It’s morning.
Hmmm… So sleepy… And I’m the first one to wake up again. Hey, it would be impossible for these guys to go on an outing and camp, right? Won’t they die?
I guess they could make do with their utmost effort… Huh? When I calmed down and thought about it, they only had that one wracked tent. If I didn’t accompany them, would they die? Wah, I did well for accompanying them! For real!
It would be dangerous for those children not thinking far ahead like this, so I had to scold them later.
Leaving that aside, I left the carriage and got ready. Well, all I did was a simple [Washing].
By the way, I guarded myself with a hood outside the carriage all the time. I also had a muffler to protect my mouth. With my long bangs and glasses, my guard was as impregnable as an iron wall.
Ah, right. I couldn’t just use my cloak in this cold weather, so I improvised it into an overcoat last night. It had two layers, and I could put my arms out. It’s something like an inverse cape. If I wore a standard cloak on this snowy day, my clothes would get wet when I raised my hand…
I hadn’t noticed it at all. I was too stupid… You see, I usually secluded myself in the rainy days after all… But I didn’t have any reason to go out on a rainy day, so it couldn’t be helped.
I scanned my surroundings lightly, slightly depressed because of my stupidity. The snowfall had decreased a lot in the middle of the night, but the snow had piled considerably. Now that I think of it, it was hard to open the carriage door.
For the time being, I stored the snow around the carriage and the tents surrounding the bonfire into my [Storage], so we could move out here easily later.
Hmm, the tents were almost piled up with snow. They didn’t die from the cold, right…? But they wore clothes resistant to cold… Anyway, if they were alive, they would come out once they woke up.
For the time being, I set a fire on the bonfire and boiled water in the kettle. I boiled not only one, but three kettles. Since we had nine people, the water would immediately disappear if they asked for the second servings of tea.
The horses were also buried… Let’s do something about the surrounding snow while waiting until the water boiled. However, there were some carriages with large tents in the distance. I could also see many caravans other than us, so there were actually many people here.
It wouldn’t be strange if they already woke up. Instead of using [Storage], I used fire magic and wind magic to generate hot water and melt the snow.
In the meantime, I gave Norn and Bell their breakfast. Today’s meal was a chunk of cooked orc meat. Telling them to hunt in the snow was harsh, you know? They wanted to go, but they put up with me since I wanted them to guard us.
Ryuu woke up when I had completely melted the snow around the carriage. This guy sure woke up early in the morning, huh. Well, it’s good. Maybe he’s suited to guard the night.
“Oh, good morning, Ren.”
“Good morning. You’re early as usual.”
“Yeah. I practiced swinging the wooden sword I received from you before breakfast, so I completely got used to getting up early. But what should I do today…”
“I think you shouldn’t practice today. Your sweat will cool your body, making you catch a cold.”
“Hmm, you got a point… It can’t be helped. I’ll give that up during the trip.”
I started to slowly prepare the breakfast while having small talk and making the fire in the bonfire bigger. Ryuu also got dressed as he chatted with me… I glanced at Ryuu, noticing the short sword on his waist.
“You’re equipping your sword? Where’s the other one?”
“We’re outdoors now, so we should be vigilant, right? Maybe this is meaningless since there are Ren’s familiars. Bringing the longer one everywhere will hinder my movement, so I’m putting it with my luggage. But I bring it to the tent when it’s time to camp.”
Oh, he had been thinking a lot… Good boy.
“Ah, are you preparing breakfast? Do you have enough wood? Should I bring some for you?”
“The firewoods collected yesterday are still enough, so it’s okay. More than that, please help me cook this.”
“Eh? Me? Are you fine with me?”
“Everyone is preparing the meals right? Please think of helping me as a way to gain experience.”
“Uhh… I understand. I’ll do my best.”
“Do you have anything you want to eat?”
“Eh? Anything I want to eat?”
“Yes. You can also tell me if there’s anything you want to try.”
“Can I? Really!?”
“Yes.”
“Eh, then what should I choose… I’m fine with whatever you cooked before, um… Ah, but I’d love to try the ones you talked about too.”
Hm, there were too many choices I became troubled. It would take time, so let’s make something adequately. For the time being, they had to eat a lot so they could keep their physical strength in this cold weather… I know, let’s make the meatball soup I made some time ago.
“Ryuu, please make minced meat with this.”
“Oh? Okay… Are you making that soup?”
“Yes.”
“That was delicious…”
Ryuu minced the meat, chopped the vegetables, and heated the pot with a grin. Hmm, I could cook rice, but…
“Ryuu, do you guys bring any bread?”
“Hmm? We bring some hard-baked bread.”
Then let’s go with that. I’m also eating bread. What’s left was the side dish…
“Have you decided on what you want to eat?”
“Ummmmmmm… There are too many things I want to eat, and there are many foods I don’t know how to describe…”
“Then, how about the meat sandwich that I made when I watched your study before?”
“Ah! Sure! That was fantastic! Then let’s go with that!”
Yup. I took out my frying pan and prepared this and that. Ryuu, who had nothing to do, brought the bread for everyone’s share and sliced them… I could see that he put a lot of effort into focusing since there wasn’t a hint of clumsiness from him.
I rolled the thinly sliced meat and soaked it in the ginger sauce, then I fried the meatballs and added them to the soup. What’s left was simmering them.
When I was going to grill another batch of meat, Triela and Maricle woke up at the same time.
“Good morning, both of you.”
“Huh? It’s not just Ren, but Ryuu?”
“Ryuu, are you helping her?”
“Oh, morning. I’ll do it when I have to, you know!”
“Did you do it properly? I’m worried…”
“Aren’t you too heartless, Maricle!?”
“I’m the one who did the seasoning, so it’s fine. I asked Ryuu to help me do the preparations… The way he handled the blade is better than I expected.”
“Uu… I never thought you would praise Ryuu… No way, I have to work harder.”
“Triela is also heartless…”
Ohh, Ryuu’s eyes become teary. But he did a lot of stupid things in the past, so he should have expected this reaction, okay?
As we continued making breakfast, all the girls woke up. We then finished preparing the meal. Maricle kicked Cain and Boman who were still sleeping, and it’s now breakfast time. Everyone looked satisfied since they could eat a lot in the morning.
By the way, while I was preparing the meal, the people from the caravans around us woke up and started organizing a lot of things. A few of them glanced at us with eyes full of envy. It’s probably because of the smell. I understand.
After finishing the meal, I distributed the tea and started scolding them.
I preached on how they looked down on the situation and poorly prepared for the journey for over thirty minutes. Everyone was looking down at the ground with teary eyes, but that wasn’t enough. I mean, they were all almost dead, okay? Did they really understand?
“When we’re back home, please bow your head to Gim and ask him to teach you how to camp. You should practice how to keep watch during the night, too. In the first place, we are going on a long trip in winter. You…”
“Hey, hey. Miss, that’s enough! I think they all already understand.”
Who? An uncle with a beard? He looks like an escort of a caravan.
“I don’t think it’s enough.”
“No way, you have been scolding them for around an hour, you know? They all have teary eyes now, so you don’t have to do it that much, right?”
“You’re right. Then I’ll stop here. Did you all understand?”
“We’ll reflect on it…”
“I’m sorry…”
“Sorry…”
Hmm, did they really understand?
“Hahaha! Her scolding was harsh, but all I heard from her was the truth, understand? It’s rare to find someone who will worry about you that much, so you kids have to thank her, okay?”
“Yes, we understand…”
Hmm. Judging from their facial expression, they seem to reflect on it properly? But I didn’t think I would get absorbed in scolding them that even strangers noticed us… Looking around, the caravan people had already finished their meal and prepared for departure. It would be bad if we didn’t start preparing soon.
“Thank you very much for calling us out. If you didn’t, we’re going to be too late to prepare.”
“Nah, don’t worry about it. We have to help each other in this situation.”
Oh? This uncle was a good uncle, huh? Let’s return the favor to these kinds of people.
“It’s not much, but please have this.”
I took out the small parcel from the bag and handed it to him.
“What’s this?”
“Candies. They are sweet. You can eat it on your journey, so please have some.”
“Ohh, are you sure? I really can have this?”
“Yes. I know this is too much, but please take care of these kids if you see them in trouble…”
“Hahaha, got it. Leave it to me. It’s nothing much!”
I didn’t know if this was effective, but there’s no loss in making connections. It would depend on Triela for how they used it.
Just like that, we cut our conversation and prepared to move in a hurry. That being said, it didn’t take long. We finished preparing and started moving.
By the way, everyone would ride the carriage starting today. Moving at yesterday’s speed was too slow. We were too relaxed yesterday.
The carriage and the horse had become larger after I remodeled it during my royal capital stay. If we squeezed in, the carriage could accommodate five people inside and four people in the coachman’s seat. It was narrow, though.
The width of the seat inside the carriage allowed three people to sit sideways, so we could still manage. As for the coachman’s seat, one person had to sit in the backspace while hugging their knees, but it should be bearable? I guess they might be worried because they had to share a seat with Bell. If she got angry she would bite them, but they had to put up with it.
The girls sat inside, and the boys sat outside. There was no change. I didn’t let them complain.
Everybody got on the carriage, and we increased the speed, starting to move at around the same speed as the surrounding carriages. Well, we could go a few times faster if we wanted to, but I wouldn’t do it.
It’s much safer to go along with multiple caravans than move alone. Above all, thieves wouldn’t attack a big group of caravans. Only goblins and hungry wolves would appear once in a while.
Even though our safety was guaranteed, we took a quick break often, just like yesterday. It’s not just us, but also the surrounding caravans. The road was covered with snow and mud, giving a heavy burden on the horses.
Now that we went on the same route as them, we inadvertently secured our safety without paying for escort fees. But to be honest, being a parasite like this was awkward. That’s why I gave out tea every time we took a short break.
Since I could generate a sizable amount of hot water with water magic, I could provide it quickly since I didn’t have to trouble myself by boiling water or starting a fire. Snacks? Giving out food was a little too much… They were supposed to pay for it themselves, okay?
Thanks to my steady bribery, the largest caravan merchant leader told me he would somewhat overlook our imprudence. That’s good.
Seeing my advances, Triela seemed to understand the importance of softening the heart of other people. They helped me with the tea. But they had to choose between the situation and the company, right?
On the way, around a dozen hungry flock of goblins attacked us, but the caravan’s escorts scattered the crowd.
From there on, Maricle with a shield and Ryuu with swords guarded our carriage. Cain and Boman were the coachmen, so they waited without getting off. No, they were just pretending. After all, I’m the one controlling the horse golems.
The girls didn’t get off. They didn’t have any decent weapons other than Triela’s short sword. However, I got down to guard as well. Or rather, I asked Norn to intercept the goblins and Bell to protect the carriage.
More than half of the goblins were kicked around by Norn alone. It shocked the escorts of the merchants and caravans to see her feat. As expected from my Goddess.
After that, the itinerary proceeded smoothly, and we arrived at the next campsite.
Since each caravan had prepared night camps and meals, we started preparing as well. It was basically the same as yesterday, even the arrangement of the tent. And I prepared the meal.
Hmm… What should I make today… I decided to make soup, but it’s troublesome to make side dishes. How about soup with various ingredients and… bread or rice balls? Hmm… Soup with pork and vegetables should be okay, right? I’ll add a lot of vegetables.
Ah, maybe I could make flour dumplings boiled in soup. Since it’s simple and had meat, they wouldn’t complain, would they?
That’s why I prepared two saucepans. Our surroundings were staring at us, but I ignored it. I kneaded the flour to make the dough, let it cool down, and chopped many ingredients, then I put it into the saucepan swiftly. Since it was troublesome, I sloppily removed the scums.
When the ingredients had boiled to a certain extent, I cut the dough into a suitable size and steamed it.
Well, maybe I made too much? But these kids eat a lot. They would eat everything, even if they had to overeat a little. Maybe.
“That looks delicious, but we’re just eating this much?” Ryuu asked, but he didn’t sound unhappy. More like he just asked out of curiosity?
“This soup is using a lot of ingredients, so it’ll make you full. The white thing in the soup is the staple food. I made a lot so you guys can ask for second servings.”
“Seriously? We can eat everything!?”
“Rather, I’ll be troubled if you don’t.”
“Wahh, yay!”
I made them in two full saucepans… Could these people eat them all? The size of the bowl was not too big. I feel like we would still have leftovers even if they asked for second servings…
When I was thinking, the bearded uncle who approached us this morning called me out.
“Hey, Miss… Can you share that with me a little? It smells good and looks delicious… I’m curious about the taste. Ah, but I’m not asking it for free.”
“Well, if it’s only a bowl, then sure…”
“Thank you! Um, how about I pay you one copper coin?”
“That’s a bit too much. I’ll take five small copper coins.”
“No way. That’s too cheap. I’ll pay you eight small copper coins.”
Why did he raise the price instead… But arguing about something like this was too troublesome. I responded while handing him a bowl. “Okay, then here you go.”
“Yay! Then I’ll eat it now… mmgh!?”
After having a bite, he started eating with astonishing speed. To be honest, his eyes were a little scary.
“What’s this!? This is the first time I ate such a delicious dish!”
“Haa, thanks…”
Hmm, did he like it? Well, I got some money, so I didn’t mind. But he couldn’t ask for second servings, okay?
“Excuse me, can I also have a bowl? I will pay you.”
“Haa, I don’t mind…”
My, the caravan leader merchant too? Well, I’m okay with it… in this situation, my image would improve and I had no loss.
“Oh, it’s been a long time since I’m acquainted with this guy, but it’s rare for him to eat that deliciously… hmm!? This is delicious…”
“Is that so? Thank you very much. But this is camp food, so I was cutting corners in the preparations…”
“This is you cutting corners…? Hmm, yet you could make such a delicious dish…”
He was looking at the saucepan with a thoughtful face, but I wouldn’t sell it to all the caravans, okay? These kids ate a lot, so I could only hand over the leftovers.
After I told him so, he said he wanted to buy the leftovers. Did he like it that much? But if he’s fine with that, then sure.
Eventually, around ¾ of one saucepan remained. I gave the soup to them. The price was… he increased the price considerably.
Triela and the kids who ate until they’re full were happy. The caravan over there who ate the flour dumplings in pork soup also highly praised my dish.
Some other caravans that went on the same route with us were looking at us with envy.
Hey, stop looking at me with those eyes. It’s not like I like you because I bribe you with tea. So I ignored them.
I wasn’t sure about this, but the largest caravan merchant leader seemed to have the most influence. As long as he treated us favorably, there shouldn’t be any problem. Norn was enough to be our escort, anyway.
And so, the second day passed like that.