Chapter 87

I met Takuru and Momo just a few days ago, but despite the short time we've known each other, I feel they have grown quite attached to me. I don't mind this, and I'm not immune to the warmth, but I don't intend to stay here indefinitely. In fact, I'm even considering leaving before our relationship deepens any further. This isn't out of fear that something similar to what happened with Oda might occur again; it's simply that I'm finding such social interactions tiresome.

No, I can't deny that this feeling stems from my past experiences.

I had planned to leave today, but after hearing the old man's words, I reluctantly decided to at least wait for his return. After breakfast, I offered to help with something around the house, but it seems I was treated as a guest, and my offer was declined. With nothing to do, I returned to the room I was given and spent the day relaxing.

I think this town is doing well. According to what the old man told me yesterday, they gather food from the fields and also forage for mountain vegetables and occasionally go hunting.

From what I saw at last night's dinner and this morning's breakfast, it seems the food situation is not a concern for now. This would be impossible in urban areas.

I had decided that my mission would be complete if I brought Takuru and Momo here and found everything to be in order. However, knowing that one of the major issues in this world has been resolved here gives me a sense of relief.

But one thing that concerns me is the hostility I felt from the people when I arrived and the guard's words, "You're not from this town."

The old man said that the townspeople are scattered in large buildings. He simply referred to the people here as townspeople, but logically, this term would refer to those who originally lived here. If that's the case, I have some questions.

I brought Takuru and Momo here by car. There might have been some obstacles on the way, but it's not as if only I could have made it here. Therefore, it seems reasonable to think that others from outside might have come here as well.

If that's the case, what happened to those people?

At least, I feel welcomed by the people here, and Takuru and Momo feel the same. Well, since they were born here, it's only natural.

However, considering the hostility I felt from the guard when I arrived, it crosses my mind that perhaps only the original townspeople are here.

When the old man returns, I'll ask him about it.

+++++

In the end, the old man returned around dusk. Takuru and Momo had been worried, but it turned out to be a false alarm, and the other men who had gone out with him also returned safely. Their tired expressions and the faint smell of blood suggested they had probably been dealing with zombies.

After dinner, I was called to the dojo by the old man. He invited me to have a drink, and when I arrived, I found only him there. I had expected others to join us for a drinking session, so I was a bit disappointed.

We sat facing each other in the middle of the spacious dojo. A tray beside us held two glass cups, a small plate with some pickles from this morning, and a bottle of sake that looked expensive, with a label bearing impressive kanji characters. I'm not well-versed in sake, but it seemed like a high-quality bottle.

"Good, right? I've been saving this one for a special occasion."

"…No, I'm sorry. I'm not very knowledgeable about this. If you want, we can switch to something cheaper."

Noticing my gaze on the bottle, the old man said this, confirming that it was indeed an expensive bottle. I thought it would be a waste for me to drink it, as I can't appreciate the difference in quality.

After all, the purpose of drinking is to enjoy a good buzz. A good drink should enhance that pleasure. However, with my "Status Effect Immunity" skill, I can't get drunk from alcohol.

Drinking such good sake would only make it more of a waste.

"You can drink, right?"

"Well, yes."

"Then it's fine. You're not getting any younger, so you should enjoy a good drink."

The old man said this, popped the cap off the bottle, and handed me a glass. He poured for me, and I placed it down before pouring back for him.

The old man took a small sip, wetting his lips, and then paused. I did the same, taking a small sip.

The aroma of rice wafted up, but there was no overwhelming smell, and the sake slid smoothly down my throat.

I didn't drink sake often before coming to this world, but the difference from the cheap stuff I occasionally had was clear.

"…It's good, isn't it?"

"Hehe, right?"

My words came out naturally, and the old man smiled, looking pleased.