Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 103

By placing the bones at the tip of the tail, I had roughly enough bones for one Bola.

I’ve never seen a monster called Bola, but it seems to have been a fairly large one, about two meters long. It had a large skull with many strong fangs and a long tail.

Since I’ve never seen one, I just arranged them randomly, but it should be roughly like this. Fortunately, it was in a clean state, making it easy to identify.

Even though it’s just bones, the ferocity of this fish is clearly conveyed.

If it had flesh on it, it would have been even more impressive. I wouldn’t want to see it alive if possible.

“For now, is it all set?”

“Wow!”

As I muttered, sounds of admiration and applause rose from the surroundings.

Surprised, I looked around and noticed that many people had gathered.

It’s somehow very embarrassing.

“Th-thank you.”

Not used to being surrounded by unfamiliar people and being watched, I just lowered my head and moved closer to Klaus and the others.

“I can’t believe you dug up an entire skeleton.”

“Since we found it, it would feel weird not to complete the whole set.”

“Going to the sea just to collect, Shuu-kun, you’re a true collector.”

Klaus and Saffy seemed somewhat incredulous, but that’s fine. That’s how I enjoy my life.

For me, collecting isn’t a job but a hobby and passion, so I don’t really have the concept of vacation days.

Unless it’s explicitly prohibited, I’ll go collecting.

“Huh? Where’s Lumia-san and Nelge-sama?”

“They’re buying food at the food stalls. Looks like they’ve just returned while we were talking.”

Looking where Saffy’s gaze directed, Lumia and Nelge, accompanied by the maids, were bringing back a lot of ingredients.

“Oh, Shuu-san. Have you finished collecting the Bola bones?”

“Yes, I have. Sorry for not helping with shopping or preparations.”

Looking at the neatly arranged sheets, it’s evident they were prepared for a meal.

I was the only one solely focused on collecting, not doing anything else.

And I feel terribly sorry for making Nelge, a noble, run errands like a servant.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s something I enjoy doing. Anyway, are all the bones arranged?”

“I’m not sure if they’re all there, but I think they’re roughly in place.”

“Could I take a quick look before the meal?”

“Yes, please do.”

“Lumia, let’s go!”

“Yes, Nelge-san!”

Nelge and Lumia placed the food on the sheet and went to see the bones together.

The atmosphere between Nelge and Lumia seems softer than before.

It seems like they’ve become closer while I was collecting. Such a change is heartwarming.

“Should we borrow chairs and tables?”

“No, I’d prefer to keep it this way. In fact, Nelge prefers it.”

Nelge might have thought it would be uncomfortable to eat on the sheet, but she doesn’t seem to feel that way.

Everyone seemed excited about going to the sea together, and maybe they wanted to experience a more commoner-like way of spending time.

“If Klaus and the others are okay with it, then I don’t mind.”

“I’m sorry for causing trouble.”

“It’s not a big deal, don’t worry about it.”

Klaus seems to see this as Nelge’s whim, but if it’s just a suggestion like this, it’s quite endearing.

Before long, Nelge and Lumia returned, looking a bit excited after seeing the bones.

“You managed to find such a large number of bones.”

“It’s something I’m good at.”

Yes, my main job is gathering materials. Absolutely not hunting dangerous monsters.

The sea in Lindblum is peaceful. Phew, no dangerous monsters or anything.

I’m really hungry, probably because I’ve been playing in the sea since morning.

Sitting down on the sheet, there are plenty of seafood dishes like grilled fish, steamed clams, skewers, and grilled shellfish.

It smells really good.

“Well then, shall we start eating?”

As Saffy said that, everyone reached for their chosen food.

Among them, what catches my attention the most is the vibrant pink juice in a cup.

Taking a sniff, it has a floral aroma.

“The scent of flowers?”

“Yes, it’s juice from a flower called Abysscus.

You collect Abysscus, chop it, strain it, add sugar and lemon water, and that’s it.”

“They grow naturally around here and are quite commonly consumed.”

“I see.”

Tilting my head, Klaus and Nelge explained to me.

No wonder it had a floral scent. I’ve never really had juice made from flowers before, so I’m really curious about the taste.

Trying a little sip, the taste of flowers spread in my mouth.

“Oh, it’s delicious!”

A voice of admiration escapes involuntarily at the unexpectedly delicious taste.

A gentle sweetness that slides down the throat smoothly. And the soft floral flavor that spreads out.

There wasn’t the slightest hint of floral scent, and it was very easy to drink.

“I’m surprised that such delicious juice can be made from flowers.”

“Yeah, Lumia sometimes puts it in her tea, but this usage is more straightforward and tasty.”

“Each has its own merits.”

Seeing Lumia puffing her cheeks as if sulking, Saffy laughed.

I’d love to just gulp it down, but it would be a waste to drink it all at once, so I switch to eating instead.

The first thing I pick up is a large steamed rock clam.

Inserting my fingers into the narrow gap, I pry it open, revealing plump white flesh.

I pierce it with a fork, emitting steam, and bring it to my mouth.

The rich aroma of the sea bursts in my mouth. It’s like the intense flavor of an oyster.

“Ah, this is delicious too.”

It’s so delicious that I reach for more.

The rock clams are piled high on a large plate, so it’s okay to eat plenty.

“Shuu-kun, it’s delicious as it is, but squeezing some lemon on it makes it even better, you know?”

“It would be a waste to just enjoy it as is.”

As I’m amazed by Saffy’s devilish idea, Klaus sprinkles some lemon juice over my rock clams.

Tentatively taking a bite, the acidity of the lemon perfectly complements the creamy richness.

“Oh, this is so easy to eat.”

With lemon, it feels light and I feel like I could eat endless amounts.

“I also recommend sprinkling a little rock salt.”

As Nelge says this, one of the maids swiftly brings over the rock clams and sprinkles rock salt on top.

Isn’t it too quick to grasp the master’s intentions?

Despite feeling pressured to eat from Nelge’s suggestion, I try it.

“Wow, the salt is delicious too!”

The flavor of the rock clams is good on its own, but adding a little accent enhances the satisfaction.

Perhaps because I’ve been playing in the sea and unknowingly sweating, the saltiness tastes even better.

Of course, this is delicious too.

“Don’t you think so?”

When I let out my honest impression, Nelge rejoiced as if it were her own achievement.

If it had ended like this, both condiments would have been a perfect match, and it would have ended amicably.

“So, Shuu-san, which one do you prefer?”

However, forbidden words prompting a comparison leaked from Lumia’s mouth.

At that moment, the atmosphere around us became tense.

“Hmph, there’s no need to answer such a thing, right?”

“Yeah, of course, it’s lemon, right? Shuu-kun?”

“No, Shuu-san is definitely a fan of salt. Isn’t that right?”

Klaus, Saffy, and Nelge’s gazes pierce through.

From the strangely fervent words of these three, I had always thought there must be such factions.

This debate, as futile and inconclusive as whether to put salt, sauce, or soy sauce on a fried egg, seems to have been passed down from ancient times.

“So, which one is it?”

“Which one is it, Shuu-san?”

“Um, well, what about you, Lumia-san?”

Pressed by the three with an unusual intensity, I sought rescue from Lumia.

“I’m the type who eats it as it is.”

“…”

I sensed the three were deflated by Lumia’s clear answer, so I seized the opportunity to jump in.

“I’m also the type who eats it as it is.”

“It’s nice to taste the ingredients themselves, isn’t it?”

“Yes, exactly.”

As we conversed amicably like that, the three looked at us with faces as if they had just suffered from indigestion.