I take out and activate a scroll.
“《Manifest》 Aroma Vine.”
What appears is another plant shaped transmuted beast, much like Rose.
“Aroma Vine, please do the same as usual.”
Vines then cover the ground, in the same area as about two rooms, before they start growing vertically and creating walls.
Before long, a simple house made of vines is complete.
Now it’s time for Aroma Vine to show its true power. As the name implies, a rich aroma is emitted from the leaves growing out of the vines. This is one of a hundred of Aroma Vine’s fragrances, and it repels weak monsters.
I call it ‘anti-monster fragrance’, and it smells like citrus fruit.
We are far enough away from the sea, and the mermen tend to not go too far inland. There are other monsters to worry about, but this ‘anti-monster fragrance’ should be enough to protect us from them. The only issue is that it looks like Seilook isn’t a fan of this smell.
“Yes, very well done. Thank you as always.”
I say while entering this newly put together simple house. The fresh fragrance fills the whole area.
I take a deep breath, and start preparing dinner, hoping to finish it before Taula and Roa come back.
◇◆
The smell of twin linehorn meat hangs in the air, as I cook it on the simple stove I took out of my backpack. I check how well it’s cooked with a 《Transcribe》 scroll, and flip it at just the right time.
“The heat denaturation of the protein is looking good.”
I take out a glass container, and take a few drops of concentrated fragrant liquid from Aroma Vine. This one is called ‘herbal fragrance’, and its purpose is to stimulate appetite and mask the smell of the meat.
“Just sprinkle some of this liquid, and… Yes, from an alchemy point of view, this is perfect.”
Taula and Roa come back from cleaning themselves in the river just as I’m finishing up here.
“It smells nice.”
Says Roa, sounding hungry.
“Yes, and I just finished it. Aroma Vine, a table and chairs please.”
The vines start wriggling, but Roa is used to Rose by now, so she doesn’t react with surprise, and simply sits on the vine chair.
“Rust, I don’t know how to thank you for saving me again, even though I have yet to fulfill our previous contract. It seems all I do is look weak to you.”
“I’m just glad you’re all right. There’s a lot I want to ask, but let’s eat first, before it gets cold.”
“Thank you, I will do that.”
Taula sits down, and we start eating.
“Master Rust’s cooking is good, but it always feels unexpected.”
Says Roa while inspecting the meat. She then cuts it, takes a bite, and swallows it after chewing slowly.
She then tilts her head, like something’s strange, but her hands don’t stop. She keeps eating faster and faster.
“I think it is very good, especially this aroma. The rose tea I had before also smelled very nice, but the herbs used on this meat remind me of a refreshing grassy field. The meat itself is also cooked to perfection, retaining all of its taste.”
Taula compliments me a lot, and although her movements are more refined, the meat disappears from her plate just as quickly.
Roa shrugs in response to Taula.
“Thank you, Taula.”
I thank Taula while ignoring Roa’s inadvertently rude comment.
What do you mean unexpected? I just monitored its condition while cooking it and then sprinkled some liquid.
We finish eating while I think about this. And then, after catching our breath, we exchange information while having tea.
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