Kays Translations

Chapter 11: Moonlit Feast

"Jurg."

It was a moonlit night when Rolo visited the camp near the border between the village where the keystone was located and the forest. 

He had a bottle of grape wine and two mugs in his hands.

"What's up, Rolo?"

"I couldn't sleep, so I thought we could have a drink together."

"What about Fimia?"

"I tried asking her, but she seems tired and fast asleep."

I return a wry smile to Rolo, who is smiling wryly.

Despite everything, Fimia is a young lady who grew up in the capital.

Coming all the way to this remote countryside, she might be tired. 

“Go ahead."

“Oh.”

I bring my nose close to the received mug and enjoy the aroma.

I learned about this way of enjoying from the elderly client.

"It smells good, and it's delicious. Where did you get it?"

"I bought it from the Toneriko Trading Company before leaving Advante. They said they use good grapes from the eastern continent."

"Wasn't it expensive?"

"Well, yeah. Originally, I was planning to use this for making cheap liquor."

Rolo laughs quietly while looking up at the moon.

Somehow, despite being childhood friends, Rolo was quite picturesque.  

It's no wonder that a young lady from the priesthood would be enchanted by this.

I've traveled from the rural outskirts to the bustling adventure city, encountering various people along the way. The individuals I come across are completely different from those in my hometown, and everywhere I look, it's people, people, people. 

Amidst this large crowd of extras, one can grasp how exceptional Roro's appearance is.

It's not just about appearance. This guy is resilient, unwavering. A person with a clear sense of self.

Many fell into disarray in city life, but he was different. While his gentle and kind personality remained unchanged, his will was stronger than anyone else's, always forward-looking.

The world may praise me as 'heavenly break strike,' but the one truly deserving of admiration is someone like Roro.

"It brings back memories, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it feels like we used to look at the moon like this before."

Back then, I was still a kid. There were times when I rudely pushed Rolo away when he came to see me, and I made sarcastic remarks mixed with complaints. Nevertheless, this guy tried to be my friend. Looking back, I realized how much he supported me.

"Can we protect it?"

"I'll protect it."

This hometown, which was uncomfortable for me, was an important place for Rolo. For Rolo's sake, I would do whatever it took to protect it. I had also received help from Aunt.

"It's reassuring when Jurg says that."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Jurg, you’re a man who keeps his promises."

"That's too much trust...!"

When Rolo said that, I had no choice but to accept it. Losing the trust of this best friend would be the biggest blow for me.

"Well, I'll do my best. I'll leave the brainwork to you, though."

"While I may not be as good as Saran-san, I have a better understanding of the terrain. I'll figure something out, I'm sure."

"Well, back when we were kids, it was like a playground. Looking back now, it gives me the creeps, though."

"I agree. Even adventurers would hesitate to explore uncharted territories."

Rolo and I laughed together. It was a dangerous game played by ignorant and reckless country bumpkins. However, thanks to that, we didn't feel much fear when entering the uncharted forest.

Moreover, with our current experience as adventurers and a reliable companion like Fimia, we should be able to handle it well.

"Oh, right. I was talking to Mom, and she suggested something... Instead of camping, why not build a house?"

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"Let's build your house in the village."

I was dumbfounded by Rolo's sudden proposal (and the old lady's). Well, certainly, camping for so long might not be ideal, making me seem like a wanderer. However, building my house in Malhas sounded insane; the villagers would surely strongly oppose it.

"Look, we had Fimia check the keystone, and we confirmed the configuration of the barrier, right?"

"Yeah. I was surprised it was not a linear but a deployable type."

The linear type connects keystones magically to create a wall-like barrier. On the other hand, the deployable type generates a circular barrier centered around the keystone. Although the linear type is more cost-effective and straightforward, Malhas' barrier is of the deployable type.

In the central part of the village, around the mayor's house, is where these circles overlap, creating the most robust defense. The fact that this pioneering village began as an exploration camp in uncharted territory might be related.

"Yeah, and Fimia mentioned that, considering the range of the barrier, we could expand the settlement a bit more."

"But, won't the villagers be uneasy if I squat here indefinitely?"

"Still, you can't keep camping forever, right?"

Rolo says so, but back in my childhood, I would just pile up straw and sleep on it or sneak into the stables for the night. Having a tent to withstand rain and wind feels quite civilized compared to those days.

"I don't mind camping."

"No, it's better for you to build a proper house and show that you’re part of the village."

"Is that so?"

"That's how it is."

I don't fully understand what Rolo is saying, but if he says so, it must be true. Personally, I wouldn't want to come back to the village and settle down, but if Rolo insists...

"I'll get permission from the village chief and influential figures."

"But I don't know anything about building a house. Besides, who would want to build my house?"

"Well... How about recruiting in the dairy farming city of Hilte?"

Certainly, in Hilte, there would be an adventurers' guild in the city, and there probably would be a craftsman's guild as well. However, there's not even an inn here in the village to accommodate craftsmen.

"Should we also make a room for me in your house?"

"What's that? Like a party headquarters?"

Rolo, upon hearing my words, shows a pleased expression.

"As expected, Jurg! That's the way to go!"

In high spirits, Rolo drinks his grape wine and begins discussing the plan with a smiling face under the moonlight. I just nod in agreement.

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