A way to go travel

The wind blew softly and gently, and the weather had grown pleasant after yesterday’s heavy rain.

We decided to stay for a while in a small village called Bambo,at least until our wagon could be fully repaired.

For now, we’re staying at the home of an acquaintance of Charollo-san.

Back in the moment earlier this morning… that girl who struck that guy—she was seriously impressive.

I didn’t even notice her until she was already right in front of us.

It’s kind of a shame… I probably won’t see her again.

I thought this village was small, but maybe it’s not as small as I assumed…

Right now, this evening is truly a peaceful and heartwarming sight...

The sky is glowing with a soft orange hue, birds calling gently in the distance, and the village is quiet—so quiet.

Honestly, it’s perfect.

Now that I think about it… I haven’t really eaten anything properly since this morning.

I’m starting to get hungry.

I don’t even know when Vanniez and the others are coming back.

They left saying they were going to haul the wagon, and it’s already been about an hour.

Sitting here is getting boring... I might as well take a little walk and explore the village a bit.

The village might be small, but the people sure make it feel lively.

I even spotted a few Half-foots like Charollo-san—probably merchants, I’d guess.

Sniff sniff... What’s that smell?

Something smells good... I’m starving.

Guess I’ll go check it out real quick.

"Yota, where are you going?"

"Huh?"

"Ah, Vanniez... You guys are back already?"

"Yeah, we just got back to the village."

I saw Sero and James behind them—looked like they were totally worn out from hauling the wagon.

"Ugh... that was exhausting... Yota, lucky you... didn't have to do anything... I'm so jealous..."

I laughed as I looked at Sero.

"Hey, I did help carry the bags, you know."

"By the way, Yota... where’s Charollo? I don’t see him around."

I looked over at Vanniez.

"Oh, right. Charollo-san said he had somewhere to go earlier and headed out. Didn’t say where, though."

"Anyway… you guys look pretty worn out too. How about we go grab something to eat?"

"Yeah, let’s go. I’m starving."

"Me too…"

"Alright then, let’s head out."

We entered a bustling and slightly noisy bar in the village.

The noise of the crowd filled the air. 

Even in a place like this, it felt like something from my own world—a bar just like the ones I’d seen before.

 I couldn’t even remember the last time I was out with my friends, the last time we’d wandered around together.

 If I ever had to leave this world, I’d have a story to tell them. 

"If I leave this world..."

I looked over at Vanniez, Sero, and James.

Leaving this world would mean parting ways with them.

The breeze gently swept through as nightfall settled in. 

We found a corner in the bar and sat down, deciding to order something to eat.

Wow, they have pancakes... It’s been so long since I’ve had any. Should I go ahead and order the pancakes?

"What would you like to order?"

“This Pancake—”

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Hm?”

The girl standing right in front of me was the same one from earlier this morning.

"Pancake? Ah... Are you talking about Pafulancake?"

What should I say? My mind went completely blank, nothing came to mind. Think of something!

"U-uh yes... P-Pafelencake..."

"It's Pafulancake."

"Ah, right yes.. that one.."

I’ve messed up! I can’t believe I acted so awkwardly. She wouldn’t think that I’m some kind of weird person, right?

She took note of the remaining orders and went back inside the bar.

When she left, I felt a sense of relief and let out a deep breath.

What’s wrong with me? 

Keep calm, Asamura Yota! 

I’m not that bad at socializing, okay? Just stay cool.

I had been looking for her since this morning, and it looks like she’s working here at the bar. 

Wait—why have I been looking for her?

 No way am I—

No, no, no, it can’t be... She’s just like Vanniez or James, those types of strong people. 

That’s why I got curious, that’s all.

 Yeah, I’m definitely overthinking this.

James lightly tapped my shoulder.

"What's going on? Your face seems a little red."

"No! It's not... You must be imagining things."

“...”

"Isn't it cool to have a bar like this in such a small village?"

I listened to Sero's words and glanced around.

Right... something happened this morning, but now it seems like the villagers are enjoying themselves without a care in the world.

“So, where exactly are you all headed?”

James’s voice broke the brief silence.

Before any of us could answer, Sero leaned forward, eyes sparkling with excitement.

“To Matorix City, of course! Can you believe it? The Matorix—the legendary city itself!”

She let out a half-laugh, half-sigh.

 “I still can’t believe we’re really going there… And meeting Yota and Vanniez-san too—what a blessing.”

“Matorix City, huh… From what I’ve heard, it’s as grand and magnificent as they say—but also a place where danger walks among the people.”

“Still, I doubt there’s much to worry about. “

“After all, who would dare stir up trouble in a city guarded by such fierce and disciplined individuals? “

“No one foolish enough would even try.”

As we listened to James speak, Vanniez chimed in with a thoughtful tone.

"Yeah, you’re right—it’s not like Matorix City isn’t safe... but still, we shouldn’t underestimate the people living there."

He glanced off into the distance, brows slightly furrowed.

"I’ve got a feeling… they’re going to pull that off again this year too."

what exactly did he mean by "that"?

"What do you mean by that, Vanniez?" 

I asked.

Sero, clearly intrigued by my question, turned to Vanniez as well with curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

Vanniez slowly turned his gaze toward us.

“The Matorix City… Once, it was the mightiest force in the greatest war of the past. After their victory, they established the foundation of what would become the central government.”

“Then, one by one, the other nine Kingdoms and Cities answered their call and aligned with them.”

He paused briefly, his voice carrying the weight of history.

“From that moment on, the ten great powers were unified under a single alliance.”

“And now… once a year, the high officials, governors, and city leaders from each Kingdom gather at Matorix for a grand ceremony.”

So they’re going to hold the Unity Festival, huh? Judging by the look on James’s face, he seems to know about it too. 

Whatever the case, it sounds like something fun to look forward to.

Sero’s eyes sparkled with excitement after hearing Vanniez’s words.

“A festival...? Wait, so it’s like a Unity Festival, huh?? Do you think we can make it there before it starts?! This is gonna be epic!”

“Well, yeah... If we fix up the wagon, we should be able to make it on time... I guess.”

Sero listened to Vanniez's words and sat back, clearly delighted.

Well, I can't blame her for being excited.

I’m pretty excited myself too.

But i gotta stay calm though...the reason I want to go to Matorix is to find a way back home... Yeah... a way back home…

After a while, our food arrived.

Huh? Where is she? 

I had assumed she'd be the one bringing the food over. 

She’s probably busy with the other orders, huh?

Hmm? Isn’t that the same grandpa I met this morning?

What is that grandpa doing in a place like this? 

Is this his bar? 

If so, does that mean she’s related to him? That could be the case…

Never mind... That's none of my business. What's going on with me today…

I cut a small piece of the Pafulancake in front of me with my fork and brought it to my mouth.

Mmm… not bad at all.

It’s different from the flavors I’ve had back in my world, but this taste—though unfamiliar—is really good.

The texture is somewhere between soft and firm, not too fluffy, not too dense.

The melted butter adds a nice touch, making each bite smooth and satisfying.

Ah… looks like this world really does have some amazing food.

Though the bar buzzed with noise, we quietly ate and drank together.

After a short while, we paid the bill and stepped out of the bar.

Phew… I’m full, but honestly, I wouldn’t mind eating more.

“Hm? That’s…”

At one corner beside the bar, I spotted her again.

She was carrying a large bundle of trash bags.

I should go help her.

I walked over to her and picked up the trash bags she hadn’t carried yet.

“Let me help you out.”

“No, it’s okay. These are things I’m supposed to be doing.”

“I understand… but I just couldn’t stand by and watch a girl carry such heavy bags all by herself.”

She paused for a moment and looked at me.

"Do you think I look weak or something?"

Huh? That’s not what I meant to say

“N-No, I meant…”

Ugh, dang it… What am I even supposed to say now?

"I understand you're worried, but don't. I must get stronger than this, and then I'll be able to protect this village and Grandpa."

She said those words and then returned inside the bar. 

I was left standing there.

Dang it, I’m really bad at socializing.

Morning had come, and the chirping of little birds filled the air. 

I woke up from my bed, stretching out.

 As I descended the stairs, I ran into Charollo-san. 

“Charollo-san? When did you arrive? You didn’t even come here last night.”

“Ah, I was busy fixing the wagon all night," 

"All night?"

I wondered if he even slept.

From behind me, Sero appeared, looking like she had just gotten out of bed too.

Charollo looked at both of us and asked,

“Are you two hungry? Follow me.”

"Hm? Where are we going?"

Charollo replied, 

"I'm going to introduce you to someone. It's the person I mentioned yesterday, the one I told you about."

Eh... shouldn't he be taking us to a restaurant or something since he asked if we're hungry?

“Charollo-san, what about Vanniez-san and James-san?”

“Hmm? They should already be there.”

Oh they are already there? How long did I even sleep?

Sero and I went with Charollo-san to meet his acquaintances.

“Greet them! That's my business partner Jo Mori, and next to him is his granddaughter Stelliaz."

That's... the same person I met yesterday.!

“Yo, looks like we’ve run into each other again.”

“A-aha, it’s nice to see you again..."