Chapter 48 (1/2)
Chapter 48 – Shopping
After having breakfast at the castle, I immediately returned home.
I more or less have other things to do.
The bread has gradually been used up, speaking of that, the natural yeast has also decreased.
Which reminds me, wouldn’t the eastern country have rice, miso, and soy sauce?
Since they have katanas, there’s a possibility they might have it.
Since I don’t know whether or not I could procure it, I’ll try asking.
Aah, since it’s becoming hot, I’d sure like some shaved ice ne.
Something like a freezer… I haven’t seen one ne. U~n, can’t it be made with『freezing』? I should look for one if there’s an opportunity.
Perhaps plum juice to prevent summer fatigue might be good too.
Since plum liquor… I won’t be able to drink that ne.
Eh? ‘Isn’t this nothing but food’ you say?1
Well of course. Eighty percent of life’s pleasures is food. Deliciousness is justice.
In other words, almost every person in this world has only enjoyed twenty percent of life.
I think it can be understood if you look at the recent Prince.
Even today, did he say ‘I want to eat delicious things’ desperately to that extent?
And with that said, today’s plans are to make bread, then go see a magic tool dealer-san and grocer-san during the time it ferments2.Aah, if they have a freezer, I’d like a container to make ice ne. Although it’s slight different, shall I go to Garam-san’s store?
Since it’s been decided, I’ll move into action at once.
First the leavening agent.
knead knead knead knead.
U~n, since I’ve made the effort, shall I try give it a twist?
I’ll have half of it be regular bread, half of the remaining half will be b.u.t.ter rolls, then the remainder will be honey bread.
knead knead knead knead.
Alright, now we’ll ferment it for one hour to start with…
In the meantime, let’s go to the stores.
Though I say that, whether or not the eastern country distributes their goods, I don’t know.
I started off by asking the grocer-san while searching for plums.
I found out surprisingly quick.
It seems a place named Sirius Firm has recently started a trade.
After hearing of the firm’s location, I immediately left. Ah, I also bought the plums okay?
Sirius Firm was located close to the castle on the main street.
「h.e.l.lo~. I have something I’d like to ask.」
I went inside and called out.
By the way the interior, should I say it looks a lot like it’s from a historical play with an impression of a western wholesale store?3
「Welcome. Ojou-chan, are you on an errand for your dad?」
Uwa, it’s been a while since I’ve been completely treated like a child.
「No, I came here to look for something.」
Although it’s troublesome being treated like a child, wasting time here will also be, troublesome.
It’s fine to just confirm the necessary things.
Un, dealing with it like an adult.
「Looking
for something? For Ojou-chan? Do we have it here?」
「I’ve heard this company here has recently begun a trade with an eastern country. Because of that, I wondered whether or not you handled the eastern countries’ unusual seasonings and food, so I came.4」
「U~n, we certainly do business with the east but… Unusual food, nee. We actually have some but… does ojou-chan plan to buy it?」
Oh, you have it? I’d like to see it by all means.
「Yes, if possible, could you show me what kinds you have?」
「That would be a problem… Is your dad or mum not here? If it’s ojou-chan alone, I can’t sell it you know.」
Well, I’m sure it has to do with the price…… it wouldn’t be good to carelessly show it to a child either.
「Aah, sorry. I, am called Sakura Fujino. I work as an adventurer. I’m 15 years of age.」
I made sure to present my adventurer’s card.
「With that, would you be able to show me it?」
The man receiving me was surprised at my self-introduction, and surprised again when he saw the adventurer’s card.
It’s been awhile ne, these exchanges as well.
But as expected of a merchant. He immediately recovered and responded.
「Please excuse me for that. Of course. Now now, please come inside. As I will immediately bring over a sample.」
Woah, even his interactions changed.
Could he be rubbing his hands together while inside the reception room? I was lead into the room with that sort of atmosphere.5
The man from just now immediately stepped out once I entered.
As I waited in the room for the time being, the man I interacted with, as well as two men carrying something in their hands, entered.
「Sorry to have kept you waiting. The merchandise we currently have that goes in accordance with Fujino-sama’s request are just these.」
What was placed on top of the table was…… three small barrels and three wooden boxes.
「Allow me to explain. Firstly, this one is an alcohol made in the eastern country.」
He points to the first barrel. If it’s alcohol, could it be sake? I don’t know state inside the barrel but…6
「Excuse me, what kind of alcohol is it?」
「Yes, I’ve heard it’s made with grain from the eastern country. Although it has a transparent water-like appearance, it’s alcohol is stronger than poor wine.」
Is it, refined sake? If that’s the case, since it can be used in dishes, it might be good to purchase it.