The following day.
Having applied the Human-warding Curse to the ropes Sebas-san had procured during the night, I spent the morning focused on road-making with the Goblins. I asked the adults to handle the task of roping off the mountain’s perimeter, which doubled as a test of the enchantment’s efficacy.
With the Goblins trailing far behind to process the felled timber, only the slimes and I continued along the mountain path. By now, I was so accustomed to installing soil retaining walls that time seemed to pass in a peaceful haze as I sat atop a Huge Scavenger Slime’s back. Before long, I reached the base of the mountain.
"The work of hauling out the logs still remains, but for now, we have a road wide enough for a carriage!"
I wanted to do more—road paving work and tending to the roadsides—but there simply wasn't enough time. This was a place I could reach quickly with Space Magic, so I decided to stop at hauling out the logs for this trip. I could arrange the finer details bit by bit later. Since I planned to be a shut-in for several months anyway before the curse broke, I could tinker with the road during that time.
Still, the heat was intense. With no trees left to provide shade, the sun beat down on me with a searing intensity that differed from the muggy warmth of the Sea of Trees. I suspected this was another side effect of the magic power replenishment the gods had mentioned, much like the heavy snow at the end of last year.
"With this much sunlight, the cursed objects for that Lost Magic might burn before the curse even breaks... Depending on the item and the duration, they might even melt."
There had been no progress in my research into the Lost Magic. It had only been two days, and since I had prioritized the ropes last night, my research time had been limited, so the lack of results was to be expected. Still, I hadn't even grasped a single clue. Lord Rosenberg had warned me it would take time, so it couldn't be helped.
More importantly, I needed to stay hydrated. I pulled a water bottle from my Item Box and issued similar instructions to the Goblins. Then, a thought occurred to me: today was the fifth day since I had arrived at this mountain. I had taken short breaks, but I hadn't taken a single day off. Was it time to schedule a holiday?
Personally, I found studying Curse Magic so engaging that I didn't feel the need for a rest, but I had others to consider.
"Should I end work early today and serve some alcohol tonight? Or would it be better to make tomorrow a holiday? Or both? I’ll consult them and decide."
The rope was already stretched across the boundary between the mountain and the highway right in front of me. I didn't know if the group was to my right or left, but they had to be in one of those directions. Since my work here had reached a stopping point, I decided to propose my idea while checking on their progress.
I cast a Strengthening Magic spell and ran for nearly five minutes. Luckily, I had headed in the right direction; I soon spotted the group ahead of where the rope continued. Miya was the first to notice me.
"It's Ryoma-nya!"
"Good work, everyone. The road has more or less connected on my end, so I came to see how things are going here."
"As you can see, we’re right in the middle of it," Miya said. "We're almost out of rope, though, so it shouldn't be much longer-nya."
"There was fifteen kilometers' worth, yet you're faster than I expected."
"Handling rope is second nature for an adventurer. Since Sebas-san has been dropping bundles off at fixed intervals, we haven't even had to worry about the heavy lifting. If the eight of us divide the work, it’s nothing. We’ve been tying them directly to trees, so there’s no need to set posts."
"Even setting that aside, everyone's efficiency is excellent," Mizeria added, puffing out her chest. "The work is proceeding without delay. Since we lack enough rope to completely encircle the outer perimeter, we are currently prioritizing the areas near the highway where people pass."
Eleanora echoed the point about the inventory. It wasn't particularly strange, nor was it a major issue. We weren't in a hurry, so we could finish the rest later. They promised to submit a formal report on the rope’s effects and their progress that evening. Eleanora’s documents were always impeccably organized, so I looked forward to reviewing them.
Once the reports were finished, I asked for their opinions on taking a break. As it turned out, the most popular option was simply finishing today's work early.
"It’s not like we need a break after just a week," Jeff said. "As long as we have hot food and a bed, we'd rather work hard, earn a big paycheck, and then take a long vacation."
Welanna nodded. "I feel the same. That's just how most adventurers are. If you want stable hours and weekends off, you should get a regular job in the city."
Silia agreed. "The story might be different for long-term projects, but for a single week, this is fine."
Among the noble group, Lord Rosenberg explained that since his schedule usually fluctuated based on his clients, he tended to balance out his time off later. Eleanora mentioned she used to work just like I did in the past, and since she was getting plenty of rest now, she had no complaints. I understood the feeling well. Furthermore, everyone agreed that having a full day off in the middle of a mountain experiment ground wouldn't be very relaxing anyway.
Even Yudum and Sebas, who had known me the longest, were taken aback by my suggestion.
"I never thought the owner would be the one to suggest a day off," Yudum admitted.
"I assume it’s a courtesy for your employees, but I’m still quite surprised," Sebas added.
Just how much of a workaholic did they think I was? Asking further seemed like it would only invite trouble, so I kept my mouth shut.
"Well then, I'll head back to the road-making. Please don't overdo it in this heat."
With the discussion concluded, I returned to the Goblins. They had turned the trees scattered along the path into neat piles of logs, so I used Space Magic to transfer them all to the lumber storage area. I used Stone Slimes to verify the destination coordinates beforehand, allowing the work to proceed with high efficiency.
"Now then, time to put my heart into this."
By the time the roping-off team returned, the Goblins and I had also finished our work. I asked the Cleaner Slimes to help me wash off the sweat, and since the ingredients were ready, I began preparing dinner in the mountain hut’s kitchen. I was just getting started when Eleanora arrived.
"I have come to submit the reports."
"Thank you. I'll check them later."
I accepted the bundle of documents. They were surprisingly thick and heavy. I wondered how she could have written so much in the short time since we had returned.
"Takebayashi-sama, is there some deficiency?"
"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking it was amazing you could write such thorough documents so quickly. I certainly couldn't do it. Is there a trick?"
"It is not exactly a trick, but I use magic when I create documents. Specifically, I use Telekinesis."
Magic for creating documents? I wondered if she meant something like a printing magic, but she explained she used the no-attribute magic to manipulate pens. As if stating a simple fact, she demonstrated with Chantless magic using a pair of cooking chopsticks nearby. She manipulated the two sticks independently, writing different characters in the air with fluid, graceful movements.
It seemed she was using a technique similar to the Parallel Casting Big Sis Remily had used. She wasn't "printing"; she was manually writing with multiple pens at once through sheer mental force.
"If I determine the layout and the text in my head first, the work proceeds much faster," she explained.
"I see... so the finished product is already complete in your mind before you even start?"
"Yes. I decide on the content while I am making notes during work outside. Once I am indoors, I perform fine adjustments in my head and then write it all out with magic."
Eleanora was doing something in her brain that was equivalent to editing a document on a computer and checking the print preview. It was a staggering feat of mental coordination—a magic that relied entirely on the high-spec processing power of her brain.
"It sounds like you need a talent quite different from magic itself," I remarked.
"My magic instructor said the same thing. They told me it wasn't suitable for the general public."
I suppose so; it was like writing separate sentences using both hands and both feet simultaneously. It was far beyond the reach of an ordinary person.
"I understand now why you’re so fast. I'll review these later."
"As you wish." She bowed, but then her gaze drifted to the side. "Takebayashi-sama, if I may ask, are those the ingredients for dinner? There is a fearsome amount of spices lined up."
"Ah, yes. I was planning to make curry for dinner tonight."
I intended to make a nostalgic Japanese-style curry. Ever since I had obtained spices in the Sea of Trees, I had been waiting for the right moment. To someone from this world, the sheer volume of expensive spices probably looked like I was preparing a king’s ransom.
"Can you also prepare court cuisine, Takebayashi-sama?"
"Is curry considered court cuisine?"
"It is famous as the favorite dish of King Masaharu. Records state he spent vast wealth to gather ingredients from across the nation to have it made. Since it is a traditional dish loved by royalty and demonstrates one's financial power, it is a staple at high-ranking noble banquets."
I could understand why a king would want a taste of home if he had the power to make it happen. That was exactly my situation now, after all.
"My version might not be exactly like court cuisine, but I hope you'll enjoy it."
"I look forward to it. If it is not a bother, may I watch how it is made?"
"Of course."
With Eleanora joining in, we began. First, I sautéed flour in butter to make the roux. Once it had turned a rich brown, I turned off the heat and added the curry powder I had blended. The fragrance of the heated spices diffused through the room instantly. I tempered the heat carefully to ensure the aroma didn't dissipate.
"Next, the ingredients."
After sautéing onions until they were a deep caramel color, I added garlic, ginger, and crushed tomatoes. Then, from my series of retort vegetable water-boiled packs, I added potatoes and carrots, followed by the curry paste. I left Eleanora to stir the pot while I fried bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken in a separate pan before adding them to the simmer.
Just as I was about to take a taste—
"What is this heaven-scent-nya?!"
"Hot!?"
The piping hot curry splashed into my mouth as I jumped in surprise. I saw that the entire adventurer team had gathered behind the kitchen door, drawn by the smell.
"What's the matter, everyone?"
"The source of this stomach-emptying smell was right here-nya!" Miya shouted.
"Sorry for interrupting," Jeff said, "but that smell is just... it’s almost violent. We were curious because that scent was spreading all the way outside."
"Is that tonight's dinner?"
"Yes, it's curry today."
Eleanora explained that it was court cuisine, and their expectations soared. I was worried they’d be disappointed by an amateur's version, but Miya was already drooling.
"Ryoma, can we eat yet-nya?"
"Not yet. I want to simmer it a bit more, cool it down with Ice Magic, and then simmer it again."
"Nya? If it’s been simmered, shouldn't we be able to eat it now?"
"Curry tastes better after it’s sat for a night," I explained. "The flavors blend better as it cools. I'll also prepare rice, bread, and a salad—hey, don't look so devastated."
"Waiting with this smell in the air is torture-nya!"
"Alright, alright, that's enough," Mizeria said, grabbing Miya by the arm. "Just endure it for a bit longer. We'll take her outside, Ryoma."
As they led the hungry Miya away, I called out, "I was thinking of providing alcohol and snacks tonight. Will you all be drinking?"
"That's great news! We'll gladly accept," they cheered.
I planned to serve the goblin-brewed Shirozake and Seishu, along with the highballs I’d made in the Sea of Trees. For snacks, I’d prepare sausages and salami from Sieg-san’s shop and a large batch of potato salad.
"Eleanora-san, do you like alcohol? If not, I have tea or fruit water."
"I can drink wine, though it has been a while. I should probably stay away from anything too strong."
"Understood. I have wine in stock, so let's go with that. You can switch to tea whenever you like."
I had to be careful; she seemed like the type who would force herself to drink if she thought I wanted her to. I would tolerate no alcohol harassment here. Preparing a banquet with people you actually liked was a far cry from the corporate drudgery of my past life. Preparing for the party was, in its own way, just as much fun as the party itself.