Kamisama Shop de Cheat no Kaori

Chapter 129. Three Companion And The Spinning Coyote

The town of Hanshon was in more chaos than expected.

It seemed that most of the merchant caravans were heading towards the direction of the city-state of Sevites, making the town’s entrances and exits extremely crowded.

Apparently, merchants who had given up on heading to Sevites were now frantically fleeing in the opposite direction.

Those with strong business acumen were selling water, which they must have fetched from the river.

As I was observing the town to decide what to do, Yaralai peeked his face from above the side door, still hanging upside down.

I wished he’d stop flinching for a moment.

“Akira, let’s stop by that tavern over there.”

“The tavern? The larger building?”

“Yes.”

I thought about asking why, but there wasn’t much time, and the front of the shop was crowded. It would be better to park in the available space quickly. A stable boy ran over, but he tilted his head in confusion as there were no horses to take. I handed him a few copper coins and asked him to keep an eye on the carriage to prevent any mischief.

Remaining balance: 310,409 yen.

“Hehe, I don’t want to leave the air-conditioned room.”

I understood how he felt and actually appreciated it, so I decided to leave him behind.

By the way, the camper van has two separate battery systems, so even if the engine is off and the air conditioning is running, the batteries won’t run out. At least, it means we won’t lose the ability to drive.

The tavern was a single-story building but quite large. It was fundamentally different from the typical fantasy setup where the first floor is a tavern and the second floor is an inn.

It was a sturdy building made of many wooden pillars and sun-dried bricks compared to other structures.

The tavern’s sign was still dominated by an illustration. It was the longest sign I had seen so far, with several dog-like figures depicted. Just by looking at it, I couldn’t guess the name of the place. Maybe something like “100 Dogs Tavern”?

Well, in the corner, it said “Spinning Coyote Inn.” Can you guess?

Along with the fully equipped Hagg and Yaralai, I stepped into the “Spinning Coyote Inn” while brushing aside the waist-high wooden door that looked like it came from a Western.

Perhaps due to the high ceiling, it was cooler inside than I had imagined. I noticed this at Pilatus as well; it seemed there were unique local methods for air circulation. Although, it didn’t seem to be a technology widely used even in ordinary homes.

The round tables had twelve seats, and most of them were occupied. A slender dog-like beastkin child quickly approached us.

“How many people, sir?”

He asked curtly, but it was probably normal in this world. I conveyed that there were four of us. Actually, there was also Uytis with us.

“Is it alright to sit together?”

“Yes, that would be helpful.”

“Even so, it’s quite crowded.”

“Do you want to know the reason? Dwarf-san?”

The last question came from the same child beastkin.

“Yes, please.”

Hagg handed the boy a few more coins, and he began to speak with a smile.

We were guided to a table and listened to the boy’s monologue.

“This is a secret, but actually, goblins have settled near this town! There’s an old open-pit mine site about half a day’s walk away, and they’re swarming there! Plus, there was an elf girl in the extermination squad who was incredibly beautiful! Even though she wasn’t a beastkin, I thought she was pretty good-looking!”

“What?”

The dog-boy continued his story, but Yaralai, being an elf, had sharp, glaring eyes. Naturally, he would be worried if his kin were in danger.

“This is bad… If the elf was taken as a host, a goblin hazard could occur.”

“What are you talking about, old dwarf? The goblin hazard is already happening!”

The atmosphere around Yaralai changed sharply. It seemed he was exuding anger and killing intent, silencing the groups chatting at other tables.

“Hmm. I heard during my travels that there was a lizard couple in the extermination squad. Where are they now?”

“Oh, you knew about them? I was just about to tell you.”

“Ha ha ha! That happens! Please tell me where they are.”

Hagg handed over a few more coins, and the dog-boy grinned widely, showing his teeth.

“If you wait here, they should arrive soon. They get injured but come to drink every day… And look!”

The creaking sound of the door hinges at the entrance coincided with the boy’s gesture.

As I shifted my gaze as if guided, two lizardfolk, not just two but a pair, entered, wrapped in sand-stained bandages.

Frankly, I couldn’t distinguish between reptilian humans. I observed them again. The two, due to their injuries, were not wearing armor but were adorned with necklaces. One was mainly in orange, while the other was mainly green. They only had knives hanging from their belts, which almost every traveling species carries, so it must be standard equipment.

To further discern, I continued observing. If I had to say, the orange one had sharper eyes, while the green one had droopy eyes. Also, the green one had a thicker tail.

Since they were said to be a couple, I assumed one of them was a woman, but I still couldn’t determine which.

“Hey! Long time no see! Shurra! Leemo!”

Hagg waved loudly at the lizards, and the orange-decorated lizard’s eyes widened (?), and he barked.

“Ah? Oh! Isn’t that Hagg! You’re alive, you bastard!”

“Ha ha ha! Do you think I’d die so easily! But you guys look like you’re in worse shape than me!”

“Hmph! These are just scratches! Though we had a bit of a mishap, we don’t have much on hand, so treat us!”

“Hmph… I can’t help it. I want to hear all about it.”

“Got it, got it… Boy! Two ales for now!”

“Got it! Please, order whatever you like too!”

It wasn’t the child’s line I was expecting, but there was no point in getting upset with what a kid does. We also ordered ales and some snacks.

The lukewarm ale was served in the ever-unpleasant sun-dried clay cup. The snacks were salted roasted beans.

Remaining balance: 307,509 yen.

“But it’s rare for you to sit with an elf. I’m Shurra. This is my husband Leemo.”

“Nice to meet you…”

It seemed that the loud one was the woman, and the quiet one was the man.

“Oh, I’m Akira. It seems polite speech isn’t necessary here.”

“Of course. No need for formalities! And what’s the name of the unique elf traveling with the dwarf?”

“I am Yaralai. I am called Yaralai.”

Shurura and Leemo’s eyes widened simultaneously. …Probably.

“Really! I’ve heard the rumors about you! They say you’re a peculiar elf and a skilled pest hunter! We also make our living by hunting pests, so we’re like comrades.”

“Yes.”

Shurura extended a hand, and they shook hands firmly. Is Leemo okay with that? And can Yaralai get along with anyone who isn’t a dwarf?

“I’m Uytis. I’m just here by chance, but I’m happy to be with you.”

“It happens often when traveling. It’s fate, so let’s get along.”

The slender beauty from the lizardfolk gave a reptilian smile. Well, I’m not even sure what I’m saying myself.

“Well then, greetings are done. I hear a goblin hazard has occurred?”

After taking a big gulp of ale, Hagg rested his arms on the table.

Shurura, the lizardfolk’s wife, also took on a serious expression and rested her arms on the table, beginning to speak slowly.