Chapter 69: Ibert Mountain Range
[space_man][space_man]After that, the weather was favorable, and outdoor missionary work could be carried out without any problems. The group, seen off by Derry, set off in a carriage to the next village. There were no particular problems on the way, and they were able to reach the village at the foot of the Ibert Mountains.
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[space_man][space_man]And after making preparations, they stayed overnight at the village inn and faced the Ibert Mountains.
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[space_man][space_man]”Well, from here on out, we’ll be walking. Let’s get pumped up.”
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[space_man][space_man]Yarolk’s voice energized the priests.
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[space_man][space_man]”When you said we were climbing the mountain range, I thought we were going to climb to the top, but we’re only going to the third station. It’s a bit of a letdown.”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld muttered while yawning widely. He had been terrified, thinking they would be heading for the summit the whole time, but during the previous day’s meeting, the village chief told them that the Ice Tiger had been sighted around the third station, and he was relieved.
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[space_man][space_man]”That’s true. The church people didn’t think we’d go all the way to the summit either, but after hearing yesterday’s story, they seem to be more motivated.”
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[space_man][space_man]Mary said.
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[space_man][space_man]”Oh really~.”
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[space_man][space_man]”It’s not that they’re relieved like Eld, but they’re motivated in the sense that they want to finish quickly.”
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[space_man][space_man]She said, looking at Eld, who was still yawning.
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[space_man][space_man]”Ah, I see. Everyone can go home once this is over.”
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[space_man][space_man]As Eld stretched, Yarolk announced their departure.
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[space_man][space_man]A few hours after the group started walking through the snowy mountains. Along the way, they encountered several Snow Rabbits, rabbit-type monsters. Mary, who was walking at the front, defeated them all with a single blow. Eld threw them into his subspace, planning to dismantle them later.
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[space_man][space_man]As the sun began to set, they arrived at the destination cave. There was a hut built inside the cave, where they could stay overnight.
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[space_man][space_man]When the others entered the hut and began to rest, Eld took out the Snow Rabbits from his subspace and started dismantling them. Since Mary had killed them skillfully, there were no parts wasted during dismantling.
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[space_man][space_man]”Mary, I’ve skinned them.”
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[space_man][space_man]He called out to Mary while throwing the Snow Rabbit fur into his subspace. Mary took a kitchen knife and started butchering the Snow Rabbit meat. After butchering it to some extent, she skewered it and started grilling it directly over the fire. All that was left was to season it with salt and pepper, and it was done.
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[space_man][space_man]”Oh my, I never imagined we’d have a barbecue in the snowy mountains.”
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[space_man][space_man]Moira spoke to Mary as she was checking how well the meat was cooked.
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[space_man][space_man]”When it’s cold, you want to eat something warm. I’m glad we were able to get some rabbit meat. Come on, I’m going to keep grilling, so everyone dig in!”
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[space_man][space_man]At Mary’s call, the priests who had been resting came over. As they each took a skewer and started eating, they were moved by the taste they had never experienced before.
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[space_man][space_man]”Whoa, why is this so delicious!? It’s not just grilled, is it?”
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[space_man][space_man]Yarolk asked in surprise.
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[space_man][space_man]”It’s just grilled. The seasoning is just salt and pepper. If you want more flavor, should I make a sauce?”
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[space_man][space_man]Mary took out seasonings from her subspace. For some reason, Olesia also came out with them. Moira picked up an Olesia.
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[space_man][space_man]”Do you like Olesia, Mary?”
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[space_man][space_man]”Huh? Yeah. When I was little, I collapsed from hunger and someone gave me an Olesia, which saved me. I guess it’s been like that ever since.”
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[space_man][space_man]Mary replied with a distant look in her eyes.
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[space_man][space_man]”Oh really…… Can I have this?”
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[space_man][space_man]Moira held the Olesia up beside her face.
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[space_man][space_man]”Sure. I still have plenty.”
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[space_man][space_man]Saying that, she took out even more Olesia from her subspace.
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[space_man][space_man]”Ah…… thank you……”
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[space_man][space_man]Moira was speechless, as she hadn’t expected dozens of Olesia to come out.
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[space_man][space_man]After finishing their meal, everyone entered the hut to rest early. In the room assignments, Eld ended up sharing a room with Orpha. Since he didn’t want to bother talking, he took off his glasses and tried to lie down to go to sleep quickly. When he glanced at Orpha, he saw him taking out a notebook and writing something. He wondered if he was writing a diary or a record of this trip, and as he was watching, Orpha spoke to him.
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[space_man][space_man]”What?”
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[space_man][space_man]”Ah, no…… I was just wondering what you were writing……”
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[space_man][space_man]”It’s a travel log. It’s none of your business. More importantly, don’t look at me with those eyes. It’s creepy.”
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[space_man][space_man]Eld turned his back to Orpha and lay down.
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[space_man][space_man]”……What are you going to use the Ice Tiger fur for?”
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[space_man][space_man]”I don’t know. I was just asked to get it.”
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[space_man][space_man]He had thought that Orpha wasn’t enthusiastic about it since he sighed when Derry was talking about it, but he was convinced that it was a request from someone.
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[space_man][space_man]”Why wouldn’t the person who requested it ask the Guild? That would be more reliable.”
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[space_man][space_man]Orpha didn’t answer the question. After waiting for a while, it didn’t seem like he was going to say anything, so he tried to sleep.
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[space_man][space_man]”It’s probably also a test to get engaged to Moira.”
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[space_man][space_man]When he closed his eyes, he was suddenly given an answer, and Eld was bewildered.
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[space_man][space_man]”Oh, I see. Was it someone high up in the church who set that test?”
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[space_man][space_man]However, this time, he didn’t get a complete answer. Eld gave up and fell asleep.