By the Grace of the Gods (LN) - Volume 16 - Chapter 6

Chapter 10, Episode 6: Sinking In

My welcome-back/Sea-of-Trees tasting party was a big success. So much so that time flew by and it was time for my guests to leave before I knew it.

“Thank you for all the wonderful food,” Reinhart said as we stood at the entrance to the Forest of Gana. He, and all the others, looked full to the point of bursting. Reinhart laughed. “I don’t think I’ll have room for dinner tonight. I’ll owe Bahtz an apology. Although I’m sure he and his sous-chefs won’t give us a second thought once I show them the food you packed for us, Ryoma.”

“I always enjoyed your chefs’ dishes. I’m curious to see what they’ll do with ingredients from the Sea of Trees,” I said.

“Stop by any time and try it. We’d love to order more food from the Sea of Trees when you do. Of course, I’ll pay a good price for it.”

“When you do, I’ll try my best to bring the highest quality food,” I said. I’d planned to frequently travel to and from the Sea of Trees to see Korumi, and having a base there made it much easier. My trek there and back would be far less arduous than that of a normal adventurer. Once Eleonora started, it would streamline my communication with the Jamils...not to mention that I’d have more free time.

“Are you going to Gimul after this?” Reinhart asked.

“Yes. I thought about spending the night here, but there are people waiting for me in Gimul. It’s not a long journey if I use Space magic, and I always have the limour birds,” I said. While exploring the Sea of Trees of Syrus, I couldn’t risk taking them out of the Dimension Home except when we were in Korumi’s core. Even though that was for their safety, I’d felt bad about keeping them cooped up, and would love to let them stretch their wings. Besides, I had plenty more souvenirs that I had to deliver. I’d packed them carefully, but it’d be better to deliver them sooner rather than later.

“I know it’s only midday, but be careful on the way,” Elise said, prompting the group’s departure. Each member of the group gave their own farewell: Reinhart left with a wink, Sebas with a bow, the four guards with a salute, and the rest waving as they left.

After the Space magic that took them home disappeared, I was left with a slightly lonely sort of quietness. “Okay... Time for me to go home!” I announced, bringing the limour birds out of the Dimension Home. As soon as they were out, they soared into the sky and flew off in the direction of Gimul, so I followed with my own Space magic.

***

That evening, I arrived at Gimul before the sun had completely set, feeling much more comfortable with long-distance teleporting with the help of my familiars. After greeting the guards, whose faces I had gotten to know well enough to recognize after the attack last winter, I passed through the city gate. Several places were on my list to visit, and I chose to go to the laundry shop first.

It didn’t take long for me to get there, walking through the city streets and taking in the artificial cityscape with constant sounds of people talking and a distinct city smell.

When I reached the laundry shop, it was still during its operating hours, though I could see from the lack of a line of customers on the street that the rush was over—a perfect time to pop in without intruding.

“Wel...come,” Jane said when I walked in, her cheerful voice quickly fading as she turned and saw who it was. Her eyes were wide, and she stood still with a broom in her hand. After a few moments, she shouted, “Everyone! The owner’s back!” Her voice reverberated through the customer-less shop.

Soon, footsteps came from the back, and I was surrounded by my employees, who all celebrated my safe return.

“Now, everyone. He’s only just returned,” Carme pointed out for my benefit, and the other employees went back to their posts for the time being. Carme showed me to a meeting room where he, Hudom, and I could bring each other up to date, at least on the most important business matters.

“Still, nothing much has happened while you were gone,” Hudom said.

“There was only one thing of note: We had a rude customer come back a few times. I heard he was an adventurer who recently moved to Gimul. He has already been banned for the attitude he gave our staff,” Carme explained.

“We had some nasty customers for a while when we first opened...” I pointed out, concerned that this was also an organized sabotage.

“I heard a little bit about that,” Hudom said. “But this one’s different. He’s not working with anyone, and I doubt he’s trying to sabotage the shop. He just tried to make a move on our female staff. There was no whiff of a plan or any indication that he was working with anyone. Fay double-checked.”

“I spoke with him a few times before I banned him... Some of those times, his breath reeked of alcohol,” Carme added.

“Just a drunk, then,” I said.

“Even if he attempted to come back, our current security would not have a problem dealing with him,” Carme said.

As annoying as that must have been, a disorderly drunk wasn’t the worst thing that could happen. Of course, I wanted Carme to take special care of the mental health of those who had to deal with that guy.

“Absolutely,” Carme said.

“Let me see what I can tell you...” I began. “First of all, I did make it back to where I grew up. As a result, or because of what happened on my journey, I will be regularly visiting the Sea of Trees.” I also briefly told them about Korumi. I almost hesitated to bring up that I’d be leaving again, but I already knew I was going to, so there was no sense delaying telling them my plans. The earlier they knew, the easier it would be for them to make plans for when I was in the forest.

“Understood,” Carme said simply, like he’d expected something like this from me. “You don’t have to look at me like that. You came back safe and sound. I won’t object to you going back anytime you like.”

“I’m not sure what look you saw on my face, but thank you. Since I’ll be away from the city more than I’d initially expected, I’d like to keep you in charge of the laundry shop,” I told Carme. Then, I told them about Eleonora and her official hiring. In addition to explaining how she would be my secretary who’d keep files on information I’d need to know while I was away, I told them how I planned to have her pick up all tasks not directly related to the laundry shop. “Carme, you’ve helped so much as my assistant and secretary, with work related and unrelated to the laundry shop. You really have more than made up for all of my shortcomings when it comes to handling business, and I truly appreciate that.”

“I would have no problem continuing as your assistant,” Carme said. “And a part of me wishes I could continue learning in that position, but I understand there is no turning down someone appointed by the duke. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, but I am all prepared for the transition. She can come in anytime.”

Apparently, the Jamils had contacted Carme while I was in the Sea of Trees. I was sure Eleonora would be great at the job, but I couldn’t deny how incredible Carme was. That being said, I wondered what he meant by “continue learning”? I couldn’t recall a single thing that I could have taught him. In fact, I was confident that I completely relied on him when it came to running the laundry shop. Completely puzzled, I decided to table that thought until later.

“Then please begin the transition when she arrives,” I said. “And even though you will be in charge of this business, I’ll still stop by from time to time. If I can help with anything, you can always let me know as you have been.” That’s why I’d created a sales department and kept my name on it. It wasn’t like we were never going to see each other again. The air in the room had gotten a little sappy, but there was no need for tears or anything. “And I’d like to ask a favor of you, Hudom. When she comes, I’d like you to look after her for a while. Not that it matters to me much, but she is noble born—of a status similar to yours.”

“Of course. Which house is she from? Each has their own philosophies and values, so knowing that would make it easier for me,” Hudom said.

“Right. I’ve only ever given you her first name. She’s Eleonora Ransor: Baron Ransor’s daughter,” I said.

“Oh...her,” Hudom said, looking a little unsure. If he had any reservations, I wanted to hear them now.

“She was two years above me in the capital’s academy. I’ve never met her directly, but I’d heard rumors about her—that she was beautiful and brilliant. A genius in academics and in magic,” Hudom explained. “Even from afar, it really seemed like she didn’t want anything to do with other people. If I’m being blunt, she seemed standoffish.”

“Really? I did feel like she had a wall around her, but I wouldn’t go that far,” I said.

“That was back when we were in school, which was more than a few years ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s changed since... I’ll have to meet her and find out,” Hudom said, not sounding too concerned. Neither was I, since Hudom always had a knack for keeping people at the right distance.

“Is she very good at magic? Neither she nor the Jamils said anything about that,” I said.

“She graduated from the magic curriculum at the top of her class... You should ask her about it, though. Everything I know about her is through rumors, and combined with the politics that comes with noble houses, I’m making a lot of assumptions about her character. The duke wouldn’t send her if he expected any problems—don’t worry too much about it. I’ll assist her as she gets started.”

Hudom had a point. Maybe the Jamils didn’t mention her magical talents only because it didn’t affect her ability as a secretary.

“Then I will focus on the transfer of duties,” Carme said.

“Thank you. I’ll take care of her lodgings,” I said.

A polite knock came from the door. When I called for them to enter, Chelma the chef came in. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I’m preparing dinner and wanted to know if you would be eating with us.”

It had slipped my mind that it was already dinnertime. I appreciated the offer, but I could still feel the immortal snake steaks in my gut... I would have to take a rain check. “I’m sorry, I had a late lunch. I would love to join you next time.”

“Absolutely. I’ll make sure to prepare an outstanding dish to make up for today,” Chelma said.

“That would be wonderful,” I said, realizing that I hadn’t given her my souvenir. “Oh, Chelma. I brought a bunch of ingredients from the Sea of Trees. Think of them as a little souvenir.”

“Really?”

“Yes. A whole bunch of them, freshly caught and harvested. I’m sure your menu is set for tonight, but perhaps you could serve some fruit for dessert.” I placed a basket full of fruit on the meeting room table. I reached to take out more of the immortal snake meat while I was at it...and realized I was all out of what I had prepared earlier. “Oops. I gave out all of the cuts of meat earlier.”

“Don’t worry about it. All of these rare fruits are a treat on their own,” Chelma said.

“It’s okay, I just need to clean another one... Where can I do it, though?” I asked.

“You can’t do it in the kitchen?” Hudom asked.

“The game is too big,” I said, then decided it’d be quicker to show them than explain. I summoned a grave slime and had it show the immortal snake carcass. As soon as the snake’s head poked out, Chelma screamed bloody murder. That was a boneheaded play on my part, because I hadn’t realized how shocking a dead snake the size of a tree trunk could be to a non-adventurer. By the time I’d realized my mistake, the security team had rushed in, followed by the other employees. I managed to bring the situation under control by explaining everything, using the snake carcass as a visual aid...even if it gave them a little—or a big—scare.

“Why don’t you ask Sieg if you can use his place?” Hudom suggested.

“A butcher shop would have all the equipment,” I agreed. “And he’s only two doors down.” I’d also be killing two birds with one stone by giving him his souvenir.

I decided to head next door first, and found Pauline congregating with her friends in her flower shop. It felt like a rare sight to see a gathering like that at this hour.

“You can say that again. Men. Won’t they ever—”

“Hello,” I said, and that prompted all the ladies to speak to me at once.

“Huh? Oh, it’s you, Ryoma!”

“Good to see you.”

“I heard you were off somewhere dangerous. You look well.”

Apparently, they’d learned through the Gimul grapevine that I had gone to the Sea of Trees. Even though they were giving me kind words, they were as ferocious as a pack of raptors.

Barely holding back against the tidal wave of questions, I managed to retell a brief summary of my journey. “...and I brought souvenirs.”

“You didn’t have to do that. It must have been hard enough going there and coming back.”

“It was no trouble. You’ve always been very kind to me,” I said, taking out a basket of fruit.

“Wow, that’s...”

“They’re very pretty, but I’ve never seen any of these before.”

The basket was filled with three types of fruit: bananas that came in bunches of five and resembled a hand, mangos with an opening in the center in the shape of fangs, and lychees the size of basketballs. While the ladies looked curious about the fruit, they hadn’t reached for any.

“They look a little unusual, but they’re all delicious,” I promised. “Would you like to try them before you take them home? I have some plates too.”

“Use that table over there. I’ve got knives in the drawer down there,” Pauline said.

With that, I started by separating each banana in a bunch and peeling them before cutting them into slices to make them easier to taste test.

“It looks easy to peel once you separate them.”

“There’s such a sweet smell to it... Mm!”

“This is delicious! And soft. Kids will like these.”

The banana was a hit. For the large lychee, I sliced into its skin before peeling it off with my bare hands, taking out a juicy, pearly white fruit. It was too big to eat, so I cut it into bite-size pieces to serve them out.

“This is good too. There was a burst of juice in my mouth.”

“The last one was thick, but this one is refreshing.”

“Just what you want when it’s hot out.”

Finally, I took the mango and cut it down the middle. Already, a ripe aroma filled the air. All I had to do was slice crosshatch and flip the fruit over, and it all fell off the peel. Just as someone in the room audibly gulped, we heard voices from down the street.

“I smell something good!”

“It’s coming from mom’s shop!”

Pauline’s daughter Renny and son Rick came running over.

“Hey, it’s Ryoma!” Renny said.

“It’s been a while,” Rick added.

“I heard you went somewhere dangerous on your own. Looks like you made it back,” Renny said, like I was a reckless, troublemaking kid...not that I could deny the Sea of Trees was dangerous. “Well, at least you’re okay. What’s that smell?”

“Souvenirs Ryoma brought back. Some local fruit,” Pauline explained.

“Fruit? I want some!” Rick said.

“Here you go,” I said, giving him and Renny some of the mango I’d just diced.

“It’s sweet! It’s so good!” Rick exclaimed.

“Wow! I’ve never had anything like this!” Renny joined.

Their faces lit up as soon as they took their first bite. No fancy descriptions necessary—their faces and simple commentary were a perfect five-star review that warmed my heart. This alone made it worth bringing the fruit back.

“It’s good. So good.”

“Rick, you’re not going to enjoy it if you scoff it down like— Don’t take mine!”

“Kids! Have some manners!”

“It’s all right, Pauline,” I said before turning to her children. “And you don’t have to rush. I have plenty more.”

“Really?!”

“These kids...” Pauline said good-naturedly and asked me, “Are you sure?”

“I really did gather a lot of them as souvenirs. Besides, they don’t last. They won’t go bad over a couple of days, but they will after a while. Don’t feel bad about taking them off my hands,” I said.

“If you insist. Thanks, Ryoma. But I am going to get you something from our butcher shop. And if you want to use the chopping block today, it’s all yours. I’m going to go tell Sieg.”

“Thank you!”

Pauline wiped her hands on a rag at the end of the table and walked into the shop. While I handed some of the fruit to the other two ladies, she quickly returned with Sieg.

“Hi, Ryoma. I hear you brought us back something delicious. Come on in, you can totally use our shop. Do you mind if I watch, though? I’m curious about this monster you’re going to clean.”

“Of course. The meat is part of your souvenir.”

With the butcher’s permission, I cleaned the immortal snake in his shop.

After that, I acted like an off-season Santa Claus, running around the city with piles of meat and spices and fruit, delivering them to the people I couldn’t wait to see, until it became dark out. As much as it spent my energy to interact with other people, it brought me a kind of warmth that I couldn’t experience on my own. Today, it really sank in that the Sea of Trees and the big city each had their own perks.