NOVEL WEB Chapter 13 - Episode 013: Headhunter, Going out with the family.
Episode 013: Headhunter, Going out with the family.
“What is this… Elder Treant, huh? What happened?”
The next day, Ack brought Elder Treant’s body to the carpenter’s shop. The shopkeeper briefly widened his eyes, then asked Ack.
“I got it from the northern forest.”
“I see. Alright. Let me make furniture or anything you need.”
Impressed by Ack, who not only brought wood for the Mofu Mofu Cafe but also solved the town’s problems, the shopkeeper was pleased. With a slight smile, he accepted the job.
(Note:”Mofu mofu” is an onomatopoeic expression in Japanese that typically describes the soft, fluffy feeling of something like a plush toy or animal fur being stroked or touched. It’s often used to convey a sense of warmth, comfort, and affection.)
“This is the design.”
“You’re skilled. I’m Clauf. I’ll finish it just as you imagined.”
“Thank you.”
He agreed not only to make chairs and tables for the shop space but also to handle repairs and renovations of the interior, as well as beds, tables, chairs for homes, and even tableware.
Ack provided the necessary materials.
“Let’s look around the town.”
“Yeah.”
“Kyuu!”
“Kuu!”
After arriving at Farmrest, they hadn’t had the chance to explore the town after getting what they needed. To understand the town’s geography, they took a stroll around. Tina, feeling much better, grabbed onto Ack’s clothes and toddled along beside him.
While walking, Ack also conducted market research. Without knowing what ingredients were being sold, what dishes were being served, what the people in this town preferred, and their prices, opening a Mofu Mofu Cafe without this information would make it difficult to attract customers.
Starting with the markets they hadn’t visited yet, the market was bustling with stalls selling a variety of items, from plenty of vegetables and fruits to processed products like pickles and fermented foods, as well as spices and seasonings.
“Welcome, welcome! Our vegetables are exquisite!”
“We have good meat! Look, sir!”
“Would you like some spices imported from the tropics?”
Calling voices echoed from all over, much like battle cries on a battlefield.
As it was called the second city, the market was lively. While sampling and buying products, Ack noted down the prices.
Given the mild and warm climate of the region, they often saw stalls selling cold juices made from fruit juice. They chose several shops from among them and bought juices to taste them.
It was clear that each shop had made various efforts to bring out their unique flavors.
They enjoyed tasting various juices together.
“Delicious.”
“Kyuu!”
“Kuu!”
Tina enjoyed all the juices she tried.
—Growl.
“I’m hungry.”
“Let’s eat something.”
After walking for a while, Tina’s stomach growled.
There were various enticing smells of meat skewers, spicy soups, and other dishes wafting around, so they couldn’t help it.
They bought various dishes from several shops and shared them among themselves.
All of them were delicious.
Afterward, they continued exploring the market, wanting to know what menu items were offered in cafes that could be their competitors.
Ack and the others left the market and walked around the town, looking for places with many restaurants and eateries.
“Hey, mister there. How about a present for your daughter?”
On the way, they were approached by a stall owner selling cute accessories that girls would wear.
While Ack himself wasn’t interested in wearing them, he did like accessories and stuffed animals like these. They made him feel like he could stare at them forever.
The shopkeeper, who was scantily dressed and attracting men’s attention, tried to sell them to Ack. However, without showing any interest to her weapons, Ack’s attention was caught by one accessory.
“Hmm… This one.”
It was a hair accessory with a motif of a golden moon.
At that moment, he thought it would look good on Tina with her pure white hair.
“Give me that.”
“As always.”
Ack purchased the hair accessory without even checking the price.
As a shopkeeper, while she preferred Ack not showing any interest in her usual weapons, she felt somewhat complex, as if she had lost.
“Here.”
“Is it okay?”
“Yeah.”
“Put it on.”
“Got it.”
When Ack squatted down to put the hair accessory on Tina, it looked just right on her.
Having taken proper nutrition during their travels for over a month, Tina had become plumper with better flesh and better complexion, adding more charm to her cuteness.
The shopkeeper had no choice but to admit her defeat to Tina’s cuteness.
Boys who had walked together with their mothers and passing children were captivated by Tina as they passed by.
However, the moment they were met with Ack’s cold stare, they shrank back and hastily left the scene.
Those who dare approach Tina without permission would not be tolerated.
Ack wouldn’t acknowledge anyone who wasn’t strong enough to defeat him.
Ack and the others started walking towards the cafe again.
Afterwards, they visited cafes and restaurants, continuing their market research, and everyone returned to the inn with full stomachs.
Since it would be wasteful to leave any food, Ack ate everything.
*Burp*
Even the strongest mercenary couldn’t avoid overeating.