22 Divine cat Mii-chan stays in a tent.

While I was setting up the tent, Ban-san and the hunters returned. It seems I spent quite a while on the tent…

Even in the dark, the hunters next to me were setting up their tents. I marveled at how they could do it in such low light. Then I heard some exclamations like “Ouch!” and “Where are you touching?!” indicating they were having a bit of trouble.

Since I couldn’t help much without getting in the way, I decided to at least hold a light for them. I grabbed the lantern I bought and headed over to the hunters.

“Oh, that’s a big help.”

“That’s a really bright lantern.”

“Mii-chan’s missing…”

“Wow, good lighting really makes a difference.”

The young party, Radiant Holy Sword, had two tents since they were mixed-gender. The Eight-Eyed Fang, being all male, had a larger tent.

“That lantern looks sturdy and bright.”

“Yes, a friend from a tool shop told me to invest in a good lantern.”

“Where did you get it?”

Maybe this could be some good advertising for Schwarz’s shop?

“It’s from Wheeler Tool Shop.”

“Do you know it?”

“Yeah, I think it’s on the main street to the north.”

“The high-end shopping street, huh…”

“Are you from a noble family, by any chance?”

“No way, do I really look like one?”

“Well, your clothes are nice, and your gear seems top-notch. Plus, you’re with the Hunter Guild.”

Is that how it comes across? My clothes are just ones I bought here, and the gear is brand new. As for being a guild staff member, it’s more like a part-time job…

“I’m just an ordinary commoner. The shop was recommended by the inn’s landlady. Wheeler Tool Shop does carry high-end items, but they also have a lot of practical, high-quality goods like this lantern. The owner, Schwarz-san, is a good person too.”

“That inn, ‘Wood Lodge of Rest,’ is where you stay, right? I’ve seen Mii-chan at the counter sometimes when I go there for dinner.”

“The food there is great.”

“The rooms are a bit small, though.”

“But the price is reasonable, and I’d like to move to that inn.”

“But it’s popular, so it’s hard to get a room.”

I didn’t know that. I might not even be able to get a room when I return.

The hunters gathered around the lamp, examining it and discussing its features.

“Can I take a closer look at that lamp?”

“Sure.”

“Hmm, so this is how you adjust it. And it really is sturdy.”

The hunters seemed quite interested, analyzing and chatting about the lamp.

Just then, Ban called out, announcing that dinner was ready. He instructed everyone to bring their plates and cups.

I took the lamp back, went to the tent, and picked up Mii-chan. Grabbing my bag, I headed over to the area where the food was being distributed. Several lamps were set up, making it quite bright. The menu for tonight included vegetable soup, grilled meat, and bread.

Everyone from the caravan was sitting around, eating wherever they found a spot. I got my food and found a place to sit down. Setting up a large cloth for Mii-chan, I placed her dishes on it.

“Mii~”

Mii-chan looked at me impatiently, as if to say, “Isn’t it ready yet?” I quickly opened a can of cat food and served it in her dish.

“Alright, let’s eat.”

“Mii~”

I also poured some mineral water into another dish for her. She always eats so happily; maybe I’ll taste it myself one day, given how much she enjoys it.

It seems the hunters gathered around me—or rather, around Mii-chan. The women from the “Shining Holy Sword” party were particularly drawn to Mii-chan, which in turn attracted the other hunters. It made eating a bit awkward.

The vegetable soup was flavorful, showcasing the natural taste of the ingredients, but the meat was simply salted and grilled, leaving it somewhat bland. To enhance the flavor, I added a touch of garlic oil from a small bottle I carried. I had to be careful not to use too much, as Mii-chan dislikes the strong smell.

“What’s that?” one of the women noticed me adding the garlic oil.

“It’s just a little seasoning,” I replied.

“Let me try some,” she insisted.

Reluctantly, I handed over the bottle. My supply was limited, and I didn’t want to waste it.

“Don’t use too much,” I cautioned. “It’s a rare item, and Mii-chan doesn’t like the smell.”

Despite my warning, she gave in to the temptation and added a bit to her meat.

“This…! This is the taste from ‘Restful Inn Wood Pavilion’!” she exclaimed.

Ah, they didn’t need to say it so loudly…

The hunters crowded around when they heard it was the “Restful Inn Wood Pavilion” flavor, and started adding the garlic oil to their meat. By the time the bottle came back to me, nearly half of it was gone. How much did they use?! That seasoning was precious…

“Sorry about that,” one of the women apologized, laughing.

“It’s fine,” I sighed. I had a feeling this might happen…

After finishing the meal, I washed the dishes at the well and filled a bucket with water to clean myself up in the tent. It felt a bit early to sleep; the seventh bell had just rung. Well, it wasn’t an actual bell, just a piece of wood being struck, but I wondered how they kept track of time so accurately. I should look it up in the guild’s library when I get back.

“Is Mii-chan here?” a voice called out.

“Mii~” Mii-chan responded.

Oh, Mii-chan, you didn’t have to answer… I stepped out of the tent to find the three women from the Shining Holy Sword party standing there.

“What is it?” I asked.

“We want to hold Mii-chan,” one of them said.

“What do you think, Mii-chan?”

“Mii~”

“Please don’t do anything Mii-chan doesn’t like, okay?”

“““We wouldn’t do that!”””

The women harmonized perfectly. I handed Mii-chan over to them and went to prepare for bed. I brushed my teeth, pulled out an extra blanket, and gathered any unused items. It seemed like everything was in order. Outside the tent, I could hear the lively chatter and laughter.

With nothing much to do, I decided to try identifying the AF dagger again. Despite several attempts, it only ever showed up as “AF Throwing Dagger” with no additional effects revealed, unlike what I’ve seen with someone like Pamir.

I’ve been practicing identifying items regularly to improve my skill. During the wagon ride, I would identify plants and flowers, even though I’m not sure how useful this will be. I haven’t used the dagger yet—I’m hesitant to throw it without knowing where it will land. I plan to practice in the training grounds when I return home.

I tried identifying the dagger again, but the results remained unchanged no matter how I looked at it or how I positioned it. Bored with identifying, I called out to Mii-chan.

“Mii-chan, it’s time to sleep.”

“Mii~”

“““Awwww!”””

Mii-chan came into the tent and curled up beside me. The women seemed to want to join us. What were they thinking?

“We were thinking of sleeping with Mii-chan…”

“”No, that’s quite alright…””

“““Awwww!”””

I don’t know what they were thinking. It’s not like four people can fit in this tent! Well, that’s not the point… I’m just tired…

“Mii-chan, good night.”

“Mii~”