Chapter 235: To the Fortified City
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Gumihou
Gumihou: Removed all the unnecessary ‘seeming’, ‘apparently’, ‘possibly’ etc
It’s been five days since we parted ways with Mishael.
Thanks to the ka’ar, it looked like we would be arriving at the Fortified City much sooner than anticipated. Right now, we were on top of a small hill, the magnificent walls and the great gates of the Fortified City clearly visible in the distance.
I used my Gift of [Sensory Manipulation] to enhance my sight to see details where others would usually see a speck on the horizon.
We are currently on a lunch break and have stepped out. I must admit, operating the ka’ar for long periods of time makes my shoulders quite stiff. Maybe I should do some stretching…
“Apologies, Hevoy, for making you do all the driving.”
“Think nothing of it, the Director’s hands are not exactly suited for the handle anyway.”
The Director of Clearflow Lake scratched his head apologetically with one of those massive paws. Still, given his size, he would not even fit into the driver’s seat in the first place. As for Karios and Gors, they have been taking turns sitting in the front passenger seat to learn the controls, but since we cannot afford to lose time letting them practice, I drove the entire way, even when I had to push myself.
“At this rate, we should arrive by evening,” said Karios.
“Aah, it’s possible,” replied Gors.
The two of them have visited the Fortified City before, so they were familiar with the local geography.
“It’s been over a decade since I’ve gone through here, but I don’t remember it being such a flourishing agricultural town.”
“I never thought I’d see long stretches of farmland like this.”
I, too, was captivated by the colourful farmland spreading out before us. The rows of lush green vegetables, and those towering stalks… are those grains? The areas dotted with red fruit must be where they grow the Tamita.
“It’s only natural that you would not know,” said Director Bear. “I’ve only seen the reports, but the Fortified City had recently made a name for itself as an agricultural city. The vegetables grown here are of such high quality that rumours of them have even reached the Empire.”
I found myself nodding at the Director’s explanation. The long stretches of fields spreading before our eyes were enough to make me believe every word.
“Take a short name before heading out. If something happens to us here, everything would have been for nought.”
The Director was likely worried for my well-being. I decided to follow his lead and get some sleep. After stopping the ka’ar, I reclined the driver’s seat as far as it would go and fell asleep.
Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~
When I woke up, the sun that had been beaming above us had dipped down quite low. I must have overslept.
I pushed myself up [1], frantically blinking sleep from my eyes, “Apologies…”
“Ah, you’re awake. Do not worry, at the speed of this ka’ar, we should arrive before dark,” said Director Bear.
“Yeah, don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Yup, what he said.”
No one reproached me. Instead, they were concerned for me.
Truly, I feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people in the dungeon, Mister Hakkon included.
I continued driving the ka’ar. From this point on, the road was surprisingly well-maintained to the point that I hardly felt any vibrations.
The massive road cutting through the farms was perfectly levelled, with a consistent width and not a single large stone could be found on its beautifully levelled surface. The lord of this land must be incredibly capable.
“Director, do you know who the lord of the Fortified City?”
“Of course, she’s pretty famous. She succeeded her father at a young age a few years ago. She is said to be a beautiful person by all accounts. Ah, that’s right. I forgot to tell you this, but it’s best not to make eye contact with the local lord. I heard that it could be quite dangerous, especially for human men.”
What an odd claim to make. To tell us not to make eye contact… was the Lord some sort of unparalleled beauty who could make anyone fall in love with her in a single glance?
“Isn’t that too much of an exaggeration? You make it sound like we’ll fall head over heels the moment our eyes meet or something.”
“That is indeed what I am saying. According to the reports, weak-willed human men would fall in love upon eye contact. Though I believe that you three will be fine given your strong mental strength, it’s best to be careful.”
Director Bear was not one to make such jokes, so he must be speaking the truth rather than an exaggeration. If that’s the case, she is either a true peerless beauty or has some kind of allure-type Gift.
“Looks like we’re getting close to the gates. There are gatekeepers rushing towards us,” I said.
“Heh, if I were a gatekeeper and saw a block of iron flying down the road at my city, I’d rush out to take a look too.”
“Yup, I’d even sound the alarm.”
It was quite useful to have the opinions of real gatekeepers.
I slowed down the ka’ar and rolled down the window. As the gatekeepers approached, I noticed something interesting. The gatekeepers were flustered, but were a lot calmer than expected. Cautious, but gave off the feeling of great resolution.
“Excuse me,” [1] said one gatekeeper. “Could you stop there?”
“Yes, certainly,” [1] I replied.
“That is a peculiar-looking vehicle. Is it some sort of magic tool?”
There were three gatekeepers, and all of them were observing the ka’ar cautiously, but with obvious curiosity.
“Umu, this is a magic tool called ‘ka’ar’,” said Director Bear as he stepped out of the cart. “I am a member of the Hunters’ Association from the Holy Tree Dungeon to the south. I have urgent news for the lord of this land.”
Director Bear then took out an identification card along with a letter. The first gatekeeper scanned the documents, turned pale and had a whispered consultation with his comrades. Then, he turned to us.
“The situation had been conveyed. For now, would you mind waiting at the gatekeeper’s building by the gate? I shall send a messenger post haste.”
“That will do. Thank you. You responded well even when faced with such an unusual magic item. Looks like rumours of the Fortified City soldiers being well-trained are true.”
[2] I felt the same way as well, and nodded approvingly at the first gatekeeper, who must be the captain of the team. He gave orders well and maintained the team’s composure despite what must have been a surprising sight.
“I am honoured by your praise. However, we have once experienced a shock so great that our entire team nearly fainted from the sight. Since then, we have become more open-minded.”
The gatekeeper spoke with a self-deprecating smile, so it did not seem to be a lie, which made me curious about the shocking encounter he had experienced. While we waited, a meal was brought to us.
Although it was just a salad and a vegetable stew, because it was made up of many different kinds of vegetables, just looking at it made my mouth water. Not only that, the fragrance that came wafting from the stew was incredible. I had rumours of this place, but it looked like the level of deliciousness seemed to match the tale.
I felt I had to steel myself before taking a bite. I might lose my mind if I don’t. Ugh, hmm, let’s taste it!
Th-this is…! This perfectly crisp and pleasant texture, the overflowing vegetable juice flowing into my mouth! Ah! I was immediately transported into a meadow of happiness~
Goodness, that was close!
Fortunately, I had braced myself before taking a bite. I wonder how the others are doing?
“Ah… how nostalgic… I see my home town. Is everyone well…?”
“Ughh… sob, s-something’s overflowing…!”
“No way, no way, this is bad…”
The three men in front of me were writhing in agony. It was quite a sight to behold. Would I have ended up like that if I had not been on guard? Honestly, these vegetables are terrifyingly delicious. No, ‘delicious’ doesn’t even begin to describe them.
“Oh, you managed to withstand it? The vegetables cultivated by the Great Guardian with such care that it has quite an intense flavour. It’s a struggle just to maintain one’s sanity.”
Why would this person say such a thing with such a smile?
From the way this fellow spoke, this is apparently a rite of passage for people visiting this town for the first time. To almost lose one’s sanity upon eating vegetables… the world outside the dungeon is truly unconventional.
Just how were these vegetables grown? I’d believe it if someone told me they were mystical treasures bestowed by the gods. I’d love to meet the farmer and hear their thoughts.
“Hah! What was I just doing just now…?”
“O-oh… that pleasure was almost dangerous…”
“I had a dream where I was surrounded by many Miss Shirleys…”
Looks like the three of them have returned from the world of dreams.
Still, I had a feeling that these vegetables could be used as a weapon. They would be quite effective as tools of interrogation… No, no, that’s an unthinkable way to use vegetables, right?
“It looks like you visited us [3] at just the right time,” said the Captain of the Gatekeepers. “The Lord has just arrived.”
At that, we stepped out of the guardhouse to find a beautiful woman approaching. She was accompanied by a male and a female attendant.
The female attendant was wearing a maid uniform and had masterfully concealed her presence and emotions. I could tell from the way she walked that she was highly skilled. The other attendant was an older gentleman dressed in a butler’s uniform. He had a kindly smile on his face, but he appeared to be even stronger than the maid.
Clearly, there was a reason why the lord only brought two guards with her.
The Lord’s presence proved even more shocking than her two attendants. A clear beauty, she exuded a delicate yet dignified presence. Her long, golden blond hair was straight and lustrous, and each time a breeze ruffled the beautiful strands, the sweet fragrance that wafted towards us threatened to make my knees buckle.
She was dressed in a pale pink dress that looked quite expensive from its intricate design. Still, even if she were dressed in shabby rags, her charm would not be diminished. I can declare without exaggeration that the term ‘peerless beauty’ must have been created just for this person.
“Apologies for the wait. I am Jessica, the Lord of this town.”
Even her voice was perfect. Even my eardrums appeared to almost tremble with joy at that clear, pleasant voice.
“I… I have a girlfriend! G-gh… no! Endure, self!”
“Shirley-san… Shirley-san…”
The two gatekeepers also seemed to be struggling against Lady Jessica’s charm. I cannot afford to lose either. Since the Chairman belongs to a different race, he seems to be unaffected. That is a relief. I shall leave all the negotiations to him.
[Gumihou: Bro, lol]
[1] Added details for clarity.
[2] Removed details to reduce repetitiveness
[3] ‘return at the right time’ seems like an odd term for anyone to say, especially since the team was already eating at the guardhouse. Moreover, to use the word ‘return’ after they ‘step out’ of the guardhouse is also odd. Changed to ‘you visited us’.
Kitchennovel.com has a new Membership System!!
Please click on the table below to check it out~
Naturally, you can also choose to support us through Patreon or tip us via Kofi~!
Don’t forget to leave a comment at novelupdates too!
