episode_0038

Oh!

Indeed, it is a common practice for people to maintain close relationships with everyone.

You never know which connection might turn out to be a treasure.

And when a shooting star falls, making a wish is a universal truth.

“My wish is for my culinary travel plans to go smoothly.”

That wish, which I had been searching for tirelessly every day, finally came true when I got my hands on a book that contained a nationwide map of monster cuisine.

Moreover, it was available for indefinite borrowing.

In reality, it could be said that “This book is now mine” without any hesitation.

In the medieval era without visual media, there was no better source of knowledge than books.

I received a great favor from the chance encounter with the generous and kind-hearted Yeong-ae.

So, I asked her.

“Don’t you want anything in return? You seem to always be giving without receiving.”

Even as a declining viscount, she was not penniless.

If there was something she desired, she could tell me, and I would definitely make it happen.

With that determination, I asked, and her unexpected response surprised me.

“Hehe. Me? I just enjoy giving, that’s all. You don’t have to feel burdened. I’m happy just being able to recommend books.”

Arielle answered with an innocent smile in her eyes.

Is she the reincarnation of Mother Teresa?

Or the embodiment of a generous tree that gives endlessly?

I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by Arielle’s generosity.

If the opportunity arises, I will definitely repay this kindness, I thought to myself as I unfolded the “Monster Cuisine Nationwide Adventure” book and continued my meal.

I don’t know who the author of this excellent book is, but it was a perfect source of knowledge.

From the nationwide map featuring key culinary destinations to region-specific recommended dishes, taste preferences, and recommended travel routes, it was a comprehensive guide.

Not to mention the indispensable restaurant reviews and ratings.

And even hidden gems…!

It was like a bible for culinary travelers, as Arielle said, with this one book, all preparations were complete.

“Oh… The Red Dragon dish is famous in the Horis Village of the Langren Marquisate?”

A dish made from dragon ingredients that rivals the masterpieces of fantasy…

And contrary to expectations of toughness, the tender and succulent sirloin was exceptional?

The chewy and moist tail tip skewers were a specialty?

The well-prepared offal and simmered bone broth for two days were delicacies?

I couldn’t resist.

Even though I was dining at the Great Hall, this monster cuisine made my mouth water.

It’s located 10km west of the Northern Territory of Winterfell.

If I manage to escape, I must make it my first destination, I muttered to myself, but Arielle approached me.

“You’re going to the Langren Marquisate? They say there’s a big library there too.”

Oh.

“Then, shall we go together?”

Of course, it was just a joke.

As the declining viscount’s advisor, the sole heir to the estate, and the future head of the family, I could embark on a free journey.

After paying the appropriate retirement benefits to the estate’s chefs through Renlder, and instructing them to tidy up with only a minimal staff remaining, I had planned to leave.

Even though Arielle, the third daughter who was free from the succession structure, wouldn’t be able to live as freely as me, it was just a casual question out of courtesy.

Seeing her lingering thoughts about the ‘big’ library there, it seemed like there was a possibility of traveling together.

However.

“Really, me?”

Arielle hesitated and asked.

It was a rare moment for me to feel touched.

Since Arielle Elond, ever since she was reincarnated into this world, has been my first friend and a noblewoman who has received great kindness from me.

However.

My culinary journey was not an ordinary one; it was a journey that boasted the highest level of freshness, delivered straight from the mountains.

For that reason, I was receiving special training from Rachel.

You might think that I don’t need a book like “Monster Cooking Nationwide Tour,” but even if I go on a forced march, it’s not a job to only hunt fake monsters.

The essence of food and travel is, after all, “healing.”

Since I had no intention of going on a forced march to the point of exhaustion, a guidebook with restaurant reviews was essential for me.

Anyway.

At first glance, it was a travel path that didn’t suit the precious Yeong-ae, who had grown up so well.

“It doesn’t matter to me, but isn’t it dangerous to hunt monsters directly?”

Arielle, who had only held a sword and used her fists when cheering, asked.

A truly innocent and pure answer came back.

“It’s okay. I’m not the one hunting, and I have bodyguards too!”

“…”

Well…

Nevertheless, it was difficult to readily accept.

If I were to involve the inexperienced Yeong-ae in a direct food and travel party to the northern lands of the continent, there might be unnecessary trouble with Viscount Elond.

“But, shouldn’t we get permission from your parents first? They might be worried.”

However, once again, a pure and innocent answer came back.

“That’s okay too!”

“Uh?”

“My parents told me to do what I want and live as I please!”

…

……

Somehow, I had thought that Viscount Yeong-ae wouldn’t easily come alone to the cold northern lands.

Our bookworm Yeong-ae…

Who only read novels diligently even at the academy…

“I’m really looking forward to the monster hunting I’ve only seen in books!”

Was she free from the expectations of her family…?

**

Whoosh!

Thud!

After finishing lunch and dinner with Arielle Yeong-ae, Rachel was teaching Elden at the outdoor training ground.

Today’s training was on “sword training,” and using a training sword, she was teaching basic stances and techniques.

“If you grip it like that, your wrist will get hurt. It’s better to hold it a bit higher.”

“If you lower your stance, but spread your legs too wide, your strength will weaken when swinging the sword.”

Advice born from practical experience.

Since she hadn’t received professional training, she was passing on the knowledge she had gained through trial and error, and naturally, her teaching skills were not the best.

However, even though it was his first time holding a sword, Elden wielded it as if it were his own.

‘As expected, this level of talent is innate.’

As the training continued, his confidence grew.

His talent was so outstanding that not being able to provide professional training was regrettable.

Even though she had no standard to follow, if she taught him one thing, he grasped ten, and if he learned one thing, he applied it to ten.

She had never taught anyone before, so she had no basis to judge, but at this rate, becoming a monster hunter wouldn’t take long.

‘If I quickly teach him how to use mana after the face-to-face meeting tomorrow, he might be able to hunt intermediate monsters like dragons.’

Rachel thought about teaching him mana manipulation after the meeting tomorrow.

She, who had found teaching annoying and disliked being a mentor, was already planning tomorrow’s training in her mind.

She, who had recklessly dueled without knowing how to teach, was now establishing a teaching sequence.

She still didn’t know that the strange desire for others’ growth, the joy of others readily accepting her teachings, and the emotions she felt as a teacher were still unknown to her.

Anyway.

“Good job.”

And so, the third training session came to an end.

It was already a night where the dark blackness had descended.

Time seemed to have passed unnoticed as Rachel immersed herself in her training, looking around in wonder.

“Time has flown by so quickly.”

Rachel received sword training from Elden.

“Phew, sword training is definitely more fun.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Yeah. Let’s head to the training grounds now.”

Sweat should be washed off before it cools down to feel refreshed.

As Elden took the lead and started walking, Rachel remained silent.

“…?”

When Elden looked at her in confusion, Rachel spoke calmly as if practicing martial arts.

“Please go ahead. I have something to check.”

“Check? What do you need to check?”

“If it’s confirmed, I’ll let you know then.”

“…?”

Why is she suddenly whispering?

Although puzzled, Elden nodded as he knew Rachel was not one to speak or act carelessly.

“Then, please go ahead.”

Furthermore.

“I’ll return the sword and leave.”

Unlike her whispering earlier, her final words were spoken loudly.

For some unknown reason, Elden followed Rachel as her gaze indicated that she was not taking things lightly.

In contrast, Rachel turned her body towards the direction of the rental station and began to walk.

**

‘……’

Step by step.

Rachel, who was heading towards the rental station, changed direction.

‘…As expected.’

The subtle feeling she had been sensing since yesterday.

At first, she thought it was a mistake, but today, Rachel was convinced that it was not a mistake.

Surviving on the battlefield where blood and screams splattered, filled with all kinds of sounds of war, required a unique sense.

Sensitivity.

It played a significant role in saving her life multiple times.

Dodging flying spears and arrows from all directions, enemies aiming for her neck from behind, allies betraying for a morsel of food, men attempting to assault her body, she survived time and time again, eventually rising to become a [Purple Knight], thanks to her keen senses.

And that sense.

For the past few days, she had been feeling something suspicious.

It wasn’t malice.

It wasn’t hostility.

It was simply directed towards her employer, and it didn’t show any signs of danger.

So after distancing herself from him by returning the sword to the rental station, she was currently on the move.

‘Invisible.’

It was so close that it was almost indistinguishable.

She suppressed her breathing to erase her presence.

And soon, when she got closer to it.

Rachel scattered the sand she had brought from the training ground into the air.

Thud.

Even though there was nothing in the empty air, the sand scattered as if it had hit something, and Rachel quickly aimed her sword at it.

It was a small, transparent entity flying through the air.

“Move, and you die.”