MTL: uniquegasuki
Editor/ Proofreader: (not proofread)
30 days, 60 days, 90 days had passed by. On the calendar, the blue moon switched to the yellow moon. (T/N: I don’t know, okay)
During this time the upper stratum of Arerudouria (アレルドゥリア) mountain has entered its warmest period and the peak of breeding season.
Naturally, the subalpine, the forest zone and the wilderness located near the summit have all become warm. In short, summer has come, and now Sarewado (サレハド) village has entered their busiest season.
The change of the season didn’t alter Kurando’s daily routine. While accepting Shiodzuke (塩漬け) type requests, every day, he would travel back and forth from the village to the mountain.
Behind his back, the local hunter would call Kurando the 『straydog “Black (野良犬, ブラーカ)”』. Although, the villagers have a favorable opinion of him.
Any hooligan (hunter) that dares put their hand on the 『straydog “Black”』 will have their arm seized as if bitten by a dog. On numerous occasions, people have witness Zauru (ザウル) and the branch chief being bitten when they tried to go against him. Because Kurando would alway take up the leftover (shiodzuke) requests from the other hunters, eventually his nickname stuck.
Kurando was especially hostile towards Zauru & the branch chief. When they encountered one another they would alway quarrel.
The majority of the shiodzuke requests that Kurando had accepted involved him traveling to the middle and upper stratum of the mountain, which happened to be close to his home.
During those 90 days: Iraida would instruct him on how to use a small knife and shield; every now and then, he would offer Baron Potapenko (ポタペンコ男爵) delicacies; and, when every he had free-time Kurando would research autonomous magic and practice his spirit magic.
Despite his maryoku capacity increase only a bit, Kurando continues to exhaust his maryoku as his maryoku capacity is still increasing.
Recently, when time allowed it; to enrich his daily life Kurando would draw pictures, and search for musical instruments.
While Makushiimu (マクシーム) hadn’t yet returned, Kurando was enjoying his everyday life.
◆◆◆
That night.
While looking at Iraida (イライダ), Kurando tried to comprehend the meaning of her remark.
「There is no need for you to be a lone wolf; you’re too young to distance yourself from the group. I can’t tell what your thinking…… is a leader (mentor) unnecessary for you.」 (Iraida)
Kurando is so surprised that he almost fell backward along with his chair.
「Is it that you rather have the power to stand on your own, then hunt with other people? If it is spirit magic, then you are already more skilled than I, or should I say more dexterous than I am. Well, it is silly to make a comparison to someone from the giant race. For now, why not try becoming a man (adult).」 (Iraida)
While laughing, Iraida tosses over a bottle of Vuogira (ヴォギラ) to Kurando
What does Kurando, a 26-year-old man, say when Iraida see him as a chicken?
「……become a man (adult), that is an obscene thing for you to say, Iraida.」 (Kurando)
「Ahhh? Aren’t you the one who is alway peeking at my chest?」 (Iraida)
「Well that’s because you proudly have them on display.」 (Kurando)
「It’s genetics, okay genetics. When I move my body it gets hot and I can’t help it.」 (Iraida)
「Hmph, you have a distasteful hobby.」 (Kurando)
「Really now, what do you think of me?」
「…………your an exhibitionist?」 (Kurando)
While Kurando recalls Makushiimu, he can’t help but think all giants are exhibitionist.
Iraida’s cheeks cramp up.
「……so that’s how you see it.」 (Iraida)
With a bang, Iraida placed down the bottle in front of Kurando.
「Will you drink delicious alcohol, or are you saying my alcohol tastes bad?」 (Iraida)
「……a good drink, huh?」 (Kurando)
After saying so, he stood up.
「Are you running away?」 (Iraida)
Iraida says this provocatively.
「Hold on a moment.」 (Kurando)
After say this, Kurando made his way to the bartender by the counter.
He exchanged two to three words with the bartender before returning back to Iraida with the items he had recieved.
Kurando had returned with an empty bottle, a reddish liquid, and a yellowish colored fruit juice.
Before Iraida could say anything; Kurando poured half of the Vuogira, half of the reddish liquid, and half of the yellowish fruit juice into the empty bottle. Lastly, he placed an ice cube about the size of a hen egg inside the bottle.
The bottle is then shut before Kurando properly shakes the bottle. As he shakes the bottle, the ice cube inside makes a cool but chill sound.
Because Kurando didn’t know the proper method to shake the bottle, he did it as best he could.
And thus, Iraida watches as the cocktail is poured into the cup.
「Will you drink it?」
Although she found it suspicious, Iraida accepts the cocktail (cup).
She brings it closer to her lips.
On Iraida’s face is a surprised expression.
The acidity of the fruit makes the alcohol sweet, but the flavor is strong and smooth.
Above all, the drink is cold and refreshing.
「……is this alcohol delicious enough for you?」 (Kurando)
Kurando shows a bit of skill here and there.
「This cocktail is a mess.」 (Iraida)
He laughs at the criticism.
Iraida lowers her eyes onto the light red-colored cocktail.
Each region has their own style of preparing cocktails, but they are all served warm. She has never seen any place that served their cocktails cold. If bartenders were to chill their drinks with ice spirits every time, they would fall over. Cold drinks haven’t spread thus they aren’t popular.
Kurando hears Iraida mutter something while she was staring at her cup.
「Vuogira, Eganadia (女神の気まぐれ, エガナディア, the whimsical goddess) soaked her skin in alcohol; Eganadia, in madness she mixed in yellow fruit juice,」 (Iraida)
「Would it be medicine, or was she crazy?」 (Kurando)
「It probably means, that when this Vuogira is mixed with anything else it becomes a completely different drink.」 (Iraida)
The other guest would either drink their Vuogira straight or dilute it with water before drinking it.
「Well, it’s not bad. It is easier to drink then the former alcohol.」 (Iraida)
「Ah, it sure is difficult to find an alcohol good enough to break through the skin of the whimsical goddess, Eganadia.」 (Kurando)
「Anyways, it has to have been medicine as Vuogira was first used to treat colds.」 (Iraida)
Kurando nods in agreement. (T/N: it was nonsense, like a lot of the other dialog in this novel)
Afterward, the two of them drank but since the evening was long, Kurando chose to drink at his own pace.
When there was still a bit of daylight left in the sky, Kurando sank to the table as he was starting to feel sleepy.
There is no mistake, the Eganadia’s (whimsical goddess) skin had been penetrated by a large amount of alcohol. Having continued to consume the cocktails that were mixed for her, Iraida has become intoxicated. It is a rather cheerful and rare scene to see her swaying like a “rocking ship”.
If those from the giant race drink enough alcohol, then even they would get dead drunk.
The sleepy Iraida found her shoulders to be light.
Likewise, Kurando was also half asleep while sitting in his chair.
「Shall we return?」 (Iraida)
Upon saying so, Iraida stood up and headed for the exit. She paid for the both of them by leaving the money on the table.
On the moonlit road, the two made their way to the inn.
◆◆◆
Morning, or perhaps it’s noon.
As the dazzling light from outside the window fell upon him, Kurando slowly opens his eyes.
After he had picked up his groggy body, Kurando was assaulted by a headache and then the urge to urinate.
While holding his aching head, Kurando hung up his coat before making his way to the bathroom to urinate and vomit.
After rinsing his mouth, Kurando returns to what he thought was his room but was instead an unfamiliar scenery.
The light pours into the room, and there laying on the bed is a woman.
A woman with tanned colored skin like that of the giant race is asleep on the bed.
Kurando holds his head once more. No matter how much he thinks, he can’t recall what had happened.
The woman, Iraida, lays up in bed with the blanket wrapped around her body.
「Oh, do you have a hangover?」 (Iraida)
Iraida is acting the same as usual.
His expression is shattered.
「I can’t tell what your thinking, say what you mean.」 (Iraida)
Kurando felt dizzy. He decided to blame it on the hangover.
「Ah, you see, I don’t remember what happened, well, umm…… do you, marriage?」 (Kurando)
「Does it look that way to you?」 (Iraida)
「I see, I’m glad, right? Well, umm, that’s good.」 (Kurando)
And once again, Kurando returns to the bathroom to vomit.
When he returns to the room, Kurando sees Iraida. She wasn’t an illusion.
「Good grief, is that how you should treat a woman…… don’t worry, nothing happened…… probably.」 (Iraida)
「What about you, is that how you should react to a guy…… perhaps, well, as long as things are okay, then,」 (Kurando)
Iraida seems to be regretting it.
「It was just sleeping together once (maybe), even if we were lover, it’s not like am an inexperienced virgin.」 (Iraida)
「Well, certainly, it’s not like your an innocent virgin.」 (Kurando)
「Ahhh?」 (Iraida)
「Yup, being naive is a pain.」 (Kurando)
「Are you not the one who is inexperienced.」 (Iraida)
Kurando made a faint frown.
「Well, if you’re saying that, then please teach me next time.」 (Kurando)
Kurando leaves with those parting words and makes his way back to the toilet.
Iraida who was left behind lays back down and covers herself with the blanket.
Suddenly, Kurando who she had merely know for a short while seemed to become someone strangely familiar as if she had known him for a long time.
「……next time, as long as you have the money. Kukuku」 (Iraida)
While being in a good mood Iraida takes a nap.
On this day, Kurando experienced his first hangover in this world.
His intimacy with the toilet had increased.
This was the first time since he came to this world that Kurando had requested help from god.
Kurando began to think that he wouldn’t be able to live without the toilet.
Half a day later, he cursed the non-existent god.
The day after his hangover, Kurando went to purchase food and other miscellaneous goods before making his way to the mountain.
After having been gone for so long, when Kurando returned home, he saw the super displeased Yukishiro sitting on the cliff and watching him from above.
Yukishiro didn’t come over even when he had whistled for it. While he ascended up the cliff, Kurando had half expected Yukishiro to be in a bad mood. And, it was as he had expected.
Yukishiro had been waiting for Kurando to return since two days ago.
Akari didn’t seem to mind because she gets to use the feather pillow when he isn’t around.
In a way, Kurando thought he was like a “salaryman (businessman)” who has to leave on work related trips. It was a rather silly way of seeing it, though.
◆◆◆
90 days have passed. During those days, when there weren’t any shiodzuke requests to take, Kurando would party up with Iraida.
He was unconcerned with those people who thought ill of him for partying up with Iraida.
In life, one will always wear half a mask anyways.
Today was also that sort of day.
Kurando and Iraida had gone to the association to look for a request.
The time for Iraida to 『fullfill her duty』 and move to the next country is soon approaching. Because Kurando is familiar with the Arerudouria mountain range, he was able to help Iraida quickly complete the high-level requests that the country had issued.
The people around him probably still thinks that Iraida had partied up with Kurando out of pity.
Kurando and Iraida, at best, they would only be about to take up one, or perhaps two more request(s) before she would have to leave to go fulfill her duty.
「So it’s already time to hunt, Gorushazo(s) (六瘤バッファロー, ゴルシャゾ)か, six-humped baffalo).」 (Iraida)
He turns to face Iraida.
「Ah, around this time the Gorushazo (six-humped baffulo) travels the continent (migrate) in search for grass. During this season there will be no Torabokku (トラボック) to hunt as Gorushazo(s) will consume them for nutrients in order to breed.」 (Iraida)
「Ehwee~」 (Kuando)
「Hmm, why don’t you try gathering information…… ah, well, that might be an impossible task in this village.」 (Iraida)
「Well, hey, how about this request?」 (Kurando)
Iraida directs a strained smile to the easygoing Kurando.
「With only us two that would be quite difficult.」 (Iraida)
「――do you have a moment?」 (???)
Was this misfortune or perhaps good fortune?
Imagine having to go back to your hometown after becoming unemployed and then suddenly meeting a form classmate at the supermarket. It is that sort of sudden and surprise encounter.
For Kurando, this is an unfortunate encounter.
As if they were unconcerned with Kurando the person proceeds to talk with Iraida who is standing beside him.
But, it was rather fortunate that the person didn’t recognize Kurando.
「Iraida・Baagin-san (イライダ・バーギン), correct? That request, would you like to accept it with me?」 (???)
The person has fluffy black curly hair and eyes that reflect his strong will. This person gives off the impression that they have a dazzling personality.
「That is rather sudden; what’s your name? (Iraida)
「S-sorry. I was so moved by meeting you that I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Erika・Kiritani (エリカ・キリタニ), a Beruchigaba (ベルチガバ, 6th star). Please, just call me, Erika.」 (Erika)
Erika made a bow like a Japanese person would.
This person is definitely Japanese. In other words, he is also a hero.
The hero who has introduced himself as Erika doesn’t recall Kurando’s face. He doesn’t seem to notice Kurando at all.
「Is that so, I’m Iraida・Baagin, a Gabodorattsue (ガボドラッツェ, 4th star). I’m alright with simply being called, Iraida. Umm, isn’t this request too high-level for your rank?」 (Iraida)
「Not at all. I’m a member of the 『Penanto Obudoon (暁の翼)』. The leader is a Riguserupu (リグセルプ, 1st star), you know.」 (Erika)
Erika seems to be proud of this fact.
「Oh, a Riguserupu (1st star), huh. I don’t think I’ve heard of this person before.」 (Iraida)
「Well, that because he just became one the other day. Fufufu, it only took him one year to become a Riguserupu (1st star). The person’s name is, Hayato・Ichihara.」 (Erika)
Although Kurando showed a reaction, the person didn’t recognize Kurando at all. Erika must’ve been the type of person who doesn’t take notice of a lowly janitor.
「I see. However, this person is a Ruterera (10th star). Will it really be okay?」 (Iraida)
For the first time, Erika looks behind Iraida and noticed Kurando. Erika slightly tilts his head and intently stares at Kurando.
「So, Iraida-san who is a Gabodorattsue, teamed up with a Ruterera? Huh, the association rules state that hunters shouldn’t party up with a hunter no more than 2 stars below their own rank.」 (Erika)
「That is a suggestion more than a rule. Anyways, the party has already been formed. And, wouldn’t that suggestion also apply to you?」 (Iraida)
「Fufufu, it’s my defeat. We’re in the same boat it seems.」 (Erika)
Erika who was glaring at Kurando suddenly changed his expression into a smile. This Erika person seems to be moody when it comes to women.
Kurando barges in the conversation.
「Excuse me, I have some urgent business to attend to. I won’t be able to take up a request.」 (Kurando)
Kurando briefly made eye contact with Iraida before making his way out of the association building.
「Is that guy just leeching off you? That’s no good, Iraida-san a beauty such as yourself,」 (Erika)
Erika continues to shower Iraida with flattery.
She watches as Kurando exits through the swing door.
◆◆◆
「Ah, Hayato-san, too slow~」 (Erika)
Shortly after Erika had kept Iraida company, a man enters the association. Like a spoiled child, Erika angrily calls out to the man.
The man called Hayato is wearing a smooth and deep black leather armor, on his back is a shiny two-handed sword. Around the leather belt at his waist hangs two metal objects which purpose is unknown.
The man doesn’t reply to Erika, but he gradually approaches them until his face comes into view.
Hayato has neatly trimmed black hair, confident black eyes, and a deep scar on his cheek. His teenage face gives off a natural expression.
Iraida noticed that Kurando and Hayato have similar features. When she thought about it, she saw that Erika also had a similar look to him. Iraida begins to think that this current situation had something to do with the reason Kurando left, but she wasn’t sure.
While she is still in this country, Iraida decided on asking Kurando more about it.
Although, she felt a slight uneasiness.
「Do not call out to me in a loud voice. So, have you decided on the request?」 (Hayato)
Although he sounds arrogant, it isn’t as prideful as the manner in which Zauru (ザウル) talks.
「About that, will it be alright to invite Iraida-san along.」 (Erika)
Hayato glanced at the Gorushazo (six-humped baffulo) request before looking over towards Iraida.
「I’m Hayato・Ichihara (ハヤト・イチハラ). It will be an honor to have the renown 『Bee Stinger (蜂撃)』, Iradia・Baagin, accompany us.」 (Hayato)
Although his manners are correct, there is no change in his tone.
But strangely enough, his manner of speech suited him.
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