Chapter 2: Passing Days

1

It was now the following day, the twenty-third of the black month.

While we were working at the stalls, we ended up with an unusual customer: Diel, the daughter of a guy who led a group of steelworkers from the south.

“Hey there. It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Asuta?” the girl with short speckled hair said with a beaming smile as she approached the stall. Naturally, she was accompanied by her attendant Labis.

Cyclaeus had been an important business partner for them, but after losing him, her father’s group had been able to rework their deals with another representative of Duke Genos. Thanks to that, the leader of the group, Grannar, ended up triumphantly returning home with a massive order. However, Diel and Labis remained in the castle town along with two other members of the group to continue with whatever business dealings were necessary.

Then, if they got a new order, they were to send a fast totos back to their home country to inform their company. And at least for now, the plan was that a large group would be sent to Genos every six months or so once the goods were ready.

Even as he took on the job of supplying cooking implements to the restaurants that had been under Cyclaeus’s control, and making arms for the castle’s soldiers in near perpetuity, Diel’s father was also trying to expand his dealings further. He certainly did seem to be quite the motivated businessman.

“Yeah, has it been around ten days or so? I’m glad to see you looking well,” I replied, breaking out in a grin of my own in response to Diel’s earnest smile. Things had been up in the air between us until everything was settled with Cyclaeus, but since then we had gotten back to our usual relaxed relationship. And as she smiled even brighter, Diel looked over the line of stalls.

“What should I have today? I don’t get to the post town that often, so I never know what to choose!”

“You like the giba manju, right? But I’m sure what you’re really after is the giba cutlet sandwich.”

“Of course it is! I’ve still only gotten it once!”

Still, I only saw her every five to ten days or so, so you could say she had a lot of luck to have drawn it even a single time.

As I thought about that, a figure approached from the thicket to the rear. And when she turned in that direction, Diel’s eyes opened wide.

“Oh? Why are you here? It’s real rare for you to come to town!”

It was Ai Fa. “I have a purchase I need to make today,” she replied.

She had come to town for what really was the first time in a good while in order to buy a replacement for the sword she broke yesterday. Though she had taken care of it first thing in the morning, she had taken the day off from hunting and was accompanying us instead. Apparently, in addition to the cut in her mouth, one of her back teeth felt loose, which supposedly made it so she couldn’t muster her full strength.

It really was a surprise that she had been able to toss Lem Dom around so easily in that state, but, well, there was definitely nothing wrong with taking it easy when you’re not feeling your best. Up until a little while ago she had been a touch drowsy from the romu leaves she was using to dull the pain, but she seemed to have her normal piercing gaze back as she stood facing Diel.

“Hmm, I see. It must be around two months now since I last saw you.”

“Indeed. We last met when I visited the Turan manor to retrieve Asuta,” Ai Fa replied, giving a gentle bow of her head. “It has been bothering me ever since that I have been unable to thank you properly. I owe a great deal to your quick-wittedness that night, so I thank you from the depths of my heart.”

“Quick-wittedness? What do you mean?”

“You recognized me, and yet you stayed quiet. Furthermore, you casually hinted at Asuta’s presence, and I sensed that you tried to steer the conversation in a desirable direction.”

Naturally, they were talking about back when Ai Fa rescued me from the Turan manor. She had pretended to be the daughter of a wealthy merchant from Sym in order to infiltrate a dinner there, where Diel also happened to be present. And of course, Diel had been familiar with Ai Fa before that. But thanks to her not revealing my clan head’s identity, I was able to be saved.

“But, I mean... I wasn’t able to do anything up till then, so I really don’t think you should be thanking me at all...” Diel replied with a pained look.

In response, Ai Fa shook her head, “No, at that time you had no reason at all to risk earning the resentment of the house of Turan. That is why I must offer my gratitude for lending your aid to Asuta and us people of the forest’s edge in spite of that.”

“You’re overblowing things! I don’t even know how to respond when you go acting all humble like that!”

“I’m not especially seeking any sort of response... Still, I suppose I don’t mind forgetting your unwarranted attack on Asuta in return.”

“Hey, don’t go digging up ancient history. I forgot all about that ages ago,” Diel said with an awkward grin, ruffling her short hair. “Well, whatever. If that means we’re good and even, then I’m honestly grateful.”

“Right,” Ai Fa nodded back, and then she stepped away.

As I breathed a sigh of relief, I picked up the wooden cylinder at my feet.

“Well then, please go ahead and draw a lot. If you’re worrying about what to order, it makes sense to do that first, right?”

“That’s true,” Diel agreed as she casually pulled out a wooden stick. On its end there was a clear red mark. “Ah... I won.”

“Congratulations. You’ve got a really good success rate going there, Diel,” I noted as I got a giba cutlet sandwich from the box Toor Deen held out. “Here you go. That’ll be three red coins.”

“Eh heh heh,” Diel joyfully chuckled as she accepted the item.

At that, Labis expressionlessly handed over the payment. Despite the fact that he was always accompanying Diel as a bodyguard, he had yet to eat any giba meat.

“Oh, is that girl new?” Diel questioned, looking over at the neighboring stall.

Yun and Li Sudra were the ones running it. Though there was still time left till the sun would hit its peak, they had finished up their work back home and hurried on over.

“Yes, she’s new to the job, so she’s currently being trained. Be gentle with her, all right?”

“Hmm, she’s a cute one... Actually, every last woman from the forest’s edge I’ve seen has been a real beauty. Are you picking out girls like that on purpose, Asuta?”

“O-Of course not. I’ve just been taking charge of the chefs chosen by their clan heads.”

“Oh?” Diel murmured, glaring straight at me.

Fortunately, though, today I had a different topic prepared to pivot toward. “Actually, I’ve got something I’d like to ask you about, Diel.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Do you have any tools around this size and shape laying around in storage?”

“Huh? I don’t really get it; what shape are you asking about?”

“Err, so it would be like a tube that gets all thin like this at the tip, ideally.”

“Oh, do you mean a funnel?”

“A funnel! Yeah, that’s it! I’ve got a new dish I want to try, but I need one of those.”

Yesterday I had Nail introduce me to one of his customers from the east, who taught me how to make sausages. I wanted to have a firm grasp of the technique, seeing how Mikel had promised to visit the forest’s edge to give instruction on how to smoke meat.

“A funnel, huh? I don’t think we have any in storage, since folks don’t need to replace them very often,” Diel said after taking a bite of her giba cutlet sandwich. “They’re used to transfer wine and tau oil and the like from barrels into bottles, aren’t they? So you should be able to get something like that in the post town, I’d figure.”

“Hmm, really? I tried looking for one at the metalwork places around town, but I didn’t find any.”

“In that case, want me to take a look at the shops in the castle town?”

“Ah, I have a go-between on that end already, so I’ll ask them. You’re always busy, aren’t you?” I replied, right before the big boss of that go-between appeared to the north, riding in a huge boxed wagon drawn by two totos.

Following my gaze, Diel went “Hmm?” with an adorable tilt of her head. “What’s that about? It looks like it’s got a noble’s emblem on it.”

“That has to be the son of Count Daleim. Ever since that dinner party in the castle town, he’s been visiting our stalls all the time.”

The totos wagon stopped at the entrance to the post town, and two armed guards got down along with a plump noble. Unsurprisingly, it was indeed Polarth, the second son of the house of Daleim. The sudden appearance of a noble caused a real stir in the crowd passing by. After shooting a hearty grin all about as if to calm them, Polarth went ahead and approached my stall.

“Hello there. I’d like to once again make a purchase of your cooking, Sir Asuta.”

“Thank you for your continued business. Would you like to draw a lot?”

“Of course I would! It’s been half a month since I’ve drawn a winner, after all.”

Normally he sent maids or pages to make his purchases for him, but when he had business with Yang’s shop or the Daleim territory to handle, he would stop by personally like this along the way. And obviously, people took notice when he did. After all, it would normally be unimaginable for a noble to come all the way to the post town to buy a meal.

“Ah, a miss! Why must I be so terribly unlucky?!” Polarth proclaimed with a disappointed shrug of his shoulders, interrupting my thoughts. It seemed he had never even considered the idea of using his authority as a noble to have me specially prepare giba cutlet sandwiches for him. “The giba cutlet sandwich is the dish most to my tastes. Of course, that isn’t to say I find fault with your other dishes, but that flavor truly is something special...”

As he shared his lamentations with us, Polarth’s pained gaze fell upon Diel’s hands as she stood there beside the stall. And then he seemed to realize something, as his eyes shot wide open.

“Oh? Are you not the visitors from Jeland staying in the guest house?”

At that, Diel hurriedly swallowed, then placed her open hand over her stomach and bowed. “Yeah, hi... Oh, I mean, hello, I am Diel, the daughter of Grannar, the steelworker from Jeland, my lord.”

“Ah, never mind the formalities. It’s not as if we’re in the castle, after all. I am the second son of the house of Daleim, Polarth. If I recall correctly, didn’t you transfer from the guest house to an inn recently?”

“Yes. We are continuing our steelworking business from there.”

“Ah, I see. You seem to have some truly fine products. From what I hear, when the captain of the ducal guard inspected the example blade you provided, he declared that he found no fault with it.”

“That is a truly unexpected honor...”

It seemed that Diel was a whole lot better at knowing how to handle nobles than I was. Still, the fact that she was holding her partially-eaten giba cutlet sandwich in one hand the whole time was pretty cute.

After offering her a nod, Polarth turned and faced my way.

“By the way, Sir Asuta, I’ve come here today bearing words from Lord Genos.”

“Huh? What about, exactly?”

It was rare for the lord of the land himself, Duke Marstein Genos, to have a message delivered to someone like me. But as I secretly worried he was going to tell us to raise the price of giba meat again, Polarth explained with his earnest grin unwavering.

“Well you see, it seems there are visitors from Banarm coming again next month. However, this time it shall be a group of envoys.”

“Envoys? Then you mean...they’re trying to reforge those diplomatic relations that Cyclaeus disrupted around ten years ago?”

“I do not know that I would call it ‘diplomatic relations’ when both Genos and Banarm are territories of the Kingdom of Selva, but yes, that is essentially it. They are coming to discuss once more whether or not there can be trade of the fuwano and fruit wine and the like produced by our two towns.” His plump cheeks jiggled a bit as he smiled even wider. “It seems Sir Welhide is to lead the group, to follow his late father’s wishes. And from what I am told, he has requested to dine on your cooking again, Sir Asuta.”

“Huh? My cooking?”

“Indeed. It seems he is insisting on it. Presumably, Sir Welhide has had difficulty convincing the people of his hometown that giba cooking truly is delicious. No doubt he must be thinking, ‘Then I shall have you eat it yourselves!’”

Welhide was a young man who was part of an offshoot of the ducal house of Banarm. I had met him twice now, during the meeting when we faced off with Cyclaeus and Ciluel and at the banquet not too long after. As his father had been murdered by Zattsu Suun under Cyclaeus’s orders, Kamyua Yoshu had brought him along to serve as a witness.

Even though judgment had already been passed, he was still someone the people of the forest’s edge owed a debt of atonement. And in spite of that bad blood directed at our people, he had still happily eaten my giba cooking.

As I recalled Welhide’s clean-cut and serious-looking face in my head, I nodded back. “All right. I have some doubts about whether or not someone as inexperienced as me can handle such a big role...but I’ll consult with the leading clan heads of the forest’s edge on the matter.”

“Yes, please do so! Still, just like with last time, there’s no need to fixate so completely on giba cooking. As long as you can decisively show the deliciousness of giba through the meat dish for Sir Welhide’s sake, you should be able to do whatever you please with the rest.”

He said that, but it wasn’t as if I was all that skilled at handling karon or kimyuus meat. That is to say, I had no real confidence that I could make something better than I could with giba if I tried using them. Though if my current experiments progressed well, then I could maybe use the somewhat interesting dish I was trying out that contained both fuwano and poitan.

“And I would imagine you can also use as much of the ingredients still overflowing in the Turan manor as you please. As I recall, I believe you have only ever set foot in the smaller kitchen, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. But I definitely had no issue with the range of ingredients on offer there.”

“Ah, but the larger kitchen’s pantry is on an entirely different scale! That place is a treasure trove of ingredients Cyclaeus spent half of his life gathering, after all! I saw it for the first time just a short while ago myself, and it was truly a stunning sight!”

I recalled how Mikel had once called the place Cyclaeus’s treasure trove too. The ingredients flowing into the post town now were really nothing but the tip of the iceberg.

“What do you say? If it’s not too much trouble, you could perhaps take a look at the pantry beforehand. Why not bring any ingredients that look usable back to the forest’s edge and try to think up a new dish? Aah, the mere thought alone excites me!”

“Right... I’ll consult with the leading clan heads about all that too.”

“Perfect! And I shall discuss the matter with Duke Genos! Ah, and we couldn’t simply foist all the responsibility on you, so I am told our side shall also have an especially skilled chef participate.”

“An especially skilled chef?”

“That’s right. He was previously the head chef at the Turan manor and has since opened his own shop in the castle town: an extraordinary man by the name of Sir Varkas. In the past, he was counted as one of the three great chefs of Genos.”

“The three great chefs of Genos?” As I thought vaguely to myself how that was quite the grandiose nickname, Polarth continued on with a statement that caused me to catch my breath.

“Sir Varkas became the head chef of the Turan manor while another of the three took the same position with Genos Castle, and both are revered as being nearly without equal in their profession. From what I have heard, the third earned Cyclaeus’s displeasure and had his future as a chef cut off.”

I was dumbstruck.

“Hmm? Is something the matter?”

“Um, was...was that man named Mikel?”

“Ah yes, I believe that was it. Supposedly he is still living somewhere in Genos even now, but I do not know the details.”

“So that Varkas person is supposed to be as skilled as Mikel?”

“Indeed. Actually, in terms of reputation, I would say that Sir Varkas came out on top. After all, he is able to use such a great many ingredients so skillfully! I hear tell that at the time, Cyclaeus paid him an enormous sum in order to obtain his skills.”

I could feel a sort of heat gradually rising up in my chest.

Naturally, that Varkas person hadn’t done anything wrong. After all, if he had turned down Cyclaeus’s request, he might have met the same fate as Mikel.

It was hard to express just how I felt about the thought that people who were his peers back in the day were still famous even now, while Mikel alone was left burning charcoal outside of the castle town.

“Well then, be sure to give the leading clan heads my regards! After all, I intend to do whatever it takes to attend the banquet myself! I’ll be hoping for a positive response, Sir Asuta!”

2

When we returned to the Ruu settlement, we found Lem Dom awaiting us there.

“Ah, Ai Fa... I have been waiting for your arrival.”

Ai Fa stepped back and positioned me as her shield. Since she hadn’t exited the wagon at all in the morning, this was her first time seeing Lem Dom since yesterday.

“You seem like you’re doing well, Lem Dom...”

“I am, though my back has been aching from being slammed into the ground... It’s almost as if you were embracing me all night long, Ai Fa.”

“Don’t utter such sickening nonsense, you fool.”

As they shot us questioning looks, the other women started unloading the luggage. But as the only one with a real understanding of the circumstances, Yun Sudra looked rather concerned as she did so.

“By the way, why are you hiding behind your clan member like that? I have been greatly anticipating the moment I would finally get to see your beautiful figure...”

“It’s those sickening things you say that make me wish to hide.”

“What a cruel statement...and yet, just having you address me brings me such joy...” Lem Dom said, her gaze toward Ai Fa growing oddly more sensual.

As my clan head gripped my shoulders tightly, I was left at a real loss as to what I should be doing.

“So, ah...this is very difficult to come out and say...” Lem Dom continued.

“Then simply leave it unsaid.”

“No, I’ll say it... For the next half a month, I wish to place myself in the care of not only the Ruu, but the Fa as well.”

“I cannot understand the meaning of your words in the least.”

“I wish to be allowed to stay at the Fa house every other day. The Ruu clan head Donda Ruu already gave his approval.”

That statement left me dumbfounded, and it must have been the same for Ai Fa too.

“Wh-What are you saying? I cannot imagine Donda Ruu ever approving of such a thing. To begin with, did you even reveal to him your ridiculous idea of wishing to become a female hunter?”

“Of course. It wouldn’t do to make a request of a leading clan head while hiding my true intentions. And now my own clan head will know of my intent as well,” Lem Dom stated, a firm light suddenly shining in her eyes. “But it’s fine. My clan head Deek had surely already vaguely sensed as much, and I had intended on revealing it to him when I turned fifteen... And on top of all that, I intend to give everything I have to trying to live as a hunter.”

“Did you think carefully about what I told you?” Ai Fa questioned in a firm tone.

“Of course.” Lem Dom nodded back. “Even without needing you to tell me, it is obvious that if I wish to live as a female hunter, I will be shunned by those around me. Even so, I cannot simply cast aside my feelings. Wasn’t that also the case with you, Ai Fa?”

My clan head didn’t seem to have an answer.

“You persisted in your desires regardless, and for that, I respect you more than anyone. I want to learn the will of a female hunter from you. I won’t ask that you take me into the forest, of course. Yesterday I had it thoroughly beaten into me that I wasn’t yet qualified for that.”

Ai Fa simply stared at her.

“I swear I won’t interfere with your work. I’ll simply wait at your home for you to return. My hope is just to observe you from up close. And I intend to work hard at manning the stove as well, naturally. So...won’t you please let me stay by your side, Ai Fa?”

“Every other day for half a month, correct?”

“That’s right. But if the Rutim and the north are able to exchange women after that, it could end up being extended.”

I could clearly sense Ai Fa’s fretting on my back. She herself had unsparingly tried to shut Lem Dom down, but the girl was still saying she wouldn’t give up on her wishes. Just what did my clan head really feel about her?

The idea of wanting to be a hunter despite being a woman was territory that had belonged to Ai Fa alone, but now this Lem Dom girl had set foot there as well. As long as she wasn’t being half-hearted about it, that wasn’t something my clan head could just ignore.

“Asuta, what do you think?”

“I’ll agree with whatever my clan head decides, of course.”

The thought of living together with some other woman was definitely awkward in a number of ways, but if it was just for half a month, then it was no big deal. What mattered most were Ai Fa’s feelings on the matter.

After a few moments of silence, Ai Fa quietly gave her answer. “In that case...as the Fa Clan head, I shall permit your stay, Lem Dom.”

“Really?!”

My field of view suddenly did a big flip. Lem Dom’s burly arms had sent my slender body flying, and I swiftly ended up on the ground.

“Thank you! I will use every last bit of strength I have, Ai Fa!”

“Cut it out, you fool! What in the world is the matter with you?!”

Ai Fa was now desperately struggling, having been hugged from the front by Lem Dom. But since the younger girl was superior in terms of raw muscle strength, my clan head was having quite a time trying to shake free.

“I take back what I said! I cannot allow a fool like you to stay in my house!”

“Oh, as a person of the forest’s edge, you would go back on your word? It’s wrong to tell lies, Ai Fa...” Lem Dom stated with a blissful smile, rubbing her cheek against Ai Fa’s hair. That expression really made her look her age in spite of her muscular build.

◇

After that I experimented some more with the giba curry, then back at the Fa house I worked on the combined fuwano and poitan dish as well as the eyeballs and brains delivered by the Fou clan. And that was how it went until night approached.

I ate the test dish made with the brains and eyeballs with members of the Fou and Ran clans, then for tonight’s dinner at the Fa house I made cubed giba meat stew and giba soup prepared with tau oil, which were dishes offered at The Great Southern Tree. Since Lem Dom would now be staying with us every other day, I figured I would have her taste those dishes tonight so she could start helping me make them in the morning. Then I added baked poitan and a bit of a salad, which I figured would give it a perfect nutritional balance.

“Asuta, I cannot bring myself to lie, so allow me to speak frankly...” Lem Dom started in on me as we were eating the night’s meal. “All of your dishes have been truly shocking. It feels foolish to even try to compare what I have eaten in the past to them.”

“Ah, I’m glad to hear it.”

“But how should I put this...? I don’t think that all of your dishes are equally tasty. I believe that spicy dish I had midday at the Ruu settlement was more delicious than this sweet and soft meat.”

“Oh? I’m still developing the giba curry, but you liked it better?” That was definitely an intriguing opinion to hear. “For reference, what dishes were to your taste out of the ones Toor Deen prepared for that banquet?”

“Let’s see... Of the dishes made that night, the ones I found tasty were the soup dish using entrails...and the meat grilled together with myamuu.”

“So the tarapa offal hot pot and the steak with myamuu sauce, huh? I suppose that means you like heavily spiced dishes. Ah, but you seemed to enjoy that karon milk soup from yesterday, didn’t you?”

“Yes. Perhaps I’m more fond of dishes that make me feel like they grant me strength.”

I couldn’t tell if she had an unbalanced diet or an acute sense of taste. Those examples alone weren’t enough to make the call, but her cooking skills didn’t seem half bad, so it seemed like Lem Dom had a surprising amount of potential as a chef.

And that direct manner of speaking was something she shared with Lala Ruu, which I couldn’t say I hated. But my own clan head had a sour look firmly affixed to her face and was just silently continuing to eat. Since she couldn’t use her back tooth on one side, she seemed to be having trouble even with the cubed giba meat stew, which I had boiled up to be extra tender.

“Do you have any dishes you especially like or dislike, Ai Fa?” Lem Dom asked with a sidelong glance, only for my clan head’s eyebrows to instantly rise.

“My preferences have nothing to do with you.”

“Such a tease... But it’s wonderful how much dignity you display as clan head.”

Ai Fa offered no response to that.

“Hey, Ai Fa, I heard from the Ruu men that you ended up in the top eight in the Ruu clan’s contest of strength. And you even fought on an equal level with the Rutim clan head?”

“It wasn’t equal. I lost to Dan Rutim.”

“But back then, the injury to your left arm still wasn’t fully healed, right? To display strength close to the Rutim clan head in spite of that... That’s truly amazing, isn’t it?” Lem Dom replied with a seductive look shining bright in her eyes that reminded me of Vina Ruu. “I’ve always believed either my clan head or Gulaf Zaza was the strongest hunter at the forest’s edge. But I have sensed that the Ruu and Rutim clan heads possess a similar level of strength... That means that you are a hunter who can stand alongside the four of them.”

“Can you really measure the strength of others so precisely, Lem Dom?”

“I wouldn’t say I can tell too exactly. After all, I completely underestimated you, Ai Fa... But I believe only the Ruu and Rutim clan heads can measure up to Deek or Gulaf Zaza. I haven’t seen anyone stronger than that at the Ruu settlement at all.”

Now that I thought about it, I had noticed before how Ai Fa and Ludo Ruu had an eye for judging how strong someone was because they had been able to see the great strength of their fathers from up close and personal. That was also supposedly thanks to the fact that they didn’t have the robust builds of Jiza or Darmu Ruu, making them painfully aware of their own weaknesses. With that in mind, perhaps Lem Dom had ended up with a not-so-different point of view, having grown up in a similar environment thanks to the Dom settlement being so full of such intimidating hunters.

As she slurped down her soup, Ai Fa shot Lem Dom an annoyed glance.

“A contest of strength is ultimately no more than that, a contest. What is important to a hunter is their ability to defeat giba, not one another.”

“But you also hunt down a truly shocking number of giba all on your own, don’t you? I feel truly blessed to be living in the same era as a female hunter such as you, Ai Fa.”

“I am still just an inexperienced seventeen-year-old myself. You should look up to hunters like Donda Ruu instead, who have displayed their strength for quite some time,” Ai Fa stated in an annoyed tone, setting down her plate. “Furthermore, Bartha of Masara is there at the Ruu settlement. Have you yet formed a bond with her, Lem Dom?”

“You mean that guest of the Ruu clan? Yes, we’ve talked at least a little...but her son is the one hunting giba.”

“But from what I am told, she hunted beasts every bit as ferocious as giba back where she comes from. She is also someone who can show you a path forward.”

“Hmm.” Lem Dom tilted her head, not really getting it. “All right. If you say so, then I’ll try talking to her more if I get the chance. But being by your side today is already enough to fill my heart to the brim.”

“How many times do you intend to make me tell you to stop with such foolish statements?”

“Aah, that piercing look... It sends shivers down my spine,” Lem Dom uttered, her gaze positively clinging to Ai Fa. Looking desperate, my clan head tore into a baked poitan.

“By the way, about that banquet Polarth mentioned...” I interjected, figuring changing the topic would help smooth things over. “The official decision will have to wait for the response from the leading clan heads, but what do you think, Ai Fa?”

“I am not especially fond of the idea, but I also can see no reason to refuse. As long as we have several hunters accompany you as bodyguards like last time, it should be no issue.”

“I see. Then I guess it’s fine, from the sound of things.”

“What, are you not fond of the idea either? In that case, you should tell the leading clan heads what your real opinion is.”

“No, I wouldn’t say that. It’s just... I think I might be getting a little too worked up.”

“Worked up? Why is that?”

“Because a chef who’s supposed to be Mikel’s equal is going to be manning the stove on the same day, of course. I just can’t stay calm after hearing that.”

“Hmm?” Ai Fa mused, furrowing her brow. “But the chefs from the castle town use different techniques. I believe Mikel himself said as much, and that Timalo chef made nothing but strange dishes, correct?”

“I’m not so sure. Mikel said that most of the chefs in the castle town hadn’t mastered their ingredients. So this Varkas guy could be a fine chef with skills that Mikel would see as legitimate.”

“I can’t speak on such hypotheticals. And I also don’t care either way about chefs from the castle town. However...if you are excited, then I’m glad to hear it.”

“I see. In that case, I’ll let myself get good and energized.” I chuckled, making Ai Fa break out in an ever-so-faint smile.

Instantly, Lem Dom lamented, “Aww... Hey Ai Fa, can’t you point such a gentle expression my way too, at least every once in a while?”

“Quiet, you,” Ai Fa shot back, that hard-earned smile disappearing.

When I thought about how much of a hassle all this was, a strained grin found its way onto my face. “Still, Dan Rutim’s birthday celebration will be coming up first. I intend to put everything I’ve got into it, so go ahead and look forward to that.”

“Right,” Ai Fa nodded, still pouting.

And so, the first night of Lem Dom staying with us came to a silent close.

3

The following morning, I awoke to an angry shout of “What are you doing?!”

Wondering what was going on, I leaped to my feet, only to find Ai Fa and Lem Dom grappling and raising a commotion atop the rug. It seemed Lem Dom had hugged Ai Fa once again in spite of past warnings, provoking that shout.

“You truly are alert to the presence of others... How wonderful...”

“I shouldn’t have to be alert to the threat of someone suddenly hugging me! Get off already!”

At that, Ai Fa forced Lem Dom off, then sat up while breathing heavily. And down on the floor, Lem Dom looked up at my clan head’s face with a passionate gaze.

Both of them had their hair down, so the scene had a strangely seductive feel to it. Plus, all the hot air they had created seemed to overwhelm the refreshing morning atmosphere and fill the room with a thick smell.

Hmm. I’m used to it with Ai Fa, but I have to question the ethics of sleeping together with another woman.

The separate rooms in the Fa house were all used for the pantry and other storage, so the only place for a guest to sleep was in a huddle with us in the main room.

“Next time you try something like that, I really will toss you out of the house! Understand?! Now go change over in that room!” As she castigated Lem Dom with an intense look in her eyes, Ai Fa sidled over my way. It seemed I would once again have to be her shield as she shouted at the younger girl.

“I understand. You needn’t be so cold.”

After shooting Ai Fa a sidelong glance, Lem Dom disappeared into the storage room. That was where she left the luggage she had brought along.

“Really, just what in the world is she thinking? Clinging to someone who isn’t even a family member like that, it gives me the creeps...”

“Yeah, I can see that. But, well, doesn’t it just go to show how much she adores you?” I half joked, only to earn back a very hostile glare.

“Asuta, you don’t seem concerned in the least, no matter how frustrating this is for me.”

“Huh? I mean, it’s charming how she’s so fond of you, isn’t it?”

“What part of that is ‘charming’?!” Ai Fa retorted as she put me into a sleeper hold from behind.

My neck hurt, and I could feel my body twisting unnaturally. Suddenly taking her very seriously, I wailed, “Sorry!”

At any rate, that morning got off to a hectic start.

After getting changed for the morning, our first job was to wash our cooking equipment from last night, then we’d head to the Lanto river to bathe and gather firewood and herbs. Fortunately, while we did all that, there weren’t any more incidents worth mentioning like the one earlier. However, the women we ran into at the washing place were all surprised by the sight of Lem Dom. After all, it was rare to see someone from the infamous northern settlement around here.

She formerly fell under the Suun and was now under the Zaza, who were chosen as one of the new leading clans. The Dom were known to be especially fierce even among their fellow clans, so the women of the Fou and Ran seemed rather intimidated by Lem Dom.

“She’ll be helping us out with prep work every other day for the next couple weeks, so please treat her kindly,” I announced, causing even more commotion to spread among the women.

As she looked over them, Lem Dom broke out in a provocative grin. “We’re doing the same work, and it’s not like I belong to a leading clan or anything. You don’t have to worry about treating me in any special way.”

“Of course... We understand that while the people of the north may be intimidating, they aren’t unreasonable,” the Fou clan head’s wife replied, looking rather nervous.

The Zaza were made one of the leading clans with the approval of all of the clan heads. For the people under those other clans, they just had to believe that their new leaders wouldn’t act tyrannically like the Suun had done.

Once the washing was finished, we returned to the Fa house. Later, as we were heading to the outskirts of the forest, Lem Dom shrugged her shoulders.

“It seems the northern clans are shunned no matter where we go. You two and the members of the clans under the Ruu seem to be the only ones who act undaunted around me.”

“I wouldn’t say they’re trying to shun you. And the Fou and Sudra clan heads aren’t afraid of folks from up north either.”

“Ah right, the Fou clan head participates in meetings between the leading clan heads, doesn’t he? I hear tell that he’s a rather fine hunter.”

I thought it was great that his reputation was able to spread all the way to the northern settlement. After all, just like Raielfam Sudra, Baadu Fou was a precious comrade to me and Ai Fa.

At any rate, at the outskirts of the forest we set about cleansing ourselves and gathering materials.

Though Ai Fa and Lem Dom bathed together, there wasn’t enough of a commotion to concern me. However, I did hear Ai Fa complain, “Stop staring at me.”

After that, it was finally time to prep for business...but since Lem Dom was just a beginner, I couldn’t afford to assign her any important jobs just yet. So for now, I had her bake up the day’s poitan, asking Toor Deen to provide her some guidance in the process. The Deen also fell under the Zaza, and the young girl seemed surprisingly unintimidated by Lem Dom, so I had no issue entrusting her with the task.

“Hmm, you certainly are skilled. That’s rather impressive for one so young.”

“N-No, I’m nothing special. And you’re doing really well at baking those.”

“I got to help out a little with the task at the Ruu house yesterday. Baking poitan is the first thing one must learn, after all.”

There was only a five-year age difference between the two of them, but a gap of over thirty centimeters in terms of height. Still, it was pretty charming seeing the young little Toor Deen giving guidance as Lem Dom silently worked.

And as Lem Dom obediently carried out her tasks, the Fou and Ran women seemed like they were gradually lowering their guards and loosening up. In fact, I suspected they would be ready to speak to her themselves by the time work was over.

At this rate, they may be able to actually get to know one another a bit over the next half month, I thought to myself, feeling relieved.

I didn’t know what to think back when she suddenly challenged Ai Fa, but Lem Dom was one of our comrades here at the forest’s edge too. The people of the forest’s edge had a tendency to overly value blood ties and not have much interaction outside of that, so hopefully this would be a good chance to deepen their bonds.

Anyway, we finished up the prep work and it was finally time to head off to the post town. But at that point, Lem Dom started looking seriously dejected and said, “Huh? You’re going to the post town again today, Ai Fa?”

“Indeed. When I was splitting firewood, the root of my tooth started aching again. I won’t be able to carry out my giba hunting in this state,” Ai Fa replied while putting on her hunter’s cloak and hanging her sword from her hip. “It’s vexing, but a hunter that isn’t at full strength cannot hunt down giba. Any hunter who does not understand that fact will end up having their soul returned to the forest before they do much proper hunting at all.”

“I see... You’re saying there’s a difference between bravery and recklessness, right? In that case, I understand,” Lem Dom answered with a bit of a pout. “But why are you heading to the post town, then? I understand that you went yesterday to purchase a sword, but you shouldn’t have any further business there.”

“Even if I were to stay home, there’s no work left for me to handle there. And if I’m just going to rest, I see little difference.”

“If you don’t see the difference, then you should rest at home. Or do you just want to stay by your clan member’s side that badly?”

Ai Fa’s cheeks reddened slightly, but Lem Dom hurried on into the wagon.

“Well in that case, I’ve got no reason to stay behind at the Fa house either, so let me ride along. Just drop me off at the Ruu settlement.”

After calming herself, Ai Fa also climbed into the wagon. That group of me, Ai Fa, Toor Deen, and Lem Dom really did make for quite an unusual quartet.

My clan head was still rather sleepy from the effects of the romu leaves, so the whole way there Lem Dom talked with Toor Deen. Fortunately Toor Deen didn’t seem bothered by that, and awkwardly did her best to reply. It seemed that Lem Dom really had acknowledged the younger girl thanks to the banquet she had prepared.

Toor Deen used to belong to the Suun clan, but unlike with the former members of the main house, that doesn’t seem to be an issue. I guess she sees the branch houses as completely separate, huh?

Would the day come when Lem Dom could open her heart to Yamiru Lea and Tsuvai too? I was definitely more than a little curious to see.

“Huh?! Ai Fa, you’re coming along to the post town again? Hooray!” Rimee Ruu excitedly shouted upon our arrival at the Ruu settlement. That was no surprise, as she was on stall duty today. “Yay! I’m so happy! Reina, I’m gonna go ride in the wagon with Ai Fa!”

“All right. Asuta, please take care of Rimee...”

“Of course. But wasn’t it Rimee and Sheera Ruu on for today?”

“Yes. But Sheera Ruu’s youngest brother was injured, so I ended up switching with her. I look forward to working with you again today.”

Sheera Ruu had three younger brothers. I only knew the name of the eldest, Shin Ruu, and the youngest was still less than ten years old.

“He was apparently climbing a tree when he slipped and fell. But I hear he should be up and walking again tomorrow.”

“I see. That’s definitely a worry. Is Sheera Ruu doing okay?”

“Yes. Ryada and Tari Ruu are there to help out with work around the house. But her younger brother is terribly faint of heart, so she was worried about the thought of leaving the settlement right now.”

I figured it was only natural for the kindhearted Sheera Ruu to think that way.

On top of that, Reina Ruu looked to be in an incredibly good mood. She must have been overjoyed at getting to go to the post town two days in a row.

“Well then, how about we head off? And thanks for all your hard work today, Lem Dom.”

“Right. I’ll be praying for your safe return. But, well, as long as Ai Fa’s with you, you’ll surely be able to overcome any hardship you may face.”

With that, we got going towards the post town.

We had said farewell to Lem Dom, while Rimee Ruu and Yamiru Lea joined the group. It made for a rather peaceful dynamic. Yamiru Lea spoke to Toor Deen, while Rimee Ruu chatted with Ai Fa. Perhaps since she rarely had the chance to do so, my clan head seemed to be brushing aside the drowsiness as best she could to talk with her young friend.

After arriving at the post town, we delivered the meals and fresh meat to the three inns, then headed off to set up our stalls. As always, we had a big crowd of customers even before opening, which would mean another successful day’s business.

While Ai Fa took a break in the wagon, we worked hard at our stalls. And once we were past the morning peak and the traffic settled down a bit, Mikel stopped by for the first time in two days.

“Welcome! Is it just you today?”

“Yeah. You have some sort of problem with that?” Mikel brusquely retorted, and then he went ahead and explained. “Myme is holed up in the kitchen wrestling with that giba meat. I bought a variety of seasonings for her too, so I figure she won’t be setting foot outside for some time.”

“I see. I’m really looking forward to seeing what sorts of giba dishes Myme will come up with.”

“Hmph. I’m sure she’ll be asking to have you taste test again if you give her a few days. If she offers you something shabbier than her karon and kimyuus dishes, feel free to have a hearty laugh in her face.”

As he offered that mean-spirited comment about his own daughter, Mikel purchased a giba manju. Unfortunately, his lot for the giba cutlet sandwich wasn’t a winner.

“Ah, now that I think about it, there was something I wanted to ask you, Mikel...” I called out, as there was a bit of a break in customers and Mikel was still hanging around near the stall. “Do you know a chef named Varkas? Apparently he’s rather famous in the castle town...”

“Varkas?” Mikel repeated, furrowing his brow. “Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in some time. He was either the best or second best chef in Genos.”

“Ah, you think so too, huh? The truth is, it looks like he and I may end up manning the stove for the same event.”

At that, Mikel’s brow furrowed even further.

“That certainly is something. Even I have only eaten his cooking a handful of times... And let me tell you, as a chef, he is not at all half-baked.”

“I see. If you say so, then he must really be something...”

“Hmph. I’m nothing but an old fool. But that guy...” Mikel started to say, only to hold his tongue for a moment. “Well, I don’t think there’s much point trying to describe it with words. At any rate, there’s no doubt that man is an impressively skilled chef. I’m sure you’ll be surprised too if you get a chance to taste his cooking.”

“Right. Well then, I’ll pray that I get that opportunity,” I briefly replied, doing my best to suppress the excitement I was feeling.

Having finished off his giba manju, Mikel snorted “Hmph,” and held out some more coins. “Anyway, give me one more manju. If I return empty-handed, that fool will kick up a huge fuss.”

“Thank you. Ah, and do you have any thoughts about that matter with smoking meat?”

“I’m busy with work right now, so it’ll be at least a few days before I can head over that way. If you’re serious about learning though, then go ahead and get things ready.”

“Right, I actually wanted to ask you about those preparations. What herbs do we need, and how should we go about getting the house that will be the smoking hut ready?”

With a real sour look on his face, Mikel shook his head.

“I’ve got a packed day of work ahead of me too, so I don’t exactly have time for a nice long chat. I’ll explain things for you tomorrow or the day after, so just hurry up and hand over the manju already.”

“Got it. My apologies for the trouble.”

Mikel had been making use of breaks in his charcoal-making work to walk from the Turan land to the post town. After he purchased giba dishes for Myme like this, he must have headed back home to deliver it. It certainly did sound like quite a bit of effort.

“Ah, what about the lot?”

Silently, Mikel drew a stick from the wooden cylinder.

When I spied the red mark on the end, I smiled and said, “Congratulations. The giba cutlet sandwich will be three red coins, so my apologies, but could I have one more?”

“Hmph. That girl’s got all the luck, and thanks to that now I have to spend extra...”

Since Mikel couldn’t move his right hand freely, he handed over the coin and then accepted the giba cutlet sandwich with his left.

“Thank you for your continued business.”

He offered no response to that, and swiftly left. As he vanished into the distance, Yamiru Lea shrugged her shoulders from over in the neighboring stall.

“That man is still just as unsociable as always. But in spite of that, he actually seems to be rather considerate.”

“Yeah. I mean, he’s offering to come all the way to the settlement at the forest’s edge to show us how to smoke meat. And I’m certainly grateful for that fact.”

Besides, it wasn’t like Yamiru Lea herself was any less unsociable than him. But no matter how blunt they might be, I had complete trust in both her and Mikel.

As that thought ran through my head, Yun and Li Sudra arrived. Once again, they had shown up rather early.

“Thanks for coming. But the sun still hasn’t hit its peak, you know.”

“Of course. If you don’t mind, could you please have Yun work until then?”

She hardly had to ask, especially since they had insisted they didn’t need any payment for time spent outside of usual work hours. Instead, they were doing this unpaid volunteer work so that she could learn the job as soon as possible.

In exchange, Yun Sudra would also start earning a wage once the sun hit its peak. Currently her hourly pay was one red coin, but the plan was to raise that as she learned the job.

“I-I look forward to working with you again today, Asuta,” Yun Sudra said with a deep bow, her face having turned red. As always, unlike the similarly-aged Lem Dom, she really was extremely polite.

“Well then, could I have you two handle the giba meat poitan wraps? Toor Deen and Yamiru Lea, I leave the giba manju up to you.”

I was at least nominally in charge, so I figured I should watch over the pair from the Sudra clan. And then once everyone had rearranged themselves, Ai Fa quietly approached from the wagon.

“Huh? Are you done resting up?”

“Indeed. If I rest too much while it’s bright out, I will end up sleeping poorly.”

As she said that, Ai Fa stood and observed Yun and Li Sudra from a step removed. It looked like her eyelids were drooping a few more millimeters than usual, but her gaze remained just as piercing as always.

“It seems that things are bustling again today...”

“Yeah, and the sun’s going to hit its peak soon. By the way, once the time comes are you going to accompany me to The Kimyuus’s Tail?”

“Is there any reason for me to remain here?”

“I mean, Rimee Ruu’s here today. And it’d be rough walking all around with your tooth aching, right?”

Ai Fa shifted her posture so no one else could see and pouted. In the face of that adorable expression, I unwittingly broke out in a smile.

“Was that just unnecessary consideration on my part? I’d be happy to have you come along, naturally.”

“Very well then...” Ai Fa replied, her frown vanishing.

It was then that Yamiru Lea cut in. “Oh my, it seems we have a noble’s wagon approaching again. That’s been happening unusually frequently these last few days, hasn’t it?”

Yesterday Polarth stopped by, and a few days prior to that there was that messenger from Leeheim. As a rule, it always seemed to be someone from one of those two camps visiting our stalls...and for today, it appeared to be the latter.

“That’s the crest of the house of Saturas,” I commented, at which Ai Fa’s eyebrow twitched.

“That noble who gave Reina Ruu those flowers was from the house of Saturas, correct?”

“Yeah. And it looks like the man himself decided to pay a personal visit today.” I had determined that from the number of armed guards present. After all, there were four of them riding totos surrounding the wagon. Such a grandiose escort had to mean Leeheim himself was here.

Just as I had expected, a familiar young noble soon appeared from inside the stopped wagon. Accompanied by four guards and one attendant, Leeheim approached our stalls. Then he circled around the rear and walked right past Rimee Ruu, so that he was facing Reina Ruu as she worked.

“It has been some time, Reina Ruu of the forest’s edge. Did you enjoy those flowers from the other day?”

After handing over a giba burger to a customer, Reina Ruu slowly turned to face Leeheim.

4

Leeheim was a young noble, the oldest son of the house of Saturas. The first time I had met him was at the dinner party held in the castle town, and my impression of him from back then was that he was a somewhat haughty and cynical young man. Over the course of the past month and a half or so, that impression hadn’t significantly changed.

In terms of appearance, he definitely had a look fitting for a noble. His dark brown hair was neatly combed down and seemed a bit oily, and over the top of his classy-looking attire he had on a white cloak. He was perhaps a little thinner than he should have been, but he had a handsome face and the way he moved seemed elegant enough.

And yet he was always wearing a cynical-looking smile, and his gaze always appeared to be appraising the people around him. I wouldn’t say he seemed outright malicious, but it definitely felt like it would take some time till we could reach a mutual understanding.

“Tsuvai, take care of the stall for a bit,” Reina Ruu called out to the young girl, then she bowed to Leeheim. “My thanks for the impressive gift from the other day... Those flowers are currently on display in the Ruu house.”

“I see. If they were to your liking, then I’m glad,” Leeheim replied, puffing out his slender chest with a look of satisfaction.

His eyes were fixed solely on Reina Ruu, and he didn’t seem to even notice me working at the neighboring stall.

So Leeheim really is infatuated with her, huh? Well, Reina Ruu would probably seem quite charming to just about anyone.

Reina Ruu was seventeen just like me, and only around 150 or so centimeters tall. Still, her face was really cute, and she boasted impressive proportions. A good bit of her fair skin was hidden under her veil and shawl while doing business, but that wasn’t enough to detract from her charm.

This is definitely preferable to Cyclaeus not even treating the people of the forest’s edge like fellow human beings... Still, just what is Leeheim plotting, getting close to Reina Ruu like that? I thought to myself as I looked over at Ai Fa.

My clan head had a composed look in her eyes as she watched over the exchange. Still, I figured she was also watching the four armed guards surrounding them like a hawk.

The same also seemed to be true for the customers around the stall. Everyone who noticed them either hurriedly finished their business and left, or otherwise distanced themselves from the stalls while trying to see what was going on.

But Leeheim paid no attention whatsoever to the happenings around him, instead continuing to converse with Reina Ruu.

“It seems business is going smoothly with your stalls as well. Still, I suppose that is only natural when you are selling food of this quality for so cheap a price.”

“Yes... The people of the post town really seem to enjoy giba cooking.”

“Hmph. If you left it up to me, you would have an even easier time earning coins in the castle town,” Leeheim stated, a bit of a teasing tone in his voice.

In the past, he had plotted to buy up all of the giba meat. The one to put a stop to the plan was Duke Marstein Genos himself, fearing the thought of nobles cornering the market.

“You really are too fine of a woman to be working a stall like this. If we just changed your outfit, no one would question it in the least if you spent your time in the castle town.”

“Even so, I am a woman of the forest’s edge...” Reina Ruu replied, her face looking like she was suppressing her emotions as best she could.

“Hmph,” Leeheim snorted, breaking out into a grin. “Well, so be it. I am rather busy myself, so let us promptly move on to the purpose of my visit here today.”

“Of course. Do you want to order a giba dish?”

“Before that, I have something else to take care of,” Leeheim stated, then he gave a pretentious snap of his fingers.

The attendant waiting behind him reverently held out a silk bundle. When Reina Ruu’s eyes fell on it, her brow furrowed ever so slightly.

“What is that? I can’t see any reason for you to be giving me further gifts...”

“There is no need for such stiff, formal thinking. Consider it a mere trifle in thanks for the delicious cooking.”

At that, Leeheim snapped his fingers again and the attendant gently unwrapped the bundle. What appeared from within was a dazzlingly brilliant silver necklace. There was a deep red jewel gleaming in the center, and the silverwork was quite elaborate, showing a level of craftsmanship the likes of which I had never seen before in this world.

“If you put this on, your beauty will only stand out all the more profoundly. Please, don’t hesitate to accept it.”

Reina Ruu just stood there silently.

“What is the matter? Is this your first time seeing an accessory made of pure silver?” Leeheim questioned with a smug grin.

I could tell that Reina Ruu was desperately holding back a sigh as she shook her head.

“My apologies, but I cannot accept this...”

“I told you there is no reason to hesitate, did I not? There is meaning to a lovely woman wearing such a beautiful accessory.”

Reina Ruu once again somehow managed to hold herself back, but there was now a clear look of defiance burning in her eyes. Though she had a cute and somewhat adorable appearance, the fierce blood of the Ruu clan flowed in her veins nonetheless.

“There is no custom among the people of the forest’s edge for accepting gifts from anyone but blood relatives. To be perfectly honest, accepting the flowers from before was also unjustified...but it didn’t seem proper to so bluntly refuse your generosity, which is why we took them.”

“Then simply do the same this time as well. Rather than being obstinate, simply accept it.”

“I cannot. I don’t believe this is a decision I’m permitted to make on my own,” Reina Ruu said, deeply bowing her veiled head. “If you continue to insist on offering me gifts even so, then please get permission from my father, the leading clan head Donda Ruu. If you have his approval, then I would be able to accept it.”

“There is no need to go bringing leading clan heads or the sort into the conversation. My, you really are a hardheaded girl,” Leeheim said, still wearing a faint smile as he grabbed hold of the necklace that his attendant was holding out. And then, he placed his other hand on Reina Ruu’s shoulder. “Come now, turn around. I will put it on you personally.”

“Please, let go!” Reina Ruu shouted, angrily slapping away Leeheim’s hand.

The necklace he had been holding fell to the ground.

Leeheim stood there dumbfounded for a moment, and then his expression grew furious. “What do you think you’re doing?! Don’t you know who I am?!”

“It doesn’t matter who you are! Touching someone of the opposite sex outside of your family is a taboo!”

“That’s nothing but a custom you all went and created! It has nothing to do with a noble such as myself!”

“Even if you’re a noble, I’m still a woman of the forest’s edge! I won’t simply allow someone to trample over our customs!” Reina Ruu retorted, her eyes burning bright with anger.

Instantly, Leeheim shrunk like a dog that had water thrown over it, taking several steps back. “Wh-What is that look in your eyes?! Are you trying to make an enemy of the house of Saturas? We rule over this entire post town!”

“And so we people of the forest’s edge have no choice but to silently stand here and take it, no matter what outrageous deeds you may attempt?” Reina Ruu questioned, resolutely pressing Leeheim. “From what I’ve been told, Duke Genos himself acknowledged the validity of the people of the forest’s edge living according to our customs. Were those words just lies? Or perhaps Duke Genos’s commands are not valid here in the post town, as it is Saturas land?”

“Th-That’s...”

“We must correct the relationship between the people of the forest’s edge and the nobles of Genos that had been distorted by Cyclaeus, correct? Am I the one who trampled over that promise, or are you? If I am at fault, then I shall do whatever it takes to apologize, even if it means my very body is torn to shreds!”

“Hold on, Reina Ruu. Losing your temper like that truly will cause bad blood,” Ai Fa stated, placing a hand on Reina Ruu’s shoulder from behind. Then with a calm yet firm glance, she looked over the armed guards surrounding Leeheim. “That goes for you residents of the castle town as well. Do you intend to draw your weapons on an unarmed woman? No one wishes to see blood shed over a quarrel such as this.”

When I saw the guards go a bit pale at those words, I finally realized: in all likelihood, nobody here had expected such staunch resistance from Reina Ruu.

“Reina Ruu, you are a member of the main house of the leading Ruu clan. And from what I have heard, that man there is the eldest son of a count’s house. I cannot imagine it being seen as acceptable for two people in such positions to quarrel without the knowledge of the heads of their houses.”

“Yes, you’re right... I understand. I acted thoughtlessly,” Reina Ruu replied, looking truly disheartened. And then, she bowed to Leeheim. “I beg your forgiveness. It was never my intention to quarrel with you.”

Leeheim was trembling, his emotions seemingly still in flux. Ultimately, though, he went “Hmph!” and turned away. “How truly unpleasant! I’m leaving! And I shall never visit such a place again!” he uttered before stomping away.

And as the guards went to follow after him, Ai Fa called out, “Hold on. I ask that you take that accessory with you. Reina Ruu has not accepted it, so it is your responsibility to return with it.”

Bowing repeatedly as he went, the attendant scooped the accessory up off the ground. And then, he hurried to catch up to his master.

Before long, Leeheim disappeared into the wagon, which then vanished to the north. At that point, I sensed a number of folks around me all sighing in relief.

“Hey, are you going to be all right? It’s not exactly wise to go picking fights with nobles, you know,” one of the customers called out from the other side of the stall. He was a familiar face, and a resident of the post town. “That was the young lord of House Saturas, wasn’t it? You oppose someone like that, and you won’t be able to keep on running your stalls.”

“What’s that? I’m not going to let him get away with it if he tries to take down these giba stalls!” a nearby customer from the south indignantly chimed in.

At that, Reina Ruu turned my way, her blue eyes tearing up.

“Is our relationship with the nobles going to be ruined because of me? I won’t be able to show my face to everyone if we can’t keep doing business because of something like this...”

“I-It’ll be fine. We’ll try consulting with Melfried and Marstein through Polarth. There was just a disconnect between how the two of you felt, so I’m sure everything can be settled smoothly.”

“Right. Melfried and Marstein both seem like reasonable men. They will show us what they believe to be the best path forward.”

It was a rather unusual state of affairs, with both me and Ai Fa trying to comfort Reina Ruu. But that just went to show how clearly dispirited she looked right now.

Reina Ruu has a pretty impulsive side to her too, huh? I can see how she couldn’t put up with Leeheim’s attitude.

Still, it wasn’t like Leeheim had been acting out of any ill will on his end. Rather, his affections got away from him and made a show of themselves in a bad way. But considering how the people of the forest’s edge and the nobles of Genos practically lived in different worlds entirely, it made sense that discrepancies like this would arise now and again.

Even so, we decided to live hand in hand. As long as everyone remembers that, then I’m sure we’ll overcome this.

I truly did believe that. And I had no choice but to strive my hardest to make it so.

5

After we finished up business for the day and made it back to the Ruu settlement, there ended up being a huge scene there as well. But, well, the primary commotion came from Lala Ruu’s indignation once she heard what had happened from Reina Ruu. After all, she had been doubtful of Leeheim’s actions right from the start.

“I knew it! I just knew something like this was going to happen eventually. That noble was always shooting you creepy looks, Reina!”

“Calm down, Lala. You losing your temper won’t accomplish anything,” Mia Lea interjected. However, even she had a bit of a strained smile when she looked at Reina Ruu. “That goes for you too, Reina. If you were going to be depressed about what happened afterward, then you should have controlled your emotions a little better, wouldn’t you say?”

“Right. I’m sorry... What will I do if we can’t do business in the post town anymore after this?” Reina Ruu lamented, now clearly on the verge of tears. With looks of clear concern on their faces, Rimee and Vina Ruu also snuggled up to their sister.

“Well, I suppose you aren’t as skilled at handling men as Vina... Now then, just what shall we do?”

“Don’t you think we should consult with Melfried, since he’s in charge of mediating with the people of the forest’s edge? We went ahead and reached out already in the post town,” I interjected.

“Reached out?” Mia Lea Ruu questioned with a tilt of her head.

“Yes. There’s a man named Yang who works in the post town. We told him what happened. He’s the head chef for the house of Daleim, so he’ll tell Polarth, who should get in contact with Melfried in turn.”

“I see, that’s good news. But still... It’s forbidden to enter or leave the castle town once night falls, correct?”

“Right. If at all possible, it would be good to get in contact with Donda Ruu before that, but what do you think?”

“Hmm, I want to say we should ask Ryada Ruu to go summon him. But Ryada Ruu’s only got one good leg, so it would be dangerous if he ran into a giba along the way...”

“In that case, I will accompany him,” Ai Fa volunteered. “I do not know where the traps are set throughout the Ruu hunting grounds, so I couldn’t go on my own. But if I had Ryada Ruu’s guidance, we wouldn’t be in any danger.”

“But aren’t you taking a break from giba hunting because you’re not in perfect condition yourself?”

“Even if it would be difficult to capture a giba, I can at least protect myself from one. Besides, as long as we don’t go too deep into the hunting grounds, there won’t be much of a risk of running into any of the beasts. Once we get far enough in, we simply need to blow a grass whistle to summon a Ruu hunter. If we get even one of them, we can have them fetch Donda Ruu.”

After a bit of thinking, Mia Lea Ruu nodded, “All right. I’m not exactly well versed in the dangers posed by the hunting grounds. But if Ryada Ruu agrees that it would be safe, then we’ll be counting on you, Ai Fa.”

Once Ryada Ruu was informed of the circumstances, he also gave his approval. “I’ve still got enough strength left in me to swing around a blade. So with Ai Fa at my side, I can’t see it being dangerous in the least.”

Ryada Ruu was Sheera and Shin Ruu’s father, a slim man who was just a bit under forty. His mustache had a refined appearance and looked good on him. He used to be a skilled hunter, but hurt his leg on the job and now helped out around the house instead.

As she watched him put on his hunter’s cloak and hang his blade from his hip, his wife Tari Ruu sighed deeply and remarked, “I never imagined I would see you looking like that and heading off into the forest again, Ryada...”

Sheera Ruu and her younger brothers all looked concerned too as they saw Ryada Ruu off. But as for Ryada Ruu himself, he just shot his family a gentle smile.

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’ll be back soon, so take care of the work around the house, Sheera.”

“Of course... Ai Fa, please watch out for our father Ryada.”

“Yes, I swear to see him back safely.”

At that, Ai Fa and Ryada Ruu disappeared into the forest together.

Lem Dom had been standing there watching them go alongside us, and she now gave a deep sigh. “Hunters heading out to the forest really do make for such striking figures. It’s hard to imagine this Ryada Ruu man has withdrawn from giba hunting, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Still, it’s only been a few months since he retired.”

At that point, Reina Ruu threw her arms around Sheera Ruu, still looking like she was on the verge of tears.

“I’m so sorry, Sheera Ruu. Now even Ryada Ruu is getting dragged into this, all because I couldn’t contain my temper...”

“Don’t apologize. My father Ryada seemed quite proud to be heading into the forest. He must be overjoyed at the chance to do so despite no longer being a hunter,” Sheera Ruu replied, giving a faint smile. “Besides, both Ai Fa and my father said there wouldn’t be any danger, and I believe their words.”

At that point, the sound of Mia Lea Ruu giving a hearty clap caused Reina and Sheera Ruu to both shoot up straight.

“Now then, let’s all carry out our own work! You were still in the middle of preparations, weren’t you, Sheera Ruu?”

“Y-Yes. I think I’ll be finished shortly, though...”

Apparently Sheera Ruu had taken on prep work, having stayed behind today for the sake of her little brother. Ultimately, she and Reina Ruu were the ones in charge of the Ruu stalls.

“Once that’s done with, I would appreciate further instruction from you, Asuta. If we’re going to be manning the stove for the Rutim banquet, then we’ll need the proper training.”

“That’s true. Well then, let’s get working.”

Feeling freshly remotivated, we headed for the kitchen. Just like Ai Fa and Ryada Ruu, we had our own work we needed to carry out. That was what it meant to be people of the forest’s edge. First up came finishing the prep work, then experimenting with giba curry, and finally training for the banquet. In other words, we had a whole heap of work we needed to take care of.

Reina Ruu’s eyes were still a bit teary, but even so, she put everything into her work. And by the time Ai Fa and Ryada Ruu returned, roughly an hour or so had passed.

“Ah, I’m glad to see you made it back safely. And it seems you brought back quite the souvenir,” Mia Lea Ruu said, speaking up as representative for everyone.

Ai Fa and Ryada Ruu had brought back Donda and Ludo Ruu, and the latter two were carrying a massive giba.

“We managed to bloodlet this one. Ryada Ruu, could you get it cleaned up?”

After a firm yet gentle glance at Sheera Ruu in the kitchen, Ryada Ruu nodded, “Of course.”

Then after the giba was carried to the dissection room, Reina Ruu, Mia Lea Ruu, and I all went ahead and explained the circumstances to Donda Ruu. When we were finished, he loudly snorted, “Hmph! What a ridiculous annoyance. So, you’re saying Melfried and I should settle the matter?”

“That’s right. I don’t think Leeheim will try to stir things up any further, but still...if there’s any chance that he might, it could get really bad.”

“Hrmm, well, we are talking about the eldest son of a count here. Our only option seems to be justly determining who was at fault.”

Reina Ruu had been acting brave, but at that, her eyes started tearing up again. And realizing that, Donda Ruu turned his burning gaze upon his daughter.

“You really only slapped away his arm and explained the customs of the forest’s edge, right, Reina?”

“Yes... I apologize for my short-tempered actions.”

“You swear that you didn’t beat him to a pulp or the like?”

“O-Of course. I didn’t do anything so extreme as that.”

“Then stop looking like you’re about to break down sobbing,” Donda Ruu stated, placing his bulky hand atop Reina Ruu’s head. “I’m the one who said there was no need to reject those flowers. You aren’t the only one responsible here. So leave the rest to me.”

“Right... I’m sorry, father...” Reina Ruu replied, tears now streaming down her face.

As Donda Ruu’s brow furrowed, he turned toward Mia Lea Ruu. Even though he was one of the foremost hunters of the forest’s edge, it seemed even he might not know how to handle his daughter’s tears.

Mia Lea Ruu placed her hands on Reina Ruu’s shoulders and nestled up close, then shot her husband a beaming smile.

“Well then, we’re counting on you, clan head. The totos is already prepared over there.”

“Right. I’ll bring Ludo along with me. If we don’t make it back before the sun sets, then go ahead and eat without us,” Donda Ruu replied, and then he shot me a glare. “So, they’ve already heard about this in the castle town?”

“Yes. Yang wrapped up his work early and promised to let Polarth know, so at the bare minimum he must have heard about all this.”

“Hmph. If that noble heard, then that should be enough for now. Looks like we put a burden on you too...”

I really was grateful to hear such words from Donda Ruu. And so, feeling rather overjoyed, I smiled back. “No, it’s nothing compared to all the trouble I’ve caused you up till now. Please take care, Donda Ruu.”

“Hmph, I don’t need you to tell me that.”

With that, Donda and Ludo Ruu departed.

After looking out of the corner of my eye at Mia Lea Ruu comforting Reina Ruu, I turned and faced Ai Fa.

“Good work, Ai Fa. I’m just glad you made it back safely.”

“I told you there was no danger, didn’t I? I’m well versed in knowing how to avoid giba.” As always, Ai Fa seemed perfectly calm and composed. And her blue eyes now pointed in the direction where Donda and Ludo Ruu had disappeared. “We’ve done everything we can. Now we just have to believe that the nobles of Genos will see things as they are.”

“It’ll be fine. This relationship of trust we’ve built up over these last couple months won’t just fall apart because of something like this,” I replied, honestly half trying to convince myself.

The sun had fully set before we finally heard what happened at the ensuing meeting in the castle town.

◇

“Everything’s been settled, nice and easy. Actually, it was pretty much all them apologizing to us,” Ludo Ruu explained.

After returning from the castle town, Ludo Ruu had come and visited the Fa house to let us know what happened. We had been in the middle of dinner, but stopped eating to hear his report.

“The lord of the land said he would give a warning to the noble who tried to make a move on Reina. Apparently that guy should have stepped aside as soon as Reina turned down his gift.”

“I see. Glad to hear it. I’m sure Reina Ruu must be so relieved too.”

“Yeah, she’s probably sobbing like a kid about now. I can already see the troubled look on my old man’s face,” Ludo Ruu said with a mischievous chuckle. “And that Melfried noble looked real angry too. It was hard to see on his face, but I could feel him getting that same sort of air about him as Jiza.”

“He was angry? At what?”

“At that Leeheim guy. The nobles of Genos are right in the middle of trying to correct their relationship with us people of the forest’s edge, and then Leeheim almost screwed it all up with his temper. Melfried said that was a ‘grave matter,’” Ludo Ruu replied, bringing his hands together behind his head. “And Polarth was there too. He was really concerned about whether or not you’d be coming to the castle town, Asuta.”

“Right. I’d be happy to go for it as long as the leading clan heads give their permission.”

“We’ll just have to wait for Dari Sauti and Gulaf Zaza to give their responses. That’s what my old man said. But, well, I can’t see any reason for turning the request down,” Ludo Ruu remarked, then suddenly he leaned forward. “So Asuta, you’ve been invited to the castle town twice now?”

“Yeah. To inspect some new ingredients, and to cook for that banquet to greet the envoys from Banarm. What about it?”

“Well, if you’re going there twice, do you think I could help guard you at least one of those times?”

“Hmm? You want to go to the castle town, Ludo Ruu?”

“I don’t care a lick about the castle town, but if I stick close to you, I should get a chance to eat your cooking,” Ludo Ruu replied, staring at the meal spread out before us. “I haven’t gotten a chance to eat anything you’ve made lately. And it sure does look tasty... I still haven’t eaten dinner yet, you know...”

“Ah, I can share a bit of my portion if you’d like.”

“You mean it?” Ludo Ruu asked, his eyes sparkling.

“Is there not a dinner waiting for you back at the Ruu settlement? And wouldn’t eating at another’s house not just once but twice would go against the customs of the forest’s edge?”

“It’s not like it’s a taboo or anything, right? It’s gotten really late and I haven’t eaten anything, so I’m starving!”

Well, we could hardly turn him away after all that. I portioned off a bit of the giba offal stew that we had left on the stove to keep warm, and some of the still-untouched cold shabu-shabu salad for Ludo Ruu.

As he ate it, Ludo Ruu narrowed his eyes and went “Mmm!” with a girlish and adorable smile. “Your cooking’s just as tasty as always! I can’t wait for Dan Rutim’s birthday banquet!”

“Ah, you were invited too? I heard it would be two members invited from each related clan...”

“Of course I’ll be there! I’m not going to yield a chance to eat your cooking to anyone!”

There were now just two days left till Dan Rutim’s birthday. My invitation to the castle town and Mikel’s second visit to the forest’s edge would come after that. And now that today’s incident had been firmly put to rest, I was finally free to focus on that big event.

“Hmm? Are you eating hamburger steak there, Ai Fa?” Ludo Ruu questioned, craning his neck. In a flash, Ai Fa pulled her plate in close.

“I need soft food because my tooth hurts! So I absolutely refuse to hand this over!”

“Nobody’s asking you to. But now that I’ve eaten a bit, it’s only making me feel all the hungrier...”

“Then hurry back to your own house already!”

Just like yesterday, it ended up being another hectic night. Still, even that sort of commotion felt very reassuring to me.

I’m glad Melfried and Polarth were understanding. I just hope that we can reconcile things with Leeheim too.

With that thought in mind, I once again started eating my own dinner.