81 - I Became a Guy Who Got Caught Up in the Summoning of a Hero

Title: **Caught Up in the Summoning of Heroes - Chapter 81: The Northern Rabbit** --- **What is Culture...?** On the last day of the Demon God's month, preparations for a grand festival were in full swing. This continent holds a thanksgiving event to mark the start of a new year safely. This time, however, even the beastmen participated in the preparations. For several days, everyone bustled about, managing to complete the splendid arrangements just in time. It was quite impressive to see both slaves and beastmen mingle as they prepared with bright expressions. "Isn't it a wonderful sight?" "Of course! When you think about how little consideration beastmen once received on this continent, what we're witnessing now could very well be called a miracle." "It really is amazing. I never imagined that the beastmen would become our neighbors." "If it weren't for the Demon God's month, they might have already integrated into human society as just another race. But because of the frenzy, necessary sacrifices were made, leading to the current distance between us." "I hope their future is full of happiness." "I agree wholeheartedly." The continent was still embroiled in a conflict between humans and demons. Even now, many lives are likely rendered to lonely souls under the guise of war. Count Brannue, who left a while ago, might be embroiled in such a war-torn routine even now. If not, he might have been caught by a stray arrow or sword and met his end. "Even on a day like this, we sure have a lot of merchants." A tower was erected to accommodate multiple carriages at the entrance. The tightly packed procession of merchant carriages, along with the various stalls and shops lining the estate wall, indicated just how much the area was evolving. Benny eyed me from head to toe and commented. "You seem to have gained some weight lately." "Oh, really? Do I still look presentable?" "You look just fine. You seem a bit... lean, though." Recently, due to a past incident where I collapsed, both the maid and Vincent became quite sensitive about my eating habits. They even checked if I carried a pouch of mana restoration pills whenever I went out. They were strange folks; even if they were worried about me, I wondered if they considered what would happen if I got angry due to their nosiness. Nonetheless, I dismissed it with a smile, knowing they meant well. But adhering to my principle of using strength when needed, I insisted on carrying at least two pills at all times. 'But it's odd... Mana restoratives have no side effects.' I pondered whether the power of mana causes side effects because it doesn't naturally align with living beings. During this contemplation of whether I should delve into rigorous mana research, Benny tugged at me. When I asked what was wrong, she replied with a serious expression. "It's time for your meal. If you skip it, I'll get scolded, so let's go!" She didn't mention who would scold her, but I didn't really care. Just as I was about to make an excuse, Benny preempted me. "No excuses, no skipped meals! Everything is for the lord's sake, so I'm begging you, please. Okay?" She looked up at me with cat-like eyes, and seeing nothing but endearing restraint, I nodded and followed her to the dining area. 'I'll let it slide because she's cute...' With such thoughts, I finished a simple meal there and was granted my freedom. "How does Demina know when I step out?" "It's my job." No sooner had I parted ways with Benny than Demina appeared by my side. It seemed she intended to accompany me alone today. Although no other beastmen were in sight, I didn't mind the solitude with her. "Alright, Demina, what should we do? The festival may be tomorrow, but entertainment is aplenty." "Just seeing humans and beastmen not avoiding each other is already heartwarming." "True, but that alone doesn't make for a festival's eve, does it? Let's stroll around for now." It was slightly early for dusk to set in, yet it was delightful to see various merchants and stalls set up everywhere, indicating the progress made so far. During the mid-Demon God month, some merchants had exchanged trivial trinkets and crafts with beastmen for herbs from the Malong Forest. This opportunity led to the practice of bringing conventional currency and Malong Forest herbs to the lord's estate for exchange into gold coins. While it might seem like a significant loss for me, I actually determined the value of these herbal exchanges, ensuring a profitable transaction for myself. I categorized the herbs into high, medium, and low quality, exchanging the top-quality ones for five gold coins, medium for three, and lower ones for one. Even the lowest-grade Malong Forest herb could be processed into a medicinal worth at least ten gold coins, ensuring substantial profit. Some might view charging for what was once nearly free as a loss. However, through education, I planned to instill a sense of value for the herbs they could provide, improving the quality of life for the beastmen. Eventually, I planned to levy taxes on these beastmen, cleverly extracting benefits. For now, I educated them to prevent exploitation by others. Any merchant attempting to unfairly benefit from the beastmen was blacklisted, barred from ever entering the Ingrad domain again. I set various conditions to ensure such behaviors were curbed. Thanks to these efforts, the relationship improved visibly, and people could now greet each other with sincere smiles. Demina hesitated slightly. Therefore, we began by wandering around and sampling street food offered by the merchants. While I ate, Demina observed me closely instead of partaking herself, prompting my inquiry. "Are you maintaining your figure? Why not eat when I’m buying?" "I rarely eat outside of my set meal portions. But thank you for your consideration." I found it peculiar. With such enticing aromas wafting through the air, it was ironic that one could resist eating. Another fascinating observation was that despite the large variety of foods being bought and consumed, there were hardly any repeated dishes. With such a plethora of shops, the fact that there weren't many duplicates suggested that the merchants were from a diverse array of regions. Curious, I approached a nearby merchant, discreetly handing over a silver coin, and inquired, "May I ask you something? Do you know how to recognize a merchant from the southern region?" The vendor, after a curious glance, looked around before pointing at a woman nearby. "I don't know about the merchants, but there's a woman dressed in southern attire over there. Perhaps you could ask her." Turning in the direction he indicated, I noticed a woman with a peculiar style of dress. Judging by her well-guarded entourage, she seemed to be of noble or affluent status. Thanking the merchant, I started towards her, prompting Demina to ask, "Why the interest in the southern region?" "Oh, just looking for something," I replied half-heartedly. I considered that similar climates could mean similar flora and decided to follow the lead given by the merchant. Approaching the woman, who seemed to be observing the market with keen eyes, I respectfully addressed her. "Excuse me, do you have a moment?" As she turned to face me and noticed Demina, she seemed taken aback but managed to nod cautiously. "What is this about?" Her complexion was notably tanned, typical of southern folk, and her emerald-like eyes lent her an air of mystique. Unfortunately, a turban-like garment obscured much of her facial features. "Are you visiting from the south, by any chance?" "As you can see... I am. But why do you ask?" "Just a moment..." "Are you familiar with 'tea', 'cha', or 'coffee'?" Her eyes flitted with surprise before she nodded, inwardly thrilling me. Gripped by a tremor of anticipation, I pressed on with fervor. "It sounds like you know of at least one. I would love to discuss this further, if possible. What do you say?" "...I don't have much leisure time. My journey here was strenuous, and I'm in search of something, so I can't linger idly." It was a polite refusal, but I couldn't let her slip away. Desperately, I asked her, "Could you share what you're searching for? I might be able to find it for you." Was she unexpecting this? She glanced at the man beside her, who after a moment's contemplation, whispered something in her ear. Judging by his role, I guessed he handled various business tasks for her. "An hour. Would that suffice?" "Of course. Let's go. My place is nearby." As I led the way, the bewildered southern woman followed, growing increasingly surprised to see we were heading towards the lord's estate. "Do you work here?" "Indeed? This is my primary place of employment." Her next question was unexpected. "Are you acquainted with the lord?" How to answer? After a brief hesitation, I decided to be direct, "Is the item you're looking for a beverage or a medicine?" "Yes. Medicines are quite rare in the south. Herbs don't grow well there, so we resort to purchasing them expensively from other regions. I heard the herbs from the Ingrad estate last longer, and I've been recruiting people to acquire as much as possible." "Personnel here are mainly limited to maids and servants, making recruitment difficult. Is that why you were lingering about?" "Well... yes. In a sense. But are you employed here?" "Employed?" Amused by my retort, Demina chuckled, her fanged smile causing a notable lisp that seemed to perplex the southern group further. Recognizing the need for a proper introduction, I spoke up. "I wasn't trying to deceive you, but I am the Viscount Ingrad. It's a pleasure." At this, the southern entourage hurriedly paid their respects. Assuring them that there was no need for formalities, I led them to the reception room. "Please, have a seat. Now, shall we introduce ourselves properly? I'm Jinwoo, the Lord of Ingrad. And you are?" "My apologies for earlier. I'm Idelen Tichel, a trade representative from the Sandsand Dust Trade Company operating in the south." Though she had a family name, it suggested she wasn't nobility. However, as she was seated alone while the others stood behind her, it was clear she was in a leading position. "I'm pleased to meet you. May I ask my questions now?" "Certainly, whatever you wish to know, I'll do my best to answer." As Idelen straightened up, focusing her serious gaze on me, I instructed a maid to bring paper and a quill. I then began sketching as my first query centered around 'coffee beans'.