Chapter 57

Kays Translations

Just another Isekai Lover~

Chapter 57: Luggage Carrier ⑮

The preparations for the camp were completed swiftly, leaving me with nothing to do.

Large tents and smaller ones were set up, necessary due to the brightly lit ceiling above.

I’d heard that such spaces always existed in dungeons—a so-called “safe point.”

Disposable barrier stones were placed to keep monsters away, and a campfire was set up.

Some collapsed stones that looked suitable were gathered to serve as makeshift chairs and tables.

In no time, a simple yet well-equipped campsite was ready.

There was so much to learn from observing experienced dungeon explorers. This must be why they called “Lightning fang” a truly skilled and traditional exploration party.

At the moment, Hoss was slicing ingredients on a cutting board. I helped him as well.

“Thanks. Those two over there are hopeless when it comes to cooking.”
“I’m learning a lot. By the way, do you always gather ingredients from the dungeon?”
“Yeah. We mostly use what we find here, only bringing the bare minimum.”

Hoss was chopping mushrooms, wild herbs, root vegetables, and rockfruit—all gathered from the dungeon, with my help.

“Why do you rely so heavily on dungeon produce?”
“To reduce the amount of stuff we carry. Also, if you stay in a dungeon for days, anything you bring runs out or spoils.”
“I see…”

It was a very logical approach.

Next to him was miscellaneous meat, which consisted of various cuts and scraps and was cheap. I’d seen it in butcher shops before but never bought any due to the term “miscellaneous” putting me off.

Hoss was cutting the meat into thick, dice-sized chunks while I sliced tomatoes. These were items he had brought with him.

“What we’re making is miscellaneous meat stew. It’s simple—just toss the ingredients into the pot.”

As he explained, Hoss added the ingredients to a pot, sprinkled some seasonings, placed the lid on, and set it over the campfire. He adjusted the flames, which had been burning too strongly.

“Wait, you’re not adding water?”
“Nope. Water’s precious. We use what’s in the ingredients.”
“Then the liquid comes from… oh, the tomatoes?”
“Yeah. Tomatoes, the herbs, and the rockfruit. The herbs and rockfruit have a lot of moisture.”
“I see…”

The herbs did indeed release water when chopped, and when the rockfruit was split open, it revealed juicy, white flesh.

Incidentally, the rockfruit grew on a mysterious tree that looked like a boulder with pinecone-like fruits hanging from its branches.

Since they were tough, Hoss had used his halberd to chop them down. His halberd had a rough, unadorned design with a wooden shaft, but the blade was made of an alloy—a mix of steel, holy silver, and magic metals.

“I’ve heard that alloy-making is a specialty of dwarves. They carefully preserve ancient techniques.”

I remarked.
“Yeah, this halberd’s been passed down in my family for generations.”
“It’s a treasured heirloom?”
“I don’t know the details, but it’s my pride.”

“Hmm. Pride, huh?”

“Mineha?”

The fairy hovered nearby, hands on her hips.

“I came to tell you—I don’t need that.”

She said.

“Huh? But—”
“You saying what I made isn’t good enough?”

Hoss replied, somewhat offended.

“Not exactly. Also, I’ll be camping on the rocks over there.”

She declared.

The central area with a pile of rubble—that was her choice of a campsite?

“But it’s dangerous to stay away from everyone.”

I protested.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve got a barrier stone.”

“Still, it’s—”

“Understood.”

“Wha—!”

“Good. I’m glad you get it.”

She snorted and flew off to the rocky area.

Hoss and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Is that really okay? It’s dangerous for her to stay apart.”

Hoss said.

“It’s just temporary. She wouldn’t listen anyway.”

“Fair point…”

“I’ll go talk to Axe about this.”

“Alright. This stew’s almost done, so don’t worry about it.”

Troubles just keep piling up, I thought, as I made my way to the tent.

Inside, Axe was maintaining his sword. There was no sign of Rel, but Axe quickly addressed my unspoken question.

“Rel went out to scout the area.”
“Alone?”
“Don’t worry. He knows when to pull back. Says he takes after his tenth older sister in that regard.”
“How many sisters does he have?”
“Who knows. Now, what’s this about?”

“Mineha said she doesn’t need food and plans to camp a little farther away.”

“Away?”

“Within this space, of course. She’ll be in the center, where the rocks are piled up.”

“I see. That’s fine, then.”

“And one more thing… I feel bad saying this, but…”

“What is it?”

“I think you’re being a bit immature toward Mineha.”

Axe’s eyes widened at my words. He let out a sigh.

“Even so, she’s a higher-ranked explorer than any of us.”

“She’s ten years old.”

I countered.

“……”

“Even if she’s ranked Grade III, she’s still just ten, Axe.”

“……Still, she’s an explorer.”

“Yes, she’s an explorer. And yes, she might outrank us. But she’s still a child. I find her arrogant too, honestly. To be frank, I’m not particularly fond of her. Maybe I even dislike… no, I just don’t get along with her well. But she’s still ten. We can’t forget that. I almost did myself. And… she’s also like us, struggling with her discomfort around the opposite sex.”

“………Right. She’s ten. I forgot about that.”

Axe looked like he had finally realized something important.

“Yes.”

“I forgot about her age. I was just thinking about her being difficult, or… well, only about that. My bad.”

“Apologizing to me won’t do much.”

“I know. But… could you apologize to her for me later?”

“Axe, that’s something you need to do yourself.”

“I know, but… sorry.”

“Axe.”

“Wof. Would you listen to me for a bit?”

“What is it, all of a sudden?”

“I hate relics.”