Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 204. The Freeman And A New Adventure

Two months have passed since leaving Sebites.

The reason it took so long is not just the distance, but also the troubles we encountered along the way.

As usual. Yeah.

“Is that Lake Mazur…? It’s not the sea, right?”

“Definitely a lake. You’ll know if you drink from it.”

“I’m scared to drink unboiled water, but… yeah, it’s definitely freshwater.”

The scenery before us was breathtaking.

The calm, endless water surface reflected the sunlight, scattering glittering particles. It was almost blinding.

Small boats floated, casting nets to fish.

Moreover, the landscape had completely changed on the way here.

After crossing a large river, the trees and greenery increased, and the Middle Eastern-style architecture shifted to European-style towns.

Especially as we approached Lake Lurel, vast farmlands appeared, and along Lake Mazur, golden wheat stretched to the horizon.

“It’s enviable. Though Tessa is currently working hard to increase cassava and corn production.”

“Is it going well?”

“She learned how to grow them from Yaralai. They’re thriving in the soil.”

“That’s good.”

It might not be a golden prairie, but we can only hope the land turns green.

And what we see ahead is a massive castle built along the lake.

It’s still far, about the size of a grain of rice, but even from here, its scale is impressive.

“This castle is on a different scale from the ones we’ve seen before.”

“Yes. Among the nations west of the Midar Mountains, it’s undoubtedly the largest. In terms of area, the Elven Green Garden is larger, but calling it a nation is a bit misleading.”

“Ah, they live in a vast forest, right?”

“That’s what I heard.”

Since I also heard it from Lalaila, it must be true.

Once we finish our business in Lake Lurel, we should visit that forest and introduce Yaralai’s wife.

We’re behind schedule, but it’s still much faster than traveling on foot.

Glancing to the side, I saw the griffin, Kukkle, happily bathing in the water.

Despite its large size, it seems quite young.

Now without a saddle, it looks very happy.

As the horned girl, Faf, approached, Kukkle shivered and froze.

Faf smirked and left, and Kukkle relaxed as if relieved.

“…Can animals sense Faf’s strength?”

“Is she really that strong?”

“She can handle both Yaralai and Hagg at the same time. It’s no joke.”

“It’s hard to believe.”

“I understand.”

Faf usually doesn’t join battles.

If I hadn’t seen the three of them fight, I wouldn’t believe it either.

“I heard that Lake Lurel has absorbed Elven plant knowledge, rapidly advancing agriculture. Wheat production doubles every year, making it the continent’s breadbasket. This has also accelerated the installation of shift rooms in various countries.”

“I see. So, countries realized the convenience of shift rooms.”

“Yes. Currently, there are rumors that usage fees have dropped for transporting wheat.”

“How’s the food situation in other countries?”

“Of course, every country grows wheat, but Lake Lurel’s is cheap and high-quality. It’s natural it spreads. In the past, heavy taxes prevented its inflow, but with populations growing…”

“Balancing farmer protection and other factors must be tough.”

Importing everything isn’t the solution, but for residents, getting cheap and tasty food is a joy.

Japan has various protection policies, but they must all be challenging.

“Well, enough rest. Let’s get going.”

“Let’s do that. …Kukkle!”

The griffin raised its head and approached Cherina.

“She’s used to it.”

“She’s a good girl. Now, let’s put on the saddle and the flag.”

Kukkle let out a cry and calmly allowed the saddle to be put on.

“What’s that flag for?”

“It shows she’s domesticated, not wild. It’s also the owner’s mark.”

“Ah, I see.”

In a world where wild beasts roam, it’s necessary.

Otherwise, she might get hunted.

Kukkle nuzzled Cherina, urging her to mount.

It seems she really likes having Cherina ride her.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go.”

Cherina gracefully mounted the saddle, signaling our departure.

Hagg took the driver’s seat, so I sat in the passenger seat.

Lalaila was also in the passenger seat.

“Akira, you and Cherina seem close.”

“Huh? Ah… well, it’s been a long time since we came to this world.”

“Um… I’ve been meaning to ask…”

“Hmm?”

“Well… are you two… um… you know…”

“Ah, well, yeah. Uh-huh.”

“I see… fugu…”

What was that last part?

Hmm. Was it that obvious over the past two months?

I don’t remember being that clingy in public.

Well, it’s better not to be too obvious in public.

I don’t think we were that obvious, but I’ll be more careful.

We only snuck off together at night sometimes, right?

We’re adults. We didn’t do anything weird in front of kids, right?

…Wait, Lalaila is older than me.

She doesn’t seem like it, though.

◆

As expected of a bustling trade city, the streets were wide and well-maintained.

Come to think of it, there were many waterwheels along the river.

They must have been for milling flour.

Every carriage, big or small, was packed with sacks of wheat.

It must be harvest season.

Our camper van sped past these carriages, with the griffin flying overhead.

We still stand out. Even now.

The streets were crowded, but fortunately, they were wide enough to pass through easily.

But entering the town required joining a line.

“Oops. We should have stored the car and walked in.”

“Should we do that now?”

Hagg tapped the steering wheel.

“At this point, it might draw more attention…”

“True, if we suddenly veer off the road, the guards might get suspicious.”

“We’ve already stored the cargo trailer. It won’t take much time once we’re in.”

“Yeah. Besides, the line is moving pretty fast.”

Then, the car shook.

Probably Kukkle landing on top.

“Ugh… I’ll never get used to this…”

Cherina, looking pale, forced herself into the passenger seat.

“Drink some water.”

“Okay… glug glug”

“Cherina, it’s cramped… why don’t you sit in the back?”

Lalaila muttered, but Cherina didn’t seem to hear.

If the base wasn’t an American car, we wouldn’t have fit.

“Why don’t you ride in the car normally?”

“I get carsick too, and when Kukkle looks at me with those eyes…”

“Ah…”

Yeah. Those innocent eyes are hard to resist.

“Well, you’ll get used to it eventually.”

“I hope so.”

She seemed to calm down after drinking water.

“Akira, it’s our turn.”

“Got it.”

As I got out of the camper van, a grimacing guard and an official looked up at the car.

“What’s this…”

“It moved without horses?”

I’m used to this reaction.

“Well, this is an artifact excavated from the western edge.”

“An artifact? Still being found in this era?”

“We got lucky.”

“Are you treasure hunters?”

“No, we’re traveling merchants.”

“Merchants, huh… fine. What’s your cargo?”

“Nothing right now. We’re here to deliver someone. We might buy some wheat while we’re at it.”

“What about the griffin on top?”

“It belongs to the person we’re delivering.”

“Why use a carriage if you have a griffin?”

“This carriage is specially made, quite fast.”

“Hmm… alright, we’ll inspect the inside.”

“Go ahead.”

After paying the tax, we were about to enter the town when…

“You there! Sell me that carriage!!!”

A well-dressed man in his 20s clung to me.

What’s with this guy?