The next day
Since I cast a warding curse last night on the ropes that Mr. Sebas had purchased, today the goblins and I are working on the road.
I asked all the adults to spend the morning roping off the perimeter of the mountain, not just to ward off intruders, but also to test the curse’s effectiveness.
The goblins need to deal with the felled trees far behind us, so it’s just me and the slimes advancing along the mountain path.
I’m already used to the work of installing retaining walls, so the next few hours is a leisurely time for me and my Huge Scavenger Slime, even though we were currently doing construction work… Before long, we arrive at the foot of the mountain.
“We still have to haul away the felled trees, but for now, we’ve successfully built a road wide enough for a carriage to pass!” [Ryouma]
From here, I’d like to do some road paving and roadside maintenance, but we don’t have enough time for all of that.
Since it’s a place we can reach immediately with spatial magic, we’ll stop at hauling away the fallen trees for this trip.
I’ll gradually sort out the rest later.
After all, I plan on shutting myself away for the next few months before the curse breaks anyway, so I can just work on the finer details then.
“Even so, it’s really hot today.” [Ryouma]
Because we’re moving forward while knocking down trees in front of us, there’s nothing to block the sunlight.
On top of that, the sun is exceptionally strong today.
It’s a skin-scorching heat, entirely different from the muggy heat of the Great Forest.
Much like the snow at the end of last year, this might also be a side effect of the gods’ replenishing of the mana of the world.
“With the sun this hot, the cursed items we’re using for the lost magic experiment might just burn up before the curse breaks… Depending on the material and how long it’s left out, they might even melt.” [Ryouma]
So far there has been no progress on my research into the lost magic.
It’s only been two days, and since I prioritized the ropes last night, the time I spent on it was short. It’s to be expected, but I haven’t found so much as a single lead.
Lord Rosenberg also said it would take time, so it can’t be helped.
More importantly, I need to stay hydrated…
I took a canteen from my item box and instructed the goblins to do the same.
Then, I suddenly realized something.
It’s already the fifth day since we came to this mountain.
So far, we’ve taken breaks, but we haven’t had a full day off.
Should I schedule a day off soon?
Personally, I’m enjoying studying curses and don’t even want a day off, but there are other people keeping me company here.
“Should we finish work early and serve some alcohol tonight? Or would it be better to take tomorrow off? Maybe both? …I guess I’ll just consult with everyone and then decide.” [Ryouma]
There were already ropes strung along the border between the highway and the mountain in front of me.
I’m at a fork, and I don’t know exactly in which direction the others are, but well, I’ll just pick one and see how it turns out.
My work here has reached a stopping point, so I might as well check on them and discuss my plans.
After that, I applied enhancement magic and ran for a little while, maybe under five minutes.
Luckily, I chose the right direction, and I could see everyone ahead where the rope continued.
As I approached, Miya was the first to notice me.
“It’s Ryouma, nyaa!” [Miya]
“Thanks for your hard work, everyone. Our road is connected for the most part, so I came to see how things are going here.” [Ryouma]
“As you can see, we’re still working. But since the amount of rope is limited, I don’t think it’ll take much longer, nyaa.” [Miya]
“That was 15 kilometers’ worth of rope, you’re very fast.” [Ryouma]
“It’s taking some time because of the sheer quantity, but handling rope is obviously a piece of cake for adventurers.
The butler, Mr. Sebas, drops off ropes at set intervals, so there’s hardly any hassle carrying them.
If the remaining eight of us split the work, this is about what you’d expect.
Tying the ropes directly to the growing trees means we don’t need to put up stakes or supports, either.” [Mizelia]
“Regardless, everyone is working efficiently, and the task is proceeding without a hitch. We don’t have enough rope to completely enclose the perimeter; however, so we need to prioritize the areas close to the highway where people pass.” [Eleonora]
Mizelia puffed out her chest with pride, while Ms. Eleonora explained that.
Not having enough rope wasn’t surprising, and it wasn’t a major problem too.
We aren’t in a hurry, so we can just deal with it later.
Ms. Eleonora also said that she will submit a report later about the rope’s effects and their progress.
The documents she makes are easy to understand, so I’m looking forward to it.
After listening to a brief report on everything, I asked for their opinions about taking a day off.
And as it turned out, the most popular option was to “wrap up work early today.”
“It’s not a big deal to go without a break for a week or so.
As long as there’s proper time to eat and sleep, we can just work hard, make a good chunk of coin, and then take a solid break afterward.” [Jeff]
“I feel the same way. Or rather, that’s just how adventurers generally are. If you want steady money and regular days off, it’s safer to just work a normal job in town.” [Wereanna]
“It would be a different story if this were a long-term job, but for just one week, I’d have to agree.” [Syria]
Those were the words of Jeff, Wereanna, and Syria.
The other two felt the same, so apparently, the adventurer group didn’t particularly mind it.
Furthermore, among the noble group, Lord Rosenberg seems to have a lot of work where his schedule fluctuates depending on the other party or the situation, so he often balances out his days off later. Ms. Eleonora apparently used to work like the old me, so she said she is getting plenty of rest as things are and had no complaints.
I completely understand how she feels.
In addition, there was an opinion that “even if we get a full day off at this testing ground, there’s nothing to do,” which I found very convincing, so we settled on wrapping up work today once we strung up as much rope as possible.
By the way, Yurdum and Mr. Sebas, whom I’ve both known for a fairly long time now, said:
“To think the boss would bring up the topic of a break himself…” [Yurdum]
“It’s likely due to his consideration as an employer, but it is a shocking surprise indeed.” [Sebas]
Rather than agreeing or disagreeing, to think they would first be surprised that I suggested finishing work early… Just how much of a workaholic did they take me for?
But if I press the issue, I might just be opening a can of worms, so I’ll just keep those thoughts to myself.
“Well then, I’ll be heading back to road building. It’s hot, so please don’t push yourselves too hard. I’m counting on you.” [Ryouma]
Now that we had an agreement, I headed back the way I came and met up with the goblins.
They had piled the trees lying on the road into a mountain of logs, so I transferred them all to the lumberyard at once using spatial magic.
I had already set things up so I could check the destination coordinates and status beforehand with a stone slime, so the work progressed quickly.
“Now then, should we start cooking?” [Ryouma]
Right when the rope-laying team finished their work and returned as planned, the goblins and I also wrapped up our work.
I had some cleaner slimes wash off my sweat, and since the ingredients were ready, I started preparing dinner in the kitchen set up in the mountain hut—
“Excuse me.”
—Or at least, I was about to, when Ms. Eleonora arrived.
“I’ve come to submit the report.” [Eleonora]
“Thank you. I’ll look it over later.” [Ryouma]
I accepted the bundle of documents she held out… but when I took it, it had quite a bit of thickness and weight to it.
Could someone really write this much in the time between wrapping up work and me washing off my sweat and prepping ingredients?
Well, the documents are right here in my hands, so there’s no doubt she wrote them.
“Sir Takebayashi, is there some sort of issue?” [Eleonora]
“Ah, sorry. I was just thinking how amazing it is that you were able to write such proper documents in the short time you got back. I certainly couldn’t do it. Do you have some kind of trick?” [Ryouma]
“It’s not really what you’d call a trick, but I do use magic when doing paperwork.” [Eleonora]
Magic for paperwork? Could there be some sort of printing magic like a printer?
My interest was piqued, and when I asked her to explain in detail, she replied:
“It truly isn’t anything special. I just use ‘Telekinesis’.” [Eleonora]
“By telekinesis, you mean the non-elemental magic that moves objects, right?” [Ryouma]
“That’s correct. If I manipulate the pen with telekinesis, I can keep writing even if my hand gets tired, and it’s also possible to write up documents all at once using multiple pens.” [Eleonora]
As if simply stating the facts, she gave a demonstration using some nearby cooking chopsticks without an incantation.
She deftly manipulated the two separated chopsticks, writing different characters in the air with smooth movements.
Not only could she cast without incantation, but she was also using the parallel casting technique that Remilie used before?
No, more importantly, judging from this explanation, it really isn’t “printing”.
She is just normally writing by moving multiple pens with magic.
“It’s easier to control and the work goes faster if I first organize what I want to write and decide on the specific phrasing and layout on the paper.” [Eleonora]
“Ah… by any chance, do you already have the finished product fully formed in your head before you even start writing?” [Ryouma]
“Yes. I decide on the contents to some extent while taking notes and working outside. Then, when I’m indoors, I look at my notes and make fine adjustments in my head, and once that is done, I write it out with magic.” [Eleonora]
“I see.” [Ryouma]
Ms. Eleonora must be doing entirely within her own brain what I used to do on a PC in my previous life: drafting and editing a document, and checking the print preview.
This is more of a brute-force method than I expected.
Or rather, it’s a magic that relies entirely on the specs of Ms. Eleonora’s brain!
“It sounds like it requires a completely different skillset from just magic.” [Ryouma]
“During my student days, my magic instructor told me the exact same thing. They said it wasn’t suited for widespread use.” [Eleonora]
After all, it’s like trying to write completely different sentences using both hands and even your feet… I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s impossible for an ordinary person, but it would be incredibly difficult.
If you tried to learn it, it would take a substantial amount of time to master.
“I understand why you work so fast now, Ms. Eleonora. I’ll review these documents later and get back to you.” [Ryouma]
“Understood.” [Eleonora]
After saying that and bowing, she raised her head, and her gaze shifted to the side.
“Sir Takebayashi, forgive me for asking out of the blue, but are those ingredients over there for dinner? There is a terrifying amount of spices lined up.” [Eleonora]
“? Ah, it’s true that spices aren’t cheap around here. I’m thinking of making curry for dinner tonight.” [Ryouma]
What I was planning to make was a nostalgic “Japanese-style curry.”
Ever since I got my hands on spices other than pepper in the Great Forest, I’ve been wanting to make it someday.
To someone with the common sense of this world, it probably looks like I’m about to cook an extravagant, high-class meal.
“Are you also able to cook court cuisine, Sir Takebayashi?” [Eleonora]
“…Is curry considered court cuisine?” [Ryouma]
“It is famous as a dish favored by the renowned King Masaharu. There are records stating he spent a vast fortune gathering ingredients from all over the country to have it made. Because it is a traditional dish beloved by royalty, and since using an abundance of expensive spices also serves as a display of wealth, it is apparently a staple when high-ranking noble families hold dinner parties.” [Eleonora]
It makes sense that if someone had the power to gather the ingredients and chefs, they would want to eat a dish from their previous life. After all, that’s exactly how I feel right now.
“I doubt the blend and amount of spices will be exactly the same as the court cuisine version, but I’m planning on making curry for dinner.” [Ryouma]
“I am looking forward to it. If you don’t mind, may I watch how you make it?” [Eleonora]
“Of course.” [Ryouma]
And so, Ms. Eleonora joined in, and we started making the curry.
First, I sautéed flour in butter to make the base of the roux.
Once it browned sufficiently, I turned off the heat and tossed in the curry powder I made by blending the spices.
The aroma of the heated spices instantly wafted through the air.
Heating spices brings out their aroma, but you have to be careful; throwing them into temperatures that are too high right away or overcooking them will cause the aroma to fade. Once the moisture gradually cooked off and it came together to some extent, I temporarily moved it to a separate plate I had prepared.
“Next, I’ll prepare the ingredients.”
After sautéing onions in a large pot until they turned amber, I added garlic, ginger, and crushed tomatoes. Then, I tossed in potatoes and carrots from a retort-pouch pack of boiled vegetables, and finally, the curry paste I had just made.
I left the task of stirring the pot—which was bubbling away with the moisture from the tomatoes and boiled vegetables—to Ms. Eleonora while I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
After seasoning it and cooking it thoroughly in a frying pan, I tossed that into the pot to simmer as well.
I figured it was about time for a little taste test—
“What is that smell, nyaaa?!” [Miya]
“Hot?!” [Ryouma]
Startled, the piping hot curry flowed right into my mouth. I had only taken a small portion on a little plate, so I didn’t burn myself, but just as I wondered what was going on… I saw not only Miya-san, whose voice I had heard, but the entire adventurer team gathered on the other side of the hut’s door.
“What’s going on, everyone?” [Ryouma]
“What do you mean ‘what’s going on’? This is where that stomach-rumbling smell was coming from, nyaa!” [Miya]
“Sorry to intrude. But this smell… It just smells so incredibly delicious, or should I say aggressive? This indescribable aroma was wafting outside, and we just couldn’t help but investigate.” [Mizelia]
“Is that our dinner for tonight?” [Jeff]
“Yes, we’re having curry today.” [Ryouma]
Then Ms. Eleonora added that it was court cuisine, pouring fuel into the flames that was already their burning fierce expectations.
Ugh, the weight of expectation.
It was just an ordinary household curry made by an amateur, so I would prefer if they didn’t expect too much, but alas.
“Can we eat yet? Can we eat yet, nyaa?” [Miya]
“Not yet. I’d like for it to simmer a bit longer, then I need to cool it once with ice magic, and then simmer it again.” [Ryouma]
“Nyaa? But if it’s simmered, shouldn’t it be ready to eat?” [Miya]
“Curry tastes better when it sits overnight. Apparently, this is because it easily soaks into the ingredients while cooling, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
I’ll also prepare rice and bread to eat with the curry depending on your preference, plus a salad, so umm, there’s no need to make such a despairing face.” [Ryouma]
“It’s torture having to wait with this smell right in front of me, nyaa!” [Miya]
“Alright, alright, that’s enough. I know you’re a glutton, but Ryouma said he’ll serve it tonight, so just endure it for a bit.” [Mizelia]
“We’ll take Miya with us, so keep up the good work!” [Syria]
Looking entirely used to this, Mizelia-san and Syria-san grabbed Miya-san by both arms.
The remaining two followed behind as she was dragged away.
“Ah, come to think of it, I was planning to prepare some alcohol and snacks for tonight. Will you all be drinking?” [Ryouma]
“That’s great news. We’ll gladly partake.” [Wereanna]
“Me too. I’m not particularly picky, so just give me something good.” [Jeff]
“Understood!” [Ryouma]
I should probably serve the baijiu and sake carefully made by the goblins, along with some of the highballs I made in the Great Forest.
I also have the alcohol I traded with Mr. Glen, so my stock is plentiful. As for snacks, I’ll put out sausages and salami from Mr. Zeke’s shop, and since I have plenty of potatoes, maybe I’ll whip up a potato salad too.
“Do you like alcohol, Ms. Eleonora? If it’s not to your liking, I can prepare tea or fruit water instead.
I absolutely won’t force you to drink, and I’ll stop anyone who tries, so please feel free to speak your mind.” [Ryouma]
“I can drink wine. I’ve never had any other kind of alcohol, so I’m not sure. Besides, I haven’t drank in a while, so I think I’ll pass on anything with high alcohol content like distilled spirits.” [Eleonora]
“Got it. I believe I have some wine in stock, so let’s go with that. We’ll see how it goes, and you can always switch to tea or water whenever you feel like you’ve had enough.” [Ryouma]
She seems like the type to force herself to drink if I offered, so I need to be careful. Alcohol harassment is an absolute no-no.
After that, we continued chatting while moving forward with preparations for dinner and our post-work gathering.
It would have been unthinkable in my past life, but with people I get along with, banquets—and even preparing for them like this—is actually turning out to be quite enjoyable.
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