Volume 1 - CH 18

Volume 1: Life in a different world is tumultuous!?~

Chapter 18 [At the lake town, part 1]

I am the travelling alchemist Mei. Up until recently, I was stranded on the mountain for several days.

[Waaah, it’s pretty]

Beneath my view was a long lake, and along the lake was a magnificent town. I didn't think there was such a fabulous scenery beyond that steep mountain.

Gleefully approaching the town, I was enclosed by ramparts by the side and a stout door in front of me.

[Young lady, you a traveler? I am impressed a woman made it through that mountain alone]

[Despite appearance, I am an alchemist after all] as I said that to the gatekeeper who had an amazed face, his response was an insincere laugh. This person doesn't get it at all.

[Leaving that aside, I would like to stay in this town for a few days] as I changed the topic, he once again had a smile and stretched out his right hand [Welcome to the lakeside town, Le Terreau. The entrance fee will be 300 Fol]

From the look of it this is a resort town, and they even take entrance fee like a theme park. How shrewd.

There is no way I am not going in after everything, so I paid the fee, went through the baggage inspection and finally entered the town.

...Incidentally, when the gatekeeper took a peep inside the bag of unlimited capacity [What, it's empty] was the response as he titled his head in confusion. Apparently much like the recipe book which can only be read by me, the bag functions the same.

[Uhyaah, what a person]

As I passed the entrance, I started my search for lodging at the center street. Both ends of the street were filled of rows of store, and the main street had hundreds of people. I wonder if all the people here crossed that mountain too.

[Now now, the street performance at the fountain is going to begin! Come take a look!]

Moving between people like a weaving needle, a young man dressed like a clown called out. As if that was the signal, the flow changed and as if it was the pool, I was swept along by the crowd. Wait a min---! I am not interested in street performance---! What I am interested in is alchemy---!

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[Uheee......]

While being dragged along by the current occasionally, I eventually made it to the lodging. Resting my hand on the counter while catching breath, the male receptionist beckoned me [Welcome] with a worried face.

[Miss, is this your first time in this town? The crowd is overwhelming, isn't it?]

[No joke] as I agreed while panting, [Today is particularly busy. In fact, there should be lesser people at the harbor] the receptionist educated me.

After expressing my gratitude, I then reserved a room. Enquiring about the adventurer's guild bulletin board, and it turned out to be at the harbor too. In that case, the place I need to go is decided.

[I will be returning by evening, so please prepare dinner for me]

Placing the advance payment in the form of rental fee on the counter, I departed for the harbor. While the main point is still the request, since I am at such a scenic town, I want to take it slow.

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Breaking through the crowd once again, I made it to the road along the green of the lake.

Unlike the main road, this path is much quieter. In exchange of there not being any store, I spotted the elderly and family who I suppose are the resident of this town.

[Ah, I much prefer this side]

The lake surface was glittering from the sunlight and ships with white sail were floating on it. The visage was like that of the Aegean Sea, not that I have went there before.

My thoughts were interrupted by a boy who was holding hands with his mother while pointing at me who exclaimed [Mama, look!]

Maybe alchemist is a novelty to him, but he was waving his hand to me until the mother scolded him [Do not look!]. Hey, madam, phrasing.

[Oi, drop off that luggage!]

[Alright, let's get moving-!]

Seeing the parent-child pair off with a complicated feeling, this time the loud voice of a male caught my attention. From what I can see, a ship just docked on the harbor and from it sailors who was transporting the cargo.

From the direction of the pier, tons of customer were disembarking. I would infer they are tourist.

Sigh, I thought it was weird that this many people crossed the mountain but it seems like there is a town across the lake. They must have come from there.

Even this place is supposed to be a remote area in between the mountain and lake, as I found out the reason behind that I reached the bulletin board.

◯ ◯ ◯

[Errm, let's see......]

The norm of big town, bulletin board present. It's a bustling town, so there should be no lack of request......

「HIRING! GUIDING TOURIST! REQUEST FROM LE TERREAU TOURISM ASSOCIATION」

「Villa management request. Interested party to head to the adventurer's guild」

「Sales of Tortilla at the stall. Commission based. Details at the adventurer's guild」

Request slip were lined from edge to edge, but they were all ordinary. Meaning alchemy is not needed. Man, I didn't come here for job security.

Feeling dejected and looking through the remaining request, they were request centered around services, very fitting for a tourist spot. I wonder if there's any job that I could gather material and complete since I am already at it.

[......Oh]

At the moment that I partly gave up, a single request slip entered my sight.

「Recruiting fishermen. Employment period of a week. Boat is rental. Request to deliver a certain percentage of the catch. Details is at the adventurer's guild」

Hoho. If we are talking about fishermen, that means I will get to catch fish and if we are talking about that, isn't that the classic of region locked material.

It cost money but they will be providing the boat and I can do whatever I want with the fishes outside the requested amount. This is extremely enticing for an alchemist.

[Ok, let's go with this!]

Rip, as I drew the request slip from the board and made for the adventurer's guild. The destination is the paradise of fishes!