Chapter 11: The Merchant Princess (Part One)

My luck is terrible. Although my intentions were to hold a birthday party for Naku, my plans were ruined.

It was nothing exorbitant or anything of the sort, but at least I thought in doing something better than the traditional way of the Naga to celebrate birthdays that’s giving the feted only an embrace (I will also do that too!)... I will cook her a hare. I wanted to bake her a cake, but white flour is expensive and hard to get, sugar is even harder. Besides, no matter how much I know about chemistry or how many times I reincarnate, the ability to cook eludes me ... The most I come to is roasting prey in a bonfire (in both worlds).

But why did this happen? Why was she called back to Korka?

It must be something important, since Naku was asked to meditate in order to get a prophesy.

Twelve more days without her ... Ahhhh ...

"You must feel so alone without the great oracle." (Kober)

Woooahh! Since when Kober has been here?

"You do not have to react as if you've seen a dead man walking." (Kober)

"Yeah, sorry, I'm kind of thoughtful." (Aruh)

"And to be thoughtful is due to the great and merciful avatar of Nagur?" (Kober)

"Shut up! It’s none of your business. Did you come here to laugh at me?" (Aruh)

"Come here? We're in the middle of the road. I dragged you out of your fantasies because you're blocking the way." (Kober)

Now that I realize, I'm in the middle of the road, a couple of girls walked past us smiling at us.

"If I didnt had to help my father bringing the milk,, I would use you to convince the other children that I have the power to control people. It would have been fun to see their expressions of fear, ku, ku, ku.” (Kober)

"You no longer settle for bothering Jupero and now you want to become a lord of darkness or something, right?" (Aruh)

"Like you, Aruh, I intend to improve day by day." (Kober)

“Your intentions to improve are heading in a strange direction.” (Aruh)

"I'd rather use the word 'unconventional." Well, it was fun talking to you, Aruh, but my father will scold me if I take too long to bring milk. It has yet to be turned into cheese to be ready for the festival. " (Kober)

Oh, yes, the autumn’s festival. I was so focused on Naku's birthday that I had forgotten about such an important celebration.

The first day of the next month is celebrated the beginning of autumn, and with it, the beginning of the harvest season. In seven days to be exact.

"You have to help as well even when you are the Naga’s prodigy." (Kober)

Kober gave me one last warning and continued with his work, I just nodded. Well, Kober is right that I should not waste time... Twelve days for Naku’s return will pass quickly, right?

Meanwhile, I will take advantage of my studies and training; Obviously, I will also help in the festival’s preparations in order to have many stories to tell to Naku when she arrives.

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...

"You can take a break. Here, I made you an appetizer." (Spencer)

While I was studying one of the scrolls, Professor Spencer offered me a sandwich consisting of a slice of black bread with creamy cheese on top, and a cup of herbal tea.

The bread is hard and a bit bitter, but the tea facilitates its consumption besides having a pleasant taste. The cheese is made in the village, its flavor and texture is very similar to the ricotta but is very durable at room temperature, perhaps because one is made from milk of a domesticated creature: the cierviro.

"Thank you, Professor Spencer. A little food will help me to focus." (Aruh)

"Ask if you have questions, the Rasitto method to extract the oil from the leaves is a bit misleading." (Spencer)

"Yeah, it’s good that you mention it. On the pressing part, aside from using only monster saliva, Would it be better to use water with... Huh?" (Aruh

"What is it, Aruh?" (Spencer)

"There are several human presences in the village that I do not know." (Aruh)

Seven in all, none of the presences are similar to that of Captain Almond or one of his men.

The strange thing is that Alturi is not yet ready for human settlement. There must be a good reason for them to go through several dangers to get here.

"Oh, Could it be that...?" (Spencer)

Dr. Spencer looked a little annoyed. He surely knows something about them.

"Do you know where the group is?" (Spencer)

"They just entered the range of my perception, so about 800 meters from here, towards the square. It seems they are coming here." (Aruh)

"Allan, that idiot... I'll have to give him a good sermon." (Spencer)

"Do you know these people, Doctor?" (Aruh)

"It is more likely that he is an old friend of mine, but we were to meet in village closer to the base of the mountains." (Spencer)

Judging from the expression Prof. Spencer has, his acquaintance must possess a somewhat problematic personality.

"He is an old friend of mine, a merchant whom I offered to help distribute the soap outside of Tulser, but I did not think he would dare to come here." (Spencer)

"I see, he must be a very passionate merchant and a very good friend to take the troubles to come here visit you, Pof. Spencer." (Aruh)

"Right, he's a good man ... Tell me, being the creator of the soap, would you like to meet him?" (Spencer)

It may be a good option to expand my contacts. Besides, being the one who introduced the soap to this world, it would be irresponsible of me if I did not try to at least solve the doubts of someone involved to this degree. On the other hand, it looks like it's going to be a troublesome affair... No, I must be responsible.

"Although my friend is a peddler, he handles some exotic items that might get your attention." (Spencer)

"I will ... Huh?" (Aruh)

"Well said, ambition and curiosity are important traits for a researcher." (Spencer)

It was a coincidence that I accepted when bribed! I looked like someone who is carried away by their desires.

"But remember that you must not let yourself be driven by desire or you will end up ruining yourself." (Spencer)

"Yes." (Aruh)

I could only nod.

...

After a brief wait, a large carriage reaches the front of Prof. Spencer's house, so we go out to greet them. The cart is pulled by two horses and there is a group of three riders wearing leather armor and armed with swords that escolt it.

It was very daring to have come here with only three escorts... They may have been accompanied by some Naga and they separated before I could perceived them.

One of the escorts, a young woman with long red hair, approached us to where Prof. Spencer and I were.

"Good afternoon, are you Dr. Spencer Lakestream?" (Girl)

"That's right, where's my good friend, Allan?" (Spencer)

"One moment, please." (Girl)

The young redhead looks at her other companions and the driver of the carriage and nods, a gesture that is answered in the same way.

"We have arrived, Mr. Dewell." (Driver)

The driver of the car came down and opened the door to the people inside.

"Spencer, my friend, you have not changed at all!" (Man)

A tall, stout man greeted Prof. Spencer as soon as he got out of the car.

"Allan..." (Spencer)

On the other hand, Prof. Spencer smiled nervously.

"Wait, there's someone I want to show off." (Allan)

The man went back to the car.

"Come on, honey. We're here with my friend Spencer." (Allan)

"Finally! The trip was very long and exhausting." (Girl)

Eh? Eh? Eh?

Who is that girl?

It's just as beautiful as Naku!!!

Her race is human, there is no doubt, but she has a beauty similar to that of a fairy. Exquisite features with a slight arrogant air, green eyes, long golden hair combed in two braids of corkscrew. Her age must be around mine, and with that lovely pink dress made from some vegetable fiber, she looked like a princess.

What is this?

No, not again.

I already have Naku.