Third Outer World Story Series: Pumpkin Sorcerer - Chapter 112

Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter

Having settled the request to Marquis Madosa for Uriko and the gathering and provision of information for the time being, Pumpkin departed for the inn that the escorting knights had arranged in preparation.

To be candid, water, sunlight, and soil were all Pumpkin needed, so he was fine with camping out in the mountains around Kruika, and personally didn’t care about lodging, but apparently the knights preferred to spend the night at a reasonably decent accommodation.

“Even so, the place is packed with people.”

People of various races were engaged in selling and buying various goods before Pumpkin’s eyes, and the bustle of the shopping street was unlike that of the one in Kunukihappy.

Kruika was the capital of Madosa territory, yet it was surrounded by mountains that maintained an abundant ecosystem, making it not necessarily an ideal site.

Nevertheless, it drew a large stream of students and other people from Senko as well as neighboring countries since it was the best institute city in Senko. As the environment for learning was established, many merchants flocked to handle the goods produced as a result of the institute’s studies, which in turn led to the creation of a major city called Kruika with personnel to transport goods and accommodations for guardians and merchants to pass the time in Kruika.

“Hmm. There’s a variety of things…”

Pumpkin walked past the swarm of people who were staring at him in astonishment while glancing at the various shops.

As was to be expected, the influx of numerous individuals from different regions resulted in the introduction of regional specialties from distant locales, including food, materials, and decorations, in addition to commodities produced in Kruika and the surrounding areas. Among them, there were some stores that displayed valuable goods that could not be found even in Senkonoto.

“But regrettably, most of the products don’t work out for me.”

With regard to groceries, however, there would be no sense in buying them given that Pumpkin can’t eat or drink ordinary sustenance, and as for ornaments and weapons, there would be no intention of wearing anything other than the minimum necessary.

While purchasing materials as a catalyst for resonance spells may be somewhat possible… fundamentally, resonance spells utilizing materials that can be retrieved from Lean Forest would be more practical, and creating new resonance spells and testing their specific effects would be time-consuming to begin with.

Incidentally, the minimum ornaments were a cloak, a catalyst for resonance spells, and a coat of arms that he made at the prince’s request during the past three years, considering that as a baron he should make and bear at least one of these items.

The crest of Baron Pumpkin Samsara, as it was called, was a threefold circle with a staff, pumpkin leaves, and flowers on it. This has never been of any use to him, though.

“Well, this must be the place.”

When Pumpkin arrived at the “Flying Dragon Pavilion of Snow,” the inn where he was supposed to stay for the remainder of his journey in Kruika, the sun had already set, in part because of the lengthy conversation he had.

The Flying Dragon Pavilion of Snow had prices that ranged from lower-class aristocrats to commoners, but the service was outstanding given the cost, making it a hit across all of Kruika.

In fact, it was a wonder how they managed to secure such a prominent accommodation.

The inn’s name, which represented a lovely white flying dragon that looked like snow, was inspired by a sighting the owner had when traveling as an adventurer in the past.

Since Uriko and Majik will be residing in the institute’s dormitory from today, they will be joined by the escorting knights at their earliest convenience.

“Excuse me.”

“Welcome. Are you alone?”

“No, my companions are supposed to be here…”

Pumpkin stepped inside and scanned the first level of the inn, which also served as a dining area, for the knights while a woman working there talked to him.

It seemed that the innkeeper in such a vast city had no adverse reaction to Pumpkin’s appearance at all.

“Over here, Pumpkin-san.”

“Oh, there you are.”

Pumpkin made his way to the knights while bowing politely to the staff woman once the other party noticed him.

Apparently, they were having a drink to celebrate the completion of their duties.

“You guys… are on duty until you return safely and have reported back, you know…”

“Hahaha. Isn’t it fine? It’s been a long time since I have been in a place where I can drink freely.”

“Seriously you guys…”

For a moment, Pumpkin expressed his exhortation, but considering their position, he decided it would be best for them to feel free to indulge.

Indeed, it was reasonable to argue that they were essentially secure inside Kruika unless there were something nefarious involved, and in view of the inconvenience he caused them along the journey, he will let them off the hook for today at least.

“Just don’t get too drunk and disturb the other customers.”

“I know.”

“We’ll be careful.”

“Thank you?!”

“Then I’ll go to my room and sleep.”

The least Pumpkin would do was to give them a warning.

They were knights with a proper appearance. They will probably not fail to maintain a minimum level of moderation.

“Oh, here’s the key to your room, Pumpkin-san.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll lead you to your room.”

“Thanks.”

With that, Pumpkin went to his room, ruminating in his head about the geography of Kruika, which he had grasped on foot today, for tomorrow and beyond, and lay down on his bed and drifted off to sleep.