Who Is the World’s Strongest Appraiser? ~Living in Another World With Satisfying Meals~

Traveling By Dragon?

“Yuuri, feel like going to a hot spring?”

“…Huh?”

It happened one day. While Yuuri was busy as usual—preparing meals, doing laundry, cleaning, and mending clothes—Brook suddenly posed the question. The swordsman, who was lounging around during afternoon tea time, wore his usual near-expressionless face.

Yuuri tilted his head, unsure of the sudden invitation. Hermine, who had been watching him fix a loose seam, also looked puzzled. Her glossy golden pigtails swayed as she cocked her head slightly.

“Um, Brook-san, what do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. I have business in a hot spring town. If you’re up for it, I thought you could come along to relax.”

“…Wait, there’s a hot spring nearby?”

“It’s not exactly close, but not far either.”

Yuuri still didn’t quite get it. Why was he being invited out of the blue? Seeing the confusion on Yuuri and Hermine’s faces, Brook seemed to realize he hadn’t explained enough. He added more details.

…All while happily eating the pudding Yuuri had made for dessert that day. The tough-looking man had an unexpected sweet tooth, and today was no exception.

“Training’s taking us to the hot spring town. The others are going for work, but if you’re free, I figured you could tag along.”

“So, uh… they’re going to train, and I’d just be there to relax?”

“Pretty much.”

“A hot spring town…”

Yuuri tried picturing it in his mind. Of course, he didn’t know what this world’s hot springs were like, but he imagined large baths, touristy shops, and maybe even new foods to try.

Plus, he just liked hot springs. He wasn’t big on saunas, but soaking in warm water or open-air baths? Perfect. If the view was nice, he could lounge there all day with a drink. Well, he was Japanese—baths were practically in his blood. Probably.

His eyes sparkled at the thought. Seeing his excitement, Brook allowed himself a small smile. Normally, Yuuri would just keep doing housework forever if left alone, so this was a chance to make him take a break—outside the house, for once.

Not that Yuuri minded his daily chores. He loved them. But hey, misunderstandings happen.

“So, you coming?”

“If I won’t be a bother, gladly.”

“Nobody would call you a bother.”

Yuuri bowed slightly, and Brook gave a wry smile. The members of Scarlet Lynx spoiled him rotten. Even if Yuuri just lazed around while they trained, they’d probably just be happy he was there. The lovable househusband struck again.

Meanwhile, Hermine, who’d been listening, poked Brook’s arm. When he glanced at her questioningly, she flashed a radiant smile worthy of her flower-like beauty and spoke up.

“I wanna go too.”

“…You don’t have training there.”

“Nope, but I wanna go!”

Brook’s icy stare met Hermine’s determined one. Most would’ve wilted under that look, but she stood firm. Cute as she was, she had nerves of steel.

Then, she played her trump card.

“If I go, I’ll pick out the best local sweets for you too!”

“Permission granted.”

“Yay!”

“…Wait, whaaaat?!”

Dead serious, Brook agreed to her dead-serious offer. As a secret sweet-lover, he rarely visited confectionery shops himself—their usual clientele of young women made his intimidating presence awkward. Hermine’s proposal was a dream come true.

New places meant new foods, especially sweets. Tourist spots were full of snackable treats, perfect for souvenirs. Having Hermine as his personal shopper? A sweet deal indeed.

Thus, the two—who shared nothing in appearance, age, or personality—shook hands firmly. They were united by their love for Lucia’s desserts. A sugar-coated alliance.

Watching this heartwarming exchange, Yuuri couldn’t help but voice his concern. Would they really get away with this? Unlike him, Hermine was an actual trainee. Bringing her along for fun might not go over well.

And his worries? Spot-on.

“What kinda dumb reason is that for letting her come?!”

“…Ali, you’re here.”

“Just got back. And seriously, that’s your excuse?”

“Then I’ll just… find some training to do there!”

“Sure. Whatever.”

“Hey.”

“…Oh boy.”

THUD. Before anyone noticed, Ali had materialized and smacked the back of Brook’s head. A normal person would’ve yelped, but the dragonkin didn’t even flinch. Ali sighed deeply. From her perspective, this was ridiculous—why drag along a trainee with no business there?

Hermine, however, was unfazed. Grinning, she doubled down. And Brook? Equally committed. Their minds were already on hot spring sweets.

Bonk, bonk. Ali rapped their heads, but they stood firm. In the end, Hermine got permission—if she trained properly. As the two celebrated, Ali groaned in the background. The power of sugar was too strong.

On the day of departure, Yuuri’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

His magic bag held all their luggage. Rooks, self-appointed bodyguard, trotted at his side. The trainees left behind (mourning the loss of Yuuri’s cooking) saw them off at the castle gates. So far, so normal.

Except for one thing.

“…Uh, that’s a dragon, right?”

“Yep.”

“…Why’s it holding a giant basket?”

Indeed, in a secluded square just outside the gates, a dragon lay crouched like a well-trained dog. Not the hulking RPG boss type—this one was a mix of Western and Eastern dragons, with large wings, powerful hind legs, and smaller forelimbs.

Is this really a dragon? Yuuri activated [God’s Eye], his handy identification skill.

—Wyvern

A dragonkin monster. Cannot speak but possesses high intelligence and combat ability.

Relatively docile and highly trainable. Obeys those who prove their strength, even non-tamers.

Primary means of aerial transport; regular routes exist between major cities.

Can be summoned via a “Wyvern Flute,” which emits a specific sound.

P.S. This one’s Brook’s personal acquaintance.

[God’s Eye] never missed a beat. That last note was pure Yuuri-flavor. Now enlightened, he stared at the wyvern, who slowly opened its eyes—large reptilian pupils locking onto him. Sensing no hostility, Yuuri bowed politely.

“Nice to meet you, Wyvern-san. Thank you for today.”

The wyvern blinked, startled. Most didn’t bother greeting transport animals. Kids usually feared them. Yuuri’s politeness was… unexpected.

Watching this, Brook chuckled and patted the wyvern’s thick neck.

“Just go with it. That’s how he is.”

“Eh? Brook-san, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“Who knows?”

“Wha—”

Yuuri’s squawk went unanswered. Brook just smirked. Before Yuuri could press further—WHAM. Something small slammed into his back, nearly toppling him. Brook’s arm kept him upright. Turning, he found Hermine clinging to him like a koala.

“…Hermine, even if you’re not that strong, surprise tackles hurt.”

“Sorry! I finished prepping, so I came over!”

“Okay, but… why are you hugging me?”

“? You looked like you were having fun, so I joined in.”

“Oh. Okay.”

Hermine tilted her head, utterly unbothered. Adorable, yes, but being used as a crash pad wasn’t ideal. While Yuuri sighed, Hermine beamed. Her mind was already at the hot springs.

Soon, the rest of the group arrived: trainers Ali and Brook, trainees Kurresh, Lelei, Licht, Ireissia, Yakumo, and the forcibly included Hermine. Plus Yuuri (tourist) and Rooks (self-proclaimed guard).

Most stared wide-eyed at the wyvern—even for adventurers, riding one wasn’t common.

“Brook-san, where’d this wyvern come from?”

“Personal connection. Don’t worry, it’s experienced.”

“…Personal connection? Brook-san’s insane…”

Kurresh’s distant look said it all. For a normal adventurer, this’d be unthinkable. But for Brook? Somehow, it made sense. (The “connection” was just a friend, but everyone assumed he’d beaten it into submission. Not entirely wrong.)

“Enough chatter. Brook, we ready?”

“Whenever.”

“Good. Everyone, in the basket.”

“”Roger.””

At Ali’s command, they piled into the massive basket the wyvern held. Even “large” was an understatement—it fit everyone comfortably, with cushioned seats lining the sides and extra pillows in the center. Surprisingly cozy.

“…Brook.”

“Hm?”

“This basket’s been upgraded again, hasn’t it?”

“Owner’s motto is ‘Sky travel in comfort.’ Can’t blame ’em.”

“…Right.”

Ali sounded exhausted. The wyvern’s employer apparently kept refining passenger conditions. (There were even luxury models, like detached carriage compartments.) This was the basic version.

Once everyone was in, the wyvern stood, the basket secured to its belly by straps. Gripping it firmly, the beast flexed its wings.

“Hold on.”

With Brook’s warning, weightlessness hit as the wyvern launched skyward. The basket’s open top offered a clear view of powerful wings beating the air.

“Whoa! We’re really flying! Amazing!”

“Amazing! Wheee! We’re in the sky!”

“So high!”

“…Yuuri’s fine, but Lelei, calm down. Hermine, you can fly yourself.”

“Huh? But this is way higher than I can go! Wyverns are the best! Ahahaha! The town looks like toys!”

“…Why are you the most hyper…?”

Yuuri, Lelei, and Hermine pressed against the basket’s small window, giddy. Kurresh’s scolding fell on deaf ears—Hermine was already dreaming of sweets. Ali sighed. This trip was supposed to be training and Yuuri’s break, but chaos seemed inevitable. (Though, honestly, this group would’ve caused trouble anyway. Yuuri just amplified it.)

And so, the group soared through the skies atop the wyvern, bound for the hot spring town of Yelga.