I asked Lord Nephilim, who is said to be the highest authority in the Land of Sweets, to release Anakura.
After that, we were guided to a room used by the soldiers. It was a four-person room with partitions made of wooden boards.
“Use whatever you find around here. I’ll be excusing myself now.”
The captain left us and went somewhere. Is that okay? Letting outsiders just wander in and then leaving them… well, I’m too tired to question it anymore, so I’ll just let it slide.
Now, with no one around, I pushed Anakura to the back of the room.
“Where is Auroa? Tell me.”
“You’re persistent, aren’t you? I told you I don’t know. The last thing I remember was being in a wooden box, and when I woke up, I was here. I thought I was in heaven.”
“You haven’t even seen a trace of Auroa?”
Anakura nodded with a half-smile. I drew my dagger and pressed him.
“I’m serious.”
“Ooh, scary. Are you going to get revenge on me? Go ahead. Feel free to hack me to pieces.”
I grabbed him by the chest and held the blade to his neck. Yet, he remained nonchalant, his expression unchanged. It was as if he were waiting to be punished.
I felt sick, like I was being toyed with in the palm of someone’s hand.
“Damn it! Why are you here?”
I pushed his hand away and released my grip. What did Auroa bring him here for? Did she leave without giving any orders? Was it just for that purpose?
“Arisugawa, calm down. Let’s get something to eat for now.”
“You’re right. Don’t even think about running away.”
Anakura just grinned as usual.
For the time being, we came to the town in a group. Everyone promised to return by evening and then scattered to their preferred locations. I decided to stick with Sharin and Anakura. I couldn’t tell what this guy would do if I wasn’t keeping an eye on him.
“Sorry to intrude on your romantic date.”
“We’re not lovers. Shut up.”
I want to eat somewhere, but with him here, we’re too conspicuous. We already stand out because we’re different, and now we’re attracting even more unwanted attention. Even now, the small residents are stopping and staring at us.
“That big snake is scary!”
I heard a child crying somewhere. I saw some of the Naga Tribe who live here, but like the other residents, their tails were short and they were in cute colors like light blue and pink. Moreover, since he has Dark Harpy blood mixed in, his arms are covered in black wings. That probably makes him even scarier.
There was nothing I could do but buy some random food and head back. Of course, everything sold was, as expected, sweet. Egg tarts, strawberry cakes, doughnuts – my teeth are practically melting. The doughnuts, for example, were coated with white sugar and then drizzled with chocolate.
Is there anything edible? As I desperately searched, a familiar, pleasant aroma wafted past my nose. This appetizing spice scent is… curry! It’s probably different from what I know, but it shouldn’t be inedible.
“Alright, I bought it. Let’s head back to the barracks.”
“Are you sure? It’s a date, after all. Why don’t you two enjoy yourselves while I go back alone?”
“You say that, but you’re planning to run away, aren’t you? I won’t fall for that.”
As we were talking, two Centaurs suddenly appeared in front of us. They had white and brown patches.
“Is there something we can help you with?”
“Um, you’re people from outside, right?”
When I answered yes, they became excited, saying, “So it is.” I wonder if they’re just curious about unusual things.
“Did you see someone named Chester?”
“He’s pink and about our height.”
Are they Chester’s acquaintances?! It makes sense; he must have had a family too.
“I know him. I met him on the way here. He’s doing well.”
“Really?! That’s a relief. Everyone was worried because he disappeared suddenly. Hey, when you see him next time, could you tell him we’re getting married?”
The white and brown patched pair are naturally both men. Is that allowed here?
“I’m Chocolate Chip, and this is Chocolate Cream. We’re neighbors.”
“We’ve been getting along so well, we thought we might as well become family.”
Hmm… I see. It’s no longer about romance, just a desire to be family. Perhaps it’s more convenient to be legally together. I was too bored to question it further, so I just smiled it off.
“Then, please do.”
The two of them walked away, holding hands affectionately. I guess this kind of marriage is common here. Well, it has its conveniences, but what happens if one of them gets a girlfriend? Perhaps polygamy is allowed.
I took Sharin and Anakura and returned to the barracks. Veronica, who is nocturnal, and Elana, who has no apparent connection to this, were sleeping in their beds. Come to think of it, Anakura also mentioned he dislikes the daytime.
“You should be able to eat here without any problems.”
Let’s take a bite… it’s sweet. No, it’s too sweet. The sweetness spread the moment it touched my tongue. After that, there’s the aroma of spices, but no heat. Sharin looked a little disappointed too.
“I… I can eat it, I guess.”
“You should eat some too.”
I offered some to Anakura, but he refused. He said he didn’t want to eat anything that sweet. What a sarcastic guy. I ended up eating both portions, but I wasn’t satisfied at all.
“Haa, what’s going on? Is all the food here like this?”
“Indeed, unfortunately, it seems most of the residents have a sweet tooth.”
My stomach was full enough, so I decided to rest for a while.
