Chapter 55
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: Power Boost (3)
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"Kalt~ I'll be waiting for your letter~!"
Lunia waved her arms enthusiastically, while Nadia bowed her head politely. Leaving behind the villagers who had all come out to see them off, Kalt and his companions set out for the commercial city of Tridia.
Their mode of transportation was, of course, a carriage.
"Kalt, did you promise to write to Lunia?"
During the ride, Nellis recalled Lunia's words and asked.
"Yeah. I agreed to send regular letters to her and Nadia."
"When did you two get so close?"
"It's been a really long time since I've stayed in one village for so long like this. We just got friendly over time."
'Her breasts were the biggest factor.'
"Well, Nadia and Lunia were both really kind to us. And the other villagers too."
"Oh, then... could I send a letter with yours? I'm not as close to Lunia as you are, but... I'd like to get to know her better through letters! Though... she might not like mine since she can't reply."
"I'm sure Lunia would be thrilled. A letter from the hero who protected her village?"
"Aw, Kalt! I didn't do much back then. If anything, you handled almost everything..."
"Still, everyone in the village knows you stepped up with courage against the Kobold King. Now all that's left is building the strength to match that courage."
"Kalt..."
His words, affirming her as a hero and promising to help her grow, melted Nellis's heart.
It would take ten days to reach the commercial city of Tridia.
Even passing through one village midway, they'd still have more nights camping outdoors.
And during the journey,
Nellis's party realized anew just how fortunate they were to have Kalt with them.
Meals that they would normally skimp on to save money during long trips—simple breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
"Time to eat, everyone."
"Yay!"
"What's on the menu today?"
"Thank you as always, Kalt."
"Heh heh, much appreciated! Even including me."
"No, no—you're the one working hard driving the carriage."
Including the coachman, Kalt provided satisfying meals using ingredients from his inventory.
They used to chew on hard bread and jerky during travels, waiting eagerly for the next village.
In contrast, Kalt's cooking used every bit of ingredients without waste. It took a little time, but every bite brought a smile.
With good food fueling them, Scarlet and Aria could focus more on their training to resolve their issues.
And during sword training stops to rest the horses, Nellis could concentrate at her peak.
Of course, Kalt felt rewarded seeing how much they enjoyed his cooking.
The ten days flew by, and Kalt's group arrived at the commercial city of Tridia.
"This is Tridia...!"
"There are so many people."
"Is it? Not what you're used to?"
Nellis's eyes sparkled at the bustling crowds and lively atmosphere.
Aria was startled by the throngs, while Scarlet—who had lived in crowded noble cities—watched calmly.
"First time in Tridia for all three of you?"
"Yes!"
"Pretty much."
"Well, first time coming here. No real need to before."
"Alright, let's book an inn first, then shop for what we need."
Kalt led Nellis's group to the inn where he had stayed before.
"Welcome! Oh? Kalt, is that you!"
"Hi, Mr. Rudolf. Long time no see."
Having done favors at every stop along the way, Kalt was greeted warmly by the innkeeper.
"I'd like some rooms."
"Got it—four singles, right?"
"Yes."
"Whoa, the Fastest Hero Party back in Tridia. The guild's gonna buzz!"
"No. Not the Fastest Hero Party anymore."
"What?"
"I left that party. Joined a new hero party now."
"Huh... really?"
Curious why Kalt left the Fastest Hero Party, but innkeeper Rudolf didn't pry.
"So, the new party is...?"
"The Indomitable Hero Nellis Party behind me."
"Ah, those kids... Wait, Indomitable Hero Nellis? The ones who took down the Kobold King?"
"Yes."
"Hahaha! Even kobolds, but a Kobold King slayer hero party! As expected from you, Kalt—worthy of joining!"
"Hahaha."
Kalt glossed over the details with a laugh.
"Anyway."
Kalt handed over enough gold for a week for four people.
"Take good care of the rooms."
"You got it! Welcome back to Tridia!"
After booking rooms, Nellis's party left the inn and walked the streets.
"Kalt, are you close with the innkeeper?"
"Close enough. Why?"
"No, just... he seemed really happy to see you."
"Well, I've helped Mr. Rudolf out a few times. Plus, I learned cooking from him."
"You learned cooking? From the innkeeper?"
"He's got great culinary skills. The dinner stew is amazing, so I built rapport, paid for lessons. Breakfast tomorrow will be worth looking forward to."
"Wow..."
"If Kalt says so, it must be good."
"Can't wait already."
Chatting, Kalt guided them to the blacksmith.
"This is the blacksmith I know in Tridia. Bought my old sword here."
"The blacksmith Kalt used...!"
"Let's get Nellis's gear here."
"Uh, but Kalt... good weapons aren't... expensive?"
"Don't worry. We cashed in those kobold and Kobold King magic stones—plenty of money."
"S-Still. A legendary sword would cost a fortune, right?"
"Sure, but not buying that level yet. I'll pick ones worth the spend, properly distributed."
"Okay!"
They entered the blacksmith, filled with the clang of hammering metal.
"Excuse us."
"Welcome. Oh? Kalt?"
The apprentice blacksmith recognized Kalt right away.
"Hey, Ken. Is the master around?"
"Yes! Master! Kalt's here!"
The hammering stopped, and a muscular old man with a mustache emerged.
"Kalt, you say?"
"Long time, sir. Doing well?"
"Well, damn. Been a while. A year?"
"Year and a half. Business good?"
"Not failing enough for you to worry."
"Glad to hear it."
"More importantly... those kids with you. Where's the usual crew?"
"We parted ways."
"Hm. Couldn't handle that tomboy's attitude after all, huh."
The old man crossed his arms, guessing why Kalt left Mabel's party.
"So, what brings you?"
Kalt nodded toward Nellis and said to the old man,
"Let me introduce. Nellis from the Indomitable Hero Nellis Party—my new group."
"Ah, h-hello!"
"Here for a weapon suited to Nellis."
"Ho. Bright and polite, at least."
"Also, need maintenance on my current sword."
"Your current sword?"
One eyebrow arched.
"Where's the one I made?"
"Broke fighting a Cyclops. Took effort finding one close to yours."
"Hmph, still good at flattery. Hand it over."
"Yes."
Kalt handed over the sword; the old man drew it to inspect.
"Decent enough. Not as good as mine, though."
Twirling his wrist, examining blade edges, he said,
"Edge is dull. Not from long use... but from hunting lots of monsters in short time."
"As expected from you, sir. You even see that."
"What the hell did you hunt to do this?"
"Over a hundred kobolds, at least."
"K-Kobolds? A hundred!?"
Apprentice Ken blinked in shock at Kalt's casual words.
"Don't make a fuss—you'll get underestimated."
"B-But Master, even kobolds, a hundred in short time is huge."
"Think about his old party. Fastest Hero Party. That's normal for him. But..."
With a clack, he sheathed the sword and eyed Kalt incredulously.
"Dulling only this much after over a hundred kobolds. Ridiculous."
"Happy to get such praise from you, sir."
"Not praise. Just baffling. I'll resharpen it. You there."
"Me?"
"Yes. Show me your sword."
"Ah, yes!"
At the old man's words, Nellis quickly handed over her sword.
From his talk with Kalt, he seemed an exceptional blacksmith.
Nellis secretly hoped for praise.
Like, still green, but promising,
or lots of effort shows in the blade.
Such praise.
But the old man's words shattered her expectations.
"Can't imagine this as a hero's sword."
"Huh?"
"What did you do to it? At this rate, it'll snap mid-fight after 4-5 uses."
"Eh?"