Published: August 10, 2026
After we crossed the checkpoint and slowly made our way across the plains, the ground gradually became more even. A little farther on, wheel ruts began to appear here and there. Another half hour or so later, the road started to take shape, and beyond it we could see a small town.
It was the town closest to the border. It seemed to bustle as a post town, with more shops and inns than ordinary houses.
I looked back at Mio-sama in the carriage.
"We're staying here for the night, right? I'm done with sleeping outdoors. I want to stretch out my arms and legs and sleep properly."
Her reply came at once.
"I agree. However, before deciding on an inn, let's stop by some restaurant first."
"A restaurant? Don't most inns serve meals?"
"I'd like to do a little questioning first."
Ah, I had a bad feeling about this. After the exchange at the checkpoint, I had a feeling she was going to make me do something again...
"Don't worry, I'll handle it smoothly."
"Really?"
"Yes. So before we go into the shop, please change your clothes too."
"...So you are making me do something after all..."
Bouncing along on the coachman's seat, I let out a deep sigh.
It was a small tavern.
Perhaps because it was still a little early for dinner, only two or three tables were occupied.
At the counter, a middle-aged man with a small mustache wore a bored expression as he sliced a stick of cheese into rounds, apparently for night preparations.
Without hesitation, Mio-sama walked over to the counter and sat directly in front of the mustached man.
"Excuse me—does this shop have any Dilz dishes?"
She addressed him in the Dilz language, and the mustached man looked up. Seeing Mio-sama seated in front of him, he gave a short exclamation.
"Well now, what've we got here? Young students, are you?"
It was the Dilz language. And quite fluent, too. While I was staring in surprise, Mio-sama smiled pleasantly.
"Yes, my brother and I have been studying Oracle science and technology abroad since last year."
That was right; we were dressed like Oracle students now.
It wasn't the uniform of any particular academy, but the chic design and fine fabric made us look like unmistakable children of noble families.
Honestly, it suited her better than the lady-like outfit from daytime. But this was definitely too much cosplay. Also, she kept calling me her brother, and I still didn't understand why she wouldn't just set us up as siblings. I was pretty sure Mio-sama was actually more than ten years older than me, and...
"Gya!"
"Don't think rude things."
"Don't step on my foot because you can read my thoughts!"
After our usual exchange in hushed voices, Mio-sama turned back to the mustached man.
"We're on vacation at the end of the term right now. I had planned to return home after a long time, but we got word recently that there was a small disaster in our hometown, and we were told not to come back this year..."
"Oh dear, that's terrible. Are your family members safe?"
The owner seemed to sympathize well enough, dropping his bushy eyebrows as he peered into Mio-sama's face. Mio-sama said, "Yes, they're fine," but her expression still carried a lonely, wistful air.
"So now I've become homesick... I came looking for a place that serves Dilz food, all the way out to a town like this near the border."
"Oh, I see... yes, food from home is something special, isn't it..."
Stroking his beard with his fingertips, the mustached man's eyes grew moist.
Apparently this man was the owner. He spread the menu in front of me and Mio-sama.
"It's not an official menu, but if you request something, I'll make it for you. Can't beat your mother's cooking, though."
"Sir, have you learned how to make Dilz cuisine?"
"Only the simple stuff. I think every shop around here can make it."
"...Does that mean you were expecting tourists or immigrants from Dilz?"
When Mio-sama asked, the owner nodded with a grin.
"Ah, that was years ago, but the lord issued an order. This area and Dilz Royal Capital had become sister cities, so we were told to prepare for tourists."