《Simple Cook》 SC1 0.0 – Prologue SC1 0.0 ¨C Prologue After a moment of silence Owner Tetsuo asked me, ¡°Sanno, do you really have to quit now?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°I have to go back to my home town and helping my old man taking cares our rice field.¡± Actually, my hometown was on other galaxy. Not to mention, a damnable dragon had destroyed it two hundred years ago. But Owner Tetsuo would definitely think I had gone crazy if I tried to honestly explain it to him, so I kept it for myself. As he narrowed his eyes suspiciously Owner Tetsuo asked me another question, ¡°Are you planning to open your own diner?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not¡± ¡°Is other diner offering you a higher salary? I can increase your salary you know.¡± ¡°Owner, I truly have to go back to my hometown.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Owner Tetsuo handed over an envelope to me. ¡°This is your salary this month, and some bonus for your excellent work for the last five years.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I happily accepted the money. ¡°Sanno, if you come back to Tokyo and need a job, just come here.¡± ¡°I will.¡± After shaking Owner Tetsuo¡¯s hand, I immediately leaved. For five years, I became second cook in Tetsuo¡¯s Diner. Out of seven diners where I working as second cook, Tetsuo¡¯s Diner had the heaviest work load and the strictest working procedure. However, I loved Tetsuo¡¯s Diner the most because in this shop I got massive skill and knowledge that turned me into a better cook. However, it was not wise to stay at once place for more than five years if you didn¡¯t aging like normal people. So, I had to look for new diner every five years, before my forever young appearance invited unwanted circumstances.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Pretty similar to my previous working place, I limited my relationship with other worker only as far as working colleagues. So, I didn¡¯t feel obligation to held farewell party and just left without a trace. I also already packed my belonging into my spatial storage and say goodbye to landowner this morning. And so, I could go straight to central station and took bullet train to other islands, if only someone didn¡¯t tailing me. I immediately stopped my steps and asked, ¡°Why are you tailing me?¡± A middle-aged man immediately stepped out from a dark corner. I didn¡¯t know him, but he wore a robe that showed his position as elder in Blackwing Guild. He stopped one step away in front of me before introducing himself. ¡°My name is Toga, Fifth Elder of Blackwing.¡± ¡°So, you are the one who took my seat.¡± ¡°I¡¯m.¡± ¡°And what business do you have with me? Grand Elder and First Elder have agreed to release me from my duty. Now, I have nothing to do with Blackwing.¡± ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s why Grand Elder sends me as his personal courier and not as Blackwing¡¯s representative.¡± ¡°Does Grand Elder need my help?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What kind of help?¡± ¡°Prevent a calamity silently.¡± ¡°Where?¡± ¡°Planet Erra, Galaxy Adrian.¡± ¡°Who is the target?¡± ¡°A little girl named Yunno.¡± Toga paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°Grand Elder has a vision that in fifty years she will become a walking calamity that destroys a few planets.¡± ¡°What is the shit that triggers her?¡± ¡°When she was ten years old, her little sister met with an unjust death. After that she had an encounter with demonic path.¡± After taking a deep breath I asked, ¡°But this is still a possibility?¡± ¡°Yes, and that¡¯s why Grand Elder want it to be done silently.¡± ¡°I see.¡± So far Grand Elder never made a mistake in his prophecy, so I believed on him. ¡°I will do it. Give me the coordinate for Planet Erra and other detail regarding the little girl. I will depart after I study it.¡± ¡°Thank you. Grand Elder will always remember this favor.¡± After giving me a memory slip with Grand Elder¡¯s personal seal on it, Toga then left. As for me, I walked to nearby park. I chose the most remote bench, took a big bag of potato chips and a canned juice from my spatial storage. Then, I studied all information I had to know before carrying my last assignment. --- Yunno and Yui, the two were a pair of sister who didn¡¯t have anything that can be called happiness at their tender age. Yunno lost her father one month before her mother gave a birth to Yui. Then, the pair of sister lost their mother three years later. Their closest relative was their uncle. He was a simple minded eighteen-year-old young man who gave his best to look after them. However, they lived in household that blatantly exploited them. Coincidently, Yunno¡¯s early life was pretty similar to mine. Even her uncle¡¯s name also Sanno, like my name. Moreover, Grand Elder didn¡¯t give me a clear instruction to kill her. His order was to prevent a possible calamity, which I could translate into a wide range of measure without involving a lethal option. Well, I would decide the best measure I could take after I met her. Wasting no time, I recited the spell for inter-galaxy teleportation. As a Black Dragon Warrior, my power would be in its peak at night. I was easily teleported my body, without causing ripple or commotion. I just disappeared as if I was never there. The journey through teleportation tunnel was still as same as usual. The tunnel wall was blurry, while in front of me I saw only jet black darkness. Everything was going smoothly and peacefully, if only cracks didn¡¯t suddenly start to form in the tunnel wall. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have the time to find out the cause or make a countermeasure. It happened too fast. The teleportation tunnel crumbled in a blink of an eye. I could only close my eyes in resignation as my body scattered. I failed in my last assignment. Shit killed me on the way. ***** SC1 1.1 – New Life SC1 1.1 ¨C New Life My mind was woozy while my gaze was fixed on white clouds scattered across the giant blue sky. At the same time, eighteen years¡¯ worth of memory flooded into my soul. Fortunately, I had lived for two hundred years so my soul was big enough to accept it. Around two minutes later, as soon as the flood of memory stopped, my mind slowly became clear while my body regained its sense. ¡°Big Bro Sanno¡­..heuuuu¡­ don¡¯t leave us¡­. U-heuuuuu¡­.¡± Throughout my life, I never heard such heartbreaking cry. Not to mention I got the feeling she was crying for me. ¡°We don¡¯t want the cherry anymore¡­. Heuuuuu¡­..¡± Then, I realized that I should have been dead. Wasting no time, I checked my body and as I suspected it was not my body. However, my soul was resided inside it. It seemed my soul was being transmigrated to this body. ¡°Heuuuuu¡­. We just want you to stay with us¡­.. Pleaaase¡­ Huuuuaaa¡­..¡± Well, I had to asses my situation and most of all I should calm the little girl who cried for me. As I turned my gaze to my right, I found two little girls cried out a river for me, or to be precise for the original owner of my new body. As soon as I saw their face, the new memory I just received immediately worked in full rotation. I instantly recognize them. The older little girl who kept calling me was Yunno. She was seven-year-old and the niece of the Unfortunate Sanno, the original owner of my new body. Next to Yunno was Yui, her four-year-old little sister. Yui didn¡¯t call my name, but she was heavily sobbing, her tears flowed like a flood, and her heartbroken little heart was clearly reflected in her eyes. Even though the Unfortunate Sanno was their uncle, Yunno and Yui treated him as their Big Brother. And then he became theirs everything after they lost their mother. Therefore, no wonder they cried out a river as soon as they thought that the Unfortunate Sanno was leaving them for good. Well, the Unfortunate Sanno was truly leaved them, but I couldn¡¯t tell them that. Wasting no time, I tried to calm down my new nieces. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine.¡± Yunno immediately wiped her tears, and then she tried to hold her sob while asked me, ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really,¡± I firmly said. ¡°I felt a slight dizziness, but now I¡¯m totally fine.¡± I immediately sat up and checked the cliff wall that majestically stood next to me. The Unfortunate Sanno climbed it to pick a few wild berries, but he lost his foothold, fell, and died from the impact. Fortunately, even though I lost 98% of my level and now was only Level 1 warrior, my essence was still sufficient to activate my healing spell and completely treated the injury from the impact. I didn¡¯t know if it was a coincidence or not, but my soul was being transmigrated straight to the closest family of the calamity I had to prevent. And as I was still in this world, it meant I still have the obligation to complete my last assignment.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Also, as far as I remember, after the death of their young uncle, Yunno and Yui living condition would become two times more miserable. So, it could be said that my existence alone could prevent Yunno from becoming calamity, and maybe I could also prevent Yui¡¯s death. In short, I decided to become their uncle. Fortunately, when I spent my time on earth, I had learned the skill how to live like a normal human. Moreover, I had the full memory, sentiment, and life experience from the Unfortunate Sanno to help my act. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, here, drink and let Big Sis Yunno and Yui massage your legs,¡± Yui looked at me worriedly while offering a small bamboo tube. Most of the time, Yui was a quiet kid. She talked only when something was truly a big concern for her little heart. To ease her worry, I immediately smiled before taking a mouthful gulp. And then I said, ¡°I¡¯m fine and we should continue our hunt.¡± I immediately stopped Yunno and Yui from massaging my leg, before gently wiped the remains of their tears and cupped their cheeks alternately. ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied while Yui nodded her head. At the same time, I could only inwardly let out a sigh as I realized that Yunno and Yui were too skinny for their age. Their clothes were also too worn out. It was more like rags even though it was very clean. Well, the two got new clothes only once every two years so the Unfortunate Sanno would wash it as best as he could to ease his bitterness. Before continuing our hunt, I took my time to pick the wild berries. Yunno and Yui tried to prevent me, but manage to calm them down and got a handful of wild berry. I ate a piece and gave the rest of the berries to Yunno and Yui. It was only a handful of wild berry and their taste was sour, but Yunno and Yui enjoyed it as if it was heavenly delicacy. It seemed their living condition was worse than I thought. Then, I turned my gaze to ethereal figure who stood a few steps before me. He was skinny young men, and at once glance I could tell he must be very simple minded when he was still alive. However, from his anxiety gaze as he looked at Yunno and Yui, it was easy to tell his love for the two was as vast as sky and as deep as ocean. ¡®I will take cares of Yunno and Yui like my own blood,¡¯ I calmly gave the Unfortunate Sanno my vow, which I guaranteed with my own soul. After looking at me for a while the Unfortunate Sanno nodded. Then, as he looked at Yunno and Yui as much as he could, his ethereal body started to dissipate and disappeared. It seemed he had crossed the gate to the afterlife. At the same time, my new body fully accepted my soul. Meaning, it was fully integrated with my soul now. Wasting no time I made a quick check. With ease I re-confirmed that now I was truly only a Level 1 warrior. My spatial storage was also shrunk from almost unlimited into as big as three 40-feet shipping containers. At the same time, my collection of weapons, elixir, scroll, scripture, wealth, and other material possession was gone without a trace. What had left in my spatial storage were only some seeds from earth. It was collection of seed that I planned to grow in my own greenhouse. But at least, Planet Erra had essence concentration slightly denser than earth while my skill was not totally disappeared. Therefore, I could raise my levels slowly without the need to learn everything from zero. Not to mention, the Unfortunate Sanno had Black Dragon soul mark like me, so my skill was perfectly compatible with his body. After taking a deep breath, I took Yunno and Yui to continue our hunt. --- Every day, the Unfortunate Sanno would take Yunno and Yui to hunt at the foot of Mount Haruna. Of course, as he carried two children with him, he couldn¡¯t explore the hunting ground too deep. Fortunately, the forest outskirt around Mount Haruna was rich with small wild game and could give a good harvest for skilled hunter. Today, the first four snares didn¡¯t catch anything, but the fifth had a plump hare on it. Without delay, I took Yunno and Yui to harvest our catch. From how he set up the snare and picked the location, I could tell that the Unfortunate Sanno was good hunter. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t use his skill to ensure his nieces had decent living condition. Heck, he didn¡¯t even use it for his own. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, this hare is very plump. It will greatly help Uncle Manno pay tuition for his study.¡± Yunno cheerfully showed me the hare, while Yui happily nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, it will.¡± I calmly answered, but inwardly I cursed nonstop. Based on the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, Manno had studied in Kamakura City since he was twelve, using almost every cent that Tadaoka Household could produce. As a result, other member of Tadaoka Household had to live in a frugal way. Worst of all, 15 years later Manno was still not graduated. Actually, if it was only for his school tuition, I would be able to accept it with heavy reluctant. However, when he was 18 years old Manno married a daughter of one of his teachers and Tadaoka Household had to continue paying his living expense. Worst of all, after his marriage Manno still maintained the living style as if he already graduated and became official with good position. All of that was only to preserve his prestige as family pride who would become high-ranking official one day. However, the thing that made me dumbfounded to the core was, the Unfortunate Sanno totally believed that Manno would success and brought prosperity to the family sooner or later. He had also wholeheartedly supported the effort to fund Manno¡¯s study since he was 10 years old, when he started hunting small game at the foot of Mount Haruna. It was very na?f indeed. To the point that even though for the last three years he was the biggest bread winner for Tadaoka Household, he couldn¡¯t even give his beloved nieces a proper food and clothes. And, it made me worry as hell because the Unfortunate Sanno had deeply infected Yunno and Yui with his na?ve way of thinking. ¡®I will change everything,¡¯ I swore inwardly as I was resetting the snare. ***** SC1 1.2 – New Family SC1 1.2 ¨C New Family Across our hunting ground we had to check 36 snares and today we had good harvest. In total we caught four hares and three pheasants. While we walked back to the village, I took a glance at Yunno and Yui. The two were walking in front of me, carrying one wild chicken each. While they had big smiles in their face the two were happily chanting, ¡°¡°Chicken, chicken, chicken¡­. Delicious chicken¡­¡±¡± I could only heave a deep sigh as Yunno and Yui carried the wild chicken as if it was the most precious treasure in this world, even though they knew they wouldn¡¯t enjoy it. ¡®What a na?ve kids,¡¯ I muttered as I strengthen my resolve to look after them. Then, we finally arrived at the edge of the woods and I decided to hunt some wild games. Other than to collect capitals for my plan, I also had to check the extent of my current skill. ¡°Yunno, Yui, let¡¯s rest a bit here.¡± I gently said, but in an instant Yunno and Yui gave me a look full of concern. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, does your body still hurt from the fall?¡± Yunno asked me worriedly. ¡°No, I just need to take a pee.¡± I made a random excuse in reflex, but somehow it worked. Yunno nodded her head while relieve was clearly visible in Yui¡¯s expression. Wasting no time, I went into behind a thick bush. After taking a deep breath, I deployed Essence Pulse to track movement and presence up to radius 50 meters from my position. In an instant I located 14 hares, 4 pheasants, and 2 wild chickens. This was my first hunt, so I didn¡¯t too picky and carried out a quick harvest. Most of my prey didn¡¯t have time to react as invisible force suddenly snapped their neck. I then stored them in my spatial storage. Only two hares escaped my ambush, but it was a clear mark that I was super weak currently. When I was a Level 99 warrior, not even a group of Demonic Tiger could escape my Shadow Hand. But now, two ordinary hare evaded it just by relying on their spontaneous reaction. Well, no one knew how strong I¡¯m in my previous life. So, I should not brag about it or ashamed with my current level. With a content heart I returned to Yunno and Yui. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I calmly said to Yunno and Yui, and they cheerfully nodded. Around twenty minutes later, we exited the woods and two middle-aged men had already waiting for us. They were Tanno and Danno, the first and second son of Tadaoka Household. Tanno had nothing, while Danno had a wild chicken hanging in his shoulder. As we arrived before them Yunno cheerfully said, ¡°Uncle Tanno, Uncle Danno, we have good harvest today.¡± ¡°I can see that,¡± Tanno flatly replied as he took over our harvest. ¡°Take the kids home and don¡¯t forget to find worm, frog, and bug in our field.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I obediently replied like how the Unfortunate Sanno usually would. Tanno and Danno then left to sell the harvest to a butcher in Rokube Town. I looked at them as I fell into contemplation. Previously, even from a dozen meters, as wind blew to my direction, I faintly smell the scent of hare from Tanno and Danno even though they didn¡¯t carry any. It seemed they hide some of their harvest and who knew how long they had did it. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, is something wrong?¡± Yunno asked me as worry started to appear in her eyes. After a smile I replied, ¡°Nope, let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Yunno then hold Yui¡¯s hand as we walked back to the village. Around a kilometer from the village¡¯s gate, we arrived in Tadaoka¡¯s rice field. It was around 600 square meters. It was indeed not big, but actually more than enough to properly feed the whole household, if only we didn¡¯t sell the rice and sent the money to Manno. We then went to hunt bug, frog, and worm in the rice field. As I saw how Yunno and Yui cheerfully carried the hunt and sometimes even laughing breathlessly, I immediately let a deep sigh. Tadaoka Household truly put too much work on these two. Moreover, Yunno and Yui were actually the rightful owner of the rice field.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. --- Sendai Village was the only village in the foot of Mount Haruna. It was around 5 km north of Rokube Town and had 36 household with total population around 700 adults. As one of the oldest household in Sendai, Tadaoka Household had it house near the village hall. Around thirty minutes before sun fully down in the west, we entered the gate of Tadaoka¡¯s household. Then, we went straight to the side yard. It was not as big as front yard and had bamboo fence to keep the hens from ranging too far. As soon as the hens saw Yunno and Yui, they immediately gathered around them. Without delay, Yunno and Yui happily fed the hens with bug, worm, and frog. In total Tadaoka Household had 30 hens. Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t only take care of them properly, but also sincerely loved them and even give each hen a name. And maybe, it was the reason why the hens happily lay egg almost every day. However, pretty similar to our rice field or wild game we got every day. We also had to sell the chicken eggs and sent the money to Manno. As usual, Yunno and Yui never enjoyed the result of their hard work. ¡°Bonnie-01, don¡¯t run you naughty chicken.¡± Yunno called to a dark brown hen as she tried to catch it. ¡°It¡¯s almost sun set. You have to enter your cage or weasel will kidnap you and eat you.¡± With Yui¡¯s help, Yunno finally managed to put Bonnie One into the cage. After that, they tried to catch Bonnie-01 to Bonnie-30. The two had big smile as they chased the hen around. Every time they caught one of the hens, they would gently rub it before putting it into their cage. One thing that drew my attention was that all the hens were highly identical. Their feather were either reddish brown or creamy brown. So, it was very hard to distinguish one hen from the other. Even the Unfortunate Sanno who helped Yunno and Yui took care of them couldn¡¯t tell the difference between each hen. Yet, Yunno and Yui could differentiate them with ease. It meant they had an extremely good attention to the detail. Moreover, from how they named the hens it seemed they knew how to count, while based on the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory no one had taught them math. It led me to one thing. They had an extremely good soul mark. Not to mention, the Unfortunate Sanno had a rare Black Dragon soul mark while Yunno managed to become a calamity after she took demonic path. Well, it seemed my intention to ensure their wellbeing would be fun. I had to check their soul mark tonight. --- After moving enough water from the well to the bathroom, I asked Yunno and Yui to take a bath while I washed their clothes and my own as clean as possible. After that I also took a bath. Then, we wait for dinner in the main hall with other member of Tadaoka Household. In all, the Unfortunate Sanno had four older brothers, a deceased older sister, and one younger sister. All his older siblings had been married and had a child or two. As their wife was busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, his older brothers were waiting while showing their paternal love to their children. As for me, I just calmly waited in silence with Yunno and Yui. Both I and the Unfortunate Sanno didn¡¯t know how to show familial affection when we were in the middle of crowd. So, I only sat in silence with Yunno and Yui like how the Unfortunate Sanno usually did. As Yunno and Yui watched their uncles pampering their children, I didn¡¯t see jealousy in their eyes, but it was clearly visible that they had deep longing for parental love. And so I decided, I should learn how to pampering the two like a normal parent should. Then, one by one, my sister-in-law came out of kitchen while carrying pots or trays. They swiftly put it into table before taking their seat next to their husband and children. The last one who leaved the kitchen was white-haired old woman with deep wrinkles around her sour face. She was Kazuyori, the mother of Unfortunate Sanno, the person who controlled flow of money in Tadaoka Household, and the biggest source of misery for Yunno and Yui. ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Tadaoka Banno, the head of family calmly said after Kazuyori sat in her seat. Wasting no time, each wife took the food from closest pot or tray for their husband and children. As usual, today dinner was super thin porridge and steamed vegetable seasoned only with salt. Common sense would dictate it was not a proper dinner for a household that had rice field, 30 hens, and skilled hunter with good daily harvest. However, it was the reality. As the other member of the family received their food or started to enjoy it, I, Yunno, and Yui calmly waited. It was my job to take the food for Yunno and Yui. However, they didn¡¯t carry Tadaoka¡¯s name. Therefore, based on family tradition they could only took the leftover from true family member, even though they were one of biggest contributor for the family It¡¯s truly a shitty tradition. Not to mention, it was not even leftover from proper dinner. But for now I could do nothing about it. Then, as I took whatever the other had left for Yunno and Yui, Kazuyori¡¯s sharp voice suddenly was heard. ¡°Yunno, Yui, be grateful for whatever leftover you get.¡± ¡°Yes, grandmother.¡± Yunno obediently replied while Yui nodded her little head repeatedly. It was clearly visible that they were scared of Kazuyori and very grateful for the food and roof they received. Even so, it didn¡¯t make Kazuyori held back her harsh words. ¡°Your damnable mother married an unworthy man even if I have prohibited it. I should have sent you to your paternal family after their death. You two are their responsible, not Tadaoka Household.¡± What a vicious woman, and I had to call her mother in this life. My brother-in-law was an orphan, so Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t have parental family. And the last time Kazuyori wanted to send them to their paternal family was a lie. At that time, she actually wanted to sell Yunno and Yui as junior maid to a rich household in Rokube. Fortunately, the Unfortunate Sanno managed to prevent it by going berserk and made a huge ruckus. After that, he was in charge to look after Yunno and Yui while the two would follow him faithfully. However, based on the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, selling her own granddaughter she didn¡¯t fond of was not the limit of Kazuyori¡¯s viciousness. She had done something worse to their parent. Even though he was an orphan, my brother-in-law was a smart and hardworking man. He made a living by selling my older sister home-made steamed roll. However, even if he was just a small peddler, he was quite success. By using his saving from the first five years of his hard work, he managed to buy a 600 square meters rice field, and changed Tadaoka Household way of life from worker of manual labor and hunter into a farmer family with proper rice field. But then, Kazuyori showed her viciousness after my brother-in-law was killed by bandits who robbed him on his way home. Only a day after his husband funeral, Kazuyori forced my older sister to hand over the legal ownership of the rice field. She also forcefully took the money that my brother-in-law had painstakingly saved for Yunno and Yui. After that, my older sister still had to replace my brother-in-law as the biggest bread winner, by both making and selling the steamed roll. Kazuyori didn¡¯t give a damn that she had put unbearable heavy toll in my older sister weak body. She unreasonably believed that Manno would graduate that year and she had to support him at all cost, even if it would kill one of her own daughters in the process. In the end, the accumulation of physical toll had killed my older sister while Manno failed to graduate. And now, Kazuyori tried to exploit Yunno and Yui as much as she could. As I let a silent sigh, I used Shadow Hand to tap Kazuyori¡¯s nape. In an instant, she lost her conscious. Bam!! Kazuyori¡¯s face accurately landed on her plate and splattered her half-eaten porridge to all direction, while everyone were dumbfounded as they tried to perceive what had happened to her. ¡°Wife? What had happened to you?¡± Old Banno was the first to react and put Kazuyori¡¯s messy face out of the plate. Then, he carried her to their bedroom. My eldest sister-in-law and my younger sister closely followed him, while the rest of the family continued their dinner and exchanged some whispers. Well, that was my tap of love for my new but unwanted mother. ***** SC1 1.3 – Rain Dragon Warrior SC1 1.3 ¨C Rain Dragon Warrior After dinner, I took Yunno and Yui to brush our teeth. Basically, we used a stiff small husk to clean our teeth and it was very uncomfortable. I should make proper toothbrush, toothpaste, and other kits to maintain our personal hygiene. Fortunately, modern civilization on earth had taught me a lot of thing closely related to this field. After that, it was time to sleep. My room was in the side yard almost next to the chicken cage. Actually, my brother-in-law and my oldest sister had the biggest room after the main room previously. However, after my older sister passed away, Tanno immediately took it over while Kazuyori sold the furniture. As for Yunno and Yui, they move to my small and simple room. Other than a long bed, my room had only one small cupboard. But at least, with all limitation he had the Unfortunate Sanno still tried his best to make his room was clean and as comfortable as he could. As soon as we went up to the long bed, Yunno and Yui immediately sat next to me. It was time for bedtime story. Without the existence of movie, music, book, or good dinner, bedtime story was the only entertainment they could get after working very hard for the whole day, so I couldn¡¯t skip it. Honestly, this was my first time giving kids bedtime story and I was rather nervous. Fortunately, the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, feeling, and wish helped me a lot in this kind of situation. After taking a deep breath I smiled to Yunno and Yui. ¡°Are you ready for tonight stories?¡± ¡°We are.¡± Yunno enthusiastically looked at me, while at the same time Yui nodded her head vigorously. And somehow, after I said the exact opening sentence that the Unfortunate Sanno had usually used, everything just flowed out of my lips. With ease, I recited The Spider¡¯s Thread, a short story from one of Akutagawa Ryonosuke¡¯s wonderful collection. The story was begun by Buddha who took morning strolling along the edge of lotus pond in nirvana. The blooming white lotuses in the pond were pure and shiny like jewel, and the air was filled with an indescribably wondrous fragrance from the lotuses golden center. It was just the usual calm and peaceful morning in paradise. After a time, Buddha stopped his step and from the gap between the lotus leaves he saw a glimpse of the state below. The beautiful celestial pond just happened to lie directly over the hell, and peering through its crystal-clear water was like looking through a magnifying glass at the River of Death, the Lake of Blood, the Mountain of Needles, and such. The Buddha saw, there in the depths of hell, a single man writhing along with other sinners. This man was Kandata, and he had been a notorious thief who had performed murder and arson and other acts of evil. In his past, however, he had performed just one good deed. One day, when walking through a deep forest, he saw a spider crawling along the road. He had raised his foot to crush the spider, but suddenly he changed his mind and stopped. ¡°No, no matter how small, a spider also has a life. It would be a pity to meaninglessly end it,¡± and so he did not kill it. While looking down upon the hell, Buddha recalled this act of kindness and decided to use it as a way to save him from his fate. Coincidently, Buddha also saw that on a jade-colored lotus leaf there was a single spider, spinning out a web of silver thread. Buddha immediately and carefully took the spider¡¯s thread into his hand, and lowered it straight down between the jewel-like white lotuses into the depths of hell. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Before going for the second part of the story, I took a chance to look at Yunno and Yui. They were so adorable when listening to my story, and I got an urge to tease them. ¡°Okay, it¡¯s bed time. Let¡¯s continue the rest of the story tomorrow.¡± Yunno immediately looked at me with widened eyes and pleaded, ¡°Nooo¡­ Big Bro Sanno please continued the story.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± The quiet Yui also looked at me with her pleading eyes. ¡°Okay,¡± I nodded and continued, ¡°But tomorrow you have to help me.¡± ¡°We will help you as best as we can,¡± Yunno firmly gave her words. ¡°Yeah, we will help Big Bro Sanno as best as we can,¡± Yui added. I never imagined that teasing two kids who treated me as theirs everything was so fun. After a big smile I immediately said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s continued the story then.¡± The second part of the story went into Kandata¡¯s point of view. Like any other day after he arrived in the bottom of the hell some years ago, Kandata was floating and sinking along with other sinners in the Lake of Blood. It was pitch black no matter which way he looked at. Sometime he would see a glimpse of light in the darkness, but it was just the glint of the terrible Mountain of Needles. In short, Kandata felt so lonely. He was surrounded by the silence of the grave. The occasional sound he heard was only a faint sigh from one of the damned like him. Moreover, Kandata was also over exhausted. The River of Death and the Mountain of Needles would ensure its dwellers were dead tired by various torment, and being left without a drop of strength to cry out their misery. Even the great thief Kandata could only squirm like a dying frog as he choked in the Lake of Blood. But one day, when he raising up his head and glancing at the sky above the lake, out of the empty darkness Kandata saw a silver spider¡¯s thread being lowered from so far, far, far away. The thread seemed almost afraid to be seen. It was emitting a frail and constant light as it came down to just above Kandata¡¯s head. Seeing this, Kandata couldn¡¯t help but clap his hands in joy. If he were to cling to this thread and climbed it up, he may be able to climb his way out of the hell. Perhaps, he could even climb all the way to nirvana. Then, he would never be chased by Mountain of Needles, or being drowned in the Lake of Blood anymore. While thinking so, Kandata firmly grasped the spider¡¯s thread and began to climb it higher and higher. As a former of great thief, he was used to such a task. But the distance between hell and nirvana was tens of thousands of miles. So, it would seem that no amount of effort would make it as an easy journey. After climbing for some time Kandata became tired. Having no other recourse, he then hung there on the thread, resting, and while doing so he looked down below. Kandata smiled as he saw that he had made a good deal of progress. The Lake of Blood that had trapped him for many years was now hidden in the dark below. He had even climbed higher than the dimly glowing Mountain of Needles. If he could keep up this pace, perhaps he could escape from hell. Kandata instantly laughing and spoke in a voice that he hadn¡¯t used in many years. ¡°I¡¯ve done it! I¡¯ve done it!¡± However, a moment later Kandata realized that an endless queue of sinners had following him climbed up the thread liked a line of ants. Seeing this, surprise and fear started to fill Kandata¡¯s heart. How could this slender spider¡¯s web, which should break even under just his weight, support the weight of all those people? If the thread snapped, all of his effort would be wasted and he would fall back straight into hell. That just would not do. And as Kandata¡¯s fear grow larger and larger, thousands more of the damned came crawling up from the Lake of Blood, forming a line and scurrying up the thread. If he didn¡¯t do something fast, surely the thread would snap as he had feared. Kandata immediately shouted out, ¡°Hey! You sinners! This thread is mine! Who said you could climb it up? Get off! Get off!¡± Though the thread had been fine until just then, as soon as Kandata uttered his words, it suddenly snapped right at where Kandata held it. He then fell through the air. ¡°NOOOOOOOO!!!¡± Kandata shouted as he desperately looked at the end of the silver thread. It silently hung and suspended from nirvana, shining its pale light under the moonless and starless sky. The story then went to the third part and return to Buddha¡¯s perspective. At the edge of the lotus pond, he was silently watching Kandata fell and sank to the bottom of the Lake of Blood like a rock. Then, he continued his morning stroll with a shocked face. He had been surprised to the core that even after such severe punishment, Kandata never learnt his mistake. In the end, his lack of compassion lead him straight back to the hell. ¡°That¡¯s the end of the story,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Big Bro Sanno,¡± Yui looked at me as she worriedly asked, ¡°Will Buddha help Kandata again in the future?¡± ¡°No, second chance never comes twice.¡± As Yui fell into silence, I immediately took her into my embrace. ¡°Now, it¡¯s time to sleep.¡± We then laid our tired body in the long bed and used a wide rag as blanket. Almost in no time, Yunno and Yui fell asleep. Wasting no time I checked their soul mark and I smiled as I found baby Rain Dragon was peacefully slept in the bottom of their essence sea. No wonder the two had a very gentle heart. Among the celestial beast, Rain Dragon was one of the most kind and wise folks. It was also the celestial being who taught human how to farm, hunt, building house, and cook. If Elder from Blackwing had found them, they would treat these two as a heavenly treasure. Unfortunately, they were born into a family who couldn¡¯t recognize their innate talent and value. However, as now I was here, I would help them polished their innate talent and reached a height where they belong. I also had to prevent them from taking demonic path, as when Rain Dragon Warrior went into the dark side, they would become the cruelest calamity. ***** SC1 2.1 – New Schedule SC1 2.1 ¨C New Schedule *Kuuu-koooo-kuruuuuuuuuu¡­¡­!!* A few minutes after I woke up, the first rooster in Sendai sung its crow. After that, other roosters responded by singing their own crow. It was like a competition to find which rooster could sing its crow louder and longer. Forty years I lived on earth, I never heard rooster sung its crow in the morning. So, as soon as I heard it, my mind instantly went back to my childhood. However, I immediately suppressed my reminiscence. Until certain point it was happy memory, but it ended up with the destruction of my village and the death almost everyone who lived in it. Even to this moment, I still could clearly remember the desperation in my parent¡¯s eyes as they tried to hide me under the horse stable. I clearly saw they were hoping for a miracle so I could survive, but I knew my death was certain. I had a hunch the dragon that suddenly descended upon my village, came by because it sensed my presence. He wanted to eat me, and used the other villager, including my parent as an appetizer. As for me, surprisingly I was very calm and didn¡¯t really care about my life. However, just before the dragon re-united me with my parent, elders from Blackwing arrived with a group of high level warriors. They killed the dragon and saved me, the only survivor, but deep down in my heart I regretted my survival. I had no wish to survive. I wanted to stay together with my parent no matter where we go after our death. ¡®Well, even to this moment, my regret is still lingering around in my soul,¡¯ After letting out a deep sigh, I then woke Yunno and Yui up. They were still sleepy, but waking up early in the morning was very good for their growth. Not to mention, if Kazuyori found they overslept even for a minute, she would definitely come to spit out her wrath. After tidying up our long bed, we washed our face, brush our teeth, ditched our night soil, and started our daily routine. Yunno and Yui went to kitchen to take unused part of vegetable from yesterday cooking. They chopped it into small pieces before putting it into a crude wooden basin. Honestly, the amount of unused vegetable was too little to feed 30 healthy hens. Fortunately, the hens couldn¡¯t finish the small frog, bug, and worm from yesterday hunt, so Yunno and Yui could add it into their breakfast. After that, they opened the cage. The sky was still too dark for the hen. They couldn¡¯t use their vision properly yet, but Yunno and Yui had to help me with other work, so they opened the cage as soon as the chicken feed was ready in the middle of the yard, and let the chicken to come out of their cage on their own when they want it. As for me, my first job in the morning was refilling four giant clay jars in the kitchen with fresh water. My tool was two wooden buckets, around ten liter each. It would require a lot of go back and forth from the well to the kitchen if I relied only on two buckets. So, I used my spatial storage to help me moved the water and stored some too. Therefore, when Yunno and Yui arrived to help me, I already finished the job. As she saw me put my machete into my hips Yunno asked, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, are you already done refilling the jars?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. ¡°It seems they didn¡¯t use too much water yesterday.¡± As I handed over two bamboo tubes filled with water to the brim, the ropes to tie firewood, waist net-bags, small machete for Yunno, and small knife for Yui, I continued, ¡°Let¡¯s gather the firewood.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno happily replied while Yui energetically nodded. We then left as my sister-in-laws arrived in the kitchen. Big question mark appeared in their forehead, as they saw we left far earlier than usual, but they didn¡¯t stop us after confirming the water jars have water to the brim. --- A shred of orange started to appear in the east as we passed over Sendai¡¯s main gate. We then went straight to small oak forest 300 meters west of the gate. The forest had hundreds of oak trees. From it massive trunk, it was easy to tell that oak trees in this forest was two centuries old at least. As the oak forest was the source of firewood for the villager, they made a tradition not to cut the whole oak tree. With communal permission, a new family could take big branch to make furniture, wooden block, or kitchen utensil. But other than that, the villager could only forage the falling branch or twig for firewood. As for the children from the village, they used the oak forest as their playing ground and place to hunt pigeon, woodcock, turtle dove, and such. As soon as we reached the oak forest, we immediately started our work. Yunno and Yui did it as usual. They gathered dried branch without going too far from my sight. As for me, I gathered dried branch for the kitchen and also for my own use and put it into spatial storage. At the same time, I also use Shadow Hand to collect the scattered acorns and put it into my spatial storage. Actually, the children from the village would take some acorn, roasted it, and then eat it. However, hereditary tradition taught them that eating too many roasted acorn could cause a sickness. Therefore, they treated it only as a light snack, and I could collect a massive amount of acorn after a short walk. If I properly leached it for a few days, I could turn the acorns into totally safe and healthy high-content protein flour. However, my plan was only to dry them, smash them, and then use them as chicken¡¯s feed for when I had a small but my own chicken pen for Yunno and Yui. Not to forget, I also collected pigeon¡¯s eggs. Silently, I scanned an oak tree using Essence Pulse. The pigeons were smart enough to build their nest on a branch that almost impossible for human to touch it. However, my Shadow Hand easily reached it and took one egg, the freshest one, into my spatial storage. Lately, the pigeon population around Sendai was too high. It could negatively affect the harvest. So, when I found adult female pigeon that didn¡¯t sit on any egg, I snatched it. In no time, I got 23 eggs and 12 pigeons. But I had to stop my hunt as Yunno and Yui already collected firewood slightly more than they could carry. ¡°Yunno, Yui, let¡¯s return,¡± I called them. Yunno immediately looked up to the sky through the gaps between oak¡¯s branches and said, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, it¡¯s still too early.¡± ¡°Yeah, but we will go hunting earlier today.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno obediently replied. After we tied the firewood and slung it on our back, we returned to Sendai. Along the way, we met young men and children who went to oak forest to collect firewood. I made a small conversation with some of them, but most of the time I only lightly smile and exchange a simple greeting. --- When we entered the front yard, we were welcomed by Kazuyori who was sweeping the terrace. Yesterday, I just lightly tapped her nape. Other than made her lost conscious it had no other effect. So, it was natural that this morning she woke up as usual like any other day. As soon as she saw we returned earlier than usual Kazuyori sharply said, ¡°It¡¯s still very early. Go gather another batch of firewood. It¡¯s already end of ninth month, but our firewood is not even enough to pass the first month of winter.¡± ¡°Mother, later at noon, you can ask sister-in-law to gather additional firewood.¡± As soon as she heard I didn¡¯t comply with her order like how the Unfortunate Sanno usually would, Kazuyori instantly raised her left eyebrow. ¡°And what will you do now?¡± Breakfast has not ready yet, or do you plan to go back sleep like a useless freeloader?¡± Even without looking at them, I could feel Yunno and Yui started to tremble when Kazuyori raised her voice. However, I had already decided I would risk a fight to speak my intention. ¡°Mother, I plan to check the deeper part of our hunting ground. So, we have to go earlier starting today.¡± Kazuyori narrowed her eyes as she suspiciously asked, ¡°You don¡¯t plan to slack off, do you?¡± ¡°If we don¡¯t have additional harvest after putting snares in the deeper area, we will go back to our routine.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Kazuyori immediately lowered her tone after hearing the potential for additional harvest, but it didn¡¯t mean her attitude towards Yunno and Yui became gentler. ¡°You can eat whatever the kitchen had been cook as your breakfast, but Yunno and Yui can only eat half portion of other kids.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Wasting no time, I took Yunno and Yui to put the firewood into firewood stash. After that, we went to the small table in one corner of the kitchen. ***** SC1 2.2 – Resting Hut SC1 2.2 ¨C Resting Hut Pretty similar to other family in Sendai, Tadaoka Household adopted two meals tradition. Breakfast was served at 9:00 am and the menu was always bean curd with steamed vegetable. As for dinner, it was served at 17:00 pm and the menu was always super thin porridge made of coarse grain with once again steamed vegetable. Both menu for breakfast and dinner were already very discouraging. However, the worst thing about it was that other than my late older sister, every woman in Tadaoka Household was terrible cook, especially when they made bean curd for our breakfast. The bean curd had strong unpleasant smell mixed with some lingering charred scent, while the taste was too sour. It was a sign my sister-in-laws didn¡¯t stored the dried soybean properly. Worst of all, they didn¡¯t wash it clean enough before grinding it, and when cooking it they used big flame but didn¡¯t stir it accordingly to how fast the heat done the bean curd. And so, I could only inwardly let out a sigh as my younger sister put three bowls of the damnable bean curd and three glass of warm boiled water to the table. ¡°This is the only ready-to-eat food we have right now. We haven¡¯t steam the vegetables,¡± ¡°No problem,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Thank you, Aunt Yuko.¡± Yunno cheerfully said, while the quiet Yui put a big smile in her face. ¡°Yeah,¡± After nodding her head and gently smiled to Yunno and Yui, my younger sister then returned to her task, cutting the vegetables. Without delay, I put a spoon of bean curd into my mouth, and in instant I almost spitted it out. For me who had experienced high-level culinary tradition on earth, eating the damnable bean curd was literarily a torture. The smell alone was already took away half of my soul. Fortunately, after putting my life on the line I managed to swallow it. After that, I stealthily moved the rest of my share into my spatial storage. As for Yunno and Yui, they also had a hard time to finish their bean curd. Not to mention, my younger sister deliberately ignored Kazuyori¡¯s order and gave the two the normal portion. Well, this was the last time they would eat the damnable bean curd so I let them to struggle a bit. I also couldn¡¯t blame my younger sister for her good intention. Even though it brought Yunno and Yui a hard time, it also gave them a sense of family affection. At the same time, Okko, my eldest sister-in-law came over to our table. From her indignant face, I could tell she came to dump some shit on us. After putting her hands on her waist Okko sharply said, ¡°Sanno, how dare you suggesting mother to ask us collecting firewood? It¡¯s your job, don¡¯t dump it on us.¡± ¡°Eldest sister-in-law, I don¡¯t mind gathering firewood all the day, as long as you or other eldest sister-in-law replaces me doing the hunt.¡± Seeing her sharp and domineering tone didn¡¯t make me chicken out like how usually it would, Okko immediately raised her left eyebrow. ¡°Are you out of your mind? My husband and your second eldest brother have already done the hunt. How can you ask us, their wife, to do it too? Moreover, we have our own work here. Preparing food, taking care of laundry, maintains the vegetable plot, and sweeping the yard, can you do all of that if we go hunting as you suggest it?¡± ¡°I do,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t mind we swap our work share.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. In an instant Okko dropped her jaw. Tradition dictated that it was not an admirable thing for a healthy young man like me doing house chore or other woman¡¯s job. However, I didn¡¯t give a fuck. Not to mention, even if the house chore in Tadaoka Household seemed heavy, actually it was not. First, it was because three adult women and one young woman did it together. Second, they only had to cook simple menu, and never had to make pickle, noodle, drying and processing seasoning or doing other kitchen miscellaneous. The laundry also didn¡¯t include my clothes and Yunno or Yui¡¯s clothes. The vegetable plot was also only 5x3 meters, while our front yard was also not big. In short, even before sun reached its peak, they usually had finished their daily chore. Then, other than my younger sister who had to learn needle work under Kazuyori¡¯s supervision, the other would gossiping for the rest of the day until it¡¯s time to prepare dinner. And as I suspected, Okko definitely didn¡¯t want to leave her comfort zone. After slightly snorting she said, ¡°Mother won¡¯t permit it.¡± ¡°In that case, let¡¯s follow her arrangement.¡± Seeing Okko ran out of words, I immediately got up while saying to Yunno and Yui, ¡°Let¡¯s wash the dishes to ease Eldest Aunt¡¯s chore before we go for the hunt.¡± ¡°¡°Mhm.¡±¡± Yunno and Yui who were very tense when I talked back to Okko immediately took a deep breath of relief. Wasting no time, we did the dish we had used and left, leaving Okko who looked at us as her indignant face became darker. --- Usually, I took Yunno and Yui to hunt in the east side of Mount Haruna, but today I took them straight to the south. In casual pace we walked down the small road below the east face of South Ridge. We walked for about an hour before scaling an almost vertical animal trail to reach the peak of South Ridge. It was arduous hike even for a fit adult, but Yunno and Yui could complete it. Of course, they had to drench themselves with sweats to achieve this remarkable feat. They were also almost run out of breath when we reached the peak. However, this was an important training to build their foundation. As someone who possessed Rain Dragon soul mark, they could become both warrior and rune master, but they had to have strong physical fitness to do it. Therefore, I hardened my resolve even though Yunno and Yui looked very pitiful as they tried to catch their breath. ¡°The hike is hard, but sooner or later your body will strong enough to overcome it.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°Let rest a bit here,¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied while Yui nodded as usual. Then, as her gaze met with Rokube town in the distance, Yunno suddenly became very quiet. When her father was still alive, he would take her to Rokube Town once a month and bought her a big piece of meat pie. This memory must be deeply engraved in her heart, as last time he went to Rokube Town with Unfortunate Sanno, she kept looking at the meat pie shop with moist eyes. As for Yui, she had no memory about her father or good memory about Rokube Town. However, she could sense Yunno¡¯s sadness so she immediately held her big sister¡¯s hand tightly. And as usual, it made Yunno regained her positive attitude along with her unyielding spirit. ¡°At new year,¡± I calmly but firmly said, ¡°Let¡¯s visit Rokube Town.¡± Yunno instantly turned her gaze to me. ¡°Visiting Rokube Town at new year?¡± ¡°Yes, we will visit main temple and offer a pray for your father and mother.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno firmly replied. A moment later, I took Yunno and Yui to descend to bamboo forest in west face of South Ridge. It was about 20 meters below our position and the trail was very gentle. Without many words Yunno and Yui followed me, and with ease we reached the bamboo forest. ¡°Let¡¯s find a good spot to build a hut here.¡± I explained the reason why we came all the way to the bamboo forest, and the quiet Yui immediately turned her gaze to me. ¡°Building a hut here?¡± ¡°Yeah, we will enlarge our hunting radius and maybe carry a hunt at night, so we will need a resting hut.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui said while slightly nodded her head. Wasting no time we scanned the bamboo forest, and finally found a good spot in the edge of a cliff. Then, I started selecting and cutting bamboo canes, while Yunno and Yui helped me clean it. Even if the two were still a kid, the Unfortunate Sanno had taught them how to clean bamboo cane and they learnt it pretty well. In a swift movement, they cut the branch node, branch stub, peeled the brown sheath, and then rubbed clean the super nodal ridge and nodal ring. Only in about three minutes, the two had turned an eight meters long bamboo cane into a smooth and ready to use material. After we had 30 pieces ready to use bamboo canes, I then measured and cut it. My machete was 50 cm long and in first 20 cm from the grip the blade had a shaped like a saw. With ease I used it to saw the ready to use bamboo cane. After that, I built the bamboo hut. My plant was to make bamboo hut as big as two tatamis. First, I planted twelve bamboo canes to the ground as the outer pillars. Then, I built the floor, 40 cm above the ground, followed by 1.6 wall and triangle rooftop. While building the hut, I secretly carved Anti-Element Rune and Strengthening Rune on each bamboo cane. This way, the hut would be very strong and last for a very long time. While to put the bamboo cane together, I didn¡¯t use nail or rope. The Merge Rune would do the job. I had made such bamboo hut dozens of times, so I finished it in no time. ¡°Whooaaaa¡­ It¡¯s much nicer than bamboo hut in our rice field,¡± Yunno said. ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui eagerly expressed her agreement. ¡°It doesn¡¯t use straw on its roof.¡± A satisfied smile bloomed in my lips, as Yunno and Yui looked at the hut with sparkling eyes. ¡°Now, let¡¯s make the fence, and then we can have some rest inside the hut.¡± ¡°¡°Mhm,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui happily replied at the same time. Without delay, we built the fence. I planned to build bath hut and dinning hut later, so I put the fence rather far from the resting hut. It neatly circled it in four side figures with equal angles, made of bamboo that I planted to the ground. The fence and the small gate was only 1.2 meter high, so in a glance it was pretty easy to trespass it. However, other than Anti-Element Rune and Strengthening Rune, I also carved Anti-Trespassing Rune and Alert Rune on it. Therefore, no animal or human could enter it without my permission, unless they were a better rune master than me. After that, I took Yunno and Yui to rest in our brand new resting hut. ***** SC1 2.3 – Selling the Harvest SC1 2.3 ¨C Selling the Harvest As soon as they entered it, Yunno and Yui happily looked at the roof and every corner of the hut. Having their own hut truly made them very happy. Well, they had almost no material possession, so even this simple hut was like a treasure for them. After taking another gulp from my bamboo tube I explained my second intention. ¡°Yunno, Yui, I will teach you a breathing technique to strengthen your body.¡± ¡°A breathing technique to strengthening our body?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°Yes.¡± The usually quiet Yui also curiously asked, ¡°Can it really strengthening our body?¡± ¡°It can,¡± I firmly replied and inwardly added, ¡®It will also prepare your body before I can teach you martial art and rune art.¡¯ Actually, what I was going to teach to Yunno and Yui was breathing technique to absorb essence called Dragon Breath. However, for now I chose not to tell them the whole picture yet, and just mention it as a breathing technique to strengthening their body. ¡°We will learn it as best as we can,¡± Yunno said as determination flashed in her eyes. Yui firmly nodded before adding, ¡°If we have strong body, we will become good hunter, and can greatly help Uncle Manno pay his school tuition.¡± ¡°Grandma Kazuyori will be very proud of us,¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± ¡®Fuck me.¡¯ I could only inwardly curse, as Yunno and Yui were very eager to please their vicious grandmother. ¡®These two are too na?ve, almost beyond saving.¡¯ However, I couldn¡¯t blame them. It was their nature. Moreover, the Unfortunate Sanno that they trusted so much had raised them that way. I couldn¡¯t force them to suddenly change their na?f way of thinking. All I could do was broadened their horizon gradually, one step at a time. As for now I would focus my attention to teach them the Dragon Breath. ¡°Well, let¡¯s started it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± I immediately asked Yunno and Yui to sit in a meditation position. The back was ramrod straight, legs were folded and crossed, lower forearm lied on the thigh, both palm right under belly, left palm under right palm while the tip of both thumbs were slightly connected. After ensuring their posture was correct, I asked them to close their eyes and breathe normally. Then, by using Shadow Hand I made a light tap at every vital point along their essence circuit. As a result, the two gradually went into a trance as their essence circuit woke up from dormant state. Now, with every breath they would also absorb essence in the air, and their essence circuit would channel it into their essence sea.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. I estimated it took six months before Dragon Breath fully integrated to their body. After that, even with normal breath they would absorb essence. Well, I¡¯m not in hurry, so I would let the process went in normal pace. Then, while Yunno and Yui were in a trance, I took my time to go to Rokube. Of course, even if I had carved protective rune in the fence, I still couldn¡¯t leave the two for too long. Fortunately, I could use Shapeshift to change my form into a grey Peregrine Owl and enabled a high-speed traveling. Even if it was only an ordinary bird from my home planet, Peregrine Owl had a lot of useful ability. It had the speed, vision, flight endurance, and strength of an eagle, along with sensitive hearing, silent flight, and night vision of an owl. In short, it was useful for long distance traveling or scouting an area. Moreover, Peregrine Owl was the only Shapeshift I could use with my current level. After circling above the hut a few times, I flew towards Rokube. Peregrine Owl had max speed 360 km/h, so in a few breaths of time I already arrived above Rokube. After looking back at the hut and ensure everything was alright, I silently landed in a roof of an old house. My size was only a slightly larger than pigeon, so my arrival did not draw too much attention. Other than a toddler who was curiously looking at me, only a pack of mice realized my arrival, and they immediately ran into hiding. From where I stood, I easily observed a butcher shop across the street. After ensure the butcher shop didn¡¯t have visitor, I went into an empty small alley and shape-shifted back into human form. Then, as soon as I arrived in his shop, Butcher Jin immediately welcomed me with a question, ¡°Sanno, where is your eldest brother? Do they send you here?¡± ¡°No,¡± I honestly replied. ¡°I come to sell my harvest.¡± More or less, Butcher Jin knew the circumstance in Tadaoka Household, so he immediately frowned. ¡°Your mother will kill you.¡± ¡°Do you want to buy it or I have to go to other place?¡± My straightforward respond made Butcher Jin gasped. It was natural because usually I was very polite when talking to him, but he didn¡¯t think too deep about it and said, ¡°Let me check it first.¡± Without delay I put yesterday harvest to the table, and Butcher Jin¡¯s eyes instantly widened as pile of hares, pheasants, and wild chickens suddenly appeared in front of him out of nowhere. ¡°Sanno, how could you have a spatial storage?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t waste my time and immediately check it.¡± ¡°O-okay.¡± For people in Rokube, spatial storage was not an alien thing. However, other than warrior or rune master, only super rich people could buy it. Usually, it was in the form of spatial ring or other accessories, and only had small capacity. As for spatial storage that was integrated into a soul, only a few high-level warriors or rune masters had it. Therefore, it was natural that Butcher Jin was very nervous when checking my harvest. I didn¡¯t come from rich household, so he must be thought that I was a warrior, and it was not a secret that some warriors didn¡¯t have moral compass. However, Butcher Jin¡¯s tense expression returned to normal after he found that my harvest was in a very good condition. ¡°It¡¯s rare to get a fresh kill. I will take them all.¡± ¡°Okay.¡¯ Without delay, Butcher Jin weighed my harvest while I checked the current price for wild game. The list was written in the blackboard, pinned to the wall next to the scale. It seemed hare still had the highest price. Actually, if I cleaned my harvest into a ready to use ingredient I could sold it a slightly higher, but I don¡¯t have the time to do it. A moment later, Butcher Jin had finished the calculation. Pretty similar to other merchant in Rokube, when he had a big transaction Butcher Jin would write his calculation using a white chalk in a small blackboard, and showed it to the hunter or buyer who made the transaction with him. ¡°Warrior Sanno, please check it.¡± Butcher Jin handed over his calculation and I immediately checked it. 14 hares, 43.5 kg x 6 monn = 261 monn 4 pheasants, 11.3 kg x 4 monn = 45.2 monn 2 wild chickens, 4.2 kg x 3 monn = 12.6 monn Total = 318 monn 80 cent. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± After a smile, Butcher Jin paid me. He used three coins of 100 monn, eight coins of 2 monn, and four coins of twenty cent. Then, as I put the coins into spatial storage I asked, ¡°Do you have spare traveler cloak, boots, scarf, and bamboo hat that I can buy?¡± ¡°I have and it¡¯s in a very good condition.¡± ¡°Can I check it?¡± ¡°Wait for a moment.¡± After going inside his house for about ten minutes, Butcher Jin returned with the thing I asked and I immediately check it. Coincidently, the traveler cloak was pretty similar to Akatsuki Cloak from Naruto. It was a black jet cloak with some red clouds pattern. Even the scarf and the bamboo hat also had similar color and motif. Honestly, even though I loved to watch Naruto, it was still too embarrassing to wear an outfit from an anime. But I didn¡¯t saw other option, so I would take it for the time being. I calmly asked, ¡°How much?¡± ¡°50 monn,¡± Butcher Jin firmly replied. ¡±It is 15 monn cheaper compare to when I bought it in Kamakura City five months ago.¡± ¡°I will take it.¡± Good boots and good cloak were expensive, so I didn¡¯t try to haggle. After paying it, I immediately wore it. Then, I used Mesmerizing Spell to alter Butcher Jin¡¯s memory. Now, what would he remembered was that he made a transaction with a warrior named Deitoro, and not Sanno from Tadaoka Household. ***** SC1 2.4 – The Most Delicious Steamed Bun SC1 2.4 ¨C The Most Delicious Steamed Bun From Butcher Jin¡¯s shop I went straight to Sotora, the only general store in Rokube. The only time the Unfortunate Sanno had entered Sotora was when he was seven-year-old. At that time, Kazuyori brought him to buy school supply and garment for Manno¡¯s uniform. In this single shopping, Kazuyori spent almost a thousand monn. It was equivalent to a good harvest from Tadaoka¡¯s rice field, but the Unfortunate Sanno believed it was a good spending. He believed it worth every cent as long as Tadaoka Household could have an honored government official in the future. Only after his death the Unfortunate Sanno regretted his believe. To be precise, he couldn¡¯t accept that he had to leaved Yunno and Yui with nothing but unfair treatment from Kazuyori. Therefore, as soon as I entered Sotora his wishes to buy Yunno and Yui decent clothes and lot of other things after Manno graduated suddenly resurfaced into my mind like a firework. Well, I couldn¡¯t full fill his wish in one go, but at least I would not wait until Manno graduated. Then, a junior shop attendant welcomed me. She put a big smile on her face even though I looked very suspicious to the teeth. ¡°Venerable Guest, what can this attendant do for you?¡± After altering my vocal cord to produce a voice of an old man I asked, ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°This attendant is Minami.¡± ¡°You can call me Deitoro,¡± I casually introduced myself. ¡°Please show me the toothbrush this store has.¡± ¡°Please follow me, Ser Deitoro.¡± After a small nod I followed Minako. In general, other than some additional sections and merchandises, Sotora still retained its old layout, a neatly row of shelves full of merchandise, divided in a few sections. It was pretty similar with general store in earth. It just that the merchandise didn¡¯t had price tag. The price list was written in a black board and was hung above the shelf. As soon as we arrived at the personal hygiene section, Minami led me into shelf where the row of toothbrush was neatly placed. ¡°Ser Deitoro, this is our collection of toothbrush. The one in the middle section is the best product we have.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I immediately took a toothbrush from middle section and made a quick check. The handle was made of black oak and as soon as I touched it, I could tell it was made by excellent craftsman. As for the brushes, it was made of wild boar hair. I didn¡¯t recognize the technique they used to process the wild boar¡¯s hair, but the result was as good as toothbrush from earth. Wasting no time I took one toothbrush for adult and two toothbrushes for children. Minako immediately took a small basket made of bamboo from a corner, and put the three toothbrushes I picked into it. After that I took a bar of perfumless body soap and a box of toothpaste. The two were the cheapest product of its kind, but for now it would be sufficient. ¡°Is Ser Deitoro also wants to check the hair shampoo we have?¡± ¡°No,¡± I calmly replied. The toothbrush, body soap, and toothpaste had already cost me 25 monn or around three plump pheasants. For now, I couldn¡¯t afford to buy luxury goods. This was also the reason why I planned to make my own personal hygiene supply in the future.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°But I need writing supply,¡± I calmly said. After a big smile Minami said, ¡°Please follow me,¡± After checking and comparing some products, I took three pencils, two erasers, two 40 cm wooden rulers, and three small folded tables. All of those cost me 90 monn. I knew that in Planet Erra personal hygiene supply and writing supply were very expensive. However, after living in earth for 40 years, I couldn¡¯t help but heaving a deep sighs when I had to spend so much money for it. People in earth were so fortunate. Their civilization had advance beyond most planets in the universe. After that I asked Minami to take me to kitchen utensil section. Over there, the first thing I took was a 3-liter hot pot. It was ordinary brown hot pot made of clay, but it had a dome-shaped lid and steamer, so I could also use it as steamer. Then, I took a clay stove, a hundred sheet of oiled paper, six 60x40 cm bamboo strainers, wooden colander, wooden basin, wooden ladle, three big bamboo baskets, two small bamboo basket, three wooden bowls and spoons, two 60x60x5 cm chopping board, kitchen knife, a jar of pickled-napa cabbage, a jar of pickled-bamboo shoot, an egg basket, 40 liter water jar, and 2 kg sea salt. Then, I made a quick check on the availability and price of spice and seasoning before going to the cashier to clear the bill, and then Minami walked me to the exit with big smile. All this time, I clearly saw that despite her young age, maybe around 12-year-old, Minami¡¯s disposition was much more mature than the other senior attendants in Sotora. She must be not ordinary shop attendant, but I didn¡¯t think about it too deep and focused my attention on the errand I had to complete. I still had 30 monn and 80 cent, so I went to buy steamed bun. It was 20 cent a piece for plain steamed bun and 40 cent a piece for sweet red bean steamed bun. I bought 15 pieces of each type. I also bought 10 kg purple yam for 6 monn. Then, I went into an empty alley, changed into Peregrine Owl and returned to the hut. --- After checking that Yunno and Yui were still deep in breathing exercise, I immediately boiled all pigeon eggs I have. I did it around forty meters from the hut to ensure the smoke didn¡¯t enter the hut and left a trace on Yunno and Yui. I made this precaution because Kazuyori would accuse us roasting some of the harvest if she smelled smoke on us. As for me, I used Shadow Hand to ensure the smoke didn¡¯t touch my clothes. It took nine minutes to make perfect hard boiled pigeon eggs. After chilling the eggs in cold water, I cleaned the stove and the pot, and then returned to the hut. Without making a sound, I put everything I bought in Sotora in a corner. As for the purple yam, I put it in one of the bamboo baskets, while the boiled pigeon eggs I put them in the egg basket. I also filled the 40 liters water jar to the brim. As for the steamed bun, I only took out three pieces of plain steamed bun and wrapped it in oiled paper, and kept the rest in my spatial storage. After that, I leaned my back on the hut¡¯s wall and straightening my legs. A minute later, as I looked at Yunno and Yui, I used Shadow Hand to gently close their essence circuit. Slowly but surely, the two then woke up. ¡°How is it?¡± I calmly asked. ¡°It was like a dream. Yunno played with a cheerful baby blue dragon in a big and clear pool. It was very fun.¡± ¡°Yui also played with a cheerful baby blue dragon in a big and clear pool.¡± ¡°How is your body now?¡± ¡°Yunno doesn¡¯t tire anymore.¡± ¡°Yui also doesn¡¯t tire anymore.¡± I smiled and nodded. ¡°If you keep continuing the breathing exercise, the pool and the blue dragon will grow larger. It¡¯s also a sign that your body becomes stronger.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yui happily asked. ¡°Really.¡± At the same time, Yunno curiously looked at the pile of goods in the corner. As she tilted her head she asked, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, whose goods are these?¡± ¡°A warrior named Deitoro lends it to us.¡± In an instant question mark appeared in Yunno¡¯s forehead, ¡°A warrior lends it to us?¡± ¡°Yeah, he came when you were still deep in the breathing exercise.¡± I calmly explained. ¡°He very strong and he control a very good hunting ground. He offered me to hunt in his hunting ground, if we help him with a few jobs. These goods are for those jobs.¡± After nodding her head Yunno firmly said, ¡°Yunno will help.¡± ¡°Yui will also help,¡± Yui firmly added. ¡°I know you will help me,¡± I happily said. ¡°But we have to keep it as a secret from people in home or anyone else.¡± ¡°Why we have to keep it as secret?¡± Yunno asked as she gave me curious gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Warrior Deitoro didn¡¯t tell me the reason, but as long as we can get more harvest, I think it¡¯s not a problem.¡± Maybe because the two had deep trust on me, they didn¡¯t ask further and just nodded their head. I then took the steamed bun I wrapped in oiled paper. ¡°Warrior Deitoro also give us these steamed buns. Let¡¯s eat it.¡± ¡°Can we really eat it?¡± Yui looked at steamed bun in my hand with big eyes, but her tone clearly showed she hesitated. ¡°Don¡¯t we have to bring it home and let the other to take their share first?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± After inwardly letting out a sigh for Yui¡¯s overly na?ve disposition I gently said, ¡°Yui, remember, we can¡¯t tell anyone about Warrior Deitoro, or foods and job he gives us. We can¡¯t make Warrior Deitoro angry and forbid us from hunting in his hunting ground.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yui obediently nodded and I immediately give her and Yunno one steamed bun each. After cheerfully looked at their steamed bun, Yunno and Yui took a bite. A moment later, a big smile bloomed in their face as they chew the steamed bun. ¡°Is the steamed bun very delicious?¡± I curiously asked. ¡°Mhm,¡± Yunno firmly nodded. ¡°It¡¯s very delicious.¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s very delicious,¡± Yui happily added. ¡°Warrior Deitoro must be very kind or he won¡¯t give us such delicious steamed bun.¡± After hearing their answer, I couldn¡¯t help but inwardly took another sigh. What I gave them was only plain steamed bun, but Yunno and Yui enjoyed as if it was the most delicious bun in the world. Wasting no time, I split my steamed bun into two pieces. ¡°Here,¡± I said as I gave my steamed bun to Yunno and Yui. ¡°You are in growing period. You will need more food intake than me.¡± ¡°But it is Big Brother Sanno¡¯s share,¡± Yunno said. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. Help me to eat it or I will have to throw it away.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied before taking the half-steamed bun in my right hand. Then, Yui followed her by taking the half-steamed bun in my left hand. After that, they enjoyed it heartily while I took a silent oath. Under my watch, they would never suffer the lack of food anymore. ***** SC1 2.5 – Warrior and Rune Master SC1 2.5 ¨C Warrior and Rune Master After Yunno and Yui finished eating their steamed bun, I took them to check the snares. Initially, they were worried someone would steal the items we leaved in the hut, but I managed to convince them that no one could enter the hut as Warrior Deitoro had carved Anti-Trespassing rune in the fence. Then, we climbed to the peak of South Ridge. If you looked at it from above, South Ridge was stretching for 7 km from south to north like a dragon spine. The south tip ended up in a cliff before Nagoya Sea, while the north tip ended up in the middle of trail to climb Mount Haruna, and below it was oak forest where we gathered firewood every morning. As for the hut, it was right in the middle of South Ridge. After reaching the peak, we walked the ridgeline to north. The path was rough and uneven, but Yunno and Yui happily followed me. Yui was right behind me, while Yunno in the rear. After around three hundreds meter, we then descended to Toka Valley. It was rich hunting ground located next to the west foot of South Ridge. Usually, only a group of 7-9 seasoned hunters would enter Toka Valley, as this valley was inside the hunting radius of an abyss tiger. Entered this valley with two little girls was no different than suicide, but I¡¯m not ordinary hunter. Then, as soon as we reach the tree line on the edge of Toka Valley, the abyss tiger that coincidently was lazing around in the nearby grass field, immediately stalking us silently. However, it then slowly retreated after sensing that I was not a prey, but stronger predator beyond its comprehension. At the same time, Yunno who seemed had perceived the abyss tiger¡¯s presence turned his gaze to me and said, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, Yunno heard from the villagers that there is a giant tiger in this valley. ¡°It¡¯s an abyss tiger to be precise. It¡¯s three times bigger and stronger than ordinary mountain tiger,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°And until a moment ago, it was stalking us.¡± ¡°It was stalking us?¡± Yunno warily asked. ¡°His last position is the long grass thirty meter to our left.¡± In an instant, Yunno gripped the small machete in her waist while stepping forward to shield Yui. It was easy to tell that she was tense and scared. Even so, she didn¡¯t back down and fixed her gaze to the grass field on our left. ¡®What a brave girl,¡¯ I muttered before saying, ¡°It¡¯s already gone.¡± Without shifting her gaze from the long grass Yunno asked, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, is it really gone?¡± ¡°Yeah, I know a trick to chase it away. When you are strong enough I will teach you how to do it, but don¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied while Yui firmly nodded as usual. ¡°Until then, don¡¯t enter this valley without me, at all cost.¡± ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± Yunno firmly replied After that, I took Yunno and Yui to exit the tree lines, showed them the abyss tiger¡¯s trail, and asked them to carve it in their mind. Then, I taught them how to hunt grass worm in grass field.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Yunno, Yui, looks at this long grass.¡± I said as I pointed at a stalk of long grass as high as my chest. It was shorter than other elephant grass because its tip rolled downward. ¡°Do you know what is inside the rolled tips?¡± ¡°¡­¡± After Yunno and Yui shook their head, I opened the rolled tips and showed them the creamy colored fat grass worm inside it. ¡°This is grass worm, pheasant most favorite food.¡± ¡°Can we use it as bait for pheasant?¡± The quiet Yui curiously asked. ¡°We can, but we will collect it to feed our hens.¡± ¡°We will collect it to feed our hens?¡± Yunno asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°The frog, bug, and worm in hour rice field have decreased a lot. We have to find other source of food for the hens.¡± ¡°We will collect the grass worm as many as possible.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Yunno and Yui spiritedly said in turn, and I immediately added, ¡°But you don¡¯t need to open the rolled tip. Just let the worm lay peacefully inside it until just before you feed them to the hens. That way, we can collect it as many as we can and keep them for a few days.¡± ¡°¡°Mhm,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. Wasting no time, Yunno and Yui hunted the grass worm, but I asked them to sweep the long grass only on the edge of grass field, or about a few meters from the three lines. They carefully picked the rolled grass and put it into a home-made net-bag in their waist. As for me, I set some snares in the edge of the woods. However, I made a few tricks to ensure the snares would catch nothing. Therefore, tomorrow I didn¡¯t need to check it. At the same time, I used the combo Essence Pulse and Shadow Hand to harvest, hare, pheasant, wild chicken, or egg in the area. I believed that a hunt had to be carried out in a sustainable manner, so I didn¡¯t took male hare because its number was too low, or pheasant and wild chicken that were in egg laying period or still tending their chicks. However, even with that limitation, in less than two hours I had bagged more than four hundreds small wild games, along with hundreds of eggs. Toka Valley was truly rich of harvest. I had my gratitude to the abyss tiger, because of its presence, only a handful hunter had the gut to explore Toka Valley. After that, I took a time to collect around 10 kg grass worm and continued our journey to the north. The trail was wide and flat, so Yunno and Yui could walk right next to me. They walked with big happy smile in their face, while their net-bag was full of elephant grass worm. One hour later, we arrived in our usual hunting ground and immediately checked the snares we set yesterday. Today, we also got a good harvest, and as usual it made Yunno and Yui very happy even though they knew they wouldn¡¯t enjoy it a bit. --- Dinner went as usual, plain and gloomy. Then, Kazuyori asked me, ¡°Sanno, how is the hunting prospect in the deeper area?¡± ¡°I found lot of pheasant¡¯s feather. It seems we will have additional harvest." ¡°Very good,¡± Kazuyori flatly said, but her eyes brimming with joy when I mentioned the possibility of additional harvest. ¡°Where did you put the additional snares? Tanno asked me. ¡°The bamboo grooves on the west face of South Ridge, the one that slightly below the ridgeline.¡± I deliberately didn¡¯t explain that I took Yunno and Yui to a dangerous area such as Toka Valley. No one would care, so I didn¡¯t tell them. They also said nothing even though they knew the climb to reach South Ridge¡¯s peak was too tough for little girl like Yunno and Yui. After a moment of silence Danno said, ¡°Butcher Jin said that a warrior named Deitoro sold a good harvest to him today. Sanno, if you meet with him in the hunting ground, don¡¯t offend him. It seems he¡¯s a dangerous warrior.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I calmly replied while Yunno and Yui silently chewed their dinner. For ordinary people, warrior or rune master were like knight or samurai in old time earth. It was definitely not a good thing for ordinary people to offend them. Then, I turned my gaze to Kazuyori. ¡°Mother, we have to depart slightly earlier than this morning. Can we put our breakfast in food container and eat it later?¡± Kazuyori flatly replied. ¡°You can use the oldest food container in the kitchen.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I calmly nodded and continued enjoying the plain dinner. I thought it would be the end of the conversation, but my younger sister suddenly asked me, ¡°Fifth Brother, you didn¡¯t take Yunno and Yui into dangerous area, did you?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± A lied smoothly slipped out of my teeth before I put a piece of steamed cabbage into my mouth. At the same time, Yuko deeply looked at me. I got a hunch he knew I lied, but I calmly continued with my act. --- Night went as usual. I recited bedtime stories for Yunno and Yui. After that they peacefully fell asleep. As I looked at their childish face, I opened their essence circuit. This way, they would also absorb essence in their sleeping. If everything went smoothly, in a few months Yunno and Yui would be able to activate their essence circuit on their own, and then fully integrated Dragon Breath to their body. Meaning, with every breath they would absorb essence and channeled it into their essence sea. And as Yunno and Yui were Rain Dragon Warrior, they could learn both martial art and rune art. I would ensure they mastered them simultaneously. Actually, I could accelerate the activation of Dragon Breath by putting Yunno and Yui into a tragic event or event that threatened their life. However, I didn¡¯t plan to take that path. I would groom Yunno and Yui in normal path until they had sufficient martial skill, rune art, and lot of happy days to be remembered. Starting tomorrow I would also teach them common education. They had to possess education level equivalent to high school kid on earth, as it would enable them to learn lot of cooking technique from earth, and how to use it to polish their rune art. After shorting out my plan for Yunno and Yui, I then put my body and mind into a peaceful night rest. ***** SC1 3.1 – Good Breakfast SC1 3.1 ¨C Good Breakfast While putting their best effort, Yunno and Yui followed me. Climbing South Ridges was not easy even when they already had their breakfast, but now they did it when their stomach was empty. Not to mention, they also had to carry their morning workload as usual. Their breath became heavier with each step, but I didn¡¯t give them time to rest. After reaching the peak we immediately descended to the hut. Only when we entered the yard of the hut I calmly said, ¡°Let¡¯s rest and eat our breakfast.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Yunno replied after catching her breath, while Yui weakly nodded. Then, I helped them to wash their hands and face using water in the water jar. I still hadn¡¯t built bath hut, so we could only use a corner in the yard when we wanted to wash our self. After that, I asked Yunno and Yui to sit on the dry ground next to the hut, while I took bowls, pickled-bamboo shoot, and six boiled pigeon eggs from the hut. As I put the boiled eggs and pickled-bamboo shoot in front of them, Yunno and Yui looked at me with big question mark. After swallowing her saliva Yui asked me, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, can we really eat the eggs and the pickled?¡± ¡°We can,¡± I happily replied. ¡°Warrior Deitoro provide it for us because we help him, but of course we have to eat it moderately.¡± ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied happily. ¡°Now help me peel the egg¡¯s shell.¡± After nodding at the same time, Yunno and Yui took one egg each and peeled it. It was only peeling egg¡¯s shell, but Yunno and Yui did it with brimming face. Well, even for me who ate boiled egg regularly when I was a toddler, peeling egg¡¯s shell could made me very happy. There was also a time when I cried because I woke up late and my mother had already peeled the boiled egg for my breakfast. Therefore, I could understand why Yunno and Yui were so happy about it. Not to mention, the last time they peeling boiled eggs was when their mother still alive. The two helped her preparing breakfast and they also had big smiles in their face like right now. And so, even if I had finished dividing the bean curd into three bowls and topping it with pickled bamboo shoot, I didn¡¯t help Yunno and Yui peeled the remaining eggs. I just calmly waited for them to finish the job. Then, a moment later we started our breakfast. It was our usual damnable bean curd, but the pickled bamboo shoot had neutralized its unpleasant smell and even enhanced its flavor. Whoever made it, I believed he or she must be a pickle master. The ingredient was only bamboo shot in matchstick cuts, ginger, green chili, salted fish flake, sugar, and black vinegar. However, the taste was so good, the smell was fragrant, and it went very well with boiled eggs.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Yunno and Yui also ate their breakfast heartily. Even if Yuko filled the food container to the brim and I even added my share from yesterday breakfast, they could wolf down the big amount of bean curd with ease. When they realized I was looking at them, they instantly smiled and it was big and bright smile. ¡°The pickled-bamboo shoot is very good, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± The usually quiet Yui happily replied. And Yunno added, ¡°It¡¯s very delicious.¡± ¡°Do you want some more?¡± ¡°Can we really have another serving?¡± ¡°You can.¡± Wasting no time, I put another serving of pickled bamboo shoot into Yunno and Yui plate, and they heartily enjoyed it. However, other than a sense of happiness, their smile also made me sighed inwardly. A small jar of pickled-bamboo shoot was only 3 monn and a family of four could use it as side dish for 5-6 times, but Tadaoka Household couldn¡¯t enjoy it. The Damnable Kazuyori refused to buy ready to eat pickled vegetable. She even refused buying vinegar and spices so my sister-in-laws could make our own pickled and ease our daily diet. Well, I couldn¡¯t change the Damnable Kazuyori¡¯s unreasonable way of thinking, but I definitely refused to live under it. I would ensure, me, Yunno, and Yui had our share of happiness to the fullest. Once we finished our breakfast I said, ¡°Now, you have to take a bath before doing breathing exercise.¡± As Yunno and Yui gave me big question gaze I continued, ¡°Warrior Deitoro has set a rule. To help him with his work, you two have to take a bath two times a day, and eat three times a day.¡± ¡°Take a bath two times a day and eat three times a day?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°Yes, breakfast, dinner, and snack at noon, along with morning and afternoon bath.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno firmly nodded after looking at bundle in my bag. ¡°Do we take a bath in the closest creek?¡± ¡°No, you two just take a bath here using the remaining water in the jar.¡± ¡°Big Bro Sanno, if we use the remaining water in the jar, we will have to use it all.¡± ¡°No worry, I will refill it later.¡± Yunno still wanted to say something, but I already got up and moved the water jar to the corner where previously we washed our hand and face. Then, I took the bundle in my back and neatly put Yunno and Yui spare clothes and towel to the fence. A moment later, I helped the two took their clothes off and pouring water on them using wooden ladle. I also taught them how to use body soap and brushed their teeth. It made them so happy because brushing their teeth using toothbrush and toothpaste was far more comfortable compared to when they used coarse husk. The body soap also made their body felt fresher and cleaner after the bath. Then, while Yunno and Yui carried out the breathing exercise, I did the dish, washing the clothes, hanging the laundry on the fence, refill the water jar, and then took a bath. After that, I sat in the hut, took a pencil and a few sheets of oiled paper and preparing the first study material for Yunno and Yui. --- ¡°Aa.¡± ¡°¡±Aa.¡±¡± ¡°Bb.¡± ¡°¡°Bb.¡±¡± ¡°Cc.¡± ¡°¡±Cc.¡±¡± ¡°Dd.¡± ¡°¡±Dd.¡±¡± ¡­ One by one, while pointing at the letter I wrote on the oiled paper, I pronounced it and Yunno and Yui would repeat me. Normally, it would require a few hundred repetitions before a child started to properly remember the letter they pronounced. However, Yunno and Yui had already remembered all 26 letters in alphabet system only after a dozen repetitions. After that, I taught them how to write each letter. Their hand writing had curly tendency, but it was still easy enough to read it, and it also formed a neatly line and row. They were also able to write each letter properly after just some repetitions. Then, I gave them some example of simple sentence and ask them to write it repeatedly to polish their writing skill. I¡¯m not surprised that in less than two hours, Yunno and Yui had already able to write and read properly. Their learning speed was pretty similar to mine. Even though I had hide it from my parent because I worried they would thought me as a freak. Tomorrow, I could starting teach them the basic math, and if everything went smoothly, in a few month they would have education level equal to high school kid on earth. As for today, I had to continue the lesson with physical exercise. ¡°Yunno, Yui, let¡¯s stop here and tidy up your writing equipment.¡± ¡°Do we really have to stop?¡± Yui asked as she gave me an expectant gaze. It seemed she was really enjoying the study session. Well, they didn¡¯t have lot of other thing to do, and they had heard that study was very important but not many people had a chance to experience it, so they really appreciated it. After a smile I said, ¡°We will continue it tomorrow. There are lots of thing you have to study.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yui happily asked. ¡°Really,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°As for now, you have to help Warrior Deitoro.¡± ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui happily replied. ¡°I have to check the snares. You just wait here. Warrior Deitoro will come soon.¡± ¡°Big Bro Sanno will check the snares alone?¡± Yunno warily asked, maybe because this was the first time I would leave them. ¡°Yes, but have no worry, I¡¯ll be fine. You also will be fine.¡± Even though wariness was still visible in their eyes, Yunno and Yui obediently nodded. After explaining Warrior Deitoro¡¯s appearance to them, I left the hut. ***** SC1 3.2 – Hardworking Kids SC1 3.2 ¨C Hardworking Kids After reaching some distance from the hut, I changed to Peregrine Owl and flew to nearby river. Other than taking large amount of water, I also took a few big chunks of rock, as big as a van each. Then, I returned to the hut as Warrior Deitoro. From a far I saw Yunno and Yui calmly sat in the hut¡¯s door. They immediately stood as I entered the hut¡¯s yard, and gave me a wary gaze. ¡°Are you Venerable Warrior Deitoro?¡± Yunno nervously asked while Yui tightly gripped the hem of her shirt. ¡°I¡¯m, and you can call me Uncle Deitoro¡± I replied casually ¡°Is it really okay for us to call you Uncle Deitoro?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°It is,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°Did Sanno have starting teach you how to read and write?¡± ¡°He did.¡± ¡°Inside the hut?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I immediately checked the interior of the hut, and skillfully pretended as if it was my first time looking at hut¡¯s roof from inside. Then, I said, ¡°It¡¯s too dark.¡± ¡°But we still can clearly see.¡± ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s still too dark.¡± Wasting no time I carved Conversion Rune on the hut¡¯s roof. The formula I used was the type that would incorporate the transparent trait of a glass into a wood or bamboo cane. The formula was not complex or required a lot of essence, so in a few minutes I had carved eight Conversion Runes. Then, I activated it and slowly but surely, eight bamboo canes on the hut¡¯s roof turned into semitransparent like a blurry glass. ¡°Whooaahh¡­¡± With sparkling eyes Yui looked at the hut¡¯s interior that now became brighter. Meanwhile, Yunno curiously looked at the bamboo canes that looked pretty similar like long neon lamp. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, how do you change the bamboo cane into a glass?¡± ¡°I use Conversion Rune.¡± ¡°Conversion Rune?¡± Stolen novel; please report. ¡°Yes, as long as you know the formula, Conversion Rune will absorb essence from the air and use it to manipulate some traits on a material,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°In short, I didn¡¯t change those bamboo canes into glass, but manipulate it to have transparent trait like a glass. Rune Master who dedicated their life in the way of art is heavily using Conversion Rune in their work.¡± Yui who I taught didn¡¯t have interest to my explanation, suddenly turned her gaze to me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, can Conversion Rune manipulate the bamboo cane to become like clear glass instead of blurry glass?¡± ¡°It can, but clear glass will enable people to peeks inside the hut from the sky, and it will disturb our privacy.¡± As Yunno and Yui nodded their head I continued, ¡°I heard from Sanno, you two know how to clean bamboo cane.¡± ¡°We do.¡± ¡°Good, help me clean some bamboo cane then.¡± Wasting no time I took Yunno and Yui to bamboo grove around the hut. Then, I picked the first bamboo cane and cut it using wind blade, and as I expected my wind blade became slightly sloppy. It was also far weaker in term of power and speed. Fortunately, I had lot of bamboo canes I could use to re-sharpen my Wind Blade. At the same time, Yunno and Yui looked at me with widened eyes and dropped jaw. Well, this was the first time they saw someone cut bamboo cane using transparent blade he produced by making a slash using his finger. ¡°This is Wind Blade,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°It¡¯s just a basic skill, but very useful in many ways.¡± ¡°Can a warrior use it to cut a metal?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°High level warrior can use it to cut metal.¡± Then, Yunno turned her gaze to me and asked, ¡°Is every warrior can use Wind Blade?¡± ¡°No, only warrior with wind attribute can master Wind Blade,¡± I replied as I cut the second to fifth bamboo cane in turn. After nodding their head, Yunno and Yui started their work. With ease I cut around 50s bamboo canes. Then, while Yunno and Yui cleaned it, I took out the big rocks I collected earlier. By using wind blade, I turned the biggest rock into a few blocks and a slab. To cut a rock, I had to put more essence into my Wind Blade. Fortunately, I had more than enough essence to get all the blocks and slab I wanted, with a surface as smooth as mirror. Then, I made a mono-block sitting toilet out of a medium size rock. Well, Tadaoka Household and other household in Sendai already adopted flushing system on their latrine, but they still used squatting toilet. As someone who had enjoyed the comfort of sitting toilet from earth, I decided to adopt it in my own latrine, and use Mechanical Rune to replicate the mechanism. As for the rest of the rocks, I used it to make pave block. Each pave block was 15x10x8 cm, and I needed lot of them. However, sun had reached its peak when I just made the 23th pave block. So, I stopped my work. ¡®Time for lunch,¡¯ I muttered as I checked on Yunno and Yui. I was not surprised that Yunno and Yui had produced a big pile of ready to use bamboo cane. However, it pained me because the two never asked me if we already had enough bamboo canes or how many more we had to gather. They also didn¡¯t utter any complain even though sweats had drenched their clothes like a flood, while their stomach continuously rumbled. No wonder the Damnable Kazuyori picked them as a target for exploitation. Wasting no time I called them, ¡°Yunno, Yui, we will continue the job to collect bamboo canes tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied while Yui nodded their head. The two then walked over to me. ¡°Show me your palms,¡± I said as soon as Yunno and Yui arrived in front of me. The two didn¡¯t immediately comply with my request, while hesitance was visible in their eyes. Wasting no time, I reached their hands and checked their palms. As I thought, Yunno and Yui had a lot of new blister on their little palms. I¡¯m sure their wrist must be very sore too. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± ¡°It does,¡± Yui honestly replied with her childish tone. However, at the same time steel determination was clearly visible on her eyes. ¡°But we still can continue to clean the bamboo cane.¡± ¡°We still need lot of more bamboo cane because I plan to build lot of constructions, but we will do it one step at a time.¡± After a paused I continued, ¡°As for now, let me heals your hand using Healing Spell.¡± Wasting no time, I used Healing Spell to heal Yunno and Yui. In an instant, their palm returned to normal state and as good as new, while they looked at it with awe. ¡°Whoaaa¡­ the blister are gone,¡± The usually quiet Yui happily said. ¡°It¡¯s not hurt anymore, is it?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Yui replied. ¡°The sore in our wrists and arms are also gone.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a bit while enjoying snack.¡± ¡°Rest a bit while enjoying snack?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°Yes, working hard without proper energy intake is not good for our body.¡± I calmly explained, and it made Yunno and Yui looked at me strangely. Even if I had already told them that when working with Warrior Deitoro they would eat snack at noon, it seemed this kind of concept was still too alien for them. ¡®Well, sooner or later they would get used to it.¡¯ Without further ado I used Shadow Hand to move the ready to use bamboo cane to the hut¡¯s front yard. After that, we went to prepare our lunch. ***** SC1 3.3 – Kimchi Sandwich SC1 3.3 ¨C Kimchi Sandwich After Yunno and Yui washed their hands, I asked them to help me peeled five boiled pigeon eggs and cut it into thin slices. It seemed Yunno and Yui truly loved this task, as they did it with big smile on their face. Meanwhile, I took a plate of pickled-napa cabbage from the hut. After tasting it a piece, I found it was similar to kimchi from earth. It used dried small shrimp on its paste, but without fish sauce. It also used less red chili, so it¡¯s not too hot for children. Then, I took three pieces of plain steamed bun from spatial storage. After making a deep horizontal slit right on the middle of each steamed bun until it almost being cut into equal half, I stuffed it with local kimchi and thinly slice boiled pigeon egg. The pattern was three layers of pickle napa cabbage, being alternate with two layers of boiled pigeon egg, and the sandwich for our lunch was done. ¡°Here.¡± I calmly handed over the sandwich I had just made to Yunno and Yui. ¡°It¡¯s call kimchi sandwich.¡± ¡°Kimchi sandwich?¡± Yunno asked as big question mark appeared in her forehead. ¡°From where I come from, people call this pickled-napa cabbage kimchi,¡± I took the first bite from my sandwich before continuing, ¡°While when we stuff things to a plain bun, we call it sandwich.¡± After nodding their head Yunno and Yui immediately took their first bit, and as they chewed it their eyes widened. Eating plain steamed bun with pickled vegetable was not a new thing for Yunno and Yui. It was normal practice for people in Sendai actually. However, arranged it as a sandwich and added a thinly slice boiled egg in the mix was truly elevated the flavor. And from their brimming expression, I could tell they liked it. After gulping down her first bite Yunno happily said, ¡°It¡¯s super delicious.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui nodded in agreement and then turned her eyes to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can we stuff other thing to make sandwich?¡± ¡°We can.¡± I took the second bite before explaining, ¡°To make a sandwich, we can use regular bun, steamed bun, or sticky rice, and stuff it with savory or sweet stuff.¡± ¡°Savory or sweet stuff?¡± Yunno asked me curiously. ¡°Yeah, meat, fish, egg, pickled, fruit, jam, peanut butter, and lot of other stuff are a great ingredient for sandwich.¡± After nodding her head Yunno hesitantly asked me, ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can you make another kimchi sandwich for Big Bro Sanno?¡± ¡®Well, I¡¯m glad they are remembering me when they have a good meal.¡¯ Without delay I took another plain steamed bun from spatial storage, wrapped it using a sheet of oiled paper, and handed it over to Yunno. ¡°Can you and Yui make it for him?¡± ¡°¡°We can,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui eagerly replied, while their eyes were sparkling with happiness. It was only a simple lunch, but Yunno and Yui enjoyed it so much. Then, I realized that I was also enjoying it more than I thought. Initially, I decided to take care of Yunno and Yui just to prevent the calamity. But now, it seemed I genuinely became fond of these two kids, and it was only a few days after I lived with them.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. I had to admit it was a lightning speed development. Not to mention, after I lost my parents, I never had anyone I consider as a close kin because no one could trigger my familial sentiment. ¡®Seems I will greatly enjoy my second life,¡¯ I happily muttered. After the lunch, I asked Yunno and Yui to carry another breathing exercise while waiting for Sanno¡¯s return. Then, I leaved the hut to carry a few things. --- While in peregrine owl¡¯s form, I leisurely glided 30 meters above the grass field on Toka Valley. Yesterday, I conducted a hunt only on its edge. It was also casual hunt because I did it while setting snares. So, today I plant to carry another hunt in serious mode. As soon as I deploy Essence Pulse, I detected lot of legit prey. Wasting no time, I used Shadow Hand to harvest them. Not to forget, I also harvested lot of elephant grass worms. In less than an hour I got a harvest two times bigger than yesterday hunt. Unfortunately, I had to stop as I already used all space that I reserved for the harvest. I then went to hand over some harvest to Tanno and Danno. I already ensured the snares I set up yesterday would catch nothing, so I didn¡¯t check it. And just before I left the woods, I changed back to human form, and tied seven pheasants and five hares into two clusters. Then, I casually walked to the usual meeting point. Today, Tanno carried a pheasant on his shoulder while Danno had two wild chickens, but I smelled a scent of hare from their hands. Of course, I kept my suspicion to myself. ¡°That¡¯s a massive harvest,¡± Tanno said as he looked at hares in my hand, and I could feel a faint of jealousy in his eyes. I nodded and said, ¡°Yeah, but today I found a fresh tiger¡¯s trail very close to one of my snares. It¡¯s a very risky hunt.¡± ¡°You should be careful,¡± Danno said,¡± Even if their belly full, sometimes tiger will still attack human that enter their hunting radius.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Then, as he received my harvest Tanno asked, ¡°Where are Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°They collect some wild berry in the nearby area.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Wasting no time, Tanno and Danno then took their leave, and I could only inwardly sigh as they didn¡¯t reprimand me for leaving Yunno and Yui alone in the woods. Even if it was only in the outskirt area, a thick and natural forestation was still dangerous place for children. However, on the other side, their indifferently attitude toward Yunno and Yui made my plan became simpler. It meant I didn¡¯t need to give a damn about them. After returning to the woods, I changed to peregrine owl and flew straight to the hut. --- When I arrived at the hut, Yunno and Yui were still peacefully in deep trance, and as soon as I woke them up they immediately looked at me with sparkling eyes. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, are you hungry?¡± Yunno eagerly asked while Yui gave me an expectant look. ¡°I¡¯m starving right now,¡± I replied. ¡°Wait for a moment. We will make you a delicious kimchi sandwich.¡± ¡°Kimchi sandwich?¡± I asked and pretended to be curious. With a cheerful tone Yui, ¡°Yeah, Uncle Deitoro taught us how to make it. It¡¯s super delicious.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a smile I continued, ¡°Please make me a kimchi sandwich. I want to try it.¡± Wasting no time, Yui peeled two boiled pigeons egg and thinly slice it, while Yunno skillfully made a slit on the plain steamed bun and put the final arrangement. In total, the two only required three minutes to make a perfect kimchi sandwich, 99% identical with the one I made earlier. ¡®These two truly have monstrous learning ability,¡¯ I muttered as I checked their kimchi sandwich. Then, I took the first bite and chewed it. ¡°Mmmmhhhmmm¡­ this is superb. It is truly delicious.¡± ¡°¡±Yeah.¡±¡± I couldn¡¯t hold back my smile as Yunno and Yui eagerly nodded their head. Then, I happily continued my second lunch. Even though earlier I already ate one kimchi sandwich and the size was big enough for a kid, it was not enough to fill my belly. Not to mention, I just used a lot of essence. So, in less than two minutes I finished off the kimchi sandwich while Yunno and Yui gave me a proud look. ¡°Well, it¡¯s time to go home,¡± I calmly said. As question mark appeared on her forehead Yunno asked me, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, don¡¯t we have to check the snares before we go home?¡± ¡°I already checked it and handed over today harvest to First and Second Brother.¡± ¡°What about our task to collect grass worm?¡± Yui curiously asked. As I put forward a pile of grass worm I wrapped in oak¡¯s leave I said, ¡°Here, I already collects grass worm enough for three days.¡± ¡°Big Bro Sanno,¡± Yunno dejectedly said, ¡°If we don¡¯t help you check the snares and collect grass worm, Grandmother will be angry to us.¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t tell her and always remember.¡± I put drop dead serious expression on my face as I continued, ¡°Helping Warrior Deitoro is the best help you can give to me. Today, I got a lot of harvest because I can set snares in his hunting area.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yui asked me with her childish tone. ¡°Yeah, so don¡¯t worry about it,¡± I firmly said. ¡°For now, just give your best to help Warrior Deitoro. In a few months, when your body is strong enough, he will teach you a real hunting skill.¡± ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± Hesitance was clearly visible in their eyes, but Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t argue further. Then, we started the journey to Sendai. We made a short hike to the ridgeline, and then went north until the oak forest on the east foot of South Ridge was right below us. With ease we descended to oak forest and then went straight home without looking for bug, worm, and frog in our rice field. After that, we passed our evening as usual. ***** SC1 4.1 – Bath Hut SC1 4.1 ¨C Bath Hut While Yunno and Yui did breathing exercise in the resting hut, I collected 50 fresh bamboos and put it across the cleaned bamboo cane from yesterday work. Then, right in the middle between the two piles, I made a big trash pit. This way, Yunno and Yui could clean the fresh bamboo inside the yard. And not far from the bamboo piles, I stacked up pave blocks, stone blocks, and other things that I made out of the mountain rocks. After that, I built a dining hut. Eating in the resting hut could affect the room hygiene, while eating on the ground on the yard did not sit right with me. Therefore, dining hut became the second construction I want to build. It had similar triangle roof like resting hut, but only being supported with six pillars and didn¡¯t have wall. In the middle of it, I arrange a dining table. Basically, it was a stone slab supported by two stone blocks, and I merged them using Merged Rune. After that, I put another stone block on each side of stone table to be used as chairs, and the dining hut was completed. Then, I woke Yunno and Yui up. It¡¯s time for their daily study. As I had planned it, today I introduced Yunno and Yui to basic math, and it went beyond my expectation. After only about two hours, Yunno and Yui had already mastered the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division up to three digit level. In short, speaking about basic operation in mathematic they were no different than a living calculator. ¡°Are you sure no one have ever taught you math before?¡± I asked Yunno and Yui out of my curiosity, and they firmly shook their head. ¡°I see.¡± I took a deep breath as I muttered, ¡®They are smarter than my estimation.¡¯ ¡°Big Bro Sanno, do we will clean bamboo cane again today?¡± Yui asked as she gave me eager look. ¡°Yeah,¡± I showed Yunno and Yui three pieces of sweat red bean steamed bun, I wrapped in oiled paper as I happily continued, ¡°And this is our lunch today. Warrior Deitoro gave it to me when you are deep in breathing exercise.¡± After tilting her head to the side Yui asked, ¡°Is Uncle Deitoro doesn¡¯t work with us today?¡± ¡°Yeah, he has something to take care of, but he already prepared lot of fresh bamboo cane to be cleaned for.¡± ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± From their expression, I could tell Yunno and Yui slightly disappointed because they couldn¡¯t work together with their new uncle today. In a sense, I could understand their feeling. Not many people treated them nicely. Even their blood-related uncle only spared them indifferent attitude. So, they would cherish anyone who showed them kindness. ¡°Hey,¡± I gently said. ¡°Even if Warrior Deitoro is not around, we still have to give our best to complete the job he gives us.¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. In an instant Yunno and Yui gave me determined reply, ¡°¡°Okay.¡±¡± Then, after explaining that starting today we could use dining hut when we eat, I took Yunno and Yui to start today work. Yunno and Yui cleaned the bamboo cane like yesterday, while I went to back yard to build a bath hut, the third construction in my list. My first step was building two vertical water tanks. I made it using pave block I put together using Merged Rune. Each tank had internal space 8x2x2 meters or 32.000 liters, equipped with Water Pumping Rune and Water Purifying Rune. Then, by using 5-inch thick bamboo cane I connected the tank to a small underground creek below the ridgeline. The underground creek was only 18 meter away from the hut, and about 5 meter higher, so the water with ease flowed down to the tank. After that, I build the bath hut. Its roof and wall were made of bamboo canes, while its floor made of pave block. I used Merged Rune to put everything together and the result was pretty good. I also put Conversion Rune on its roof to ensure sunlight could enter its interior. While on its ceiling I installed 2-inch thick bamboo pipeline. This pipeline had Water Heater Rune and it was connected to the base of each tank. In total, the bath hut had two entry doors, one on the left, one on the right, while its interior had three sections. The first section was shower and toilet cubicle. It was pretty much like shower cubicle from modern earth. It had shower system along with stone washbasin, big and thin stone mirror, and stone sitting toilet. Later, I would add small bamboo rack for bathroom miscellaneous and big bamboo rack for clean clothes. The second section was hot spring. The pool was 8 meters long, 2 meters wide and 0.8 meter deep. It was too deep for children to sit on it, so I put two small stone stool on it. Therefore, Yunno and Yui would be able to enjoy it comfortably. Last but not least, I carved a few runes that ensured the water in the pool stayed clean, hygiene, and hot enough like natural hot spring. The last section was laundry room. It had two washing washbasin made of stone. In a corner, it also had a space to hang the laundry with clear roof so sunlight could fully enter and dried the laundry. At the doors that separated each section, I planned to install rolled-bamboo curtain with roll-up and roll-down liner. When I shopped at Sotora a few days ago, I saw it had it with various sizes. I would buy it in my next shopping. I also needed a small rolled-bamboo curtain to be used as door for the resting hut. After building the bathroom, I built the septic tank. Fortunately, I could do it without the need to dig the ground. Essence Pulse could work as my eyes, while Shadow Hand helped me move the soil into spatial storage before I dumped it in the nearby cliff. I could also use Shadow Hand to send and arrange the pave block below the surface. Basically, the septic tank I built had similar construction with latest system on earth. The sewer line would deliver the waste water directly to three huge waste water compartments with independent inspection port, Septic Sitter Rune, and Water Purification Rune. After passing each compartment, the water would then go to the massive drain field that had perforated pipes and gravel trenches to enable second filtration, purification, and soil absorption. The only different was, in earth people would separate the compartment for waste water from toilet and waste water from bathing or washing. This was because the chemical on soap and detergent could negate the septic sitter for waste water from toilet. However, the Septic Sitter Rune and Water Purification Rune didn¡¯t have such problem. Therefore, I just used one universal septic tank system for all waste water from the hut, and I built it 50 meter below the surface with drain field as big as possible. The bath hut was the biggest construction I had made so far. It took five days of hard work to complete it and it was tiring as hell. However, the final result was very satisfying. I always considered that having a proper bathroom was a must. Therefore, I didn¡¯t mind putting a lot of effort and resource to build it. --- At the morning, exactly a day after I completed the bathroom¡¯s construction, I happily introduce the modern style of bathing to Yunno and Yui. As they entered the shower cubicle, they were looking at all direction in awe. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, is this really a bathroom?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°It is.¡± ¡°It¡¯s super clean and sparkling,¡± Yui said in amazement. ¡°It¡¯s very different with dark and slippery bathroom in our house.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yunno nodded in agreement before turning her gaze to me. ¡°Big Bro Sanno, can we really use it?¡± ¡°Of course you can. Not to mention, you two helped me build it,¡± I happily replied. ¡°Now, take your clothes off. I will teach you how to use this bathroom.¡± ¡°¡°Okay,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui happily replied before taking off their clothes. After teaching them how to operate the water facet and setting the water¡¯s temperature, I then bathed the two. We only had cheap and odorless body soap, but it was more than enough for now. Then, as Yunno and Yui were playing at hot spring, splashing the water to all direction while laughing breathlessly, I leisurely washed their clothes. I went to take a bath and relaxing my body in the hot spring only after Yunno and Yui were deep in the breathing exercise. ¡®What a bliss. Soaking in a hot spring is truly magnificent,¡¯ I muttered as big smile bloomed on my face. ***** SC1 4.2 – An Encounter with Demonic Warrior SC1 4.2 ¨C An Encounter with Demonic Warrior Like any other day, I took Yunno and Yui to carry out our morning routine as usual, and for the last few days their cheerfulness had increased several folds. Well, it was not surprising as for the last few days they had a chance to taste a simple but nice meal, worked with someone who treated them nicely, and yesterday they enjoyed the luxury of modern bathroom. As they put the firewood we had just collected to firewood stash Yui eagerly asked me, ¡°Big Bro Sanno, later, can we play at hot spring again like yesterday?¡± After a smile I replied, ¡°You can.¡± ¡°Is Uncle Deitoro truly won¡¯t be angry if we splashing out lot of water in hot spring like yesterday?¡± Yunno worriedly asked, but I could also tell that she wanted to play in the hot spring again like yesterday. And so, I firmly gave Yunno and Yui some assurance, ¡°As long as you give your best when helping Warrior Deitoro, you can use the hot spring however you want. You can use it to relax your mind, or you can use it as yours playing ground. It¡¯s part of your reward for your hard work.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno happily replied while Yui eagerly nodded her head. Then, we went to kitchen to take our breakfast, and Yuko welcomed us with smile before telling me, ¡°Fourth Brother, you can¡¯t bring Yunno and Yui along today?¡± ¡°Why?¡± I spontaneously asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know the detail,¡± Yuko replied. ¡°Mother only told me that she wanted Yunno and Yui help her carry out a few things, so they have to stay at home today.¡± Uneasiness immediately gripped my heart. I was sure Kazuyori would only give Yunno and Yui a harsh and rough task. Not to mention, yesterday, when we ate dinner, Kazuyori told me nothing. So, it¡¯s either she didn¡¯t want me asked any question about it or it was a sudden plan. I immediately decided, ¡°I will ask her. I need to know what exactly the task Yunno and Yui have to carry.¡± ¡°She went to Rokube with Eldest Brother after asking me to deliver her message,¡± Yuko then gently looked at Yunno and Yui as she continued, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I will stay with them so I can stop it if mother give them an unreasonable task.¡± It seemed Yuko sensed my worry, so she assured me that Yunno and Yui would be fine with her. Even so, after a glance I could tell that Yunno and Yui were very disappointed. Unfortunately, for now I could do nothing other than went along with Kazuyori¡¯s request. After heaving a deep sigh I gently said, ¡°Yunno, Yui, you stays at home today.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied, but I could clearly feel her disappointment. While Yui slightly bite her lower lips, based on Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, it was a habit she developed to help her contain her disappointment and sadness.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°I will return early today, and bring you a lot of wild berry,¡± I tried to cheer Yunno and Yui up, but it didn¡¯t work as I expected. Even so, they nodded their head and tried their best to appear cheerful. Well, despite being a child, Yunno and Yui always behaved maturely far beyond their age. ¡®I will buy them something delicious today,¡¯ I made a silent promised as I gave Yunno and Yui a gentle look. Then, after Yuko packed me the damnable bean curd, I left the house. --- Without Yunno and Yui came along with me, I didn¡¯t need to go to the hut in hurry, so I took my time to sell some harvest and then shopped in Sotora. As soon as I arrived in front of his shop, Butcher Jin immediately welcomed me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, do you come to sell some harvests?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Without delay I put five hares and five pheasants to the table, and after making a quick check on it, Butcher Jin immediately turned his gaze to me. ¡°These are fresh kills like the last time.¡± I nodded and briefly replied, ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro, can I put a big order for fresh kill?¡± ¡°How big?¡± ¡°60 hares and 60 pheasants, in a week.¡± ¡°Why do you need so many hare and pheasant?¡± After a big smile Butcher Jin explained, ¡°A warrior lady who passes this town in her trip, gives me a big order of blood sausage made of hare and pheasant blood. As for the meat, I will cured it and sell it as winter meat.¡± After taking a deep breath I asked, ¡°Did she give you a fragrant dried herbs and asked you to add it to the blood sausage when you make it?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± As he gave me a surprise look Butcher Jin asked me, ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a good healing food for a warrior who suffered an internal injury,¡± I calmly lied and didn¡¯t tell Butcher Jin that it was the main diet for a warrior who tried to master a certain demonic art. ¡°Ah¡­ I see.¡± As Butcher Jin repeatedly nodded his head, I immediately added 60 hare and 60 pheasants to the table. In an instant Butcher Jin¡¯s eyes widened, and then he turned his head to me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, you are truly a savior.¡± ¡°Well, coincidently, I have it.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Wasting no time, Butcher Jin checked the hare and pheasant before paying me. In total I got 2160 monn after giving Butcher Jin a good discount. He then paid me with two silver coins and a pouch of regular coins. --- From Butcher Jin¡¯s shop, I went straight to Sotora like the last time. The distance between the two shops was not far, so in a few minutes I already saw Sotora¡¯s entry. Then, four female warriors suddenly exited Sotora. The four were wearing fox mask, so I couldn¡¯t rate their face, but their body figure was definitely a top notch. I would happily rate it 13 out of 10. However, the things that attracted my attention the most were their weapons and spatial ring. I was sure it was made by blacksmith from Blackwing. Even their breathing technique was also originated from Blackwing. However, in the information I received from Grand Elder, I didn¡¯t found info about member of Blackwing who was on mission in Planet Erra. Not to mention, I sensed a trace of demonic art on the strongest female warrior, and it was a cursed art that to master it the user had to drink lot of blood from children with soul mark. But for now, I would avoid any clash with them. If I had equal level or even only one level lower, I could find a way to kill her. Unfortunately, with my current level, it was too risky to fight a Level 3 who was being escorted by three Level 1s. Fortunately, until Yunno and Yui could activate Dragon Breath on their own, no one would be able to sniff their soul mark. So, I didn¡¯t think this demonic bitch was targeting them. As for the unfortunate kids who would become her prey, I couldn¡¯t help them. After giving me a brief glance, the four female warriors then left as I casually entered Sotora, and Minami immediately welcomed me with a big smile. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, welcome.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I nodded before asking, ¡°Who are the female warriors who just shopped here?¡± ¡°They are Warrior Hisami and her escorts,¡± Minami cheerfully replied. ¡°Every six month they will pass this town and shop here.¡± ¡°What did they buy?¡± ¡°Some clothes and miscellaneous for a little girl. It¡¯s for Warrior Hisami¡¯s junior.¡± ¡°Her junior?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Minami replied as deep admiration flashed in her eyes. ¡°Warrior Hisami recruits a kid from this town to joint her guild, so she buy her some clothes and miscellaneous for the journey.¡± ¡°Is this the first time she recruit a kid from this town?¡± ¡°No, she has recruited four kids from this town in the last three years.¡± ¡®What unfortunate kids, I hoped they crossed into afterlife in peace,¡¯ I muttered as I promised them I would avenge their unjust death in her next visit to Rokube. Then, I said to Minami, ¡°Well, I need to buy lot of things. Can you help me?¡± After a cheerful smile Minami replied, ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure.¡± Wasting no time, I started my shopping. Starting tomorrow I would teach Yunno and Yui basic culinary art. So, other than rolled-bamboo curtain, I also bought some kitchen utensil, spice, and basic seasoning. In total I spent 700 monn. Even so, I couldn¡¯t find lot things in my list and it seemed I had to make it myself. From Sotora, I then went to nearby green market to buy rice, sweet potato, potato, corn, and other ingredients. Last but not least, I bought steamed bun. This time, other than plain steamed bun and sweet red bean steamed bun, I also bought steamed meat bun. I bought 30 pieces for each type. Then, I went to the hut. ***** SC1 4.3 – Window of Opportunity SC1 4.3 ¨C Window of Opportunity After installing the bamboo curtain, I went to the edge of the cliff next to the hut. From my position, I observed an open field eight meters below my feet. The open field was as big several hundred meters long, and more than a hundred meters protruded outward from the cliff wall. It was like a giant balcony. In this natural balcony, I planned to build honeybee farm, green house, working kitchen, and big pantry with preservation rune. But I would reserve the big construction for tomorrow, when I worked together with Yunno and Yui. As for today, I would only build a simple working kitchen. Wasting no time, I used Shadow Hand to lower some ready-to-use bamboo cane. Then, buy using Wind Step and some footholds on the cliff wall I descended to the natural balcony. The outline of working kitchen I built was pretty similar to the dining hut. It¡¯s just that in the middle of it, I put a giant stone stove instead of dining table. It was made of three stone blocks I arranged in U-shape. In total, it took me an hour to build the kitchen. After that, I handed over some harvest to Tanno and Danno, and then went home. After quietly landed on the oak forest, I changed back to human form. Then, I casually walked to Sendai, passing by a group of kids who played hide and seek. Seeing and hearing their cheerful laugh made me feel lonely somehow. It seemed the presence of Yunno and Yui in my new life was deeper than I thought. Wasting no time I accelerated my steps. Then, at the village¡¯s entrance, a few villagers suddenly came over to me with brimming face. ¡°Sanno, your family is very fortunate,¡± Uncle Sasuke said with a tone full of admiration, while other villagers around him eagerly nodded. In an instant bad premonition hit me. ¡°Did a warrior lady recruit Yunno into her guild?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Uncle Sasuke firmly replied. ¡°It seems the news already spread over beyond our village.¡± ¡°It seems so,¡± I briefly replied as my stomach wildly churned. ¡°Sanno, please, when Yunno return for a family visit, don¡¯t forget to ask her if she can bring along one or two other children from Sendai with her to her guild.¡± Uncle Sasuke sincerely asked me, but I had no time to give him a reply. Without delay I ran to Tadaoka Household, leaving behind Uncle Sasuke and other villagers who looked at me with puzzle face. Without lowering my speed, I entered Tadaoka Household¡¯s front yard. In the terrace, I saw Kazuyori, Old Banno, and the rest of the family happily received congratulation from the villagers.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. I bet Kazuyori received a lot of money from the deal, as she would only put a smile as amiable as bodhisattva when such occurrence took place. At the same time, Old Banno tried to call me but I ignored it and went straight to my room. As soon as I entered my room, my gaze was welcomed by Yuko who sat on my bed, and next to her Yui was weakly sobbing. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen. Meaning, she already sobbed for a few hours at least. ¡°Big Bro Sanno¡­. Hics¡­ hics¡­. They took away Big Sis Yunno,¡± Yui said as she got up from the bed and walked over to me. Without delay I kneeled and hugged Yui tightly, ¡°I know.¡± ¡°They didn¡¯t take Yunno away,¡± Yuko who seemed staying in my room to comfort Yui gently said. ¡°Warrior Hisami recruits her as her junior.¡± ¡°But Big Sis Yunno doesn¡¯t want to go and leave Yui alone,¡± In middle of her sobs Yui protested. ¡°Yui, listen carefully,¡± Yuko said without realizing that a chill flashed in my eyes, ¡°Warrior Hisami have promised us that every two years Yunno will return for family visit. So, it¡¯s okay for her to leave and take the heavenly chance to become a warrior. Moreover, Warrior Hisami also promises us that she will recruit you when you are seven-year-old.¡± ¡°But Big Sis Yunno doesn¡¯t want to go.¡± Yui desperately and stubbornly protested, but she didn¡¯t know how to do it properly, so she could only repeated her words. ¡°Silly girl, can¡¯t you see that your uncle, aunt, and cousins are very jealous of Yunno¡¯s fortune,¡± Yuko smiled before kneeling next to me. ¡°Fourth Brother, please help me explain it to Yui.¡± ¡®What a naive lass,¡¯ I cursed as inwardly I heaving a deep sigh. In the martial world, when someone joined a martial guild or family, they had to totally sever their familial connection. However, it was useless to explain it to Yuko, and I had no time to spare. ¡°I will explain it to her later,¡± I calmly said. ¡°In the meantime, please stay and accompany Yui until I return.¡± ¡°I will accompany Yui,¡± Yuko happily said, ¡°But where will you go?¡± ¡°I want to say goodbye to Yunno.¡± After giving Yui a kiss in the forehead, I immediately left and didn¡¯t give Yuko chance to ask another question. Well, I didn¡¯t even have time to console Yui, even though I could see the separation with Yunno had devastated her heart. The sorrow in her eyes was even deeper compared to the sorrow when she lost her mother. When she lost her mother, at least Yui already understood that no one could prevent her departure. Moreover, she still had Yunno who tried with all her might to replace her mother. But now, she also had to lose Yunno and it was not under natural cause. Maybe, Yui and Yunno always worked very hard regardless unfair treatment they received because they believed as long as they were together, everything would be fine eventually. However, now they were being separated. ¡®Fuck!¡¯ Regret mercilessly tormented my heart as I ran to oak forest. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t trust Yunno and Yui to anyone ever again.¡¯ A few minutes later I arrived at a quiet corner in Oak Forest. After ensuring no one was around, I changed into peregrine owl. Butcher Jin would need a whole night to complete the blood cake, so Hisami would stay in Rokube until tomorrow at least, and I believed she would rent the best room in the town. Wasting no time I flew to Rokube in full speed. Fortunately, my guess was correct. I found Hisami, her escort, and Yunno sat in the best balcony in Red Oak, the best and biggest inn in Rokube. Yunno already wore nice clothes and there were lot of high quality fruits and delicious snack in front of her. However, she didn¡¯t touch it and peregrine owl remarkable long-range vision enabled me to see that Yunno had dark clouds all over her face. Wasting no time, I tried to formulate a plan while circling high above the Red Oak. Then, Hisami suddenly leaved the balcony and brought along two escorts. In a sense, it was a good chance to save Yunno. I could silently kill the Level 1 who guarded Yunno. Unfortunately, it would alarm Hisami and as long as she is still alive Yunno would never be safe. So, I decided to follow Hisami. Coincidently, a Level 3 warrior quietly followed her, or it seemed Hisami left the inn because she wanted to lure out this stalker. Well, whatever window of opportunity that presented itself before me, I had to exploit it to kill Hisami. Yunno¡¯s safety was my highest priority right now. It was even more important than my life. In a glided flight, I then stalked Hisami and it didn¡¯t surprise me that she went directly to a deepest part of nearby forest. ***** Author¡¯s note: The next update for this work will be at the end of next month. Thank you and Best regards. SC1 5.1 – Fighting Blindly SC1 5.1 ¨C Fighting Blindly In an opening as big as football field, in the middle of forest five kilometer west of Rokube, four people were facing off. It was a middle-aged man and a Level 3 warrior, facing Hisami and her escorts. ¡°Tanaka, you are truly a persistent bastard,¡± Hisami grumbled as she gave the middle-age man an annoying gaze. ¡°Of course I¡¯m persistent,¡± The middle-age man or Tanaka hatefully said. ¡°You killed my wife, took my toddler daughter, and then killed her too. So, I won¡¯t stop until I kill you.¡± ¡°You are too late,¡± Hisami mockingly said. ¡°Your toddler daughter¡¯s blood have made breakthrough to Level 3. But have no worry, as a gesture of gratitude I will reunite you with her and your beloved wife.¡± As soon as she finished her words Hisami made her move. She propelled forward using Wind Step, the very movement skill from Blackwing. Then, just before she arrived before Tanaka, she drew her kodachi in a horizontal slash. It was strong move, but Tanaka perfectly parried it using his sword. CLANK!!! Sharp echo spread over to all direction as two metals exchanged deadly kiss. From their first contact, I could tell Tanaka was adept swordsman, while Hisami was only a good saber user, slightly above average but far from excellent. After parrying Hisami¡¯s attack, Tanaka went forward while preparing a quick slash. It was a basic movement but when Tanaka executed it, it became a smooth and deathly sequence. However, Hisami had two Level 1 warriors to assist her. So, Tanaka had to cancel his intention and stepped back to avoid pincer attack from Hisami¡¯s escort. Wasting no time, I changed back to human form and came down from the big branch I used to perch. Tanaka didn¡¯t seem have a problem fighting Hisami and her escort, but it was only for now. When sun fully downed in the west, Hisami physical strength would increase three fold at least. I also didn¡¯t know the demonic skill she could use when she was in full power, but demonic skill was always nasty and troublesome. So, I had to help Tanaka ended the fight as soon as possible. As I approached one of Hisami¡¯s escorts, I threw a stone as big as my fist to her. Clank! Hisami¡¯s escort slashed the stone I threw with ease, but my goal to attract her attention and lessen up Tanaka¡¯s burden was achieved. She immediately welcomed me, running to me at full speed while her hands held her kodachi at her side and ready to make horizontal slash to my torso. While I looked back at her determined eyes, I launched Shadow Hand forward. Hisami¡¯s escort was oblivious to the death that came straight to her, and so my Shadow Hand reached her head unchallenged. Crack!! She didn¡¯t even have time to blink as I snapped her neck to the side. Her body then slumped to the ground with her neck bent in awkward angle. Then, as I took her kodachi I saw a mark of soul binding behind her left ear. Meaning, she was Hisami¡¯s slave. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. I instantly concluded that the other escort also Hisami¡¯s slave and would fight to the dead to defend her. Well, it was not a new thing for me so I would just do it as usual, neutralized all threat at all cost. I calmly looked at Hisami¡¯s second escort as she came over right after I killed her colleague, but she didn¡¯t in hurry to attack me. She stopped 12 meters before me and vigilantly observed me. In summary, she tried to avoid the similar fate that befell on her colleague, died without putting a proper fight. ¡°Who are you?¡± Hisami¡¯s escort asked me. But I didn¡¯t have time to waste. I also didn¡¯t want to give her a chance to study and counter my Shadow Hand. Fortunately, Hisami¡¯s escort didn¡¯t realize that my Shadow Hand was still active and she was under my reach. Crack!! It was another instant kill. Hisami¡¯s second escort could only widen her eyes as I snapped her neck to the side. Her lifeless body then slumped to the ground, while I went to approach Tanaka. It seemed my performance in killing two Level 1 warriors without a fight drew some attention, as Tanaka and Hisami stopped their fight and turned their gaze to me. Unfortunately, it seemed I didn¡¯t manage to get Tanaka¡¯s trust. He vigilantly looked at me, and from his eyes I could tell that he was ready to attack me if he smelled even the slightest sign of hostility. So, I decided to stop about five meters before him. ¡°Young man, who are you?¡± Tanaka asked me without lowering his guard. ¡°Tadaoka Sanno,¡± I calmly replied, ¡°and I will help you kill this demonic bitch.¡± ¡°Did Hisami kill one of your families?¡± ¡°She took my niece.¡± ¡°Ahhh¡­¡± Hisami slightly nodded her head before asking, ¡°You are Yunno¡¯s uncle, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m.¡± After a sweet smile Hisami said, ¡°Never did I imagine you are a warrior. Six months ago when I silently checked Yunno¡¯s condition, you totally seemed like ordinary young villager. You truly hide yourself deep, but unfortunately you just a Level 1.¡± I calmly replied, ¡°By the way, why do you targeting Yunno?¡± ¡°She has good soul mark, so her blood and flesh will help me increase my level,¡± Hisami casually replied. After taking a deep breath I tried to confirm my curiosity, ¡°How do you know Yunno and other kids you killed have soul mark, before they fully activate their essence circuit?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my innate talent. I can tell if a kid has a good soul mark or just ordinary one.¡± Hisami honestly admitted, and it relieved me from my biggest worry. If it was an innate talent, it meant no one would be able to replicate her ability. Therefore, after I killed her, no one and not even a dragon could clearly detect the rain dragon soul mark on Yunno and Yui if I masked it properly using some runes. ¡°By the way, what skill did you use to kill my escorts?¡± Hisami asked me, still in her casual tone, and it was clearly visible that the death of her escorts didn¡¯t bother her at all. ¡°Shadow Hand,¡± I honestly replied as I believed Hisami was able to detect it, even if her eyes couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°I see. That¡¯s a nice skill. This is the first time I encounter such skill.¡± After sweetly smiling at me, Hisami continued ¡°How about we make a deal?¡± ¡°What deal?¡± ¡°I will let Yunno go. In return, you become my escort.¡± ¡°No thanks,¡± I flatly rejected. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Hisami teasingly asked me. ¡°If you show me a good time in the bed, I will pouring lot of resource for your training you know.¡± I ignored Hisami¡¯s seductive offer and turned my gaze to Tanaka. ¡±We have to kill this bitch before sun fully down in the west.¡± ¡°Why? Does she will become stronger after sun fully down?¡± It seemed Tanaka still didn¡¯t know the reason why Hisami hunted and killed kids with soul mark, but I didn¡¯t have time to explain it in detail. ¡°Sort of,¡± I casually explained, ¡°At night, her physical strength and ferocity will increase several folds.¡± ¡°Do you mean like a demonic beast?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s one of the traits from warrior who took demonic path.¡± ¡°Demonic path?¡± From the thick question mark on his forehead, I concluded that Tanaka never heard about demonic path before, and so I gave him a short explanation. ¡°Basically, Hisami mimic the way of how demonic beast increasing their level and strength, by consuming bloods of other warrior or children with soul mark.¡± As bitterness filled his eyes to the brim Tanaka asked me, ¡°Sanno, do you mean my toddler daughter and all kids she killed actually had soul mark and could become warrior?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I weakly replied. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your lost.¡± It seemed Tanaka didn¡¯t know that his daughter had soul mark and could become warrior like him. Therefore, currently his regret and bitterness for losing her in a gruesome way was rapidly increasing. Then, the bitterness in his eyes turned into a madness. ¡°Demonic whore! I will cut you into thousand pieces.¡± While pointing his sword forward, Tanaka made a frontal charge to Hisami. At the same time, I let out a sigh as I saw fury had blinded Tanaka¡¯s reason and clarity. Now, he would not listen to my proposal, even though it would enable us to kill Hisami in most sure way possible. All I could do was support him and hopefully I found an opportunity to connect a fatal blow to Hisami. Without delay, I followed Tanaka¡¯s charge. ***** SC1 5.2 – Killing Hisami SC1 5.2 ¨C Killing Hisami Clank clank clank!! Clank clank clank!! Clank clank clank!! In a rapid pace, Tanaka and Hisami exchanged a slash and parry. They went back and forth as if they were dancing, but it was deadly dance. A slight mistake could lead into a fatal blow, followed by an inevitable death. Meanwhile, I was tightly flanking Hisami and when opportunity presented itself, I immediately took it. As Hisami made a side step to avoid Tanaka¡¯s vertical slash, I tried to hit her using Shadow Hand. BAAM!! Unfortunately, as I suspected Hisami could accurately perceive my Shadow Hand. She could even deflect it using bare hand. Then, the thing I worried the most finally occurred. Tanaka¡¯s attack became more ferocious, but also became too easy to predict. Worst of all, he had no intention to work together with me. Tanaka even deliberately entered my angle of attack when chasing Hisami, without realizing that Hisami was leading him and using him to shield her from my sneak attack. As I repositioned myself I shouted, ¡°Senior Tanaka, we can¡¯t kill her this way. We have to work together before it¡¯s too late.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Tanaka replied without shifting his eyesight from Hisami. ¡°I will kill her before sun fully down in the west.¡± ¡®What a stubborn fellow.¡¯ I heaved a deep sigh as I tried to hit Hisami¡¯s left ribs using Shadow Hand, but I had to cancel it because Tanaka once again entered my angle of attack. In the end, I could only observe the fight while tried accumulating enough essence to generate a decisive Wind Blade. In my current level, I could only launch one Wind Blade that strong enough to kill or hurt a Level 3. In summary, I gave up the idea to work together with Tanaka. And finally, the thing that I worried the most took place. After making a backward jump, Hisami suddenly stopped her movement and stood still. Without delay Tanaka propelled himself towards Hisami. From how he held his sword next to his waist, it seemed he planned to use the momentum from his movement to deliver a low horizontal slash. Tanaka did indeed make a proper move to respond Hisami¡¯s retreat, but I got a hunch it was a trap. Not to mention, I sensed that Hisami gathered her essence in her hand. I didn¡¯t know what Hisami want to do, but I¡¯m sure Tanaka was not ready for it.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Wasting no time, I propelled myself straight to Hisami. My plan was simple. When Hisami attacked Tanaka, I would send Wind Blade to decapitate her. Unfortunately, it seemed Hisami¡¯s target was not Tanaka, but me. Chill instantly ran through on my spine as Hisami smiled at me. At the same time, a throwing spear suddenly appeared in her left hand. Swooshh!! I could only curse as Hisami threw the throwing spear with full power. It approached me while cutting the air, and in a blink already arrived in front of me. In reflex I counter it with Wind Blade. Clank! My Wind Blade hit the tip of the throwing spear precisely. It was slowing down and deviated from its flight path, but it still hit and badly wounded my left shoulder. It also halted my advance. However, my wound and my halt was not the biggest problem I had to face. As Tanaka arrived in front of her, with ease Hisami caught and held his right wrist using her left hand, right before Tanaka could launch his slash. ¡°What the fu-cough¡­¡± Tanaka couldn¡¯t finish his cursed as Hisami suddenly gripped his neck. Then, as Tanaka¡¯s desperately tried to break free from her hold, Hisami turned her gaze to me. ¡°Seems my judgment is correct. You are far more dangerous than Tanaka even though you just a Level 1.¡± Hisami curiously looked at me as she continued, ¡°Who is your master? How can he know Wind Step and Wind Blade? Your breathing technique is also very strong. This is the first time I encounter a Level 1 who deflected my throwing spear using Wind Blade.¡± ¡®Grand Elder of Blackwing Guild and he is the one who invented Wind Step and Wind Blade four hundred and seventy years ago,¡¯ I muttered inwardly before replying Hisami, ¡°My master is only a senile wanderer. He taught me those skills before continuing his wandering.¡± ¡°Who is his name?¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro.¡± A lie smoothly slipped out of my teeth, while Hisami creased her brow. ¡°What is his level?¡± Hisami curiously asked. ¡°Level 6.¡± I made another lie as I stopped the bleeding in my left arm. However, I didn¡¯t have much time to spare. I could feel Hisami¡¯s aura starting to change and getting stronger, while my left arm was fully immobilized. I had to end the fight as soon as I could. After calming my breath, I darted forward once again and continued my advance. ¡°Well, it¡¯s unfortunate that I have to kill you.¡± Hisami said as she put Tanaka in front of her like a shield. As she peeked from behind Tanaka¡¯s shoulder, I could see cold gleam flashed in her eyes. It meant she would kill me at all cost. I have no other choice other than resorted to a nasty means. I accelerated my speed as I put my short saber next to my left waist. Then, few meters before point of contact I ducked so low until my knee almost touched the ground. Hisami responded it by jumping off the ground. It was a good movement to avoid horizontal slash to the leg. However, I never have intention to launch a low horizontal slash. ¡°Keuukk¡­¡± Tanaka groaned as I stabbed him from the back, while Hisami¡¯s eyes widened as the tip of my kodachi came out of Tanaka¡¯s shoulder and went straight to her throat. Unfortunately, the tip of my short saber only grazed Hisami¡¯s throat. She managed to avoid it by jumping backward at the last millisecond. Fortunately, I never expected I would kill her at first strike. I put my bet on Shadow Hand. Just a millisecond before Hisami¡¯s feet landed on the ground, my Shadow Hand hit her in the chin from below. At the same time, I was closing in with all my might and then connected my right fist to her throat. Ba-Baam!! Two consecutive attacks hit Hisami at less than one second. It threw her body backward. She landing hard on the ground and rolling over for a few meters before stopping, but it didn¡¯t kill her. ¡®What a strong physical constitution,¡¯ I muttered as I closing in. Even though she couldn¡¯t lift her head because her neck was broken, Hisami could sense my approach. She lifted her sword and tried to make a slash. However, it was a weak slash. With ease I caught and gripped her wrist, and bent her elbow inward until her sword cleanly penetrated her neck. Hisami was gurgling and coughing on her own blood while hatefully looked at me, and I calmly looked back right to her eye while twisting my wrist. Blood instantly gushed out from Hisami¡¯s neck while her body weakly twitching, but I didn¡¯t lower my guard. I waited until Hisami¡¯s body fully stopped moving and the light in her eyes gone before loosening my grip. ¡°Good night.¡± I muttered as I gave Hisami one last glance. Without delay I then checked Tanaka¡¯s condition. Unfortunately, he was already dead. From the grip mark on his neck, I concluded that Hisami accidentally tightened her grip and broke Tanaka¡¯s neck when she was in panic. After heaving a deep sigh, I treated my left arm using Healing Spell. With my current level, I couldn¡¯t heal it completely, but at least I could use it to carry ordinary work. Then, I went to clean the trace of the fight. Other than spatial rings, I put everything else into my spatial storage along with its owner¡¯s cold body. After that, I shape-shifted to peregrine owl and flew to back to Rokube as fast as I could. ***** SC1 5.3 – Hunting Hisami’s Last Escort SC1 5.3 ¨C Hunting Hisami¡¯s Last Escort From the air, I deployed Essence Pulse to scan the room that Hisami rented. I carefully checked the balcony, ceiling, and the room¡¯s interior, but other than Yunno who was sleeping peacefully I found no one. When I checked the other rooms in the same floor I also didn¡¯t found Hisami¡¯s last escort. It seemed after Hisami¡¯s death and she was free from her soul binding, Hisami¡¯s last escort took her chance to run away. Wasting no time, I entered the room and landed next to Yunno¡¯s bed. I instantly took a breath full of relieve as I found Yunno didn¡¯t suffer any physical injury. Hisami¡¯s last escort was just put her into sleeping without harming her. Even so, I still had to hunt and kill her. She knew that Yunno had soul mark and until I was strong enough to fight mid-level Demon Beast, I planned to guard this information at all cost. In total silence I then flew outside. I climbed as high as possible and launched a wide area search and track using Peregrine Owl¡¯s excellent vision. It didn¡¯t take a long before I was detecting a swift movement on Southern Ridge. I immediately focused my vision on it and confirmed that she was Hisami¡¯s last escort. She was using Wind Step to walk the top of Southern Ridge straight to south. Fortunately, it seemed Wind Step was not compatible with her soul mark. Therefore, her speed was not as fast as it should be. Wasting no time I chased her. In a few breaths of time I was already behind her. As I landed to the ground I changed back to human form and it deeply startled her. Hisami¡¯s last escort immediately stopped her step before turning back to me. ¡°Who are you?¡± Hisami¡¯s last escort warily asked. ¡°Yunno¡¯s uncle,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Yunno? Do you mean the little girl that Master Hisami bought?¡± ¡°Correct.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t harm her. She is sleeping peacefully in Red Oak,¡± Hisami¡¯s last escort said. ¡°I already asks the Red Oak¡¯s manager to take her back to Sendai¡¯s tomorrow. I also leaved some money for her.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°How did Master Hisami meet her end?¡± Hisami¡¯s escort curiously asked. ¡°I impaled her neck using her own sword.¡± In an instant Hisami¡¯s last escort widened her eyes. ¡°You killed her alone?¡± ¡°A Level 3 warrior helped me,¡± I casually explained before asking, ¡°May I know why Hisami only took Yunno and leaved Yui¡¯s behind?¡± ¡°Master wanted to steal Yunno¡¯s soul mark. She knew Yunno¡¯s love her little sister above everything else. So, she planned to make Kazuyori accidentally kill Yui. Then, she will make a trade with Yunno. Her souls mark for a help of carrying out revenge.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Hisami¡¯s last escort explanation matched First Elder¡¯s forecast. Total massacre on Tadaoka Household marked the start of Yunno¡¯s journey to demonic path. After that she disappeared for more than ten years before creating second incident. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. From how Yunno managed to grow up and became a calamity, I concluded that Hisami¡¯s intention didn¡¯t go according to her plan. It seemed she was being devoured instead of devouring Yunno. It¡¯s just that Yunno¡¯s encounter with demonic path took place a few years earlier. Maybe my transmigration had triggered it, or maybe it was because the other reason. Whatever it was, the most important thing was that I managed to prevent Yunno from taking demonic path. After taking a deep breath I asked another question, ¡°Who is your name?¡± ¡°Takao.¡± ¡°And your surname?¡± ¡°When I was five-year-old, my father sold me to become a junior servant in a rich household. I dropped my surname since then.¡± ¡°How long since you follow Hisami?¡± ¡°Master bought me two years ago.¡± ¡°Did she treat you well?¡± ¡°She did, but I can¡¯t stand her method to increase her level.¡± After heaving a deep sigh Takao continued, ¡°I can¡¯t get the face of children she devoured out of my mind. Especially the last child, she was a sweet and cute three years old toddler girl. She didn¡¯t realize that we already killed her mother, so she kept calling her and begging us to bring her home.¡± I nodded my head and then asked, ¡°Do you know the Level 3 warrior who stalked Hisami?¡± ¡°He is Tanaka, the father of the last child.¡± ¡°Did he have other family member?¡± As she creased her brow Hisami¡¯s last escort asked, ¡°Did he die too?¡± ¡°He did.¡± Hisami¡¯s last escort immediately took a deep sigh. ¡°He had no other family member. I hope he reunited with her wife and daughter.¡± ¡°Well, you can find it out yourself,¡± I calmly said as I draw my kodachi. ¡°Why do we have to fight and risking our life? You can take Yunno¡¯s back. She is fine. I can accompany you back to Red Oak if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°I already checked Yunno¡¯s condition,¡± I calmly said, ¡°but I still have to kill you to ensure no one know that Yunno and Yui have soul mark.¡± ¡°Why do you go that far?¡± ¡°To ensure I can have a peaceful life.¡± ¡°I can make martial oath. It will prevent me from talking about Yunno¡¯s soul mark.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a good offer, but it¡¯s not enough.¡± ¡°We both are Level 1, but you just fight Master Hisami. Are you sure you want to fight me?¡± Takao calmly asked. ¡°Bear in mind, I won¡¯t have second thought to kill you once I drew my kodachi.¡± ¡°Fight me with everything you have or you will regret it,¡± I said as I propelled my body straight to Takao. At the same time, Takao calmly recited a spell and in instant thick white fog filled the area. The white fog did not only hinder my vision, but also my hearing and smelling. Only Black Fox Warrior would have such a strong misdirection spell. Therefore, even if physically they were not strong or fast, it was undeniably they were one of the most dangerous warriors. Unfortunately, Takao didn¡¯t have the correct skill to maximize her potential. Her attributes were water and darkness, but her movement skill was Wind Step while her breathing technique was also Wind Breathing. The spell she used to create the white fog was also not a complete spell. Not to mention, she started her training only two years ago. Actually, it was such a waste to kill her. Black Fox Warrior was as rare as Dragon Warrior and had unlimited potential. Unfortunately, she could become a trail that connected Hisami¡¯s death to me. And so, I strengthened my resolve while deploying essence pulse. Then, I sensed a movement approaching me from my left. Slash!! A slash suddenly came directly to my neck. It had compact and beautiful arc. It also had enough force to cleanly cut my head, but I managed to avoid it by side stepping to my right. Surprise was clearly visible on Takao¡¯s eyes as she missed my neck. It seemed her ambush rarely failed. In reflex she tried to jump backward, but it was too late. With ease I sealed her movement using Shadow Hand. When fighting Hisami, I couldn¡¯t split my Shadow Hand or it wouldn¡¯t have enough power. However, when fighting a Level 1 I could split it into five small Shadow Hands. Takao could only widen her eyes as my Shadow Hands grabbed her hair, wrists, and ankles at the same time. ¡°How did you detect my approach?¡± Takao asked as panic flashed in her eyes. ¡°Combat experience,¡± I casually replied and hide the fact that I used Essence Pulse to track her movement. ¡°For someone who lived in backwater area, you seem have lot of combat experience. Who is your true identity?¡± ¡®Isser Sanno, Fifth Elder of Blackwing Guild, the only elder who completed Dragon Slayer rituals nine times, and that¡¯s why people called me Dragon Slayer Elder.¡¯ That was the usual answer I gave to people who asked my identity, just before I killed them. It was not a boasting, but a means to console them that they didn¡¯t die in the hand of some weakling. However, I still have some questions for Takao so I chose to give her a simple answer. ¡°I¡¯m just villager who wants to have peaceful life.¡± ¡°Yeah, sure.¡± From Takao mocking eyes, I could tell she didn¡¯t believe me at all even though it was an honest answer. But I have no time to explain it and I immediately sealed her essence sea. A moment later, the white fog around us disappeared. ¡°Answer me honestly and I will give you painless death. I will also properly cremate your body.¡± As she looked at my eyes directly Takao said, ¡°Or what?¡± I immediately grabbed Takao¡¯s left breast. ¡°I will destroy your essence sea, use you as bed warmer until I get bored, and then I will sell you to local brothel house.¡± ¡°Pervert!!¡± Takao instantly gave me a sharp gaze as I squeezed and kneaded her left breast. Well, from how I was toying with her breast, she must have realized it that I was a veteran of toying with female body. So, she knew my threat was not a bluffing. ¡°Fine,¡± Takao vexingly said, ¡°but stop molesting my breast.¡± ¡°As you wish, Milady.¡± Without delay I took my hand off Takao¡¯s breast while regretting why she didn¡¯t took a longer time before deciding to cooperate. ¡®What a waste.¡¯ The sensation when playing with Takao¡¯s firm but soft breast was remarkably good. ***** SC1 6.1 – Unexpected Offer SC1 6.1 ¨C Unexpected Offer Under twilight sun, I and Takao sat on a big chunk of flat rock facing each other, and while we ate meat bun I interrogated her. ¡°How many warriors did you kill so far? ¡°12.¡± ¡°What is the highest level?¡± ¡°Level 3.¡± ¡°Did you use the same method you used on me earlier?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Takao grumbly said, ¡°It never failed before.¡± ¡®Well, if I don¡¯t have Essence Pulse, my head would be rolling on the ground right now,¡¯ I muttered before asking the next question, ¡°Who taught Hisami Wind Step and Wind Breath?¡± ¡°Grand Master Isser Sano, patriarch of Blackwing Guild.¡± ¡®Isser Sanno!!¡¯ I shrieked as my eyes widened. At the same time, Takao realized the shock in my face and curiously asked, ¡°Do you know him?¡± ¡®I know him more than anyone in all universes,¡¯ I sourly muttered, and then I shook my head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Blackwing is one of four power houses in Arka Continent, while Grand Master Isser is the strongest warrior over there.¡± ¡°How old is he and what is his level?¡± ¡°If I remember it correctly, he is 53-year-old and at the peak of Level 23.¡± ¡®What a fart!!¡¯ I made another grumble inwardly. To become member of Blackwing, someone had to reach Level 25 before eighteen. If a candidate failed to achieve this condition, their only option was leaving the guild. They could return to their hometown or join other guild. In short, someone who perched at Level 23 at 53-year-old didn¡¯t even qualify to become a door keeper in Blackwing. This impostor was too brazen. With his super low achievement, he also dared to use the identity of someone who became Level 32 before twenty. Not to mention, this certain dude was the second strongest Elder in Blackwing¡¯s history. After heaving a deep sigh I asked Takao another question, ¡°How a Level 3 was a disciple of Level 23?¡± ¡°Master was not Grand Master Isser¡¯s disciple,¡± Takao calmly replied. ¡°She was his favorite bed warmer. Therefore, Grand Master Isser taught her lot of his signature skills. Grand Master Isser also gave her lot of good weapons and spatial ring that he used when he was a young adventure.¡± Well, no wonder Hisami and her escort had weapons and spatial ring that usually was being distributed to Blackwing¡¯s candidate. It seemed the Fake Isser also took lot of other equipment when leaving the training center at Blackwing.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Is Grandmaster Isser doesn¡¯t mind her favorite bed warmer use demonic path to increase her level?¡± ¡°Master Hisami took demonic path after Grandmaster Isser has new favorite bed warmer. Master had a hope that if she was strong enough, Grandmaster Isser would put his attention on her again.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Turned out Hisami was just another fool who took demonic path because of foolish reason. I lost count on how many such fool met their end under my blade. No wonder, there was a saying that it was impossible to save a woman from their own feeling. ¡°Have you ever met Grandmaster Isser?¡± ¡°No, Master never brought her escorts when she returned to Arka Continent.¡± ¡°I see.¡± As she looked straight into my eyes Takao casually asked, ¡°Before you ask me another question, can you give me another meat bun?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± The meat bun was Takao¡¯s last meal and I would happily ensure she was full before leaving this world. Wasting no time, I gave Takao another meat bun and she happily enjoyed it without fully lifting her fox mask. After a moment of silence Takao suddenly said, ¡°If you don¡¯t kill me, I don¡¯t mind to serve you as a sex slave. I¡¯m good at pleasing both man and woman.¡± ¡®What the¡­¡¯ Takao¡¯s casual offer shocked me to the core. This was my first time encountering a female warrior who offered herself to become a sex slave. In my previous life, all beautiful and sexy female warriors I decisively defeated happily chose to meet their death rather than became my sex slave, and I always respected their final request. Meanwhile, from Takao tone and expression, I could tell she was very serious with her offer. For the sake of my curiosity I immediately confirm it. ¡°Are you sure you want to become my sex slave?¡± ¡°I¡¯m,¡± Takao ate the last bite of her meat bun before continuing, ¡°When I became a servant in a rich household, it was not rare my master would use me. Master Hisami also told me that if someday she officially took me to join Blackwing, it was likely that some senior member will pick me as bed warmer.¡± ¡®This fake Blackwing seems had a very bad moral compass,¡¯ I muttered as I turned my head to Takeo, ¡°For your information, I¡¯m very rough when doing it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m used to a rough play,¡± Takao calmly said. ¡°All men who did me always did it rough.¡± ¡°Even so, I¡¯m not a good guy and have no intention to maintain a long lasting relationship with a woman. If you are expecting that someday I would develop a genuine feeling for you, you will definitely be disappointed.¡± ¡°I never said you are a good man. You are definitely a pervert,¡± Takao blatantly gave me her opinion without any regard to my feeling, ¡°but at least you try to protect people you care about with every might you have. And as long as you don¡¯t sell me to other man when you get bore of me, I will offer my loyalty for you. So, even if someday you get bore of me you will still get a good deal, while I can live a little longer.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Somehow, I couldn¡¯t immediately give Takao my respond, which I thought I would just refuse it. Slowly but surely I went into deep contemplation. I never have sex slave in my previous life. When I want to have fun I just visited best brothel house I could find and paid for the best girl they could offer. In short, I considered that having sex slave was not practical and the benefit didn¡¯t outweigh the fun of visiting brothel house where I could snacking on best escort girl money could buy. However, now I had Yunno and Yui to be added into my consideration. I could teach Yunno and Yui almost everything, but womanhood was uncharted area for me. Maybe, it was not bad idea to have Takao around. She could handle the area outside my expertise and knowledge. Of course, I had to meet some condition before I could accept Takao¡¯s offer. ¡°How old are you?¡± I calmly asked. ¡°18.¡± ¡°Have Yunno saw your face or heard your voice?¡± ¡°She never saw my face, while my mask alter my voice. Actually, after Master Hisami bought me, no one had ever seen my face other than her and her other two escorts.¡± ¡°Can I see your face?¡± Without delay Takao took her fox mask off and turned her face to me. Surprisingly, her face was pretty similar to Koyuki Kato, my favorite actress when I lived on earth. She was also as tall and as slender as her. The only different was that Kato in front of me was much younger and her boobs were slightly bigger. And honestly, her similarity with Koyuki Kato was the deciding factor in my decision. It seemed I watched too much dorama and without realizing it I developed lot of humanistic side. ¡°I accept your offer and starting now your name is Kato.¡± ¡°As you wish,¡± Kato calmly replied. I then use my blood to carved Soul Binding on Kato. It was simple procedure, almost like drawing a rune. The binding mark I chose was a small transparent blue cherry blossom, and I put it in Kato¡¯s snow white neck. Once I activated it, I and Kato immediately felt the connection. Then, as big curiosity flashed in her eyes Kato said, ¡°Master Sanno, this is my first time I see someone binding other warrior without Soul Binding Scroll.¡± ¡°I see,¡± I casually replied, ¡°and just call me Sanno.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Kato hesitantly replied but didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about your task and arrangement.¡± ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡± The arrangement for Kato was not complicated. The basic idea was I would separate Yunno and Yui from Tadaoka Household, and Kato would help me provide parenting for them. Surprisingly, Kato easily accepted it. Well, Yunno and Yui were not fussy kids so I think it would lighten her responsibility a lot. After that, Kato helped me cremate the remains of Tanaka, Hisami, and her escorts. This way their essence would return to nature as their soul crossed to afterlife. We also offered a silent prayer, sake, and some fruits for the deceased. Actually, I didn¡¯t want offer anything for Hisami, but Kato insisted and in the end I complied with her request. Everything went smoothly. It¡¯s just that anything that was store in spatial ring would disappear into nothingness when the owner died. So, other than their weapons and spatial rings, I got nothing else. Kato slightly regretted it as Hisami had lot of money and essence cube in her spatial ring, but I didn¡¯t dwindle too deep on it. My goal was to ensure Yunno and Yui safety. As for the rest, I would obtain it step by step. ***** SC1 6.2 – Visiting Tadaoka Household SC1 6.2 ¨C Visiting Tadaoka Household After receiving my explanation on how to use the bath hut, Kato immediately said in amazement, ¡°Sanno, do you truly built this bathroom by yourself?¡± ¡°I do,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°I have seen some luxury bathrooms, but nothing as good as this one. The basic concept is also very different but much better and practical.¡± Kato then turned her gaze to me before continuing, ¡°Most of all, I never saw a compilation of mechanical runes that work so perfectly.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t exaggerating it. Those are just simple runes.¡± Kato instantly gave me a doubtful gaze. ¡°Sanno, are you truly only a Level 1? You don¡¯t use some trick to hide your level, do you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m 100% a Level 1.¡± My reply didn¡¯t dismiss the doubt in Kato¡¯s eyes, so I immediately asked, ¡°What is the common level of Rune Master?¡± ¡°Only Level 4-5 can take the exam for beginner Rune Master and join rune guild. After that, they can take the exam for the next level based on their achievement.¡± ¡°What is the next level after beginner Rune Master?¡± ¡°Intermediate, high, and grandmaster. Master Hisami once told me that in Arka Continent there are only five Rune Masters at grandmaster level. While here, in Marka Continent, the highest Rune Master is only at high level¡± ¡°I see.¡± The classification system was not different from Blackwing, but the condition to participate the exam for beginner level Rune Master was different. In Blackwing, even Level 1 could attend the exam. Other than that, from how Kato was in awe with the runes I carved, it seemed there was a vast disparity in the standard to become a Rune Master. ¡°Sanno, after you reach Level 4 you should join a rune guild.¡± ¡°No thanks,¡± I flatly rejected Kato¡¯s suggestion. ¡°I just want to live peacefully as simple cook.¡± Kato heaving a deep sigh before saying, ¡°Wait until you see how vast and fascinating this world before deciding.¡± Well, I¡¯m sure what Kato saw was only a single drop in the lake compared to what I had seen. However, I didn¡¯t try to explain it to her because most likely it would only make her think that I had some screw loose in my head. ¡°Let¡¯s wait until I see it then,¡± I calmly said. Of course, I would utilize any means I had in my disposal to gather money, including selling scrolls like rune master, but living peacefully was still my main goal. So, other than selling food and beverage, I would employ other means secretly and wouldn¡¯t let Kato knew about it.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. After heaving a deep breath I asked Kato another question, ¡°How much Hisami paid for Yunno?¡± ¡°10.000 Monn.¡± ¡®What the¡­¡¯ I muttered as I tried to hide my shock. That was unbelievably too cheap for a kid with Rain Dragon soul mark. If it was Blackwing, they wouldn¡¯t have second thought to close the deal with a gold mine as main offer. Well, it made my plan cheaper so I shouldn¡¯t complain about it. ¡°How much money do you have currently?¡± ¡°12.000 Monn.¡± ¡°Give me 10.000 Monn.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Kato¡¯s eyes widened as she gave me disbelieve look, ¡°Earlier, when you said you want to buy Yunno¡¯s little sister, did you mean you want to buy her using my money?¡± ¡°Yeah, right now I only have a little above 1000 Monn.¡± ¡°Technically, I¡¯m your slave so my money and other belonging are yours,¡± Kato heaving a deep sigh before continuing, ¡°but as a Level 1 who also good at rune art, how can you so poor?¡± ¡®Can¡¯t help it, I just started my life a few days ago,¡¯ I sourly muttered before replying, ¡°Well, I will start collecting money from now on.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s robe a rich household in the nearby city,¡± Kato firmly suggested. ¡°Nope.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not attract unwanted attention.¡± ¡°Then, how will we buy essence cube to increase our level?¡± ¡°I plan to generate money from selling food and beverage.¡± In an instant Kato looked at me as if I was an idiot. ¡°Sanno, that will be too long. Here in Marka Continent, essence cube is 1200 Monn a piece, and you know a Level 1 will need 12-15 essence cubes to reach Level 2. Meanwhile, Yunno and Yui will need 6-8 essence cubes to reach Level 1, and the amount will kept doubling for each level. Even if you have big and successful restaurant, it will need a decade before we reach Level 5 and have minimum strength to defend ourselves.¡± ¡°Just trust me.¡± ¡°Do I have other choice?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Fine.,¡± Kato helplessly replied. ¡°We will use your silly method and let¡¯s see how far we can go.¡± ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡± I happily smiled while Kato handed over her money. After that she took a bath and changing her clothes. Then, when she came out of the bathroom I got another shock. Kato¡¯s appearance was exactly like Taka, the role that Koyuki Kato played in The Last Samurai. She wore pale maroon yukata or informal kimono made of cheap fabric. It was pretty much yukata for woman from ordinary family. It just that under her yukata, Kato wore warrior shirt, warrior pant, along with warrior sock and gladiator sandal, but she tied the string inside her pant so at a glance it was no different than ordinary sandal. As for her long and jet black hair, she tied it behind her head in simple knot. And speaking about The Last Samurai, it was the first movie where I watched Koyuki Kato¡¯s play. I became her big fan after that. In summary, having someone who had appearance like her but younger and had slightly bigger boobs staying around me was a bliss. ¡°I don¡¯t expect you are carrying ordinary clothes.¡± ¡°This was how I dressed when I was still a servant. Every time Master Hisami returned to Arka Continent, I would stay in a log house, dress like this, and lived like ordinary woman.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Do I look weird in these clothes?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s suits you very well.¡± I was genuinely captivated by Kato¡¯s beauty as I continued, ¡°You are very beautiful in this clothes.¡± A small but beautiful smile bloomed in Kato¡¯s lips before she asked, ¡°Do you want to have a sex with me?¡± ¡®Yeah sure, it¡¯s been an age since the last time I have a wild 69. Let¡¯s have it now.¡¯ That was what I wanted to say. Honestly, I almost said it but managed to hold my dick at last second. ¡°Not now. Let¡¯s complete our task first.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Kato obediently replied. Then, we separated our way. Kato would pick up Yunno from Red Oak and took her to the hut. To ease her task, she would tell Yunno that I and Warrior Deitoro sent her. As for me, I had to pick up Yui. It was earlier than my initial timeline, but I decided that right now was the correct the time to separate Yunno and Yui from Tadaoka Household. --- Under the darkness of the night I silently circled Tadaoka Household, just a dozen meter above the ground. Most of the rooms were quiet, while from Tanno¡¯s room I heard a merry talk and cheerful giggle. From the conversation between Tanno and his wife, I heard that Kazuyori butchered two chickens for today dinner. In an instant, I slightly adjusted my plan. Other than Yunno and Yui, I would also separating Bonnie-01 and her remaining sisters from Tadaoka Household. I then landed in the beam of my room. Even from outside I could feel the atmosphere inside my room was bleak. When I peek inside, Yui was silently lying in my bed and hugging Yunno¡¯s pillow. She already stopped her sobbing, but I could clearly saw her sorrow became several folds deeper compared to when I leaved her this morning. Yui also ignored Yuko who lay next to her. She even refused when Yuko tried to hug her. The way she looked at Yuko also had greatly changed. Yui didn¡¯t look at her with her cheerful eyes anymore. Now, it was just ordinary look like the one she usually gave to other member of Tadaoka Household. Without delay I flew to the backyard and returned to human form. Then, I visited Tadaoka Household as Warrior Deitoro. ***** SC1 6.3 – Taking Yui SC1 6.3 ¨C Taking Yui It was not everyday occurrence for a household in a small village received a visit from a warrior. Not to mention, the warrior visited them at night without prior notice. So, I could understand why Old Banno and other men in Tadaoka Household were very tense while they sat in front of me. Meanwhile, the women and children curiously tried to listen to our conversation from the back room, but I didn¡¯t find Yuko and Yui among them. It seemed no one bother themselves to tell the two that Tadaoka Household had an unusual guest tonight. Only Kazuyori didn¡¯t show any sign of nervousness, but her eyes clearly reflected her worries when I explained that Hisami cancel her intention to take Yunno to her guild because she had pressing matter she had to take care of. It was also easy to tell that the source of her worry was the possibility she had to return Hisami¡¯s payment. ¡°Venerable Warrior Deitoro, if you come to return Yunno, we will be very grateful for your kindness, but I¡¯m afraid our family won¡¯t be able to return the payment,¡± Kazuyori said while putting massive sorrow as if she bore all suffering in the world. ¡°I already sent the money to pay my third son¡¯s school tuition.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t come to return Yunno or take Hisami¡¯s money back.¡± I calmly said, and in an instant Kazuyori¡¯s crocodile tears stopped flowing. ¡°Then, Venerable Warrior Deitoro,¡± Old Banno respectfully said. ¡°To what honor does our humble household owe your visit?¡± ¡°Coincidently, I need two junior servants. I have bought Yunno from Hisami and now I want to buy her little sister.¡± Kazuyori in an instant sucked a deep breath, but she immediately and skillfully hide her jubilant. ¡°Is Venerable Warrior Deitoro wanted to take Yunno and Yui to join your guild?¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t have guild. I just need two junior servants.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a great fortune for Yunno and Yui to become your servant,¡± Kazuyori happily said. It didn¡¯t surprise me that Kazuyori didn¡¯t care about what kind of treatment Yunno and Yui would face after I bought them. However, I was taken aback by Old Banno¡¯s attitude. He didn¡¯t show any remorse even though her wife blatantly sold her granddaughter in front of him. He just stayed silent and let Kazuyori did the talk. It seemed separated Yunno and Yui from Tadaoka Household was a correct decision. Without delay I tried to close the deal. ¡°I will pay 5000 monn for Yui.¡± ¡°5000 monn for Yui.¡± As soon as she heard my price, Kazuyori¡¯s jubilant expression instantly dimmed down. Then, she said, ¡°Venerable Warrior Deitoro, I don¡¯t want to argue, but I think 5000 monn for Yui is too low. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I believe you already knew that Warrior Hisami paid 10.000 monn for Yunno.¡± ¡°Yeah, I also pay 10.000 Monn for Yunno, but Yui is three years younger.¡± ¡°Even so, Yunno managed to catch Warrior Hisami¡¯s attention and she even expresses her intention to also recruit Yui when she is seven years old. Meaning, the two are not ordinary kids. At least, they are kids who may become warrior someday.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true that Yunno and Yui have potency to become a warrior,¡± I honestly admit, ¡°but they are underfeed and it affects their growth greatly. If it¡¯s not because Sanno¡¯s recommendation, I will already find other kids. So, 5000 monn for Yui or I find other kid from this village.¡± ¡°Can you raise the price a little?¡± I had to admit Kazuyori truly had a gut when taking care thing related to money. Well, it was still under my budget so I chose to comply with her request. ¡°6500 Monn, but I also take all 28 chickens in this household.¡± Kazuyori was surprised that I knew the number of chicken in Tadaoka Household, but it was only for a moment. After a smile she said, ¡°This humble woman accepts the offer.¡± ¡°Good, Sanno know my place. Ask him to deliver the chickens tomorrow.¡± ¡°As you wish,¡± Kazuyori happily said. Wasting no time I handed over the money and while Kazuyori was counting it, Tanno and Danno went to pick Yui up. Then, a few minutes later I heard a scream from the direction of my room. It was Yuko¡¯s scream and it was very hysterics. Old Banno, Kazuyori, and other member of Tadaoka Household immediately stood on their feet and went to check it. I calmly followed them. As soon as we arrived in front of my room, we were welcomed by Tanno who tried to stop the bleeding from Danno¡¯s left arm. Meanwhile, in front of them Yuko held a kitchen knife with her right hand, while her left hand tightly hold Yui who she placed behind her. Yuko¡¯s determined eyes and iron will to shield Yui remind me of a hen who would risk its life to protect its chicks. ¡®What a brave lass.¡¯ Never did I imagine Yuko had this kind of side. If she had soul mark, I would gladly train her to become a warrior, but she was only ordinary village lass unfortunately. Then, Kazuyori creased her wrinkle eyebrow as she turned her gaze from Yuko to Tanno, ¡°What happen?¡± ¡°After we told her that Warrior Deitoro wanted to take Yui,¡± Tanno sourly explained, ¡°Yuko asked us to wait while she packed Yui¡¯s clothes. But she tricked us and actually she also packed her own clothes and even took a knife from kitchen.¡± ¡°Idiot girl!!¡± Kazuyori lashed out as she pointed her finger to Yuko¡¯s nose. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Kazuyori rebuked Yuko in a half scream. ¡°Mother, how could you so heartless?¡± Yuko sharply replied. As she placed her hands on her waist Kazuyori replied in a half scream, ¡°Unfilial daughter, how dare you call your own mother heartless?¡± ¡°You are truly heartless,¡± Yuko said as tears streamed down on her cheeks. ¡°You already let Yunno go, but it was for her own goodness so I could accept it. But now Yunno is become a junior servant but you don¡¯t try to buy her back even if we still have the money. Instead, you even try to sell Yui too. Don¡¯t tell me I don¡¯t know what your intention is. You sell Yunno and Yui because they are the legal owner of our rice field. We already enjoy the harvest from the rice field, the late Big Sis and her late husband also had contributed so much for our household, but now we can¡¯t even taking care of their children?¡± ¡°Shut your mouth up ungrateful mongrel,¡± Vein popped up in Kazuyori¡¯s face as she gave Yuko a sharp glare. ¡°What I do, is also for your own good.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need it,¡± Yuko flatly said before putting the knife on her right hand to her throat. ¡°Let me and Yui go, or I will cut my throat in front of you all.¡± ¡°Stop your madness!!!¡± Kazuyori screamed echoed through the night air. At the same time, the nearby neighbors started to come to watch the show. As for me, I could only let out a sigh. From the bundle on her back, it seemed Yuko truly wanted to protect Yui. However, my intention to separate Yunno and Yui from Tadaoka Household was already set and fixed. Without delay, I took step forward. ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t take another step!¡± Yuko threatened me as she pressed her knife to her throat, but it was futile effort. Before the knife had a chance to harm her, my Shadow Hand already snatched it from her. Then, as she tried to figure out what had happened, I gently tapped her nape. In instant Yuko lost her consciousness. Her body slumped to the ground, but I caught her before she hit the ground. After handed over Yuko to Old Banno, I then kneeled in front of terrified Yui. ¡°Let¡¯s leave this household so you can live with me, my wife, and Yunno.¡± I gently whisper before putting Yui into a sleep. ¡°Venerable Warrior Deitoro, thank you for your help, and I deeply apologize if my foolish daughter had cause you some inconvenience,¡± Kazuyori said in tone full of flattery. ¡°No problem.¡± As I gently lifted Yui and put her cheek on my shoulder I continued, ¡°Do we have a deal?¡± ¡°We have, of course we have,¡± Kazuyori happily said. ¡°Ask Sanno to deliver the legal paper to me as soon as you have it, along with the chickens.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Wasting no time I left while muttered, ¡®Someday, this household will regret their decision.¡¯ ***** SC1 6.4 – Sleeping in the Hut SC1 6.4 ¨C Sleeping in the Hut Under the darkness of the night I walked the ridgeline on the peak of South Ridge. I used Wind Step as gentle as possible to ensure my movement didn¡¯t wake up Yui. However, just two kilometers before we arrived at the hut, Yui suddenly raised her head and rubbed her sleepy eyes. Surprisingly, she only required a few second to assess the situation around her even though all she could see was only darkness being accompanied by sings of night insect. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, are we really going to meet Big Sis Yunno?¡± Yui weakly asked. ¡°We are,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°After we become your junior servant, can we still meet with Big Brother Sanno?¡± Yui asked me with expecting tone. ¡°Of course you can. Sanno will come to the hut as usual,¡± I gently replied. ¡°Most of all, you are not going to become junior servant, but my disciples.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro will take Big Sis Yunno and Yui as your disciple?¡± ¡°Yeah, I will teach both of you all my knowledge and skill. However, if I say my true intention in front of your family, your Grandmother will extort me, while your uncle will ask me to take their children too.¡± After a short silence Yui asked me again, ¡°Can we still help Uncle Manno pay his school tuition?¡± ¡®This kid¡­¡¯ I couldn¡¯t help but inwardly heaved a deep sigh. Her household had sold her without second thought or regard to what kind of fate she would face, but she still tried to contribute to it. ¡°Yui, listen to me carefully,¡± I firmly said as I looked at Yui¡¯s clear eyes. ¡°From now on, whatever effort and hard work you and Yunno do, it must only be directed for your own future and happiness. Forget every duty you and Yunno have to fulfill to Tadaoka Household.¡± ¡°But then Yui and Big Sis Yunno wouldn¡¯t have family anymore,¡± Yui said before pressing her lips and held back her tears. ¡°Me, my wife, and Sanno are your family now. We will do whatever we can to taking care of you two.¡± Yui didn¡¯t reply, but she stopped pressing her lips so I guessed she would be fine for now. As for the rest, I believed that slowly but surely she and Yunno would understand that their new family was a true family. A moment later, we arrived at the hut and Yunno was waiting us. As soon as I put her down, Yui immediately ran to Yunno and hugged her tightly. ¡°Big Sis Yunno, Yui miss you so much¡­.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Yunno replied while hugging Yui tightly.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. They were being separated for less than a day, but from their hug, sob, and tears, people would think they were had been separated for years. But I could clearly see that Yui¡¯s sobbing was totally different compared to her sob this morning. She was still pressing her lips tightly while her tears streamed down on her cheek like a flood, but no sorrow in her eyes. Meaning, she was just being overwhelmed by her emotion. Meanwhile, Yunno closed her eyes while tightened her hug. Then, big smile bloomed in her lips while relieved was clearly visible in her childish face. Well, all they wanted just having a family where they could stay together. They didn¡¯t even mind even if it was crappy family that treated them harshly. And that¡¯s why I would put my life on the line to give them the best family they could get. It was the measure I readied to pay in order to avoid the great calamity. --- After taking Yunno from Read Oak, Kato installed some lanterns in the hut. It was a good call as after being illuminated by the lanterns the hut didn¡¯t look scary anymore. Other than that, Kato was surprisingly also very good at handling children. After helping Yunno and Yui washed their face and feet, she then took them to resting hut and skillfully recited them bed time story. After that, Yunno and Yui fell asleep in no time. It was natural as they were mentally and physically very tired. Not to mention their current sleeping sheet and blanket were far more comfortable than the one they usually used. Then, Kato came out of the resting hut. When she saw me sat quietly in the dinning hut, she immediately came over and sat next to me. Then, as I dried my hair using a small towel I opened a conversation. ¡°I never thought you are very good at handling children.¡± Kato gave me a small but beautiful smile before replying, ¡°Taking care little young master and young lady is part of my old job.¡± ¡°No wonder.¡± After pausing for a moment, I returned the remaining Kato¡¯s money. ¡°I managed to haggles Yui¡¯s price.¡± ¡°I see.¡± As she put the money into her spatial ring Kato continued, ¡°I will make some clothes for Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Do you means buy them new clothes?¡± ¡°I will buy some as their current clothes are too worn out, but for their warrior clothes I will make it personally.¡± ¡°Do you know needle work?¡± Kato proudly nodded. ¡°Since I was five, I was being trained at cleaning, washing, cooking, and needle work. At twelve, I was being trained to taking care of children. At sixteen, I was being trained at art of bedchamber.¡± In reflex I happily said, ¡°Glad I have you around.¡± Kato smiled one more time before asking, ¡°Sanno, may I know why you put great effort in taking care of Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°To prevent a great calamity.¡± I gave Kato an honest reply, but it made her widened her beautiful eyes in disbelief. She even gave me a look like a psychiatrist checking my mental state. ¡°Sanno,¡± Kato sternly said, ¡°don¡¯t joking around.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Really?¡± As Kato gave me a big questioning gaze I explained, ¡°A Level 100 warrior received a prophecy that Yunno will taking demonic path when she is ten-year-old, right after Yui meet an unjust death. After killing all member of Tadaoka Household, she will disappear before creating second incident a decade later, followed by other incidents until finally she become a great living calamity.¡± Shock was clearly visible in Kato¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°The first part of the prophecy perfectly matched with Master Hisami¡¯s plan.¡± ¡°It did.¡± As she took a deep breath the question mark in Kato¡¯s forehead thickened. ¡°Who is this Level 100 warrior?¡± ¡°He is my teacher.¡± ¡°Who is his name?¡± ¡°He introduced himself as Grand Elder, and asked me to call him Teacher after I agreed to become his disciple,¡± A lie smoothly slipped out of my teeth. ¡°Wait a second, he didn¡¯t tell you his name even after you becomes his disciple.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Do you know his guild?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Where is he come from?¡± ¡°No clue. Teacher never mentioned it.¡± ¡°Where is he now?¡± ¡°He returned to his home continent after teaching me all knowledge I need to taking care of Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Those are very absurd information. Every guild has Grand Elder, but I believe no martial guild in Arka and Marka Continent has Level 100 as their Grand Elder.¡± ¡°Well, I don¡¯t even know if there is martial guild outside of Rokube.¡± ¡°So, your teacher didn¡¯t give you information about martial world in Marka Continent.¡± ¡°Nope, he only warned me that I should limit Yunno¡¯s interaction with martial world even if I manage avoiding the first part of his prophecy.¡± Actually, limiting Yunno and Yui interaction with martial world was my own idea because I wanted to have peaceful and calm live like how I lived on earth. I fell in love with that kind of life and intended to continue it while taking care of Yunno and Yui. However, it was too complicated to explain it to Kato, so I just made up a reasonable excuse. Thankfully, it seemed Kato fully believed it. She nodded her head as if she just received enlightenment. ¡°I see. That¡¯s the reason why you conceal your skill?¡± ¡°Other than that, Yunno and Yui have excellent soul mark. If we don¡¯t conceal it, it can lure demonic beast or another Hisami.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± After a moment of silence I said, ¡°I¡¯m very tired. Let¡¯s sleep and talk the rest tomorrow.¡± After nodding her head Kato said, ¡°Even if we just fake couple playing house for Yunno and Yui, let¡¯s do it as best as we can.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do it that way.¡± Kato and I then got in to the resting hut and had a night rest. ***** SC1 7.1 – Slash and Parry SC1 7.1 ¨C Slash and Parry The hut was enough for four adults to lay next each other, so it was far from crowded when two adults and two children laid next each other inside. In summary, it was very comfortable and I had good night rest. Then, just before the first light I slowly opened my eyes. I didn¡¯t found Kato inside the hut, so I deployed Essence Pulse, and found her was happily taking morning bath under the shower. I then shifted my attention to Yunno and Yui. The two were sleeping peacefully, and the way Yunno hugged Yui made me recalled some of Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory. When Yunno and Yui lost their mother, Unfortunate Sanno didn¡¯t immediately know how to console them. When the two were at their most painful moment, it was Yunno who comforted Yui with all her might while hiding away her own sorrow. She would tightly hug Yui when the two slept at night, like how their mother usually did. While in the day, she would try to cheer Yui as the two carried their new and harsh daily labor. It was not an exaggeration to say that at that time, Unfortunate Sanno didn¡¯t even know what he should do regarding the two kids that had no other choice but to follow him. It was also could be said that the Unfortunate Sanno learnt the essence of parenting from Yunno. As for me, the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory gave me precious clue about the bond between Yunno and Yui. All they wanted was just to stay together, and relied on each other to overcome whatever hurdle that came in their way. In short, separating Yunno and Yui was huge mistake I had to avoid at all cost. After hardening my resolve to ensure Yunno and Yui would never be separated against their will, I woke up and enjoyed morning air. Then, Kato came out of the bath hut and walked straight to me. Once again I had to admit. Informal kimono was truly fit for Kato. It enhanced her charm and beauty to the brim. I should find a chance to bang her or I would regret it later. Then, after a smile I said, ¡°Good morning.¡± ¡°Morning,¡± Kato happily replied. ¡°You look very beautiful.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± After a smile Kato then asked me, ¡°What is your plan today?¡± ¡°I want to introduce Yunno and Yui to martial training.¡± ¡°Do you need my help?¡± ¡°No, but it will be nice if Yunno and Yui can drink warm and sweet soy milk before their morning practice,¡± I said as I took out a jar of honey and a bottle of soy milk from my spatial storage. ¡°I will warm it,¡± Kato replied as she took the honey and soy milk. ¡°What about breakfast? Do you have something in mind?¡± ¡°What ingredient do you have?¡± ¡°Rice, white button mushroom, carrot, white radish, spinach, chicken eggs, chicken breast, pork belly, pork sausage, tofu skin, white tofu, pickled-napa cabbage, sun flower oil, sesame seed oil, chili oil, miso, and other seasoning.¡± ¡°I see.¡± With ease I could tell that Kato loved to cook, or she won¡¯t have so many ingredients and seasoning in her spatial ring, and it made me wonder how good her cooking was. Therefore, I decided to check it. ¡°Anything that goes well with warm rice but not too heavy will be nice,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Got it.¡± After wearing my scarf, bamboo hat, and traveler cloak, I woke up Yunno and Yui and asked them to wash their face. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. --- After drinking warm soy milk, I took Yunno and Yui to sweep the yard. Then, we started our first morning practice. ¡°Starting today martial training will become one of your morning routines,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°Initially, I will teach you the basic of martial art only after you master breathing technique on your own, but I decide to accelerate it. Now, I will put Soul Binding on you.¡± ¡°Is it hurt when Uncle Deitoro put Soul Binding on us?¡± Yui worriedly asked me using her childish tone. ¡°No, it¡¯s not hurt at all,¡± I gently replied. ¡°But Soul Binding is also being use as a mean to bind a slave, so people will think you two are my slaves.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Yunno said. ¡°We are Uncle Deitoro¡¯s servant.¡± ¡°No, you are not.¡± I seriously said. ¡°You are my servant in name only.¡± ¡°Slave in name only?¡± Yunno asked while tilting her head to the side. ¡°Yeah,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°Your status as my servant will help me a lot in case I have to legally protect you from bad people like your greedy grandmother. At the same time, I can also use Soul Binding to share martial skill and some of my basic knowledge. Other than that, I will treat you like my own blood. I will also erase your Soul Binding at your 20th birthday.¡± ¡°We understand.¡± Yunno obediently replied, but her eyes clearly showed that she didn¡¯t believe me and just went along. Unfortunately, I could do nothing other than let the time slowly showed my true intention. Without further ado I put the Soul Binding on Yunno and Yui. It was pretty similar with Soul Binding that I put on Kato. I chose a small transparent blue cherry blossom as the binding mark and placed it on their neck. After that, I explained the existence of essence. ¡°Essence is omnipresent source of energy that can be used to strengthen your body or fuel a martial skill. You can use breathing technique to harvest it, and then channel and store it in your essence sea using your essence circuit. Do you understand?¡± ¡°¡°We do,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Any question?¡± Yunno raised her hand and then asked, ¡°Do we harvest essence when we mediate and use the breathing technique Big Bro Sanno taught us?¡± ¡°Correct,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°That breathing technique is Dragon Breath, one of the finest breathing techniques in martial world. Your soul mark is Rain Dragon so it¡¯s compatible with your body.¡± I then helped Yunno and Yui to fully activate their essence circuit. Yesterday event had triggered their thirst to become stronger and enabled me to activate their essence circuit earlier than my estimation. After this, they won¡¯t need meditation to exercise Dragon Breath. They would absorb essence with every breath they took. The Soul Binding I put on them would also masked their soul mark. Therefore, demonic beast or other warriors won¡¯t be able to sniff their soul mark unless they directly inspected their essence sea. ¡°Can you feel the different?¡± I calmly asked as Yunno and Yui took a deep breath using Dragon Breath. ¡°The air is very clear, and the essence makes our body very comfortable,¡± Yunno happily replied. ¡°Yui also didn¡¯t sleepy anymore,¡± Yui replied using her childish tone. ¡°Yeah, but you have to remember, don¡¯t tell anyone that you have Rain Dragon as your soul mark, or bad people will try to steal it.¡± ¡°¡±Okay,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui obediently replied. ¡°Now, as you have become my disciple, I will give you a gift,¡± I happily said as I took a pair of 60 cm long kodachi and 27 cm long tanto from my spatial storage, and handed it over to Yunno and Yui, ¡°This pair of weapon is yours.¡± ¡°Whooaaah¡­ it¡¯s very beautiful.¡± Even though the kodachi and tanto were made of good material, its ornaments were pretty plain actually. However, Yui looked at it with sparkling eyes. Meanwhile, Yunno looked at me with hesitant eyes. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, are these beautiful weapons truly for us?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°This short saber is kodachi, while the long dagger is tanto. These two will become the first weapon set you have to master.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Right now, kodachi is still slightly too heavy for you, but you will get stronger and it won¡¯t be a problem anymore. Got it?¡± ¡°We do.¡± Yunno replied while giving me a determination eyes. As for Yui, she nodded firmly as usual. Then, I gave the two one spatial ring each and taught them how to bind and use it. Each spatial ring had capacity equivalent to a 20-feet shipping container, so Yunno and Yui could use it to store lot of items. After that, I introduce them to Slash and Parry. I broke it down into footstep, grip, slash, stab, and parry. Generally, mortal swordsman would need six months to master the footstep or the grip alone. However, Yunno and Yui were not ordinary mortal. I could also infuse my knowledge and experience regarding basic Slash & Parry to their mind through Soul Binding. I estimated in a week they would be able to start the slashing and stabbing practice using bamboo cane as the target. As for the footstep, I chose to teach them only the most basic step. When moving forward, the front leg would move first, pushed by the back leg. When moving backward, the back leg would move first while dragging the front leg. When making side step to the left, the left leg would also move first, and so with the side step to the right, the right leg would move first. It was indeed a very simple footstep, but it would make easier for Yunno and Yui when later they had to combine it Wind Step or other movement skill. And as I expected, the first martial training for Yunno and Yui went smoothly. I didn¡¯t have to make long explanation. After I showed them a few examples, Yunno and Yui would repeat it. Here and there I had to give them a small correction, and the kodachi was also still too heavy for them, but overall they had a very good start. And so, after around one and a half hour I decided to stop today training. ¡°Yunno, Yui, it¡¯s enough for today.¡± ¡°Can we do it a little more?¡± Yui asked as she gave me an expectant look. It seems she really enjoyed her new morning routine. After a smile I said, ¡°Tomorrow, you can continue your training. As for now let me take a look on your palm.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, our palms is not hurt,¡± Yunno firmly said. ¡°I know, but if I apply Healing Spell on your palm after every Slash and Parry practice, it will make your palm, finger, and wrist very strong without having callous.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno obediently replied. After I applied Healing Spell on their hands, I then took Yunno and Yui to take morning bath. ***** SC1 7.2 – Good Breakfast SC1 7.2 ¨C Good Breakfast With wide eyes Yunno and Yui looked at the neatly arranged dishes on the table. There were four sets in total. Each set consisted of a bowl of warm rice, a bowl of miso soup with tofu and spinach, a small plate of pickled-napa cabbage, a plate of fried egg with two links of grilled sausage, and a glass of warm tea. For me it just regular good breakfast, but for Yunno and Yui it was a feast. So far they ate egg only by boiling it, so this was their first time to eat fried egg. This would be also their first time eating grilled pork sausage. As for miso soup, when their father was still alive they would enjoy it once a week. The miso paste didn¡¯t contain dashi, but it¡¯s still delicious. At the same time, I wondered how Kato knew this breakfast set, which was pretty similar with regular Japanese breakfast on earth. ¡°Who teach you how to make this breakfast?¡± I asked Kato. ¡°Master taught me. It¡¯s regular morning meal in her guild.¡± Kato then hesitantly asked, ¡°Is there a problem with this menu?¡± ¡°No, on the contrary, I love it,¡± I happily said. ¡°Please prepare this type of breakfast from now on.¡± ¡°As you wish, Dear,¡± Kato sweetly replied. Wasting no time I put my hands together in front of my chest and offered the gratitude for the meal. ¡°Thanks for the food.¡± ¡°¡°¡°Thanks for the food.¡±¡±¡± Kato, Yunno, and Yui repeat me almost at the same time. Then, I put a spoon of rice to my mouth before slowly chewing it. The rice was made of mid-grade short-grain. It was perfectly cooked, had a slight sweetness, and went very well with the other menu. It was rather difficult to eat while wearing scarf and bamboo hat, but I managed to do it somehow. Then, I noticed that Yunno and Yui only watched their food while repeatedly swallowing their saliva. Kato finally also noticed that Yunno and Yui only held their rice with one hand and the spoon with the other one. ¡°Yunno, Yui, why do you not eat your breakfast?¡± Kato gently asked. ¡°Aunt Kato, can we really eat this delicious breakfast?¡± Yunno asked. ¡°Of course you can.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t a servant can only eat the leftover from their master?¡± Yunno warily asked. ¡°Sort of,¡± I replied before taking a sip of my miso soup. ¡°But as I tell you, you two are servant in name only, so just eats and lives here like member of my household.¡± Yunno immediately nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± Hesitant was still clearly visible in Yunno¡¯s eyes, but she then put a spoon of rice to her mouth, and Yui followed her. A moment later, the two already wolfed down their breakfast happily. But then, Yui looked at me with her clear eyes. I thought she would ask me something, but she said nothing. So, I took initiative to ask her. ¡°What is it Yui?¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can Yui spare some of Yui¡¯s breakfast for Big Brother Sanno?¡± ¡°Why do you want to spare it for Sanno?¡± I asked as inwardly I smiled.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. ¡°Big Bro Sanno eat only bean curd for his breakfast, and it smell bad, sour, and not tasty, so Yui want to share this delicious breakfast with him,¡± Yui firmly replied. ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± I casually said. ¡°Starting today, Sanno will also eat a good meal like you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yui eagerly asked. ¡°You can ask him later if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui obediently replied and didn¡¯t argue. The breakfast then continued without conversation, but Yunno and Yui had bright smile in their eyes. So, I guessed everything was just fine. Good martial training, good knowledge, good culinary skill, good food, and good roof, those were the bare minimum of living standard that I would provide for Yunno and Yui. --- After breakfast, I asked Kato to teach Yunno and Yui how to do the dish. I decided that starting today it would become their responsibility. Meanwhile, I was preparing an introduction of measurement for length, temperature, and time, along with other material. It was a lot of subject, so I had to arrange it whenever I have spare time. Around thirty minutes later, Kato, Yunno, and Yui returned to dining hut and sat in front of me. From their big smile, I could tell that Yunno and Yui must be very happy. Inwardly, I admitted that Kato did a good job in playing her role as Warrior Deitoro¡¯s dear wife. Then, I handed over basic writing exercise along with basic math drill for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to Yunno and Yui. ¡°This is your task for today study.¡± ¡°¡°Mhm,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Read the instruction carefully and then complete the task. Sanno will check it later.¡± ¡°Does Big Brother Sanno will come here today?¡± Yunno expectantly asked. ¡°He will also bring your chickens.¡± ¡°Our chickens?¡± Yunno asked. ¡°I bought all chickens in Tadaoka Household and you will take care of them.¡± ¡°We will take care of them,¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°But Grandma Kazuyori had asked First Uncle to butcher Bonnie-14 and Bonnie-23 yesterday,¡± Yui dejectedly said. ¡°Well,¡± I calmly said, ¡°We will offer silent prayer for Bonnie-14 and Bonnie-23.¡± ¡°Thank you, Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui said while determination flashed in her childish eyes. ¡°Big Sis Yunno and Yui will ensure the chicken is well feed.¡± ¡°Good.¡± After Yunno and Yui went to resting hut to carry their study I turned my gaze to Kato, ¡°Do you plan to go somewhere today?¡± ¡°No, I will accompany Yunno and Yui study while doing needle work.¡± I nodded before saying, ¡°Once Yunno and Yui finish their study, can you teach them how to prepare chicken feed?¡± ¡°I can,¡± Kato calmly replied. ¡°Do you have particular method or I can use mine?¡± ¡°Please use my method. Basically, it¡¯s a mix of vegetable leftover and acorn.¡± Wasting no time I explained everything and Kato. She was familiar with using vegetable leftover as chicken feed, so I didn¡¯t need to make long explanation. Then, I handed over the acorns I collected every morning, along with two set of kitchen knives and two 60x60x5 cm chopping board I bought in Sotora. ¡°Please hand over this equipment to Yunno and Yui using your name.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Kato firmly replied. ¡°I will ensure they make the chicken feed correctly.¡± ¡°I know you will,¡± I happily said. ¡°Ah Dear¡­¡± Kato said as I about to stand up. ¡°Yesterday, Yunno¡¯s Youngest Aunt secretly gave Yunno a silver hairpin and some money. Can you return it?¡± I nodded while inwardly I was taken back. It seemed Yuko truly care about Yunno and Yui wellbeing. After taking a deep breath I said, ¡°Give it to me. I will return it before I go for today hunt.¡± Wasting no time Kato handed over a small money bag and a silver hairpin. If I remembered it correctly, the silver hairpin was part of Yuko¡¯s dowry for her wedding next year. That lass was more rascal than I thought. Kazuyori would skin her alive if she knew she gave her dowry to Yunno. --- As it was not available in Sotora, I had to make some kitchen utensils I needed myself. Some would require rock as material, while for some others I would make it from woods. I already store lot of mountain rock in my spatial storage, so I only had to collect some woods. And so, on the way back to Sendai I took my time to collect Acacia branches. Fortunately, the forest below South Ridge had lot of century old Acacia trees. With ease I collected enough Acacia¡¯s branches as big as adult¡¯s hug. On my way I also scattered sunflower seed. It was a preparation for my plan to cultivate honey bee. It was ordinary sunflower seed I bought at Sotora, but I applied Growth Acceleration Spell on it. Normally, Growth Acceleration Spell could only be applied on medicinal herb. However, I managed to modify this spell so it could work for ordinary plant. Therefore, in the incoming spring lot of areas around South Ridge would be covered by mature sunflower. After that I flew straight to oak forest in west of Sendai. Then, I continued my journey by foot while carrying a huge amount of firewood in my back, and a dozen of wild games in my hands. ***** SC1 7.3 – Yuko is A Nut SC1 7.3 ¨C Yuko is A Nut As soon as I entered the front yard, Kazuyori immediately walked over to me with dagger glare. ¡°Where are you last night?¡± ¡°I was trying a night hunt.¡± I showed the harvest in my hands as I continued, ¡°And the result is pretty good.¡± ¡°Are you hunting the whole night?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t fooling around waste money, did you?¡± ¡°As if I have money to waste,¡± I sourly protested. ¡°Put the harvest and the firewood on the ground,¡± Kazuyori firmly said. ¡°Let me search you.¡± In an instant I let out a sigh, didn¡¯t argue. Then, Kazuyori sniffed my clothes. Once she was sure I had no trace of alcohol or perfume, she meticulously searched my body. Of course, she found nothing. Even so, her suspicious eyes didn¡¯t demise in the slightest. ¡°Sanno, tell me honestly, did you received tips from Warrior Deitoro?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°I recommended Yunno and Yui to Warrior Deitoro because I knew he would treat them well, not because I want some tips.¡± ¡°This is not like you at all,¡± Kazuyori said as deep frown appeared in her wrinkled forehead. ¡°Last time I tried to sell Yunno and Yui, you were so angry, to the point I believed you would kill me if I truly sold Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°If it can lead them into a better life, I don¡¯t mind to let Yunno and Yui go.¡± I heaved a deep sigh before coldly added, ¡°But I will still hate you for let them go.¡± ¡°You just a fool who know nothing about the way of the world,¡± Kazuyori grumbly said. ¡°Someday, when Manno graduate and elevate our household¡¯s status, you will thank me.¡± ¡°I truly hope Third Brother graduate soon.¡± ¡°He will and it will be followed by prosperity of our household. That¡¯s why we have to support him by any means necessary.¡± ¡°I will do my best.¡± I didn¡¯t want talking with Kazuyori more than I had to, so I didn¡¯t argue and went to other direction. ¡°And starting today I will hunt at night to increase the harvest.¡± ¡°What about the firewood? Winter will arrive soon but we don¡¯t have enough firewood.¡± ¡°I will collect some in the morning like today, but you should send other kids in the household to collect it too.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°They are still too young to collect firewood.¡± ¡°Yunno and Yui are younger than them when they start collecting firewood.¡± ¡°Yunno and Yui are not member of the household. It¡¯s normal for them to work harder than other kids.¡± ¡°Mother,¡± I coldly said. ¡°Right now I don¡¯t have Yunno and Yui to help me. You have to consider other option other than just adding my burden.¡± ¡°Fine. I will send other kids to collect firewood too.¡± Kazuyori said in a sharp tone, but at least she didn¡¯t push me further. ¡°But today you have to deliver our chickens and purchase paper of Yunno and Yui to Warrior Deitoro.¡± ¡°When will the purchase paper be ready?¡± ¡°Village Chief promised me it will be ready at noon.¡± ¡°I will deliver it as soon as it¡¯s ready.¡± Then, I pointed at the harvest on the ground. ¡°Can you hand over them to First Brother and Second Brother before they go to check their snares?¡± Without word Kazuyori took the harvest and hung it in the terrace. As for me, I went to put the firewood to firewood stash and then washed my body. It was only a few minutes before breakfast, so I immediately went to dining hall. --- Today breakfast was as same as usual, smelly bean curd and steamed vegetable. The only different was that Yuko gave me a dagger glare the whole time. I tried my best to ignore it but it made her glare became sharper. Fortunately, breakfast in Tadaoka Household was always quick. I then went to check Bonnie-01 and her sisters. As I suspected, they didn¡¯t get enough breakfast. Their gizzard was far from full. Wasting no time, I took some grass worm from my spatial storage and feed them to Bonnie-01 and her sisters. After that I prepared the cage to transport them. If I tied their legs and wing, three cages that I stacked together would be enough to carry Bonnie-01 and her sisters in one trip. Then, while I tied and stacked the cages I heard Tanno and Manno complained to Kazuyori because their kids had to collect firewood starting tomorrow. However, Kazuyori chewed them without spiting a bone and ended the fight in a few minutes. Well, I didn¡¯t give a damn about it so I just ignored it. However, suddenly I felt a chill in my back. I immediately checked my surrounding and could only sigh as I found Yuko walked straight to me. Her sharp glares clearly told me that she wanted to beat me up into a pulp. Honestly, Yuko¡¯s attitude was annoying and would waste my time, but I couldn¡¯t blame her. She just had big love and care for Yunno and Yui. And so, I braced myself to withstand her wrath. As soon as she arrived in front of me Yuko angrily said, ¡°Fourth Brother, why did you recommend Yunno and Yui to a weird warrior?¡± ¡°Because it will give them better life,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Bullshit!¡± ¡°Well,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Can you tell me what had worried you, specifically?¡± ¡°We have no guarantee that Warrior Deitoro will treat Yunno and Yui kindly.¡± ¡°I guarantee Warrior Deitoro and his wife will treat Yunno and Yui like their own daughters.¡± ¡°How could you so sure?¡± Yuko asked while looking at me straight to the eyes. ¡°Warrior Deitoro and his wife are not stranger to me. I know them since three years ago,¡± I explained as I continued stacking the chicken cages. ¡°Fourth Brother, can you tell me other people in Sendai or Rokube who also know them since three years ago?¡± ¡°Nope, for three years they stayed reclusively while healing their internal injury, and I was the only person who helped them search medicinal herb.¡± ¡°Then, to whom I can confirm your words that you know Warrior Deitoro since three years ago?¡± ¡®What a smart chick.¡¯ I complained while inwardly doing my best to arrange a believable bullshit, but in the end I couldn¡¯t find irrefutable excuse. Not to mention, the stubbornness in Yuko¡¯s eyes told me that she won¡¯t believe my explanation even if it was reasonable enough. So, my only option was to take Yuko to meet and talk with Kato. I had a hunch that Kato would be able to handle Yuko¡¯s worry. But if it¡¯s not the case and the two went into a fierce argument, at least it would be a chick versus another chick and spared me from a headache of handling Yuko¡¯s stubbornness. After taking a deep breath I said, ¡°How about this, in a few days I will take you to visit Yunno and Yui to check their condition.¡± ¡°Take me to visit them today,¡± Yuko said in domineering tone. ¡°In a few days or never,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°Fine,¡± Yuko agreed, but her sharp glare didn¡¯t demise at all. Then, I got up to my feet and put forward Yuko¡¯s hair pin and money. ¡°Warrior Deitoro¡¯s wife asks me to return it to you.¡± ¡°I already gave it to Yunno,¡± Yuko coldly said. ¡°Don¡¯t be stubborn and reckless,¡± I firmly said. ¡°Warrior Deitoro and his wife will ensure Yunno and Yui have enough food, roof, clothes, and education. On the other side, if mother knows they have your hairpin and money, she will definitely accuse them of stealing it and make a fuss to get interest.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Yuko grumbly said, but she took the hairpin and money back at least. ¡°Yuko, listen to me,¡± I gently said. ¡°I understand if you don¡¯t trust Warrior Deitoro, but unlike Warrior Hisami who would bring Yunno to a faraway place, Warrior Deitoro and his wife are staying in South Ridge. Therefore, I can check Yunno and Yui situation whenever I want.¡± ¡°Fourth Brother, just make sure you take me to visit Yunno and Yui in a few days, or I will stab your calf when you are sleeping.¡± ¡®This chick is a nut,¡¯ I inwardly complained before saying, ¡°You have my words.¡± Yuko then left while I continued my work peacefully. After that, while waiting for the purchase document I spent my time preparing study material for Yunno and Yui. ***** SC1 8.1 – Movement Skill SC1 8.1 ¨C Movement Skill At noon I went back to the hut. At the peak of South Ridge, just 20 meters above the hut, I put the three-stacked chicken cage in my back to the ground. After checking that Bonnie-01 and her sisters were fine, I changed to peregrine owl before flying to the hut and perched on peak of nearby bamboo. From my position, I could easily observe the hut. I found Kato, Yunno, and Yui were at the dining hut. They were busy preparing chicken feed using my method. The vegetable leftover they used was bamboo shoot. The hut was in the middle of bamboo groove, so with ease they collected bamboo shoot, and because the amount was huge, they only stored the most soft and sweetest part for the cooking. As for the rest of edible part, they chopped it into chicken feed. Other than bamboo shoot, they also chopped a huge amount of acorn I had collected every morning. Normally, I had to dry it under sun until it¡¯s as hard as rock. But I didn¡¯t have time to do it. Fortunately, I could use Dehydrator Spell and Time-lapse Spell. The combination of these two spells was a perfect replacement for food dehydrator. By applying it with formula 32 hours at 45 degree Celsius, I got a perfect dried acorn as hard as rock. Therefore, Yunno and Yui could chop it into wedge with ease, and then took the edible part before chopping it into smaller bits, and mixed it with chopped bamboo shot. The ratio was one cup of chopped acorn for every four cups of chopped bamboo shoot. After that they stored the mix in their spatial ring. In instant I took a breath full of relief as everything was fine. Kato truly knew how to handle children. It was easy to tell from how she made Yunno and Yui giggle and laughing, without neglecting their work. Wasting no time, I then went back to take Bonnie-01 and her sisters. A few minutes later, I already entered the hut¡¯s yard. As soon as they saw me, Yunno and Yui immediately run over to me with big smile in their face. ¡°Big Bro Sanno,¡± Yunno cheerfully said. ¡°This morning we had super delicious breakfast.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui nodded her head before adding, ¡°Aunt Kato is a super duper good cook.¡± ¡°I know,¡± I happily replied. ¡°Warrior Deitoro brought me the same breakfast.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yunno happily asked. ¡°Really,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°Now, can you help me make temporary pen for Bonnie-01 and her sisters?¡± ¡°Big Bro Sanno, are you carrying Bonnie-01 and her sisters in your back?¡± Yui asked as she looked at fully covered three-stacked cage in my back. ¡°Yup,¡± I happily replied. Yunno and Yui immediately peeked inside the three-stacked cage. In an instant they had big smile as their gaze met with Bonnie-01 and her sisters. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Big Bro Sanno,¡± Yunno happily said. ¡°We will help you make the temporary pen.¡± ¡°Yeah, we will help you,¡± Yui eagerly added. At the same time Kato calmly walked over to us and said, ¡°Yunno, Yui, we will continue the work to make chicken feed tomorrow, but you have to store the rest of ingredient and your equipment to your spatial ring before helping Sanno.¡± ¡°Yes, Aunt Kato,¡± Yunno obediently replied. Wasting no time Yunno and Yui returned to dinning hut and carried Kato¡¯s instruction. Meanwhile, I handed over to Kato the document that became the legal proof that Yunno and Yui were Warrior Deitoro¡¯s property. ¡°Mrs. Deitoro, this is the purchase letter of Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Thanks, I will keep it as if it¡¯s my most precious treasure.¡± Kato gently smiled before adding, ¡°While you making chicken pen with Yunno and Yui, I will prepare the lunch.¡± ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am.¡± Wasting no time I went to build the chicken pen. I planned to put Bonnie-01 and her sisters in the greenhouse I would build later, so I would only make a temporary pen for them. In short, I was just put together bamboo fence in a corner of the hut, and put Bonnie-01 and her sisters inside this fence. The job went fast because Yunno and Yui helped me. After that we had lunch. The menu was stir fry bamboo shoot and pork, with white rice, fried tofu, and spinach miso soup. Similar to our breakfast, it was simple menu for me but a feast for Yunno and Yui. They ate it heartily and it made Kato smiled widely. After doing the dish, Yunno and Yui then played with Bonnie One and her sisters. Meanwhile, I sat in dining hut checking the result of their study. ¡°So, how is their study?¡± Kato who sat in front of me curiously asked. ¡°Very good,¡± I replied. ¡°Other than some small mistakes they complete it perfectly.¡± After a smile Kato said, ¡°Glad to hear that.¡± ¡°In a few days, I will bring my younger sister here,¡± I calmly said. ¡°She insists to check on Yunno and Yui condition personally.¡± ¡°Any suggestion on how I should handle it?¡± ¡°No, just handle it as you see fit. We don¡¯t need to do anything out of our daily routine.¡± Kato immediately nodded and replied, ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s time for their afternoon training.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Without delay I said my goodbye to Yunno and Yui. They tried to coax me to stay and had dinner in the hut, but unfortunately I couldn¡¯t do that. I had to switch back to Warrior Deitoro. Therefore, after hugging them tightly in turn, I left the hut. --- Leaving the hut as Sanno, and then returned as Warrior Deitoro. It was a pain in the butt, but it was necessary precaution. I just couldn¡¯t openly announce that the simple young man from a rural village was a warrior with deep knowledge of martial art, rune art, and modern cooking. At least, I had to maintain this double appearance until I became the strongest warrior in the area. And so, I re-entered the hut¡¯s yard as Warrior Deitoro. Kato then told Yunno and Yui that it¡¯s time for afternoon martial training. In a calm tone I opened the training, ¡°Two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, that¡¯s your main menu for martial training.¡± ¡°Yes, we understand.¡± Yunno replied in high spirit while Yui eagerly nodded her head. ¡°Well, from now on, if you understand my instruction, just reply with ¡®Hai!¡¯. Understood?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± A smile instantly bloomed in my lips as Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Okay, now I will teach you some movement skills.¡± After clearing my throat, I continued, ¡°As Rain Dragon Warrior, you have high compatibility with Wind Step and Water Step. After mastering these two movement skill, you can then learn Lightning Step, one of the most powerful movement skill. Understood?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± ¡°Be ready then. I will share my basic knowledge on Wind Step through Soul Binding.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± The sharing went smoothly. After that I showed Yunno and Yui some examples of Wind Step. Basically, it had two types of basic movement. The first movement was combination of the movement of grasshopper and bird. In short, the user could use Wind Step to propel their body into a long or high jump like a grasshopper, and changing direction in midair like a bird. As for the second movement, the user could use Wind Step to make a light movement as if their body was made of cotton. For example, they could jump off a cliff and landed gently on their feet. After watching my examples, Yunno and Yui tried to imitate it. As expected, even if they already had the basic knowledge of Wind Step in their mind, it would take a while before they could execute it. Proper knowledge did indeed eased the path of a warrior, but in the end it was hard work and indomitable spirit that enabled them to master a skill to highest perfection. Fortunately, Yunno and Yui were hard worker kids who didn¡¯t give up easily. Even after their clothes were drenched with sweats, and smeared with dirt from their fall, while their hard effort showed no result, they kept trying their best to execute their first Wind Step. Then, just twenty minutes before the sun fully downed in the west, I ended the training. ¡°Yunno, Yui, let¡¯s continued tomorrow.¡± ¡°Can we do it a little more?¡± Yui said while giving me an expectant gaze. ¡°You still have to feed Bonnie-01 and her sisters, remember?¡± Once I mentioned Bonnie-01 and her sisters, Yui immediately nodded her head eagerly. Then, without further ado, I took Yunno and Yui to feed Bonnie-01 and her sister. ***** SC1 8.2 – Reshaping Kato’s Martial Arts SC1 8.2 ¨C Reshaping Kato¡¯s Martial Arts Night in the hut was quiet and calm as usual. After dinner, I asked Yunno and Yui to have evening study for an hour. Therefore, starting today they would have two study sessions. One and a half hour in the morning, and another one hour in the evening. After that Kato escorted them to brush their teeth before brushing their hair and reading them bed time story. Once Yunno and Yui fell asleep, Kato came to dinning hut and sat in front of me. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kato asked. ¡°Preparing study material for Yunno and Yui,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°You really put great emphasis in Yunno and Yui study.¡± ¡°I have to. It will enable them to help me with my plan to enter food industry.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I could tell Kato still had some hesitation with my plan, but she didn¡¯t argue so I didn¡¯t explain further and changed the topic. Then, Kato gave the front yard a quick glance before saying, ¡°When you have time, can you make post lamps for the yard? I still have a few lanterns. It¡¯s a waste if we don¡¯t use it.¡± After slightly nodded I asked, ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°Pave the yard with stone block, and build a bamboo bench next to resting hut under a small roof extension.¡± ¡°Got it, but I can only work it in the morning so it will take 12-14 days to complete it.¡± After a gentle smile Kato said, ¡°No problem.¡± ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about your martial art and fix its problem.¡± ¡°Does my martial art have a problem?¡± ¡°It has fundamental problem.¡± After a pause I asked Kato, ¡°Do you know what your soul mark is?¡± Kato instantly shook her head. ¡°No, Master said only Grandmaster Isser can check my soul mark.¡± ¡°Coincidently, I know how to check it and already did it.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Big question mark popped out in Kato¡¯s forehead, but I ignored it and continued, ¡°Your soul mark is Silver Fox. It has great affinity with water and darkness.¡± ¡°Wait a second¡­ My soul mark is Silver Fox and it has great affinity with water and darkness.¡± Kato¡¯s expression instantly changed as she realized the flaw in her martial art. ¡°Then, I don¡¯t have compatibility with Wind Breath and Wind step.¡± ¡°Exactly.¡± ¡°No wonder,¡± Kato dejectedly said as her shoulder slumped down. ¡°All this time I got a feeling my body rejects Wind Breath and Wind Step, and that¡¯s why I can¡¯t execute it properly.¡± Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°It¡¯s a good sign if you can notice it.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s still a big problem,¡± Kato said, still in dejected tone. ¡°I don¡¯t mind learning the correct skill from scratch, but I have to join martial guild to get it.¡± ¡°I can give it to you.¡± ¡°Sanno, don¡¯t joke around. I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± It was natural that Kato thought I was joking around. Martial guild or martial family would limit the circulation of their martial skill only among their members. Therefore, martial skill was not commodity you could buy as long as you had the money. Even a rogue member of martial guild or martial family wouldn¡¯t pass their skill to someone unless the receiver was ready to be hunted and killed. However, as former Blackwing¡¯s elder I had special right to distribute certain skill that I helped polishing into perfection to whoever I considered as my disciple or servant. And so, I confidently convinced Kato. ¡°I¡¯m not joking around. Do you want it or not?¡± ¡°Of course I want it. Even if it just low-tier skill, it¡¯s better than nothing.¡± ¡°Good, I will transfer it to you through soul binding.¡± Without explaining to Kato that the martial skill I would give her was high-tier skill, I started the transfer. In summary, I gave Kato the Night Rain as her breathing technique. Water Step and Stealth Step as her movement skill, and Flowing Hand as her hand-to-hand combat. Other than that, I also gave her Hallucinogen Spell, Night Fog Spell, and Healing Spell. She had high affinity with darkness so misdirection spell suit her, while her affinity to water enabled her to cast Healing Spell. Once I completed the transfer Kato instantly looked at me with wide eyes. ¡°Sanno, how could you know so many complete skills and spell?¡± ¡°Teacher gave it to me.¡± A simple lied slipped through my teeth, but from how Kato nodded her head I concluded she fully bought it. ¡°Well, your Slash and Parry also need some fixing, so we will include this issue in our night training.¡± Kato tilted her head as question mark appeared in her forehead, ¡°Night training?¡± ¡°Three hours a day at night, after Yunno and Yui sleep, we will have some training and sparring,¡± I explained. ¡°I see.¡± Without further ado Kato took out her kodachi, and I responded correspondently. --- Long time ago, after I completed my basic training Grand Elder showed me his ultimate sword stance, and I was instantly being mesmerized by it. His katana came out from its scabbard smoothly and lightly like his breath. One moment, he stood empty-handed. The next moment, his katana was already in front of his body. Then, he lowered his katana to his right side, casually pointing downward. In a glance, Grand Elder was unready for combat. His stance was too relaxed and held no purpose. However, I could tell it was not the case. I knew for sure that Grand Elder never drew his Katana without resolve or purpose to use it, and I was correct. That day, I learned the existence of ultimate one in the moment before the combat. Far from being combat unready, Grand Elder was actually ready to welcome anything, anticipating nothing, accepting everything. His stance was a stance that presented neither defensive posture nor offensive preparation. On earth, in ancient Japan to be precise, only one swordsman dared to adopt this kind of open stance. He was the undefeated Miyamoto Musashi. No one used it before or after him. While in the long history of Blackwing, only Grand Elder and I used it. And right now, I used it in front of Kato, and as I expected, she looked at me with confused eyes. ¡°Sanno, are we really going to spar using live-weapon? I mean, I have blunt kodachi and we can use it.¡± ¡°Just attack me with everything you have.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°I¡¯m.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Wasting no time Kato raised her kodachi above her head, stepped forward, and then made a downward vertical slash. I could feel her hesitation as she deliberately aimed at empty spot next to my left shoulder. Without many words reprimanded her hard way. I didn¡¯t block or parry her slash, but avoided it by flanking her and making a compact circle, followed by heavy horizontal slash to her nape. Paa!! The flat part of my Kodachi perfectly landed on Kato¡¯s nape, making her tumble a few steps forward while dizziness blanketed her mind. ¡°I said attack me with everything you have,¡± I calmly said. ¡°I see. It seems you are serious about our sparring.¡± Kato shook her head for a moment before adding, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for underestimating your intention. Now, I will attack you with everything I have.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Without further ado Kato mounted another attack. This time she came at me with intention to beat the shit out of me. However, it was a thousand year too early for her to do that. Even though both of us were Level 1, my fighting experience and sword skill were far above her. Therefore, even when out of her frustration she used dirty trick like throwing dirt to my eyes, I still managed to put her down to the ground with ease, over and over. In short, seven times the hilt of my kodachi hit her gut and made her fell to her knee. Another six times it hit her nape and made her fell to ground face first. It was also not rare the flat part of my kodachi hit her side, wrist, or calf at full power. Surprisingly, Kato didn¡¯t utter any complaint, not even once. She just silently got back to her feet, and then continued the sparring as the determination in her eyes grew deeper. When Kato finally couldn¡¯t go anymore, I applied Healing Spell on her. We then took a short break before starting hand-to-hand sparring. I used this chance to teach Kato the Flowing Hand. Fundamentally, Flowing Hand was like aikido. When your opponent pushed you, you pulled and slammed them. When they pulled you, you pushed and slammed them. In short, you manipulated their force against them. And when they kicked or hit you, you didn¡¯t block it. You either avoid it, or parry it and directed it into a pulling or pushing motion before slamming or throwing them. The only difference was, aikido user was taught to ensure their opponent landed safely with minimum damage, while Flowing Hand user was taught to kill their opponent with first slam or throw, like ensuring their head landed first as hard as possible. Of course, even though this was Kato first time in learning Flowing Hand, I didn¡¯t hold back in the slightest. I slammed her to the ground whenever opportunity presented itself. But at least, no matter how brutal my slam was, I ensured it would not result in broken bone or fatal injury. When Kato couldn¡¯t go anymore, I applied Healing Spell on her for the second time. After that I went to take a bath, while Kato sulkily sat in dinning hut. It seemed she was angry that I didn¡¯t go easy on her in our first sparring, so I decided to wait until she was chilling down before talking to her. ***** SC1 8.3 – Kato is a Vixen SC1 8.3 ¨C Kato is a Vixen After washing my body under the shower, I soaked my body in the hot spring soaking while sipping a glass of sochu with a rock. The sochu I bought in Sotora was as good as the one I usually enjoyed with Owner Tetsuo. As for the big chunk of ice, I made it using Freezer Spell. It was always a bliss to be able enjoying good alcohol after a tired day. Slowly but surely, I recalled my day in Tetsuo¡¯s Dinner. I wondered how Owner Tetsuo doing right now. However, before I sank too deep in my contemplation, Kato suddenly entered the bath hut and went straight to hot spring section. Right before me, she loosens up her long and black jet hair, and then took her clothes off. This was the first time I saw Kato¡¯s naked body up-close, and as I suspected she was gorgeous and beautiful as hell. Snow white skin, smooth and curved waist, sensual hips, slim and beautiful legs, along with the breast and butt in right shape and size. Her pink tits were also very provocative, while her private area was covered by thick black forest. Then, Kato started washing every inch of her body using the hot water from the hot spring, right in front of me, and I didn¡¯t know if it was deliberately or only a coincidence, but her private area was on a straight level with my eyes. ¡°You have a thick forest down there,¡± I blurted out in reflex, as my spear woke up. ¡°You also have thick forest down there.¡± Kato calmly replied after taking a casual glance at my forest, and it was clear that she did not feel disturbed with my fully woken up and hard dick. She just calmly continued washing her body, and then entered the hot spring and sat next to me while hugging her knee. ¡°What do you drink?¡± Kato asked as she looked at the glass at my hand. ¡°Sochu with a rock.¡± ¡°Do you still have the sochu?¡± I immediately took a small flagon of sochu from my spatial storage and handed it over to Kato. ¡°Here.¡± ¡°Can I use it to fix some cocktail?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Without delay Kato poured the sochu into a big glass jug, mixed it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey, and then diluted it with cold water. ¡°Do you have another ice rock?¡± Kato asked me as she gently stirred the cocktail. ¡°This cocktail need ice rock as a last touch.¡± ¡°Give me a second.¡±Stolen novel; please report. Wasting no time I took a small bowl of water from the pool, freeze it into ice rock, and then put it to the glass jug. A moment later, Kato poured me a glass of the cocktail and I immediately took a sip to taste it. ¡°How is it?¡± Kato asked as she gave me eager look. ¡°It¡¯s a good mix.¡± I took another sip before adding, ¡°I like it.¡± ¡°Glad you like it.¡± ¡°Do you have a name for this cocktail?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s name it Nightdew then.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After a smile Kato also took a sip of Nightdew. Then, after a moment of silence she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Sanno, tell me everything you know about Silver Fox Warrior.¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± After taking another sip of Nightdew, I started my explanation. Generally, Silver Fox Warrior had charming physical appearance. The man was incredibly handsome, while the woman was incredibly beautiful. Physically, they were not strong or fast, but they had high compatibility with misdirection spell. Their innate talent with misdirection spell could be matched only by Black Dragon Warrior. And because Silver Fox Warrior was rare and had meek expression, many warriors didn¡¯t have proper knowledge about their ability and tend to underestimate them. This was the biggest reason why Silver Fox Warrior usually had huge butcher bill, and mostly consisted of warriors with a higher level. At the same time, like any other warrior with darkness attribute, Silver Fox Warrior was a decisive killer while their heart had many layers like onion. They could make a lovely smile while hiding an intention to gut you cleans. At the same time, they could appear cold and indifferent in front of their true love. Meanwhile, as warrior with water attribute, they were really good at defense in case their sneak attack failed. In short, their attributes were a deadly combination. ¡°Sanno, do you think I will betray you?¡± Kato casually asked. ¡°I do,¡± I honestly replied. ¡°That¡¯s why even if I have Soul Binding on you, I will treat you as nicely as possible. I don¡¯t want you to come back and try to kill me after I free you in the future.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Kato sweetly smiled before continuing, ¡°You have to treat me as if I¡¯m the most precious treasure in the world.¡± I genuinely nodded and said, ¡°I will try my best.¡± After another sweet smile Kato asked, ¡°What else?¡± ¡°Silver Fox Warrior can fight well both in daylight or night, forest or rocky mountain, snowfield or desert. Their favorite foods are chicken, fish, and fruit. They also love a hot sex and regularly change their bed partner until they find the one they foolishly fell in love with.¡± ¡°A hot sex, huh?¡± Kato mischievously smiled before asking, ¡°You don¡¯t make it up because you are horny after seeing my naked body, right?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t make it up, and I can bang you whenever I want.¡± ¡°But you said you will treat me as nicely as possible. Meaning, you won¡¯t just force your dick on me, will you?¡± ¡°Sort of,¡± I nodded while regretting my previous hasty words. ¡°Good.¡± Kato happily smiled before finishing her cocktail in one gulp. ¡°I will give you a nice gift then.¡± ¡°What gift?¡± ¡°Just stay still,¡± Kato said as she gently straightened my legs and spread it open. ¡°And be as relax as possible.¡± Then, without any warning Kato¡¯s right hand suddenly was reaching out for my hard dick. Normally it should be end up as a happy occasion. However, swordswoman¡¯s palm was usually full of hard callouses, and when they gave a hand job it felt as if they tried to grate your dick using their rough palms. I knew it because I had experienced it in my previous life. Therefore, cold sweats instantly drenched my forehead as Kato¡¯s finger made a contact with my stone hard dick. However, her palm turned out to be firm but soft. Most of all, Kato knew very well how to play with my dick. Her hand skillfully gripped, rubbed, and shook it back and forth. The sensation was superb and a happy smile immediately bloomed in my lips. A moment later I came. ¡°How is it?¡± Kato smugly asked. ¡°Superb. It was one of the best hand jobs I have experienced.¡± ¡°Glad you enjoy it, because that¡¯s all you got for tonight.¡± ¡°Come on,¡± I pleaded as if the whole sky just fell on my head. ¡°How could this is the end?¡± ¡°That¡¯s your punishment because you treat me so harshly in our first training,¡± Kato said as she washed her hand, got up to her feet, and then stepped out from the hot spring. ¡°I do it hard way because you are not newbie but experienced warrior.¡± ¡°I know, but it¡¯s still hurt my feeling.¡± After wiping her body dry using a towel and put fresh clothes on Kato continued, ¡°Don¡¯t forget to change the water. We don¡¯t want Yunno and Yui see your seed floating in the pool when they take morning bath tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I obediently replied. ¡°Train me to become the best warrior I can be, using the most gentle way possible, and maybe I will let you put me under your dick.¡± ¡®How the fuck do I train you to become the best warrior you could be without employing hard method?¡¯ That was what I asked inwardly, but outwardly I obediently replied, ¡°I will try my best.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Without further ado Kato then casually left. As for me, I felt so lonely as I looked at my thick sperm. The hot water had turned it into something that looked like a string of boiled white egg, and now it freely buoyed around in the soaking pool. ¡®What a vixen,¡¯ I complained before changing the water in the hot spring. ***** SC1 9.1 – Simple Life Style SC1 9.1 ¨C Simple Life Style Morning in the hut was calm as usual, after washing their face and drank a glass of soy milk, I asked Yunno and Yui to sweep the yard. After that, we had our morning practice. Then, we went to feed Bonnie-01 and her sister. Both Yunno and Yui had big smiles in their face as they put the chopped bamboo shot and chopped acorns to a long chicken feeder made of half-cut bamboo cane. At the same time, Bonnie-01 and her sisters had no problem to adapt with their new house. They didn¡¯t show any sign of stress and ate their breakfast heartily without any care to the world. It seemed as long as Yunno and Yui were with them, they had no problem to live anywhere. Then, I took Bonnie-25 and held her in my left waist. ¡°Yunno, Yui, come here for a second.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± After replying at the same time, Yunno and Yui came over to me with worried eyes. It seemed they thought I would butcher Bonnie-25, so I immediately cleared their worry. ¡°Starting today, gives the four smallest hens four grass worms each, once every two days.¡± As Yunno and Yui tilted their head to the side, I took four grass worms from my spatial storage, put them in my palm, and then let Bonnie-25 enjoyed it one by one. ¡°What about Bonnie-01 and rest of her sisters?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°Can we give them grass worm too?¡± ¡°No,¡± I casually replied. ¡°The grass worm is additional protein to help the smallest chicken catch up their growth with the rest of her sisters. Also, if you give the hens too many grass worm, it can cause overgrown that shortened their life span. Later, we also have to add calcium powder to the chicken feed. I will teach you how to make it. Got it?¡± ¡°¡±Hai!!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui firmly replied. ¡°Good.¡± Wasting no time I gave Yunno and Yui the rest of grass worm in my spatial storage, and asked them to keep it in their spatial ring. Then, they gave the other three smallest chickens four grass worms each. After that we collected the chicken eggs and washed it using coarse salt to sterilize it from salmonella bacteria, and then went to take morning bath. Yunno and Yui were holding each other hand while they happily walked to bath hut. As for me, I just casually walked behind them. Went to the bed early and woke up early, and then helped to tend small job in the farm before taking morning bath, ate breakfast, and went to school. In earth, even children from developed country who lived in farm had similar routine. It was indeed a simple and humble life style, but it was also one of the best ways to imprint hardworking mentality and built healthy body as the children grew.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡®Hopefully, I can maintain this simple but excellent growing environment for the next twenty years,¡¯ I genuinely wished. --- This morning Kato looked happier than usual and it didn¡¯t escape Yunno¡¯s attention. As we started our breakfast Yunno asked, ¡°Aunt Kato, you look very happy.¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Kato happily replied. ¡°Last night my martial arts experience great progress.¡± ¡°Congratulation, Aunt Kato,¡± Yunno genuinely said. Meanwhile Yui nodded her head before saying, ¡°Big Sis Yunno and Yui will also train super hard so we can help Uncle Deitoro and Aunt Kato more.¡± ¡°Okay, that¡¯s a promise,¡± Kato said before having a bright and beautiful smile all over her face. As for me, I calmly enjoyed my breakfast. Eating while hiding my face behind a scarf and bamboo hat was hard as hell, so I had no mood to join the convesation. But then, Kato turned her gaze to me. ¡°Dear, what is your plan today?¡± ¡°Go to Sendai to meet Sanno, and then accompany Yunno and Yui do their study. Starting today, I will also ask them to assist me with kitchen works.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Kato nodded her head before continuing, ¡°I will go to Rokube to buy groceries. Do you want me to buy something for you?¡± ¡°Help me sell some harvest to Butcher Jin.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t forget to take blood sausage that Hisami ordered.¡± Deep concern instantly filled Kato¡¯s eyes as she asked, ¡°Why do you need that blood sausage?¡± ¡°I plan to capture a watchdog for the hut. The blood sausage will become a good snack for it.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Help me buy 3 kg of dried oyster too.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Breakfast then continued in light and calm atmosphere. --- After breakfast, I went to Sendai to carry my morning routine as Sanno. As usual, Kazuyori welcomed me with her sour face, but I didn¡¯t give a damn about it. After the painful breakfast with the whole household, I went back to the hut. Kazuyori saw I left the house, but she asked no question. As long as I brought home good harvest and carried my morning work as usual, she wouldn¡¯t bother me for the rest of the day, even though I found someone had searched every inch of my room while I gone. By using peregrine owl form, I arrived in the hut at no time. Yunno and Yui already started their study, and Kato accompanied them while doing a needle work. ¡°Dear, you are back.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Wasting no time Kato then kissed Yunno and Yui at the cheek. I didn¡¯t know if it was genuine or just an act, but from outside I got an impression that Kato¡¯s way of kissing Yunno and Yui was no different from how a happy mother would kiss their beloved daughter. ¡°Do your best with your study and listen to your uncle, okay?¡± ¡°¡±We will,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui happily replied. ¡°Good,¡± After a gentle smile Kato then turned her gaze to me. ¡°Dear, I¡¯m off to Rokube.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Kato then left the hut without giving me passionate kiss first, like how a happy wife would do. After inwardly letting out a sigh, I accompanied Yunno and Yui carrying their study. Children at their age usually had difficulty to calmly sit and do their study. When no one watched them, they would get distracted from their study. However, Yunno and Yui had no such problem. They just calmly did their study, so I could use my time to prepare another material. There was tons of basic academic knowledge that I had to teach to Yunno and Yui, so I had to use every drop of spare time I had to write it down into a systematic material. Then, time flew and it seemed I was too immersed with my material preparation. Before I realized it, Yunno and Yui had already finished their study, and now they calmly sat while looking at me with their clear eyes. ¡°Have you read the material properly?¡± ¡°¡±We have.¡±¡± ¡°Have you done the task at the last page?¡± ¡°¡±We have.¡±¡± ¡°Let me check it then.¡± Yunno and Yui immediately put forward their finished task, and wasting no time I checked it. Like yesterday, today Yunno and Yui also made only minor mistakes. Of course, I still had to correct it. ¡°Yunno,¡± I said as I pointed at Yunno mistake, ¡°When you use word ¡®here¡¯, you don¡¯t need to put ¡®in¡¯ in front of it.¡± ¡°¡­.?¡± As big question mark appeared in Yunno¡¯s forehead I added, ¡°For example, just write ¡®Adam will sleep here tonight¡¯, and not ¡®Adam will sleep in here tonight¡¯. Understood?¡± ¡°Hai!¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°Yui,¡± I said as I turned my gaze to Yui and pointed at her mistake, ¡°Butterfly is one word. It has no connection with butter or fly. Literally, it just a name of a flying insect with wide and usually beautiful wings, so don¡¯t separate the word.¡± ¡°Hai!¡± Yui replied with her childish tone. ¡°Very good,¡± I happily replied. ¡°Let¡¯s see what other mistake we have here.¡± There were no many mistakes, so we cleared everything in no time. After that, we have steamed bun filled with sweet red bean as our lunch, and as usual Yunno and Yui enjoyed their food as if it was the most delicious food in the world. ***** SC1 9.2 – Sweet Potato Flour SC1 9.2 ¨C Sweet Potato Flour After finishing our lunch and had a little rest, I took Yunno and Yui to the edge of cliff next to the hut. While pointing at open field below our feet I said, ¡°Starting today, let¡¯s call this huge natural balcony as the Balcony.¡± ¡°The Balcony?¡± Yui asked before turning her gaze to me. ¡°Yeah, the Balcony,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s an ideal place for my plan to build greenhouse, bee farm, kitchen, and pantry.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yunno said. ¡°Why do we build many things in the Balcony?¡± ¡°Warrior training requires lot of money,¡± I calmly said. ¡°I plan to take care of this issue by entering food industry. That¡¯s why we build kitchen and other constructions in the Balcony. It will not easy and we have to put everything we have to ensure the plan bring good fruit. So, prepare your selves well.¡± ¡°¡±Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui firmly replied. Their voice still retained their childish side, but steel determination was clearly visible in their eyes. And so, after a smile I told them our today kitchen work. ¡°Today, we will turn sweet potato into sweet potato flour.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± Wasting no time I took Yunno and Yui to descend to the Balcony, and then explained the detail of our today kitchen work. The method I used to produce sweet potato flour was very simple. First, washed clean the sweet potato, steamed it until fork tender, peeled it, and then mashed it. Second, spread the mashed potato on chopping board at 2 mm thickness, cut it into 5x2 cm strip, arranged it on bamboo strainer, and then dried it under the sun. Third, once the sweet potato strips were fully dry and crisps, we would grin it using mortar pestle, fine sieve it, and then stored it in 3 kg paper bag. Today, we would definitely arrive only at second step, but it¡¯s not a big deal. We would work it steadily. ¡°Any question?¡± ¡°¡°No,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Let¡¯s get started then.¡± ¡°¡±Hai!!¡±¡± If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. A few days ago I already built a simple kitchen, so today we could go straight to the work. Without delay, I took out a sack of sweet potato, giant iron wok, four-tier big bamboo steamer, a big jar of water, big wooden fork to mash the steamed sweet potato, wooden spatula, wooden work surface, and five bundles of firewood from my spatial storage. For the first sack of sweet potato, I worked it together with Yunno and Yui. It needed around 90 minutes before we had a dozen of bamboo strainer full of wet sweet potato strips, neatly arranged under the hot sun. ¡°You two did a really good job.¡± I happily praised Yunno and Yui for their hard work, and a proud smile instantly bloomed in their lips. ¡°Now, can you continue the process on your own?¡± ¡°We can,¡± Yunno firmly replied. While Yui eagerly nodded and added, ¡°Yeah, we can.¡± ¡°Good.¡± As I took out five sacks of sweet potato from my spatial storage I continued, ¡°Work on your own pace. Not hasty, but also not lazy.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± ¡°You can start.¡± Without delay Yunno and Yui started the work. I supervised them until they finished arranged a batch of clean sweet potato on the bamboo steamer. After that, I took my time to made mortars and pestles made of black rock, fine sieves made of acacia wood, and other kitchen utensils. Of course, even though I had my own work I didn¡¯t fully let Yunno and Yui worked outside my watch. Yunno and Yui were still children after all. And so, I deliberately chose my working station next to the giant stone stove to ensure no mishap happened in this area. --- Around four at afternoon, Kato returned from her shopping. She then went to the Balcony and handed over the groceries I asked her to buy. She also bought fresh oyster, clamp, and mussel, so I concluded that she must be gone to nearby fishing village and that¡¯s why she returned so late. After putting everything to my spatial storage I turned my gaze to Kato. ¡°Thank you and you can keep the money we get from Butcher Jin.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Kato happily nodded before turning her gaze to Yunno and Yui, and after observing them for a moment with ease she concluded what the two were doing. ¡°This is the first time I see such method to produce sweet potato flour.¡± I immediately asked, ¡°What method do you usually use?¡± ¡°Peeled the sweet potato, thinly slice it, blench it in the boiling water for two breaths of time, and then dried it under the sun. Once it become fully dried chips, grin it into flour.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°But your method is much easier for Yunno and Yui to handle. It¡¯s also has higher efficiency rate,¡± Kato said as she rolled her sleeve. ¡°I will join them.¡± ¡°Nope, you can¡¯t,¡± I firmly said. ¡°Why? We can finish the work faster if I help them.¡± ¡°The kitchen work is not just physical work. It¡¯s part of their martial training.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Kato curiously asked. ¡°There are lot of spells that we can use in cooking and kitchen work. For example, Dehydrator Spell, we can use it to replace sunlight when we want to dry something.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Kato said as she handed over a paper bag to me. ¡°I will go preparing our dinner then, but give Yunno and Yui this snack before they start their afternoon practice.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± A few minutes later, I asked Yunno and Yui to store everything to their spatial ring. After they enjoyed the rice cracker Kato bought for them, we started our afternoon practice. --- Normally, people only make flour at summer or fall when they could get sunlight as much as possible. The amount of sunlight was important because in the first sunbath each chip or strip had to be dried up as much as possible, or it would grow mold at night and had to be discarded because moldy sweet potato chip or strip was highly poisonous. Those people would also start their work at early morning. Therefore, they could arrange the ready to dry chip or strip on the yard as soon as the sun arose in the east. However, even when they had good sunlight, mold could still grow on some chips or strips if the night air was too humid. In short, without modern equipment such as air dryer or food dehydrator, the flour industry was always stuck at low rate production, and that¡¯s why the price of flour in Rokube was always high and flour-based culinary tradition was under developed. Fortunately, Yunno and Yui had spatial ring and anything they put into it would stay the same as it entered the ring. Therefore, mold wouldn¡¯t grow at their sweet potato strip and they would have high production rate. For every 10 kg sweet potato, Yunno and Yui would have 4 kg high quality sweet potato flour. Not to mention, they could also add the sweet potato peel to the chicken feed. For the last few days, Yunno and Yui worked very hard to make sweet potato flour. In total, they already bagged 11 kg sweet potato flour. As for today, they only had to dry the last batch of sweet potato strip from yesterday work, because I wanted to teach them how to make oyster sauce. After they neatly arranged the dozens of bamboo strainers full of sweet potato strip under the sun, I took them back to the kitchen. ¡°Today we will make oyster sauce?¡± I calmly said. ¡°Oyster sauce?¡± Yui tilted her head to the side as she curiously asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Without delay I then took Yunno and Yui on their first journey of making home-made oyster sauce. ***** SC1 9.3 – Oyster Sauce and Instant Noodles SC1 9.3 ¨C Oyster Sauce and Instant Noodles As Yunno and Yui watched me with curious eyes, I soak 500 gr dried oyster in 500 ml warm boiled water. If I used fresh oyster, I had to add some salt to draw out oyster¡¯s rich flavor in this step. However, I used dried oyster with high salt content, so I didn¡¯t need to salt it anymore. Once the oyster reconstituted its original form, I transferred it to a pot and added a cup of water. Then, I brought the pot into a boil before let it simmered on low heat for five minutes. After that, I took the pot from the fire. The next step was moved the blenched oyster into mortar one by one, added a finger nail ginger, two cloves of garlic, one stalk of scallion, one bulb of shallot, and then grinned it until it become smooth puree. After putting back the puree into the pot and mixing it with the poaching water, I brought it into boiling before simmering it in low heat for five minutes. Then, let it slightly cooling down before manually squeezing it using tofu clothes. After the first squeezing, the oyster puree still had lot of rich flavor so I rinsed it with a cup of warm boiled water and squeezing it again. After repeating the rinse and squeeze steps for four times, I got a big pot of rich flavor liquid oyster, and Yunno and Yui looked at it with sparkling eyes as they listened to my explanation. ¡°It smells so good, right?¡± ¡°¡±Yeah,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. While having big smile in my face I put the oyster dreg into my spatial storage for later use. Then, I continued the process by bringing the oyster liquid into boiling and turned the fire into medium heat. The goal of these steps was to turn the oyster liquid to oyster concentrate, which looked like a clump of dark and very sticky paste. Normally, it would take 90 minutes for the water to evaporate until the oyster liquid turned into oyster concentrate, and I had to gently stirring the pot the prevent burn. Fortunately, I could use Time Lapse Spell to speed up the process. Then, I poured sugar solution made of 250 gr of brown sugar and four cups of hot water to the pot and gently stirred it. It would take a few minutes for the oyster concentrate to dissolve and fully bonded together with sugar solution. After that I added two table spoon of dark soy sauce for the color, and used sweet potato solution made of 3 table spoons of sweet potato flour and six table spoon of water to thicken the sauce. Once the oyster sauce came into boiling, I turned the fire into low heat and carried out the taste adjustment by adding salt. The ratio I used was a tea spoon of oyster sauce had to be rich and salty enough if I mixed it with a bowl of warm rice. To get this ratio, I had to add the salt in small batch, mixing it well, tasting it, and repeat the step until I got the taste I wanted. And finally, I got the oyster sauce. Its consistency was runnier than factory-made oyster sauce in earth, but it 5-6 times richer and tastier in flavor. After transferring it into a medium sauce pot to let it cooled down, I turned my gaze to Yunno and Yui.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. ¡°Now, it¡¯s time for you to repeat the process.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno obediently replied, but I sensed some hesitation in her voice so I try to confirm it. ¡°Yunno, do you have something that bothering you?¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yunno nodded before saying, ¡°We can¡¯t use Time Lapse Spell, so we will need more time to make the oyster sauce.¡± After a smile I said, ¡°When you reach Level 1, I will teach you how to cast a spell. For now, I will take care of the spell you need, and also help you control the flame using Shadow Hand. Got it.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui eagerly replied. After washing the equipment I used, Yunno and Yui worked together to replicate my steps in producing oyster sauce. They still had to ask me here and there when they had some doubts, but overall they did a good job. Meanwhile, in one corner of the kitchen Kato calmly did needle work. --- At around 3:00 pm, I had to stop today kitchen work because we ran out of dried oyster. Honestly, I never expected Yunno and Yui would be able to turn every dried oyster we have into good oyster sauce. I still had to supervise them and ensure no mishap happened, but it¡¯s still extraordinary achievement. They didn¡¯t have failed batch and wasted time or ingredient in their first attempt of making oyster sauce using complex method. ¡°Let¡¯s have some snack before afternoon training.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno happily replied. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, will we have peanut butter cookies?¡± Yui expectantly asked. Eating cookie was no longer alien thing for Yunno and Yui. Mostly, it was cookie I made at night to test the quality of local ingredient. The price of butter and dairy product at Sotora were very high, but it was good enough to produce some recipe I knew. Yunno, Yui, and even Kato also loved it so much, so I was confident I would be able to sell it someday. But for today, we wouldn¡¯t enjoy cookie as our afternoon snack. And so I happily replied, ¡°We will have noodle as snack.¡± Question mark in an instant appeared in Yui¡¯s forehead. ¡°We will have noodle as snack?¡± ¡°Yes, we will have tasty noodle,¡± I said as I took out a bowl of smoking hot and freshly cooked noodle from my spatial storage and put it on the table. ¡°Now, watch and learn.¡± ¡°¡±Okay,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui eagerly replied at the same time. Wasting no time I heated up a pan before pouring 2.5 table spoon of soy oil. I waited until the oil became smoking hot before putting in the minced ginger and minced garlic. As soon as fragrant smell filled the air, I instantly took the pan from the flame. Then, I put a tea spoon each of chili flake, oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and improvised Chinese black vinegar to the pan. As I used the heat remains to mix everything, a super fragrant smell spread over to all direction. Even Kato stopped her needle work and turned her gaze to the pan in front of me. After that, I mixed the noodles and a pinch of chopped spring onions with the freshly made sauce, and then plated it in a bowl. ¡°It smells very nice right?¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°It tastes super delicious too,¡± I said as I give Yunno and Yui a fork. ¡°Try it.¡± Without delay Yunno and Yui tried the noodles and their eyes instantly widened. ¡°It¡¯s super delicious,¡± Yui said after gulping down the first fork of the noodle. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, what is the name of this delicious noodle?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°Let¡¯s called it instant noodle, as we make it almost instantly.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui said before putting another fork of the noddle to her mouth. After a smile I said, ¡°We can use almost all type of egg noddle for this recipe. Later, I will teach you how to make it.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Yunno and Yui eagerly replied, and it made me smile widely. ¡°Now, try to replicate it.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± Without delay I took out another four bowls of cooked noodle along with the other ingredient. Then, Yunno and Yui replicated the instant noodle with ease. I had to admit, their monstrous learning ability was never cease to amaze me. After that, while having big smile on their face Yunno and Yui brought a bowl of instant noodle for Kato. Then, they took their own instant noodle and ate it with her. In short, they left me behind to eat alone. As far as I remembered, I and Kato didn¡¯t compete to win affection or attention from Yunno and Yui, but somehow Kato had a big victory smile as Yunno and Yui chose to eat with her. Well, as a grown man I should maintain a big heart when dealing with toddler. In short, all I had to do just come over and joint Kato, Yunno, and Yui. Then, we happily ate our noodles together. ***** SC1 10.1 – Shopping SC1 10.1 ¨C Shopping Five days had passed since Yunno and Yui helped me with kitchen work. And today, we started our day as usual. After washing their face and drank a glass of soy milk Yunno and Yui swept the yard. Then, they carried out their Slash and Parry training. I didn¡¯t accompany Yunno and Yui as I had to pave the yard and carried out Kato¡¯s other request. However, I didn¡¯t totally leave them alone and secretly guided them. When using katana or kodachi to make a slash, the way you grip the hilt was vital. You should hold the hilt firm but also relax enough, and only clenched your grip as hard as you could just a millisecond before the sharp edge made a contact with the target. The firm but also relax grip would make your slash or parry nimble like swallow because you could with ease snap or manipulate your wrist. Meanwhile, the sudden hard clench before the contact would make your slash or parry firm and powerful. It was very hard to combine this kind of grip. If you missed the timing, even if it was only a millisecond, you won¡¯t be able to cut the bamboo cane. Your katana or kodachi would bounce back and even fly away instead. That¡¯s why in the initial training a student could only practicing their slash and parry against empty air, for six consecutive months at least. As for Yunno and Yui, for now they also practicing their slash and parry against empty air. However, Soul Binding enabled me to control and manipulate their body. So, once every a dozen of slash or parry, I would direct Yunno and Yui to produce a perfect slash or parry. It seemed Yunno and Yui realized that once for a while they produced the correct slash or parry, as when they did it they would tilt their head to the side while looking at their grip intensely. It was not unpleasant sensation, but it still weird to some extent. However, as time went on they would get use to it, while their body would remember the correct motion and form, and absorbed it until it became their second nature. In short, I estimated in a week or two they would be able to practice their slash on bamboo cane, and in a month I could introduce them to sparring fight. Time flew, and after completing their morning training Yunno and Yui went to tend Bonnie-01 and her sisters. I let them to feed them, collected the eggs, and cleaned the cage on their own. I only joint them when they started washing the eggs using water and coarse salt. ¡°How many eggs we have today?¡± I happily asked. After a big smiles Yui replied, ¡°24 big eggs.¡± ¡°I see. Today we have good harvest as usual.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui happily said. Then, Yunno turned her gaze to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, will we make sweet potato flour again today?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± I casually replied. ¡°We already turned all sweet potatoes we have into flour yesterday.¡± After nodding her head Yunno asked again, ¡°Will we make oyster sauce?¡± ¡°Nope, you and Yui already turned our entire dried oyster into oyster sauce in your first try.¡± ¡°Then, what will we do in the kitchen today?¡± ¡°Today, we won¡¯t do anything in the kitchen. I will explain the detail after we have breakfast.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Yunno obediently replied. Then, once we washed all today fresh eggs, wiped it dry, and let Yunno and Yui stored it in their spatial ring, we went to take morning bath. --- After we had breakfast, Yunno and Yui did the dish as usual. After that, the two returned to dinning hut and sat in front of me. Wasting no time, I explained the weekly routine that the two had to go through. ¡°Yunno, Yui, listen to me carefully,¡± I calmly said. ¡°From Monday until Friday, your daily routine will be consisted of training, tending the chicken, study, and kitchen work. On Saturday, you will have only morning training, tending the chicken, and then shopping or hunting until afternoon. While on Sunday, you will be free to rest or playing all day along.¡± After pondering for a moment Yunno asked me, ¡°Uncle Deitoro, do we go hunting or shopping today?¡± ¡°We will go shopping in Rokube and nearby fishing village today. There are ton of ingredients we have to buy.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can we go hunting today, and bring Big Bro Sanno along?¡± Yui expectantly asked. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we hunt with him.¡± ¡°You miss Sanno so much, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui honestly replied in low voice. ¡°Well, you can go to hunt only when you master Wind Step. At that time, I will let you to hunt with Sanno. Understood?¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°But you won¡¯t need to wait for long to meet Sanno. Tomorrow, Sanno and your youngest aunt will come to visit you.¡± ¡°¡°Really?¡±¡± Yui and Yunno asked almost simultaneously, while their face was brimming with happiness. Even if they received good food, good roof, good education, and nice treatment, it was clear that it was not enough to make Yunno and Yui forget their bond with Sanno and Yuko. I didn¡¯t consider it as bad thing, so I smiled and replied, ¡°Really, Sanno and your youngest aunt will come here tomorrow.¡± While Yunno and Yui had big smile in their face, Kato also widely smiled, and then she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Let¡¯s go for some shopping then. It will be fun to go together.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said in low voice. ¡°But Dear, you have to stay at the hut.¡± ¡°Wait a second, why do I have to stay at the hut?¡± Kato protested. ¡°Until we have watchdog, someone have to stay at the hut every time I take Yunno and Yui to shop.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± Kato sulkily said. ¡°I¡¯m not replacement for watchdog.¡± ¡°You are not, but you still have to stay.¡± ¡°How about this, you stay at the hut as lovely husband, while I go to shop with Yunno and Yui,¡± Kato firmly proposed. ¡°I¡¯m very good at shopping and haggling you know.¡± ¡°Well, you don¡¯t know how to choose sweet potato or other ingredients that suitable for my cooking.¡± ¡°Teach me then,¡± Kato insisted. ¡°It¡¯s a complex technical knowledge and takes time to absorb it,¡± I gently explained. ¡°However, once Yunno and Yui master it, you can escort them whenever they go to shop.¡± ¡°How long do I have to wait?¡± ¡°After six to eight shops, I believe they will grasp the knowledge.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too long.¡± ¡°Yeah, because it¡¯s not just shopping, but a means to pass fundamental knowledge.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Kato said before tightly pressing her lips and looked away, but she didn¡¯t argue further. As for Yunno and Yui, they said nothing but they kissed Kato¡¯s cheeks and tightly hugged her in turn, and somehow it elevated her mood. After that, they went to shop with me. To save time, I held Yunno and Yui in my waist when we descended the South Ridge. By using Wind Step, we arrived at the base of South Ridge in no time. After that we walked the only road to Rokube. It was 4 km walk, but right now Yunno and Yui were strong enough to walk it in less than 30 minutes. All the way to Rokube, Yunno and Yui walked while holding each other hand and lightly humming. It was pretty similar like when the two went to check the snares with me. It¡¯s been a while since I looked they walked that way, and it made me smiled inwardly. Then, we finally arrived at Rokube and we went straight to Butcher Jin¡¯s place. ***** SC1 10.2 – Big Storehouse SC1 10.2 ¨C Big Storehouse Winter would come soon and most hunters would cease their hunt. Therefore, Butcher Jin would try to stock as much meat as possible. When I said I had more than a thousand fresh killed pheasants and hare, he instantly decided to buy half of it. ¡°Are you sure you want to buy that many?¡± In casual tone I tried to confirm Butcher Jin¡¯s intention. ¡°I am,¡± Butcher Jin firmly replied. ¡°I already bought tons of coarse salt to preserve it, and actually that amount would only last a week or two once the hunters cease their hunt.¡± ¡°I will still do some hunting in winter and sale the harvest here. You don¡¯t need to make big buy in one go.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Salted pheasant and hare could last for three months.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Wasting no time I piled up pheasants and hare from my spatial storage to the floor. Butcher Jin then called his wife and sons to help him selected and weight the pheasant or hare they wanted. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, as usual, you always have fresh and perfect harvest,¡± Butcher Jin said as he selected a fat hare. ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied briefly. Then, Butcher Jin turned his gaze to Yunno and Yui who stood next to me, ¡°Do these kids carry out the hunt too?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± I casually replied. ¡°I will let them go to hunt only when they possess sufficient skill to escape dangerous situation.¡± ¡°I see. It¡¯s a wise decision, and unlike their original family who exploited their parent and then sold them.¡± After a smile I said, ¡°It seems you are aware of Tadaoka Household¡¯s matter.¡± ¡°Everyone around Rokube knows how Kazuyori exploited her daughter and her son-in-law, or her crazy obsession to make her third son into government official.¡± ¡°To be honest, I also don¡¯t understand how she can have such nasty personality and obsession.¡± ¡°Fortunately,¡± After taking a deep breath Butcher Jin continued, ¡°Now they are staying with you.¡± While in my heart I smiled amusingly I asked, ¡°How do you know it¡¯s fortunate for them to stay with me?¡± ¡°Once glance and I know you treat them properly,¡± Butcher Jin said without stopping his work in checking and selecting the fattest hare or pheasant.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°I¡¯m flattered,¡± I genuinely said. A few minutes later the weighing completed and Butcher Jin paid me. His wife also gave Yunno and Yui a small bundle of rice crackers, and I silently carved this gesture of kindness deep in my heart. --- Our next stop was Sotora, and as soon as I entered it Minami immediately walked over to us with big smile. ¡°Welcome, Warrior Deitoro.¡± Minami turned her gaze to Yunno and Yui before adding, ¡°And these two sweeties must be Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I replied as inwardly I heaved a deep sigh. It seemed Butcher Jin was right. Everyone around Rokube knew Tadaoka Household¡¯s matter to some extent. ¡°Little Yunno and Little Yui, welcome to Sotora,¡± Minami said in friendly tone. ¡°You can call me Big Sis Minami.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you, Big Sis Minami.¡± Yunno politely said while Yui nodded her head. After giving Yunno and Yui another smile, Minami turned her gaze to me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, what can I do for you?¡± ¡°I need writing supply,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Along with a few jars pickled-napa cabbage and dozen bamboo strainer.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± In swift but happy manner Minami assisted me, and it took only 15 minutes before I got everything I needed and paid it in the cashier. Actually, Yunno and Yui curiously looked over to every inch of Sotora, but we had no time for recreational shopping. Not to mention, when later they shopped with Kato, they could satisfy their curiosity to the fullest. But for now, it¡¯s first thing first. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, if I may know, do you plan to buy sweet potato today?¡± Minami politely asked as she walked us to the front door. Big question mark instantly appeared in my forehead. ¡°How do you know I want to buy sweet potato?¡± ¡°Last time you bought a big batch of sweet potato in green market, one of my senior saw it and told me.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I slightly nodded two times before saying, ¡°You are correct. I want to buy lot of sweet potato today.¡± ¡°May I suggest you to buy it from our place,¡± Minami expectantly said. ¡°I guarantee you. Our place has the best price in the town.¡± ¡°Do you mean Sotora is also selling sweet potato?¡± ¡°Yeah, we sell various staple foods. Taro, sweet potato, potato, corn, peanut, soy bean, mug bean, red bean, rice, and other agriculture commodity.¡± ¡°Can I check it?¡± ¡°Please follow me.¡± Without delay Minami took us to the back yard of Sotora, and then we crossing a long, wide, and beautiful inner yard before arriving at a front yard of a big storehouse. ¡°We make a sale only to a listed wholesaler, but I have permission from Owner Tokuma to put you in the list,¡± Minami explained as she took us to enter the storehouse. ¡°Does the owner buy the goods from the farmer directly?¡± I asked. ¡°No, the goods are from his own farmland. He owns almost all farmland in the east of Rokube.¡± ¡°Wait a second,¡± I creased my brow as I recalled some story. ¡°If I remember it correctly, that farmland belongs to a former high-ranking official from Kamakura. He chose to stay in Rokube after retiring from his position four years ago, and open that farmland.¡± ¡°Correct, Owner Tokuma is that retired high-ranking official,¡± Minami happily replied. ¡°I see. No wonder the farmland was opened almost at the same time with Sotora.¡± I nodded my head like someone who just received enlightenment. ¡°Well then, show me the example of best sweet potato, potato, corn, soy bean, sunflower seed, and short-grain rice you have.¡± ¡°Please wait for a moment.¡± Wasting no time Minami complied with my request, and after through fully checking the sample one by one, I had to admit the quality and the price for each item was beyond my expectation. In bulk sales the prices was: Sweet potato, 80 cent/kg Potato, 60 cent/kg Corn (dried), 1.10 moon/kg Soy bean (dried), 1.10 moon/kg Sun flower seed (dried), 40 cent/kg Short-grain rice, 1.20 moon/kg ¡°Are you sure the price is correct?¡± I hesitantly asked. ¡°It¡¯s below the price in green market.¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Minami firmly replied. ¡°This storehouse has five-level big cellar, and each one is equipped with preservation rune. Therefore, we can store as much goods as we could and maintain a stable price the year around.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Rokube Town was located in region with long growing period, short winter, and fertile land. So, if you had storing facility equipped with preservation rune to store the abundant harvest, you would be able to maintain stable price and sufficient supply. Maybe, this was the reason why for the last few winters Rokube Town didn¡¯t experience a spike of price for staple food. ¡°Well,¡± I happily said. ¡°Give me yellow sweet potato, purple sweet potato, corn, potato, soy bean, sun flower seed, and short-grain rice, 200 kg each.¡± ¡°Are you sure you want to buy that many?¡± ¡°Yes, we will storage it in our spatial ring.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Without delay Minami asked the storehouse manager to prepare the goods. Then, as the storehouse also had vegetables and fruits for bulk sales, I decided to buy some. It was only 10 kg for each vegetable, but it was a good chance to teach Yunno and Yui how to select the best ingredient for my cooking. ***** SC1 10.3 – Seafood Supply SC1 10.3 ¨C Seafood Supply Six kilometers south of Rokube, stood a fishing village called Toba Mie. It had about 300 seasoned fishermen, and the blessing of Nagoya Sea, a combination of coastal water and high sea with abundant harvest. A few years ago, the economic value of Toba Mie experienced sudden spike after Owner Tokuma established a storing facility for marine commodity in this village, along with solid distribution networks through Sotora. That was what Minami told me when I told her my next stop was Toba Mie. She also offered me an access to buy seafood supply as a listed wholesaler, and I happily accepted it. Then, she decided to join the trip to Toba Mie and provided a horse cart and the driver. It was only simple open cart, layered with a thick layer of straw, and being towed by a black and sturdy but calm draft horse. However, for Yunno and Yui it was a new and excited experience. This was their first time riding a cart. Well, even Minami enjoyed the ride even though this was not her first trip to Toba Mie. All the way she cheerfully told Yunno and Yui lot of stories about Kamakura, the city where she was born, and Yunno and Yui excitedly listened to her. ¡°Big Sis Minami, is Kamakura really five times bigger than Rokube?¡± Yui asked as her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°It is,¡± Minami cheerfully replied. ¡°Its population is also five times bigger, and lot of skilled noodle artisan live in Kamakura. Their noodle is super delicious.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro can make super delicious instant noodle too,¡± Yui happily said. ¡°Can we call him noodle artisan?¡± Minami nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯m sure we can.¡± Minami expressed her agreement with ease, but I could tell it was an agreement for the sake of politeness, without a trust in my noodle craftsmanship. Honestly, I also didn¡¯t want to be compared with local noodle artisan. The world of noodle craftsmanship was wilderness beyond imagination. It was not rare that old fashioned noodle artisan beat highly-skilled modern noodle artisan with ease like a walk in the park, just by relying on passed down wisdom and decades intimate experience of noodle making. Even in Italy, where the people had pasta in their DNA and almost every one could make good pasta and noodle with ease, there was a saying that it was impossible to have a good restaurant without solid connection to pasta artisan with long and good tradition. And speaking about Minami, I started to wonder about her real identity. From outside, she was a junior shop attendant. However, she was far smarter and her disposition far more mature than even senior shop attendant in Sotora. If I looked back at our interaction, it was easy to tell that she was the result of carefully planned education and wise guidance, and our today driver confirmed my conclusion. I was sure Owner Tokuma didn¡¯t send a Level 3 warrior just to become a cart driver. He was here to ensure Minami¡¯s safety. After inwardly taking a deep breath I asked, ¡°Minami, may I know where is the primary market for Sotora¡¯s agriculture goods?¡± ¡°Why does Warrior Deitoro want to know?¡± Minami asked me back in casual tone. Well, after chatting and laughing together with Yunno and Yui, now Minami¡¯s attitude was more casual compare to our last interaction, and I didn¡¯t think it¡¯s a bad things. ¡°Just a curiosity,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Sotora warehouse have high quality beefsteak tomato, but I only find ordinary ones in Rokube¡¯s green market.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. After a smile Minami said, ¡°Sotora primary market for agriculture goods is Kamakura. This city has high-level culinary tradition, and lot of restaurants will pay a good amount of money for high quality ingredient.¡± ¡°Including vegetable and fruits?¡± ¡°Especially vegetable and fruits,¡± Minami firmly replied. ¡°Sotora is the closest supplier who could satisfy their standard.¡± I slightly nodded and said, ¡°This trade must have brought lot of profit for Sotora.¡± ¡°It does,¡± Minami honestly replied. ¡°In Rokube, we sell high-quality tomato at 40 cent/kg. But in Kamakura, we can sell it five times higher and only need to transport it for 12 km by courier with spatial ring.¡± ¡°How good is the culinary tradition in Kamakura?¡± I curiously asked. ¡°Very good.¡± After having a proud smile in her face Minami added, ¡°Kamakura is one of the four best culinary cities in Marka Continent. Their strongest menus lay on noodle, pasta, grilled, and stir fry vegetable. Unfortunately, for menu that requires dairy products, restaurants in Kamakura have to buy it from Akagi.¡± ¡°Akagi, is that a city?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s another culinary city in Marka Continent, located 400 km north of Kamakura and the road is heavily infested with bandits. Therefore, it¡¯s so hard for both cities to establish an affordable trading relationship.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I had to admit that my assessment on Minami was still too low. After hearing her vast trade-related knowledge around Marka Continent, I concluded she must be prepared to take over a trading network, and not just a girl who was being prepared to become an educated woman from rich household. After a moment of silence Minami said, ¡°It¡¯s also the main reason why Sotora owner try to build a small port in Toba Mie. Next spring the port will be in full operation and we can import dairy product from Arka Continent, in cheaper price but better quality.¡± In an instant question mark appeared in my forehead. ¡°How can imports dairy product from Arka Continent is cheaper than buy it from Akagi?¡± ¡°The biggest trading port in Arka Continent is only 140 km from Toba Mie, and it has lot of intercontinental trading company that pirates don¡¯t dare to mess with.¡± ¡°Glad to hear that. I will support it as long as it helps me get cheap but good dairy product.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Minami eagerly nodded, and then I let her to continue the happy chats with Yunno and Yui. A moment later we arrived in an edge of a cliff. The smell of the sea immediately hit us while Nagoya Sea entered our sight. It was wide and blue as far as the eye could see, and it made Yunno and Yui incessantly in awe. Well, this was their first time to see a huge sea from a high ground. After that the cart walked down a moderate but long slope. Then, we were welcomed by busy women and children who work to dry or clean various sea harvests as we entered Toba Mie. Without delay the cart went straight to Sotora¡¯s storehouse, and I took a glance at the port construction at the distance before getting off the cart and followed Minami to enter the warehouse. --- With a single glance I could tell that someone have taught the people in Toba Mie how to properly sun dry, air dry, or smoke marine harvest. Sardine, bonito, mackerel, squid, anchovy, shrimp, oyster, clamp, abalone, scallop, and many other marine harvests, every single one of them were dried using the most suitable method to preserve their natural flavor and richness. Except for scallop and abalone, the other marine products were also sold in affordable bulk sale. And so, other than scallop and abalone, I bought almost everything else in bulk. As for the fresh product, it was being store properly in a room with Preservation Rune. Therefore, everything had rate of freshness above 95%. However, I bought only 5-8 kg for each type of fish I needed. The exception was squid and octopus. For these two, I bought 50 kg each. The shopping took every single monn I had, along with a hundred hare and two hundreds pheasants, but I had no regret. I had good storing means, and I couldn¡¯t just let a go a chance to secure good ingredients with affordable price. As I received the invoice for my shopping from Minami, I said, ¡°If I know I can barter wild game with Sotora, I will definitely do it sooner.¡± After a smile Minami said, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, if I know you can provide fresh-killed wild game, I will also ask you to become supplier for our eateries.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Actually, Owner Tokuma also ask me to confirm it, in addition to pheasant and hare, can you get us wild boar, honey badger, deer, and mountain goat?¡± ¡°I can, but I¡¯m still new to the hunting area I work with.¡± After a pause I added, ¡°I have to check and mapping the area to estimate the mid-size game population you asked for, and translate it into the exact number of supply for the whole year.¡± While having a big smile in her face Minami received a tube from the cart driver. Then, she handed over it to me, ¡°I hope this map will ease your effort to check the hunting ground around Rokube.¡± Without delay I opened the tube and checked the leather map inside it. It was good and detail map, encompassing mountain, forest, and valley up to 12 km to all direction from Rokube. ¡°This map must be very expensive,¡± I concluded. ¡°I can¡¯t accept such gift for free.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a free gift,¡± Minami bluntly said. ¡°You can borrow it as long as you supply Sotora with wild game we need.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I nodded before asking, ¡°May I know why Sotora owner pick me to become his hunter? I believe he can easily find a warrior or two to supply him with wild game.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true that you are not the first warrior we work with. However, you are the only warrior who knew how to capture the game properly. Even Butcher Jin repeatedly praises your ability to get fresh and perfect kill.¡± After a moment of pause Minami continued, ¡°And it¡¯s not a secret that Butcher Jin is very petty in praising someone skill.¡± ¡°In that case I will borrow the map,¡± I said as I put the map back to the tube and stored it in my spatial storage. ¡°Thank you for your corporation,¡± Minami happily said. After looking at the row of boat in the nearby beach, I asked, ¡°Can you help me to rent a boat?¡± ¡°May I know why you need a boat?¡± Minami curiously asked. ¡°I need to check the nearby water.¡± ¡°Can I come along?¡± Minami expectantly asked. ¡°You can.¡± After a big smile Minami said, ¡°In that case, you can use one of our boats for free.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I happily accepted Minami¡¯s offer. Without delay Minami then called a few fishermen to handle the boat, and a moment later we already arrived at the nearby shallow water full of coral reef, kelp, seaweed, and other countless marine life. ***** SC1 10.4 – Entering Food Industry SC1 10.4 ¨C Entering Food Industry Fisherman from Toba Mie didn¡¯t harvest seaweed. Therefore, I had to harvest it myself. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t need go too far. The nearby coastal water had kelp and seaweed I needed. Wasting no time I deployed Essence Pulse to track the situation below the boat. The forest of kelp was firmly rooted at 12 meters deep rocky seabed, along with other smaller seaweeds between them. Their abundant amount was a clear sign that the diver from Toba Mie had no interest on them. And so I concluded, the culinary tradition in Kamakura City had not yet realized the vital value of kelp and seaweed other than source of food for sea urchin and other marine life. Wasting no time, I silently used Shadow Hand to harvest the kelp and seaweed and stored it in my spatial storage. It didn¡¯t take a long before I got the amount I wanted. After that I put my attention on the scattered abalone on the seabed. They were big abalone, 18 cm in diameter mostly. In Japan, it would be sold at USD 400-700 per kg if the fisherman knew how to dry it properly. While here, Sotora sold it at 100 monn dried or 300 monn fresh. Wasting no time I harvested a few biggest abalones. ¡°This is truly a good abalone,¡± I happily said as I put a piece of big abalone I caught into a wooden bucket. At the same time, Minami gasped and then worriedly said, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, we can¡¯t harvest marine goods on our own here. We have agreement with Toba Mie. Only their fisherman can harvest marine goods in this area.¡± ¡°Ah my bad¡­¡± I said regretfully. ¡°I will put it back to the sea after I explained a few things about this delicacy to Yunno and Yui.¡± Without delay, I explained to Yunno and Yui how to handle fresh caught abalone before presenting it as a steak. It¡¯s rather regrettable that I couldn¡¯t show them the method step-by-step and then let them tasted it, but my primary objective was kelp and seaweed and I had cleared it. So, I had no complaint. After that I put the abalone back to the sea. It didn¡¯t pain me that I had to let a go a premium ingredient. Previously, I already put dozen such abalones into my spatial storage. Then, I turned my gaze to Minami, ¡°The water around here has high salinity level, so the clam fish has strong sea flavor. But some dried oysters I bought has floral and sweet natural flavor. The fisherman also doesn¡¯t apply salt solution to preserve it. I believe they poach it in boiling water before drying it under the sun. Does the fisherman have to go to other areas to get the floral oyster?¡± ¡°No,¡± Minami replied. ¡°If we go five kilometer west of Toba Mie, we will arrive at the meeting point between Guma River and Nagoya Sea. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Lot of clamp fish with floral and sweet flavor inhabits the upper part of this meeting point where the salinity level is low.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I nodded and carved the information I just received from Minami deep in my heart. It was important clues that highly likely, upstream area of Guma River was also a spawning ground for salmon. And if the salmon had life cycle like salmon on earth, they would be at their spawning cycle right now. In short, it was a good chance to harvest them. ¡°Well, let¡¯s have small snack before we return to the shore,¡± I said as I took out dozens bowls of instant noodle. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, you don¡¯t have to treat us,¡± Minami politely said. ¡°I bring rice ball with me, enough for everyone.¡± ¡°Minami, please try my noodle and give me your opinion,¡± I calmly said. After a moment of ponder Minami said, ¡°Okay.¡± Wasting no time I asked Yunno and Yui to distribute the instant noodle. The ship was medium size fishing boat that required 4 senior crews and 16 rowers to sail it, so Yunno and Yui had to move around quite a bit. However, they with ease walked on the swaying deck while carrying instant noodles on both hands. ¡®These kids are truly having natural talent to become warrior,¡¯ I happily muttered. In no time everyone received their noodles, and then we enjoyed our lunch heartily. Even Minami who had tasted the delicacy from Kamakura ate the instant noodle with gusto, or maybe she and everyone else were just hungry. Well, whatever the reason was, the most important thing was that today I had cleared my objectives. --- The return journey from Toba Mie went in quiet mood. I just enjoyed the calm sea breeze, while Yunno and Yui happily looked at the Nagoya Sea as the cart moved away. It seemed the scene of huge blue sea still gave them a deep awe. Meanwhile, Minami was deeply pondering in silence. It was not everyday occurrence to see a kid had a deep thought all over her place, but I was not stupid enough to disturb her, even though I still wondered about her opinion on the instant noodle. However, Minami suddenly turned her gaze to me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, can you sell your noodle to Sotora at 2.70 monn per bowl?¡± ¡°Does Sotora plan to sell cooked food?¡± I asked. ¡°Have you ever heard Fragrant Flavor?¡± Minami asked me back. I lightly nodded. ¡°It¡¯s the biggest eatery in Rokube.¡± Minami firmly replied, ¡°Sotora is Fragrant Flavor¡¯s main backer. We even hold 52% of its ownership.¡± ¡°Do you want to put my instant noddle as one of the menus in Fragrant Flavor?¡± I curiously asked. ¡°Yeah, Fragrant Flavor has lot of low-tier menu, but none is as good as yours. I plan to add your instant noodle at 3.15 monn,¡± Minami calmly explained. ¡°In this trade the restaurant will take 0.15 monn profit and 0.30 monn operational costs while providing the food ware and serve the buyer. I guess it¡¯s a fair trade.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After pondering for a moment I asked, ¡°Are you sure Sotora owner will accept your proposal?¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Confidence was clearly visible in Minami¡¯s eyes, so I accepted her proposal even though my original plan was to enter food industry at next spring, after I fully completed the preparation. ¡°Wait for a second,¡± I said as I took a sheet of paper and a pencil. In a detailed list I then write down the material cost, chef incentive, and labor cost that was needed to produce instant noodle, along with the size of the portion per bowl. Then, I handed it over to Yunno and Yui. ¡°Yunno, Yui,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Try to calculate, how many bowl of instant noodle we have to produce to get production cost at 2.43 monn per bowl.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time before taking out their writing equipment and worked the math. Coincidently, yesterday I had taught them how to calculate production cost, and now they had the chance to apply it. It didn¡¯t take long before Yunno and Yui finished the calculation. There was a slight difference on how they calculate the cost of firewood, but the end result was pretty much similar. Yunno concluded we have to produce 154 bowls of instant noodle to break even at 2.43 monn per bowl, while Yui concluded we had to produce 158 bowls. ¡°If the minimal order is 158 bowls, I can sell the instant noodle at 2.70 monn to Sotora,¡± I said as I handed over the projection cost calculated by Yunno and Yui to Minami. ¡°Meaning, my profit is 0.27 Monn per bowl or about 10%.¡± But, are you sure you want to have 158 bowls in your first order?¡± Minami firmly replied, ¡°Fragrant Flavor has big spatial storage. It can store 200 bowls of cooked noodles with ease.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± I happily replied. In a calm mood we then continued the ride to Sotora. Other than taking the bowls for the instant noodles, I also had to buy a big supply of high protein wheat flour. ***** SC1 11.1 – A Calm Day SC1 11.1 ¨C A Calm Day For consecutive five days, Yunno and Yui would have martial arts training, daily study, and kitchen work, while in the sixth day they went shopping with me. This routine would drain them mentally and physically with ease. Even though every night their breathing technique would help their body to recover, and in the morning they would wake up with fresh and fit body, Yunno and Yui would still need to give their mind time to relax. And so, I gave the two a chance to fully rest and recuperate in the seventh day, both in body and mind. In short, other than tending Bonnie-01 and her sisters, Yunno and Yui would have free time for the whole day. After the two did the dish from our breakfast, Kato then took them to the long bamboo bench next to the resting hut. With ease I saw that Yunno and Yui became really close with Kato. Well, it was not surprising as it was Kato who attended their daily necessity, bathed them in the afternoon, brushed their hair at night, and recited them bed time story before they slept, and she was really good at it. In a few separate occasions, I even saw Yui happily hugged Kato from behind, happily pressed her cheek on Kato¡¯s cheek as Kato attentively brushed Yunno¡¯s hairs. When I saw it for the first time, my heart instantly skipped a beat. For a moment, I thought my late sister was coming by to visit Yunno and Yui. As for right now, Kato happily helped Yunno and Yui cleaned their ears in turn. I believed this was the first time someone helped Yunno and Yui cleaned their ears. From their smile and giggle I could tell they really enjoyed it. And when Yunno offered her to help her cleaned her ears, Kato happily accepted it. After that, Kato let Yunno and Yui played with Bonnie-01 and her sisters. Since their mother passed away, this was the first time they could play with Bonnie-01 and her sister as much as they wanted, so it made them very happy. They happily hold and gently rubbed Bonnie-01 and her sister one by one. Then, as happy smiles and laughs from Yunno and Yui filled the morning air, I walked over to the bamboo bench and sat next to Kato. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, my youngest sister will come to visit Yunno and Yui today,¡± I casually said. ¡°Please prepare additional lunch set for her.¡± Kato slightly nodded before turning her gaze to me. ¡°What is her favorite food? Let me cook it for her.¡± ¡°No need for that. Just regular lunch with rice is enough.¡± ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Kato paused for a moment before continuing. ¡°When they help you with kitchen work, Yunno and Yui eat only steamed sweet potato, steamed sweet corn, steamed pumpkin, or other simple steamed food as their lunch. I thought your sister¡¯s visit will be a good chance to have a feast for them too.¡± ¡°Regular lunch with rice is already a feast for Yunno, Yui, and my youngest sister.¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. After taking a deep breath Kato said, ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you want to become a cheapskate and eat only simple food when working in the kitchen, but can Yunno and Yui have a regular lunch with rice? They are growing kids, and in addition to the heavy work in the kitchen, you also give them strict training regime. They should eat proper meal to support their body.¡± ¡°They already have proper meal for breakfast and dinner,¡± I calmly said. ¡°On the other hand, simple steamed food with rich natural flavor will help them maintain their taste bud¡¯s sharpness. Right now, other than when doing a tasting, they have to limit the consumption of food with too much oil, too much processed sugar, or complex seasoning.¡± ¡°It seems becoming a cook is not as easy as I thought.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Well, before you go to Sendai, let me help you clean your ear.¡± ¡°That will be nice.¡± ¡°I guarantee it will.¡± After a smile Kato then asked me to use her lap as a pillow. It was super comfortable and I almost couldn¡¯t stop myself from rubbing my cheek on her soft thigh. Her way of cleaning my ear was also super nice. In short, I just wanted to close my eyes and enjoy it as long as possible. Unfortunately, I had to go to Sendai. So, after Kato finished the job, I immediately sat back and didn¡¯t ask her to give me another round of nice ear cleaning. ¡°I think letting you help me taking care of Yunno and Yui is one of the best decisions I have ever made,¡± I cheerfully said. ¡°Glad to know you realize it,¡± Kato said as she took out a red demon mask from her spatial ring and handed it over to me. ¡°Here, a small gift.¡± ¡°Do you make it yourself?¡± I asked as I accepted the mask. ¡°Yeah. Every time you eat with us, you always have a hard time keeping your face hidden behind the scarf and bamboo hat,¡± Kato casually said. ¡°This mask will help you solve that issue.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± I genuinely said as I put the demon mask on. It was pretty standard red demon mask made of red acacia. It had two small horns in the forehead, wide and pointy ears, chubby cheeks, long nose bridge with two big nostrils, and a pair of long upper fangs. The carving and finishing touch was also smooth and clean. But most importantly, it was a half mask that didn¡¯t cover my jaw and mouth. So, it was as Kato said, it would help me hide my face without hinder my ability to drink and eat. I had to admit, Kato¡¯s attentiveness made me happy, even though to this moment I still couldn¡¯t read or guess her inner thought. Well, for now I would just enjoy my time with her to the fullest. When accepting Kato¡¯s offer, I had prepared myself for every worst possibility possible. But honestly, it would be nice if we could continue our easy and comfortable lifestyle for the rest of our life. --- After a breakfast with the whole household I went to my room. Usually, I would wait for a few minutes before silently making my way back to the hut. However, I had promised to Yuko that today I would take her to the hut at noon. Therefore, I couldn¡¯t return right away and had lot of free time. Most of the time, I would use my free time to prepare study material for Yunno and Yui, but right now I had study material enough for another week or two. So, I took my time to make kitchen utensil. Yesterday, I already made portable electric stoves. I made it out of mountain rock for its frame, and using an array of mechanical runes to mimic its working mechanism. Today, it was time to make digital kitchen scale. I would also make it out of mountain rock. Wasting no time I used Wind Blade to carve and shave a big chunk of mountain rock. My Wind Blade was sharp and precise as usual. It cut, carved, and shaved the mountain rock as if it was a block of fresh tofu. The shape and size I wanted for the digital scale was pretty similar like the one I used in Tetsuo¡¯s Dinner, downed to its digital display and keypad. The specification was also pretty similar. It weighed in grams up to 2500 grams, with precision up to two digits behind zero. Once I got the frame, I carved the array of mechanical runes that would mimic the work of digital scale right on its surface. At first, I had to make some trial and error. However, once I got the correct array of runes, I only had to copy-paste it to the second digital scale and so on. With ease, I made four digital kitchen scales. After that, I made three pieces of wide and smooth work surfaces, also out of mountain rock, followed by long rolling pins, big mixing bowls, and measuring cup made of acacia wood, three pieces each. It would require a lot of time and effort if I used ordinary tool for the work. Fortunately, I had Wind Blade to make the outline and frame, and then used spells or runes as finishing touch. And so, my work became very precise and fast. Then, it was the time to return to the hut finally. ¡®I will continue it tomorrow,¡¯ I casually muttered. A moment later, a series of footsteps approached my room. Wasting no time I tidied up my work and put everything into spatial storage, just before Yuko opening the door. ¡°Fourth Brother, let¡¯s go. It is noon already,¡± Yuko calmly said like a mafia boss ordering his goon. ¡®This chick is truly bold,¡¯ I muttered as I got up to my feet. ¡°Have you brought water for the trip?¡± ¡°I have,¡± Yuko replied and showed me a small bamboo tube in her right waist. ¡°Let¡¯s go then,¡± I calmly said. ***** SC1 11.2 – Bad Hunch SC1 11.2 ¨C Bad Hunch From Sendai, I and Yuko went straight to the south. Instead of choosing the gentle trail near oak forest, I chose to climb the east face of South Ridge using the almost vertical trail usually I used with Yunno and Yui. As soon as we arrived on the base of the trail, I immediately pointed at it and said, ¡°Tighten your sandals. We will scale this trail to reach the ridgeline, and then descend to bamboo forest on the west face where Warrior Deitoro built his hut.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Yuko dropped her jaw as she looked at the 130 meters high and almost vertical trail. Then, she weakly said, ¡°Fourth Brother, can we take another route, the one that gentler than this insane trail?¡± ¡°The gentler trail will help us reach the ridgeline with ease, but it¡¯s too far from Warrior Deitoro¡¯s hut and walked the ridgeline is harder than climbing this trail.¡± ¡°Why did Warrior Deitoro build a hut in such hard-to-reach location?¡± ¡°He loves quiet place.¡± I calmly replied. ¡°And just for your information, Yunno and Yui can scale this trail with their small body. You should be able to do it too.¡± ¡°Wait a second,¡± Yuko said as she gave me a sharp gaze. ¡°Fourth Brother, how could you take Yunno and Yui to scale this insane trail?¡± ¡°It is arduous hike even for strong adult, but Yunno and Yui complete it to the peak. Of course, it made them run out of breath and drenched in sweats.¡± ¡°That¡¯s pretty harsh,¡± Yuko weakly said. ¡°Yeah, but everyone in our house, including you, said nothing when I told you all about it.¡± After a moment of silence Yuko said, ¡°I have no clue the route you took with Yunno and Yui is this harsh.¡± I took a deep breath before saying, ¡°Well, let¡¯s get going.¡± After nodding her head Yuko tightened the string on her sandals. Then, we scaled up the trail. Without movement skill we had to half-crawls the trail step by step. In some area, the soil was too soft, wet, and very slippery, but fortunately we could use thick vines that grew along the trail to help us passed through this treacherous areas. So, the trip went on a slow but relatively safe pace. Of course we have to stop a few times to give Yuko a short rest, but finally we reached the ridgeline and Yuko immediately dropped her body to the ground. ¡°This trail is killing me,¡± Yuko said while trying her best to catch her breath. ¡°Don¡¯t exaggerate it. You are still alive,¡± I said before taking a big gulp of cold water. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t we rest for a little longer?¡± ¡°No,¡± I sternly said. ¡°We are very close to hunting radius of a huge abyss tiger. Can¡¯t stay here for too long.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Yuko forced herself to get up to her feet. Then, we continued the trip, descending the west face of South Ridge. Just before we entered the bamboo forest, Yuko asked me to stop. She wanted to enjoy the scene of Rokube Town, but I insisted we had to hurry. It was already lunchtime and I didn¡¯t want Yunno and Yui waited too long for their meal. In the end, Yuko suppressed her desire to enjoy the beautiful side of Rokube that could be enjoyed only from high ground. After walking through the bamboo forest, the hut finally entered our sight, and big smile instantly bloomed on Yuko¡¯s lips as Yunno and Yui ran towards her with big smile in their face, and then tightly hugged her.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Aunt Yuko, we miss you so much,¡± Yunno said. ¡°Yeah, we super miss you,¡± Yui happily added. ¡°I also miss you,¡± Yuko said as joyful tears flowed out from the corner of her eyes. ¡°Well, let¡¯s go to the hut,¡± I calmly said. Wasting no time Yunno and Yui let a go their hug, and then hold Yuko¡¯s hand and happily dragged her to the hut. While following the three, I wondered if I didn¡¯t visit them for a long time, will Yunno and Yui give me a big hug too. But in the end I didn¡¯t think too deep about it. When, the unfortunate Sanno fell from the cliff and died, Yunno and Yui cried a river for him. It was as if their world just crumbled into pieces. So, I¡¯m sure Yunno and Yui would super miss me too if I didn¡¯t visit them for too long. It could be said it would also made them sad. Therefore, I canceled my intention to decrease the number of my visit just to get a big hug from them. --- While Kato arranged our lunch, I and Yuko went to wash our face, hands, and feet. Yunno and Yui cheerfully showed Yuko how to use the bath hut, and as I expected the bath hut made Yuko fell into constant awe. She was like a country bumpkin who saw modern and sophisticated bathroom for the first time. It also made me recalled my first encounter with modern bathroom on earth. Then, Yuko approached me. ¡°Fourth Brother, do you always use this luxurious bathroom?¡± ¡°This is the only bathroom in radius of four kilometers from this hut,¡± I casually said. ¡°So yes, I always use it when I¡¯m nearby.¡± ¡°No wonder you are very rare staying at home recently,¡± Yuko grumbly said. ¡°You must be lazing around here.¡± ¡°Other than help Uncle Deitoro with the hunt, Big Brother Sanno also helps us with our daily study when he is here,¡± Yunno came into my defense. ¡°Mhm.¡± Yui firmly nodded and added, ¡°Big Brother Sanno teach us a lot of interesting stuff.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yuko creased her brows while gave me a skeptical look. ¡°Fourth Brother, what kind of study you teach to Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°Just simple stuff that Warrior Deitoro have taught me.¡± I tried my best to avoid a detailed explanation as it would only invite more suspicion from Yuko. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we shouldn¡¯t let Madam Deitoro wait for us too long.¡± A moment later we already sat in the dinning hut, and Yuko fell into constant awe one more time. The menu in the table was very simple actually. The main menu was dried saury. It was exactly similar to pacific saury from earth. It got butterfly cut from below the head to the tail, so it became two times wider. After the gut was removed it then being salted, flattened, and dried. Kato slowly grilled the saury on top of charcoal until it became crispy, and ten second before it¡¯s done she splashed a bit of chili oil on its surface. The other dish were stir fry bamboo shoot with firefly squid, miso soup with cleanly peeled shrimp and soft tofu, omelet, kimchi, a big bowl of rice, and a basket of orange. But for Yuko, and even for Yunno and Yui who had enjoyed similar menu a few times, it was a feast. ¡°Thanks for the food.¡± Kato happily led us to offer the gratitude before the meal, and we happily followed her. ¡°¡°¡°Thanks for the food.¡±¡±¡± ¡°Yuko, don¡¯t be too courteous and make yourself at home,¡± Kato happily said. ¡°Y-yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± Yuko nervously replied. ¡°I mean Madam Deitoro.¡± After a smile Kato said, ¡°You have to learn from Sanno. He is really good at making himself at home here.¡± As Yuko turned her gaze to me, I nodded. ¡°We all are family here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yuko then took a deep breath before taking a sip from her miso bowl, and after the first gulp her eyes instantly widened. ¡°This miso soup is super-duper delicious.¡± ¡°I use regular miso paste, about two years old. But my husband gives me a tip to add bonito flake on it, and it enhance the flavor several folds,¡± Kato happily explained. ¡°I see. Warrior is truly live in a different world,¡± Yuko said in awe before taking another gulp from her miso bowl. ¡°Warrior Deitoro is a good cook after all,¡± I casually said. Well, even though miso paste with dashi was just common ingredient, for Japanese people at least, I decided not to explain it to Yuko. I would let her to enjoy it to the fullest accordingly to her imagination. Slowly but surely, Yuko also became relax and merged with us like a family. Of course it was not because her social skill. I could confidently say that Yuko¡¯s social skill was pretty low and nasty. She could with ease feel at home mostly was because Kato was really good at setting the mood for her. After the lunch, along with Yunno and Yui, Yuko helped Kato do the dish. After that, the four sat in bamboo bench next to the hut and leisurely chat. One thing that I didn¡¯t predict was that Yunno and Yui happily told Yuko about the order of instant noddle from Sotora. Yunno and Yui even told Yuko the method to make oyster sauce, something that we should keep as our secret weapon. I truly had a bad hunch about this, but it was too late to ask Yunno and Yui to stop. Tomorrow, I should warn them. There were lots of thing that they couldn¡¯t share with just anybody. Their craft, method, and skill both in martial art and culinary art were the backbone and lifeline for their future. I had to make sure Yunno and Yui realized it as early as possible. As for now, on the way back to Sendai later, I would ask Yuko to keep the method to manufacture oyster sauce as a secret. ***** SC1 12.1 – Egg Noodles SC1 12.1 ¨C Egg Noodles After accompanying Yunno and Yui carried out their morning study as Sanno, I leaved the hut and then went back as Warrior Deitoro. As we had planned, starting today Yunno and Yui would help me completing the instant noodle order from Sotora. Wasting no time, I took them to working kitchen in the balcony. Before starting the work, I took the time to explain a few things to Yunno and Yui. ¡°Always remember that warrior, cook, and craftsman have one similarity. From the moment they get up from their bed in the morning, they will dedicate themselves to whatever art they want to master. This lifelong dedication is called self-discipline. Understood?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time ¡°Any question?¡± Yunno raised her hand, and she waited until I lightly nodded at her before asking, ¡°Which one we have to prioritize, self-discipline to become warrior or self-discipline to become cook?¡± ¡°We are warrior before a cook. We cook in order to become a better warrior, by earning money we use to buy essence cube, by training our grip and cut when preparing ingredient, by training our patient, determination, and indomitable spirit when crafting a complicated cuisine, and so on.¡± ¡°Do we also eat, hunt, shop, play, baths, and do other stuff in order to become a better warrior?¡± Yui curiously asked me with her childish tone. ¡°Precisely,¡± I replied. ¡°Whatever we do, we do it in order to become a better warrior, even when we sleep at night, always remember this simple but important aspect of our life.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± ¡°Other than self-discipline, warrior, cook, and craftsman also can¡¯t share their skill, knowledge, and craft to just anybody.¡± I paused for a moment before continuing in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°They won¡¯t share it to people who were not connected to them by teacher-student relationship, familial relationship, or guild membership. In fact, a lot of martial family, school, and guild will harshly punish anyone who leaked their knowledge, skill, or craft to outsider. Some will even being hunted and killed. Got it?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± ¡°Unfortunately, yesterday you had broken the taboo of sharing knowledge,¡± I firmly said. ¡°You have told your youngest aunt the method to manufacture oyster sauce.¡± Dark cloud in instant filled Yunno¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, please forgive Yunno. I don¡¯t know I can¡¯t share it, but Yunno is ready to receive your punishment.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t punish Big Sis Yunno,¡± Yui said before she started to sob in panic. ¡°It was Yui who told Aunt Yuko about oyster sauce. Big Sis Yunno only added some little pieces into Yui¡¯s story.¡± ¡°Oyster sauce is one of key elements in our cooking, so the leak is truly fatal. However, it¡¯s not your fault. I have not told you about the taboo yet,¡± I said as I wiped Yui¡¯s tears. ¡°Sanno also have ensured your youngest aunt will keep the method to produce oyster sauce as secret. So, it is fine as long as you don¡¯t do it again.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yunno firmly said. ¡°We will not do it again, at all cost.¡± ¡°Yeah, we won¡¯t do it again,¡± Yui firmly added, even though she still lightly sobbed. Even though in a corner Kato gave me an intense gaze, a sign that she didn¡¯t agree with the way how I warned Yunno and Yui, I firmly believed that I had to deliver a strong message to Yunno and Yui as this matter was tightly related to their future. And so, I sternly continued. ¡°I do hope you two will not do it again, truly¡± I genuinely said. ¡°Because if you do it again, I will kick you out of my household and you can live in the street or wherever place you can go. I won¡¯t give a damn about it.¡± ¡°We understand.¡± Yunno said as determination flashed in her eyes, while Yui firmly nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± I wiped Yui¡¯s tear one more time before continuing, ¡°Let¡¯s start today work.¡± Without delay I took out a black board from my spatial ring and hang it in one corner of the kitchen, along with small basket of chalk and eraser clothes. Then, I wrote down our first project in the blackboard. List of On Going Project: A. 200 bowls of soy sauce oyster noodle, Sotora. ¡°This is our project currently,¡± I said as I put back the chalk to the small basket. ¡°You already know how to produce oyster sauce, so today we will make the noodle, the main ingredient in our project. If you have question, raise your hand, and wait my permission to speak. Got it?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± I nodded and then arranged the ingredient and equipment we need on the table. ¡°The noodle we will make is egg noodle. It has root to Chinese cuisine, made of high-protein flour, salt, egg, and water. A nice man from a small but great country of Taiwan taught me how to make it.¡± Now, Yui, you just learnt about high-protein flour with Sanno earlier. Please tell me what you remember about it.¡± ¡°Ummm¡­¡± Yui tilted her head to the side before replying, ¡°High-protein flour or bread flour usually is milled from hard wheat with high gluten content. It has 12-14% protein content, which make the dough more elastic and light, and the final product very chewy in pleasant way and has more texture. It¡¯s also the most expensive flour in the market.¡± ¡°Correct.¡± I happily said before turning my gaze to Yunno who raised her hand. ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Why does Uncle Deitoro also put a bag of sweet potato flour we made a few days ago on the table?¡± ¡°We will mix the high-protein wheat flour with our sweet potato flour, to suppress the production cost.¡± ¡°What about the final taste? Will the mix lower the noodle¡¯s quality?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°We and Minami already taste it, and it is totally fine,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Was the noodle we ate yesterday also made of the mixed-flour?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t include sweet potato flour in the calculation to determine the instant noodles¡¯ price, and made Minami assumed that our noodle was made purely with high-protein wheat flour, but actually it was made of mixed high-protein wheat flour and sweet potato flour.¡± ¡°So, did we just trick Big Sis Minami yesterday?¡± Yui worriedly asked. ¡°To some extent, yes, we tricked her,¡± I openly admitted. ¡°But she agreed with the product and the price we offered after tasting it personally.¡± It was clearly visible that Yunno and Yui had a hard time to accept my dishonest act to Minami, and so I continued my explanation. ¡°It¡¯s not honorable thing, but it¡¯s a necessary assurance. Always remember that when we enter into a trade partnership, we can¡¯t just naively expose every piece of vital information we have. Moreover, I believe the person who guided Minami will try to replicate our noodle secretly.¡± After taking a deep breath I added. ¡°Therefore, in case Sotora produce their own noodle based on our noodle, we will at least have some room to compete with them and don¡¯t get swallowed completely.¡± ¡°How does Uncle Deitoro know Big Sis Minami¡¯s teacher will try to replicate our noodle?¡± Yui curiously asked. After a smile I firmly replied, ¡°Every good merchant will always try to secure upper hand from their partner, and from how big Sotora¡¯s success is, it¡¯s easy to tell that a seasoned merchant run it.¡± ¡°So, we have to be super careful when making a deal with Sotora?¡± Yunno asked. ¡°We have to be super careful when making a trade deal with anyone,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°But don¡¯t easily show our concern, wariness, or hostility, especially to an old fox from merchant world. Got it?¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± Hearing Yunno and Yui gave me determined reply always made me happy. And so, after another smiled we started the work to make egg noodle. ***** SC1 12.2 – Big Batch in One Go SC1 12.2 ¨C Big Batch in One Go As Yunno and Yui were attentively observing me, I put two cups of sweet potato flour and eight cups of high-protein wheat flour into a wooden basin, and mixed both flours into all-purpose flour with 8-11% gluten content. After that, I cracked 20 chicken eggs on another basin and beaten it carefully, followed by preparing a bowl of salt and a bowl of boiled water at room temperature. ¡°Watch and learn,¡± I said as I turned my gaze to Yunno and Yui. ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± As usual Yunno and Yui gave me a simultaneous reply. Wasting no time, I put 90 gr of all-purpose flour to a mixing bowl, followed by one-third tea spoon of salt, mixture of 42 gr beaten eggs and 3 gr water, and then mixed everything using open fingers. Once the all-purpose flour absorbed the egg and water mixture and changed into scrambled small lumps, I kneaded it into a big lump of dough. ¡°I will need around 5 minutes to form the dough, but you will need 8 minutes as your hands are smaller and weaker than mine,¡± I casually explained. ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± ¡°Once you have the big and hard dough, cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes, but we will use Time Lapse Spell to speed up the process.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± [Time Lapse, 30 minutes.] I calmly casted Time Lapse on the dough and then pinched it a few times. ¡°After 30 minutes rest, the dough will be softer and easier to knead,¡± I said as I put the dough on the work surface and then kneaded it using folding technique. ¡°Pushed it forward using the base of your palm, slightly rotate the dough, folded it to the center, and then push it again. This step will push the air out of the dough, and make the fiber and protein become stronger so the noodles is chewier and won¡¯t become soggy easily. Repeat this process until the dough became smooth. It will take 5-8 minutes for me, and about 8-10 minutes for you.¡± Once the dough became smooth I immediately rolled it using a long rolling pin, on the work surface that I had dusted with sweet potato flour. ¡°Try to get a 1.8 mm thick sheet, and make sure it¡¯s even so the noodles will cook evenly.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± ¡°When you get the sheet, dust it both sides one more time to prevent it from sticking together when you cutting it into noodles strains.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± After dusting the dough sheet on each side, I hold both its end high above the work surface, and then slowly lowered and folded it like a wave. After that I cut it 1.5 mm wide, strain by strain.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Carefully unfolded the noodles, dust it one more time, and then hold it with both palms before squeezing it and then loosen it up. Repeat this squeezing and loosening motion a few times to give the noodles crinkle shape, and do it carefully. Too much power will break the noodles, while too little power won¡¯t give the noodles proper crinkle.¡± While putting the noodles I just squeezed to the table I added, ¡°Here it is, the first portion of today egg noodles.¡± After looking at the noodles on the table intensely Yui turned her gaze to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, why do we have to give the noodles crinkles shape?¡± ¡°Crinkle noodles will carry more soup when we scoop it using fork, so it will more flavorful.¡± ¡°Do we will make noodles soup too?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°We will, in the future,¡± I replied briefly but firmly. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can we make the noodles a few portions in one batch?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°We can, but for now you have to make it portion by portion.¡± ¡°Why do we so?¡± Yui asked me another question. ¡°Because it¡¯s a good method to polish your noodles craft. Keep in mind that, repetition is mother of all learning,¡± I calmly explained. After nodding her head Yui said, ¡°So, we learn the noodles craft by making it repeatedly as much as possible?¡± ¡°Correct, and kneading and rolling the dough wills also strengthening your grip, wrist, and shoulder. Believe me, it looks simple but kneading and rolling the dough requires a lot of strength. It¡¯s not coincident that lot of good sword or spear user are also a good noodles artisan or bread baker.¡± After a pause I continued, ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn to give it a try.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui looked very tense, but they eagerly nodded. Wasting no time, I gave them the equipment they needed. As usual, when they received new equipment they would happily carve their name on it before using it. After that, they made their first egg noodles. They already knew how to use digital kitchen scale from the work to make oyster sauce, so I only had to focus my supervision on their work to produce the noodles. --- Yunno was only seven-years-old, while Yui was four-years-old. Therefore, even after they gave their all, the two could only produce less than ten portions of egg noodles. Other than the small towel on their neck that fully drenched with sweats, I bet their wrists, arms, and shoulders were also hurt and sored like hell. But at least, every single portion of noodles they made was good noodles that passed my quality control. ¡°Yunno, Yui, good jobs.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied simultaneously while their face brimming with happiness. ¡°Now let me cast Healing Spell on your shoulders, arms, and wrists,¡± I happily said. ¡°If you keep using it to the limit, and then I cast Healing Spell on it, your shoulders, arms, and wrist will gradually become insanely strong.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± After casting Healing Spell on Yunno and Yui, I helped them wiped the sweats on their face using clean small towel, and then I gave them a glass of apple juice I had prepared this morning. After Yunno and Yui drank a few big gulps of their apple juice I said, ¡°Now, watch how I make 100 portions of egg noodles in one go.¡± In an instant Yui¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°100 portions of Taiwanese egg noodles in one go?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I happily replied and immediately started the show. After measuring and putting the all-purpose flour, egg and water mixture, and the salt, into the biggest mixing bowl I had, I immediately mixed, kneaded, and rolled it using Shadow Hand. It took a while before I got the sheet. Then, I dusted it with sweet potato flour, held its both ends with Shadow Hand, and cutting it into 100 of equal portions in one go using Wind Blade. ¡°Whoaaaa¡­ so many egg noodles in one go,¡± Yui looked at the 100 portions of egg noodles I arranged on the table with sparkling eyes, and then she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro is super cool.¡± I didn¡¯t know the exact reason, but Yui¡¯s genuine and simple compliment made me smiled happily. ¡°If you keep following my instruction and give your best, sooner or later you will be able to do it too, maybe even surpass me.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Yui expectantly asked. ¡°Really,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, we will carry out your instruction with everything we have,¡± Yunno said while determination flashed in her clear eyes. ¡°Yeah, we will,¡± Yui firmly added. ¡°I know you will.¡± After another happy smile I continued, ¡°Now, helps me to give these noodles crinkle shape, and then store it in your spatial ring.¡± ¡°¡±Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui eagerly replied before starting the work. ***** SC1 12.3 – Soy Sauce Oyster Noodles SC1 12.3 ¨C Soy Sauce Oyster Noodles After having steamed sweet potato as our lunch, I took Yunno and Yui to resume our work in the kitchen. ¡°This is portable electric stove. We can use it without firewood,¡± I said as I put the electric stove I made a few days ago to the stone table. ¡°Right now, you can¡¯t use Shadow Hand to control the heat from stone stove yet. This portable stove will solve that problem.¡± ¡°¡±Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied eagerly. After explaining to Yunno and Yui how to use the portable stove, I immediately prepared the equipment and started the work. First, I put a four-liter iron pot on the stove, filled with 3 liter of water, and then bringing it into boil using high heat. ¡°When cooking egg noodle, make sure the water is vigorously boiling like this,¡± I said before putting a portion of egg noodle into the boiling water. ¡°¡±Hai!¡±¡± ¡°Wait for two minutes,¡± I added. ¡°Or, once the noodle starts to float, you can take a strain and taste it. When it reached the state you want, use strainer to take the noodle out, dip it in the ice water to stop the cooking process, and dip it again in the boiling water to warm it. After that, drain it by yanking it downward a few times, and then put it to the bamboo strainer, and it¡¯s ready for further process.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Wasting no time, I cooked the noodles into soy sauce oyster noodles, and then plated it into a serving bowl. Last but not least, I added a table spoon of chopped kimchi, two table spoons of stir fry oyster, and a pinch of finely chopped green onions as topping. ¡°Here it is, the final form of soy sauce oyster noodles.¡± I happily said. Then, I turned my gaze to Yunno and Yui. ¡°Question?¡± ¡°Do we add kimchi, stir fry oyster, and chopped green onions to the instant noodle we sell to Sotora?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°The topping won¡¯t affect the noodle¡¯s net price, as we use the cost of firewood to cover it.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, will you teach us how to make the topping?¡± Yunno eagerly asked. ¡°Of course I will,¡± I happily replied. ¡°The kimchi, you drain its water after you chop it, and store the water properly because we can use it to make delicious soup later. The green onion, you finely chop it after properly wash it using ice water. As for the oyster stir fry, you mix one part finely chopped fresh oyster and one part oyster dreg from the making process of oyster sauce. Season it with minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, and sake. Then, stir fry it using high heat for 20 seconds. You have to make it by yourself later, but for now just used the one I have prepared.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!¡±¡± ¡°If you have no other question, let¡¯s starts the work.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± Without delay I took out the equipment we needed from my spatial storage, and handed it over to Yunno and Yui. As usual, the two immediately carved their name on their new equipment. After that they carried out the work in high spirit. --- Stolen story; please report. Even though Sotora ordered only 200 bowls of instant noodle, I decided to triple that number. Spatial storage enabled me to store the surplus as long as I wanted, so it would be a waste if I didn¡¯t use it to support mass production and lower the production cost. In total it took five days of hard work to produce 600 bowls of instant noodle, but after that I would have some spare times to explore other menu that I could offer to Sotora. So, I guessed it worth the time. I could also see that completing our first project had given Yunno and Yui a small measure of self-confidence and achievement, which was very important for them because for quite a while Kazuyori had suppressed their self-value. ¡°As we have completed our first project, now you can erase it from the blackboard,¡± I calmly said. ¡°¡±Hai!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied simultaneously before erasing our first project. Then, Yui turned her gaze to me and expectantly asked, ¡°Uncle Deitoro, will we have another project?¡± After a smile I turned my gaze to Yunno and asked, ¡°Yunno, what do you think?¡± ¡°We will definitely have another project,¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°Our soy sauce oyster noodle is very delicious. Sotora will likely make a repeat order.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I happily expressed my agreement. Actually, I believed Sotora would put a bigger order sooner or later, but I didn¡¯t want Yunno and Yui became over confidence so I just expressed a simple agreement. ¡°Well, let¡¯s deliver the noodle to Sotora.¡± ¡°¡°Hai!!¡±¡± Yunno and Yui happily replied. Then, after Kato gave them a kiss on each check, we immediately went to Sotora. --- Even before we entered Sotora¡¯s front door, Minami already walked over to us with swift steps. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, Yunno, Yui,¡± Minami cheerfully said as soon as she arrived in front of us, ¡°Welcome.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I calmly replied while Yunno and Yui happily nodded. ¡°We come to deliver the noodle.¡± ¡°Ah, finally. I thought you have some difficulties, but it seems everything is fine.¡± After a smile Minami added, ¡°Please follow me.¡± Wasting no time Minami led us to Sotora¡¯s backyard. Then, we walked a long corridor before arrived at a wide backyard, just next to a bustling kitchen. Judging from the direction and distance we had walked, I concluded we were around 50 meters to the left of Sotora. It was definitely not Fragrant Flavor¡¯s backyard, but I said or asked nothing. After leading us to a long table next to a terrace of a big pantry Minami said, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, I hope you don¡¯t mind if I make a final check before accepting the noodles.¡± ¡°On the contrary, it will please me if we do the handover properly,¡± I calmly said. After a big smile Minami said, ¡°In that case, please put the noodles on this table.¡± Without delay I took out 201 bowls of instant noodle from my spatial storage, and neatly arranged it on the table. Then, Minami checked the first bowl and her eyes instantly widened. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, you put some topping on the noodles?¡± Minami asked while making a thorough assessment. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°The topping looks very tasty. Are you sure it won¡¯t cause you some loss?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°The topping is already covered by the net price.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Minami slightly nodded her head while having a smile in her face, but I could tell she tried to recalculate the noodle¡¯s production cost. Minami¡¯s act didn¡¯t surprise me. On the contrary that was what I expected from someone who had a seasoned businessman as her teacher. At the same time, I took out another bowl of instant noodle and handed it over to Minami. ¡°Here, please try the version with topping.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Minami accepted the bowl without hesitation and immediately mixed everything before tasting it, and in instant her eyes widened. ¡°This is superb.¡± Minami enjoyed another mouthful of instant noodle before adding. ¡°I never thought that some simple topping can elevate the flavor so much. Moreover, it uses pickled-napa cabbage we sell as one of its component.¡± ¡°Glad you like it,¡± I happily said. After eagerly wolfing down the noodles, Minami called some female servants to move the instant noodles to a spatial storage. Then, she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Waiter Deitoro,¡± Minami happily said. ¡°Have you put some thought on your noodle¡¯s name? I believe this is not the only instant noodle you can make.¡± After a smile I said, ¡°Let¡¯s call it soy sauce oyster noodles.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± After making a note on a small book, Minami asked us to wait while she went into a room in the corner of backyard. A moment later, she came back with a small money bag in her hand. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, this is the payment for the noodle,¡± Minami said as she handed over the small money bag. ¡°Please check the amount.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± I said as I accepted the money bag. And Minami waited until I finished checking the money before asking, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, would you mind to taste our new signature dish for low tier-menu, and then share us your opinion?¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad if I can become some help for you,¡± I calmly said. After a big smile Minami said, ¡°Please follow me.¡± Without delay, I walked with Minami to a small dining quarter next to the kitchen, along with Yunno and Yui who followed me closely. ***** SC1 13.1 – Spicy Chicken Noodles Soup SC1 13.1 ¨C Spicy Chicken Noodles Soup Not long after we sat, a servant put a bowl of chicken noodle soup on the table. The noodle was alkaline noodle, being cut into thin and straight strain to match rapid cooking during busy lunch or dinner service. The portion was around 125 gr, smaller than the portion I put on soy sauce oyster noodle, but still enough to satisfy adult¡¯s belly. As for the topping, it had blanched bean sprout, a piece of par-fried tofu, and a pinch of finely chopped green onion. It was humble topping with basic handling, but it would go well with almost any chicken soup. And finally, I put my attention on the bright red and spicy chicken soup. It smelled good and rich. I could tell it was made from a whole leftover of grilled chicken, being slowly simmered along with onion and ginger. However, I couldn¡¯t tell the spices mix that was used to elevate the final flavor. Wasting no time I then tasted the soup, the noodle, and the topping, and my final assessment was exactly the same as my initial assessment. The only different was that after tasting it I roughly could guess the spice mix. It was toasted sesame oil, a pinch of orange¡¯s peel powder, lot of chili flake, and finely chopped onion, being bonded together with smoking hot pork lard before being added to the boiling soup, and then let it to simmer for a while. Then, added a tea spoon of red miso for each serving bowl. Actually, if you replace half of the water for the soup with dashi stock and just use regular light miso paste, you would get more complex flavor but easy enough to be enjoyed as daily meal, but I kept it to myself. After taking another sip of the soup I said, ¡°The noodle, the topping, and especially the soup are remarkably good. It has good balance for tastiness and spiciness. I¡¯m sure it will score a big hit.¡± After a big smile Minami said, ¡°Owner Tokuma also believes it will fare much better compare to our current low-tier menu.¡± ¡°Definitely.¡± After slightly nodded to Minami, I took the spicy chicken noodle soup to other table and then turned my gaze to Yunno and Yui who still stood behind my chair. ¡°Help me finish this noodle, and then write down your assessment.¡± Yunno¡¯s eyes instantly widened. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, we don¡¯t know how to assess a dish.¡± ¡°Just write whatever impression you have after you taste it,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Are you happy to be able to taste such noodle, do you like it or dislike it, what part that gives you the strongest impression, and such.¡± ¡°That sound like a childish assessment,¡± Yunno hesitantly said. ¡°You are indeed a child,¡± I casually said, ¡°so just write the impression you got as a child.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± As usual Yunno obediently replied while Yui nodded her head. Then, the two carried out my instruction. There was only one spoon and fork, but it was not a problem for the two. Yunno happily and gently fed Yui, before forking some noodle for herself. Once the two merrily enjoyed the noodle, I returned to my chair. ¡°It¡¯s a blessing if you have siblings who cherish you,¡± Minami softly said while her longing gaze was fixed on Yunno and Yui. ¡°Are you the only child in your family?¡± I asked as I sat back at my chair.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°It¡¯s complicated.¡± Minami dejectedly said. ¡°My mother was only a servant, while the other kids are from main branch, so they never treat me as their siblings.¡± ¡°Are those siblings of yours also staying in Rokube?¡± ¡°No, they are staying in Kamakura.¡± After a pause Minami explained, ¡°After my mother passed away, my siblings bullied me whenever they have a chance. Me, the youngest and weakest kid in the family, have to defend myself from the rest of the kids who have their parent at their back. One day, it went too far. They almost drowned me to the death in the inner pond. So, when Owner Tokuma asked me to accompany him spending his retirement day in Rokube, I gladly accepted his offer, even though it means I have to live under his strict guidance, and sometimes he is very scar¡­. Aah¡­ how could I just ramble some unrelated matter to our deal? Warrior Deitoro please forgive my rudeness.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize,¡± I casually said. After taking a deep breath Minami embarrassingly said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but it¡¯s very easy for me to speak to you as if you are my friend.¡± ¡°I¡¯m glad if you kept speaking to me that way,¡± I genuinely said. ¡°Thank you for your kind words.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Well, I had live hundreds of years, and meeting countless people with various circumstances. Therefore, even if I didn¡¯t want to, I could easily see that Minami carried heavy trauma and burden in her little shoulder. Moreover, Minami¡¯s childhood was pretty similar to mine. After losing the only parenting she had, she had to live under intensive and strict guidance. The only difference was that, Minami carried it out willingly and gave her best, while I took every chance I had to piss Grand Elder and made things so frustrating for him. And so, it was so easy for me to have sympathy for Minami. I then asked, ¡°May I know the retail price for spicy chicken noodle soup?¡± After turning her gaze to me Minami said, ¡°3 monn per bowl.¡± ¡°The same price to my soy sauce oyster noodle?¡± ¡°Yes, but if the customer want to replace the noodle with white rice, we lower the price to 2.50 monn per bowl.¡± ¡°How much the price of a bowl of rice in Fragrant Flavor?¡± ¡°20 cent for a bowl of 150 gr cooked rice, both short grain and long grain.¡± ¡°I see.¡± As I already finished the talk, while Yunno and Yui had finished the spicy chicken noodle soup, we immediately took our leave. One thing that I didn¡¯t expected was that Minami gave us a gift to celebrate our partnership. It was high-tier take-out menu from Fragrant Flavor, consisted of a whole grilled chicken, baked garlic potato, kimchi, and fruit salad. I gladly accepted the gift while inwardly I carved deep in my mind that I have to return the favor one day. --- Dinner in the hut went as usual. We enjoyed the gift from Fragrant Flavor heartily. It was truly delicious grilled chicken, and maybe was a means to told me or even provoked me to show my best skill when I worked with them. Well, whatever it was, I would just take it easy. After doing the dish Yunno and Yui went to resting hut for afternoon study, while Kato was staying in dinning hut and accompanied me enjoyed tea. ¡°How did the first delivery go?¡± Kato casually asked. ¡°Pretty well,¡± I casually replied. ¡°How long do you think before Sotora put second order?¡± After taking a sip of my tea I replied, ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. It takes time for a cuisine to be known and draw consumer, but it¡¯s hard to imagine that soy sauce oyster noodle will fail to attract money in long run.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Kato said before sipping her tea. ¡°Have you heard a story or two about Sotora¡¯s owner?¡± ¡°I heard some when I stayed in Kamakura with master.¡± ¡°Tell me what you heard.¡± After tilting her head to the side Kato said, ¡°Tokuma Yagawa, Level 5 warrior, former high ranking official in Kamakura City. After retiring from his station, instead of staying in Kamakura and taking vital role in the family business, he went to Rokube to start his own.¡± ¡°Did he bring member of his household to Rokube?¡± ¡°He brought an outcast kid with him.¡± Big question mark instantly appeared in my forehead, ¡°Outcast kid?¡± ¡°Yeah, this kid is the only kid in her generation who doesn¡¯t possess soul mark,¡± Kato said nonchalantly. ¡°So, the whole household looks down on her and don¡¯t even treat her as a member of the household.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of pause I said, ¡°This outcast is Minami, the girl who became my contact with Sotora and Fragrant Flavor. If you meet her in the future, please be gentle with her.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± The big question mark in Kato¡¯s forehead clearly told me that she was very confused with my request, but she didn¡¯t ask further so I explained nothing. Then, we enjoyed the night calmly, and after Kato recited bed time story for Yunno and Yui, we had our night training as usual. ***** SC1 13.2 – Second Order SC1 13.2 ¨C Second Order Two days had passed since I delivered soy sauce oyster noodle. The activity in the hut was pretty much like any other day. After accompanying Yunno and Yui study as Sanno, I left the hut and took my time to sell some harvests to Butcher Jin before returning as Warrior Deitoro. With casual steps I walked across the bamboo forest. Then, the hut entered my vision and I was slightly taken back as in the dinning hut, I saw Minami and her bodyguard sat with Kato, Yunno, and Yui. Minami¡¯s bodyguard had calm expression and disposition as usual, while Kato and the rest cheerfully chatted and giggled, and happily enjoyed the ice lemon tea and peanut butter cookies that I made in my spare time. In the trip to Toba Mie, Yunno and Yui had told Minami the exact location of our hut, so it was not surprising if Minami and her bodyguard could find it. However, their visit was only one thing. They wanted to put second order for soy sauce oyster noodles, or fatal problem had occurred because of this dish. Wasting no time I increased my pace. After entering the hut¡¯s yard, I went straight to the dinning hut and Kato immediately stood up and welcomed me. ¡°Dear,¡± Kato said after a smile. ¡°Warrior Konno and Minami come to put second order.¡± ¡°I see,¡± I said as I took a deep breath full of relief. Minami nodded and added, ¡°It¡¯s also an urgent one.¡± ¡°An urgent one?¡± I said as I sat next to Kato. ¡°Fragrant Flavor run out of soy sauce oyster noodles yesterday,¡± Minami explained. ¡°Do you mean all soy sauce oyster noodles from first order have been sold out?¡± After nodding her head a few times Minami firmly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I have 400 hundreds bowl right now,¡± I calmly said. Minami¡¯s eyes instantly widened. Then, she put her hand in her chest while taking a deep breath. ¡°Thank God, last night I couldn¡¯t sleep because I was too worried it would took a few days before Fragrant Flavor received second batch of soy sauce oyster noodles.¡± I bet Yunno and Yui had told Minami that I had spare soy sauce oyster noodles. That¡¯s why she could happily chat and giggle a moment ago, but I said nothing and jumped in straight to the main topic. ¡°You can buy it all,¡± I calmly said. ¡°But, can you limit the sales at 50 bowls per day?¡± ¡°Why do we have to limit its daily sales?¡± Minami asked as big question mark popped-up in her forehead. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, are you planning to sell soy sauce oyster noodles to other eatery?¡± ¡°No,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°I don¡¯t have such plan currently.¡± After a moment of pause Minami asked me in a serious tone, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, can we have a contract that will tie the sales of soy sauce oyster noodle to Sotora, for 2-3 years at least? I assure you, you will receive a proper benefit in return.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mind if Sotora want to control the sales of soy sauce oyster noodles. I rely on Sotora to get lot of ingredient after all,¡± I calmly expressed my stand. ¡°However, like I said, can you limit the daily sales at 50 bowls?¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. ¡°I can talk it to Owner Tokuma, but I need the reason behind this limitation.¡± I nodded and explained, ¡°I want to add other dishes, and not focus only on one dish.¡± ¡°What other dish do you want to try, and how long before it¡¯s ready for sales?¡± Minami curiously asked. ¡°Before I answer, may I know the criteria for low-tier dish in Fragrant Flavor?¡± ¡°It¡¯s very simple,¡± Minami said. ¡°It has to be a complete meal in one bowl or plate, and the price you offer doesn¡¯t exceed 3.50 monn.¡± After a smile I said, ¡°Coincidently, last night I have made dishes that perfectly matched that criteria. It¡¯s called rice-bowl dish, originated from a country called Japan.¡± ¡°May I check it?¡± Minami eagerly asked. Wasting no time I put several bowl dish on the table one by one, ¡°Egg and tomato bowl, sardine and tomato bowl, mapo tofu bowl, kung pao chicken bowl, and chicken and broccoli bowl.¡± ¡°Adding five dishes in one go,¡± Minami happily said. ¡°It seems you have planned it all this time.¡± ¡°Sort of,¡± I openly admitted. After a smile Minami then observed the dish one by one. I could clearly see she swallowed hard a few times, but she didn¡¯t try the dish. ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate, you can try it,¡± I happily gave Minami encouragement. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, believe me, I want to,¡± After heaving a deep sigh Minami added, ¡°But Owner Tokuma have asked me, if you offer new dish, he want to examine it personally.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Minami then asked Warrior Konno to store the rice-bowl dishes in his spatial ring. After that, we did the hand over for soy sauce oyster noodles. ¡°Minami, can you and Warrior Konno stay for a lunch?¡± I asked after counting the payment for soy sauce oyster noodles. ¡°I want to make some nice delicacy for you.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t,¡± Minami firmly replied but I could see a flash of regret in her eyes. ¡°We have to bring back soy sauce oyster noodles as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro,¡± Minami hesitantly said before pointed her finger at peanut butter cookie on the table. ¡°Can I bring a few pieces of this peanut butter cookie as a sample?¡± ¡°Does Fragrant Flavor also sell cookies?¡± Minami gave me a nod. ¡°Yeah, along with bread and cake.¡± ¡°Well, for now I don¡¯t plan to enter pastry and cake industry,¡± I firmly said. ¡°However, once Sotora has stable supply of dairy product, I will think about it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting. This peanut butter cookie is superb. Owner Tokuma will jubilant to work with a good cook pastry that lives nearby,¡± Minami happily said. After a smile I took out a peanut butter cookies and walnut butter cookies from my spatial storage. Both cookies were neatly wrapped in baking sheet, weighing 0.5 kg each. Then, I put it before Minami ¡°Right now I don¡¯t sell it yet, but I can give it to you as a gift.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Surprise was visible all over Minami¡¯s face, before it was replaced by shred of shyness. Then, she firmly said, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, you don¡¯t have to give me such expensive gift.¡± ¡°I know, but I insist.¡± Without many words I shifted both cookie packs to Warrior Konno, and after slightly nodded to me he put the cookie packs to his spatial ring. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, thank you so much,¡± Minami sincerely said. ¡°Other than my late mother and Owner Tokuma, this is the first time someone give me a gift.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t entertain you with a nice lunch, so at least I should give you something nice to enjoy.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Minami happily said. Deep down in my heart, I truly hoped Minami can stay and talk more with Yunno and Yui. When they stayed in Sendai, the two almost had no chance to talk with other kids. While after staying in the hut, their chance to talk with other kids became thinner. Maybe, that¡¯s the reason why Yunno and Yui were very excited when Minami told them the story about Kamakura, and a moment ago their face was brimming with happiness when they had a chat with Minami. Unfortunately, Minami was very strict with her priority, and I couldn¡¯t just coax her to follow my agenda. And so, I could only let Minami return to Rokube once she cleared the purposed of her visit. Kato, Yunno, and Yui walked Minami and Warrior Konno until they reached the ridgeline, and then watched them descended. After that the three went back to the hut, and went straight to dining hut where I enjoyed a cup of warm lemon tea. As soon as she sat in front of me Yunno immediately gave me an expectant look, and then asked, ¡°Uncle Deitoro, will you teach us how to make rice-dish bowl?¡± ¡°I will.¡± I calmly said. ¡°But for now, you have to put your focus to master soy sauce oyster noodles.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yunno firmly nodded. ¡°We will work very hard to master soy sauce oyster noodle.¡± ¡°Yeah, we will,¡± Yui firmly added. ¡°I know you will,¡± I happily replied. ¡°Dear, do you need my help?¡± Kato asked while giving me an expectant gaze. ¡°Nope,¡± I flatly replied. ¡°I see.¡± Kato pressed her lips while giving me a sharp glare, but I ignored it. After finishing my lemon tea, I took Yunno and Yui to the kitchen in the balcony and started the kitchen work as usual. ***** SC1 14.1 – Another Bad Hunch SC1 14.1 ¨C Another Bad Hunch As I collected firewood, my mind was filled with the thought about rice-bowl dish I offered to Sotora. It¡¯s already ten days since Minami¡¯s visit, but I hadn¡¯t received any further words on it. Three days ago, Warrior Konno came to the hut to take another batch of soy sauce oyster noodles. He told me that right now Owner Tokuma was reorganizing all eateries under his management and put my dish on his plan, but he mentioned nothing about the detail. So, I guessed I could only patiently wait. Not to mention I had something I had to do right now. The firewood stock at Tadaoka Household was still too low. My sister-in-laws did send their children to collect some, but they spent their time in oak forest mostly to play and only brought home a little amount of firewood. Today I planned to finish the job, so I left the hut and went to Sendai before sunrise. I had to go back and forth to oak forest a few times while also carrying some firewood in my spatial storage, but finally I managed to stash enough firewood for the whole winter just before the breakfast time. After taking morning bath, I immediately went to dining hall. The breakfast went as usual, quiet and gloomy like a funeral. The menu was also still as usual, the damnable bean curd and steamed vegetable. As I swallowed my food, I inwardly swore, I had to leave this household before this ascetic-styled diet killed my soul. I genuinely hoped Manno would graduate next year, and then received a proper official station. That way, Kazuyori wouldn¡¯t make a fuss when I left the household for good. Then, Kazuyori suddenly break the silence. ¡°For the last few days, our neighbors kept talking about new low-tier menu in Fragrant Flavor. Do any of you know anything about it?¡± ¡°Mother, are you talking about spicy chicken noodles soup and soy sauce oyster noodles?¡± Tanno asked in flat tone. ¡°Yeah, those two.¡± After swallowing his porridge Tanno said, ¡°I only heard that it¡¯s delicious cuisine comparable to top line low-tier dish in Kamakura.¡± ¡°It¡¯s also cost only 3 monn per bowl. Currently, these two noodles are the star of comfort food in Rokube and people who want to buy it forms a very long line,¡± Danno added. ¡°Mother,¡± My first sister-in-law said while giving Kazuyori an expectant gaze, ¡°Do you want to buy it for our New Year meal?¡± ¡°Mother, one bowl for two people is more than enough to celebrate our New Year,¡± My second sister-in-law added. At the same time, almost everyone in the dining table gave Kazuyori an expectant gaze. It was a clear sign at how depressing the daily diet at Tadaoka Household was. To the point that almost everyone had to beg for a 3 monn dish as their New Year food, and it was also one bowl for two persons. However, Kazuyori indifferently ignored the pleading eyes before her and firmly said, ¡°Until Manno graduate and receive official position, we won¡¯t waste money for food.¡± Gloomy silence immediately returned to the dining hall. Then, Yuko suddenly said, ¡°If Mother allows it, I can ask Yunno and Yui to make soy sauce oyster noodles for us. It¡¯s very shameless honestly, but I don¡¯t mind to thicken my face.¡± ¡°Yuko,¡± Kazuyori looked at Yuko as she creased her brows, ¡°What do you mean you can ask Yunno and Yui to make soy sauce oyster noodles for us?¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Fragrant Flavor buy soy sauce oyster noodles from Warrior Deitoro,¡± Yuko casually replied. ¡°And Yunno and Yui assist him in making it. Right now, they even know how to make it by themselves from scratch.¡± ¡°Yuko, do Yunno and Yui really know how to make soy sauce oyster noodles?¡± My first sister-in-law eagerly asked. ¡°Yeah, Warrior Deitoro taught them,¡± Yuko firmly replied. ¡°And Yunno and Yui master it with ease and even show a great potential in cooking art. That¡¯s why, Warrior Deitoro and his wife dote Yunno and Yui like their own daughters. But don¡¯t ask me about the recipe. Yunno and Yui won¡¯t tell it to anyone or Warrior Deitoro will chase them out of his household.¡± ¡°Mother,¡± My second sister-in-law pleadingly looked at Kazuyori as she continued, ¡°Please gives Yuko your permission. It¡¯s not shameless act, but a consideration that we still think of Yunno and Yui as part of our family.¡± ¡®That¡¯s definitely a shameless act! This household had sold them,¡¯ I screamed as loud as I could, inwardly of course. At the same time, Kazuyori fell into contemplation before heaving a deep sigh. Then, she turned her gaze to Yuko, ¡°If Yunno and Yui are willing to make it for us, let¡¯s have it as our New Year meal. But don¡¯t you dare to beg or lower our household name in front of them.¡± ¡°I will ask them next time I visit them, and I guarantee, Yunno and Yui won¡¯t make me beg or lower our household name just for a few bowls of noodles,¡± Yuko casually said. ¡°Unlike us, they are kind hearted by nature.¡± Overall it was only a brief conversation about soy sauce oyster noodles, but I couldn¡¯t help got a very bad feeling about it. I had to talk it with Yuko after this. --- After the breakfast, I asked Yuko to meet me in the chicken pen. While waiting for her, I casually observed the new hens that Kazuyori bought a week ago. The hens did joint Tadaoka Household only for a week, but it was clearly visible that they already suffered a heavy depression from the bad daily diet. Their feather and eyes lacked of luster, while their gizzard was not full. I bet they also rarely laid egg. In short, their livelihood was stark contrast to Bonnie-01 and her sisters. Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t help them. ¡°Sorry hens, my situation as member of Tadaoka Household is also pretty much like you, very depressing and uncertain,¡± I said in a half whisper. ¡°But let¡¯s try our best to go through it.¡± Then, I heard a series of footsteps approaching. I immediately turned around to check it and found Yuko was walking over to me while giving me a weird gaze. ¡°Third Brother, what did you say to our chickens?¡± Yuko asked as soon as she arrived before me. ¡°Nothing in particular, just some encouragement as fellow member of Tadaoka Household,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°It¡¯s weird as hell to see you talk to our chicken like how Yunno and Yui usually do.¡± ¡°Just so you know, I respect every single living thing,¡± I calmly said. As her weird gaze intensified Yuko said, ¡°Please don¡¯t let anyone other than me, see you talk with living thing other than human.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I replied while inwardly muttered, ¡®If you are lucky enough, one day you will see me talk to dragon or other living thing other than human that can talk back.¡¯ ¡°So, why do you ask me to come here?¡± Yuko curiously asked. ¡°I just want to remind you,¡± I firmly said. ¡°Don¡¯t ever talk about Yunno and Yui in front of our family, especially the good things they have enjoys after they leave our household.¡± As she frowned Yuko asked me, ¡°Why can¡¯t I?¡± ¡°It can provoke jealously and maybe even ignite bad intentions.¡± ¡°That¡¯s precisely what I go after,¡± With tone full of emotion and anger Yuko said. ¡°I want our household regretting their decision to sell Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Can we just let Yunno and Yui enjoy their life peacefully?¡± I asked in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Right now, their life is far better compare to us. Let¡¯s not create a possibility that can disturb it.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t disturb their happy life,¡± Yuko confidently said. ¡°Warrior Deitoro and Warrior Kato cherish them like their own daughters. Not even mother will dare to mess with them.¡± ¡°Trouble will always find its way. Never underestimate its persistent and ingenuity,¡± I sternly said. ¡°I will make sure no one from our household disturb Yunno and Yui, by all means,¡± Yuko firmly said before leaving me alone with the hens. ¡®What a stubborn lass,¡¯ I muttered while heaving a deep sigh. Instead of regretting their action for selling Yunno and Yui, I believed member of Tadaoka Household, especially Kazuyori, would only try to take advantage of good fortune that Yunno and Yui enjoy. Or worst, they would just disturb it. ¡®Well, just don¡¯t blame me if I won¡¯t take you to the hut ever again,¡¯ I made silent promise before taking out a few handfuls of acorn bits from my spatial storage and put it into chicken feeder. ***** SC1 14.2 – Sudden Peril SC1 14.2 ¨C Sudden Peril Days went by swiftly, and another Sunday arrived. As usual, after Kato cleared their ears Yunno and Yui immediately went to play with Bonnie-01 and her sisters. Yunno and Yui literally changed the chicken pen into their playground, and their laugh now and then would fill the morning air. ¡®Well, as long as they are happy I¡¯m happy too, and after I built the green house they will have bigger playground,¡¯ I muttered to myself. At the same time, Kato skillfully cleaned my ears and the sensation was superb. I didn¡¯t know which one I like more, Kato¡¯s lap or her skillful way of cleaning my ears. One thing that I knew for sure was that I couldn¡¯t get enough of both. ¡°Dear, does you not worry that Sotora still hasn¡¯t put the first order for rice-bowl dish yet?¡± Kato asked without stopping her nimble fingers from cleaning my right ears. ¡°They don¡¯t reject it, so let¡¯s just wait a bit longer,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°What about your young sister?¡± ¡°What about her?¡± I curiously asked back. ¡°Do you know why she doesn¡¯t come here again?¡± ¡°Actually, for the last few days she begs me to bring her here,¡± I calmly replied, ¡°but I rejected her.¡± ¡°Why did you do that?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll explain it later. As for now, let me enjoys the ear cleaning to the fullest.¡± ¡°It¡¯s done,¡± Kato said as she stopped her fingers. ¡°How can it is already done?¡± ¡°It¡¯s done meaning it¡¯s done. I have cleaned your ears two times longer than normal time.¡± Kato replied while moving my head from her lap to the bamboo bench. ¡°It¡¯s time to take Yunno and Yui for happy stroll at Rokube.¡± ¡°Okay. Have a nice stroll.¡± It was regrettable that the ear cleaning session had to come to an end, but I didn¡¯t argue. Happy stroll at Rokube was a good thing for Yunno and Yui. They had spent every single one of their weekday for working, study, and training in remote and quiet place, so recreation to cheer up their mind was necessary. A moment later, Kato, Yunno, and Yui had left the hut. As for me, while lazing around in the bamboo bench, I calmly listened to the bird¡¯s chirps, wind, and bamboo leaves that grazing each other gently. It was really relaxing. No doubt, the bamboo forest around the hut was one of the best soundscape I had encountered. Not to mention the location was rather hard to reach, so I didn¡¯t have to deal with unnecessary guess. It was truly a good decision to build the hut here. Then, slowly but surely I fell asleep. --- When there was a stranger or dangerous animal approaching the hut, the Alert Rune I carved on the hut¡¯s fence would warn me. Therefore, I could sleep peacefully. When I woke up it was already around four in the afternoon.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. I saw Kato was preparing dinner in the dining hut, but I didn¡¯t hear or see Yunno and Yui. Without delay I immediately walked over to Kato. With a gentle smile Kato looked at me, and then she continued peeling a carrot in her hand. ¡°You slept so peacefully, so I didn¡¯t wake you up.¡± After slightly nodding my head I asked, ¡°Where are Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°Why do you look so worry?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t let them go beyond our sight,¡± I worriedly said after I couldn¡¯t find them even after deploying Essence Pulse.¡± ¡°Sanno, you are too over protecting,¡± Kato casually said. ¡°Of course I¡¯m over protecting,¡± I sternly said. ¡°Yunno has potential to become calamity that can destroy the whole planet, and one mishap will trigger the start of her demonic path.¡± ¡°Sanno, my master already died. You need to relax a bit,¡± Kato said, still in casual tone. ¡°And honestly, I have some doubt on the vision that Yunno will become a calamity. That girl is too kind hearted.¡± I knew that it was very hard for an outsider to believe the weight of Grand Elder¡¯s vision, but I was the living witness that his vision always came into reality if no one tried to prevent it. However, I had no time to explain it to Kato. All I could do was giving her a stern warning. ¡°Listen to my words carefully,¡± I said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°If you can¡¯t take my intention to guard Yunno and Yui seriously, you have no business to stay with me here, let alone help me looks after Yunno and Yui. Now, tell me, where are Yunno and Yui?¡± It seemed my heavy tone startled Kato. After taking a deep breath she immediately said, ¡°Yunno and Yui went to your house and they will sleep there tonight.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± In an instant, I felt the world was spinning wildly. ¡°How could you let them go to Tadaoka Household unescorted?¡± ¡°Sanno, you truly need to relax a bit.¡± After taking another deep breath Kato added, ¡°Yunno and Yui are under protection of two warriors. Your family won¡¯t dare to harm them. On the other side, unlike me who had only bitter memory about my parent and my old house, Yunno and Yui have tons of cherished memory with their parent. We should let them to recall some of it by letting them visit your household once for a while.¡± ¡°¡­¡± I ignored Kato¡¯s words as suddenly I saw a small figure in the distance, nimbly darting and cutting through the bamboo forest in high speed. In a glance and I could tell it was a perfect application of Wind Step. Soon, I recognized this little figure. She was Yui. I could see that Yui didn¡¯t wear her sandal and was sobbing while trying to arrive at the hut at the fastest speed she could muster. After entering the hut¡¯s front yard she immediately went straight to me, and as soon as she arrived before me her sobs exploded into a thunderous cry. ¡°Huuaaaaaaa¡­¡­. Uncle Deitoro, please help Big Sis Yunno.¡± I instantly kneeled before Yui. While gently holding her small shoulder I asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Grandma Kazuyori beat Big Sis Yunno. She keeps beating her if Yui didn¡¯t tell her the recipe heuuuuu¡­¡­¡± ¡®Silly kid, she is not your Grandmother anymore,¡¯ I muttered as I gently wiped Yui¡¯s tears. ¡°Where is Yunno right now?¡± ¡°She is with Aunt Yuko heuuuu¡­.. but her back and calf heuuuu¡­. are hurt so much. Please help her,¡± In the middle of her heart wrenching cry Yui kept begging me. ¡°You can kick Yui out of your household, but help Big Sis Yunno first heuuuu¡­.. Pleeeease¡­¡­ Yui will pay with anything¡­. Huaaaa¡­!!!¡± I didn¡¯t get what had happened. I also still didn¡¯t fully grasp how Kato ended up let them go to Tadaoka Household, but I knew for sure what I had to do. Without delay, I gently tapped Yui¡¯s nape and put her into asleep. Then, I gently put her head on my shoulder and held her using my left arm before examining her. Yui had brush, small cut, and blister on her feet, knees, elbow, and palms. I guessed she fell a few times on her rush to the hut. Fortunately, she suffered no fatal injury. However, I found a palm mark on her swollen left cheek. Someone had slapped her with full swing. As I casted Healing Spell on Yui, I swore I would return the favor ten folds to anyone who put her into this misery. Then, I got up and started the journey to Sendai at highest speed I could muster. Without any word Kato closely followed me. I got a glimpse of her pale and worry face, but I didn¡¯t give a single damn. I would deal with her carelessness later. Right now, I had to get Yunno out of the peril first. After calming my breathing, I then use Soul Bind to access Yui¡¯s latest memory. I had to know what had really happened to ensure I could take proper action. ***** SC1 14.3 – Bad Intention SC1 14.3 ¨C Bad Intention Rokube didn¡¯t have many places you could use for a good stroll. It had only a handful shopping street. However, it was still a great stroll for Yunno and Yui. The two had big smiles in their face as they helped Kato bought grocery, and enjoyed the merriness in the shopping street. After that they went to Fragrant Flavor and enjoyed a good lunch. They also bought a whole grilled chicken for tonight dinner. Then, they went home. Until this point everything was just fine. Yunno and Yui still had big smile in their face. Until finally they arrived at the trail to climb South Ridge and found Yuko was there. It seemed Yuko tried to climb the trail a few times but failed. Well, it was not surprising. Without movement step or my guidance to get a good foothold along the way, it would be impossible for her to climb the trail. However, her failure made Kato, Yunno, and Yui had big worry in their face. ¡°Yuko, what are you doing here?¡± Kato asked in a tone full of concern. ¡°Warrior Kato, I¡¯m trying to go to the hut,¡± Yuko dejectedly said. ¡°But this is the only route I know and no matter how many times I try, it¡¯s impossible for me to climb it.¡± After taking a deep breath Yuko said, ¡°You should ask Sanno to escort you. It¡¯s very dangerous to climb this trail without good guidance.¡± ¡°I did,¡± Yuko replied, still in dejected tone. ¡°But he kept refusing me.¡± ¡°Why did Sanno refuse?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He just said I will only bring trouble to Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Nonsense,¡± Kato firmly said. ¡°I have to reprimand him later.¡± ¡°Warrior Kato, it¡¯s fine. Please pardon my brother foolishness. Sometimes he does something unreasonable.¡± ¡°He is pretty similar to my husband actually,¡± Kato lamentably said. ¡°Took things too seriously, and sometimes to a point where it becomes unreasonable.¡± ¡®Unreasonable my ass,¡¯ I cursed before continuing checking Yui¡¯s memory. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s the reason why they get along pretty well,¡± Yuko concluded. ¡°It seems so.¡± After a smile Kato added, ¡°Well, let¡¯s stop talking about those two unreasonable goofs. Let¡¯s go to the hut.¡± ¡°Warrior Kato, if I may,¡± Yuko hesitantly said. ¡°Can I have a request?¡± ¡°Tell me it first, so I can consider it,¡± Kato happily said. ¡°May I take Yunno and Yui to sleep in my house for one night?¡± After a moment of silence Kato asked Yuko back, ¡°Why do you want to take Yunno and Yui to sleep at your house?¡± ¡°The thing is, my household wants to ask Yunno and Yui to help us make soy sauce oyster noodles for our New Year meal. So, before that, I want to treat Yunno and Yui with a good dinner with our family first.¡± ¡°When do you plan to have the dinner?¡± ¡°Tonight if I may,¡± Yuko expectantly said. ¡°If we go back to Sendai now, I will still have time to butcher two chickens I bought yesterday, and prepare a good dinner for Yunno and Yui and the whole family.¡± After turning her gaze to Yunno and Yui, Kato asked, ¡°Yunno, Yui, what do you think about your aunt request?¡± ¡°We can make Aunt Yuko some soy sauce oyster noodles,¡± Yunno calmly said. ¡°But we can¡¯t go to Tadaoka Household.¡± In an instant big question mark popped-up at Yuko¡¯s forehead, ¡°Yunno, Yui, why do you can¡¯t go to Tadaoka Household?¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro forbids us,¡± Yunno replied. ¡°Yeah,¡± Yui eagerly added. ¡°He and Big Brother Sanno said it¡¯s dangerous for us to go to Tadaoka Household.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°Yunno, Yui,¡± Kato gently said. ¡°Your uncle and Sanno are exaggerating it. It¡¯s fine if you want to sleep at your aunt house.¡± ¡°But Yui doesn¡¯t want to go there,¡± Yui innocently said. ¡°Yui want to sleep in the hut.¡± ¡°It¡¯s only one night,¡± Kato said, still in a gentle tone. ¡°And it¡¯s a virtue to maintain a good relationship with your root family.¡± ¡®Good virtue my ass,¡¯ I cursed inwardly. At the same time I also started to doubt Kato¡¯s common sense. ¡®Who in the fuck wants to maintain a relationship with a family who sold you as a slave?¡¯ I couldn¡¯t help but letting out a deep sigh a few times before putting my attention back to Yui¡¯s memory. As she gave Kato an expectant look Yunno asked, ¡°Aunt Kato, can we ask for Uncle Deitoro¡¯s permission first?¡± ¡°Yeah, we should ask for Uncle Deitoro¡¯s permission first.¡± Yui firmly added. It was clearly visible that Yunno and Yui were reluctant to go to Tadaoka Household. It was natural as they still couldn¡¯t forget the bad memories they got from there. Unfortunately, Kato ignored this clear sign. ¡°It¡¯s the house where you were born and lived with your parent for a few years. Give it a visit once in a while is a good thing.¡± After a smile Kato added, ¡°And if after this one you still don¡¯t want to go over there again, aunt will said nothing.¡± After a long silence Yunno finally said, ¡°Okay. We will sleep at Tadaoka Household tonight.¡± Meanwhile, Yui could only pressed her lips and followed Yunno¡¯s decision. A moment later, the four started their journey to Sendai. --- ¡°Warrior Kato,¡± Kazuyori said in flowery tone after Yuko introduced Kato to her. ¡°Thank you for letting Yunno and Yui to stay overnight in our house. To be honest, I miss them so much.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal,¡± Kato casually replied. Then, while cold gleam flashed in her eyes she looked straight at Kazuyori. ¡°But please remember, if something bad happen to Yunno and Yui while they are here, my wrath can only be soothed after I break an old bone or two.¡± ¡°No worry, no worry,¡± It was clear that Kato¡¯s threat made Kazuyori quiver in fear, but she managed to calm herself down. ¡°They will absolutely be fine when they are here. You have my words.¡± ¡°In that case,¡± Kato said as she took the grilled chicken she bought from Fragrant Flavor, along with a basket of pear and orange, and handed it over to Kazuyori. ¡°Please accept this simple gift and enjoy it with your family at tonight dinner.¡± While flowery smile filled her face to the brim Kazuyori replied, ¡°Warrior Kato, thank you for your generous gift. Tadaoka Household wills never forget the kindness you and your husband have showed to Yunno and Yui.¡± Kato then smiled before kneeling in front of Yunno and Yui. ¡°Be good and tomorrow morning Aunt will pick you up personally.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Yunno nodded while forcing a smile, while Yui was still pressing her lips. After that, Kato kissed their cheeks in turn before leaving Tadaoka Household. I¡¯m sure all this time, Kato fully aware the fake flowery smile on Kazuyori¡¯s face. Yet, she trusted Yunno and Yui to her. She truly underestimated how low and nasty a human could go, even though she had witnessed one of its examples up close when she lived with Hisami. Most of all, bad intention didn¡¯t show up only because there was solid motive and means. It could popped up out of nowhere just because the opportunity to do it present itself. --- After Kato leaved the house, Kazuyori asked Yuko to take Yunno and Yui to her room and waited over there until dinner time arrived. Yuko agreed and after the three arrived in her room she invited Yunno and Yui to play a card game, but Yunno and Yui politely refused. Through Yui¡¯s eyes I could clearly see that Yuko really didn¡¯t get it why Yuko and Yui rejected her. Well, it was not surprising as the last time she invited the two to the game they cheerfully accepted it. Then, she dropped her jaw when Yunno and Yui took out a study assignment I gave them and calmly make a work on it. ¡°Does Warrior Deitoro ask you two to study a lot?¡± Yuko curiously asked. ¡°Ummm¡­. We have morning study with Big Brother Sanno, and individual study at afternoon,¡± Yunno happily replied. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it tire you to have study all the time?¡± ¡°Study, martial art training, and kitchen work make us very very very tired,¡± Yui replied with her childish tone. ¡°But it¡¯s also fun because Uncle Deitoro, Big Brother Sanno, and Aunt Kato treat us very nicely.¡± ¡°Other than that, we also want to become strong, smart, and good at cooking like Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yunno added. ¡°I see.¡± Yuko slightly nodded while a thin smile bloomed on her lips. Up to this moment, everything was just fine. Then, an hour later, my first sister-in-law came to Yuko¡¯s room. ¡°Yuko, Mother calls you.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Yuko indifferently replied before turning her gaze to Yunno and Yui and gently said. ¡°I will be back in a moment.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Yunno replied after a smile, while Yui nodded her head. After Yuko leaved the room, they put their attention back to their study. However, they then heard some commotion. It seemed Yuko wanted to scream but someone had gagged her to prevent it. A moment later, Kazuyori, Tanno, Danno, and my first sister-in-law entered Yuko¡¯s room. As wariness filled her eyes to the brim Yunno asked, ¡°Madam Kazuyori, where is Aunt Yuko.¡± ¡°Yunno, I¡¯m still your grandmother,¡± Kazuyori casually said. I could tell Yunno was reluctant to call Kazuyori as her grandmother anymore, but she didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Yes, grandmother.¡± ¡°I just asked Yuko to do some errand.¡± Kazuyori said after a small but satisfy smile. ¡°In the meantime, I want to talk to you about soy sauce oyster noodles.¡± In an instant the wariness in Yunno¡¯s eyes became thicker. ¡°Grandmother wants to talk to us about soy sauce oyster noodles?¡± ¡°Yes, tell me every detail you know on how to make it,¡± Kazuyori said in ordering tone. ***** SC1 14.4 – Beating Lesson SC1 14.4 ¨C Beating Lesson ¡°We can¡¯t tell anyone the method to make soy sauce oyster noodles,¡± Yui firmly replied. ¡°Yui,¡± Kazuyori said in a sharp tone. ¡°A child shouldn¡¯t argue with her elder.¡± ¡°But Uncle Deitoro will chase us out of his household if we leak the method to produce soy sauce oyster noodles,¡± Yui protested. It was clearly visible that Yui was still afraid of Kazuyori, but it seemed she was more afraid of being kicked out of my household. I also could feel she truly loved her new life in the hut with me, Yunno, and Kato. Therefore, she braved herself and didn¡¯t back down. At the same time Kazuyori deeply frowned. ¡°You left this household for less than a month, but you have already forgotten your roots.¡± ¡°We didn¡¯t leave this household.¡± Yui firmly held her stance. ¡°Grandma sold us.¡± Wasting no time, Kazuyori stepped forward and swung her palm. Paaahhh! A slap hit Yui¡¯s cheek in full force until she fell to the floor, but she tried her best not to sob or cry. ¡°Grandmother, let us go home, and we will never tell Warrior Deitoro about all of this,¡± Yunno said before checking Yui¡¯s cheek, and bitterness hit her so hard as she saw Yui¡¯s cheek swelled up rapidly. ¡°So, you also want to argue with me, cursed kid,¡± Kazuyori angrily said. ¡°The method to produce soy sauce oyster noodles is a sacred legacy of our household. It had been passed down from generation to generation through our blood. After a long hibernation across several generations, this legacy finally reappears. Now, our household will regain its glory in cooking art.¡± ¡°Grandmother, that¡¯s a lie,¡± Yunno said while anger flashed in her clear eyes. ¡°Uncle Deitoro receives the method to produce soy sauce oyster noodles from his master, and it¡¯s not just a cooking method. It''s also a method to polish our martial art.¡± ¡°Nonsense!¡± Kazuyori said in a half-scream. ¡°How in the world two children master a complex method in a matter of days if it¡¯s not passed down knowledge they inherit through their blood?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because Uncle Deitoro is a good teacher,¡± Yui proudly said, even though she was still afraid that Kazuyori would slap her again. ¡°It¡¯s useless to explain it to you.¡± Kazuyori turned his gaze to Tanno and Danno before continuing, ¡°Hold them down. I will beat them until they spit it out.¡± ¡°Yui,¡± Yunno said as she took out her kodachi from her spatial ring, held it in front of her body with both hands, and then took a step forward to cover Yui. ¡°Go jump through the window, and go straight to the hut. Tell Uncle Deitoro what has happened here.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Wasting no time Yui ran to the window. However, as she was about to climb it, Kazuyori determinedly said, ¡°If you dare to leave, I will break Yunno¡¯s leg.¡± Yui spontaneously stopped her attempt. Then, while hesitation filled her eyes to the brim she looked back at Yunno. ¡°Big Sis¡­.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just go to Uncle Deitoro as fast as you can,¡± Yunno firmly said without turning her eyes from Kazuyori and the rest. ¡°But Grandmother will break your leg.¡± ¡°She won¡¯t dare.¡± ¡°Who said I wouldn¡¯t dare?!¡± Kazuyori mockingly said. Yui¡¯s hesitation instantly soared to the sky as she caught the savage glimpse in Kazuyori¡¯s eyes. She got a feeling that Kazuyori would truly break Yunno¡¯s leg as soon as she jumped out of the window. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. At the same time, as Yui stood still in her place, anxiousness rapidly blanketed Yunno¡¯s heart. In the end, she couldn¡¯t help but turn her gaze to check why Yui still didn''t leave, and it led to a fatal result. As Yunno¡¯s attention got distracted, Tanno and Danno made their move. They swiftly stepped forward and in a blink they arrived in front of Yunno. The two were seasoned hunter, so with ease they subdued and held Yunno down on the floor without giving her any chance to resist. ¡°Yui, run!¡± Yunno¡¯s desperate scream woke Yui up from her hesitation. She immediately continued her attempt to climb the window. However, my first sister-in-law had anticipated it this time. She darted her fatty body forward and managed to reach and hold Yui¡¯s little waist just as she was about to jump. ¡°Cursed children, don¡¯t blame me for taking the hard way to discipline you.¡± Kazuyori said as she reached out for a feather duster hanging on the wall next to her, and then kneeled next to Yunno. ¡°Mother,¡± Tanno warily said. ¡°Violence will give Warrior Deitoro a justification to make things hard for us. He may even kill us.¡± ¡°This cursed child dared to draw her sword on us,¡± Kazuyori said. ¡°If we don¡¯t discipline her now, one day she will slit our throat when we sleep.¡± ¡°Mother, let¡¯s just stick to our plan. Get the method to produce soy sauce oyster noodles and make money through it,¡± Tanno said, still in a wary tone. ¡°Let¡¯s not provoke a wrath from a warrior we know nothing about.¡± ¡°No worry,¡± Kazuyori calmly said as she looked straight into Tanno¡¯s eyes. ¡°Before I ask you to help me, I have asked your father to invite Head Constable Shouji. He will arrive soon and stay in our house until we sort out the matter with Warrior Deitoro.¡± A big question mark instantly appeared on Tanno¡¯s forehead. ¡°Mother, what is your plan, actually?¡± ¡°We will return Warrior Deitoro¡¯s money, along with some extra to soothe his anger, and get Yunno and Yui back to our household. Then, we produce and sell soy sauce oyster noodles as many as we can.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a moment of silence Tanno added, ¡°But who will do the talk with Warrior Deitoro?¡± ¡°I will,¡± Kazuyori calmly said. ¡°Will he listen to you?¡± ¡°I will tell him about the warning from Wanderer Oracle, that even a slight mistake when raising Yunno and Yui can turn them into a great calamity. I¡¯m sure Warrior Deitoro¡¯s intention to raise Yunno and Yui as his own daughters will disappear after that.¡± ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t believe it?¡± ¡°Kamakura¡¯s City Magister instantly believed it after he personally checked the token of prophecy from Wanderer Oracle. I¡¯m sure Warrior Deitoro will also believe it after he checks it.¡± The mention of Wanderer Oracle and his token of prophecy triggered my curiosity so bad. Wasting no time I checked the Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, but I found nothing. Meanwhile, Danno and my first-sister-in-law didn¡¯t show signs of curiosity when they heard it. I guessed they knew about it. Well, currently I could only put aside this matter, but I will dig it deeper later. ¡°I hope Warrior Deitoro will believe it and let go of this matter peacefully,¡± Tanno genuinely said. ¡°He will,¡± Kazuyori firmly said. Then, she turned her gaze to Yunno who was still being held on the floor. ¡°As for now, we have to discipline this cursed child to eliminate the seed of disobedience. Gag her mouth to prevent her from making commotion.¡± Tanno let out a deep sigh, but he didn¡¯t argue. He silently carried out Kazuyori¡¯s order. By using his rough palm he gagged Yunno¡¯s mouth. Then, Kazuyori made a full power swing. Paaahhhh!!! Tears instantly streamed down on Yunno¡¯s cheek as soon as the feather duster¡¯s handle hit her small back, but Kazuyori didn¡¯t stop. She kept hitting Yunno¡¯s back and only stopped when Yui started to sob. After wiping up the sweat on her wrinkled forehead, Kazuyori turned her gaze to Yui. ¡°Tell me the method to produce soy sauce oyster noodles, or I will keep hitting your sister.¡± Yui was about to reply, but Yunno tried her best to shake her head while looking straight into her eyes. Yui instantly swallowed back her words, and steel determination flashed in her eyes as she pressed her lips. This time, she would carry out Yunno¡¯s instruction without hesitation. ¡°Stubborn little demon,¡± Kazuyori said before making another swing on Yunno¡¯s back. However, Yui kept pressing her lips and said nothing. Of course, her sob became harder and her tears streamed out profusely as Kazuyori continued hitting Yunno¡¯s back. When Yunno¡¯s clothes on her back started to tear apart and were soaked with blood, Kazuyori switched the beating to her calf. In the end, Yui couldn¡¯t hold it anymore. Seeing her big sister she loved so much get beaten so badly truly crushed her little heart. ¡°Make it stop¡­ Don¡¯t hit Big Sis anymore¡­ please,¡± Yui pleaded while trying her best to hold her sobs. ¡°Yui will write it. Yui will write everything, but stop hitting Big Sis Yunno.¡± Kazuyori instantly stopped her hand midair and turned her gaze to Yui. ¡°Little demon, don¡¯t ever go against my word again, or we will repeat this beating lesson.¡± Yui obediently nodded. Then, she wrote in detail the method to produce sweet potato flour, oyster sauce, along with the recipe to make oyster soy sauce noodles. After that, Kazuyori ordered Tanno to lock Yunno and Yui in the firewood stash. As for Yunno¡¯s wound, she didn¡¯t bother to call village healer and only ordered Yuko to treat it using the medicine she could find in the house. ***** SC1 14.5 – Forced Breakthrough SC1 14.5 ¨C Forced Breakthrough After Yuko applied the cheap medicine on her back, Yunno closed her eyes almost instantly. Yui then sat next to her. After looking at the two for a moment Yuko weakly said, ¡°Yui, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s my fault.¡± Yui immediately turned her gaze to Yuko and looked straight to her eyes. ¡°Yui hate Aunt Yuko. Yui will hate Aunt Yuko forever.¡± Yui said her words using her usual childish tone in half whisper, but I could feel her determination, and it seemed Yuko also felt it. Yuko¡¯s eyes flicker for a moment, and then she said, ¡°You can hate me forever. I deserve it. But please don¡¯t provoke your Grandma and get hurt. I will try to contact Warrior Deitoro tonight and explain everything. I will convince him to take you and Yunno back.¡± Yui didn¡¯t answer. She looked at Yuko for a moment before turning her gaze back to Yunno, and her pain silently grow as she recalled the beating from Kazuyori. At the same time, I felt a dark seed started to form in her little heart. I instantly let out a deep sigh. Now, Yui also had potential to become calamity that could destroy the whole planet. The possibility for the worst of the worst had just presented itself right in front of my eyes. If both Yunno and Yui became calamity, even the combination of all Blackwing¡¯s elders would only barely won the fight, and half of them would die in the process. Ironically, this scenario became possible because of a seemingly insignificant act from Kato. I wondered, maybe it would be better if I killed her back then. After letting out a heavy sigh I put my attention back to Yui¡¯s memory. After giving Yunno and Yui a last glance, Yuko got up to her feet and walked to the door. After she exited the firewood stash, Tanno said something to her, but Yuko said nothing in return. All I heard was her fading footstep as she walked back to main building. A moment later Yunno slowly opened her eyes and put her fingers on her mouth to signal Yui to not make any sound. Then, she said in a gentle whisper, ¡°Yui, come closer and listen to me very carefully.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui softly replied and then she lied down next to Yunno. ¡°We can¡¯t rely on Aunt Yuko to contact Uncle Deitoro.¡± After a moment of pause Yunno added, ¡°You have to escape and explain everything to Uncle Deitoro.¡± ¡°Big Sis,¡± Yui worriedly said. ¡°What if Uncle Deitoro doesn¡¯t want to take Big Sis back after seeing the token of prophecy from Wanderer Oracle, or even returning Yui to Grandma Kazuyori.¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I worry the most, and that¡¯s why you have to escape first.¡± Seeing Yui gave her a confuse look, Yunno immediately added. ¡°After explaining everything to Uncle Deitoro, don¡¯t go back here with him and just stays in the hut. Then, hide yourself somewhere where you can observe Uncle Deitoro¡¯s return from a far. If he returns to the hut without me, don¡¯t go back to the hut. Stay in the woods near Toka Valley, on the third day I will escape on my own and go finds you. If we are lucky enough, maybe Big Brother Sanno will also leave the house with me. Then, we will figure out what we will do after that.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui obediently nodded. ¡°I only need a bottle of water and a bit of food, so I will move everything else in my spatial ring to yours and you have to guard it.¡± ¡°But what if Big Sis doesn¡¯t manage to escape?¡± Yui worriedly asked. After a moment of silence Yunno determinedly said, ¡°If I fail to escape and something happen to me, you have to survive on your own. Change your name, go to other town, and do whatever necessary to survive.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Survive and get stronger day by day, that¡¯s your highest priority until you are strong enough to control your own life.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui firmly nodded. ¡°But Big Sis has to survive too even if you fail to escape. One day, Yui will came back to pick you up, and take revenge on everyone who put us on misery.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yunno firmly nodded. ¡°I will do my best to survive even if Grandma Kazuyori breaks my leg, and I will wait you here until the day you come to pick me up.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a promise,¡± Yui said while tears started to streak down on her cheek. ¡°It¡¯s a promise,¡± Yunno firmly said. ¡°Now, I will explain how you should carry your escape.¡± Wasting no time, Yunno explained the escape plan while moving food, snack, water, clothes, weapons, and pocket money she got from Kato to Yui¡¯s spatial ring. Once she finished her explanation, she asked Yui to repeat it. After that, she kissed Yui¡¯s cheeks before hugging her tightly. When Yui refused to let her go, Yunno didn¡¯t push her away. She just rubbed Yui¡¯s back gently and patiently waited until Yui was ready to let her go on her own. And finally, Yui let a go her hug. After gently wiping out Yui¡¯s tears, Yunno kissed Yui on the cheeks for the last time. After that, Yui got up to her feet and with heavy steps she walked to the door. Right in front of the door, she stopped and turned her gaze back to Yunno. After Yunno encouraged her by nodding her head, Yui then put every drop of her focus to the escape plan. ¡°Uncle Tanno,¡± Yui said in her childish tone while taking out her kodachi. ¡°Yui know another recipe. I will write it down, but please give Yui some waters. Yui is very thirsty.¡± After a moment of silence Tanno replied, ¡°What recipe do you have?¡± ¡°It¡¯s recipe for peanut butter cookies.¡± Tanno didn¡¯t reply, but I could hear he opened the lock. At the same time, Yui walked back three steps and took a stance. Her right leg was one step forward in front of her body, while her left hand tightly held her kodachi next to her waist. Then, as the door was slowly opened she slightly bend her knee, and finally Tanno entered her sight. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Tanno creased his brow as he found Yui stood in front of him holding her kodachi. At the same time Yui made her move. She propelled her body forward and in a blink of one eye she arrived in front of Tanno. Then, while rotating her waist she thrust her left hand using every drop of power she could muster. Baaamm! Tanno¡¯s eyes instantly widened as the hilt of kodachi in Yui¡¯s arm perfectly hit him in the gut, and it took one whole second before the damage showed its effect. ¡°K-euk¡­. You devi¡­.¡± Tanno couldn¡¯t finish his words and fell to his knee while clutching his gut. Then, his body dropped to the side as his eyes rolled back. Tanno passed out even before his body hit the ground. Honestly, the way how Yui defeated Tanno gave me a chill in the nape. The move she used was the move I used once on Kato, when we had night sparring. It seemed Yunno and Yui silently peeked on us. However, seeing and performing a movement was two different beasts. It would require a lot of practice to master even the simplest attack movement. Yet, Yui perfectly copied my move in her first try by relying on half-mastered Wind Step. Moreover, her movement was swift and determined, like a movement from a warrior rich with deadly combat experience. ¡®Her learning ability is truly too monstrous,¡¯ I muttered as I put my attention back to Yui¡¯s memory. After dragging Tanno¡¯s body into the hut and closed the door, Yui sneaked her way to the wall in the backyard. Unfortunately, one of my nephews saw her from the window on his room. ¡°Mother!¡± My nephew shouted out as loud as he could. ¡°Yui tries to run.¡± Commotion instantly broke out. In a blink Danno and my sister-in-law appeared in the distance. They ran as they could towards Yui, but it was too late. Yui had reached the wall in the backyard and with ease she used Wind Step to jump out of it. Her landing was rather rough and she fell to her knee, but she could handle it. After that, she put her kodachi back to her spatial ring and ran to oak forest before climbing up to South Ridge, and darted over the ridgeline straight to south. As she pushed herself beyond her limit, she gradually mastered Wind Step. Even so, Yui still tried to push herself harder to the point she fell several times because she lost her balance. Well, it was natural as in her mind she had only one thing. She had to reach the hut as fast as she could. Then, the hut finally entered her sight and Yui pushed herself one more time and brought her Wind Step into another level of perfection. And as soon as she arrived before me she exploded into the loudest cry she ever had, while putting every drop of her hope on me. ¡®I will not let you down,¡¯ I muttered as I increased my speed. ¡®I will torture those mother fuckers for you.¡¯ A moment later, Sendai entered my sight and I felt a rush that I thought I had already forgotten. ***** Author¡¯s note: Just in case someone wondering the set up for culinary tradition in this work, the MC will use the culinary diversity at modern Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea as the base for his culinary goal, which basically absorb almost all culinary tradition around the world, something that only a good country with good people will be able to do so. Thank you and Best regards. SC1 15.1 – Misleading Prophecy SC1 15.1 ¨C Misleading Prophecy After gently waking her up, I put Yui down. She instantly looked around. When she noticed Sendai was in the distance panic instantly flashed in her eyes. ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui said as she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Do we go to Sendai to pick up Big Sis?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Can Yui wait here?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°¡­¡± As Yui looked at me while she was loss of words I added, ¡°By using some token of prophecy Kazuyori will convincing me to not take Yunno back, but I won¡¯t give her a damn. We will take Yunno back at all cost.¡± Hope and expectation instantly filled Yui¡¯s face to the brim. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± Wasting no time I held Yui¡¯s hand. Then, we walked to Sendai side by side. As for Kato, she followed us a few steps behind. A few minutes later Tadaoka Household entered our sight. As soon as we entered its front yard, Kazuyori immediately walked over to us. Behind her, Old Banno walked with two old constables from Rokube. One of the constables was a Level 1 warrior. From Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, I found he was the head constable. As for the second constable, he was not even a Level 1. It was easy to tell that Kazuyori was expecting my arrival. She also looked very confident. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, Warrior Kato,¡± Kazuyori put a fake smile before continuing, ¡°I believe you already heard what have happened from Yui, but please, you also have to listen to our story to balance your understanding on the matter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s my plan,¡± I calmly said. ¡°But first, let me treat Yunno¡¯s wound.¡± ¡°She is fine. You don¡¯t have to worry about her,¡± Kazuyori amicably said. ¡°We already applied some medication.¡± ¡°Do you mean you had applied whatever cheap medication you can find in your house?¡± I mockingly said. ¡°Well, Yunno¡¯s wound is not as bad as it looks. Yui maybe exa---¡° ¡°Take me to Yunno,¡± I said sternly, ¡°or we start the fight to the death right here right now. My wife¡¯s sword will entertain the two honorable constables you bring here with ease. In the meantime, I will butcher member of your household one by one.¡± Kazuyori instantly shut her mouth up as she realized I¡¯m not joking or bluffing. Then, the head constable stepped forward. I guessed he realized the discussion had just reached a dangerous escalation. ¡°Warrior Deitoro,¡± While putting a calm face the head constable said, ¡°My name is Shouji, a lowly constable from Rokube. I understand your concern. Let¡¯s check Yunno¡¯s condition first before we continue the talk.¡± ¡°Head Constable Shouji, thank you for your understanding,¡± I genuinely said. Surprise was clearly visible on Head Constable Shouji as he asked me, ¡°Do you know me?¡± ¡°Only by your name and good reputation,¡± I calmly said. ¡°I see.¡± Without delay, Head Constable Shouji asked Kazuyori to take us to Yunno. --- Yunno was surprised when she saw Yui came along with me, but I managed to calm her down. After that I applied Healing Spell on her back, and it was clearly visible that the beating on her back was done without a speck of restrain. Even Head Constable Shouji and the other constable took a deep sigh after they closely inspect Yunno¡¯s wound. I guessed it¡¯s a good sign and would help me a lot. Furthermore, shock filled their face to the brim after they saw I could perfectly cast a Healing Spell. Well, warrior or healer who was excel in Healing Spell always received great respect from other warrior, so I believed this show of skill would gave me another favorable condition. Then, we gathered in the terrace to continue our talk. I sternly asked that Yunno and Yui joint us, and Head Constable Shouji supported my request.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. ¡°Warrior Deitoro,¡± Kazuyori started the talk. ¡°Please understand that I have strong reason why I took harsh measure to discipline Yunno.¡± ¡°I¡¯m listening,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, this is token prophecy from the venerable Wanderer Oracle. He gave it to our household a week before Yunno was born,¡± Kazuyori said as she handed over the token to me. ¡°Please check it yourself.¡± Wasting no time I checked the token of prophecy. It was carved on small plate made of red pine, the content was: ¡°child Born from the oldest daughter of Tadaoka household is cursed child. primordial and dangerous bloodline flow in her vein. If you don¡¯t discipline her properly, she will turn into demon that destroys everything around her.¡± ¡®What a mislead bullshit,¡¯ I muttered as I let out a deep sigh. If you treated a child with strong soul mark as a cursed child, sooner or later this child would return the favor in a way you couldn¡¯t even imagine. Other than that, I found a few layers of rune were protecting the small plate. Based on the leftover essence used to carve it, I estimated the oracle was Level 14 warrior, far beyond my current level. Fortunately, by Blackwing¡¯s standard his rune art was only at Level 1. So, I could break this token of prophecy with ease and erase the bad stigma on Yunno and Yui. It¡¯s just that one of the runes on the small plate was Alert Rune. This rune would warn the oracle if someone modified or destroyed the small plate, and I had to be very cautious when handling his respond. Other than his level, the leftover essence also gave me a clue that the oracle was a warrior who walked on one of the darkest demonic paths. I suspected he immediately concocted a plan to set Yunno into demonic path as soon as he sensed that Yunno would be born to this world with strong soul mark. This was one of primary method adopted by demonic warrior to grow their number. Other than Alarm Rune, I believed the oracle also had someone to monitor Tadaoka Household and reported back to him if someone disrupted his plan. He maybe already knew that I had a potential to disrupt his plan by now, even though I had not done anything to the plate yet. ¡®What a bothersome fellow,¡¯ I muttered as I canceled my intention to torture Kazuyori. Other than taking Yunno and Yui back, I had another priority right now. I had to bait the mole who watches Tadaoka Household from the shadow to visit me. After stealthily carved some runes on it, I returned the token of prophecy to Kazuyori. ¡°I believe you didn¡¯t show this token to me or Hisami when we wanted to buy Yunno and Yui because you were afraid it will affect their price. But now, when you see some value on them, you use it as a basis to take them back.¡± ¡°It¡¯s true that our household want to take Yunno and Yui back,¡± In calm tone Kazuyori admitted her intention. ¡°However, we will return not only your money. We will also add some additional amount as an apology because we have inconvenience you.¡± ¡°What if I refuse?¡± I calmly said. After a moment of silence Kazuyori said, ¡°Warrior Deitoro, the money we offer you as an apology is three times than the money you paid for Yunno and Yui.¡± I could tell that inwardly Kazuyori was bleeding profusely as she had to offer me so much money. That¡¯s made me very happy honestly, but at the same time I wondered how she suddenly got such huge amount of money. At the same time, Yunno and Yui had worry and anxiousness all over their face. So, without further ado I expressed my stance. ¡°I don¡¯t give Yunno and Yui back to this household.¡± As I took out the purchase letter of Yunno and Yui, I added, ¡°And I believe I hold the legal high ground on this matter.¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro, plea---¡± ¡°I said I don¡¯t give Yunno and Yui back,¡± I firmly said before pointing at the token of prophecy on Kazuyori¡¯s hand. ¡°Not to mention, the prophecy on this token is false.¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro,¡± Head Constable Shouji warily said. ¡°Even Kamakura¡¯s City Magister has put a great deal of faith on this token of prophecy. I was here when he personally check it. I think it¡¯s not wise to carelessly mock it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not mocking it.¡± I then turned my gaze to Old Banno and continued, ¡°Old Banno, please give this token a drop of your blood and we will see the truth.¡± At first Old Banno was hesitating. However, after Head Constable Shouji nodded at him, he immediately made a small cut on tip of his finger, and then put a drop of his blood on the token of prophecy. BZZZBZZZBZZBZZZ¡­.!!! An eerie buzz was heard as soon as Old Banno¡¯s blood touched the token of prophecy, followed by a thin black smoke that came out of the small plate. Then, new wording appeared on it. ¡°Ancient bloodline purifies demonic prophecy. beware of demon in human flesh.¡¯ ¡°This¡­ How can this happen?¡± Shock was clearly visible on Old Banno¡¯s face. At the same time, Kazuyori and the rest dropped their jaw. However, the one who showed the greatest shock was Head Constable Shouji. He even fixed his gaze on me while tilted his head to the side. Well, maybe it¡¯s too flashy, but I had to do it in a way that gave the mole enough push to act. Then, I said, ¡°See, this token of prophecy is false.¡± ¡°Warrior Deitoro,¡± Head Constable Shouji looked at me straight in the eyes as he continued, ¡°How do you know that Old Banno¡¯s blood will purifies the demonic prophecy?¡± ¡°When I was young, I learn a thing or two about art of forecast and fortune telling,¡± I calmly lied. ¡°I see,¡± Head Constable Shouji said as he nodded a few times. ¡°Now, please excuse me and my wife. We will take Yunno and Yui with us.¡± ¡°Wait,¡± Kazuyori said as she turned her gaze to Head Constable Shouji, ¡°Old Shouji, you promise us, you will help us.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Head Constable Shouji said, ¡°I can lend you some money to buy Yunno and Yui back and ensure the process go peacefully, but I can force Warrior Deitoro to agree to the transaction. Also, your household should be grateful that Warrior Deitoro refuses the transaction without making a fuss for the beating you gave to Yunno. If it¡¯s other warriors, I believe they will make sure someone from Tadaoka Household receive an equal beating, or something worst.¡± After a smile I said, ¡°I don¡¯t mind if Tadaoka Household refuse to put a stop to the matter.¡± ¡°No, please, Warrior Deitoro,¡± Panic filled Old Banno¡¯s face to the brim as he added, ¡°We won¡¯t stretch over the matter.¡± ¡°Well, excuse us then.¡± After asking Kazuyori to return Yunno¡¯s kodachi, I and Kato took Yunno and Yui to leave Tadaoka Household. As for the leaked recipe, I would deal with it later. ***** SC1 15.2 – Unexpected Guest SC1 15.2 ¨C Unexpected Guest Once we arrived in the hut, I checked Yunno¡¯s back one more time. After I¡¯m sure her wound was fully healed without leaving a mark, I let her to take afternoon bath with Yui and Kato. After that we have dinner. It went rather quietly than our usual dinner, but Yunno and Yui ate heartily so I could put mind slightly at ease. Then, I asked Yunno and Yui to go to the bed early, and they fell asleep in no time. Today event must be had taken some toll on them. As for Kato, she sat with me in the dinning hut. From her facial expression, I could tell she was nervous as hell, and she should be because I still couldn¡¯t forgive her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Because of my carelessness, Yunno had to experience an unbearable painful experience,¡± Kato bitterly said. ¡°Honestly, today event make me wonder, maybe I should have just killed you back then,¡± I casually said but Kato sensed it that I was drop dead serious, as she slightly flinched. ¡°I¡¯m ready to receive the punishment,¡± Kato firmly said. ¡°Well, I have no intention to punish you.¡± Worry instantly filled Kato¡¯s eyes to the brim, ¡°Do you want to get rid of me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s one of the options I¡¯m considering right now,¡± I casually admitted. ¡°Tell Yunno and Yui that you have to return to your hometown for an urgent matter, and you don¡¯t know when you can come back here. Then, I will imprint to your mind every fundamental knowledge and martial arts I know that suitable for you. I guarantee that this knowledge and martial arts will help you reach Level 20.¡± ¡°What about the Soul Binding you put on me?¡± Kato asked as she looked at me straight to the eyes. ¡°It will wear off on its own in 20 years, accordingly to our initial agreement.¡± ¡°Can I really reach Level 20 using the knowledge and martial art you gave me?¡± ¡°You can,¡± I firmly said. ¡°It will take ten years if you work hard, fifteen if you work moderately.¡± Shock and surprise instantly filled Kato¡¯s eyes to the brim. ¡°That¡¯s super super super too fast. Even Master Hisami would never imagine such possibility exists.¡± ¡°Yet, it exists,¡± I casually said. As question mark popped up in her forehead Kato¡¯s asked, ¡°It is not demonic path, is it?¡± ¡°No,¡± I gave Kato another firm reply. ¡°It¡¯s possible because you have solid innate talent and good soul mark. With correct knowledge and correct martial art to match it, reaching Level 20 is more than possible.¡± ¡°What happened after I reach Level 20?¡± ¡°You are on your own.¡± ¡°Meaning?¡± ¡°At Level 20, you will be more than capable to decide what you should do to breakthrough to higher level.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a long silence Kato asked, ¡°What is the other option?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°You stay here. I help you shaping your martial art step by step. I guarantee you will reach Level 20 in seven years.¡± ¡°At what cost,¡± Kato said as she curiously looked at me. ¡°Pretty much like our first agreement,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Yunno and Yui become your first priority. You put their safety, wellbeing, happiness, and everything else above your own. It¡¯s just that from now on, I will limit your discretion for everything related to them. You can¡¯t act or decide without my consent.¡± After a long silence Kato asked, ¡°What about your safety, your wellbeing, and your happiness? Can I put my own above yours?¡± ¡°You can,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Another surprise was clearly visible on Kato¡¯s eyes. I also could tell she had a hard time believing my answer. And so I assured her, ¡°I can manage my safety, wellbeing, and happiness on my own.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Kato then fell into contemplation, while I calmly enjoyed my tea. It was calm and quiet mood I enjoyed so much. But unfortunately, the mole that I tried to lure came out faster than I expected. ¡°Let¡¯s continue this talk later. I have to entertain unwanted guest right now.¡± ¡°Is it dangerous guest or just curious one?¡± ¡°Both.¡± ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Kato asked as she vigilantly scanned the dark bamboo forest around the hut. ¡°No. He is not strong enough to kill me.¡± ¡°Sanno, don¡¯t underestimate your opponent.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± After taking a glance on the darkest part of the bamboo forest I looked back at Kato. ¡°Until I come back, kill anyone who tries to enter the yard, even if it¡¯s a kid or weak-looking elderly.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Without further ado Kato took out her kodachi and put it in her lap. As for me, with casual steps I left the hut and went straight to the darkest part of the bamboo forest. It was around 40 meters from the hut so I arrived in no time. The unwanted guest had waited for me in a small opening. He didn¡¯t bother to hide his presence, but he hide his identity by wearing all black from head to the toe, along with black mask. However, with ease I used Essence Pulse to check his real identity, and the result was rather surprising. --- Based on Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, I knew Head Constable Shouji to some extent. He was an only child from an ordinary family. Both his parent die from plague that hit Rokube back then. At that time, Head Constable Shouji was only 14-year-old. He then joined the constable corps. Other than having hardworking and positive attitude, Head Constable Shouji also had friendly and fair personality which made people tend to like him. Lot of people agreed that those traits were the primary reason why his carrier was smooth and bright. He became head constable at the age of 36, the youngest head constable in Rokube since this town was built 320 years ago. And in the last 23 years since he led the constable corps, his reputation only became better and better. That¡¯s why I wondered, with such clean records why he chose to work for a demonic warrior. Not to mention, his martial art belong to orthodox path. Wasting no time I expressed my curiosity. ¡°Head Constable Shouji, may I know, what made you decide to serve a demonic warrior?¡± Even if Head Constable Shouji wore black mask, I still could see the shock that flashed in his eyes when I mentioned his name. ¡°Don¡¯t bother to deny,¡± I calmly added. ¡°Even though somehow, right now you are Level 2 warrior, I still can recognize you from the scar in your left thigh and right shoulder.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Head Constable Shouji took his black mask off. ¡°I know some high level warrior see things not only by their eyes. Even so, seeing a Level 1 do it really gives me unpleasant chill.¡± ¡°Sharp perception has nothing to do with level,¡± I calmly said, while inwardly I refrained myself from telling my potential enemy that dragon warrior had Essence Pulse as their sixth sense. After a small smile Head Constable Shouji said, ¡°Outer appearance is truly full of deception.¡± ¡°Tell that to yourself.¡± After a pause I added, ¡°Honestly, I never imagined that someone who is so clean like you works for demonic warrior.¡± As curiosity filled his face to the brim Head Constable Shouji asked me, ¡°How do you know I work for demonic warrior?¡± ¡°The poison on small tube on your left waist, it¡¯s concocted from a corps of newborn baby. Only high level pharmacist from demonic path knows the method, and only their most loyal subordinate has the joy to use it.¡± My explanation seemed had rung some alarm, as Head Constable Shouji suddenly increased his vigilant. ¡°Despite only a Level 1, you are far more knowledgeable than all warriors I have met. Too bad, I have to kill you.¡± Without a warning, Head Constable Shouji darted straight to me while withdrawing the short sword in his back. He didn¡¯t even want to finish our conversation before killing me. ¡®Damn Impatient Old Dude,¡¯ I muttered as I prepared myself to welcome the fight. ***** SC1 15.3 – The Sly Shouji SC1 15.3 ¨C The Sly Shouji In a blink of one eye Head Constable Shouji arrived in front of me. He was definitely faster than I expected. Moreover, I could feel he was determined to kill me. Then, he made his first attack. Slash! A compact and precise slash almost cut my chest open. Fortunately, I managed to step back in time. Of course, Head Constable Shouji gave a chase to my retreat and so I took out my kodachi. Clank clank clank clank! A series of lethal slash and parry took a place for a moment before Head Constable Shouji retreated and took a healthy distance from me. ¡°This is the first time I met a Level 1 who can match my slash and parry, in power and speed,¡± Head Constable Shouji said as he tried to reassess me using his sharp eyes. ¡®This is the first time I meet a Level 2 who masters slash and parry almost to perfection,¡¯ I replied inwardly. Then, I curiously asked, ¡°How many warrior have you killed so far?¡± ¡°Around thirty and some,¡± Head Constable Shouji replied with a tone that neither arrogant nor humble. ¡°I never thought there will be so many warriors visiting Rokube.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t kill them in Rokube, but around Kamakura. Mostly, it¡¯s a job from master.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a pause I tried to dig other vital information, ¡°May I know the highest Level on your butcher bill?¡± ¡°Level 5.¡± ¡®Shit!¡¯ I spontaneously cursed. If Head Constable Shouji truly managed to kill a Level 5, with my current level he would have a good chance to kill me. The bastard truly knew how to hide his skill. A sly and calculated type, the one I hated the most. After adjusting my assessment I asked another question, ¡°Did you kill the Level 5 using your slash and parry?¡± ¡°More or less.¡± After a pause Head Constable Shouji added, ¡°He was a young man from a renowned martial family. His martial arts is excellent, his foundation is also solid, but he underestimated my slash and parry too much.¡± ¡°I bet you put lot of effort on your slash and parry.¡± Head Constable Shouji casually nodded. ¡°I have no access to martial skill, so I train solely on slash and parry. After a few decades of hard work, it evolves into something that I can¡¯t even understand. I only know it¡¯s very deadly.¡± ¡®What a hardworking man, too bad he works for bad dude,¡¯ I muttered regrettably. ¡°By the way, can you tell me why you are working for demonic warrior?¡± After lowering his short sword to his side Head Constable Shouji replied, ¡°When I was 10 years old, my parent started selling me to pedophile who frequently visited Rokube. Master killed the bastard and my parents to free me, and I decided to repay him by becoming his follower, even though he clearly told me that he walked on demonic path.¡± ¡°And yet you didn¡¯t take demonic path like your master?¡± I asked as my curiosity went deeper.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°My job is to become his hidden mule in Rokube. I can¡¯t do that if I take demonic path. Not to mention, Master told me I¡¯m not suitable for it.¡± Now I¡¯m curious about this dude¡¯s soul mark. I could sense it. It was good soul mark, but I couldn¡¯t grasp the exact detail without checking his essence sea. ¡°Do you have other question?¡± Head Constable Shouji calmly asked me. In reflex I asked him back, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t mind answering whatever question I have in mind?¡± ¡°Well, our first exchange gives me enough clues that I¡¯m more than capable to kill you. So, it¡¯s not a big deal to satisfy your curiosity before I kill you.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After lightly nodding my head two times I asked another question, ¡°Why do you stays at Level 2? Is that because you have to become hidden mule?¡± ¡°No, master sends me essence cube two times a year, but finding good breathing technique is very difficult unless I join martial family or martial guild.¡± After a pause I asked the biggest curiosity in my mind, ¡°What is your master¡¯s plan to Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Without finishing his words, Head Constable Shouji suddenly vanished from my view. Fortunately, I kept my Essence Pulse in full display all the time. Even so, I still got a chill in my nape as only in millisecond, Head Constable Shouji already arrived in my left and gained a perfect position to mount a deathly slash to my lower body. It would be too late if I tried to block the incoming slash using kodachi in my right hand. I also couldn¡¯t avoid this horizontal slash by stepping backward or forward. All I could do was moving side step to the right and sacrificing my left belly. Slash! Blood splattered to the air right after the tip of the short sword cut my belly 2.5 cm deep, and even if I was fully prepared to sacrifice my belly, it was still hurt like a bitch. At the same time, the damnable Shouji didn¡¯t stop his attack. Worst of all, he used a wide and thick short sword like any other short sword, but swung it as if it was only a dinner knife. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to escape,¡± He said as he chased me and performed a series of rapid slash. Slash! Slash! Slash! ¡®Fuck me!¡¯ I could only curse as slash after slash hit my left belly. Fortunately, it didn¡¯t hit my vital even once, and just before the fourth slash I managed to reset my position and enabled my kodachi to block his relentless slash. Clank clank! After only two exchanges, Head Constable Shouji darted backward and maintained a healthy distance from my reach. In an instant, I deeply frowned. This was a fighting style loved by an expert knife user. First, you tried to end the fight as fast as possible with a sneak attack to the vital. If it failed, you switched into an attempt to turn your opponent into minced-meat. Mostly, by sending shallow but relentless slashes into body part you could reach without putting yourself to vulnerable position. This way, your opponent would drop dead on the ground from blood loss, sooner or later. The main idea from this fighting style was to avoid unnecessary risk. It looked simple, but lot of seasoned warrior managed to turn this simple concept into one of the most deadly fighting styles, and its lethality went up a few notches if you had correct movement step, like the one that the Sly Shouji used on me just now. ¡°Other than excellent slash and parry, you also have Blink Step,¡± I said as I looked at the Sly Shouji straight in the eyes. ¡°Other than master who gave it to me, you are the first warrior who recognized my Blink Step.¡± Surprise was clearly visible on Head Constable Shouji as he looked back to me. ¡°You truly have vast knowledge and experience.¡± ¡®What a sly bastard.¡¯ I couldn¡¯t help but muttered another curse. Never did I imagine that a Level 2 warrior from a backwater town would have Blink Step. Moreover, the Sly Shouji used it on me only after he believed he had lowered my guard by satisfying my curiosity to some extent. As the result, in less than a second he had carved a few pieces of sashimi out of my damn belly. Even without checking it visually, I could feel my blood leaking out from my wound like a flood. ¡®I have to wrap up this fight as fast as I could,¡¯ I muttered as I casted Healing Spell to my left belly. It would stop the bleeding and closed the wound to some extent, but it could not replace the blood loss that started to show its annoying effect. After shaking my head to ward off some dizziness, I bluntly asked the Sly Shouji, ¡°Do you have other cards in your sleeve?¡± ¡°No, but right now my chance to kill you have increased a few folds I believe.¡± ¡°Yeah, good for you.¡± ¡°How about you work for master like me?¡± The Sly Shouji casually asked. ¡°No thanks,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°In that case, be ready to accept your death.¡± ¡®In your dream,¡¯ I muttered as the Sly Shouji vanished from my view one more time. ***** SC1 15.4 – Karmic Retribution SC1 15.4 ¨C Karmic Retribution Unlike his first attempt, for his second sneak attack the Sly Shouji didn¡¯t immediately attack me. It seemed he wanted to crack my nerve by making me waited in uncertainty. It was excellent tactic, but it wouldn¡¯t work on me. Blink Step would enable its user to teleport to a short distance. Therefore, it would be really hard to track Blink Step user using five senses alone. Fortunately, I had Essence Pulse and I never put it in pause even for a second. With the help of Essence Pulse, I could track the Sly Shouji¡¯s movement with ease. After he circled me in silent, he took high position in the biggest bamboo stalk in my left. Then, he casually waited for me to become impatient and restless. I guessed he would stay in his place forever if I kept maintaining my calm. Wasting no time, I made a slash to my left, and then to my right, before turning around and watched my surrounding vigilantly. As my eyes darted around searching for his presence, the Sly Shouji finally made his move. From his position, he launched a double-hand vertical slash right to my head. What a nasty old dude. In a blink of one eye, his short sword was already arrived just a half-meter above my head. Fortunately, I was fully ready to welcome it. BAAAMMM!! A loud thud echoed as my Shadow Hand hit the Sly Shouji from the side and sent him crashing to the nearby bamboo groove, but it was not over yet. Before the Sly Shouji got back to his feet, I already arrived behind him and without delay I killed his mobility. ¡°Keuk!!¡± The Sly Shouji made a small groan as my kodachi skewered his calves together. The pain must be unbearable. However, from his clear eyes I could tell the Sly Shouji didn¡¯t lose his clarity, and my judgment was correct. While gritting his teeth and gave me a sharp glare, the Sly Shouji tried to swing his short sword to my leg, but with ease I blocked and held his arm using Shadow Hand. Then, I folded both his arm to his back, and skewered it together using his short sword. Now, with all his limbs were being skewered and immobile, I could leisurely talk to the Sly Shouji. But before that, I took a tube of fresh water and moistened my throat with a few big gulps. ¡°Do you want some?¡± I casually offered the fresh water to harmless Shouji. ¡°No,¡± Shouji replied while maintaining his sharp gaze on me. ¡°Once is luck, but perfectly countering my ambush twice is definitely a skill. What trick do you use to track my movement?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me who in position to interrogate you, not the other way around,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°You will get nothing from me,¡± Shouji confidently said. ¡°Master put a Soul Binding on me. It will prevent me from spiting any information about him.¡± ¡°Actually, the Soul Binding your master put on you is the reason I don¡¯t kill you.¡± After a smile I added, ¡°I knew a trick to make the Soul Binding work on my favor.¡± Wasting no time, I checked the black sword tattoo on Shouji¡¯s neck. As I suspected, it was not ordinary tattoo, but a Soul Binding. Most of all, it was only Soul Binding on the most basic form so I could hack it with ease. By using my blood, I rewrote the Soul Binding without severing the master and slave relationship between Shouji and Wanderer Oracle. It was just that now, the relationship was one level lower than the master and slave relationship between me and Shouji. As soon as the modification on his Soul Binding went active, Shouji immediately felt the difference. In an instant, he gave me a puzzle look. ¡°How did you do that?¡± ¡°Do what?¡± I calmly replied. As the question mark in his face grew larger Shouji said, ¡°It¡¯s impossible to modify Soul Binding.¡± ¡°Actually, it entirely depends on the level of the rune being used to carve binding. If the rune master use only basic rune, it¡¯s entirely possible to alter the Soul Binding without any consequence.¡± ¡°Who is your real identity?¡± Look of wary filled Shouji¡¯s face to the brim as he continued, ¡°In the whole continent, Master¡¯s rune art is among the top.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how high the standard of rune art in this continent, but I can assure you, your Master¡¯s rune art is only at basic level of true rune art.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°Impossible!¡± Surprise looks filled Shouji¡¯s face to the brim, but I ignored it. ¡°Give me the detail about your master and his plan for Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Shouji tried his best to seal his mouth, but it was futile. Now, he was under my Soul Binding. He couldn¡¯t defy my order. Like a happy singing bird, he spat out every piece of information I asked for. --- Shouji¡¯s master was well known in martial world. People called him Wanderer Oracle, a righteous warrior from orthodox path. Of course, it was only his front, a convenient identity to enable him to move among the orthodox warrior with ease. It was not new thing for me. Demonic warrior loved to use this way of living to ensure their survival. I was also not surprise that Wanderer Oracle reached Level 14 when he was 25-year-old. It¡¯s just that if right now, 20 years later he still didn¡¯t have another breakthrough, it meant his innate talent was mediocre. Of course, compared to my current level, he was still a warrior that could kill me with a single move. Fortunately, right now he was busy with something else so he couldn¡¯t go to check the latest development on his plan for Yunno and Yui. The plan itself was simple. The Wanderer Oracle wanted Yunno to become demonic warrior, by putting her into misery through her own family. To do this, he ordered Shouji to kill my brother-in-law and my older sister. My brother-in-law¡¯s murder was being faked as robbery, while my sister had been killed using poison that eroded her health a bit by a bit. Once Yunno and Yui lost their parent, Shouji only had to encourage Kazuyori to put the two into misery. Most of all, the reason why Manno didn¡¯t graduate even after years of study and total support from the whole family, was because Wanderer Oracle used his influence to ensure everything was staying that way. If Manno didn¡¯t graduate, then with Kazuyori¡¯s unreasonable obsession to make Manno became government official, the Tadaoka¡¯s household condition would only worsen as time went on, and Yunno and Yui would become the ones who suffered the most. ¡°Does Kazuyori or other member of Tadaoka Household know that you killed my brother-in-law and my oldest sister?¡± I calmly asked. ¡°No, they don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Did the Wanderer Oracle ask you to make a move on me after I bought Yunno and Yui?¡± ¡°Master only asked me to observe you until I know your real identity and purpose.¡± ¡°Who do you think I¡¯m?¡± ¡°Initially, I suspected you just demonic warrior from other continent,¡± The Sly Shouji casually replied. ¡°What made you think that way?¡± ¡°You have no traces or trail, and just appeared in Rokube out of nowhere. You also build a hut in remote area, and clearly know nothing about the martial world in the area. All of that is the sign of demonic warrior on the run.¡± After a pause Shouji added, ¡°That¡¯s until our encounter in Tadaoka Household today. After seeing the care you show for Yunno and Yui, I¡¯m sure you are not demonic warrior and will definitely disrupt master¡¯s plan.¡± ¡°Have you notified Wanderer Oracle that I try to upset his plan?¡± ¡°Not yet,¡± Shouji calmly replied. ¡°I plan to send the words after I interrogate you and fully grasp the situation.¡± ¡°Well, in that case, just inform your former master that I¡¯m truly a demonic warrior who plans to turn Yunno and Yui into the worst nightmare possible for orthodox warrior.¡± After a short silence Shouji said, ¡°Let me guess, after I send the words, you will ask me to kill myself and make it as if it¡¯s a suicide.¡± ¡°Nope, why the fuck I order you to do such useless thing,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want me to become your slave.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± I openly admitted my intention. ¡°You make Yunno and Yui lost their parent. It¡¯s only natural that now you become their dharma protector. It¡¯s your karmic retribution.¡± As Shouji fell into silent, I took out my kodachi from his calf, along with the short sword from his arm. ¡°Let me check your spatial ring,¡± I said as I return Shouji¡¯s short sword. ¡°Here.¡± The Sly Shouji obediently gave me his spatial ring, and I immediately checked it. Then, I couldn¡¯t help but dropped my jaw. In his spatial ring, I found 115 essence cubes, money up to 63.500 Monn, 8 pieces Healing Scroll, and dozen 50-gr gold bars. ¡°How can you so rich?¡± ¡°Like I said earlier, master sends me essence cube two times a year,¡± Shouji casually replied. ¡°But my breathing technique can¡¯t absorb it, so it keeps piling up in my spatial ring.¡± ¡°What about the money? I curiously asked. ¡°Your monthly income as a head constable in small town like Rokube, I believe is no more than 700 monn.¡± ¡°I sell loots from warrior I kill in Kamakura underground bazaar, and because I don¡¯t have family I can spend the money with, it also piles up in my spatial ring.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Without delay, I took almost everything. I only left behind the gold-bars, six money bags worth 500 monn each, 6 Healing Scroll, and 10 essence cubes. Shouji instantly gave me a sharp glare as soon as he realized I just robbed him. However, after I perfectly healed his wound using Healing Spell, he immediately reduced his sharp glare significantly. Then, question mark filled his gaze after I imprinted the full and perfect version of Blink Step to his mind. And after I found that his soul mark was White Tiger, I imprinted White Lightning as his breathing technique, and Lightning Bolt as additional offensive means. In an instant, the curiosity on Shouji¡¯s eyes turned into astonishment. It seemed he recognize that White Lightning and Lighting Bolt was not ordinary art. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, who is your true identity?¡± ¡°Just a warrior who tries to retire in peace.¡± I could tell Shouji didn¡¯t believe me at all, but I didn¡¯t give a damn and added, ¡°Honestly, you have passed the most ideal time to have White Lightning, but it will still more than enough to help you reach Level 18 in a few years. It will also booster your Blink Step and slash & parry into a new whole level, so don¡¯t be lazy and continue your training.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± After a short pause Shouji asked, ¡°But what about my job as hidden mule?¡± ¡°Continue it as usual, and help me prevent Wanderer Oracle from come here personally, for a few years at least. Just tell him his plan for Yunno and Yui go according to his wish, even after I have bought Yunno and Yui.¡± After a short ponder I added, ¡°Does Wanderer Oracle have another mule in Rokube?¡± ¡°As far as I know, he doesn¡¯t,¡± the Sly Shouji firmly replied. ¡°But he has a dozen loyal men in Kamakura.¡± ¡°I see. Let¡¯s talk about it later, and don¡¯t contact me unless it¡¯s emergency. When I need you, I will secretly contact you.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Without delay, I and Shouji then parted our way. I returned to the hut, while Shouji returned to Rokube. We walked in casual steps as if our previous deathly fight was never happened. ***** SC1 16.1 – Drinking With Yui SC1 16.1 ¨C Drinking With Yui When I got back to the hut, Kato still sat in the dinning hut. She was calm as still water, holding her kodachi in her lap. As soon as I entered the yard, she immediately got up to her feet and walked over to me, and creased her brows when she saw massive blood stain in my clothes. ¡°How could you get this bloody mess? You said you could handle it alone.¡± ¡°I said he is not strong enough to kill me,¡± I casually replied. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t hurt me.¡± ¡°How bad is your wound?¡± ¡°I already treated it using Healing Spell. It¡¯s not critical anymore.¡± ¡°Who is our guest?¡± ¡°Shouji.¡± Big question mark instantly appeared on Kato¡¯s forehead. ¡°Shouji the Head Constable from Rokube?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Did you kill him?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°You let him go after he almost killed you.¡± ¡°He is not a threat anymore.¡± ¡°How so?¡± Wasting no time, I told Kato everything. Once I finished the story, she instantly gave me a worry look. ¡°Sanno, we should leave this place and start over using new identity. Level 14 is beyond us.¡± After taking a deep breath I said, ¡°I believe Wanderer Oracle have established a wide and deep network in this continent. We can avoid him for a while, but it¡¯s just a matter of time before he discovers our whereabouts.¡± ¡°At least, it will give us some time to prepare ourselves,¡± Kato insisted. ¡°We can prepare ourselves here. Most of all, rather than going into a place where we don¡¯t know the identity of his mole, staying here where Shouji can warn us about his arrival is the best option we have for now.¡± After a short pause I added. ¡°But I don¡¯t mind if you chose to leave. My offer is still the same.¡± ¡°No,¡± Kato firmly replied. ¡°I have been thinking about it carefully. I chose to stay.¡± ¡°My I know the reason?¡± I curiously asked. As she looked at me straight in the eyes Kato said, ¡°I like to stay with Yunno and Yui as their guardian. Your limitation on my discretion for everything that related to them is pisses me off. I feel like you treats like an idiot, but I can handle it.¡± ¡°You have just put Yunno and Yui in a peril. How I can trust you after that,¡± I genuinely said. ¡°Honestly, there is even a moment when I think you are just a senseless dumb.¡± ¡°...¡± Kato gave me a displease look, but I had no intention sugar coating my words. If she couldn¡¯t handle it, it was not too late for her to leave for once and all. Of course, if she chose to stay and do her role as best as she could, she would receive worthy reward. I would make her into the best warrior she could be, beyond her imagination. And actually, I planned to make her reach Level 20 in four years. I didn¡¯t tell her about this because if she decided to stay, I wanted she do it because she had her own reason. At the same time, I honestly couldn¡¯t say for sure that what Kato told me was the truth or not. I also couldn¡¯t check her latest memory through Soul Binding, as this method worked only for a kid under ten-year-old. However, if she wanted to stay then she could stay.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind,¡± Kato woke me up from my pondering. ¡°I want us to legally register our relationship. I know it¡¯s only an act, but let¡¯s play it as good as possible. We will do it for 20 years.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mind, but I can¡¯t show my face right now.¡± ¡°When they marry, warriors only have to show their face when they perform marriage vow. And I already took care of it,¡± Kato then took out a set of document from her spatial storage and handed it over to me. ¡°You only need to put your hand sign and thumb print on the registration form. I will register it in Rokube civil affair and administration hall tomorrow.¡± Wasting no time I checked the marriage registration form. It was already being filled with Kato¡¯s neat handwritten, while in one of the attachments I found record from Rokube main temple. It stated that I and Kato had performed our marriage vow and received the marriage blessing from the head priest personally. ¡°How did you get the record and blessing from main temple?¡± ¡°Some donation has convinced the head priest to issue it personally.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I nodded before adding, ¡°Let me register it tomorrow. I believe it¡¯s my job as the head of the household to do it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Then, I handed over all the money I took from Shouji to Kato, along with 20 essence cubes. ¡°Use the money for our household expenditure, and use the essence cube for yourself.¡± As she looked at the essence cubes in her palm Kato said, ¡°These essence cubes are too many for me alone. I will share it with Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°I will supervise their essence cube consumption directly, and you can only use your essence cube when you are undergoing a breakthrough, or when you have emergency in a fight.¡± ¡°Do you mean that for my daily training, I should only absorb essence directly from the air?¡± ¡°Trust me. It¡¯s the best training method to reach the highest level possible.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± After a moment of silence Kato turned her gaze to me and in low voice she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry about today¡± ¡°Just make sure that from now, one of us takes turn to stay with Yunno and Yui all the time.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Also, please give them lot of hug and kiss.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Kato firmly replied. ¡°Well, that¡¯s all. I need to take a bath.¡± ¡°Mhmm¡­ Do you need my help with your bath?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m good.¡± ¡°I will go sleep then.¡± ¡°Have a nice sleep.¡± Without delay I continued my walk to the bath hut, while Kato went to the resting hut. --- After the bath, I went to dinning hut and took my time to enjoy a bottle of warm sake. As I gently took a sip of my first cup, my mind went to ponder about today incident. What happened to Yunno and Yui was regrettable. If I could time travel and go back, I would prevent it by all means. But at the same time, the incident gave me an important clue. The possibility Yunno turned into a calamity still exist. I thought by killing Hisami I had taken it down for good, but I was wrong. There was someone else who could turn Yunno into calamity, and this person was far more dangerous than Hisami. Now, raising Yunno and Yui in a good environment was not enough anymore. I had to eliminate Wanderer Oracle by all means, and I hoped I have enough time to prepare myself. Then, I heard a light movement from resting hut. A moment later, Yui exited the hut and she had a tense look in her face as she walked over to dining hut. I calmly waited before finally Yui arrived two steps before me, and then she dropped to her knees and put her forehead to the ground. ¡®What is this?¡¯ My eyes widened as big question mark popped in my mind. ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui said while maintaining her prostrating posture. ¡°Please don¡¯t chase Big Sis Yunno from the household. It¡¯s Yui who leaked the recipe. Big Sis Yunno loves this place so much. Please just chase away Yui alone.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± I casually asked. ¡°How much do you like this place?¡± ¡°Yui loves it so much too, but Yui has broken the taboo so Yui has to receive the punishment.¡± ¡°The thing is,¡± I casually said. ¡°I don¡¯t blame you or Yunno for the leak, and I have no intention to chase you from my household.¡± Yui slowly raised her head and then looked at me with her clear eyes while hesitantly asked, ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°So, get up and sit here. Accompany me enjoy a few cups of drink.¡± As Yui just stayed still in her place, I immediately helped her to get up to her feet, and then gently wiped clean the dirt on her forehead and knees. After that, I lifted and sat her across me, and took out another cup and a pot of warm lemon and ginger from my spatial storage. ¡°This is lemon and ginger sweetened with honey,¡± I said as I poured Yui the lemon and ginger. ¡°Have a try.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± After giving me a nod Yui took the lemon and ginger and sipped it. ¡°It¡¯s tasty.¡± ¡°Glad you like it.¡± After a smile I said. ¡°Now, let¡¯s talk about the leak.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Yui nodded while her face became tense once again, so I immediately explained. ¡°Next time you and Yunno are in danger, remember this, do whatever necessary to survive until I or your aunt come to save you. Or, until you have the chance to escape from the situation.¡± ¡°What if, to survive we have to leak some of our household secret?¡± ¡°Just leak it if you have no other choice, but do it slowly and avoid to give everything in one go, because once you tell your captor everything, you will lose your value and the worst will happen.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± ¡°Your life is more important than recipe or martial skill I gives you. Don¡¯t ever forget that.¡± ¡°Hai,¡± Yui firmly nodded. ¡°Yui will remember it.¡± ¡°Good.¡± After taking a deep breath I said, ¡°Now, I will teach you about etiquette in drinking gathering.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Yui gave me another firm nod, and after a smile I started my explanation. ***** SC1 16.2 – Breakthrough SC1 16.2 ¨C Breakthrough From Unfortunate Sanno¡¯s memory, I learned that drinking culture among the locals was similar to drinking culture in Japan. One of its fundamental etiquettes was toasting or a good cheer wish, and you should never drink before toasting with your drinking buddy because it was considered very rude. The toasting itself was simple. If you did it with your friend or drinking buddy with equal position, you could do it with one hand and the position of the glass was equal. While if you did it with someone you respected like your teacher, or someone older, both parties would hold their glass with both hands, and the one with lower position would put their glass slightly lower. Seeing Yui attentively listened to my explanation, I couldn¡¯t help but smiled. Then, I asked, ¡°Do you get it?¡± ¡°Hai!¡± Yui said while giving me a firm nod. ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± I immediately raised my glass with both hands and Yui followed me. After that, we lightly touched each other glass, and Yui positioned her glass slightly lower than mine. Clink! ¡°¡°Cheeers!¡±¡± We said the good cheer wish together, and then happily took a sip of our drink. Overall, Yui did it rather clumsy, but it was good enough for a first timer. The most important thing was that she looked very happy and had a big smile in her face after sipping her lemon and ginger. ¡°In a drinking gathering, someone with lower position also have to pour the drink for someone with higher position when his glass or cup is empty. It¡¯s a sign of attentiveness.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Wasting no time, Yui took the bottle of my sake while I raised my cup with both hands. Then, while she had a super serious but also cute expression all over her face, Yui carefully poured me the sake. ¡°Thank you.¡± I happily said before taking a sip of the sake. If this was Japan, I would definitely end up in jail for asking a minor to pour me alcohol. Fortunately, this was not Japan and no police officer patrolling the area, so I guessed it was fine. Then, I continued with my explanation, ¡°In some occasions, someone with higher position also pours a drink for someone with lower position. It¡¯s a sign of affection.¡± Wasting no time I took the teapot with both hands, while Yui hold her glass precisely like my example. ¡°Thank you, Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui said after I poured her the lemon and ginger. Then, she took a sip from her glass before turning her gaze to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, can Yui have sake too?¡± ¡°No, definitely no.¡± I firmly said. ¡°Why Yui can¡¯t have a sake?¡± Yui asked as she gave me a curious look. ¡°Alcohol will negatively affect your growth,¡± I said in a drop dead serious tone. ¡°Until your 20th birthday, you cannot drink alcohol unless it¡¯s being prescribe by a healer and has specific medical purpose. Got it?¡± ¡°Hai,¡± Yui firmly replied. ¡°Yui won¡¯t drink alcohol before Yui¡¯s 20th birthday.¡± ¡°Good,¡± I happily said. ¡°Now, in drinking gathering, we will also have a snack to accompany our drink.¡± Wasting no time, I took out a plate of deep fried broccoli from my spatial ring and put it on the table. ¡°This is broccoli karaage, a testing dish I make a few days ago. I coated the bite-sized broccoli with sweet potato flour seasoned with coarse sea salt and garlic powder, and then deep fry it. Have it a try.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Wasting no time, Yui reached out for a piece of broccoli karaage, put it in her mouth, and munched it. Then, she happily said, ¡°It¡¯s tasty.¡± ¡°The crispiness and the saltiness that hit your palate here and there, it¡¯s addictive, right?¡± ¡°Hai,¡± Yui firmly said before taking another piece of broccoli karaage. ¡°You can sprinkle it with seaweed flake or chili flake to elevate the flavor,¡± I said as I put two sprinkle bottles made of bamboo cane on the table.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Then, I sprinkled a piece of broccoli karaage with chili flake before munching it. Without delay Yui followed my example. She curiously sprinkled a piece of broccoli karaage with seaweed flake before munching it, and in an instant astonishment filled her eyes. ¡°The seaweed flake really increases the broccoli¡¯s tastiness.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± After a smile I added. ¡°Broccoli karaage is best to be enjoyed when it¡¯s hot, so don¡¯t let it cool down.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Without delay Yui took another piece of broccoli karaage and sprinkled it with chili flake and happily munched it. I couldn¡¯t help but had a smile as Yui enjoyed it so much. It was easy to tell she was a hearty eater. The daily diet in Tadaoka Household must be giving her a hard time. The food was not adequate enough both in quantity and nutritional value, to the point her body became very skinny. However, she never complained about it. Not even once. Fortunately, now she lived with me. I would ensure she became excellent warrior that could control her own fate, while having excellent cooking skill to satisfy her foodie nature. Then, before I realized it, broccoli karaage in the plate had already gone to the last piece. It was not a healthy diet for a four-year-old kid eating a whole plate of fried food at night. However, it was only an occasional event. Not to mention, Yui¡¯s daily routine took lot of physical toll from her small body. So, I guessed it was fine as long as she didn¡¯t do it every night. After taking another sip of my sake I asked, ¡°Yui, do you like the broccoli karaage?¡± ¡°Mhm. Yui likes it so much. Can Uncle Deitoro teach Yui how to make it?¡± ¡°Do you want to know how to make it?¡± Yui firmly nodded. ¡°Yui want to make it for Big Brother Sanno.¡± ¡°Sooner or later, I will teach you and Yunno how to make it,¡± I happily replied. ¡°As for now, let¡¯s have a night rest.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Yui obediently replied. After brushing our teeth, we then went to sleep. Inside the resting hut, we found Kato and Yunno were fast asleep. Wasting no time Yui carefully slipped into under the blanket, and nestled herself next to Yunno. A moment later, she already fell asleep peacefully. I immediately took my mask off and calmly waited for my eyes to close on its own. However, I felt a sudden but nostalgic sensation from my essence circuit and essence sea. It was a sign that I would undergo a breakthrough. It seemed the deadly fight against Shouji had stimulated my breakthrough. Wasting no time, I got up silently and returned to dining hut. Normally, you would need someone to guard you when you underwent a breakthrough. It was very dangerous if you were disturbed in the middle of breakthrough. The backlash from a fail breakthrough could kill you. But I knew my breakthrough would be quick and smooth, so I carried it out unguarded. After checking the surrounding area using Essence Pulse and was sure I had nothing to worry about, I sat in mediation position and put Dragon Breath in full rotation. Then, like a hungry and giant sink hole, my essence sea and essence circuit dried up the essence in the area up to radius 5 km. Three minutes later, I had completed the breakthrough to Level 2. Well, my essence sea and essence circuit was already at Level 99, so my breakthrough basically was only a level up for my body. In short, my body became stronger and could withstand the use of essence in higher volume. The breakthrough also fully healed the wound on my left belly, while my internal spatial storage doubled its size into six units of 40-feet shipping container or equivalent to 406 cubic meters. It was like having a personal warehouse that followed me wherever I go. However, overall the breakthrough brought me no joy. In my previous life, I treated my breakthrough to Level 2 casually, while the other kids celebrated it jubilantly. At that time, I just didn¡¯t have the drive to become warrior. As for now, even though I had the drive to become as strong as possible, I still had no mood to celebrate my breakthrough. After experiencing the power of Level 99, the breakthrough to Level 2 was tasteless as hell. ¡®Well, a journey of thousand miles starts with a single step,¡¯ I casually muttered. ¡®And at least, Level 2 will enable me to use Shadow.¡¯ Shadow was a skill to generate a clone, the signature skill of Black Dragon Warrior and the reason why they were feared by other dragon warrior on the same level. Without delay, I executed Shadow to create my first clone. Slowly but surely, a gentle rippled appeared on my shadow, and then my clone slowly popped up from it. Like any clone being generated using Shadow, he had physical form precisely like me. It¡¯s just that he was only a Level 0. His internal spatial storage was also only as big as a 40-feet shipping container, and it wouldn¡¯t become bigger even if he breakthrough to higher level. ¡°Your name is Deitoro-01. You will play the role as Warrior Deitoro when circumstance demands it.¡± I said as I handed over a set of clothes to first my clone. ¡°I will get you the Akatsuki robe and red demon mask later.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Wasting no time, Deitoro-01 put his clothes on while I made another clone. ¡°Your name is Sanno-01. You will play the role as Tadaoka Sanno when circumstance demands it,¡± I said as I handed over a set of clothes to my second clone. ¡°Understood.¡± Then, I made another four clones and I reached my limit. Fortunately, six clones were more than enough to meet my current need. Even when I was Level 99, I had only three clones to ensure they had enough training resource to match my level. As for now, I needed additional four clones to help me train Yunno and Yui. ¡°Your name is Otter, Civet, Badger, and Weasel. You will play the role as my vassals.¡± I said as I handed over a set of clothes to my last four clones one by one. ¡°I will get you your mask later.¡± ¡°¡°¡°¡°Understood.¡±¡±¡±¡± ¡°For now, you all just stay in my shadow until I call you.¡± Wasting no time, one by one my clone stepped in into my shadow, sank, and disappeared without a trace. When they were staying in my shadow, their body would be in sleeping state while their mind and memory would merge into one with mine. This was the first time in this life my mind merged with my clones¡¯ mind, so I felt a little dizzy. Fortunately, it was only for a moment. After taking a few deep breaths, I went to sleep. ***** SC1 16.3 – Calm Morning SC1 16.3 ¨C Calm Morning Morning in the hut went as usual. I woke up, wore my mask, and then went to side yard. The essence concentration in the area had returned to normal level, so I took a few deep breaths and absorb some essence. A moment later, Kato exited from bath hut. Usually, she would go straight to dining hut to prepare breakfast. However, after taking a glance on me she immediately walked over to me. ¡°You have breakthrough to Level 2,¡± Kato asked me as she had surprise look all over her face. ¡°Yeah, it seems my fight with Shouji has stimulated my breakthrough.¡± ¡°Are you sure a deadly fight can stimulate our breakthrough?¡± I nodded and firmly replied, ¡°A life and dead fight is the best stimulation for breakthrough.¡± Kato instantly let out a sigh. ¡°I experienced numerous deadly fighting, but none of it stimulated my breakthrough.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because back then you didn¡¯t have good breathing technique,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°Not to mention, your breathing technique is not suitable for your soul mark and affinity.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Then, I heard a movement from the hut. A moment later, Yunno and Yui came out and the two immediately walked over to me with hasty step. ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yunno worriedly said. ¡°Yunno feel like there is storm in Yunno¡¯s essence sea. Yunno¡¯s essence circuit also fluctuates on its own.¡± ¡°Yui also feel the same thing,¡± Yui added. ¡°It¡¯s a sign you are ready to breakthrough to higher level. It seems yesterday event in Tadaoka Household have stimulate and speed up the time for your breakthrough.¡± I calmly said. ¡°Breakthrough?¡± Yunno asked while giving me a curious look. ¡°Yeah,¡± I nodded and explained, ¡°Every time you use your essence for training or fighting, you will absorb essence from the air a bit more than the amount you use. As time goes on your essence sea will reach its fullest capacity, and you are ready to breakthrough to next level. Do you get it?¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± I smiled as Yunno and Yui gave me a nod at the same time. Then, I added, ¡°Now, be ready. I will guide you to undergo your first breakthrough.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, is it hurt when we breakthrough to next level?¡± Yui asked me in a tense tone. ¡°No, as long as the process is undisturbed,¡± I firmly replied before turning my gaze to Kato. ¡°Please stand guard while I¡¯m guiding Yunno and Yui.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± Kato immediately took out her kodachi and then vigilantly stood guard. As for me, I scanned the surrounding area using Essence Pulse before asking Yunno and Yui to sit in meditation position on the ground. Then, I used Soul Binding to guide their first breakthrough. As soon as their Dragon Breath went on full rotation, their essence sea and essence circuit immediately absorbed the essence in the area. Their rate of absorption was as fast as mine, but they would need a longer time to complete their breakthrough. Other than evolving their body, the process would also expand their essence sea and strengthened their essence circuit. Slowly but surely, thirty minutes had flew. Yunno and Yui were already soaking in sweats from head to toe, but there was no sign they would complete their breakthrough soon. At the same time, the essence concentration in the area started to dry out. Without delay I scattered 24 essence cubes on the ground, around Yunno and Yui. In rapid pace, the essence cubes vapor into air and being absorbed by Yunno and Yui until it disappeared without a trace. A few minutes later, Yunno and Yui essence sea finally stopped its expansion, while the fluctuation on their essence circuit calmed down. ¡°Take a slow and deep breath,¡± I said as Yunno and Yui opened their eyes, and I waited until they exhaled their third breath before asking, ¡°How is your feeling?¡± ¡°Yunno feel stronger,¡± Yunno happily said. ¡°Yui also feel stronger,¡± Yui added.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. ¡°Good,¡± I happily said, ¡°And congratulation, you just becomes a Level 1 warrior. Now, you are a full fledge warrior.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°There is still some time for morning practice. Let¡¯s not waste it.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Kato abruptly said as she walked over to me. ¡°Are you sure Yunno and Yui can have morning training right away after their breakthrough? They have to rest a few days until their body fully accept their new essence sea and essence circuit, don¡¯t they?¡± ¡°Their body already accepts their new essence sea and essence circuit right now,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°How sure are you?¡± Kato asked as she looked at me straight in the eyes. ¡°Ten out of ten.¡± After a short pause I added, ¡°And just so you know, they need to stabilize each of their breakthroughs only for breakthrough after Level 20.¡± Big question mark in an instant popped on Kato¡¯s forehead. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Have you heard that after you reach Level 20, your body will not aging anymore?¡± ¡°I have,¡± Kato firmly replied. ¡°Level 20 is the borderline where a warrior starts their journey into immortality.¡± ¡°Yeah, each breakthrough after Level 20 will take a lot of toll on your body. That¡¯s why your body will need a few days to accept your new essence sea and essence circuit.¡± ¡°I see. This is the first time I hear about it.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Kato continued, ¡°When I breakthrough to Level 1, it took two full weeks to stabilize it before I could resume my training. As for master, it took only a few days but she still had to carefully stabilize her breakthrough.¡± ¡°In your case, it¡¯s because you use incompatible breathing technique. As for your master, I guess it¡¯s because she use low-end breathing technique that fully being dependent on essence cube and can¡¯t absorb pure essence from the air directly.¡± After slightly nodding her head Kato said, ¡°This is also the first time I see a breakthrough to Level 1 has dried up the essence in the surrounding area. Moreover, Yunno and Yui still need additional 24 essence cubes and absorb it in a blink of an eye.¡± ¡°Your breakthrough to Level 2 will be no different than them.¡± ¡°When do you think I will have it?¡± ¡°Keep training with me every night, and you will have it in 2-3 weeks.¡± ¡°That fast?¡± ¡°Yeah, that fast.¡± Astonishment was clearly visible in Kato¡¯s eyes, so I didn¡¯t explain to her that she was actually lagging behind. It was the side effect from using incompatible breathing technique for almost two years. Well, once the side effect was gone, her ability to absorb pure essence directly from the air would spike significantly. At that time, she would realize the side effect she had on her body on her own, and would have put more precaution on her training. Wasting no time, I took Yunno and Yui to drink warm soymilk before sweeping the yard and had morning training. As for Kato, she went preparing our breakfast. --- Drinking soy milk, sweeping the yard, morning practice, taking shower, and then having breakfast, Yunno and Yui had already got used to this routine. And as usual, the two heartily ate their food. They had gained some weight, so they looked healthy and sweet. At the same time, I could see Kato had a big relief in her heart after finding that Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t blame her for yesterday incident. Then, once the breakfast was over Yunno and Yui immediately tidied the table and did the dish in the laundry quarter. Wasting no time, I casted Soundproof Spell around the bath hut. At the same time, Kato took a sip of her tea before turning her gaze to me. ¡°Do you have something important you want to talk?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I briefly replied. Right now, even though Yunno and Yui already had proper clothes, it was just ordinary clothes and not warrior clothes. Their sandals were also ordinary sandals. That¡¯s why it got destroyed as soon as Yui used Wind Step in full rotation. And so I brought the matter, ¡°When will Yunno and Yui receive their warrior clothes?¡± ¡°In two weeks,¡± Kato casually replied. ¡°I thought I can finish it before Yunno and Yui reach Level 1, but their breakthrough comes faster than my estimation.¡± ¡°I see.¡± I nodded before asking, ¡°Can you get me additional warrior clothes, another traveler cloak, red demon mask, and some other masks?¡± ¡°I can, but for who?¡± Kato curiously asked. ¡°You already have several warrior clothes.¡± Wasting no time I presented my clones to Kato, and she dropped her jaw as they came out of my shadow one by one and introduced themselves. ¡°How can these clones are not just shadow, but have real body like normal human?¡± Kato asked in a tone full of astonishment as she gripped my clone¡¯s arm one by one. ¡°That¡¯s my innate skill,¡± I explained. ¡°When they are outside my shadow, my clones are no different than normal warrior. They need clothes, food, essence cube, weapon, and training.¡± ¡°I see.¡± Kato said, still in astonishment tone. ¡°I will prepare their clothes and everything else. They will also need personal hygiene supply I guess.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said as I asked my clones other than Sanno-01 to return to my shadow. ¡°What pretext you will use to explain the presence of Otter, Civet, Badger, and Weasel.¡± ¡°They are my vassals, but when no one around they will treat you like how I treat you. They are another form of my existence after all.¡± ¡°I see. You all are single existence.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± A moment later, Yunno and Yui exited the bath hut carrying the dishes they had just washed. As soon as they saw Sanno-01, they immediately jogged to him with big smile in their face. ¡°Big Bro Sanno,¡± Yunno said. ¡°Have you eaten breakfast?¡± ¡°I have,¡± Sanno-01 said as he kneeled in front of Yunno and Yui. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was not at home yesterday, so I couldn¡¯t prevent mother from hurt you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Yunno said. ¡°Yunno is fine now.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui happily added. ¡°Everything is fine now.¡± After a smile Sanno-01 said, ¡°Yeah. Fortunately, everything is fine now.¡± Sanno-01 was another form of my existence, so he would treat Yunno and Yui precisely like me. At the same time, when I saw the happiness in their eyes as they looked at Sanno-01, I realized something. For Yunno and Yui, the presence of Tadaoka Sanno is deeper than I thought. Then, I gave Sanno-01 the material for today study, kitchen work, and afternoon training. After that, he took Yunno and Yui to resting hut. I didn¡¯t know how long the process to complete the marriage registration in Rokube Civil Affair and Administration Hall, so today Sanno-01 would stay with them until I come back. And so, after finishing my tea I went to Sendai, while Kato went to Rokube to buy warrior clothes, mask, and personal hygiene supply for my clones. ***** SC1 17.1 – A Deal SC1 17.1 ¨C A Deal From a far I saw Kazuyori was sweeping the terrace. Her grumpy face was grumpier than usual. Maybe it was because her plan to generate money using Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t go according to her wish. As soon as I entered the front yard, she immediately came over to me. When she saw I brought harvest fewer than usual, she immediately creased her brows. ¡°How can you bring home only two pheasant and three hare?¡± ¡°It¡¯s better than nothing,¡± I replied. ¡°You don¡¯t sell some of the harvests in secret, do you?¡± ¡°Mother, you will immediately discover it if I sell the harvest secretly. Until then, don¡¯t throw baseless accusation at me, especially when I¡¯m very tired from the hunt.¡± I then handed over the harvest and Kazuyori accepted it while giving me a grumpy look. After that, I went to take a bath and have breakfast with the rest of the household. No one talking about yesterday incident, so I pretended I didn¡¯t know about it. They just ate their food as usual, except Yuko. She looked very gloomy and asked me if I can talk with her later, but I said I had no time and she didn¡¯t pressed me further. After the unpleasant breakfast, I carried out my plan to prevent the leak. With ease, I hypnotized Kazuyori to hand over the notes she got from Yui, and then I altered her memory and everyone else who had read the recipe, ensuring they couldn¡¯t remember the detail about the recipe. After that, I left the house, finding a quiet place and changed my appearance to Warrior Deitoro before going straight to Rokube. Then, as I walked I fell into ponder. Last night I calmly agreed to Kato¡¯s request, but this morning, after I realized I had no clue why Kato want us to legalize our relationship, I instantly got a chill in my nape. Unfortunately, it was too late to go back on my words. Not to mention, before I realized it I already arrived at Rokube Civil Affair and Administration Hall. After letting out a sigh I entered the hall and sat in waiting bench. It was not crowded, so I didn¡¯t have to wait for long before one of the clerks call me. As I sat in front of her the clerk asked me, ¡°What I can do for you, Ser Warrior?¡± ¡°I want to register my marriage,¡± I replied as I handed over the marriage registration document. After giving the document a quick check the clerk asked me another question, ¡°Is Ms. Kato also a warrior?¡± ¡°She is.¡± After adding some notes on the main form, the clerk then checked the attachment and said, ¡°You have performed marriage vow in main temple and received blessing from head priest personally. Your registration form also has no issue. So, just pay the registration fee and it¡¯s pretty much done.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± I said as I paid the registration fee. After that, the clerk legalized the marriage document and issued the marriage certificate. Honestly, I never thought the process would be that simple. Well, it was a good thing that the registration went smoothly. It¡¯s just that it was still greatly bothered my mind that I had no clue about Kato¡¯s expectation. It was impossible she has no expectation from the legalization of our relationship. The problem was, even if now we were officially a married couple, I would still consider our relationship as an act. I had no intention to go further no matter how long we would stay together. If one day it disappointed her, thing could get very ugly. Silver Fox Warrior, especially the female, was famous for their persistent in holding grudge and doing crazy thing whenever they felt to.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡®Damn it. I hope Kato doesn¡¯t have that kind of expectation from me,¡¯ I muttered in silent. Then, I just exited the hall when Warrior Konno stopped me. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, if you have time, Owner Tokuma wishes to meet you.¡± ¡°I have lot of times right now,¡± I casually said. ¡°Please follow me then.¡± Wasting no time, I followed Warrior Konno. --- Sotora was not located in the main street of Rokube Town. It was not even in the second street. This giant store was located in a relatively short third street. However, Owner Tokuma had bought all stores in this street and put some renovation effort on them. Therefore, this short third street was very neat, clean, and became the best shopping street in the town. People then called this street as Sotora Street. Without telling me anything, Warrior Konno brought me to an empty store in this street. It was three stores away from Sotora, and as far as I remembered it was an excellent eatery previously. It had 11 tables 4 chairs each, along with a u-shaped counter table with 10 chairs in total. The counter had no stove or preparation table, but my Essence Pulse detected a huge spatial storage on it. As for the back room, it was fully being used as a place to wash the dish and bathroom. It was also clearly visible that the store had just received a light renovation. I had to admit this store was quite excellent, both its interior and location. Every cook had a dream to have their own store. I was not exception, and this store made my heart drooling like an idiot. Unfortunately, it would take a few years before I could spare some money to set up my own store, and it would not as good as this one. Then, I was casually checking the counter table when an old man suddenly entered the store and walked straight to me. Despite his age and white hair, he still possessed vigorous bearing. In a glance I could tell he was a not ordinary Level 5 warrior. ¡°Warrior Deitoro, thank you for taking your time to meet me,¡± The old man politely said as soon as he arrived before me. ¡°My name is Tokuma Yagawa, the owner of Sotora, nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you too, Warrior Tokuma.¡± ¡°I have left both martial world and official affairs, so please just call me Owner Tokuma.¡± I nodded and said, ¡°As you wish.¡± After giving me a smile Owner Tokuma asked, ¡°What do you think about this store?¡± ¡°It¡¯s located in the best shopping street in the town. With good menu, it will thrive,¡± I casually replied. ¡°But if you try to offer it to me, I¡¯m afraid I have to decline. I have no money to rent it.¡± ¡°What about cooperation?¡± Owner Tokuma calmly asked. ¡°What kind of cooperation?¡± I curiously asked. ¡°Provide low-tier menu for this store in the day, and drinking snack in the evening.¡± ¡°Eatery in the day, and tavern in the evening,¡± I said in low voice. ¡°That¡¯s a nice set up and nice offer.¡± ¡°Do you accept it?¡± ¡°Why not?¡± After a short pause I added, ¡°But, may I know why the previous cook left such a good store.¡± ¡°I plan to open a few mid-tier eateries in Toba Mie, and he will handle one of them?¡± ¡°I see,¡± I said as I recalled Toba Mie would soon become a port that connected two continents. It was a nice gold mine if a cook knew how to handle it. ¡°He gets a better deal.¡± After giving me a deep gaze for a moment Owner Tokuma said, ¡°If you want to compete for a spot to handle mid-tier store in Toba Mie, I don¡¯t mind to put you in. I have two stores that the set up and cook is not fixed yet.¡± ¡°I appreciate the offer, truly, but no,¡± I firmly replied. ¡°I gladly take the offer to provide low-tier menu for this store.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Owner Tokuma happily said. ¡°The minimum table of menu before we can open this store is, three noodles dishes, five rice dishes, five non-alcoholic beverages, and six drinking snacks. I have approved your soy sauce oyster noodle and rice-bowl dishes you sent me a few days ago. Once I approve the rest, please provide 500 portions of each menu, and we can open the store.¡± ¡°What about the alcoholic beverage?¡± I curiously asked. ¡°I will provide it, but I need to taste your drinking snack before I can decide the best alcohol pairing.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Owner Tokuma then put over a document as he said, ¡°This is the last six months sales record from the previous cook. It will help you a lot when you design your menu.¡± ¡°Have you decided the store name?¡± I asked as I took the document. ¡°This store will represent your cooking, so please name it. And in case you don¡¯t want your real name to be known, please decide the cook name that we will put in the table of menu.¡± As he gave me another bundle of document Owner Tokuma added, ¡°And this is the draft for our contract, please study it while you prepare the menu. Once we reach final agreement, we will legalize it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± I happily received the draft. Then, after some small talk I left the store with big smile in my face. Having a store that represents their cooking was a dream for every cook. I was no exception. It was not my own store, but it still made me so damn happy. ***** SC1 17.2 – The Menu SC1 17.2 ¨C The Menu After dinner I studied the draft from Owner Tokuma. It was pretty much like what he had told me. My dishes would be sold through his store. Each menu had net price no higher than 3.50 monn after my profit. That way, Owner Tokuma had maximum margin for the profit and operational cost about 1.50 monn per dish, and the retail price for the most expensive dish would go no higher than 5 monn. As for the store management, I could give some advice but Owner Tokuma had the final say. On the other side, I didn¡¯t need to hand over my recipe. The draft also mentioned that Owner Tokuma could provide me a kitchen located in the Sotora¡¯s backyard, but I didn¡¯t need it. I would cook in working kitchen in the balcony. In summary, my part was cooking mostly. It wouldn¡¯t be enough for some cook, but for me it was an ideal offer. Then, I went to arrange the menu. My initial plan was to go with Japanese cuisine. Unfortunately, until now I still had not found soy sauce and mirin that could satisfy my standard. I also had not produce dashi, the soul that gave most Japanese cuisine its unique flavor. Therefore, I postponed my plan to offer Japanese cuisine and switched to Chinese cuisine. There were five Chinese seasoning staples I could not find locally. Oyster sauce, Chinese black vinegar, Shaoxing wine, Sichuan pepper, and doubanjiang. However, it was a problem I could solve with ease. I already produced home-made oyster sauce, so it was not a problem anymore. As for Chinese black vinegar, I could replace it by mixing equal amount of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and water. This improvised black vinegar worked very well for most Chinese dishes, while for certain dishes I could use a combination of lemon juice and honey. As for Sichuan pepper, I would replace it with combination of dried orange peel, lemon leaf, and Cheyenne pepper flake. The flavor was not exactly the same, but it was closed enough. To substitute Shaoxing wine, I could just use cooking sake. While for doubanjiang or broad bean chili paste, I could replace it with combination of chili oil, ground red pepper, brown sugar, and 2-year-old miso paste with high percentage of soybean. And so, I arranged the menu. They were Chinese cuisine mostly, along with some Asian cuisine. Then, I calculate the production cost before pondering the name for the store. The chef who taught me Chinese cuisine and other Asian non-Japanese cuisine was Taiwanese, so I wanted the name for the store have Taiwan on it. Not to mention, every time I recalled my experience of exploring street food in Taiwan, it always motivated me to cook delicious dish. It deeply engraved in my mind that the small but great country of Taiwan managed to preserve both their native and Chinese culinary tradition in its best shape. They even evolved it further and absorbed other culinary tradition from around the world. I wanted this spirit became the soul of my first store. And the result was: The Great Country of Taiwan Affordable delicacies by Simple Cook Noodle Dishes 2.70 Monn/bowl Spicy Chili Garlic Pork Noodles 2.70 Monn/bowl Spicy Chili Garlic Shrimp and Squid Noodles 2.50 Monn/bowl Soy Sauce Oyster Noodles 2.50 Monn/bowl Soy Sauce Chicken Noodles 2.50 Monn/bowl Chicken Chow Mein (Chinese stir fry noodles) 2.50 Monn/bowl Squid and Shrimp Chow Mein 2.10 Monn/bowl Vegetarian Chow Mein Rice Bowl 2.00 Monn/bowl Mapo Tofu Bowl 2.00 Monn/bowl Kung Pao Chicken Bowl 2.00 Monn/bowl Kung Pao Squid Bowl If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.2.00 Monn/bowl Squid and Green Chili Bowl 1.65 Monn/bowl Chicken and Broccoli Bowl 1.65 Monn/bowl Sardine and Tomato Bowl 1.50 Monn/bowl Egg and Tomato Bowl Rice Burger 1.80 Monn/piece Ginger Pork Burger 1.80 Monn/piece Chicken Burger 1.50 Monn/piece Egg and Ham Burger Soup 0.35 Monn/bowl Potato Soup 0.20 Monn/bowl Egg Drop Soup Others 0.20 Monn/130 gr Cooked White Rice 0.08 Monn/small plate Kimchi (South Korean pickled-napa cabbage) 0.08 Monn/3 pcs Spinach Crackers (Garlic / Chili / Seaweed flavored) Drinking Snack 0.90 Monn/small plate Chili & Garlic Shrimp / Squid / Smelt / Pork Ribs 0.90 Monn/small plate Oyster Omelet 0.90 Monn/small plate Spicy Anchovy 0.75 Monn/3 pieces Egg Dumpling 0.75 Monn/6 pieces Fried Quail Egg 0.75 Monn/3 pieces Stuffed Fried Tofu 0.75 Monn/6 pieces Stuffed Steamed Tofu Ordinary Snack 0.20 Monn/small plate Chili & Garlic Tofu / Potato 0.10 Monn/small plate Roasted Peanut (Garlic / Chili / Seaweed flavored) 0.10 Monn/small plate Potato Chips (Garlic / Chili / Seaweed flavored) Hot Beverages 0.12 Monn/cup Lemon and Ginger 0.12 Monn/cup Warm Orange 0.12 Monn/cup Warm Lemon 0.08 Monn/cup Lemon Tea 0.08 Monn/cup Ginger Tea 0.08 Monn/cup Black Tea 0.05 Monn/cup Warm Water Cold Beverages 0.15 Monn/glass Ice Lemon and Ginger 0.15 Monn/glass Orange Juice 0.15 Monn/glass Apple Juice 0.15 Monn/glass Lemonade 0.12 Monn/glass Ice Lemon Tea 0.12 Monn/glass Ice Ginger Tea 0.10 Monn/glass Ice Tea 0.05 Monn/glass Ice Water And finally it was done. A moment later, Kato came out from resting hut and went straight to dining hut. As soon as she arrived before me, she put several piles of warrior clothes, masks, and personal hygiene supply on the table. ¡°I have ordered your robe through Sotora and will take a few days. I will also need a few days to make the second red demon mask,¡± Kato said. ¡°As for the rest, here they are.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Wasting no time I checked the goods. The personal hygiene supply consisted of two toothbrushes, a box of tooth paste, a pack of two soap bars, and a box of washing detergent. The masks were accordingly to my clone name, with the section on the mouth and chin was uncovered so they could wear it when they eat and drink. As for the warrior clothes, I instantly creased my brow as I found there were two types. The first type was ordinary warrior clothes, while the second one was black warrior clothes with black head cover. ¡°The ordinary ones are for daily use. The black ones are for when your clones carry covert errand,¡± Kato explained. I nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡± I had to admit, Kato¡¯s attentiveness was beyond my expectation. It was good thing that she decided to stay around. ¡°Are Yunno and Yui already sleeping?¡± ¡°They are.¡± Wasting no time I asked my clones to come out and handed over the goods. Without many words they put their mask on and store everything else in their spatial storage. The exception was Sanno-01, as he didn¡¯t need to wear mask. As for Deitoro-01, he had to wear the black head cover until Kato finished the red demon mask. ¡°Find a quiet place to train. Come back only when you reach Level 2,¡± I said to Deitoro-01 ¡°Got it.¡± After receiving all essence cubes I had, Deitoro-01 left the hut. At the same time, I asked my other clones to prepare the sample dishes for Owner Tokuma. After receiving the ingredient and equipment they needed, they went to working kitchen in the balcony and started the work right away. As for me, I stayed in the dining hut and explained the deal I have with Owner Tokuma to Kato. She listened to my explanation attentively to the end, and then turned her gaze to me. ¡°Do you need my help?¡± ¡°On the contrary,¡± I firmly said. ¡°I want you to stay out of the business I run.¡± ¡°Why?¡± After taking a deep breath I said, ¡°A lot of great businessman meet tragic fate because their very own family makes a deal behind their back. Therefore, I want to ensure people have business talk only with me or no talk at all.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Kato casually replied. ¡°I will focus my attention on Yunno and Yui then.¡± ¡°If you can find spare time and want to start your own business, I won¡¯t forbid you.¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Kato firmly replied. ¡°Run a business is not my thing. I just want to train myself to be the best warrior I can be, while helping you taking care of Yunno and Yui. When it¡¯s time to leave, I will fake my death and leave, and start my adventure in martial world.¡± ¡®I hope what Kato said is truly her wish. That way we will get along very well,¡¯ I muttered before taking out the marriage certificate. ¡°Here, I have register our relationship.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Kato happily smiled before putting the marriage certificate into her spatial ring. ¡°Well, let¡¯s start the night training.¡± Without delay, I and Kato started our night training. It was tough and rather violent, but Kato preserved as usual. ***** SC1 17.3 – Household Meeting SC1 17.3 ¨C Household Meeting Just before the sun arose in the east, I slowly opened my eyes. As usual, Kato already woke up before me, while Yunno and Yui still were fast asleep. I then silently got up and went to the side yard. After taking a glance at Kato who was busy preparing breakfast in the dining hut, I asked my clones to come out. When they stayed in my shadow, their mind became one with mine so they exactly knew what I want. Even so, I decide to make a final check. It was a habit from my previous life. ¡°Sanno-01,¡± I calmly said. ¡°What is your task today?¡± Sanno-01 immediately replied, ¡°Hunting small game, return to Sendai, hand over some of the harvest, join the breakfast, and then return here and help the others with the construction in the balcony.¡± ¡°You can go.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± After Sanno-01 left the hut, I turned my gaze to Otter and the three. ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Help you train Yunno and Yui. Help you plan the green house and other constructions we need,¡± Otter calmly replied. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed according to our plan then.¡± Without delay, Otter and the three took position behind me. Then, we calmly enjoyed the fresh and clean morning air. A moment later, Yunno and Yui wake up. After drinking their soy milk and swept the yard, they immediately went over to me, and as soon as they arrived before me they curiously turned their gaze to my clones. Wasting no time, I introduced them. ¡°Yunno, Yui,¡± I said as I took a step to the side and pointed at my clones using my thumb. ¡°These are Otter, Civet, Badger, and Weasel. They are vassals of our household. You can recognize them from their mask. Other than carrying my errand, they will help me with your training, so treat and respect them as your teachers.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Well, let¡¯s start the training.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Without delay, we went to balcony to get bigger training space. Yunno and Yui had reached the minimum requirement to polish their slashing form on a real target, while I was on the need for huge amount of bamboo cane. So, I combined both circumstances. In short, other than slash and parry against empty air, starting this morning Yunno and Yui would have bamboo cutting in their menu. With ease my clones collected a huge amount of bamboo cane. Right now, their Wind Blade was not strong enough for combat use, but it would cut bamboo cane like hot knife cut a block of butter. Then, they built several cutting holders, cleaning the bamboo canes, and marked the spot where Yunno and Yui had to cut it. After that the slashing training began. My clones would put the ready-to-cut bamboo cane into cutting holder one by one, and Yunno and Yui would cut it using vertical slash, horizontal slash, or diagonal slash. In a calm manner, Yunno and Yui executed precise slash one after another. Their form was perfect, while their stance was rock solid. Therefore, my clones didn¡¯t really need to give them guidance. They only had to ensure Yunno and Yui had enough bamboo cane to be cut.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Long short story, Yunno and Yui were training very hard as usual, and seeing such hardworking disciples truly made me happy. --- After breakfast, I held a household meeting in the dining hut. I wanted to talk about the construction in the balcony, and I wanted Kato, Yunno, and Yui listened to it directly so they were not oblivious to the matter. ¡°Before starting the construction, we have to put 5 meter high bamboo wall on the balcony¡¯s edge. After that, I will put Strengthening Rune, Anti-element Rune, Anti-Trespassing Rune, Silent Alarm Rune, and other runes on it. Then, we can start the individual task.¡± As I showed everyone the blackboard where I wrote the construction project I continued, ¡°These are the construction we have to carry.¡± Construction A Green house, 400 meter long, 135 meter wide, or about 60% of the balcony¡¯s total area, and the highest point on its rooftop can¡¯t be higher than 4 meter. In one of its corner, the green house will have dark house for mushroom cultivation, while its center roof will be used to attach honey bee boxes for honey cultivation. Construction B Giant pantry with preservation runes will be built inside the cliff wall, 60 interconnected rooms as big as 40-feet shipping container each. Construction C Renovate the kitchen in the balcony, building water tower and enlarge the cooking quarter, add the kitchen with another stone table for prep work, another stone hearths for cooking, four sinks, two stone hearths for charcoal making, butcher quarter, multi-purpose quarter, bathroom and toilet, utensil room, and sleeping attic above the utensil room. Construction D Stone pave all open area in the balcony, other than training ground. It¡¯s to ensure weed will not grow on it. After giving everyone some time to read the board I said, ¡°Pick your task.¡± ¡°Master, let me build the green house,¡± Otter said. ¡°And become its caretaker.¡± ¡°Master, let me build the pantry and become its caretaker,¡± Weasel said. ¡°Master, let me renovate the kitchen and maintain its shape,¡± Badger said. ¡°Master, let me do the stone pave,¡± Civet said. ¡°I will also make oven, dehydrator, microwave, and other kitchen equipment that can be used by Yunno and Yui to practice spell casting. I will make it out of mountain rock and my Wind Blade is strong enough to shape the frame. However, until I reach Level 1, rune art is outside my capacity, so it¡¯s up to Master to handle the final touch.¡± ¡°Well, until you four reach Level 1, rune art is my responsibility.¡± After a pause I asked, ¡°Any question?¡± My clones shook their head lightly, while Kato raised her hand. I immediately gave her a nod. ¡°Dear, can you renovate the dining hut too?¡± Kato asked as she gave me an expectant look. ¡°What renovation do you want?¡± ¡°We need additional stone table and chair as we have more people now,¡± Kato calmly said. ¡°It will also help me a lot if you add stone table I can use to cook, separately from the stone table we use to eat.¡± ¡°Other than dining table and stone table for cooking, I will add a sink and faucet and connect it with the water tower through underground pipeline. That way, you can wash the ingredient here and don¡¯t need to go back and forth to bath hut. Yunno and Yui also can use it to wash the dishes.¡± Kato happily nodded before saying, ¡°You should do it sooner.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have lot of things going on in my mind so I overlook it.¡± After a smile Kato said, ¡°No problem.¡± ¡°Other question?¡± Yunno raised her hand and after I gave her a nod she asked, ¡°What is green house?¡± ¡°It¡¯s an indoor garden to grow fruit, vegetable, herb, and other plant without being limited by local climate,¡± I explained. ¡°Do we will grow our own vegetable, herb, and fruit?¡± Yunno asked another question. ¡°Only the kinds that we can¡¯t find locally, such as cinnamon, Italian herb, pepper corn, Sichuan pepper corn, curry leaf, basil, fennel, coffee bean, cacao tree, vanilla bean, star anise, and many others.¡± After a short pause I added, ¡°I will explain the benefit of this plant later, one by one as I teach you cooking art.¡± ¡°Hai,¡± Yunno replied. ¡°Can Big Sis Yunno and Yui help with the construction in the balcony?¡± Yui asked. ¡°By cutting the bamboo cane every morning, you and Yunno already helps the construction a lot,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Other than that, you two have to focus yourself on your study, martial training, and kitchen work.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui obediently replied. ¡°If there is no other question, you can start the work while I take Yunno and Yui to Sotora.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro, are we going to shop?¡± Yui asked while giving me a curious gaze. ¡°No, we will deliver sample dish to Owner Tokuma. We have a deal with him.¡± As Yui, and also Yunno gave me big question look I added, ¡°I will explain the detail on the way.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. Wasting no time, we ended the household meeting and carried out our task. ***** SC1 18.1 – The Great Country of Taiwan SC1 18.1 ¨C The Great Country of Taiwan After checking the table of menu I gave him, dark lines suddenly appeared on Owner Tokuma¡¯s forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely wrong to put so many menus in one go, but I think it¡¯s too many for a new store.¡± I nodded and said, ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°I hope this table of menu is not the result of over excited rush.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± I firmly said. ¡°But I don¡¯t mind if you want to detract some of the menus. It¡¯s just that, I hope you taste it personally before doing so.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a short ponder Owner Tokuma asked me another question, ¡°What is your signature dish?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup, but I haven¡¯t put it here yet.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Owner Tokuma asked as the dark lines in his forehead became darker. ¡°Right now, I¡¯m in the middle of growing the key element herbs for it.¡± After a long pause Owner Tokuma said, ¡°This is the first time an eatery under my management try to start its operation without signature dish. I hope I don¡¯t regret it.¡± ¡°So do I,¡± I calmly said. Owner Tokuma then asked a servant to take me to tasting quarter. It was the same dining quarter I used to taste Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup back then. Yunno and Yui happily helped me arranged the sample dishes on the table, along with putting its name. After that I sat in a corner enjoying a cup of tea servant brought me, while Yunno and Yui stood behind me. A moment later, a bunch of middle-aged men and one young man entered the tasting quarter. They gave me a glance before tasting the sample one by one. The tasting went in swift manner. It took only about 20 minutes. However, before leaving the taster gave me hostile glance, especially the only young man in the group. Without second thought I ignored it. They were ordinary people, so I didn¡¯t need to worry if they want to pick a fight. Then, Owner Tokuma entered the tasting quarter and went straight to taste the sample. After tasting a few dishes, one bite each, and he then went over to me and sat next to me. ¡°When I checked the table of menu earlier, honestly, it made me pessimistic. You offer too many dishes in such a short time,¡± Owner Tokuma said. ¡°But after I tasted the sample, I realized it. You are seasoned cook. Arranged such various menu overnight and even prepare the sample is trivial for you.¡± ¡°You are too generous with your flattery,¡± I casually said. ¡°I have planned it for a while. Your offer comes just when the plan ripe.¡± ¡°I see.¡± After a short pause Owner Tokuma said, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, the store will handle the warm water and ice water.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Please handle the pickled-napa cabbage too. I buy it from Sotora after all. Just add a table spoon red chili flake for every kilogram napa cabbage to its recipe, and change the name to kimchi.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± As Owner Tokuma turned his gaze to me he continued, ¡°The draft mentions that Minami will handle the cooperation between us, but I don¡¯t mind if you want to change it and communicate with me directly.¡± ¡°Why do you think I want to change it?¡± I curiously asked. After letting out a sigh Owner Tokuma explained, ¡°I groom Minami as my successor, but the other cooks refuse to work with her until I officially appointed her. That¡¯s why I presume you have similar stance like them.¡± ¡°Is there a possibility Minami won¡¯t become your successor?¡± ¡°Every business I build in Rokube is my own and has no connection to my family in Kamakura, so it¡¯s up to me to whom I will pass it down, but patriarch and elder from my family think differently,¡± Owner Tokuma dejectedly said. ¡°They won¡¯t let me appoint non-warrior as my successor, even if this person is legit member of the family.¡± ¡°I will not involve myself with infighting in your family. I just want to have business cooperation.¡± I firmly said. ¡°And I don¡¯t mind to run it with Minami, regardless she will become your successor or not.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Thank you. Now I can give Minami a bigger responsibility and groom her further.¡± After a smile Owner Tokuma said, ¡°And you won¡¯t regret your decision to work with her.¡± I nodded and changed the subject. ¡°Who are the people who tasted the sample before you?¡± ¡°They are cooks I¡¯m working with currently,¡± Owner Tokuma casually said. ¡°Why do you ask? Do they bother you?¡± ¡°Before they left, they gave me a hostile glance.¡± ¡°It¡¯s understandable.¡± After a small chuckle Owner Tokuma added, ¡°Despite the numerous type, this is the first time those over proud cooks can¡¯t find unacceptable aspect from sample dishes brought by an unknown cook.¡± ¡°Do I have to worry about them?¡± ¡°No, they have calmed down after I told them you have no interest to compete for the spot in Toba Mie.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°One more thing,¡± Owner Tokuma¡¯s expression became drop dead serious as he continued, ¡°I believe your dishes will dominate local competition, but Rokube population is only five thousand people, and there are dozens other low-tier eatery. To maximize the profit, if you agree, I will also sell some of your dishes through my store in Kamakura. This city population is about eight hundred thousand people and your dishes more than qualified to fight the best low-tier dishes over there.¡± I happily nodded. ¡°I will do my best to keep up with the demand from Kamakura, but for Rokube let¡¯s limit the sales 50 portion a day, each dish. In return, I will add more dishes.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Owner Tokuma happily replied. Wasting no time Owner Tokuma legalized our cooperation. He also increased the amount of the first order significantly. For The Great Country of Taiwan he ordered 800 portions each of every dish and beverage, while for Kamakura he ordered 1200 portions each of main dish and drinking snack. After that, I took Yunno and Yui to trade some wild game with ingredients before returning to the hut. --- It took almost two weeks before I could deliver the first order from Owner Tokuma. The next day, The Great Country of Taiwan started its journey to culinary world. There was no grand opening, special discount, or promotional package to attract first customer. The store just calmly started its operation, like a simple street stall opened its first day of business. Minami asked me to come and supervised the store for the first week with her, but I declined. I had too many things I had to do right now. I would only check the first few hours of its operation, from the edge of rooftop across the street, in peregrine owl form. Peregrine owl had eagle eyesight and owl hearing, so with ease I saw and heard the activities inside the store. Minami was a clearly nervous. It was natural as this was the first time she became a manager of a store. Fortunately, she knew her job well. Along with one cashier and four waitresses, she carried out the preparation to receive customer. Then, The Great Country of Taiwan opened exactly at 07:15 am. A moment later, the first prospective customer arrived. He was a middle-aged man with neat and nice clothes. The man looked at the board sign and red lantern on top of the entry door before entering the store, and Minami went to serve him personally. After a smile Minami said, ¡°Tailor Koenji, welcome.¡± ¡°Minami, is the cook really as good as Cook Shougo?¡± The man curiously asked. ¡°I hate to eat breakfast too far from my shop, but I have no choice if the new menu is not good enough to satisfy my fussy palate.¡± ¡°Tailor Koenji, please have no worry,¡± Minami cheerfully said. ¡°Personally, I think the new menu is better than the previous one.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Tailor Koenji asked as he gave Minami a skeptical gaze. But Minami just confidently smiled while handed over the menu, ¡°For a breakfast, I recommend sardine and tomato bowl, it¡¯s delicious and very friendly to empty stomach in the morning. But if you want something heavier, I recommend the noodle dish and finish it with a cup of warm lemon and ginger.¡± ¡°Let me try the sardine and tomato bowl and finish it with warm lemon and ginger.¡± ¡°Right away.¡± Without delay Minami went to the counter and a waitress immediately handed over to her a tray with a bowl of sardine and tomato and a cup of warm lemon and ginger. Minami then skillfully carried the tray to the table and put the order before Tailor Koenji. After telling Tailor Koenji that the sardine¡¯s bone was very soft and could be eaten, she left him to enjoy his breakfast peacefully. Then, while having a super serious expression in his face, Tailor Koenji split apart the sardines in the bowl one by one, and examined them like a forensic carrying an autopsy. Throughout two lives, this was the first time I saw a man so meticulous about his breakfast. It made me nervous honestly. I even started to think my dish would not be able to satisfy him. Fortunately, after tasting a piece of the sardine, Tailor Koenji ate everything heartily and finished the whole bowl in less than three minutes. After that he asked Minami if the drinking snack was as good as the main dish. Without second thought Minami suggested Chili & Garlic Shrimp. After tasting it, Tailor Koenji ordered a bottle of warm sake right away, but Minami turned him down because alcohol could only be served after sunset. And so, after wiped out clean the first portion, Tailor Koenji ordered Chili & Garlic Shrimp take-out. I got feeling he would warm up a bottle of sake as soon as he arrived at his store. My Chili & Garlic Shrimp was too good to be enjoyed without warm sake. Then, another customer entered the store and once again Minami served him personally. Like Tailor Koenji, this customer was also owner of nearby store and came by to have breakfast. And before long, the store was already full of customers and the waitresses were busy serving them. From the conversation in the store, I found that the customer mostly were the patron of the previous cook. Fortunately, they were satisfied with my menu. They also said that my menu was more delicious than the previous menu even though it was slightly cheaper. ¡®I guess The Great Country of Taiwan will thrive,¡¯ I muttered before flapping my wing, climb to the sky, and flew back to the hut. ***** SC1 18.2 – Two Little Foxes SC1 18.2 ¨C Two Little Foxes After reaching the hut, I took my time to perch on nearby of bamboo stalk. Then, I observed the various constructions on the balcony. My clones did a really good job. Despite giving me a hand to finish the order from Owner Tokuma, they had completed the construction in seven days. After that I carved the necessary runes on each construction and yesterday I had finished it. Now, other than honey bee farm, every construction in the balcony was ready to be used. I then landed to the ground, changed to human form, and entered the hut. In the dining hut, Sanno-01 sat in front of a pile of oiled papers. Today, Yunno and Yui had language and math test. It seemed they had finished it and now Sanno-01 was checking the result. Wasting no time I went over to him. ¡°How is the test?¡± ¡°Very good,¡± Sanno-01 turned his gaze to me before continuing, ¡°I have not finished checking the language test yet, but the math result shows that Yunno and Yui have fully grasped the concept of time, temperature, distance, weight, and volume, along with how to measure it.¡± ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Next week,¡± Sanno-01 said as he took out a big bundle of oiled paper from his spatial storage and handed it over to me. ¡°I will start putting flora, fauna, and ecosystem into their daily study. I need you to check the material I have prepared before that.¡± ¡°Give me two days,¡± I replied as I took the bundle. ¡°Where are they right now?¡± ¡°In the laundry with Kato.¡± ¡°Do you need me for something else?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m good.¡± ¡°Have a nice work then.¡± Wasting no time I put the oiled paper bundle to my spatial storage, and then went to laundry quarter. Over there, I found Kato was cutting Yunno¡¯s hair. Every ten days or so she helped Yunno and Yui trim their bang, but now she also cut their long hair. Well, their hair had already reached their butt. I guessed it¡¯s time to shorten it up to their back. As for Yui, Kato already finished cutting and trimming her hair, and now she calmly sat and waited for Yunno to get the hair trimming. ¡°Long straight hair and short bangs really suits you,¡± I said as I sat next to Yui. ¡°Mhm.¡± Yui nodded while looking at me with her clear eyes, and she looked really cute. ¡°Dear,¡± Kato said without turning her gaze from Yunno¡¯s hair. ¡°You are back.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°How is it?¡± ¡°Pretty good start,¡± I casually replied. ¡°Glad to hear that.¡± After a short pause Kato continued, ¡°I don¡¯t mean to get involved with the way you run the cooperation with Owner Tokuma, but can I ask you a few things?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± ¡°The price you offer to him is too cheap if he plans to sell the dishes in Kamakura. Are you fine with it?¡±Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Honestly, I want to see Owner Tokuma¡¯s reaction on this matter. Will he stay silence and take advantage of this low price, or he will do something to compensate me.¡± After nodding her head two times Kato asked me another question, ¡°In the future, will you participate in the store management?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Running an eatery is not easy. You will find something break every an hour or two. I will gladly let Owner Tokuma handle it,¡± I calmly explained. ¡°In return, I will offer him several tables of menu, and let¡¯s hope he will sell it through different stores in Rokube, and his stores in Kamakura.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the population in Rokube too few for another store? Why don¡¯t you concentrate the entire menu in one store?¡± Kato curiously asked. ¡°If the trading port in Toba Mie bloom as expected, Rokube will became bustling city and provide good opportunity for food and beverage industry.¡± ¡°How many table of menu you plan to propose to Owner Tokuma?¡± ¡°Another two or three, based on different culinary tradition so people don¡¯t get bore easily by it.¡± ¡°I see.¡± As she pointed at piles of warrior clothes in nearby chairs Kato continued, ¡°Can you help Yui change to her warrior clothes?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Without delay I took a set of warrior clothes from the piles. I had helped Yunno and Yui change their clothes ton of times, so it was easy feat for me. First, I helped Yui took off her short-kimono, but let her inner garment on. Her inner garment was already the type which being worn by junior warrior, consisted of shorts and t-shirt, made of specific fabric that could be worn in any season. It would warm the body in the winter and cooled it in summer. Kato ordered it from Kamakura through Sotora. After asking Yui to store her short kimono in her spatial ring, I helped her to put her warrior clothes on, made by Kato personally. The set was similar to sushi chef¡¯s outfit. The pants had a finger-thick string in the center. While for the shirt, other than a finger-thick string in the right waist, it had a small but strong kam snaps on the chest and wrists. The shirt also had a huge pocket on the lower right. After that, I asked Yui to sit on the chair while I put her warrior socks and gladiator sandals on. ¡°Tie the string outside your pant so the sandals, sock, and lower part of the pant become one.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± ¡°Is it too tight?¡± ¡°Ummm¡­¡± Yui tilted her head before continuing, ¡°No.¡± ¡°It¡¯s done then.¡± After checking Yui from head to toe I added, ¡°It¡¯s fit you really well.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui nodded while having big smiles in her face. Then, Kato turned her gaze to Yui. She checked her from head to toe before turning her gaze to me. ¡°Dear, put her outdoor jacket on too. We have to see if it¡¯s also fit on her or not.¡± ¡°Right away,¡± I replied before helping Yui put the outdoor jacket on. The outdoor jacket basically was a hooded short bathrobe, and it was also fit really well on Yui. Then, Yui used a silk ribbon to tie her long hair into a simple loose bundle, put the hood on, and took out a small fox mask from her spatial ring and put it on too. ¡°Did your aunt make the mask for you?¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui happily replied. ¡°Aunt Kato also teaches Yui how to tie Yui¡¯s hair.¡± ¡°I see,¡± I happily said. ¡°You look really like a junior warrior right now.¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Yui gave me another happy nod, and it made me smiled widely. Kato then take another glance on Yui, before nodding her head a few times. ¡°It¡¯s really fit you,¡± Kato said. ¡°Now, you can store the other sets to your spatial ring.¡± ¡°Yes, Aunt.¡± Wasting no time, Yui put the rest of her warrior clothes to her spatial ring. In total, Kato made six sets of warrior clothes for her, and it was easy to tell that she put lot of effort on it. Then, Kato finally finished trimming Yunno¡¯s hair and went straight helping her put her warrior clothes on. Once she was sure it fit her well, Kato asked Yunno to store the other five sets to her spatial ring. Then, Yunno also tied her hair like Yui, put the hood on, and wore the fox mask Kato made for her. Now, the household had two cute little foxes. I couldn¡¯t help but had a big smile as the warrior clothes made Yunno and Yui brimming with happiness. I felt like the hard work I have done was being paid off in full. Then, I took them to move Bonnie-01 and her sister to green house. It¡¯s time to introduce Yunno and Yui to the bigger picture of my plan. Other than that, I also wanted to prepare them for emergency. In less than a year, two times I almost lost Yunno after all. The first time was when I put my trust on Yuko without grasping Kazuyori¡¯s intention first. As the result, Yunno fell into Hisami¡¯s hand. The second time was when I put my trust on Kato, and she sent Yunno and Yui back to Kazuyori. Fortunately, in both incidents I managed to take Yunno and Yui back in less than a day. However, I couldn¡¯t guarantee that in the third incident I would be able to recover Yunno or Yui fast enough. The possibility we were being separated, and Yunno and Yui had to rely on their own until I reached them fully exist. I had to put some precaution for it. ***** SC1 18.3 – Precaution for the Worst SC1 18.3 ¨C Precaution for the Worst While holding two hens on their chest, Yunno and Yui jumped off the cliff. A few days after the incident in Tadaoka Household Yunno also had mastered Wind Step, so now descending from an eight meter cliff wall was not a problem for the two. Their body plunged down like a rock, but a meter before their feet touched the ground, they slowed down significantly and then gently landed like a feather. As for me, I followed them while holding 24 hens using Shadow Hand. Then, we went straight to the green house. Other than suspended chicken feeder made of half-cut bamboo cane, the green house was practically still empty. Sunlight also could fully penetrate the ceiling and walls. So, the inside felt so big and bright. In a corner, Otter and the others were busy making wooden boxes for honey bee. We didn¡¯t disturb them and went to other corner before releasing Bonnie-01 and her sisters. Surprisingly, the new home didn¡¯t puzzle them. After spread over to all direction, they just started raking the ground looking for worm. ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui looked at me as she asked, ¡°isn¡¯t this place too big for Bonnie-01 and her sister?¡± ¡°For now yes, it¡¯s too big for them, but later we will add about 100 hens and 400 quails.¡± I calmly explained. ¡°And even with this number we still have to buy eggs from Sotora.¡± ¡°Will we buy the hens and quails from Sotora too?¡± Yunno asked. ¡°No, I and your teachers will capture wild hens and quail from Toka Valley.¡± ¡°Can we help?¡± ¡°Sure you can.¡± After a smiled I then explained to Yunno and Yui the reason I took them to green house. ¡°Now, let me show you some plants I want to have in this green house, and how I will grow it. Watch it carefully.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°These are cacao seeds,¡± I said as I showed ten cacao seeds to Yunno and Yui. ¡°It¡¯s a native plant to rainforest. Its fruit produce cocoa beans and we can turn it into delicious dessert, drink, or snack.¡± Without delay, I casted Growth Acceleration Spell on the cacao seeds before putting it to the ground 1.5 meters apart. A few seconds later, the cacao seeds turned into sprouts. Then, as the root penetrated the soil, the sprout grew into a cacao tree. The main trunk was as big as adult thigh, reaching 2 meters high with lush branches. ¡°Growth Acceleration Spell ensures these cacao trees will start to bear fruits in a month.¡± I explained. ¡°However, their lifespan will no longer than three years. It¡¯s far shorter than naturally grown cacao. Therefore, other than for consumption, we also have to collect enough cocoa beans for seedling to ensure we have sustainable harvest cycle.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± ¡°Question?¡± Yunno raised her hand and I immediately gave her a nod. ¡°Does the area in this corner will imitate rain forest climate to support the cacao trees?¡± I nodded. ¡°Sort of, the runes array and water pipeline on the wall and ceilings will do it.¡± ¡°Can we help Teacher Otter maintain this green house?¡± Yui asked while giving me expectant look. ¡°You can. Sanno will introduce the relationship of flora, fauna, climate, and ecosystem in your daily study later. It will give you basic knowledge on how to maintain this green house, so listen to him well because someday, maybe you want to have your own green house.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui gave me another firm reply while determination flashed in their eyes. Wasting no time, I then planted vanilla vine, coffee tree, pepper corn vine, cinnamon tree, clove tree, fennel tree, and star anise tree. There were still tons of other plant that were impossible to be grown locally without green house, but I would only plant eight plants a day. Then, I took Yunno and Yui to the pantry, where no one could see or listen to our conversation. --- This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Accordingly to the plan, the pantry consisted of 60 interconnected chambers equipped with Preservation Rune, as big as 40-feet shipping container each, and were built inside the cliff wall. Most of the pantry was still empty, but some were already full with small game harvest. ¡°We will limit our hunting time, only from October to March. We call this period as open season, and we will maximize it as best as we can,¡± I said as I took Yunno and Yui to stop in front of a room fully packed with fresh-killed pheasants. ¡°That¡¯s why we need this pantry to store the harvest.¡± ¡°Uncle Deitoro,¡± Yui said as she turned her gaze to me. ¡°Why do we limit our hunting time?¡± ¡°It¡¯s to give the game we hunt enough period to restore its population.¡± ¡°What about other hunters?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°They don¡¯t limit their hunting time and will hunting the game year around.¡± ¡°No worry,¡± I firmly said. ¡°I will carve lot of Misdirection Runes to protect the breeding ground and feeding ground. We will also provide enough natural food so their population will expand to nearby hunting ground.¡± ¡°What natural food we will provide for them?¡± Yunno curiously asked. ¡°We will plant enough fig and mulberry to provide them abundant food in spring, summer, and fall. As for the source of food in the winter, we will plant trees that produce pine nut and acorn. If we do it correctly, we and other hunter will have abundant harvest in sustainable manner.¡± ¡°Other than wild game, will we use this pantry to store other cooking ingredients, like harvest from the green house?¡± Yunno asked another question. ¡°We do.¡± After a pause I asked, ¡°Other question?¡± ¡°¡­¡± After Yunno and Yui shook their head I said, ¡°If you have no other question, I will teach you how to unlock your innate skill as Dragon Warrior.¡± ¡°¡°Hai,¡±¡± Yunno and Yui firmly replied. Without delay, I thought Yunno and Yui to unlock their Essence Pulse. With ease they followed my instruction and a moment later they had already skillfully deployed their Essence Pulse. ¡°How far you can deploy your Essence Pulse?¡± ¡°Five meters,¡± Yunno replied. ¡°Three meters,¡± Yui replied. ¡°It will grow as you breakthrough to higher level.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± ¡°Next, I will teach you how to unlock spatial storage in your essence sea.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± With ease, Yunno and Yui unlocked their internal spatial storage. Then, I tried to confirm its size. ¡°How big your internal spatial storage?¡± ¡°About three times of this pantry,¡± Yunno replied as she pointed at the pantry next to us. ¡°About six times of the pantry,¡± Yui added. ¡°I see.¡± After a pause I explained, ¡°It will not grow bigger, but it¡¯s already much bigger than ordinary spatial ring.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± ¡°Now, listen to me carefully.¡± I put a drop dead serious expression in my face as I continued, ¡°Don¡¯t ever tell anyone that you have Essence Pulse or internal spatial storage, as it will give some people a clue that you have strong dragon as your soul mark, and who know if among those people some will try to steal it.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t we tell Big Brother Sanno about it?¡± Yunno asked while giving me an expectant gaze. ¡°No, not anyone, including Sanno, your aunt, and your teachers. You have to keep your Essence Pulse and internal spatial storage a secret until you reach Level 25 and know how to defend yourself well,¡± I said in drop dead serious tone. ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± ¡°If someone asks you how you can track their stealth movement, just tell them you have super good eyes, ears, and nose. As for your internal spatial storage, mask it with your spatial ring.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Without delay I then took out a few sets ordinary clothes, a few sets warrior clothes, a set of kitchen utensil and eating utensil, huge amount of hot ration, dry ration, pickled-fruit and pickled-vegetable, raw food ingredients, and ten money bags of 300 monn each. I arranged everything in two piles and explained, ¡°Put these things to your internal spatial storage. These are goods for emergency.¡± ¡°Is it the emergency like when we have natural disaster?¡± Yui curiously asked. ¡°Natural disaster is one of it, along with other emergency.¡± ¡°Along with other emergency?¡± Yunno asked as big question mark popped up in her forehead. ¡°Life is full of unexpected,¡± I said. ¡°For example, I almost lost both of you because your aunt sent you to Tadaoka Household. I really never thought she would do that, so I fail to prevent it. We can¡¯t be sure that another unexpected will not happen again, and maybe you will be separated from me and have to survive on your own until I can reach you. In such scenario, the goods and money I have prepared will help you a lot.¡± ¡°Hai.¡± Yunno firmly replied as determination flashed in her eyes. It seemed she recalled her plan to send Yui to survive on her own, in case Kazuyori managed to convince me to not take them back from her. As for Yui, she nodded while her expression became tense. It seemed she also recalled the unpleasant experience, when the possibility she would be separated from big sister she loved so much was only a step away before her. Wasting no time, Yunno and Yui put the goods and the money to their internal spatial storage. Then, Yunno turned her gaze to me. ¡°Aunt Kato gave us monthly allowance 25 Monn each. Should we put it in our internal spatial storage too?¡± ¡°No, just put it to your spatial ring and feel free to use it. As for the emergency money, don¡¯t ever use it other than for when you have to survive on your own.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± Yunno and Yui replied at the same time. ¡°Let¡¯s talk here again in a few days. I will teach you some knowledge in case you have to survive on your own.¡± ¡°¡°Hai.¡±¡± We then exited the pantry as if our conversation never took place. Today, Yunno and Yui just had a primary test, so they won¡¯t have kitchen work and afternoon training. After asking my permission, they then returned to green house to play with Bonnie-01 and her sisters. I had used all money I received as payment for the first order to prepare the emergency good and money, but I had no regret. The goods and the money were directly related to Yunno and Yui chance to survive in case shit happen, so I considered it as a good spent. Not to mention, I already had everything I need to produce the next order. I also still got some money from selling the wild game. ***** SC1 18.4 – Good Things to Celebrate SC1 18.4 ¨C Good Things to Celebrate For today dinner, I asked Kato to cook rather lavishly than usual. And so, she made tons of grilled beef ribs, stir fry mushroom with thinly slice beef flank, bone beef soup with quail eggs, walnut rice, and warm lemonade. I helped her arranged everything on the table, and then I called everyone to eat. A moment later, everyone already sat in the dining table. Yunno and Yui still wore their fox mask, and I didn¡¯t ask them to take it off. When they got enough of it, they would take it off on their own. As for now, I would let them to have fun with it as much as they want. Then, after looking at the dishes on the table with curious eyes, Yui turned her gaze to me. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, do we celebrating something today?¡± ¡°Sort of,¡± I happily replied, and as Yui gave me a curious gaze I continued, ¡°Let¡¯s count it. I and your aunt have officially married. You and your big sis have cleared your first academic test with excellent result. You two also have breakthrough to Level 1. And the constructions in the balcony have been completed and ready to be used. Last but not least, our cooperation with Owner Tokuma has a good start. So, we put everything together and celebrate it at tonight dinner.¡± ¡°This dinner is also a welcome dinner for your teachers,¡± Kato added. ¡°With their presence, your martial training will leap forward greatly.¡± ¡°Mhm,¡± Yui happily nodded. Wasting no time, I put my hands together in front of my chest and offered the gratitude for the food. ¡°Thanks for the food.¡± ¡°¡°¡°¡°Thanks for the food.¡±¡±¡±¡±¡± Everyone followed me and the dinner started right afterward. My clones immediately took some grilled beef ribs from closest plate, while Kato helped Yunno and Yui to take their portion before taking some for herself. As for me, I took my portion myself, and then enjoyed it while fell into ponder, thinking about three most important member of my household one by one. Kato was 18-year-old, but she much mature than her age, and she already knew the goal she wanted to go after and she put her all to pursue it. I considered it as a good thing, as most man or woman at her age would still be in a state where they have no clear idea about what they want for their life. In short, I didn¡¯t need to babysit Kato. On the other side, she put a serious effort to take care of Yunno and Yui, giving them abundant familial affection so I could put my mind on the bigger picture. As for Yunno, when I healed her from Kazuyori¡¯s beating I also checked her latest memory, and I found that a dark seed had starting to grow in her heart. However, as long as Yui stayed with her, she would be able to maintain her positive attitude and unyielding spirit. In summary, Yui was her center of gravity and would ensure the dark seed in her heart remained at acceptable level like ordinary human being.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. As for Yui, her dark seed would also remain at acceptable level as long as Yunno stayed with her. Most of all, Yui had lot of positive change after she lived in the hut. She was not too quiet anymore, and would express her thought whenever she had something in mind. She also tried her best so Yunno can rely on her whenever circumstances demand it. Her effort to become dependable became more prominent after the last incident with Tadaoka Household. I considered it was a good development, but I would make sure she didn¡¯t burden herself unreservedly. Then, Yunno suddenly turned her gaze to me and woke me up from my pondering. ¡°Uncle Deitoro, when will Yunno and Yui starts cooking other dish than soy sauce oyster noodles?¡± After slightly nodded my head a few times I replied, ¡°How many soy sauce oyster noodles you make so far?¡± ¡°354 portions,¡± Yunno firmly replied. ¡°272 portions,¡± Yui added. ¡°When you hit 500 portions, you can choose other dish from the menu. I will teach you how to make it.¡± ¡°Dear,¡± Kato said. ¡°Isn¡¯t that too long?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± I calmly replied. ¡°It¡¯s better to master one dish thorough fully, rather than master a few dishes but only at half-baked level.¡± Kato nodded and said, ¡°I see.¡± Then, Yunno asked me another question, ¡°Can Yunno wait until Yui also hit 500 portions before choosing the second dish?¡± ¡°You can, but I¡¯m not suggesting that.¡± I took a sip of my warm lemon before continuing, ¡°You two don¡¯t need to master the same dish. Just try to master whatever dish you are interested the most, as many as you can. Then, someday you can share each other knowledge. Try to think that you two are a pair of team, who tried to dig as many cooking recipe as possible from me.¡± As Yunno fell into silence, Yui said, ¡°It is okay Big Sis. It¡¯s more fun if we learn different recipes, and then teach it to each other later.¡± After a smile Yunno said, ¡°Okay.¡± Dinner then continued in light and happy atmosphere. --- As usual, after dinner Sanno-01 helped Yunno and Yui did the dish. Then, the two brushed their teeth and went to the bamboo bench next to resting hut. It¡¯s time for Kato to brush their hair. Tonight, Yunno and Yui didn¡¯t have evening study while Kato didn¡¯t have night training, so the three could have lot of hair brushing time, along with happy chat and giggle. Well, the three looked very happy as they sat together, so I let them be and turned my gaze to Sanno-01 and the rest of my clones. Without delay I started a casual discussion in low voice, ¡°Traditional Japanese clothing and Japanese name, but the people speak English, write using Latin alphabet, and count using Hindu-Arabic numerals. The region also has traditional Japanese basic culinary, but the people eat using spoon and fork. That¡¯s the overall picture the place we live right now.¡± ¡°Whoever setting up this world must really love to mix things randomly,¡± Sanno-01 added. ¡°It seems so,¡± I couldn¡¯t agree more with Sanno-01. ¡°But I consider it as good thing because we don¡¯t totally stranger to it.¡± ¡°Well, the climate is also pretty similar to Japan, but not as humid and has longer growing period,¡± Otter said. ¡°We should consider it as a good thing too.¡± ¡°Yeah, that way we can enjoy cherry blossom if we plant some,¡± Weasel happily said. ¡°Master, what about the watch dog for the hut?¡± Civet asked me. ¡°It¡¯s time to look for it,¡± Badger added. ¡°Tomorrow,¡± I calmly said. ¡°Let¡¯s go to outskirt of Shiraishi Forest. It¡¯s time to harvest wild salmon. I will also try to check what option we have for our watch dog.¡± ¡°We also need to check on Deitoro-01,¡± Otter said. ¡°He should already breakthrough to Level 2, if no shit hit him.¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I said. ¡°As for tonight, after Yunno and Yui fell asleep, you all should return to my shadow. We need to synchronize our mind.¡± ¡°¡°¡°Understood,¡±¡±¡± Sanno-01 and the rest of my clones replied at the same time. After that, while my clones were playing go in the dining hut, I went to join with Kato, Yunno and Yui. As I walked over to the three, I strengthened my resolved to eliminate Wander Oracle for once and all. ¡®If I have enough time to prepare myself, killing him and his goons will be as easy as flicking my finger,¡¯ I silently muttered. ¡®After that, I can live my dream as cook for the rest of my life.¡¯ ***** SC1 19.0 – Epilogue SC1 19.0 ¨C Epilogue In a corner of unknown galaxy, Planet Shade peacefully floating. This planet was roughly as big as earth, had climate similar to ancient earth, and still possessed its essence root in its best shape, but only 5.000 people lived on it. These people were warriors who had completed their training and became member of Blackwing Guild officially. On the north pole of Planet Shade, a simple hut stood in a peak of mountain, right in the middle of colossal snow field. In front of this hut, a man with outer look like a young man in mid-twenty casually grilled several pieces of mackerel fillet. This man was Grand Elder of Blackwing. He may look young and ordinary, but he was a millennia-old Level 100 warrior. Even a primordial dragon would think twice before accepting a challenge for dragon slayer ritual from him. With a calm face Grand Elder manned the charcoal stove and the grill. Then, as soon as one of the mackerel fillets reached the state where its skin became crispy but the meat stayed soft and juicy, he immediately took it and placed in in a plate. After he sprinkled some sea salt on the fillet, Grand Elder immediately munched it piece by piece, while sipping warm sake here and there. ¡°Damn,¡± Grand Elder happily muttered. ¡°Grilled mackerel seasoned with sea salt is so good when you enjoy it with warm sake.¡± Then, the teleportation circle next to the hut suddenly flickered, and a moment later Toga appeared. Wasting no time, he went over to Grand Elder and slightly gave him a bow before reporting.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Grand Elder,¡± Toga said in tone full of respect. ¡°Former Fifth Elder, Isser Sanno, agreed to your request, and has met with his end on the middle of the teleportation as you have planned.¡± After letting out a deep sigh Grand Elder said, ¡°I see.¡± ¡°Do we really have to kill him?¡± Toga curiously asked. ¡°My vision show me that in five years Sanno will became the biggest calamity in human history,¡± Grand Elder calmly said. ¡°We have to prevent it at all cost.¡± ¡°Does former Fifth Elder is really that strong so we have to kill him by set him in teleportation tunnel and destroy it?¡± ¡°He defeat me in a spar for the first time when he at Level 90, without the help from his clones. After that he only got stronger.¡± Grand Elder paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°While when he was Level 95, his strongest clone defeated me in one versus one for the first time. The vision that shows me he will become calamity appeared for the first time when he refused my offer to take my position and chose to retire in Planet Earth, and suddenly it got stronger a few months ago. It¡¯s not easy decision as I treat Sanno like my own son since he was a kid, but we have to do what we have to.¡± After slightly nodded his head a few times Toga asked another question, ¡°What about the two little girls in Planet Erra?¡± ¡°Pick two new members from next year recruitment, assign them to recruit the girls,¡± Grand Elder calmly decided. ¡°If their family refuses the offer, destroy the kids¡¯ essence sea and essence circuit without harming them. That will prevent demonic path¡¯s folk from recruiting them.¡± ¡°As your command.¡± Toga then gave Grand Elder a slight bow before leaving the hut through teleportation circle. As for Grand Elder, he resumed his dinner as if the conversation with Toga never took place. *****