Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is Satou. I like both legal shops and those pushing the gray zone.

But I definitely want to pass on compensated dating.

◇

I took Arisa and headed to the carriage. On the way, I made eye contact with Martha-chan, who was serving at a tavern, and without any hesitation, she invited us for dinner.

Since I planned to eat outside with Liza and the others, I declined.

When we reached the courtyard where the carriage was parked, the four of them were waiting around, looking a bit bored.

Noticing my arrival, Liza spoke up on their behalf.

“Master, may we load the luggage now?”

“Well... We’re going to the merchant guild to pick up goods tomorrow, so it’s better to load then. But if we leave it here, it might bother the landladies.”

While I was considering this, Arisa whispered in my ear.

“Shall we put it in my Treasure Vault (Item Box)? That might be better for security.”

“Right now, there’s only us, so it should be fine.”

I instructed them to load the luggage onto the carriage for now.

I had the three little ones climb onto the flatbed and handed over the luggage. Pochi and Tama’s strength stats are boosted enough to match two adults, so they easily carried even the heavy preserved food. It looked like some kind of magic trick or special effects.

Arisa and Lulu handled sorting the goods inside.

Obviously, loading the luggage onto the flatbed was up to Liza and me. It would be a waste to work in such expensive robes, so I changed into plain clothes—a simple linen tunic.

Once the loading was done, I had everyone except Arisa go fetch three small barrels and fill them with water. Each barrel holds about six liters.

“You didn’t have to take Lulu too. I already told her about my Treasure Vault (Item Box), you know?”

Since it might be troublesome for beast girls alone, I had Lulu go along.

“Let’s split the preserved foods in half. I’ll carry the magical items. Since no one would steal the learning cards, we’ll leave those on the carriage. As for the food entrusted to Liza and the others, we’ll leave that on the carriage too.”

“Okay~,” Arisa said lightly, storing the preserved foods in her Treasure Vault (Item Box). I did the same.

The preserved foods were dried meat, rye bread that had been baked firm, roasted beans, and dried sweet potatoes.

There were also bags of flour, root vegetables, rock salt, and other foodstuffs. They avoided leafy vegetables since they spoil easily.

Only after loading everything did we realize...

“We need baskets or boxes to sort things.”

“Yeah, and some cushioning material too. Otherwise, the cooking utensils will clatter loudly every time the carriage shakes.”

“Also, thin ropes would be good.”

“Ropes? Ah, for drying clothes, right?”

“I think sturdy ropes would be good too.”

Liza, returning while loading water, suggested these things.

I couldn’t imagine what for.

“For bleeding out prey when hunting on the road.”

Right, if bandits show up, we’ll need ropes to tie them up.

“You’re a humanitarian~ Bandits are nothing but trouble, so it’s better to rob their hideouts and exterminate them, as that famous bounty hunter girl said~?”

What kind of acquaintance is that?

A famous person like that... This world sure is dangerous.

“Anything else we’re missing?”

Pochi jumped up and raised his hand. Did Arisa teach him that?

“Yes, Pochi-kun. Go ahead.”

“A stepping stool! I want one~”

After asking more, it turns out he used a stepping stool when helping care for the horses. He’s eager to help with the horses even on the road. Very dependable.

Tama also raised his hand and shyly suggested “a brush~?” while tilting his body sideways—so cute. He wants a horse brush and hoof-cleaning tools.

We’d completely forgotten horse grooming tools.

Lulu timidly raised her hand as well.

“...U-um,” she said, blushing deep red.

Is it that embarrassing? I glanced at Arisa... She winked at me. So old-school!

“I want a washboard and a bucket.”

Is that really so embarrassing? I forgot they’re in the storage, but they’re definitely necessary.