Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 145: A Topic That Transcends Generations
While Norman and I were preparing things in advance, quite a crowd had already gathered.
Ren and her group — Velvet, Sheila, and Helena — were huddled together, each holding a manga in hand. Even without listening in, it was obvious they were deep in manga discussion.
Then there was the group of Donny, Joel, Brittany, Lua, Portia, and Royce. They seemed to be discussing combat-related topics, specifically the dungeon they had recently explored. They were animatedly talking while holding weapons and loot items.
Another group consisted of Sid and his companions, discussing craftsmanship and item creation.
The lively atmosphere was heartwarming, and honestly, I wanted to listen in on every conversation. For now, I decided to make my rounds and greet everyone while waiting for Yato and Ashros to arrive.
“Ah, Sato! Is the food ready yet?”
Just as I approached Ren’s group, Mika greeted me with a cheerful voice.
As usual, Mika and Yato are always the first to spot me.
“Not quite yet. The prep work is done though, so I can start cooking anytime.”
“I’ve been craving your cooking, Sato. I can’t wait!”
“It’s been since before winter for you, right, Velvet? I plan to serve dishes using Queen Needle nectar again this time. By the way, any updates on the Gourmet Hunter?”
“Yes! I’ve brought another new ingredient today. And I’ve also managed to set up an appointment with the Gourmet Hunter. It’s a month from now, but I’ll bring them here.”
“Really?! I’m excited about the new ingredient, and even more excited to finally meet the Gourmet Hunter!”
That was fantastic news. I had always wanted to talk to the Gourmet Hunter, and I also wanted Lua and the others to meet them, so I was genuinely grateful.
“We were just talking to the princess about that. Since we never see it in the market, we assumed monsters couldn’t be eaten in this world — but it turns out they can be!”
“Right? The name ‘Gourmet Hunter’ doesn’t help their image, but there are delicious ingredients out there, aren’t there?”
“Only a handful, really. But the Queen Needle nectar Sato mentioned? Absolutely delicious.”
“Nectar… As a sweet tooth, I really want to try that.”
“Don’t worry, Yui. It’s being served as a dessert.”
I said that to Yui, who was already drooling slightly at the corners of her mouth.
One of Norman’s pastry apprentices would be preparing it, so I was sure even people who aren’t big on sweets would enjoy it.
“I’m a sweet tooth too, so I’m hyped! Christmas parties are the best!”
“But still, why are they called ‘Gourmet Hunters’ if the ingredients are that good? Aren’t monster ingredients kind of common?”
“Well, there are quite a few mangas and novels about monster cuisine, so maybe it’s just us being used to the idea. To the locals here, though, it’s probably like insect cuisine — no matter how tasty it is, most people won’t touch insect larvae.”
“Wow… That hits hard. No matter how good it is, I couldn’t eat a bug!!”
I’d been pondering that question for a while too, so I was glad my answer made sense. Sometimes, there’s just no logic that can overcome a visceral aversion.
“Anyway, changing the subject… What were you all talking about just now? I saw you with manga in hand, so I figured it was manga talk.”
“Yeah! I was telling Ren and the others that the new lounge has more manga now.”
“That’s right! Sheila and the princess told me all about it! You’ve got more One Piece and even Hunter x Hunter, right?! That’s amazing!”
“We’re planning to stay here a whole week, so we’re going to binge-read all of it.”
“Hunter x Hunter is our bible! Even Yui, who usually doesn’t care for battle manga, loves it!”
“Well, Hunter x Hunter does have a different flavour. I especially love the Chimera Ant arc.”
There’s nearly a 20-year age gap between Ren’s group and me. And yet, we’re all hyped up over the same series — One Piece and Hunter x Hunter. That’s just incredible.
The “Chimera Ant arc” Yui mentioned started back when I was still a student. That it’s still being read today, in real time, after more than 20 years… is just awe-inspiring.
“So you all love Hunter x Hunter too… That makes me happy.”
“I’m more surprised, actually! You know Hunter x Hunter too, Sato?!”
“It started serialization when I was around 10 years old! I’m the one who should be surprised you all know it!”
“That long ago?! The story’s so fresh it could’ve started yesterday. I’d never have guessed!”
“You’ve got a point there.”
As the Hunter x Hunter talk ramped up, we naturally shifted to One Piece.
Velvet usually gets the most excited over manga discussions — but today, she was oddly quiet.
Wondering why, I glanced her way… and saw her covering her ears and looking down.
Apparently, she hadn’t caught up on the latest chapters and was blocking out any potential spoilers.
Everyone laughed at that, and from then on, we kept the conversation spoiler-free so she could enjoy the manga talk too.