Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 30: The Black Gulp Megadia(1)
The Cider Inn was as lively as ever.
Countless adventurers shared drinks and stories, filling the air with laughter and chatter.
“It’s noisy as always.”
Pakila remarked.
“This place is always like this.”
I replied, though even I had to admit it felt noisier than usual today. Was something going on?
“Indeed, but look, Wof. Over there, a table is free.”
A two-seater table had just opened up. We quickly took our seats.
A server approached to take our order. As usual, I went with buttered rice.
Pakila ordered sausages—specifically, the rare blood sausages.
“Do you like those?”
“Hm?”
Pakila tilted her head curiously.
“The blood sausages…”
“Ah, yes. Particularly at this establishment, they suit my palate well.”
Blood sausage was an acquired taste. Some loved it passionately, while others found it repulsive.
There were many varieties and flavors, but the Cider Inn’s version was especially rich.
No surprise there—its ingredients consisted mostly of pig’s blood, pork fat, a touch of ground meat, and some salt and pepper. The mixture was stuffed into casings and boiled, resulting in a distinct flavor that truly catered to specific tastes.
Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the other side of the room.
“Wooooaaaahhhhh!!”
“That’s the 58th bowl!!”
“Is he seriously going for more?!”
“He did it!!!”
“What in the world is going on?”
Pakila frowned.
“Not sure.”
I replied, equally puzzled.
“Honestly, making such a ruckus in the middle of the day…”
Pakila grumbled, clearly annoyed.
“I wonder what it could be.”
I mused.
“Hmph, probably some foolish spectacle.”
She was probably right.
Before long, our food arrived: buttered rice and five varieties of blood sausage, along with our drinks. I had lemon-lime soda, and Pakila chose orange juice.
Before eating, I clasped my hands together.
“Itadakimasu,”
“What’s that?”
“Ah, it’s a greeting from my homeland.”
“Interesting.”
She replied, intrigued.
It was a habit from my past life, something I couldn’t help doing. I took a spoonful of the buttered rice and brought it to my mouth.
“Delicious.”
I murmured.
I was utterly captivated by the buttered rice. But lately, I’d felt like something was missing.
That feeling grew stronger every day, and I knew exactly what it was.
Soy sauce.
Butter and soy sauce together were the ultimate combination.
Fish sauce wasn’t the same—I had tried it, but it just didn’t hit the mark. Was soy sauce hiding somewhere in this world?
“This is excellent.”
Pakila commented, enjoying her blood sausage.
“I thought you were more of a fish person.”
“Because I resemble a cat?”
“Yes.”
I admitted.
“Even cats eat meat. Fish is meat, after all.”
She pointed out.
“True when you put it like that.”
“But I’m not a cat. I’m feline-like, yes, but not a cat. Of course, I enjoy fish, too.”
“I like fish as well,” I said.
Ad
“That said, the fish here is mostly freshwater.”
“Seafood is hard to come by.”
“Indeed. The distance makes preservation difficult,”
The Remote Region of Hydrangea
The Hydrangea region lies in the far northwest, deep inland and far from the sea.
Most of the seafood that arrives here is heavily processed to preserve it. Without established preservation methods and with limited transport options, fresh seafood is a rarity.
While barrels and jars are available, canned goods don’t yet exist. In major cities like the Imperial Capital, Royal Capital, or other urban clusters, freezing technology using relics and legacies is reportedly widespread.
But here, in the frontier, who knows when the day will come when you can eat fresh ocean fish sashimi.
Perhaps I could visit a coastal town. But it’s so far—at least a month’s journey even on the shortest route.
Huh? What’s going on? The noise is one thing, but Pakila seems restless and fidgety. Is she… nervous?
“Is something wrong?”
“Well… I… I’ve never had a meal alone with a man before.”
“Wait, but I’m a minor.”
“Even so, you’re still male.”
She said, avoiding my gaze.
Ad
“Well, technically… yes…”
I was flustered. How could she suddenly get nervous over eating with someone like me, just a kid?
Pakila lowered her head in embarrassment.
“It’s disgraceful… I’m the one who suggested this.”
“If you’re uncomfortable around the opposite sex, it can’t be helped.”
I said sympathetically.
“You speak like someone far beyond your years.”
She said, narrowing her eyes.
“Do I? Maybe so…”
I chuckled awkwardly.
Suddenly, a deafening cheer erupted:
“Wooooooaaaaaahhh!!”
“Oooooohhhhhhhhhhh!!!”
“Incredible—62 bowls!!!”
“He actually did it!”
“No way!”
“So that’s what a Grade II Explorer is capable of…”
What is happening over there? Even Pakila was getting irritated.
“This is far too noisy, even for this place!”
She snapped.
A passing waitress apologized hastily.
“I’m so sorry,”
She said, bowing.
This was my chance to ask.
“What’s going on over there?”
“It’s a drinking contest.”
The waitress explained.
“With Agaro-san?”
“Y-yes.”
“And who’s his opponent?”
Pakila chimed in.
“They’re calling him Black Gulp… something like that.”
The waitress replied hesitantly.
“Wait, could it be Black-Gulp Megadia?! A Grade II Explorer?”
Pakila exclaimed.
“Yes, the same rank as Agaro…”
So that’s it—Agaro’s long-awaited rival has finally arrived.