The banquet—officially a tasting party—had been a massive success. But pleasant times always seemed to slip away, and before long, the festivities wound down. It was time for everyone to head home.
"Thank you for all the delicious food today," Reinhardt said at the edge of Gana Forest. He and his companions looked like they were carrying quite a bit of extra weight in their stomachs.
"Haha, I don't think I'll be able to manage dinner tonight. I'll have to apologize to Batz. Though, I suspect once I show the ingredients Ryoma-kun gave me to the staff, they’ll get so excited they won't even notice I'm skipping a meal."
"The food prepared by the Ducal House's chefs was wonderful," Ryoma replied. "I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle the ingredients from the Sea of Trees."
"You're welcome to come over and eat anytime. Honestly, it would be a huge help if we could arrange for you to supply us with more from the Sea of Trees. Naturally, we'll ensure you're compensated well for your efforts."
"In that case, I'll do my best to provide the highest quality possible."
Since I’d be traveling back and forth to visit Kormi anyway, and I had a base established there, it wouldn’t be much of a chore. Compared to the work of a typical adventurer, it was practically effortless. Plus, once Eleanora-san arrived, communication would become much smoother, reducing my administrative burden and allowing me to focus on other tasks.
"Are you heading straight to Gimul now, Ryoma-kun?"
"Yes. I thought about staying the night here, but I have people waiting for me in Gimul as well. With Space Magic and the Rimur Birds, it’s not really that far."
While I was exploring the Shulls Great Forest, I couldn’t risk letting the birds out, so they had been stuck inside the Dimension Home the entire time—except for when they were inside Kormi’s core. Even if it was for their safety, I felt bad for keeping them cooped up for so long. I wanted to let them soar through the open sky.
Besides, I still had a long list of people I wanted to give souvenirs to. I was taking precautions with preservation magic, but fresh food was always better delivered sooner rather than later.
"The sun is still high, but please be careful on the road," Elise said. Reinhardt gave a small nod, and Sebas bowed in response. The four guards took their ceremonial positions around the group. After a few seconds of waving and bowing, the Ducal House party vanished.
A slight, lonely silence filled the air where they had stood just moments before.
"...Alright, time for me to head back, too!"
I released the Rimur Birds from the Dimension Home, and they surged into the air with a burst of energy. I watched them disappear toward Gimul before following them with my own Space Magic.
By evening, I had reached the city.
I had become well-practiced in long-distance teleportation with my monsters, arriving in Gimul before dusk. I exchanged greetings with the Guard Force member at the gate—we’d seen enough of each other since the end of last year that we were on a first-name basis—and stepped into the streets.
I had several stops to make, but my first destination was the laundry shop. As I walked, the artificial cityscape stretched out around me, filled with the constant hum of voices. The very smell of the air was different.
Bathed in that contrast between forest and city, I finally arrived at the shop. It was still open, but the peak rush had passed, and there were no lines outside. It was the perfect time to drop in.
"Welcome—"
Jane-san, who had been sweeping the floor, turned around with a bright greeting, only for her voice to trail off into nothing. Her eyes went wide, and her hand froze on her broom.
"—Ah! Everyone! The Manager—no, the Owner is back!"
She shouted with such force she nearly dropped the broom. Her voice rang through the empty storefront, followed immediately by the thunder of footsteps from the back.
"Owner!!"
Before I knew it, I was surrounded by employees. They crowded around, expressing their relief at my safe return and offering warm welcomes.
"Everyone, please. The Owner has only just walked through the door."
Calm-san stepped in to give me some breathing room, and the employees eventually dispersed. He led me to the reception room, where I sat down with him and Yudam-san for a quick briefing.
"To be honest, nothing much changed while you were away," Calm-san began.
"If anything, we had a few troublesome customers," Yudam-san added. "Apparently, they’re adventurers who recently moved here from another town. Their behavior toward the staff was unacceptable, so we’ve already banned them from the premises."
"Troublesome customers? Like the organized groups from when we first opened?" I asked, a brief flicker of worry crossing my mind.
"I heard a bit about it, too, but I think we're fine," Yudam-san reassured me. "He was acting alone—basically just a crude man with a bad attitude trying to harass the female staff. There was no sign of a plan or an organization. Fei-san looked into it and confirmed as much."
"I spoke with him a few times before the ban," Calm-san noted. "He often smelled of cheap liquor."
"So, just a common drunkard, then."
"Even if he tries to come back, the Security Department can handle it without any trouble."
A nuisance, certainly, but if a rowdy drunk was the biggest problem, then the shop was still doing well. I made a mental note to ensure the staff who had to deal with him were being looked after.
"We have everything under control," Calm-san said firmly.
"As for my report... I successfully made it to my childhood home," I said. "However, given how things turned out, I’ll be traveling back and forth between the Sea of Trees and Gimul on a regular basis from now on."
I had already given them a brief summary of the situation with Kormi. It felt a little strange to talk about leaving again right after arriving, but since the decision was made, there was no point in delaying the announcement.
Calm-san, ever composed, simply nodded. "Understood."
"You don't need to look so worried," I said. "You returned safely, and I have no intention of trying to stop you."
"...I'm curious what kind of face I was making, but thank you. Since I’ll be away more than originally planned, I’ll continue to leave the shop’s operations in your hands, Calm-san."
Next, I brought up the arrival of Eleanora-san. I explained that she would be acting as my secretary and handling administrative duties during my absence. I also told them that I intended to have her take over any work not directly related to the laundry business.
"Calm-san, you’ve been doing double duty as my assistant and manager, helping me immensely with matters outside of this shop. I have zero complaints about your work; you've more than made up for my shortcomings, and I'm truly grateful."
"The pleasure was mine," Calm-san replied. "I haven't found it difficult to assist you, Owner. In truth, I was hoping to continue learning from you. However, a directive from the Ducal House is something I cannot refuse. It's a bit of a shame, but I've already prepared everything for the handover. She can start whenever she arrives."
It seemed the Ducal House had contacted him while I was away. Calm-san was nothing if not thorough. He was just as capable as Eleanora-san seemed to be.
Wait, "learning from me"? Had I actually taught him anything? I was happy he felt that way, but as far as I could remember, I had been the one leaning on him for everything related to the business... Well, I’d set that aside for now.
"Then I'll leave the handover to you, Calm-san. And while I'm entrusting the shop to you, it doesn't mean I won't be around. We'll still consult on everything, just like always."
That was why I’d established the "Sales Department" and kept my name on the books. We weren't cutting ties. The room felt a little somber for a moment, but it wasn't a sad occasion.
"Also, Yudam-san, I have a request for you. Once she arrives, I’d like you to help her get settled. I don't care much for status, but she’s from a noble family, and I think your backgrounds are fairly similar."
"Of course. Which house is she from? Even within the nobility, values and traditions vary wildly. It'll be easier to help her if I know her family."
"I only mentioned her name before, didn't I? She's Eleanora Lansol, from House Lansol."
"...Ah. Her."
Yudam-san’s face soured slightly. It seemed he knew her, and whatever he was thinking, it wasn't particularly pleasant.
"She was a senior of mine at the Academy in the Royal Capital, two years ahead," Yudam-san explained. "I didn't know her personally, but she was famous. A brilliant beauty who was top of her class in both academics and magic. But her family’s situation was... precarious. Because of that, she was known for being incredibly cold and distant. You could feel her rejection of the world even from a distance. To put it bluntly, people thought she was difficult."
"Is that so? I mean, she certainly has some walls up, but I didn't get the feeling she was trying to drive everyone away."
"Well, that was back in our student days. A lot of time has passed since then, so she might have changed. I’ll have to meet her and see for myself."
Yudam-san was a social chameleon, so I figured he’d be fine.
"Is she really that good at magic, though? She didn't mention it, and neither did the Duke."
"She was the valedictorian of the Magic Department, so I’m sure of it. But you should probably ask her for the details. I only know the rumors, and things get messy when family politics are involved. Still, if the Ducal House is sending her, they’ve cleared her background. There’s no need for us to worry."
That made sense. Maybe she just didn't mention it because it wasn't relevant to secretarial work. No need for wild guesses.
"Anyway, I'll take care of her," Yudam-san promised.
"And I'll focus on the business handover," Calm-san added.
"Thank you both. I'll handle her living arrangements once she's here."
Just then, a soft knock came at the door. Shelma-san, the shop’s cook, poked her head in.
"Pardon the interruption. I'm getting dinner started, and I was wondering if the Owner would be eating with us."
I looked at the clock. The grilled meat I’d shared with the Duke’s party was still sitting heavy in my stomach. I’d have to pass.
"I'm sorry, Shelma-san. I had a very late lunch. Maybe next time?"
"I understand. When that time comes, I'll cook up something extra special to make up for today."
"I'm looking forward to it."
That reminded me—I hadn't handed out the souvenirs yet.
"Actually, Shelma-san, I brought back a lot of food from the Sea of Trees."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, fresh bounty from the Great Forest. I'm sure the menu for tonight is already set, but maybe you could use some fruit for dessert?"
I began pulling baskets of fruit out of my Item Box and setting them on the reception room table. I also had plenty of Immortal Snake meat left... wait, I realized I’d given all the butchered cuts away already.
"Ah, right. I handed out all the butchered portions earlier."
"Don't worry about it," she said with a smile. "Just seeing these rare fruits is more than enough."
"No, I still have the rest of the snake—it's just not processed yet. I could do it now, but... where’s the best place?"
"Can't you do it in the kitchen?" Yudam-san asked.
"The prey is too big."
Better to show than tell. I summoned a Grave Slime from my storage.
"Eek—!"
Shelma-san let out a muffled shriek as the massive head of the snake began to emerge from the slime’s transparent body.
Right. I’d forgotten that a snake the size of a tree trunk might be a bit much for most people. The Security Department came running at the sound of the scream, followed by a handful of curious employees. Once I explained that it was just a carcass, the panic died down, but they still looked... well, terrified.
"Maybe you should ask Sieg-san if you can use his space?" Yudam-san suggested.
"Good idea. A butcher shop would have the right equipment. And since he's only two doors down, it's convenient."
Sharing the bounty with him and his family would kill two birds with one stone. I headed next door, stopping briefly at the flower shop. Pauline-san and several of her friends were gathered inside. It was an unusual crowd for this time of day.
"—Honestly, men are all the same, aren't they?" one of them was saying.
"Excuse me," I said, stepping inside.
"Oh! Ryoma-kun!" Pauline-san exclaimed.
"My, good evening!" another added. "We heard you went somewhere dangerous, but you look as healthy as ever."
The neighborhood Madams swarmed me instantly. The "Housewife Network" was clearly as efficient as ever; they’d already heard about my trip. They greeted me with an intensity that rivaled a pack of Raptors.
Caught in the surge, I quickly explained the situation.
"—And so, I brought some souvenirs," I said, pulling out a basket.
"Oh, you really shouldn't have," Pauline-san said, though her eyes were already fixed on the fruit.
"It's no trouble at all. You’ve all been so kind to me."
I set the basket down.
"My, what are these...?"
"They're beautiful, but I've never seen anything like them."
The basket held three varieties: bunches of bananas that looked like human hands, mangoes with a sharp, fang-like split, and hairy, basketball-sized fruits that looked like giant lychees. The women were intrigued by the exotic colors, but they were hesitant to be the first to touch them.
"They look a little strange, but they’re delicious. Would you like to try some before you take them home? I have plates."
"In that case, use the table over there," Pauline-san offered. "There’s a knife in the bottom drawer."
I started with the hand-bananas, slicing them from the bunch and peeling them before cutting them into rounds.
"They peel quite easily once they're separated," one woman noted.
"And the smell... Oh, it’s so sweet!"
"This is wonderful! It's so soft. The kids would love this."
The bananas were a hit. Next, I took the giant lychee-like fruit, scored the skin, and pulled it apart. Inside was a translucent, juicy white flesh. I sliced it into bite-sized pieces and served them.
"This one is great, too! It's so juicy."
"The first one was creamy, but this is so refreshing."
"Exactly what you want on a hot day."
Finally, I sliced the fang-mango in half. A rich, floral aroma filled the shop. I scored the flesh into cubes and pushed the skin up to make the cubes pop out. Just as I saw someone gulp in anticipation, a voice rang out.
"Something smells amazing!"
"It's coming from Mom's shop!"
Pauline-san’s daughter, Leni, and her son, Rick, came bursting through the door.
"Whoa! Ryoma!" Rick shouted.
"Hey. It’s been a while."
"We heard you went off into the woods all by yourself," Leni said, looking me over. "Glad you made it back."
She made me sound like a runaway brat, but since the Sea of Trees was genuinely dangerous, I couldn't exactly argue.
"Well, whatever. What's that smell?" Rick asked.
"Souvenirs from Ryoma-kun’s home," Pauline-san explained. "He brought us some fruit."
"Fruit? I want some!"
"Go right ahead."
I handed them the cubed mango.
"So sweet! This is incredible!" Rick’s eyes went wide.
"I've never tasted anything like this!" Leni added, looking stunned.
They didn't need complicated words. Their faces said it all. Seeing their reaction made all the effort of hauling the fruit back worthwhile.
"Mmm, so good!"
"Hey, Rick! Savor it! And don't you dare take my piece!"
"You two! Mind your manners!" Pauline-san barked.
"It’s okay, Pauline-san," I said with a laugh. "There’s plenty more."
"Really?" Rick asked.
"Honestly, these children of mine... But are you sure, Ryoma-kun?"
"I brought back a ton of it. Besides, tropical fruit doesn't keep forever. It won’t rot tonight, but it's best eaten while it's fresh. Please, help yourselves."
"If you say so... thank you. But we can't just take it for nothing. I'll make sure my husband sends over something from his shop later. And you can use the butchering area—I’ll go tell him right now."
"Thank you so much!"
Pauline-san wiped her hands and headed into the back. As I shared the remaining fruit with the other Madams, Sieg-san came out with her.
"Hey there, Ryoma-kun. I hear you brought some delicious gifts. Feel free to use the equipment in the back. Also, as a butcher, I'm dying to see what kind of meat you brought. Mind if I watch?"
"Not at all. The meat is part of the gift, after all."
With a professional space secured, I set to work butchering the Immortal Snake. Afterward, like an out-of-season Santa Claus, I spent the rest of the evening hauling meat, spices, and fruit across the city to everyone I’d wanted to see.
Interacting with others could be tiring, but the joy of being part of a warm community was something I could never experience alone.
The Sea of Trees had its own beauty, but there was something irreplaceable about the city. I felt that now more than ever.