Volume 3, Chapter 26 – Walking Through the Forest

After arriving in the town of Jinsha, we thanked Lu Diu-san and bid him farewell.

“Well, it’s already mid-afternoon, so let’s take tomorrow off and depart the day after. Oh, and I need to buy those beast-slaying weapons for Chris-san and Shizuku-san, refill Lu-chan’s arrows, and get some food.”

“I-is it truly alright to buy a weapon for this humble one as well?”

“Shizuku-san is a comrade now. I wouldn’t be so “black-hearted” as to leave a teammate without a weapon. Even if it’s just by circumstance, I am technically serving as the Saint-sama, after all.”

“Fiene-dono…”

Shizuku-san had a somewhat ambiguous expression, as if she was surprised, or maybe embarrassed.

“If you’re still worried, just consider it a present from me to you. Now then, first stop: the weapon shop.”

And so, we arrived at the weapon shop recommended by Lu Diu-san.

“Hellooo!”

We opened the door and stepped inside. The bell attached to the door gave a cheerful cling-cling .

“…Welcome.”

Sitting in the back was a burly, middle-aged man with a bald head and a look that screamed, I am intimidating and a stubborn old man .

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“Um, I’d like weapons for these two, and some arrows for this little one.”

He cast a sharp glance at the three of them—no, it would be more accurate to say he glared.

“I ain’t got nothing here that’ll surpass what those two are already carrying. I’ve got a few arrows over there, but with that bow, you’re better off going to a hunting supply store. The ones I stock are too small; they won’t have enough draw strength.”

“Eh? Ah, um, well…”

“Shopkeeper-dono. Your insight is indeed keen. However, I seek a weapon suited for Enchanting with Purification Magic—something to slay special foes that my current blade cannot defeat.”

“I see. But if you’re dealing with ghosts, why not just leave it to that little cleric girl?”

“Nay, for reasons unknown to me, they cannot be defeated unless the weapon is enchanted with Purification Magic.”

“Is there really such a thing? Well, I suppose so. Mithril weapons would be best, but we don’t stock those in a backwater place like this. Can you do the Enchanting yourself?”

“I can.”

“Got it. So, you’re a samurai from the Miko Nation. In that case, how about this Miaodao ¹ Miaodao (苗刀) is a traditional two-handed Chinese saber. Its name translates to “sprout saber,” as the long, slender, slightly curved blade resembles a newly sprouted wheat plant. Measuring roughly 1.2 to 1.4 meters (4 to 4.5 feet) long, it combines exceptional reach with rapid, powerful cutting momentum. ? It was forged using high-quality Tamahagane from the Imperial Capital. You don’t see quality like this circulating in the countryside.”

“Oh, this is… no, but I have no need for two Tachi. A slightly smaller blade—yes, about this size—would be preferable.”

“In that case…”

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It seemed the shopkeeper wasn’t a bad person.

He spoke with us earnestly. After consulting with him, we purchased weapons for the two of them.

Together, they cost 20 gold coins.

After visiting the hunting supply store he told us about to refill the arrows, we returned to the inn.

◇ ◇ ◇

Two days later, we left the town of Jinsha and stepped into the Western Jungle.

From the information we gathered in town, apparently very few people venture into the Western Jungle.

The existence of the Elf village was unknown; in the eyes of the townspeople, it was a terrifying wasteland characterized by vast poisonous marshes and the Forest of Lost Paths.

“Onee-sama, it’s okay! If I ask the spirits living in the forest, they’ll lead us to the Elf village. Leave it to me!”

Lu-chan declared this energetically, puffing out her chest.

“I agree. I can’t see any spirits other than Riche, so I’m counting on you.”

“Ehehe. Then let’s go! Everyone, spirits, please guide us!”

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As Lu-chan called out, the thickets and trees blocking our path parted, creating a trail for us. This was just like the forest we encountered when we went to the Silver Village.

As expected of the Forest Folk; her ability to navigate the woods was truly impressive.

“Hmm, but this forest really seems to lack vitality,” Lu-chan said, her expression turning slightly sad. Riche also wore a sorrowful look.

Even that melancholy expression was cute, which was very typical of Riche.

“Is it because of the poisonous marshes?” I asked Lu-chan, pulling my thoughts back on track.

“Yes. It seems there are poisonous marshes along the way to the Elf village, and it’s quite bad.”

“That’s probably why Ingolvina-san told us to go here.”

“This is Onee-sama’s first official job as the Maiden of Blossoming Grace! Oh, wait, the first one was the Crescent Moon Spring. Aww, the people of this forest village will surely be disappointed.”

“Eh? Why is that?”

“Because there’s nothing happier than getting to witness the first miracle of the legendary Maiden of Blossoming Grace!”

“Is that how it works?”

“That’s how it works! That’s how much the Maiden of Blossoming Grace is admired by Elves. Oh, but Onee-sama, my greatest pleasure is still getting to eat the food you make together with you!”

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“Huh?”

How did we get from that to talking about food?

“I’ll have Lu-chan help with the cooking then, too.”

“Yay! I can’t wait for Onee-sama’s food!”

The way she has absolutely no intention of doing the actual cooking herself is so Lu-chan.

“Fiene-sama, you cook as well? I can only really chop and grill, but I shall help as well when the time comes.”

“Eh? Eh? Eh? Ah, yes.”

I have a feeling that although I thought this was a distant prospect, I’ll be cooking much sooner than expected…

I wonder if I can actually cook using this world’s kitchens and seasonings?

“Enemy, forsooth!”

The cozy atmosphere was instantly shattered into tension by Shizuku-san’s single shout.