"Fuwaaahhh..."
I let out a long yawn as I stroll through the morning streets of Remantia, stretching my arms behind my head.
I mean, yesterday was a ride.
We cleared the 11th all the way to the 15th in one go. And after we got home, Yomogi made that rich, savory soup using Blitz Sheep meat and those Catapult Cabbage's cabbages. Then, we brushed our teeth like usual, and instead of sex, we immediately went to bed because we were already too tired.
"Status Open."
Yeah, I even forgot to check my status last night.
Motegi Sekino
Age: 21
Race: Human
Level 33
HP: 26000/26000
MP: 26000/26000
Strength: 10000
Durability: 10000
Speed: 10000
Agility: 10000
Intelligence: 10000
Charisma: 10000
Willpower: 10000
Perception: 10000
Luck: 1500
Elements:
Fire
Earth
Lightning
Wind
Water
Cosmic
Light
Dark
Skills:
[Appraisal]
[Language Comprehension]
[Storage]
[Copier]
[Resistance]
[Hygienics]
[Blacksmithing]
[Carpentry]
[Pottery]
[Lapidary]
[Temporary Boost]
[Elemental Combo]
[Infertile]
[Tailoring]
[Milky Touch]
[Aftercare]
Nice.
I'm level 33 now.
The moment I push open the Adventurer's Guild doors, Freddy greets me with his usual grin.
"Ah, soap guy! Early bird today, huh? Off for a labyrinth dive already?"
"No, not that. I want to sell the items I gathered yesterday."
"Ah, okay, let's see what you've got."
I reach into my dimensional inventory and place everything out neatly on the counter.
"Here you go."
"Thank you, wait a second..."
As usual, he counts the amount for a while and returns with a tray of coins.
"Okay, so you got 15 Trumpet Crane feathers, 15 Bitch Leech gelatins, and 15 Tum Tumble weeds, each item has the same price, 3 large bronze coins. And the Ushabti granite is 3 large bronze and 5 bronze coins. So that's 1 large silver, 3 silver, 8 large bronze, and 5 bronze coins in total."
"Perfect. Thanks, Freddy."
"And since you defeated the Ushabti, that makes you eligible for another promotion. Do you want to go through the procedures?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay, can I have your card?"
"Here."
"Thank you, wait a second."
The condition for a rank up is bringing the boss' drop items. And just like what I did with the Terracotta's clay back then, I also duplicated the Ushabti's granite, so I still had some of them left inside my dimensional inventory for my future use.
And moments later, Freddy returns.
"Here's your card."
When I take my card, the red stamp remains, but the letter 'E' has changed into 'D'.
"Thank you, Freddy! See you!"
After I finish my business there, I walk out from there and head towards my next destination.
Honestly, adventuring doesn't make nearly as much money as the store does, but there's just something thrilling and addicting about diving into labyrinths, battling monsters, and getting stronger.
Of course, I can take on actual missions if I really want more coin since they pay way better than loot drops. But since I've got a store to manage and those missions will definitely take time, I still prefer the labyrinth as the safest route. I mean... I can teleport there after the store is closed, clear a few floors, and teleport back home again whenever I want.
A little while later, I step into a local boutique, and the owner immediately welcomes me with a wide smile.
"Ah, welcome back, sir! Here to sell more items?"
"Yes. And I have something new too."
I pull out some Split Caterpillar threads, Blitz Sheep wools, and Trull leathers as the usual items, and then I add some Hando nails.
"Can I sell these too?"
When the Hando nails come into view, the owner's eyes sparkle.
"Of course, sir! Let me process these quickly. Just give me a moment."
"Sure."
Yeah, when Yomogi said about the monsters' drop items that the boutique would pay better than the guild back then, I randomly visited this place to check. And when I found out that this place received the items, it became my go-to place ever since.
A few minutes later, the owner returns with a tray and coin pouch.
"Okay, so you have 50 Split Caterpillar threads, 50 Blitz Sheep wool, 50 Trull leathers, and 30 Hando nails. That brings you to 1 gold and 8 large silver coins in total, sir."
"Thank you!"
I take the pouch and step back into the street for my next destination of the morning.
In total, aside from the threads, wools, and leathers that I actually just duplicate, I've obtained about 13,850 yen from yesterday's labyrinth quest. And this morning, there is still another source of coins coming before I return to the store.
I keep looking at Kimberly's small note that spells out the noblewoman's address as I walk, and after a few minutes, I reach my destination, which is a large estate with a gate and two guards standing on either side.
They eye me the moment I approach, but I keep calm.
"I'm here to deliver a ceramic order."
One of them looks me over, gives a short nod, and gestures for me to follow. The other turns and jogs into the manor.
When we stop in front of the manor's doors, the guard who is with me turns to me.
"Please wait here."
"Yes."
Moments later, the door opens and the noblewoman steps out with a surprised look.
"Oh, are you here to deliver my order?"
"Yes, my lady."
Then, I pull the big vase from my dimensional inventory, setting it carefully on the ground in front of her, and her eyes light up instantly.
"My goodness! It's just like the one I saw at the shop!"
She steps closer to admire it, then turns to me.
"How much does it cost?"
"Two large silver coins, my lady."
She places the coins in my palm, and I give her a polite nod.
"Thank you. I'll be on my way, then."
But before I can turn around, she speaks again warmly.
"You're working quite early, aren't you?"
"Well, I still have a store to open, so I have to finish the delivery before that."
Then, I bow a little again.
"Well, I'll be on my way, my lady. And I'm expecting your next visit to the store."
"Of course. Thank you again for the delivery."
As I walk away, I hear her calling to the guards behind me.
"Please carry the vase inside... carefully!"
Well, that's another 20,000 yen in my pocket.
Back on the street, I suddenly crave the old man's chicken for the lunch break when the store opens later.
However, this is a sad truth I find after all these months living in Acrusse: this world doesn't have potatoes, corn, tomatoes, chilies, strawberries, or even chocolate. So, it also means there will be no cornstarch or paprika since maize and red peppers don't exist.
But still, I believe I can get that same crispy, juicy bite if I do it right.
With that, I immediately cast a teleportation spell and head into Heiligeichen's market, picking up the seasonings I need and rapeseed oil for frying. Then, I teleport again to Misdaras's market to buy some fresh chicken and some milk. Once I've got the groceries in hand, I teleport right in front of my house.
And the moment I push open the front door...
"I'm home."
"Welcome home, Motegi-chan!"
"Welcome back, Motegi-kun!"
"Welcome… home… Motegi-sama…"
All three girls are already dressed in their sexy clerk outfits, every curve and skin is emphasized fantastically as usual.
Chantal crosses her arms with a complaint.
"You're so slow, Motegi-kun!"
"Hehe, sorry, sorry..."
And Kimberly tilts her head slightly.
"Did… you deliver… the ceramic… safely… Motegi-sama…?"
"Yeah, that noblewoman got it in one piece."
As for Yomogi, she looks down at the groceries in my hand.
"You went shopping too, Motegi-chan?"
"Yeah, I did. I picked up some stuff for lunch break later."
Then, I turn for the stairs.
"I'll go upstairs first, okay? I'll be right back."
"Yes!"
Arriving at the kitchen, I unpack everything onto the counter. Then, I grab the big wooden bowl, pour in the milk, squeeze in the lemon juice, and give it a stir. As the acid starts curdling the milk, I pull out the seasonings: salt, thyme, basil, oregano, both black and white pepper, dried mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
Yeah, I know if it should be celery salt or garlic salt, but I can't find them, so I improvise with onion powder instead.
Once the milk mixture thickens, I add in the seasonings, mixing them thoroughly. Then, I dunk in the chicken, making sure every piece is coated, and slide the bowl into the freezing box to marinate until lunch.
After that, I go back downstairs and call out to the girls again.
"Alright. You all ready?"
"Yes, Motegi-chan."
"Always, Motegi-kun!"
"I'm… ready… Motegi-sama…"
"Cool. Let's get into position."
Then, I take my usual seat behind the counter, right in front of the toiletries section. Yomogi heads to the cookware section, and Chantal posts up at the woodworks area.
As for Kimberly, she walks to the door, and then she unlatches and opens it wide. She steps out, and I can hear her announcement.
"The store… is now… open. Please… enjoy… your visit…"
And just like that, the crowd rushes in like crazy.
"Let's go, let's go!"
"Careful, man!"
"I'm here first!"
People are practically elbowing their way through the shelves, grabbing whatever they can before it disappears.
"Hey, don't hog all the shampoo!"
"Wait, wait! Save some deodorant for the rest of us!"
As usual, I have to call out politely.
"Please line up properly. Bring your items here and I'll handle your payments."
The line forms, though it's a bit messy, and the first customer steps forward, arms full of toiletries. Soap bars, cloth-wrapped toothpaste and deodorant, and bottles of shampoo and sanitizer. I sort through the pile, count the total, and hand back their change with a smile.
"Thank you, sir. We wait for your return again."
"I do!"
One old lady holds up a bottle, looking confused.
"Ah, this one is a shampoo, ma'am. Use it on your hair, then rinse. Trust me, your hair will feel amazing."
I keep the line moving, answering questions here and there and handing out change.
Over by the kitchenware, I can see Yomogi is surrounded by housewives again, holding up a pan and explaining something with her usual warmth.
And at the woodworks, I hear a burst of laughter.
"No way you played that right, big boy!"
Yeah, that's Chantal, teasing a guy in her usual anego mode again.
Then, something catches my eye up front.
A well-dressed nobleman is examining a few pieces from afar, and I know if his eyes are directed to the ceramic display at the front corner. Kimberly approaches him with a soft smile and a polite bow. They talk briefly, or rather, he gestures to the display while she nods, pulling out a piece of paper and jotting things down as he describes what he wants.
And I can already tell if it's another order, and from the way his fingers shape something small, he wants something with that size.
MOMENTS LATER
Finally, the crowd thins out, and the moment I've been waiting for has come.
"Alright, everyone. Lunch break."
And the girls are excited when I declare that.
"Yay!"
"Lunchtime, baby!"
"Yes… Motegi-sama…"
With the door latched, we head upstairs together, and the girls follow me to the kitchen.
As I head for the freezing box, Yomogi curiously asks me.
"What are you going to make this time, Motegi-chan?"
"It's a secret."
"Mou... meanie..."
Chantal cuts in.
"Whatever it is, I know it's gonna be amazing. I can't wait, Motegi-kun!"
And Kimberly nods.
"Yes…"
I take out the marinated chicken from the freezing box and set it on the counter, and Yomogi leans in again.
"Is that chicken, Motegi-chan?"
"Yes."
"And you marinated it in… milk?"
"Yes."
"I've never heard of that before…"
"Ah... okay..."
I grab a deep pan and pour in a generous amount of rapeseed oil, and I set it on the stove, waiting for the coal to heat it up.
Chantal looks confused.
"Why do you need that much oil, Motegi-kun?"
"Why? I'm going to fry the chicken."
All three of them blink, and Chantal repeats with surprise.
"Fry, you say?"
"What, you've never had fried food before?"
Three heads shake in perfect unison.
"Well then, you're in for a treat."
It's not surprising, honestly. This is a medieval fantasy world after all, so deep-frying isn't a familiar cooking method used.
Well, thank you, modern Japan.
You just make me introduce this greasy, unhealthy food to these girls.
While the oil heats, I prepare a bowl of flour and mix in the same seasonings I used for the marinade. I pull out a piece of chicken, dunk it into the flour, press it down firmly until the coating curls and clings, and repeat the process with each piece until they're all done.
"Okay, step back a little, girls. This might splatter."
They take a few cautious steps back as I slowly lower the first piece into the oil.
FSSHHH!
The oil erupts with bubbles, making Kimberly flinch slightly.
"Oh… it startled… me. The oil… it looks… raging…"
"Raging, huh? I like that."
With the chicken sizzling, I grab a small wooden bowl and mix mustard, honey, and lemon juice into a smooth, golden sauce.
Chantal is curious again.
"What are you doing now, Motegi-kun?"
"Making a sauce. It will make the chicken even better."
Yomogi, with her strong sense of smell, sniffs delightfully at the pan.
"Mmmm… I can smell it already, Motegi-chan!"
And Kimberly's eyes are fixed on the same spot.
"It… looks… delicious…"
"Just a few more minutes."
When the last batch finishes frying, I plate them up with the sauce.
"Alright, here you go, girls. Our fried chicken."
They quickly gather around the table and take their seats, each reaching for a piece. And the moment the chicken touches their lips, they all moan in unison.
"Mmhhh..!!"
They all moan in unison.
Yomogi murmurs through puffed cheeks.
"Sho… crispy…"
Chantal mumbles and fans her mouth.
"So… joooshy…"
As for Kimberly, yeah, she says unintelligible things again.
"Ffhhnngg... hhmmh!"
"Careful, it's hot, girls."
Then, I hold up the sauce bowl.
"Here. Try dipping it."
And they obey. Each of them dunks their piece, and round two begins.
Yomogi gasps first.
"The sauce… it balances everything so well…"
Chantal is next.
"Sweet, savory, sour, spicy! It's amazing!"
Kimberly's mouth is full again, and I have to remind her again.
"Fffhffrrr… grrmmmllh!"
"Kimberly, chew first, then talk, please."
She finally swallows.
"I… have never… eaten anything… this delicious… before…"
"Do you like it?"
They say in unison:
"Yes!"
"I didn't know fried food could be so good, Motegi-chan."
"Told you, right?"
"Motegi-kun, can you make this again sometime, please?"
"Of course."
"Really… Motegi-sama…?"
"Yes. It's true."
With that, I take my own bite, and we all dig in again.
Even though it isn't as crispy or spicy as the old man's, it's still delicious. And more importantly, the girls like it, and I'm happy for that.