate, but Dine seems interested, so she might join the morning shouts eventually.

"Dolly, is there anything to be careful about during the harvest?"

"Yes, to avoid breaking the stems, pull them straight up. Also, if you want to save seeds, decide which plants to leave beforehand."

"I want to save the seeds. ... I'll leave three plants."

I decided which three plants to leave and started the harvest using the same rules as with the Oil Leaf. I have the Oil Leaf now, and we're leaving for the Labyrinth City tomorrow, so I'm not as anxious as last time, but the harvest is still exciting.

I entered the field, gathered the green Forest Radish leaves at the base, and pulled them straight up. They came out more easily than I expected. What came out of the ground looked like a daikon radish. It's thinner than the ones I've seen in Japan, but it looks delicious.

Bell and the others started harvesting in their own ways. Bell held the leaves and rose vertically, pulling out the Forest Radish beautifully. She seemed to enjoy the sensation so much that she spun around happily.

"Yuta, I got one!"

Bell flew over with a Forest Radish, her eyes sparkling. I praised her and took the Forest Radish she brought.

"Is it fun, Bell?"

"Yes, it's fun. It's so satisfying."

She reported excitedly, flapping her arms and legs.

"That's great. Bring as many as you can."

"Okay!"

Bell returned to the field, dancing happily. She has a good sense of rhythm.

Rain seemed to find it difficult to hold the radishes with her fins, so she used a technique to harvest them. She created a donut-shaped water flow to wash the soil off the roots and secure the radishes. What a clever idea. She happily harvested and brought them over.

Tulu and Tamamo, using magic, made it look very easy. Tulu's magic made the soil move away, and Tamamo's made the Forest Radish come out on its own. Magic is amazing. They both seemed to be enjoying themselves, bringing the radishes over in good spirits.

After all the harvesting was done, I had Rain wash the vegetables as usual. What should I make? Grated radish is a must, and stir-frying the radish leaves with sesame oil would be delicious, but I don't have sesame oil.

For pickles, I don't have chili peppers, but I'll try using salt and powdered kelp. If I get the salt right, it should work.

For a stew, I don't have enough ingredients for simmered radish or oden. When we get to the Labyrinth City, I'll visit many shops to find usable items. For now, I want to get some oil for stir-frying.

Thank you for reading.