55. The Wandering Folk and Their Exotic Cuisine
We ended up joining a band of wandering folk for the night, camping together.
A massive bonfire blazed like a campfire at the center, around which their encampment had been set up.
There were over a hundred of them—a huge group. When they climbed down from their wagons, it felt like a whole village springing to life. Kids were everywhere, scampering all over the place.
A bunch had gathered around Myra too. She was telling them stories in her soft, captivating voice.
Every now and then, some mischievous brat would try to prank her by lunging for a hug. Hey, those tits are mine—keep your hands off.
I released the corn I'd stocked up on back in Rishel and decided to share it with everyone.
I skewered them and grilled them over the cooking fire's grate.
For some reason, Fam was glued right to my side, helping out. She was in charge of brushing on the butter-soy glaze, meticulously coating each one.
"Master, shouldn't we do a taste test before handing them out to everyone?"
She gazed up at me with eyes full of eager expectation.
"Yeah, you're right. Let's try a bit."
"Couldn't I do the honors?"
Her tail was swishing back and forth.
"...You don't have to go that far to help."
"No, what if it doesn't taste good? We can't serve it to Master like that!"
"I appreciate the thought, Fam, but I'll—"
I picked one up and brought it to my mouth.
"Ah, Master..."
Fam stared at me with those sad puppy eyes. She really loves it that much? I hadn't realized. No wonder she remembered the smell when we ran into that Black Sky in the dungeon.
I'd teased her too much. I handed her the grilled corn. Her tail started wagging furiously.
"Once you're done, come back and help again."
"Yes. Just call me if you need another taste test."
"..."
Fam walked off, cradling it like a treasure.
Probably planning to bury it in a hole somewhere.
Before I knew it, a line of kids had formed in front of me, led by Myra.
I handed out grilled corn to the children, but the stockpile vanished in no time. I needed to prep more, but Fam hadn't returned.
"I'll help."
Myra pitched in, skewering the corn and peeling the husks. We tossed the finished ones onto the fire.
"Why did you buy so much?"
"Figured I'd quit being an adventurer and set up a food stall."
I wanted to say it was just to tease her, but with the kids around, even I couldn't bring myself to. Actually, I probably could've said it to anyone else in the party—even without the kids—but not to Myra.
"You're joking, right?"
Myra eyed me skeptically.
"Adventuring's worn me out."
"At least stick it out until the Demon King shows up."
"So I'm the one getting offed?!"
"I'll handle the rest. I'll just keep bashing him with my mace."
"..."
Myra's gone cold on me again.
"You mad I summoned Rakushel?"
"I know it couldn't be helped. But I wanted to see her, even just once."
Myra pouted. She was definitely upset.
"Tomorrow we hit the city. I'll summon her then!"
"Sure, and then you'll say your MP or stamina's too low and can't do it."
She's too deep in her negativity; her heart's shut tight.
There were two stumps nearby, big enough for one person each.
"Myra, this is tiring. Let's sit and work."
"I'm fine. Besides, I've been sitting in the wagon all day—my butt's a little sore."
"Gotcha. Guess I'll sit, then."
I plopped down on the stump next to her.
"...Maybe I will sit after all~"
Myra slid onto the same stump. We each took half, playfully shoving for space, our butts bumping and squishing. Hers was nice and soft.
"Man, it smells amazing. I want some too."
Myra said it like she was forcing herself to cheer up. She smelled incredible herself.
"Sure thing. We'll eat together once things calm down."
"Okay."
Myra nodded. I hoped it'd brighten her mood a little.
We kept grilling, and eventually Fam came back.
"The wandering folk's leader wants to speak with you, Master."
Fam pointed to an especially ornate wagon.
A massive tent stood in front of it—some kind of yurt, I'd guess, though I'd never seen one in person.
"Not the Mateo Company? She wants me specifically?"
Fam nodded. Bad vibes.
"Wonder what it's about. Craving grilled corn?"
"Shall I bring some? Better take an extra in case you drop it."
Come to think of it, she'd already finished hers.
"...I'll be right back."
"Then I'll keep grilling in your place, Master."
"..."
Nothing but anxiety left behind, but I left the corn to Fam.
"I'll come too."
Myra chimed in. I'd wanted her to watch Fam, but having Myra along felt safer, so I nodded.
On the way to the tent, we ran into Mizuki, Cecily, and Ira, so we grouped up.
Two burly, muscular guys stood guard at the entrance. Armed watchmen, huh? What kind of person was this leader?
No one challenged us; one of them just ushered us inside.
Incense burned within, filling the air with an indescribably pleasant aroma. A fire blazed, lighting up the space. Carpets covered the floor, and ahead sat a woman on a high-backed chair, flanked by two attendants.
She looked about Mizuki's age, maybe a bit older. Wavy black hair, dark eyes—a striking beauty with an exotic, Oriental vibe.
"You're Mash, yes? I'm Karupana, granddaughter of this band's chieftain."
Karupana stood and bowed politely.
Oh no, the classic setup. I wanted to bolt.
"Wrong guy. Name's Mish. This is Muzuki, Soshiry, Iira, and last is Mummy—she just woke from a thousand-year slumber yesterday."
"...I've finally been demoted to punchline duty."
Myra deflated at my words.
"I understand your caution toward us. So, we've prepared a meal. Care to join?"
Karupana's attendant clapped, and wandering folk streamed in with platters of food. The scent of curry wafted through.
The dishes looked like curry soup, naan-like bread, veggies, meats, and kebabs.
Then Fam entered, arms loaded with a mountain of grilled corn.
What the hell was she doing?
"Master. I grilled them. Let's all eat."
She set the platter down and came to stand by my side.
"Didn't know you loved it that much."
"Seeing your happy face while eating it made me love it too."
"Was I making that face? Probably 'cause it's something from our world. Nostalgic, y'know."
Nostalgic after just a month here? But yeah, my old life felt like ancient history already.
"I see. Let's eat together again, just us two."
"Please, have a seat."
At Karupana's urging, we settled on round cushions.
"These are dishes from our wandering folk's homeland."
It smelled exactly like curry. Looked like it too.
"Your homeland's way east?"
"Yes. I've never been, but far beyond the Demon Kingdom."
"India?"
Mizuki whispered just loud enough for me to hear. Great minds.
Silver goblets were filled with a white, frothy liquid. Beer? No—probably goat milk, since they kept goats.
"We heard you're on a bodyguard quest, so no alcohol, but let's toast anyway."
We raised our glasses and drank. Tasted like thinned yogurt, a bit salty.
"It's ayran. First time with goat milk, but it's popular in the Demon Kingdom. I drank it back in my village."
Fam said, looking a little wistful. Her village was on the border between the Empire and Demon Kingdom—must've mixed cultures, eastern food included.
"Familiar taste, huh?"
"Every family makes their own. Each has its unique flavor. On festival days, we'd compare ones from other houses... I can't drink mine anymore."
Fam forced a smile. That strained expression twisted my gut.
"...Sorry. Don't know what to say."
"Sorry for bringing it up now. But I'm happy with Master here."
"I like it too. This taste."
"Right? Let's try the other dishes, Master."
I bit into a kebab. Loaded with spices—delicious.
"Kebab. Common in the Demon Kingdom too. Properly marinated in yogurt."
"Fam, you a food critic or something?"
She gonna start nitpicking seasoning next?
"N-no, I just love good food."
I'd thought she was just flattering me, but no—she had a real palate. She always looked blissful while eating. Refined tongue. Her family must've been well-off. Or the whole village. Even after being enslaved and abused, her spirit stayed pure. Raised with love.
Felt like I'd glimpsed her deeper self. Made me happy.
"From now on, I'll treat you to even better stuff."
"Yes. I want to try your egg dish again too."
Already got a request.
Thank you for reading.
Thanks to everyone who hit like, bookmarked, or rated.
It motivates me. I'll keep at it.
Really appreciate the typo reports.