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𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
“Luke, what are you doing?”
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The next morning, when Alma went outside, she saw Luke heating a large pot over the fire.
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Leah was busily helping by his side.
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“Ah, good morning Alma-san!”
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“Good morning, Leah-chan. So, what is that?”
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“Oh, good morning Alma. This is me heating the Crete wine.”
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Luke replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
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“Heating? What’s that?”
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“It’s not surprising you’re unfamiliar with it. By heating it for a certain time, we can achieve the same effect as anti-decay magic.”
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“Can something like that really prevent decay?”
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Alma exclaimed in surprise.
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It’s common to use anti-decay magic on water and liquor for long-term preservation.
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However, preserving raw meat without decay requires strong magic, making it expensive. Therefore, for long expeditions like dungeon raids, it’s customary to carry dried meat and various preserved foods.
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Nevertheless, using anti-decay magic on drinking water and other consumables is common sense, and other forms of preservation have become almost unseen recently.
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Nowadays, even magical stones infused with magical power that can preserve contents in a pot for a year are sold.
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“Anti-decay magic stones are expensive. This way, even the village of Crete can preserve things for a long time without spending much.”
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“Indeed, in this village, we boil drinking water for use. But applying it to wine. . . that’s an oversight.”
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Namil, who was watching, struck his forehead in admiration.
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“But, Lord Luke, to think you knew about such things. . . truly remarkable.”
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“It’s nothing really. In the past, when I couldn’t use magic, securing drinking water was a struggle, and I learned this from my master then.”
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During training with Iris, there were times when he had to retreat to the mountains alone.
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That was when he learned how to obtain drinking water without using magical power.
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“Everyone relies too much on magic. There might come a time when magic can’t be used, so it’s good to remember these methods.”
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(Iris said such things, but who knew it would be useful in this way)
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Luke smiled wryly as he lifted a bottle of liquor from the pot.
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He immediately cooled it in the cold water he had prepared in a barrel nearby.
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“Wow, it’s amazing that the bottle doesn’t break even when cooled rapidly. This makes it perfect for storing this wine.”
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“Leave it to me. St. Arrogas’s bottle making is the best on the continent; this is nothing for us.”
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Natalia puffed up her chest proudly, impressing Sicily.
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“This is good, it should last for years as long as the seal isn’t broken.”
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“That’s really helpful. Now we can keep it as stock and sell it confidently. . . Ouch.”
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Natalia winced and rubbed her cheek after cuddling the bottle.
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Namil bowed his head to Luke in gratitude.
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“Thank you for everything. You’re like the Great Horned Princess who bestowed wisdom on our ancestors, Lord Luke.”
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“Ahaha. . . maybe it’s not completely unrelated. . .”
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Luke was picturing Iris in his mind.
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It’s not surprising that Iris, sealed 800 years ago, could have been here even before that.
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If this speculation is correct, then Iris, feared as a demon, would have another side to her.
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This was also the answer that Luke was seeking.
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Freeing Iris is not a threat; gaining this assurance is one of Luke’s goals.
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(Maybe I have a story to tell master next time we meet)
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After finishing the fire treatment of Crete wine, Luke and his companions prepared for their journey.
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“Are you leaving already? You are welcome to stay as long as you like.”
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“Thank you for your kindness. But we have things we must do.”
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Luke glanced at Leah beside him.
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He must return Pit to her at any cost.
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“Understood. I won’t hold you back then. But remember this: we will always welcome you at any time. Please do stop by again when you’re settled.”
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Namil looked at Leah.
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“And please take good care of Leah.”
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“Of course. Leave Leah to us.”
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“This child has faced many hardships. It may be presumptuous, but she might be happier with you. Leah, do your best.”
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“Yes! Village chief, I will do my best!”
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Leah answered loudly.
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Her voice was buoyant with anticipation for the life ahead.
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When the time of departure came, villagers gathered around.
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Kick swung Luke’s arm as if to tear it off.
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“Luke-san, you must come back again! We’ll be waiting for you!”
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“Of course. I have to come back to restock on Crete wine. Make sure to produce a lot by then.”
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“Leave it to us!”
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Bolz stepped forward, pushing Kick aside.
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“Luke-san, if you ever face trouble, just say it. We all will support you.”
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“Yeah, I’ll count on that when the time comes.”
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The two exchanged a firm handshake, signaling the moment of departure.
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“Luke-san, take care.”
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“Thank you very much!”
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With the voices of the parting beastkin behind them, Luke and his party headed back to Mercapolis.