We fight monsters a few more times along the way, and eventually reach the staircase to the sixth floor during the night, two days after we started exploring the fifth floor.
“The gate to the city is closed at this hour.”
Says Dutina, but should we keep going?
“We could go to a lodging house where soldiers stay, if you want.”
“Even though we’re outsiders?”
“I think it will be fine if I explain why, but…”
She doesn’t sound too confident.
If that doesn’t work out, I guess we can just go back to the dungeon and camp. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Dutina takes the lead and we head to that lodging house, but we find Yuini along the way.
We’re in the castle, but is it a good idea for her to be walking around alone at night?
“Are you on your way back?”
“Y-yes princess. And since the gate is closed at this time, I am going to ask if they can stay in the lodging house.”
I can tell Dutina is nervous. I guess it’s normal when you speak to a princess.
“Yes, it’s probably too late to leave… Then I will arrange for a room, and you can stay there.”
“A-are you sure?”
“Yes. What about food? I will take care of that as well.”
“But is that really all right? Letting outsiders stay so easily…”
Is she unconcerned? Is she just naive? Her proposal leaves me a little taken aback.
“It’s fine. You have my father’s, the king’s permission. Follow me.”
Dutina has some reservations, so we part ways here.
Yuini goes up the stairs with light steps, and leads us to a room with a guest room.
“Normally I would take you to the dining hall to have a meal there, but today this room will have to do. Is that all right?”
“Sure, no problem at all.”
She said something to a maid on the way, so I assume everything’s taken care of.
“We have some time until the food is ready, so can you tell me about things like the dungeon in the meantime? Ah, but I also called Sirk and Sahana, so can you wait until they get here?”
Her voice sounds kind of bright.
Eventually, Sirk gets here, looking a little nervous, along with Sahana, who looks like she thinks that’s funny.
“Are you staying here tonight?”
“Yes, I guess that’s how it ended up being.”
“Then you can tell us all sorts of things.”
Sahana sounds even more excited than Yuini. Sirk looks kind of reserved, but nods.
They were born here and have never left this place, so they want to hear about the outside world.
And so, we talk about what we’ve been doing, while we wait for our food.
First, Rurika talks about funny and interesting things she’s seen while traveling. Chris gives her exasperated looks from time to time, because apparently she’s exaggerating a bit.
Still, they listen intently, and even Sera looks interested.
Rurika eventually finishes what she was saying, and it happens just as we’re brought our meals. Yuini and the others are brought food too, so I guess they’re also eating here.
“Is it really all right to be eating with us?”
Shouldn’t she be eating with the king? I think she understands that’s what I’m implying, but she says it’s fine.
“Bon appétit.”
I’m surprised for a second when Yuini says that, but I quickly bounce back and start eating.
They used ingredients we’re used to, like orc meat, so it tastes the same as always… Or not.
“Master’s is better.”
Whispers Hikari, like she blurted it out without thinking.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Yuini is surprised to hear that, and Hikari nods nonchalantly. Sirk is looking at me like he’s shocked.
I smile awkwardly, and explain.
“It’s just an issue of flavoring. We give our bodies a good deal of exercise, so I usually try to make things have a stronger flavor to get good salt intake. That’s why it feels a little bland for us.”
That’s probably why it feels like something’s missing. And there’s also the fact that the Cooking skill corrects things.
I can think of another reason, my knowledge of cooking from my old world. Even my vague memories are enough to make things that feel exotic here. It’s not just Hikari that likes them either.
“I see. I would definitely like to try it.”
Says Yuini, and Sahana nods. Sirk looks like he has mixed feelings. He probably has his own ideas, when he sees Hikari talk about me.
“But I like this softer taste.”
Says Mia while drinking the soup.
I guess this is actually better if we’re talking about which is healthier. Staying healthy is a bigger concern when it comes to royalty too, so the cook probably put his menu together through trial and error with that idea in mind.
I just care about what tastes good, and make things the way I want, so I feel like that difference plays a big role.
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Thanks for the treat.
Not much happen in this chapter very short just return to castle for night is a out it