Chapter 569 – Along the Same Road
Tauro and his party accepted what seemed, at first glance, to be a fairly ordinary quest: a village troubled by monster attacks. The next morning, they departed from their base in the city of Swen.
By coincidence, however, their route overlapped partway with the several-hundred-strong expedition team heading to investigate the ancient ruins.
The ancient ruins lay deep underground in the Antas Mountain Range.
And since Tauro’s quest took them to a village at the foot of those same mountains, it was only natural their paths would align.
“Oh dear… It’s a week to the village, and with this crowd, we might not be able to get rooms anywhere along the way,” Tauro said, warning Aeris and the others that they might have to camp outside.
“…It can’t be helped. With a group that large, even some of the expedition members will probably end up sleeping outdoors in each town or village they pass through,” Aeris replied calmly.
As adventurers, camping didn’t bother her.
Moreover, it was well known among those who had travelled with them that camping with Tauro’s party, the “Black-Gold Wings,” was far more comfortable than with most other teams.
For one thing, meals were never a problem—if you paid Tauro, you could eat better than usual. And at night, instead of taking turns keeping watch, Aeris would deploy monster-repelling barriers or trap barriers that directly attacked intruding monsters, ensuring everyone could sleep soundly.
As for bedding, Tauro would lend out simple tents and furs to lay underneath, making the quality of sleep as good as that of an inn.
“Our camping’s practically a luxury thanks to the leader. And after all the gruelling hardship we endured at the Dragon’s Den, we can sleep anywhere now. No problem at all! Hahaha!” Ankh laughed.
“Still, the lower-ranking members of that ancient ruins team will probably be forced to camp almost the entire time. That won’t be easy,” Ragune said sympathetically, glancing at the large procession walking alongside them.
“Lord Tauro, since we’re at it, why not do some business with those who have to camp?” Zion made an unexpected suggestion.
“Business?”
“Yes. Lord Tauro, you keep an astonishing amount of goods in [Magic Storage], don’t you? You could sell or rent them out while we travel together—and make your name known in the northern region as well.”
In the royal capital and its surroundings, Tauro was already well known: as an adventurer, as Viscount Jirosugar, and as a wealthy entrepreneur who had succeeded in countless inventions and businesses. But here in the distant north, his name and face were far less recognized—if anything, the impostor Tauro who had caused recent trouble might have been more famous.
Zion wanted to spread word of Tauro’s greatness even here, where he was known mainly as an adventurer who had defeated the impostors.
“Zion, I’m not trying to become famous. I just want things to be easier as an adventurer—though a little name recognition wouldn’t hurt,” Tauro replied, not fully endorsing her ambition.
“But isn’t it a good idea? Most of the well-known northern adventurers are participating in this expedition, right? If you make connections with fellow adventurers, it’ll make things easier for you—just like you said. And there are plenty of the lord’s soldiers too. If we run into trouble in town, being familiar faces might mean they overlook some things—or even help us,” Aeris added in support of Zion’s suggestion.
“…You have a point. As long as it’s not shady business, improving their rough camping conditions should leave a good impression. Since we’re traveling together for the next few days anyway, let’s do it.”
With that, Tauro agreed—and they began their business that very night.
The key members of the ancient ruins expedition secured lodging in small inns, the village chief’s house, or vacant homes. But space was limited, and as expected, the majority were forced to camp in the village square or on empty lots.
Tauro and his party’s offerings were as follows:
First, magic lanterns were available for rent or purchase, along with scrap magic stones used as fuel for them.
They also rented out Jirosugar-made tents and installed Tauro’s custom portable toilets at the campsite for a small usage fee.
Comfortable furs were available for rent as well.
But the most popular offering of all was food.
The expedition team had brought large quantities of preserved rations, which were being distributed—but to be honest, they weren’t very tasty. They were just enough to fill the stomach.
Then Tauro pulled a stove from [Magic Storage], set a massive pot atop it, and began cooking curry—letting the rich, spicy aroma drift through the air.
Those chewing on hard rations immediately twitched in response.
As if that weren’t enough, Tauro placed slabs of monster meat—harvested from past hunts—onto a heated iron plate and began grilling them. He brushed them with his prized yakiniku sauce. The smell alone was guaranteed to make anyone want more rice.
“For just six copper coins, you can get a hearty serving of curry! Three copper for grilled meat! And if you get both, I’ll throw in soup for free!”
The moment Tauro called out, those whose appetites had been stirred immediately rushed over.
“This curry stuff is amazing!”
“That sauce on the meat? It’s so good I can’t stop eating the rice!”
“Ah! I’m out of rice already… What? Refills for just one copper? Fine! I’ll pay! Another serving, please!”
Some tried to endure with their rations—but as early customers began loudly praising the food, one after another they lined up, clutching small coins in their hands.
And it wasn’t just the campers who reacted.
The villagers themselves were drawn in.
Before long, the meals provided by Tauro and his party became something of an event, spreading through the entire village and drawing crowds from all around.