Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Cursed Land and the Girl (1)
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Right on cue, just as my money had run out completely, a bodyguard request came in.
We took on escorting a merchant caravan heading to Roshan.
Thanks to Jamil, who looked like he could handle himself in a fight at a glance, things went smoothly.
Whether it was luck or not, no incidents occurred on the way to Roshan.
The job ended without a hitch, and Jamil and I parted ways ordinarily.
"Take care."
"I'll get in touch once I settle down."
Jamil waved cheerfully at me with a bright smile.
As per the game's story, this guy would become the leader of that infamous Red Bear Mercenary Corps.
Thanks to chatting about this and that on the way to Roshan, I got pretty close to him.
To be precise, since I already knew Jamil's story from the game, I spoke as if peering into his soul, earning his one-sided favor effortlessly.
Anyway, he'd be a big help to me down the line.
His promise to contact me once settled was genuine, too.
I wished him success, bought some simple snacks, and hit the road again.
A day's walk would bring me to Galopik, the city built before the Cursed Land.
It was the most developed among the fortress cities erected to block monsters and undead emerging from the Cursed Land.
The Barak Empire and Lüset had their own fortress cities bordering the Cursed Land, but their strict entry controls made Galopik the best option right now.
I trudged toward Galopik, munching on tough jerky and dried fruit.
Ayla had grown quite heavy, making it a bit tough, but I kept carrying her, thinking of it as exercise.
Absolutely not because she was cute.
Anyway, the moment I arrived in Galopik, I was greeted by temples of all sorts.
Mercenaries gathering for hunts believed in different gods, which explained why Galopik, unlike other mainstream cities, had such a variety of temples.
I, too, planned to stop by "that place" before getting into full swing.
"It won't be a grand temple, but..."
Passing the imposing buildings and heading into the city center, I soon saw a bustling scene of noisy merchants and even more energetic mercenaries overflowing the streets.
As expected.
The fortress city was incredibly lively.
Cities and rural areas, including the capital, tended to ignore and fear fortress cities, but in reality, they weren't the death traps people imagined.
Monsters meant money, money drew mercenaries, mercenaries attracted merchants, and that inevitably brought vitality to the city.
"Especially since undead make for great magic tool materials."
Anyone knew that hides, horns, and bones from regular monsters fetched good prices.
But few ordinary folk realized undead monsters were profitable too, hidden behind prejudice.
"Well, most just find them creepy."
The undead pouring from the Cursed Land were unsettling and far stronger than regular monsters.
It was natural for people to fear them.
"That's why mercenaries swarm this place."
Of course, that's what allowed the city to prosper right on the Cursed Land's doorstep.
"Sir!"
"Looking for an inn?"
"Follow me!"
"No, let me carry your luggage!"
Perhaps noticing I was a first-time visitor to Galopik from my wandering gaze on the main street, boys popped out from alleys and swarmed me.
Some even tried snatching my bag.
*Thwack!*
I flicked the forehead of one bold boy reaching for my stuff, then showed the stunned boys a single coin.
"Listen up."
Their eyes locked onto the coin.
"What I value most is food, above all else."
*Gulp.*
"So only raise your hand if you're confident in your food."
I scanned the lineup of boys, then pulled an apple from my other hand.
"If anyone's lying..."
*Gulp.*
"I'll curse you."
*Shaaa...*
The apple on my palm was temptingly red, but as soon as I finished speaking, it rotted rapidly, crumbling into black ash that scattered in the wind.
[Forest's Breath], acquired at level 12, was a simple spell that could grow or decay plants—perfect for scaring kids.
"U-U-Uwaaaah!"
Most boys screamed and bolted, leaving just two with tense faces.
"Hmm."
Stroking my chin as I looked down at them, I tossed the coin into the air and caught it.
"Front side, you're it."
"Yes, sir!"
"Back side, you."
"Y-Yes!"
Opening my palm revealed the back side.
"You're lucky. Assuming the food's good, that is. The curse is real. Back out now if you're not confident."
"Our mom's cooking is the best in Galopik—it's famous!"
"It better be true. Lead the way."
"Yes, sir!"
I tossed the coin to the boy, who excitedly tried grabbing my bag, then winced and rubbed his forehead before leading on.
Coincidentally, it was the one I'd flicked earlier.
The inn he brought me to was in a slightly secluded spot—an old-looking place at first glance.
"..."
Noticing my sharp look at the aged building, the boy glanced at me and added hastily.
"It looks like this, but inside it's really cozy and clean."
With that, he flung open the door.
Sure enough...
As he said, the interior was well-maintained, spotless, and tidy. The central fireplace gave it a warm vibe. No cobwebs or soot anywhere—the owner clearly cared about cleaning.
I nodded to the boy looking up expectantly.
"Pass."
As I entered, a couple who seemed to be the boy's parents greeted me warmly.
Time for a meal first?
I sat at an empty table and handed the innkeeper a silver coin.
"Your best dish, please."
"Right away."
"Oh, and some minced lamb and goat milk too."
Seeing his puzzled look, I subtly showed him Ayla sleeping soundly in my pocket.
"Ah! Yes, sir. Coming right up."
While the main course prepared, white bread, fresh butter, a bit of honey, and goat milk cheese arrived first.
Compared to the watery soup, black bread, tough jerky, and scant dried fruit I'd had on the road, it was a luxurious appetizer.
I split the warm white bread, slathered on butter that melted instantly from the heat, drizzled golden honey, and topped it with sliced goat cheese.
One bite, and heaven appeared before my eyes.
Yes, this is the taste!
As I nearly finished the bread, the dishes started coming out one by one.
First up: perch steak. Sprinkled with salt and herbs, baked crisp skin-on—it looked mouthwatering just to see. The plump, crispy flesh was irresistible. Same for the butter-fried mushrooms and tomatoes. I grabbed fork and knife. Slicing released a crunch from the skin. Chewing unleashed the fish's juices and flavor. No fishy smell at all—freshly caught.
I devoured the dish busily. After so long without real food, it went down endlessly.
"Looks like it's to your taste."
After emptying the fish plate, a hearty stew arrived next.
"Reindeer tomato stew."
It looked thick. Chunky reindeer meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, peas... The highlight was the ice moss on top. It melted smoothly in the mouth like cheese. The soft, sweet ice moss paired perfectly with the stew.
I polished off the bowl in a blink. It warmed my stomach like hangover soup—perfect before heading out to hunt in the Cursed Land.
Finally, dessert: some fruit and cream pudding set with milk and honey. Even the generous portion vanished, leaving me fully satisfied.
"Fuu..."
Excellent. Patting my full belly, I stood and addressed the innkeeper.
"Any empty rooms?"
"Yes, plenty."
"I'll stay about ten days. Highest room available. Price doesn't matter."
"Yes, sir. All ready. My son will show you."
At his call, the boy dashed over and grabbed my bag, eyeing me warily—probably wondering if I'd scold him again.
"Good. Oh, and hot bath water. Scalding hot."
"Yes!"
Holding Ayla, who'd cleaned her plate of minced lamb and goat milk, I followed the boy up the stairs. As expected, the room was spotless and cozy.
While unpacking and organizing, the bath was ready. The boy was about to brag at length about the ice salt from the Cursed Land in it, so to shut him up, I gave him a copper and slipped into the wooden tub.
Soaking in the hot water melted away my fatigue. The ice salt made my skin sleek quickly.
"Nice..."
Leaning back, I took a deep breath. Koreans and bathhouses, after all...
Just need a banana milk, and I'd have no regrets. *Tsk.*
*Screeech! Nyang!*
The now-larger Ayla scratched at the tub impatiently. Geez, how long had it been since we got in...
"Ayla."
*Nyang!*
"Wait."
*Nrrgh...*
Thanks to training her a few times, she understood "wait," stopping her claws and plopping down. Belly full, she soon started snoring.
"After I'm done, time to bathe her too."
I slowly closed my eyes.
Real hunting starts tomorrow—time to rest now.