The Fa house has decided to open a stall in the Post Station Town.
Even though the decision had been made, we still had a mountain of things to consider. As there were too many issues to address, I didnt know where to start.
After thinking about it carefully, I summarized them into three main issues.
The points were as follows
One, could we balance work and house chores?
Two, how would we transport the goods?
Three, what was the sales target?
I need to figure out these three questions before I could work on the nu.
To be honest, I already got a gist of the nu, and just needed to work out my plan based on which dish I would be serving.
First, could we balance work and house chores?
My schedule had not been consistent lately, but my tasks were centered around dawn and dusk. Till now, I used the ti around noon to practice my cooking, so it wouldnt be a problem if I filled this ti to commute to work and open the stall.
However, if I were to spend too much ti on preparing the food, I would need to shorten my operation ti.
In order to run the business smoothly, I had to think of an airtight plan.
Next was how to transport the items.
This was a difficult one.
Since I wanted to sell steaming hot food, I had to bring the iron pot and firewood to the Post Station Town. I needed soone to help , but it couldnt be Ai Fa.
Ai Fa was a hunter, after all, so she needed to hunt and couldnt stay in the Post Station Town for long. If she were to help ferry the goods, she would need to make two trips to the Post Station Town. A one-way journey from Forest's Edge to the Post Station Town required an hour. I couldnt let her neglect her hunting work for such a nial chore.
And so that's where things started to get interesting. I had to hire soone to work.
No matter what, it was too risky to tend the stall by myself. I would need to leave the stall because of miscellaneous matters from ti to ti, and leaving the stall unattended in the Post Station Town where people discriminate against Forest's Edge was dangerous. There might be ruffians hostile towards the denizens of Forest's Edge who would sneak into the stall.
Hence, I needed to get at least one more person to help.
Finally, how should we set the sales target?
That was another tough question. I think it would be good enough not to lose money. Considering our long-term goal, the price of the rchandise couldnt be too low.
One of our goals was let the people in the Post Station Town recognize the value of kiba at, we hoped that kiba at could have comparable value with the other at sold in the Post Station Town.
If not, we would disrupt the market prices.
If we set the price of kiba at too low, it might force the other at stalls to the brink.
And so, I arrived at a conclusion. No matter what my profits were, I would sell a product at the sa size and volu as a Kimyusu at bun.
The last thing to consider would be the calculation of ingredient cost and profits.
In order to ask Kaslan Lutim for his opinion, I visited his room with the above plan early in the morning. I didnt expect my actions to make him so confused.
Asuta, Im sorry. I dont understand at all
Eh? What dont you understand?
I get what you are saying, but even if you ask about revenue, price and working hours Im at a loss too, and dont know how to help you.
It seed that I explained too many unnecessary things.
Even if I asked him about operation hours and price setting, he couldnt do anything about it, so I just needed to worry about them by myself.
Sorry, you are right. Im here to discuss with you about getting helpers to tend to the stall. If I want to open a stall in the Post Station Town, I will need helpers. I cant transport a pot full of ingredients alone, and I also want soone to look after the stall at tis. So I will need the help of the won in Forest's Edge. I can use kiba tusks and horns to compensate them for their ti and effort.
Kaslan Lutims serious face showed signs of hesitation.
I have never seen him make such an expression.
That shouldnt be a problem. But wont Ai Fa be with you after opening your stall in the Post Station Town?
Eh? No, Ai Fa is a hunter, she has her own work to attend to, so she cant help . If Ai Fa were to stop hunting kiba, we would lose everything.
If you earn copper plates in the Post Station Town, you can exchange them for aria and poitan, right?
Only if my business is successful. If the business were to fail, we would lose all our savings. Besides, we will need to hunt kiba to get the at for the stall.
House Lutim can provide at for you. Like I said yesterday, we have piles of at and cant use them all.
Alright, when the business gets on track, I will be counting on you for that. But what we need right now are copper plates, we need them to buy the vegetables required for the dishes.
I wasnt sure why Kaslan Lutim had such a reaction, but I continued:
It might not be easy to sell kiba al in the Post Station Town, so its better to plan for the worst. Its even possible to have no sales within these ten days. If that were to happen, we would lose all the tusks and horns Ai Fa had earned so far. And so, I think Ai Fa should continue hunting and most important of all, Ai Fa has no intention of giving up her job as a hunter.
Ai Fa who was beside nodded.
Kaslan Lutim sighed softly.
Thats true. Asuta, you are right. You already set your mind on opening a stall in the Post Station Town and will go as far as to risk losing all your horns and tusks in order to achieve this goal. My thinking is too shallow Unfortunately, house Lutim is short on won help, and we even need to get other houses to lend us their aid. Like I ntioned yesterday, house Lutim doesnt have many won
I see, then I will need to discuss this with the Wu clan considering Donda Wus temperant, he will probably turn down. If we really cant find any helpers, my only option will be to sell food that I can carry alone.
That wont do.No way. The two of them said at the sa ti.
W-Why not?
Ai Fa who was beside closed in on angrily.
Think about it carefully, if the business succeeds, can you walk around in the Post Station Town with copper plates on you? if the ruffians in the Post Station Town were to attack you, would you be able to protect yourself?
Eh You are correct. But the won in Forest's Edge also need to buy things in the Post Station Town, right? If they are fine, then I
Do you think you are stronger than the won of Forest's Edge?
I was dealt a huge blow.
I might not be as strong as Mama Mia Lei, but I wouldnt lose to Leina Wu or Lala Wu at least I hoped so.
Ai Fa is right. Even if you are stronger than the won of Forest's Edge, going about alone in the Post Station Town is still very dangerous.
W-Why, Kaslan Lutim?
In the Post Station Town, no one dares to use violence against the denizens of Forest's Edge. Its the sa for the elderly, won and children. The people in the city already learned what will happen to them if they laid a hand on the denizens of Forest's Edge we have already proven this point decades ago.
Kaslan Lutims tone was calm, but his words were intimidating.
Could it be sothing incredibly terrifying happened several decades ago?
However, even though you wear the garbs of a denizen of Forest's Edge, your appearance is closer to the people in the city. If the ruffians in the Post Station Town were to think you are not a real denizen of Forest's Edge, you would be in danger.
I see
Furthermore, you might run into the people from the Tsun clan in the Post Station Town. Compared to the ruffians in the Post Station Town, Im more worried about them.
After Kaslan Lutim said that, Ai Fa nodded firmly.
I already considered this possibility but even the depraved Tsun clan wont use violence openly in broad daylight when they are in the Post Station Town, right?
Didnt the second son of the Tsun clan Doddo Tsun brandish his saber in broad daylight that other ti in the Post Station Town? During my wedding day, he also drew his blade against us.
Well You are right But if he really were to hurt anyone with his blade, he would be punished too, right?
That is only natural. Both the citys law and the rules of Forest's Edge forbid the act of drawing ones blade and hurting others. Anyone who breaches this rule will have to pay for his cri with his life.
Kaslan Lutim leaned forward unconsciously.
If anything were to happen to you and the criminal is executed, that still wont solve anything. We cant exchange the life of a ruffian for your wellbeing.
Kaslan Lutims eyes were troubled, and Ai Fas raging gaze made realized how naive I was.
I was too unaware of the dangers.
Of course, no matter how lawless the people of the Tsun clan is, they wont commit such grievous cri so easily in public. They know this will lead to their own destruction But Asuta, think about it. During your daily commute to the Post Station Town, there will be plenty of chances for others to attack you. If the ruffians were to ambush you during your journey from Forest's Edge to the Post Station Town
W-Wait, even if I were to be in the company of won from the Lutim or Wu clan, our position would still be precarious, right?
No, the Tsun clan dont have the guts to do so right now. If any kin of the Wu clan is hard, all the pent-up rage Donda Wu is bottling up will explode.
I noticed there is a stern light in Kaslan Lutims eyes that I have never seen before.
If that happens, the Tsun clan will be destroyed, and the Wu clans kin will suffer heavy losses And it will be only a matter of ti before the Forest's Edge settlent gets wiped out.
Yes.
The head of the Tsun clan knows Donda Wus temperant very well. He is probably very unhappy that his sons taunted the Wu clan. After all, the head of the Tsun clans goal is to protect his own stable life.
Those people actually barged into the wedding under such a situation.
Yes, they are too retarded, even going against their clan heads will.
This was the first ti I heard this earnest young man showed scold soone so plainly.
I experienced many things for the first ti this morning.
According to my observations, even if the three sons from the Tsun clan are incredibly retarded, they still have no intention of bringing Forest's Edge towards destruction. The second son Doddo Tsun only brandished his blade during the wedding to intimidate you. I already said this before, but the Fa house isnt a kin of the Wu clan. So the Tsun clan will lose control very easily when they face the Fa house.
Yes
Since Ai Fa is capable of protecting you, I dont think the Tsun clan would be a threat to you two. But Ai Fa cant move together with you this ti You can only rely on Donda Wu. If you can afford to pay and hire the won from the Wu clan, they would be able to ensure your safety.
I see So there wont be any danger if I employ the won from the Wu clan? Im not worried about myself, but for the safety of the won from the Wu clan.
No I can bet my life on that. After all, Im the most unwilling to see Forest's Edge head towards destruction.
Kaslan Lutims eyes showed no hesitation at all.
Unlike the careless , Kaslan Lutim was a great man, he wouldnt show any openings to the Tsun clan. His unwavering eyes made believe that.
This steeled my heart even more, but Ai Fa was still glaring angrily at from the side.
Asuta, you are too careless and dont think about protecting yourself properly. I wont let a frail man like you leave Forest's Edge alone.
Stop emphasizing being weak. I know that very well
It cant be helped. Hunters will hunt, hearth tenders will take care of the hearth. The Wu clan and Lutim house have their own responsibilities too, which is to be on guard against the Tsun clans violent acts. The Fa houses duty is to open a stall in the Post Station Town We might not be related by blood, but for the sake of a more prosperous life for everyone, we need to make up for each others shortcoming. Thats how things should be.
Kaslan Lutim finally smiled.
Ai Fa, is it the Fa houses style to shoulder everything by themselves and not to rely on others? In that case, then you and Asuta are really alike. Both of you have no regards for your own well-being for the sake of achieving your goals.
Kaslan Lutim was a great man as expected.
After all Ai Fa pouted her lips vexingly after hearing that.
This was the first ti I have seen Ai Fa showed such a face to soone else.
While I was impressed by Kaslan Lutim magnanimity sothing akin to jealousy welled up in my heart.
Just how narrow-minded was I? I could only sigh at myself.
2
Before noon, we estimated the ti Donda Wu would rise from bed, and left the Lutim house.
With our new pot in tow, we set off together with Kaslan and his wife.
I want to see Kota Wu.Ema Min Lutim used this reason and asked us to take her along.
Didnt you visit the Wu clan village yesterday?
I went to learn cooking and didnt see Kota Wu.
But you will be visiting the Wu clan to learn cooking later too, right?
Thats right. All the won are attending; if I miss out, I would be the worst cook in house Lutim. Kaslan, are you fine with that?
But
Also, if we dont go to the Wu clan together, I will only see you at dinner. If you are okay with that, I can go back to house Lutim now.
I-Im not saying you should go back.
In these thirty minutes, we had the rare chance to listen to the conversation between newlyweds.
I could only say that I was envious.
We reached the Wu village as we chatted.
There might have been only three days since the wedding, but it seed like it happened such a long ti ago.
The won in the branch houses were doing all sort of chores. Upon seeing us, they all waved.
I spent six days in this village after all, so this was like my second ho.
Ara ara, whats the occasion, you are actually visiting us together! Even bringing a pot too! The feast is already over, isnt it?
Mama Mia Lei received us cheerfully at the main house.
She seed surprised and intrigued and had a happy smile on her face. Her smile felt very nostalgic.
Im here to discuss sothing with Donda Wu. Is he awake?
Ah, he is chewing on jerky in the hall. Jiza and Ludo are with him I will safekeep your blades, can you put the pot around here, please?
Alright.
Mama Mia Lei took Ai Fa and Kaslan Lutims sabres and also my Santoku knife with her strong arms.
Alright then, welco to the Wu clan Clan head, you have guests!
After entering through the door, we found the clan head and his sons sitting opposite to each other in the center of the hall.
Hmm, Asuta, its you! What brings you here!?
Ludo Wu stood up nimbly when he noticed my presence.
Only then did the clan head and his heir turn their heads slowly our way.
They seed rather unhappy.
What, its you damn brats again. Nothing good ever cos from seeing you.
Kaslan Lutim bowed towards Donda Wu. The other party was obviously displeased, almost to the point of being hostile.
Head of the Wu clan Donda Wu, sorry for intruding, but could we have a bit of your ti?
Donda who was in the seat of honor snorted, then sat up straight.
Jiza Wu and Ludo Wu also sat down opposite to us.
Mia Lei Wu, I want to visit Sati Lei Wu and Kota Wu, are they in?
They are in their rooms. Thats right, lets leave the troubleso matters to the n.
After Mama Mia Lei placed our blades beside the clan head, she walked along the corridor to the right together with Ema Min Lutim.
Its almost ti for everyone to head into the Forest, so I will be brief The Fa house wanted the Lutim house to help with a job. But our house didnt have ans to do it, so we are here together to request for assistance from the Wu clan.
A job?
Thats right Asuta, please explain.
Alright. I will be frank; Im planning to open a stall in the Post Station Town.
What!?
Ludo Wu shouted in surprise.
What is this about! Hey, Asuta! Are you leaving Forest's Edge!?
No, Im planning to set up a stall to sell kiba at als as a denizen of Forest's Edge People might think this is ridiculous, but we have made up our mind. Im here to discuss this with everyone Because I hope the Wu clan will let borrow a woman to help .
Donda Wu already had a displeased face, so his expression didnt change much.
Jiza Wus thoughts were as elusive as ever.
Ludo Wu started laughing out loud.
What? You want the people from the city to eat kiba? The people who mock and call us kiba eater? You really are an interesting man! How did you co up with such an outrageous idea?
Thats complicated and will take a lot of ti to explain Donda Wu, what are your thoughts about this?
Is this your idea?
Donda Wu went straight to the point.
I straightened my back unconsciously.
No. The one who suggested for to do that was Kamyua Yost, the citizen of Rock City from last ti.
I knew it. Did that fool show up at the Fa house as promised?
Yes. But I didnt collude with him on this. When he gave this suggestion, I couldnt understand what his intentions were. After hearing him out, I realized that running a stall wasnt impossible, and decided to give it a shot.
I thought Donda Wu would react more strongly.
If I had to say Jiza Wu who was sitting quietly at the side started emitting a dangerous aura instead.
After I treated him to a al at the Fa house, he comnted that kiba was delicious, and it was a pity not to sell it. If we can barter kiba at for copper plates, the lives of Forest's Edge denizens will be more prosperous. In order to let the people in the city understand how delicious kiba at is, I need to open a stall in the Post Station Town thats the conclusion I arrived at after our discussion. I also visited the Post Station Town to conduct plenty of research, and check if this incredible proposal is really feasible.
Repeating what I told Kaslan Lutim yesterday, I explained my thoughts and feelings of the past two days.
Even if we sold kiba food in the Post Station Town, it wouldnt upset people too much.
If it works, we might really be able to pull this off in the Post Station Town.
I still couldnt understand Kamyua Yost, but it was true that he admired the denizens of Forest's Edge and had no intentions of deceiving us.
What an elusive man. But your cooking is really delicious! I cant wait to see the faces made by the city people when they try kiba at!
Shut up, Ludo.
Donda Wu snapped at him.
He wasnt in a good mood, but his expression remained calm.
He might actually agree to this just when I was thinking that, Jiza Wu called my na:
Asuta, you look just like a man from the city, and it wouldnt be strange for you to do business in town Why dont you beco a Post Station Town citizen, wouldnt that simplify the matter?
Jiza Wu, I know how you feel. I also answered you before that I like Forest's Edge. Given two choices - either remaining in Forest's Edge or opening the stall, I would choose Forest's Edge.
Hehe.
I heard a strange noise, and when I shifted my gaze, I found Ludo Wu laughing while facing away.
He had an incredibly cheerful smile on his face.
What a joke.
Donda Wu muttered.
I dont think the people in Rock city will eat kiba happily, trying to barter kiba at for copper plates is a ridiculous idea.
Yes. I cant imagine earning any profits from the stall. But I still want to give it a shot.
I leaned forward a little and stared at Donda Wus chiseled face.
Just Ai Fa and I alone cant run a stall in the Post Station Town. We will need helpers to operate the stall, and I have been advised that it is too dangerous for to move around in the Post Station Town alone. I might also run into the Tsun clan, so it is better for to enlist the help from the kin of the Wu clan. After listening to my words, will you please consider this?
Hmmp
I wont ask you to believe that this business will be successful. Be it success or failure I will pay the agreed remuneration. After discussing with Kaslan Lutim, I have set six copper plates as the wage for one day of work which is one tusk and one horn of a large kiba.
I heard that two won needed half a day to make one piece of fur. The price of the fur was equivalent to two tusks and horns between eight to twelve copper plates.
Kamyua Yost said that the tusks and horns from one kiba were worth ten copper plates. After checking with Ai Fa and the others, I found out that the price of the tusks and horns would differ according to their sizes.
I needed a woman to help for half a day, so I thought the price I was offering matched the market price.
As the Fa house and the Tsun clan have had so bad blood in the past, please take that into consideration too. Kaslan Lutim told that the Tsun clan wont lay their hands on as long as a kin from the Wu clan is with . However, Doddo Tsun is reckless, and I cant be sure what he will do if he gets drunk.
You dont need to tell that, brat Dont look down on the won from the Wu clan.
Clan head.
Jiza Wu was stopped mid-sentence by Donda Wu.
If I lend you my woman for half a day, you will give one horn and tusk. Thats not a bad deal. The Wu clan does have the people to spare.
Yes.
I have a condition.
A condition?
If you conspire with that retarded blonde man to harm Forest's Edge, I will take your right arm.
I felt a chill running down my spine.
I wasnt looking Ai Fas way, but I could feel murderous intent from her.
If you agree to this, I will lend you a helper.
I dont have any malicious intentions, but Im not sure about Kamyua Yost.
If that man has any sches, I will lop off his head. If you collude with him, I will cut off your right arm.
A heavy silence shrouded the hall.
I gulped.
Im willing to swear that aside from the thoughts and feelings I described earlier, I have no other intentions However, if Kamyua Yost does have ulterior motives, I wont be able to prove my innocence when his sches are uncovered.
I dont need you to be a smart alec. If you got fooled by him, I will just laugh at you for being retarded Kaslan Lutim, head of the Fa house.
Yes.
Kaslan Lutim answered quietly. Ai Fa was silent as she glared at Donda Wu.
An angry fire burned in her eyes.
Do you believe what this brat is saying?
Of course. If I didnt, I wouldnt have co.
What about you, head of the Fa house?
Isnt it obvious? As the house head, how can I not trust my own family?
Her voice was trembling with rage.
Donda Wu was unusually calm in front of Ai Fa.
If the two of them believe in your innocence until the very end, I will let you off. If they are certain that you have betrayed Forest's Edge, I will take your right arm.
I accept this term.
I wiped away the cold sweat on my brows and answered:
I vow to never betray the denizens of Forest's Edge.
Will you swear on your right arm?
I do, I swear on my right arm.
The next instant, Ai Fa proclaid loudly:
Hold it; the Fa house is the one that decided to open a stall in the Post Station Town, not Asuta. If anything happens, the house head should be responsible.
Ai Fas cat-like eyes burned with an intense fla.
Donda Wu stared at her silently.
If I do anything against my conscience, I will give you my arm.
Hey, Ai Fa
Head of the Fa house, I dont need your arm.
Donda Wu cut off sternly.
Soone like you wont collude with the people of Rock city. But this brat ca from a foreign land, I just want to know his true intentions and resolve.
But
Didnt he give his answer? I only want to know whether he will attempt to deceive us. He wont lose his right arm unless he betrays us.
The light in Donda Wus eyes intensified a little as he stared at the furious Ai Fa.
He already made his resolve, are you going to trample over his efforts? Or do you actually doubt him?
Ai Fa tried to stand up.
I grabbed her arm in a panic.
Calm down, Ai Fa. I wont betray the denizens of Forest's Edge; it will be fine.
This was probably an unnecessary precaution.
Donda Wu was the head of the Wu clans main house and had the future of Forest's Edge resting on his shoulders. He shouldnt believe so easily.
Even so, he was willing to let Kaslan Lutim and Ai Fa judge .
Ai Fa and Kaslan Lutim were his tribe mates from Forest's Edge. Even if he didnt trust , he could trust them I felt that Donda Wus decisiveness was very straight to the point.
However Donda Wu always hid his intentions with crude words, which I think was a bad point.
Even so, I still understood his actions.
Ai Fa glared at for a mont, then sat down again.
She lowered her head to conceal her agitated emotions and eyes and bit on her lower lips.
Looks like we have a deal.
Donda Wu muttered.
Well then, who shall we send to help you
Ah, the job includes transporting the ingredients and iron pot, as well as tending to the stall. My helper will need to be capable of traversing the hilly terrain with the ingredients and pot.
Hmmp
Won from the main or branch houses are fine; I will leave the choice to you.
As I was speaking, my heart turned gloomy.
I had yet to et Leina Wu and Vena Wu since the wedding.
Vena Wu asked to take her along and journey to a faraway place.
Leina Wu wanted to leave the Fa house and beco a mber of the Wu clan.
I could fulfill neither of these two wishes.
I didnt want to avoid them forever and hoped to build a stable relationship with them again. Unfortunately, I still didnt know how.
Who would he dispatch? My heart raced as I waited for his answer Donda Wu finally said:
Lets send Vena then.
3
After a series of events, this was my third visit to the Post Station Town.
I was talking with Donda Wu in the Wu main house just a short ti earlier.
After leaving the Fa house yesterday, we visited house Lutim, went to the Post Station Town, returned to house Lutim again and stayed the night there. The next day, Im here at the Post Station Town after visiting the Wu clan my itenary was fully pack for these two days.
I visited the Post Station Town two days in a row.
I had slowly gotten used to the ssy streets.
Ai Fa wasnt with today.
The Lutim house marriage was already three days ago, Ai Fa had to hunt the forest today, so she went ho alone with the iron pot.
And accompanying in her place were Vena Wu and Ludo Wu.
An unexpected trio.
Hee hee, its been so long since I ca to the Post Station Town! This place is still so stifling!
Ludo Wu said excitedly.
I like the Post Station Town But, I dont like how everyone stares at , its a bit unnerving
Vena Wu was all smiles too.
On the night of the wedding, when we were together in the stove room of Shin Wus house, Vena Wu begged in tears not to be together with Leina Wu. Her figure back then was still fresh on my mind and Vena Wu was walking beside her brother on the stone paved path right now, her face showing a more cheerful and pure smile than usual.
On the other hand, I felt a bit tired.
In order to execute the plan in my mind, I had to visit the Post Station Town again. As Ai Fa couldnt accompany , Donda Wu lended two mbers of the Wu clan. I was grateful for Donda Wus help, but he had a condition; he wanted to introduce Kamyua Yost to the two of them.
As Kamyua Yost was too hard to understand, Donda Wu probably wanted the two of them to get to know his thoughts as much as possible.
Would the eting between them and Kamyua Yost end smoothly? I was worried.
L-Ludo Wu, dont you need to do your work as a hunter?
After asking that, Ludo Wu said that the Wu clan wont be entering the forest today.
The reason was simple there were kiba everywhere in the forest.
With the increase in the number of kiba, the Wu clan already hunted enough for two days during their trip yesterday. A few n from the branch family and Darum Wu also suffered light wounds.
They already lost Ryada Wu, so they couldnt afford to be reckless and risk losing more hunters. Hence, everyone gets to rest for a day, and not hunt kiba we just happened to arrive when the Wu clan reached this conclusion.
The situation in the Wu clan was even more dire than house Lutim.
This made worry about Ai Fa who went into the forest today, but the brave huntress from my house wasnt fazed as expected.
This probably ant that the kiba group is slowly moving south. There are only smaller houses in our vicinity, so they couldnt hunt all the kiba. After the kiba eats all the food in the area, they will continue moving down south.
I see
When they had eaten all the food in the south, they will head to village and ravage the farms. This might be a worse disaster than usual.
Ai Fa was calm, but angry fla burned in her blue eyes.
I can only do what what I can to hunt the kiba and do my job Asuta, go and do your job too.
I got it.
Ai Fa and I act separately.
I headed to the Post Station Town with the eldest daughter and the youngest son from the Wu clan
Uwah, thats a Totos, a Totos! It looks as funny as ever! Asuta, what does the Totos taste like?
L-Ludo Wu, dont be so loud.
Asuta I never thought that I would get to work with you for ten days in a row, this is like a dream Thank you for giving such a wonderful job
T-This is work alright? You have to work properly okay? Please keep private and work matters apart!
We just reached the Post Station Town, when the two of them started talking loudly.
The gazes on us were different from the previous two tis I visited.
By the way, Ludo Wu was wearing his cape and dressed like a hunter as usual. Vena Wu had a different attire today. She had a translucent veil on her head, a shawl covered her shoulders and a cloth with swirly patterns covered her waist down to her ankles.
Girls have to be careful. The people in the city arent our tribe mates, I cant bare my skin before them
Her effort was comndable, but regrettably, such a thin piece of cloth couldnt conceal Vena Wus thicc figure.
Her deep cleavage was very visible, and the slit down the cloth covering her waist revealed the beautiful curves on her legs, which was even sexier than baring them the lusty eyes of the n were centered on her, surpassing those of disdain and fear.
I dont know if we will see those retards from the Tsun clan, but if they draw their blades in front of , I will break their arms!
Dont! Ludo Wu, please dont make a scene!
What? You think Im a retard who will create a trouble without being provoked?
He wasnt retarded, but he fulfilled all the conditions of starting trouble.
Ludo Wu was loud, have big movents and attract a lot of attention. But Vena Wu was on par with him.
However I was happy about a certain quality Ludo Wu has.
In Forest's Edge, Ludo Wu was a carefree youth. He left a good impression on , and I had never thought he was noisy or undependable. Instead, I think he had many good points, lively and pure.
The buildings and people in the Post Station Town were more densely pack, so for Ludo Wu, this town was too cramped.
He needed a big space for him to spread his limbs.
Wah, its people from Semu! They are still so black! I wonder if he knows magic.
But I really wish he wouldnt point at pedestrians and shout!
L-Lets go! Lets et Kamyua first!
I had to drag those two and hurried towards the Kimyusus tail inn.
Really now Ludo, you are too loud, that makes us even more prominent
What are you talking about Vena-nee! Its because of the flirty way you walk!
Dont say that, Asuta will hear you
This was probably the first ti I hear them converse properly.
This scene cald down a little, but I still prefer enjoying such a heart warming interaction in Forest's Edge.
Welco Oh, its you again.
The owner of Kimyusus tail inn I rember his na was Milano Mast received us with a sour face again.
Oh~ so this is an inn.
Ludo Wu looked around the room curiously. His actions made nervous, and I asked:
Is Kamyua Yost here?
No. He left early in the morning. I dont know if he left for work or pleasure.
He wasnt here.
I felt relieved, but I was in a dilemma. I couldnt carry out my promise with Donda Wu now.
At this mont, the boy Leito ca out from inside the restaurant like he did last ti.
Asuta, you ca to visit again! And they are?
They are denizens from Forest's Edge, Vena Wu and Ludo Wu from the Wu clan.
I see, they are from the Wu clan.
Leito smiled.
Seed like Kamyua already told him their nas.
And who are you?
Ludo Wu squainted a little.
Ah, Im Leito, Kamyuas disciple. Pleased to et you both.
Disciple in what?
Disciple in being a Guardian of course.
I still dont understand the entire scope of Kamyua Yosts job, but since he needed to ensure the safety of travelers, he probably gets embroiled into fights a lot.
Kamyua is out to discuss details about a job next month. He left early in the morning, and wont be back too lack.
I see. I will co over to find him after we finish buying our things.
After giving this reply, I turned to Milano Mast who had turned his face to the side.
I had business with him today.
Excuse , Kamyua told that this place handles the market place rental, and the lease of pushcarts. Can you lease a pushcart to ?
What?
Milano Mast turned and faced .
If you are willing to pay, I will lease you my pushcart. What will you be selling?
I want to sell food made from kiba at.
The next mont, the man grunted unhappily.
I dont care what you are selling, but dont make my pushcart stink, or I will force you to buy it. Can you accept that?
I will be selling food, so there will be so sll. Does this rule apply to the other renters too?
Its fine if you sell Kimyusu or karon. But if the stench of the kiba gets on the pushcart, it cant be used again.
He ntioned an unfamiliar term in his reply.
What was a karon?
You are really naggy, uncle! You dont know how delicious kiba is, so dont say so much alright? If you got a problem, then try eating so kiba first.
Milano raised his thick eyebrow when he heard what Ludo Wu said.
Then have you eaten karon or kimyusu before? You only think the stinky kiba is delicious because you have never tried them. If you dont want to hear nag, then dont bring that at into town!
Even though Ludo Wu didnt seem to be bothered, I felt that I should intervene.
Im sorry, but everyone has their own preferences, so theres no point in debating about food you have never tried before. I tried Kimyusu a few tis before, and I think kiba is on par with that.
You used to be from the city right?
Yes, but Im not a resident of Genos.
I can tell that much from your pale face. Even you think that kiba is delicious?
Of course its delicious. If not, I wont be opening a stall here. I tried all sorts of at back in my hotown. I think the taste of kiba is top notch.
How is that possible. Were you eating Munto or Gizu at?
It was hard to get through to this uncle.
When I fell into deep thought, Leito suddenly interjected:
Excuse , Kamyua let safekeep the kiba jerky he got yesterday. After trying it, the kiba at is different from karon, and is tasty in a unique way.
And of course, those were made from kiba that had been blood let. It was great that he likes them.
Milano frowned doubtfully.
He then shook his head and gave up on the debate.
Anyway, Im running a business here. If you dont stink up my pushcart, I can lease you as many as you like. The marketplace rental and pushcart lease will be two white copper plates.
That will be for ten days right? By the way, what are the dinsions of the pushcart?
Go look for yourself at the marketplace, theres a few pushcart leased out by there. My inns na is engraved on them.
Understand. I will co visit in a few days.
I should leave for now.
Please inform when Kamyua returns.
After I said that to Leito, I left the Kimyusus tail inn with my two companions.
Asuta you are aweso. You really are a man of the city
Vena Wu leaned close to .
I cant get along with soone like that I might lose my cool and punch him, just like Ludo
Vena Wu, Im hiring you to tend to the stall alright?
Yes Im willing to endure all sorts of humiliation for your sake, you know?
What humiliation?
Could I really work together with her for ten days? I already felt uneasy about the future.
Lets go shopping? Hmm? Whats the matter, Ludo Wu?
Nothing That kid just now
Ah, you an Leito. Hes a strange kid.
I dont an that I think he is very pitiful.
Pitiful? Why?
Leitos ntor was a suspicious character, so I could sympatize with his situation. But Ludo Wu didnt know how Kamyuas character was.
Its fine, nothing to do with . We should hurry. Its been a while since I ca to the Post Station Town, I want to shop for weapons.
We set off on our incredible journey again.
I felt strange seeing these two walking so naturally in the Post Station Town.
We are going to change for copper plates. Asuta, didnt you rob those blessings from us? Are you going to use them?
Who robbed you? Well, I was planning to use those blessings. But the tusks and horns you gave arent on this necklace.
There were ten tusks and horns on my necklace.
When Ai Fa and I splitted up at the Wu clan, he passed this necklace to .
I was planning to use the tusks and horns I earned to buy the ingredients I needed in town, but Ai Fa was unhappy when she heard that.
You want to shoulder the entire burden yourself?
Im planning to do that! Just ten tusks and horns isnt enough to pay the initial cost right? I dont want you to bear the entire cost.
Im the house head.
I know But If I dont bear any of the cost, it will feel like Im dumping everything onto you.
Ai Fa fell into deep thought.
Ai Fa then took out a necklace from his cape. After adjusting the number of tusks and horns to ten, she gave it to .
Take this. Give your necklace.
Okay What do you want to do?
If the business in the Post Station Town fails, we will lose all our copper plates. I will then use your necklace to buy aria and poitan.
Ai Fa put away the necklace I handed to her carefully.
If the business is a success, we will get more copper plates. I will give you your necklace back then.
I see Im fine with that. But you
It feels really awful to see soone shoulder all the responsibility. You made realize that last night.
Ai Fas face looked really scary.
You dont have any complains now huh Besides, you dont want to trade in the blessings Grandma Jiba gifted you for copper plates right?
Ah, yes, you actually knew. I dont rember telling you that.
I can tell from your expression. I dont know why you think that way but if it wont trouble others, you dont need to suppress how you feel.
Ai Fa said to . Her eyes had cald down a little.
What are you thinking about
Sothing warm wrapped around my right arm.
Do you feel lonely after separating with your beloved mistress?
While we were walking in the Post Station Town, Vena Wu clinged onto my right arm.
I wanted to pull my arm away, but as expected of a denizen of Forest's Edge, she wouldnt budge at all.
Excuse ! I told you just now too, I hope you can act properly when you work
I know that But Im not working today right? We are in the Post Station Town to buy our own groceries
She was right. Donda Wu already told that I didnt need to pay any wages to the Wu clan today.
B-But, Ludo Wu is here too? Is that fine?
After I whispered that to Vena Wu, she winked at sexily like usual.
Its fine, Ludo wants you to marry into our clan Asuta, do you like my dance?
Dance?
The dance during the banquet I dance so hard for your sake
What was she talking about?
I dont rember such a prominent event during the banquet.
After everyone finish all the at, all the unwed won got together to perform a dance of blessing? I always attract the attention of all the n, so I would usually abstain from such an activity. But I did so for you
After all the at was eaten
I was probably talking with Ai Fa and Kaslan Lutim during that ti.
I received the necklace as remuneration, spoke to them a little then fell asleep. Ai Fa then carried into the empty room.
After I fell asleep the unwed won then perford the dance of blessing.
Did you not see my dance?
Eh, thats not it. I was really busy that day, and fell asleep right after I finished my work.
Vena Wu was stunned. After she closed her eyes, she gripped my arm tightly.
Her monstrous strength was on par with a madarama snake.
But I also felt an indescribable softness.
Too much Asuta, you are too much
It hurts! It hurts so much! My arm is breaking! Vena Wu, wait!
I felt intense pain, and I seed to have touched so places I shouldnt have.
We were walking along the streets and it was broad daylight, so this wasnt the appropriate way to act.
You must never tell Leina about this
It hurts! Ehh? What is that about Leina Wu?
Her dance was like the blazing fla Leina is a docile child, and I never knew she had such passionate emotions in her heart You have stolen her heart completely
Vena Wu released my arm nimbly, then sighed.
Asuta, I have already gotten over the fact that you are not willing to take far away. I was thinking that its fine for you to marry into the house This is bad Leina will hate
She glanced at sideways sorrowfully.
Sinful man
I dont rember committing any sins.
I knew that Leina Wu harboured special feelings towards .
Leina Wu hoped that I could join the Wu clan, but I couldnt do that. How should I face her in the future, and how would our relationship be?
I looked up at the cloudless sky, but the answers werent written there.
4
Despite the complicated question without any answers lingering in my heart, I still needed to finish my work.
I need to find that old person with a toad-like smile, and exchange for copper plates at his shop.
Asuta, you only changed a little.
Yes, we just bought aria and poitan recently, so this much would be enough.
I had six copper plates in my hand.
I picked one larger tusk and horn, and got the funds I needed for today.
You changed so many, as expected of a family of twelve.
The duo from the Wu clan traded in five kiba worth of tusks and horns.
We had the sa number of copper plates, but theirs were white, worth ten tis that of the red copper plates.
Fufu This is just enough for three days worth of food
Ehh? Then you need to visit the Post Station Town once every three days?
I was right.
If they had manpower to spare, they would send three person to purchase five days worth of food.
The Fa house only had two people, so we could buy enough for twenty days. They had six tis our numbers, so five days is the limit.
I calculated, the Wu clan will need 108 aria and 72 poitan.
The Fa house consu 120 aria and 80 poitan in twenty days, which was comparable to the Wu clans purchase.
We still need to buy fruit wine for dad. I dont understand what he likes them.
We have five red copper plates left What vegetables should we buy?
It felt refreshing to discuss what things to shop for with the denizens of Forest's Edge inside the Post Station Town. It was the sa feeling I had when I visit this place with Ai Fa.
The eldest sister and youngest brother were about the sa height, and the way they were chatting looked so warming. When the people from the Post Station Town looked at them with fear and disdain, there was a sense of dissonance with this scene.
If no one provokes Ludo Wu, he wont give off a dangerous aura like the other n from Forest's Edge. On a closer inspection, his face is likeable, and not scary at all.
Ludo Wus actions made nervous at first, but I realized that I didnt need to worry after all.
Ai Fa was Ai Fa, Ludo Wu was Ludo Wu. I knew they were full of charm. No matter what others think, this fact would never change.
I decided to not be bothered by other peoples gaze.
Lets shop for vegetables. Theres soone who runs a stall at the northernmost end
Ah! Wait! I want to go to the weapon shop! Maybe there will be sothing interesting there!
Ludo Wu parted the crowd and charged towards a stall.
More accurately speaking, he didnt part the crowd, the crowd parted themselves.
Sorry. He is already fifteen, but still acts like a child Never mind, Im twenty and still unwed, so I dont have the right to say that
In a sense, of all the ti I knew Vena Wu, she look the most charming when she said that with a smile.
If she was so happy being with her family, then she didnt need to yearn for the world outside I thought to myself and walked to the stall. Ludo Wu pick up a machete and yell childishly.
This is a machete? It looks like a murder weapon.
Hahaha, during war, the army will need to bash through the woods as they advance. If they encounter the enemy, the soldiers will engage right away with these machetes.
The uncle with ivory skin said with a slightly stiff expression.
Ludo Wu call this store a weapon shop, but Genos was very far from their enemy nation Mahildra, so it was impossible for a battle to break out. This stall mainly sells blades for everyday use, such as machete, axes and knives.
Ah, is this a cooking knife?
I enquired from the side, and the uncle showed a confused face.
Why is this pale brat wearing clothes from Forest's Edge? His expression was saying this clearly:
This is a knife for cutting vegetables.
The blade on this knife was thinner than my dads Santoku knife, but was incredibly sharp.
I had seen this knife in the stove room of the Wu clan and house Lutim, and I felt overjoyed when I saw it for sale.
Dad already used his knife for twenty years. If it cracks, I wont be able to use it anymore. I can borrow Ai Fas knife to cut the at, but I still want to buy a knife for myself one day
This knife is priced at four white copper plates and five red copper plates.
The uncle said cautiously.
Its about four kibas worth of tusks and horns
I will buy this knife when I have more money to spare.
Thank you. Ludo Wu, its about ti for us to shop for vegetables.
Hmm? Wait a minute.
Ludo Wu walked out of the stall.
With the thick machete still in his hand.
H-Hey, wait!
He ignored the uncles shout, and stood on the road fiercely.
Excuse ! Dont co near for now!
Ludo Wu shouted. The pedestrians wouldnt go near a man from Forest's Edge in the first place. They made a detour with sour faces.
Asuta, Vena-nee, stay back too!
Ludo Wu swung the machete after saying that.
He then pull the blade up with the sound of it cutting through the air.
As if his strike was burning the air itself.
The blade stall owners face turned green.
So did the pedestrians.
So stopped in their tracks, while others turned around and leave.
Ludo Wu didnt care about the troubled and fearful gazes on him, and continued swinging the machete quickly. Finally, he yelled:I like it!
Looks like this machete can smash a kibas head in one hit! Uncle, how much is this?
E-Eight white copper plates.
This machete was cost the tusks and horns of six large kiba, an extravagant price.
Considering the fact that eight white copper plates could buy sixty als of aria and poitan, I realized once again how cheap these two ingredients were.
Got it! Asuta, hold on to this, dont let anyone buy it! I will be right back!
Ludo Wu shoved the machete into my hands and ran off with haste.
The crowd splitted again, just like how Moses parted the sea in the ten commandnts.
He is still a kid
Vena Wu smiled. I didnt think a kid could wield this chunk of steel.
The machete was around 1cm thick, 10cm broad and 30cm long. It was sturdily built and the blade was curved slightly, weighing more than 1kg. This machete could really smash the skull of a kiba.
He was smaller than I am, how is he able to swing this machete?
The arm strength of a hunter was fearso.
Ludo Wu charged back and bought the machete. After he secured it to his waist, we finally set off for the vegetable stall.
And of course, we visited Uncle Doras stall.
W-Welco!
When he saw soone from Forest's Edge who wasnt Ai Fa, his smile turned a little stiff. But he still welco us cheerfully.
So its this stall huh I was right. There arent many stalls that sell sacks of aria and poitan after all
Vena Wu stood before the uncle, it seed that this wasnt her first visit.
One hundred aria and poitan please
Alright, the aria is two white copper plates, and the poitan is two white and five red copper plates.
Hmm? You are buying so many poitan?
I whispered to Ludo Wu in surprise, and he replied:Because Dad and Darum-nii eat a lot.
According to Ai Fa, the denizens of Forest's Edge would consu three aria and two poitan every day. That was minimum number to stay healthy, but a lot of the n from the Wu clan would eat three or four peoples share of poitan.
Here, one hundred poitan and aria. Please check.
The uncle placed the heavy sacks on the ground, and the siblings started counting them harmoniously.
I also used this chance to complete my goal.
Uncle Dora, can I ask you sothing?
Y-Yes, what is it?
Can tino be eaten raw?
Tino was a lettuce-like vegetable that had the shape of a rose.
It was about the size of a lettuce, and had the taste and texture of a cabbage.
Of course. But I prefer to cook them.
I see, so do people usually cook the tarapa before eating them?
Tarapa was a red fruit that had the size of a pumpkin.
It was very sour, and taste like tomato after it was brewed.
Well, there are people who eat it raw, but it is too sour, so it needs to be cooked with other vegetables before eatng it. I like to make tarapa stew with aria.
Aria has a sweet taste after all. After dicing aria and frying it, you can bring out its sweetness by cooking it with tarapa.
Dora opened his eyes wide in surprise.
Y-You are very familiar with the vegetables.
Not at all, I dont even know which vegetables can be eaten raw By the way, can aria be eaten raw?
Of course.
Next is Gigo. Does your stall sell gigo?
No, my farm isnt suitable for gigo...Grandma Misill sells big and sweet gigo, they are popular around here.
Eh? Where is grandma Misills stall?
I-Its in the central zone. Between the fine leather works and the cloth shop. A petite grandma runs a stall there by herself, you will know it when you see it.
I got it! Thank you!
I was probably smiling unconsciously.
The uncle also showed a relaxed smile for the first ti.
Alright, the number is correct. Asuta, arent you buying?
Thats right. Uncle, I want two tino and three tarapa.
Ehh? You are buying so many tarapa?
Yes. I plan to use them to cook the food I will be selling Oh right, after cooking the tarapa, must it be finished on the sa day? And if I cut a tarapa in half, how long can I keep the other half?
Hmm~ After cooking it, you can keep it for two days at the most. As for the tarapa that has been cut, it will lose its moisture if you leave it for too long. But if you add water when you cook it, the taste will be the sa.
I see. Thank you, you have been a big help.
As the tarapa and tino were large, just five of them filled up the entire bag.
By the way, the price for one tarapa and two tino were both one red copper plate.
I was left with two red copper plate.
Only the gigo and fruit wine were left.
Hmm~ What should we buy How about another tino?
The tino is too big! But sothing smaller.
Pula then?
Pula is unnecessary!
What should we buy then? I like tino
Buy chachi, chachi! Vegetable stew taste great if you add chachi in!
But chachi needs to be cooked for a long ti before it turns soft?
Chachi was a vegetable that had the texture of potatoes.
The Wu clan used to cook kiba soup with strong fla in a short ti. Cooking it this way would turn the outside of the chachi mushy while the inside remained crispy, and wouldnt bring out its sweetness.
Dont worry. You boil the soul with a small fire right? The texture will be the sa as the stew we had last ti this way. Dont wait for the water to boil before adding the chachi, please toss them in before you even start to boil the water.
After I interjected, Ludo Wu shook Vena Wus shoulders triumphantly.
See, even Asuta says so! Buy chachi!
Alright. If chachi can be cooked deliciously, I wont have any complains Hmm, so dont wait for the water to boil before putting them in, we have to put them in before starting the fire?
Yes.
Hee hee!
Ludo Wu put his sister in a headlock.
That hurts
Vena Wu squird her body sexily.
I didnt know this pair of siblings were so close.
Huh? Theres no chachi here? You dont sell them?
G-Grandma Misill does.
The uncle replied timidly, then alternate his gaze between Ludo Wu and Vena Wu.
Y-You two are really special. This is the first ti I have seen the denizens of Forest's Edge pick out vegetables based on their own preference.
Huh? I hate pula! Sell chachi, dont sell pula!
T-those are grown on trees, so its hard to grow them from the start.
Hmm, there are many types of vegetables huh.
Ludo Wu and Vena Wu acted as they usually did, but the expression on the uncles face changed drastically.
He was stunned.
And then confused.
After that he was all smiles?
Even though he feared the denizens of Forest's Edge, he was observing Ludo Wu carefully now.
When he heard the denizens of Forest's Edge discuss their preference for vegetables, he was so happy.
Food has no distinction on being delicious or not, these words filled with regrets.
He must had felt the sa as I did all this while.
While I was in deep thought, the voice of a girl rang out from my back.
Ah! Asuta-nii!
Tara was standing behind .
She had a Kimyusu at bun clasped tightly in her hand as she ran towards us with short strides.
However, she stood stiffly in place when she saw Ludo Wu and Vena Wu.
Hmm? Who is this brat?
She is Tara, the stall owners daughter. I told you about her before right?
Ah, the brat you saved, who helped you later right?
Ludo Wu took nimble steps towards the girl standing stiffly in place.
It felt like seeing a german shepherd approaching a kitten, which made nervous. The poor uncle who had a surprised face was now turning green.
Brat! You are about bratty Ries size. How old are you?
Eight Eight years old
Thats the sa as Rie. But you are much thinner, so you look younger.
Ludo Wu squatted down, and looked between the girl and the bun.
Sll nice. Is it good?
Yes.
I guess so.
You You want to try?
Tara offered the at bun she was holding carefully in her hands to Ludo Wu timidly.
Ludo Wu tilted his head quizzically.
Can I eat that?
J-Just a bite!
I see, then I will do that.
After saying that, Ludo Wu bit down on the at bun in Taras hand.
He bit really hard, as if he was trying to take off Taras fingers too.
The uncle scread.
Ludo Wu didnt chew too much before swallowing. He then scratched his yellowish brown hair and stood up.
Well, it taste bad.
T-Taste bad?
Not good at all. Asutas cooking taste much better.
R-Really?
Tara looked at with a expression that seed to be a mixture of smiling and crying.
I sighed, then walked towards them.
Everyone has their own preferences. I dont know if my cooking will be the city peoples liking, but I will be setting up a stall around here.
I see! Please let Tara try your cooking when you do.
As I will be running a business here, I will need to charge for the food But I will let you and uncle have a try, please tell your thoughts then.
Yes!
What an adorable child.
Fortunately, Ai Fa wasnt here, so no one would give strange looks when I talk to other girls.
As I turned my head with that thought in mind, I found Vena Wu standing before the stall and watching and Ludo Wu closely.
I really dont get won.
Well then, we only need to get fruit wine and chachi. What about you?
Hmm, I need fruit wine and gigo.
Ah, gigo! Vena-nee, lets buy gigo too! Grilled poitan will only turn fluffy if you add gigo right?
Dont worry Even if we buy ten fruit wines, we will still have five copper plates left
Before Vena Wu could even finish, the last character made his appearance.
Hi Asuta, Im really glad that I get to et you three days in a row. Have you finally made up your mind?
Kamyua Yost appeared before us.
He walked out of the crowd without a word and ca towards us with his cloak flicking in the wind.
Leito told about your visit, so I went off to find you. You are at Uncle Doras place as expected.
Yes, Im already done with my chores. Its good to see you, Kamyua.
I stole a glance at Ludo Wu.
Ludo Wu was expressionless.
However his fingers were tapping on the sheath of the machete on his waist rhythmically.
Vena Wu walked briskly over, and stopped diagonally behind her brother.
Oh right, they are
Vena Wu and Ludo Wu of the Wu clan. Leito already told . I would hate to have missed you, so I asked Leito to stay put at the inn.
His expression was as elusive as ever.
His purple pupils that resembled both an elderly and a child were filled with glee, as he switched his gaze between them.
Ludo Wu, I saw you at the Wu village before. Allow to introduce myself again. Im Kamyua Yost, my job is a guardian that ensures the safety of travelers. Im a citizen of the western nation that roams freely and calls all the Post Station Towns I visit my ho.
Hmmp~
Ludo Wu answered half heartedly.
He continued tapping on his machete.
Milano Mast already told what happened. He agreed to rent you his pushcart.
Yes. I will prepare the stall after Im done with the nu.
You finally made up your mind, Im so happy! Im willing to visit everyday if I can eat your cooking everyday.
I will prepare alluring food to attract your patronage everyday.
That was all I need from Kamyua Yost today, to report this matter.
After Ludo Wu realized this fact, he spoke nonchalantly:
Kamyua Yost. My father, the head of the Wu clan Donda Wu has a ssage for you. Will you listen to it?
Of course! Do tell .
Forest's Edge will clean up after our own sha. If you interfere, I will lop off your head Thats all.
Understood, I will keep that in mind.
Kamyua bowed in an exaggerated manner.
Ludo Wu kept a straight face, then glanced my way.
Asuta, lets go buy chachi and gigo. The sun will set if we take our ti.
Thats true Sorry about that, Kamyua. Thank you for making the trip here to see us, but we still need to do so shopping
Its fine its fine! After you open your stall, we can et for ten days in a row. Asuta, I wish you the best of luck in your business.
Thank you.
After he appeared quietly, Kamyua went off silently.
Sohow I felt that Kamyua didnt have much of a presence today, and was like a ghost.
That man pissed off.
Ludo Wu said all of a sudden.
Huh?
My blade is ant to cut kiba, I dont intent to use it against people however, I still feel pissed off when Im facing an opponent I cant defeat. On top of that, hes from the city.
L-Ludo Wu? What do you an?
Darum-nii and I isnt a match for him. Jiza-nii probably cant beat him either. Only Dad can cut off his thin neck.
Ludo Wu clicked his tongue as he ruffled his yellowish brown hair.
5
An hour later, I finally reached the Fa house.
I had been away for more than 24 hours.
The two close siblings accompanied . In order to prepare for her job in the Post Station Town, Vena Wu need to rember where my place was. More importantly, they were afraid that the Tsun clan might do sothing nefarious.
Hmmp, looks like we wont run into retards who gets drunk in broad daylight.
Ludo Wu had the largest baggage out of the three of us. He checked the surroundings with keen eyes.
By the way, you need to cross such a deep valley from the Fa house to the Post Station Town. no wonder you need helpers.
Yes. If I head to the Post Station Town from the Wu village, I will have an easier ti.
The Forest's Edge settlent had several routes leading into the Post Station Town. The shortest path was from the Wu clan, and would take just 40 to 50 minutes., with no bridges and a comfortable road.
However, it would take an hour to travel from the Fa house to the Wu clan, a distance that makes hesitate. On the other hand, carrying the goods and crossing the suspension bridge was much easier.
On the way ho, we used the sacks of vegetables in the place of an iron pot, and did a trial run. If I could muster my courage, the two of us could really cross the suspension bridge with the iron pot.
This was our first try, and I spent quite a long ti to gather my courage and resolve if Vena Wu lose her infatuation with because of that, I would have an easier ti. But Im afraid that I would lose her respect as a boss.
It was hard to tell if this was a blessing, but even after Vena Wu saw how terrified and unsightly I was, she continued to flirt with .
We are leaving now Im looking forward to the day when work starts
Send Ai Fa our regards Asuta, let us try your cooking once in a while, dont just cook for the people in the city.
After the two close siblings said that, they left.
Even though Ludo Wu was carrying 70 percent of the load, Vena Wu still had a hundred aria on her back. Her strides were nimble and quick, and didnt miss a beat. As expected of a woman from Forest's Edge.
Ai Fa was right, I shouldnt look down on the abilities of the won of Forest's Edge. Their muscular and skeletal structure must be very different from mine. Any won as tall as Vena Wu would definitely be stronger than .
With the difference in the environnt we were raised in, this couldnt be helped but I still couldnt hold back my sigh.
If I eat kiba everyday, will my body change too?
I headed into the Fa house while lost in thought.
The sun was midway between its peak and the horizon.
It seed that I had plenty of ti to grill poitan.
Ai Fa was still hunting kiba in the forest. I had to prepare a sumptuous dinner for her. After sorting out my mood, I renewed my grip on the sack of tarapa and tino, as well as giant burdock gigo the stall helped cut into a tre, then opened the door.
And I saw Ai Fas cape on the wall.
Hmm?
It was still early, but she was already back.
She probably caught a kiba already, so I didnt need to be alard. But where was she?
Ai Fa, are you there?
I called out as I walked into the food store.
I opened the door and Ai Fa wasnt there.
Setting aside the bounty I got today, I checked the other two storage room.
Ai Fa wasnt there.
Hmm?
The new pot was already placed beside the stove.
There wasnt anything that stood out besides that.
No
On a closer look, I realized the sabre wasnt there, even though the cape was there.
Unless she was sleeping, Ai Fa would always carry a knife with her. After she cos ho, she would take off her cape and sabre, and lean it against the wall.
What was going on here?
She didnt put on her cape, and only had her knife with her. Beside washing her clothes at the water source, I had never seen Ai Fa left the house without her cape.
Did she went to the water source?
No, the pots and water flasks were still in the room. We didnt need to go to the water source unless it was early in the morning.
With a thumping heart, I charged out of the house.
Was she sunning the pico leaves?
No, I dont sll the fragrance of pico leaves.
Instead, a stench entered my nostril.
It was mixed with rust this was the stench of blood.
A chill imdiately ran down my back.
Where did this sll co from?
Where was the source?
Behind the house.
I hit my knee caps that was starting to tremble, and went to the back of the house.
It will be fine I started deluding. Even if those people from the Tsun clan were lawless, it was impossible for them to commit such retarded acts in broad daylight.
Retarded acts
No, I didnt dare to imagine it.
When I realized it, my heart was beating hard, and I was out of breath.
It was fine.
Ai Fa would be fine.
It was impossible for tragedies to happen.
I kept telling myself that as I walked along the walls
I braced myself and stepped to the backyard.
And.
I saw a kiba that was hung up, completely skinned.
Asuta, youre ho.
Ai Fa was looking at the hanging kiba as she sat on the ground with her back against the wall.
I took big strides towards Ai Fa, bend forward, then grabbed her bare shoulders tightly.
Dont Dont scare !
Ai Fa widened her eyes confusedly.
Asuta, are you crying?
Whos crying!
I headbutted Ai Fa.
That hurts.
I heard her complaining, but I still press against Ai Fa with my head.
Asuta, whats wrong? Why are you so flustered?
Shut up! You made so worried Why are you skinning the kiba!? I was so terrified when I slled the blood!
Skinning is part of the hunters job right?
Ai Fa replied displeasedly.
As we were too close, I couldnt see her expression.
The n from the Wu clan and house Lutim all take cares of the skinning work, but I havent learned it yet. That vexes . Im practicing with a kiba that I hunted. I have watched you skin the kiba several tis after all.
If that is so then tell I thought my heart was going to burst
Just why were you so panicky?
You dont have your sabre with you, and I sll blood from outside the house. I thought sothing happened, and my mind was filled with ominous imagination.
With my forehead sticking closely to Ai Fas forehead, I gave a deep sigh.
I have my knife right here. Dont worry, I know that ruffians might appear at any ti, so I will always watch my surroundings.
Ai Fas spoke in an irate tone.
Were you imagining the Tsun clan n killing ? I wont lose to those despicable people.
I know
You understand my feelings now?
I was surprised, and lifted my head.
Ai Fa averted her eyes and pouted.
Ever since I took a frail man like you into the Fa house, do you know how worried I was? If you know, then dont act rashly in the future.
Yes.
Getting worried over nothing is fine, but you even lectured . I took care of such a tedious task, you should be thankful.
No, that... its my bad.
What I want isnt your apology.
Thank you?
Hmmp.
Ai Fa stood up.
She crossed her arms arrogantly with a smug grin.
Could it be she thought my eyes would sparkle after I see her skin the kiba, and tell her with wild joy and excitent:How did you learn that? Thats amazing!. When I see Ai Fa made that childish face, I couldnt help deluding.
I sighed again, steeled myself and stood up.
I patted Ai Fas blonde hair and said:good girl good girl, and was greeted with a sharp strike into my solar plexus.
I dont know what are the next steps. What do I do after cutting open the stomach?
While I was still struggling to breath, Ai Fas voice ca from above .
A few seconds after I fell into an oxygen deprived state, I got up again.
That hurts. You are asking because you want to carry out the entire butchering process?
The n from the Wu house had all learned the steps after this.
She scrowled her nose and showed a scary face. It had been a while since she showed her cat-like expression.
I got it, I will teach you If you butcher the kiba in the future, that will lighten my load. But wont the burden on you increase?
Dont be ridiculous. What will happen if you go to the Post Station Town? Will you have ti to take care of the kiba and poitan after coming ho? I dont want to drink the easy to prepare poitan soup any more.
I fell into deep thought again.
I was planning to get up earlier to grill the poitan for dinner and the rchandize. But it would take at least three to four hours to dismber one kiba. No matter how much ti i have, it would delay dinner ti.
Ai Fa always notice the finer details than .
No, when Ai Fa acts, she really think of running the stall as a job that involve both of us.
I still hold the attitude that I shouldnt over rely on Ai Fa deep in my heart. My values told that this was correct But I was in Forest's Edge now, not my world in the past.
I shouldnt think about things through my own value.
I shouldnt rely on her for everything, but I should do so at the right ti.
What I should be doing was to go through thick and thin with Ai Fa.
I understand. What you said make sense. Since you will be responsible for skinning and butchering the kiba, I will work hard on the other tasks.
Hmmp.
My house head is really dependable In order to not get left behind, I will have to give my best.
Dont joke with . Im just doing my work as a hunter.
Ai Fa still looked a little unhappy as she pulled out her knife.
No one can replace your work. You have to work hard in cooking delicious food.
I know, but
Not just , Ai Fas work was irreplaceable too.
Ai Fa had to take care of the chores of the Forest's Edge won early in the morning, then enter the forest to hunt in the noon. In all of Forest's Edge, only Ai Fa was capable of doing that.
6
I did so calculations.
After dinner, I told Ai Fa the plan I had organized in my mind.
The ingredients I will be using are aria, poitan, tino, tarapa, and poitan mixed with gigo. Considering the issue of making profits, we can use the cost effective aria and poitan, but the people in town wont want to buy that. So I decided to focus on how the people in town feels.
Yes.
Kamyua told us that we will be selling light als to be eaten in the day, not dinner. I dont need to be worried about the nutrition intake. And so, I will use aria to add to the fragrance, and use just one poitan for each portion. I will also throw in tarapa and tino. It should be as nutritious as the at bun I tried last ti.
Yes.
I did a rough estimate, one portion is about 0.65 red copper plates. As half a day worth of aria and poitan is about 0.55 red copper plates, its not too big a difference. Hence, I want to use other ingredients to garnish its taste and appearance.
Ugh.
0.65 red copper plates is the ingredient fee for making ten portions a day, but making ten portion will leave a lot of tarapa over. If I make twenty portions, I will just need 1.5 tis the tarapa. As tarapa is the most expensive ingredient, I can push the cost down to below 0.6 red copper plates if I make twenty portions a day. If we make 30 or 40 portions, the ingredient cost will gradually fall too.
Yes.
Next would be the other expenses. The venue and pushcart rental for ten days is two white copper plate, or twenty red copper plates. Theres also the wage I need to pay Vena Wu. We cant dismiss this wage too. We are paying her a tusk and a horn for one day of work. That will be six red copper plates, and sixty red copper plates in ten days. The initial cost and her wages will be eighty red copper plates. Hence, we need to sell at least 40 portions, or we wont make any profit.
Yes.
After setting the ingredient cost to the highest estimate of 0.65, we will need to sell sixty portions in this ten days to break even. Thats six portions a day. Most people in the Post Station Town have yet to experience the tastiness of kiba. Furthermore, the people in the city finds kiba at repulsive, so the sales for the first few days might be terrible, we just have to wait to build our custor base through word of mouth slowly.
Asuta.
Even if we sell just one or two portions in the beginning, we can make money if we can sell 20 portions in the last three days. I think the situation is favourable to us. According to my research, the a stall in the Post Station Town can sell between 20 to 50 portions a day. I hope we can achieve the minimum target at the very least.
Asuta, Asuta.
Even if the situation is in our favour, there is still risks. We cant just compete on taste alone, the important thing is to improve the prejudice the people in town has towards kiba and the denizens of Forest's Edge. If that didnt work, we might not even sell a single al. So we shouldnt overestimate ourselves, and just prepare ten portions for the first few days, and keep the ingredient cost as low as possible
Asuta!
Yes? What is it?
When I realized it, Ai Fa was leaning against the wall, tilting her head and glaring at .
Whats with her? She wasnt sitting cross legged, and she look really cute with her slanted sitting position.
Are you torturing intentionally?
Hmm? What do you an?
I tilted my head in quizzingly.
As the room was dim, I couldnt see very well, but I noticed Ai Fas eyes were teary.
I dont understand what you are talking about! My head is hurting!
W-Was my explanation too hard to understand? Sorry, I will make it simpler
No need! I will leave it all to you! My head hurts!
The way she throws her temper reminds of Lala Wu.
Even though Ai Fa was very emotional, she seldom lose control.
D-Didnt you ask to explain to you properly? This is our work, so you should know the details
I said no need ow! My head hurts!
ow!?
Did she just say ow!?
J-J-Just what happened to her? Did Dan Lutims toddler regression virus got her?
As I was panicking, Ai Fa rest her forehead on the wall, and collapsed onto the floor.
My head hurts
Uwah, are you alright!? Hey, Ai Fa!
When I saw Ai Fa collapsed onto the floor weakly, I picked her up.
When I put my hand on her forehead, it felt rather warm.
D-Did you overexert your brain? Hey, does it hurt? I will get you so water.
No need You are too loud
Ai Fa frowned painfully, and closed her eyes.
Dont move My head hurts
I-I understand.
I rest Ai Fa on my lap, and wait for her to recover slowly.
Under such circumstances, I obviously couldnt have impure thoughts. But it was the first ti we were so close together, and Ai Fas body warmth made it hard for to stay calm.
Are you alright?
Just a while more.
She grabbed my t-shirt tightly.
Her breasts covered in the garnts of Forest's Edge started heaving hard.
She seed to be in a lot of pain.
Im sorry being so detailed You dont need to worry about the accounting. After all, I dont know how to hunt kiba too, so just leave these matters to .
Ai Fa didnt answer, and kept grinding her head on my chest.
Her head was probably still throbbing.
If the business fails, I will try my best to minimize our losses. I wont waste the kiba that you hunt at the risk of your life.
If the business fails, how many tusks and horns will we lose?
Ai Fa asked, she had cald down a lot.
I was relieved, and answered:
If we cant even sell one al in the next ten days, we will lose twelve kibas worth of tusks and horns. Its hard to imagine right?
Its hard to imagine.
Thats right. The venue and pushcart rental cost less than two kiba. Half of the balance is the ingredient cost, the half is the wages for Vena Wu. If it cos to that, we can only cut the ingredient cost.
Yes.
When I was in the Post Station Town, I didnt see any stalls that only sell cooked at alone. So stalls will roast the thighs of birds and so vegetables, which seed to be drinking snacks for the people in town. I have to compete with the other stalls with my light al If I just want to earn a quick buck, I just need to sell grilled at or jerky.
Theres no point in doing that. We already have enough copper plates to survive.
Ai Fa pulled her necklace with her other hand, which made jingling sounds.
The tusks and horns on her neck and in her cape far exceeds twelve kiba. The Fa house only has two mbers, if she could hunt a kiba every two days, we didnt need to worry about copper plates.
This was proof that the number of kiba was increasing, and that Ai Fa was in even more danger. Ai Fa wished to use the tusks and horns she earned by risking her life, and challenged the citizens of the Post Station Town.
Our goal was to make Forest's Edge even more prosperous The Fa house suffered in the past because of poverty. For the sake of the other tribe mbers suffering in silence in Forest's Edge, we had to give it a shot.
I cant talk about a grandiose dream like Kaslan Lutim However, I wont regret it even if we lose many of our tusks and horns. Asuta, you just need to try your best. Just like that ti when you faced off against Donda Wu, and when you agreed to tend to the hearth for the wedding.
Yes, with the reputation of the Fa house on the line, I will aim to be the very best that no one ever was Does your head still hurts? If you feel better, why dont you sleep earlier today?
Yeah.
Ai Fa nodded in agreent, but she still didnt move.
Ehh Should I put you down on the floor?
If you think Im heavy, you can put down.
How could that be? Her weight only made feel comfortable.
If she didnt want to, I didnt want her leave my arms.
When will you open the stall?
Four days later. Three days later, the Wu clan will head into the Post Station Town to buy groceries. I will work on the rchandize and improve it for this few days By the way, your only comnt is delicious, anything else that needs to be improved?
No.
I see That dish and normal hamburg steak, which taste better?
They are both good.
If you have to choose one?
Are you trying to make my headache worst?
Ai Fa grumbled then turned on my knees.
She didnt turn away from , but towards .
If the people in the city thinks that dish taste bad, their tongues must be rotten. You should stop running your stall and just cook for then
I will be happy to live like that too But I will do my best to achieve success.
Yes.
Ai Fa nodded.
Asuta, when you are happy, I feel happy.
Thats right.
Seeing you succeed makes proud.
Ai Fa mumbled. As she was lying on my chest, it looked like she was whispering to my heart.
It will be fine.
There would be mountains of problems waiting for after I set up my stall.
After all, we went into this battle so lightly.
For the past eight decades, the citizens of Post Station Town discriminated against the denizens of Forest's Edge and kiba, how far could I overturn this preconception of theirs?
I will do everything within my powers.
For the sake of the people I cherished and their hotown, I will do all that I could.
I hope that I could raise my head high and tell the entire world that I was a part of Forests Edge.
When I realized it, Ai Fa had already fallen asleep in my arms.
As long as you are by my side, everything will be just fine.
I muttered in my heart as I feel the calming weight and warmth on my body.
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