Chapter 311: Getting Used to Chopsticks

The flowing somen event was held again, and this time even the role of pouring the noodles was rotated among everyone.

Until now, I hadn’t really been able to enjoy the flowing somen myself—but this year, I finally could.

That said, whether I enjoyed it or not was secondary. What mattered most was everyone’s reaction.

The Dragonkin, having lived here for a long time, had no trouble catching the flowing noodles.

The Dark Elves struggled a bit, but still managed to eat—right now, they were at the stage where they could enjoy flowing somen the most.

Lucia-san, Soara-san, and Luna-san were competing to see who could eat the most, showing an intense rivalry.

As for the beastkin who arrived just yesterday… they were having a very hard time with chopsticks.

Still, they seemed to like the somen itself, desperately trying to scoop it up.

I did briefly think it might be harsh to make them use chopsticks right away after just arriving yesterday, but flowing somen doesn’t really make sense without them.

I’d serve them regular somen later.

For now, I just confirmed everyone was enjoying themselves and joined in too.

With six kinds of dipping sauces and condiments, the possibilities were practically endless.

Summer-dulled appetites were refreshed with cold, fun, and delicious food—and I ate my fill.

After the flowing somen ended, everyone helped clean up.

We want to do this again next year, so everything was carefully washed and stored.

While that was happening, the beastkin who hadn’t been able to eat much were served regular somen and allowed to take their time.

Yato-san, who had joined the “normal somen” group every year, was absent from it for the first time this year.

It seemed she had finally gotten used to catching flowing noodles properly.

A small thing—but it felt like real growth.

She also said she had started eating with chopsticks at home, so it was nice to see the results showing.

Feeling a bit warm inside, the rest of the day turned into a relaxed chatting time until sunset.

Milagros-san said farming was going well again this year, with crops growing steadily.

In the elf village, they were working together with the Dragonkin to find new land.

Yato-san was heavily involved in that effort, which explained why she couldn’t visit often anymore.

Velvet-san was still focused on manga production, while Rose-san was also devoting herself to it more than exploration of new lands.

I really wanted to read their collaboration manga soon—but I absolutely must not rush them until they’re satisfied.

“So, how’s life here been?”

“It’s the best! Farming is fun, the food and alcohol are great! We get events like this all the time—I plan to spend my life here!”

“…I’m honestly jealous. What about you guys?”

“We feel the same. At first, we were confused by how relaxed everything was… but the games are fun.”

“Luna and I are beating Lucia for the first time!”

“That’s just because you two were slacking off! If we had the same play time, I wouldn’t lose.”

“I thought Lucia had gotten softer… so that’s why. It seems you’ve settled in well. I’m glad.”

The group’s reactions were split between admiration and warm smiles.

Yato-san, despite having asked the question herself, was now glaring at Drake-san.

“…There are more unfamiliar people now. Who are those over there?”

“They’re the ones who moved here yesterday. Beastkin. Rose-san, have you met them?”

“…I knew about them, but this is my first time meeting them.”

“I’m Leticia from the fox beastkin. Nice to meet you.”

“…I’m Rose, an elf. Likewise.”

With that handshake, introductions began to spread among everyone.

We hadn’t managed to prepare a formal welcome party, but it turned out that having the summer gathering at the same time was perfect.

“Hey! So you’re called Waruf! …You look strong!”

“You look even stronger, Drake-san… I’ve never met someone stronger than myself before.”

“Of course you haven’t! Also, don’t use honorifics or polite speech! Just call me Drake!”

“Drake… is fine?”

“Of course! Hey, Waruf! Let’s have a sumo match later!”

“Sumo? What’s sumo?”

“You’ll understand once you see it! Sato-san, you should host a sumo tournament someday!”

“That sounds interesting, but I don’t think I’ll be organizing a tournament.”

Sumo is a sport where upsets are rare.

That predictability is part of its appeal, but it also makes it hard for everyone to participate equally.

…Or maybe it could work if we split it by weight class?

As for the idea of a sumo tournament, I’d think about it carefully later.

But a match between Drake-san and Waruf-san… that actually sounded interesting.