Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 87

Chapter 87   Grandma Chinana’s Soup Stock

We walked east along the coastline of Enkera Port. By the time the sunset had painted the shoreline red, we arrived at the old woman’s house.

“This is the place. Come on in.”

“Thank you for having us.”

We followed the old woman inside and sat at the table. After a short wait, she served us a warm, unassuming bowl of soup.

“Try this.”

“Thank you for the meal.” “Poko~♪”

Pokorina and I sipped the soup. It had a light, refreshing taste unlike anything I had experienced before, and it was absolutely delicious.

“This is really good. I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

“Glad you think so, glad you think so,” the old woman chuckled.

“Could you teach me how to make it?”

“Of course. And from now on, you can call me Master Chinana,” she said with a mischievous grin. Her eyes weren’t those of a human.

She even had a tail. This old woman was a demon.

“Understood. Master Chinana! I look forward to learning from you.”

And so, my culinary training began—or at least, that’s what I’d like to say, but I was quite busy.

By the third night, I had some of the castle’s cooks take over for me, and they learned from her instead.

Master Chinana’s secret cooking technique involved a method called dashi. It was made by simmering dried fish and seaweed to create a flavorful broth.

Later on, we started producing dried fish and seaweed as specialty products of the Gale region.

◇◇◇◇◇

Unified Calendar 567, April――

The planting of Ishtar wheat in the Gale region was finally completed. Villages were bustling with the cultivation of vegetables, and fishing boats were setting out vigorously into the sea.

“…At last, we can see it!”

“Yes.”

We had cleared the forests and diverted water to transform the land into farmland. With that task finally nearing completion, Adelheid and I took in the view with deep emotion.

“My lord! So this is where you’ve been!?”

“Hmm?”

Turning toward the voice, I saw Count Bartholomeus, radiating an aura so noble that even a man could fall for him.

“Today we will learn summoning magic! Follow me.”

“…Ah, please do.”

It seemed the count had taken a liking to me and was teaching me various demon magic techniques. Today’s training was once again a special session in the deep mountains beyond Enkera Port.

“Not yet! Your magical power is still lacking!”

“…I-I’m sorry.”

The spell I was working on involved summoning demons under my command. Since zombies and skeletons couldn’t move freely in daylight, I needed to use teleportation magic to move them all at once.

“Once more, again!”

“Yes!”

I once again focused my magical power and expanded the magic circle. Lately, I had been successfully creating very large magic circles on the ground.

“Yes, that’s it! Again!”

“…No, please let me rest!”

After all, this count was an undead demon who never got tired. I struggled to keep up with his intense training and often had to request breaks.

◇◇◇◇◇

Unified Calendar 567, late April――

The young leaves were lush and the mountains were beginning to shimmer with green.

“Form ranks!”

“Forward, march!”

“Alright!”

Under Adelheid’s direction, recruitment had started in the Gale region. Although we were enlisting only a few regular soldiers, we were training them daily.

The Gale region was not facing enemy territory, so its defensive needs were minimal. The plan was to use the surplus troops recruited here and send them to the land of Lebe.

“Lord Reister. Shall we return to Lebe soon?”

“Yes!”

Prompted by Adelheid, I boarded a ship at Enkera Port and set sail for Europa Port.

◇◇◇◇◇

Duke Rillburn’s Domain, Eastern Europa Port.

“Out of the way! Clear the path!”

“Hey, watch where you’re going!”

The port town was packed with people, and the noise was overwhelming. The bustling activity was astonishing.

I had been so preoccupied with the development of the Gale region that I had forgotten about Europa Port.

However, most ships heading to Enkera Port passed through Europa Port. As a result, Europa Port had also developed in proportion to the growth of the Gale region.

“Lord Reister, this port has developed quite a bit too.”

“Indeed, Your Excellency!”

My official role was to be the bodyguard of Adelheid, the steward of the Duke Rillburn’s household. She was enthusiastically playing that part.

“It’s getting late tonight. Let’s get a room at a nearby inn!”

“Yes, sir.”

So we entered an inn. The ground floor had a reception and a dining area.

“Hey, old man! Two ales, please!”

“Coming right up!”

Hungry, we first took a seat in the dining area.

“What would you like to order?”

The portly innkeeper asked.

“Meat, bring us meat! We want meat!”

Adelheid demanded loudly. Indeed, we had been eating only seafood in the Gale region.

…Thus, we were very much craving meat.

“Hey, old man, another round!”

“…Y-yes!”

We ate and drank a lot. Perhaps we consumed the equivalent of an entire sheep…

Later—

We went up to our room on the second floor. I was led into the room by the quite intoxicated Adelheid.

“…Come on, Lord Reister! Let’s have a duel first!”

“Eh!?”

She immediately removed her armor, revealing alluring underwear. She must have been prepared in advance.

…That night’s battle. I was thoroughly defeated.