Chapter 32

In the cool autumn twilight, how are you doing? It's me, Hermann. Recently, the number of adventurers has suddenly increased. The square in front of the church is about 150% full, and the tents are interfering with each other. There are too many adventurers staying for the winter. If only they had made this place a bit larger. ...But even if it were larger, other adventurers would probably come, and the density would end up being the same.

Today, I don't plan to go gathering. I've decided it's better to return to town. The wheat harvest is already over, and the merchants have probably finished buying most of the wheat. The main reason for returning is that winter is approaching. I also want to secure a good inn, and I need to go to the Adventurer's Guild to pick up my futon and pillow. So, I'll eat dinner, sleep, and return in the morning.

Also, the number of tent cloths has decreased from five to two. They've burned three times. Actually, there have been more fires. ...I don't know why, but a lot of alchemist merchants come to the Rail Forest, probably because of the Full Moon Mushrooms. Every time they come, I have to pack up my tent and move to the perimeter, and about half the time, they start a fire. It's always a hassle to pack up the tent, but it's better than having it burn. Still, there are unexpected fires. That's why I lost three cloths. I was worried that even five might not have been enough.

Well, since I'm returning tomorrow, today I'll just eat dinner and sleep. However, I've been living a nocturnal life, so I'm not sure if I can sleep. ...I made more dinner than usual, so I should be able to sleep when I get hungry. I hope there won't be a fire tonight. That's always my main concern when I go to sleep. Especially since I'm sleeping at night this time. Even if I can't fall asleep right away, I'm afraid of fires if I go to sleep too early. ...I'm getting sleepy even though I just woke up, so I'll go to sleep. Good night.

In the morning, I woke up without any incidents. I washed my face with well water, prepared breakfast, and ate it in my tent. ...I'm still scared of starting a fire. I'm always worried that the sparks from the flint might fly onto the surrounding tents. On the one hand, it's convenient that the slime fuel burns quickly, but on the other hand, it's hard to stop once it starts. I've never had to put out a fire before. The Adventurer's Code says to do your best to extinguish fires, but if the well is on fire, you can't extinguish it. I think it's common sense for adventurers to just let it burn until it's out.

After breakfast, I did the dishes and prepared to leave. I packed up my tent and collected the finger magic stone necklace. It was really easy. So, I decided to run back to Nera Town. Walking would be boring, and it's good for building stamina. So, I ran back to Nera Town.

I ran for about 5 or 6 hours, and my legs are as usual, very tight. I actually like this feeling of fatigue. I've done it many times before. Of course, I can't keep running. It's past noon, so I'll go to the Adventurer's Guild first to get my futon and pillow. I just need to go to the reception. ...It's a different receptionist from last time, but it should be fine.

"Excuse me, I came to pick up my futon and pillow. Ah, here's the identification I received."

"Oh, the pillow guy. I see, just a moment, please."

What's with the "pillow guy"? Well, it's fine, I guess. But, "pillow guy"? Some questionable memories came up from my past life, but I think this nickname is okay. ...I don't know if there's such a thing as a male pillow salesman. It's irrelevant in this world, so it's fine.

"Here you go. This is your futon and pillow. The pillow is really nice. I made a few to try out, and they're the perfect height for your head, making it comfortable to sleep. I plan to promote them, so I hope they sell well."

"As I said before, I don't need money."

"Yes, I understand. But it's a waste. You came up with the idea."

"Well, I don't plan to settle in this town, so it can't be helped. Ah, do you know a good inn? One with a private room and two meals a day."

"Hmm, how about the fifth inn on the south side of the main street in the east of the town? It's a bit far from the center, but it has private rooms and meals included. It's a bit expensive, but it shouldn't be a problem for you."

"The price is fine. Thank you. I'll go check it out."

So, I'll go check it out right away. A bit expensive is just right. This town probably raises the prices for adventurers who have money, especially since there's the Rail Forest. Just the Moonlight Mushrooms alone should bring in a good profit. It's a large platinum coin, so even if I can't convert it to my past life's currency, it's probably worth about a trillion yen. If we assume that an iron coin is 1 yen, but prices and everything are different, so it's not an exact conversion. A mushroom worth 2 trillion yen is ridiculous.

Is this the inn the receptionist mentioned? It's a pretty ordinary inn. I think it's not much different from the one I stayed at in the capital. As long as I can sleep and eat, it's fine. I'll go in the inn right away.

"Excuse me."

"Sure, just a moment. --- Here, come in."

"Is there a private room with two meals a day available?"

"Yes, we have private rooms and serve two meals a day, breakfast and dinner."

"Then, I'll take it for the winter."

"For the winter, it will be two small gold coins. Is that okay?"

"Yes, that's fine. --- Here you go."

"I've received it. This is the key to room 206. The lock can only be set from the inside, so please store important items in your 'Extend Space.' We do not accept any complaints about lost items."

"Understood."

"Also, meals are served in the first-floor dining room in the morning and evening, so please let us know. If you're too late, you won't be able to eat, so be careful."

"Understood. Where are the well and the toilet?"

"The communal well is a little to the east of the back door. The communal toilet is at the back of the first floor."

"Thank you. I'll ask again if I have any questions."

"Sure, feel free to ask."

The room 206 is at the end of the second floor. ...There seems to be a third floor, so not all rooms are occupied. The private room is a bit larger than in the capital. Especially, the window is bigger. This way, I can dry the futon during the day. ...But, the way she said it, it seems there's a risk of the futon being stolen. Since it's on the south side, I can't go out on the days I dry the futon. This makes me want another futon to use while the other is drying. ...Should I buy another set? I'll probably buy it. It won't go to waste. No, no, I should check the comfort first. If it's rough, I might be able to buy a more expensive one in the capital.

For now, I'll sit on the straw futon and dive in. ...Hmm, my past self says it's still not perfect, but it's not prickly, and the fabric is woven with thick threads, making it fluffy. I might get another one made. The pillow is also at a good height, and I like it. Sometimes, knowledge from my past life is useful. ...Actually, it's been since I drank alcohol that I've used it.

Now that I've decided on the inn, I'll go to the Adventurer's Guild to order another futon and pillow for this winter. This is a habit from my past life, but it might also be because I have a condition where I get anxious if I don't have a spare. I only plan to have one really expensive item, but in this life, with the unlimited money and 'Extend Space,' I might get into the habit of buying two. ...I know I don't need a lot, but it brings peace of mind. I don't think it will go to waste, so please understand.

The receptionist from earlier is sitting at the Adventurer's Guild. She's not standing. It's free time, and there's no reason for her to stand.

"Excuse me, I'd like another set of futon and pillow."

"Oh? You're the one I just gave the futon and pillow to. Why do you want another set? ...Oh, I see. A considerate man is a good man. It will be five medium gold coins."

"Okay, here you go."

"Yes, that's fine. Here's the identification tag. I think it will be ready by this winter, so if you come back before spring to go to the Rail Forest, it should be ready."

Great, now I have a spare. ...She seemed to understand something, but I'm not sure what. Well, as long as I can buy it, it's fine. I'll check the Adventurer's Guild's request board. ...Yes, there are still rat-catching requests here. I'll take one every few days to keep my body in shape. There are no other good requests, so I'll take it easy this winter. After leaving the Adventurer's Guild, I headed back to the inn.

Whether you found it interesting or not, I'd appreciate your feedback. If you could include a rating, that would be great. If you could also provide some comments, I think it would help me improve my writing, even as an amateur reader.

...Probably.