episode_0010

“It’s surprisingly quiet here.”

May in the Northern Territory was a time when the snow melted momentarily.

When the snow melted, it turned into water.

And when water seeped into the unpaved dirt road, it tended to become muddy.

It was only natural that within 30 minutes of setting foot in the fortress, my shoes were covered in mud.

Perhaps it would have been difficult to pave all the roads in the entire Winterfell Fortress.

The fact that the roads were only paved inside the fortress and in certain areas was probably due to resource or technological limitations.

Nevertheless, even as my steps sank deep into the mud, it felt light.

“As expected, it’s full of romance.”

It was something I had always wanted to experience if I were to be reincarnated in the medieval era.

In reality, it was nothing special.

I wanted to walk the streets, taste the food of the streets, and smell the scents of the streets.

As someone who longed for the romantic life of a mercenary rather than the rigid life of a nobleman, I looked forward to rustic dishes served on a simple wooden table rather than a fancy meal laid out on an elegant dining table.

I wanted to walk through lush forest paths with like-minded companions rather than walk on marble floors of a palace-like mansion.

Of course, if this world were a medieval era filled with slaughter and barbarism instead of adventure and romance, the story would be different. But this world is a medieval “fantasy.”

A fantasy world infused with modern conveniences and tastes could not help but contain the romance that modern people would yearn for.

“Well, there’s still a hint of the wild left.”

Just because it’s a fantasy genre doesn’t mean it’s all romance.

Just as light shines brightly in the darkness, there must be a proper compromise with the wild reality for romance to flourish.

The dark side of the medieval era.

War and hunting.

Traces of war with the giant tribe and monsters remained in the Northern Territory, and the grim hunting of witches was also evident.

But what felt more romantic than repulsive was that it didn’t seem much different from the modern world I lived in the 21st century.

In the medieval era, it was all laid bare, while in the modern era, it was hidden beneath layers.

Wars for military gain due to ideological conflicts continued, and with the rise of communities, there was still manipulation and witch hunts based on false information.

Hatred and conflict had only changed their forms to suit the environment.

That’s why I didn’t feel repulsed or particularly resentful.

“Where people live, it’s all the same.”

Children splashing around in puddles formed by the melting snow, adults laughing as they watch them, troublemakers causing a ruckus in alleyways, merchants struggling as their carts get stuck in mud puddles, and those who help them and those who steal items from the carts and run away.

The streets were vibrant and lively as I had expected, and just walking through them felt like a healing experience, full of freedom and adventure.

And so.

“It truly is a wonderful place.”

Forgetting about Rachel who was following behind, I blurted out my thoughts.

And a response came to my muttered words.

“Is this your first time in the Northern Territory?”

While the others, like Elden, the fierce warrior, maintained their silence, Rachel comfortably joined the conversation.

Her question indicated that she wasn’t afraid of Elden.

I willingly answered her.

“Yes. And you?”

“I’ve visited before for training.”

“How was it then?”

“It wasn’t great. We were in the midst of a war with the giant tribe. There were bodies everywhere, and screams filled the air.”

Glancing back, I saw Rachel looking at the cityscape with a different expression in her eyes.

It was a different sentiment from mine, but sharing similar feelings was a pleasant experience.

“How is it now?”

“It looks good. While it was for training, I also jumped into battle for the Northern Territory.”

“I see. You must feel proud.”

“You flatter me. I was just a common soldier, and I didn’t contribute much to the current peace.”

“They say that many small contributions add up to a great achievement. Feeling proud is enough.”

“…Thank you.”

I was enjoying the romance I had long awaited.

However, just walking the streets was not the peak of romance.

It was too unsatisfying to end it like this.

If you dreamed of the romance of medieval fantasy, you should definitely step into their world.

It was still early to have lunch, but a light snack would suffice.

“Rachel, may I ask for your guidance?”

Rachel’s experience in the Northern Territory was perfect for this task.

“Guidance, you say?”

“Yes. You seem to have stayed here for a long time, and it would be a shame to return without exploring further.”

“Understood. Please follow me.”

Huh?

She didn’t mention the destination, but Rachel started walking confidently ahead of me.

With a confident and brisk pace.

“Where are we going? I didn’t mention the destination.”

Rachel stopped abruptly and looked at me as if to ask why I was questioning the obvious.

And when she mentioned the destination, I had to pinch my forehead under the hood.

“We need to go to West Street 18 for the Sashangga.”

…Hmm.

Living as Elden Raphellion.

‘It’s not easy.’

[Gevenna Restaurant]

After clarifying the destination, I arrived at a restaurant with Rachel.

It was the first time visiting a restaurant in this world since being reincarnated, and it was full of the romance I desired.

The lively atmosphere, the faint smell of alcohol, the clinking of glasses, boisterous laughter, and even dart games and arm wrestling matches in the corner.

It was a place where romance was concentrated, and we sat on the outskirts of that place.

“…I think this might not be it.”

“What can we do if there’s no available table? If it’s hard to eat facing each other, come sit here.”

“I’ll stay here.”

The debate over seating arrangements ended quickly.

I brought Rachel inside, who said she would wait outside until the meal was over.

Since she recommended the place, how could I eat alone?

Besides, having a guard by my side would be reassuring.

The problem was that there was only one seat, so Rachel sat across from me to resolve it.

After a while, the dish we ordered arrived.

It was the ‘Red Longgo Tail Stew’ recommended by Rachel.

“Wow.”

I couldn’t help but exclaim.

My mouth watered involuntarily.

Moreover, the Red Longgo Tail Stew was a dish made from a monster that could only be tasted in medieval fantasy, full of romantic charm.

The Red Longgo was a monster from the pig family.

Furthermore, monster meat was a humble ingredient that only commoners could access.

Because the grotesque appearance of the monster caused aversion.

Therefore, it was an ingredient that heightened the romantic charm.

Indeed, while gourmet dishes prepared by noble chefs were good, in medieval fantasy, such dishes had to be served.

I was about to pick up a spoon and dig into the tail stew when I felt Rachel’s gaze and had to look up.

“…?”

“Please be discreet. If someone sees, they might think you’re committing a grave sin.”

…In Elden Raphellion, something like a “grave sin” wouldn’t even leave a stain.

I tapped my hood with the spoon.

“The Duke and his bodyguard’s disguise will go unnoticed as long as you keep quiet.”

“But…”

“Eat.”

“Yes.”

It was just before the romance entered my mouth.

After coldly finishing the meal, he hastily began to indulge in romance.

“Hmm, it’s really delicious.”

“It’s even tastier when dipped in the sauce.”

“Is that so?”

He picked up a piece of tenderloin and dipped it in the sauce.

The chewy texture, the slightly sweet and tangy flavor, and the refreshing hint of lemon in the sauce created a heavenly combination.

Delicious.

Truly delicious.

The flavor that filled his mouth attacked his taste buds, causing saliva to be secreted indiscriminately.

His forehead creased into a capital “W” and his head nodded like a bobblehead doll, savoring the taste.

It was a flavor that made him feel like embarking on a culinary journey immediately.

Especially with the tender meat from the tail and the rich broth, along with the bland color and lack of vegetables in the sauce, the talent of a noble chef seemed to be present here.

After sending his compliments to the kitchen, he finished his meal.

The first meal was a perfect score, so he looked forward to the second meal, but unfortunately, he couldn’t go out in the evening, and there was a meeting scheduled for the final evaluation the next day.

It seemed unlikely that he would return here anytime soon.

He placed the empty bowl on the table.

“This is truly a delicacy. I could eat this every day without getting tired of it.”

“I was worried because you usually avoid monster cuisine, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“To think I’ve been avoiding such an excellent taste, it’s regrettable.”

He lightly rinsed his hands in the water bowl next to him.

It was a perfect meal with no room for improvement.

He wanted to come back in the evening to try another monster dish.

The anticipation of how the cuisine made from monsters living in different regions would taste was palpable.

Especially in medieval fantasy works, the regional characteristics were very distinct.

It was natural for plans for a culinary journey to form in his mind.

“I can’t do this.”

Indeed.

Immersing oneself in a romantic medieval fantasy and living in a free mansion was almost criminal, and engaging in fierce competition with noble gentlemen and ladies was far from proper.

With the foundation of the culinary journey plan in his mind, he smiled at Rachel.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You have something to do starting tomorrow.”

“What is it?”

To embark on a romantic culinary journey across the country, one needed a versatile fighter, not a reckless warrior.

Especially as a bodyguard, Rachel possessed the qualities of a romantic swordswoman who could imbue magic into her sword.

“Become my master.”

“…Excuse me?”

If it was Rachel, she was more than qualified.