落とし穴１０５堀：年越しの贅沢 (Part2)

落とし穴１０５堀：年越しの贅沢 (Part2)

"Yes. It's similar. But it's a beautiful red and transparent, so it's named after a jewel. It's delicious! I used to be able to pick them normally where I lived before. Well, unlike grapes or cherries, they grow one by one. I only learned after coming to Weed that they're considered a luxury because you can't get many."

"Oh?"

It seems there are still unique, special foods here too.

A jewel fruit, huh? I should look for it.

"Thank you. I'll look for it. If I find a lot, I'll buy some for Nana too."

"Wow. Really? Thank you. Well then, please do your best to find it!!"

Nana's eyes sparkled even more...

It felt like she was absolutely determined to have me find it.

Crap. I feel like I stepped on a landmine.

For now, I couldn't refuse Nana's request on the spot.

I casually ended the conversation, secured some mochi and alcohol, left Super Ratz, and was heading towards the market when...

"Filia-chan. Let's look for Ruby Balls, okay?"

"Because Nana said they're delicious, I'm definitely going to find them!"

Seeing them so enthusiastic...

Rabirisu and Shera, who saw them, said...

"It would be cruel if we couldn't find them with this,"

"...At worst, we'll have to order them through the DP. Also, what's the market price?"

"Since they're available in the market, they can't be outrageously expensive, right? Besides, Shera, didn't they serve them at royal banquets?"

"Yes. Shera, you must have eaten them before, right?"

"...I have, but the market price now is vastly different from back then. I admit they're delicious, but before the gate existed, they were called jewel fruits of magical power favored by the Fairy race. In fact, it's said that if a normal person eats one, all their magic will recover, meaning they have high restorative properties. And yet, they spoil quickly..."

"...In that case, I don't know the current market price."

"Judging from what Shera said, their effect is far beyond that of a common item!"

If they're simply delicious as fruit and also fully restore magic, they'd naturally be expensive.

I hope we can find them. For Aslin and Filia's sake too.

As I was thinking that, we found them easily.

"I found them!"

"Wow. Amazing. They look like jewels. Hey, mister, is this a Ruby Ball?"

"Oh. You know it well, young lady. Well, it's natural for residents of Weed to know it, considering the Fairy race lives here."

As we peeked at the three of them chatting cheerfully, we discovered something unexpected.

"Huh? They're not that expensive?"

"No. They're quite expensive, but... they're at a level that ordinary people can afford. Why is that, considering they also restore magic?"

As they said, the price wasn't at the level of something exclusively for royalty.

At most, it was about 200 yen for one, a single ball the size of a cherry.

It's certainly expensive, but it's a level you often see with branded goods.

It's about the price you'd give as a year-end gift. Definitely cheaper than beer.

Well, the royal-grade ones were probably selected Ruby Balls, so it's not really a fair comparison.

Perhaps hearing their conversation, the shopkeeper took his gaze off Aslin and Filia, looked at us, and opened his mouth.

"Well, these Ruby Balls are good for about four or five days at best. As a recovery medicine, they're the lowest of the low. They're just delicious fruits."

"I see."

When he said they only last four or five days, it might be sufficient on Earth, but it's fatal in Arowrit, where the distribution system wasn't established.

Four or five days would limit them to at most the neighboring town from where they were picked.

"Well, thanks to Weed these days, we can sell them before they spoil, so they sell reasonably well. But because we can move more volume, the unit price has gone down. In the past, we could barely manage to sell them to nobles, the wealthy, and royalty. But hey, I think it's fine as long as delicious things can be eaten by more people and bring them joy."

It seems he held no resentment towards Weed for the decrease in unit price.

"Rather, with more sales outlets, we're actually making more profit than before. Although wars have decreased, there are many jobs that use magic. There are many places that regularly buy these Ruby Balls. Thanks to Weed's gate."

I see.

In that sense too, the Weed gate distribution system seems to be appreciated.

"Anyway, enough talk. How about it? They're a bit pricey, but I guarantee the taste. I have some slightly more expensive Ruby Balls too. How about it, young man? Why don't you buy some for your younger sisters?"

"Mmm. I'm your big brother's wife!!"

"That's right! I'm your wife!!"

"Oh my. My apologies. Husband. How about some delicious fruit for your wife?"

I was impressed by how quickly the shopkeeper switched his address in response to Aslin and Filia's pleas...

"Then, 200 of the expensive ones."

"200!? Even though they've gotten cheaper, that's quite a lot, isn't it? I'm the one who suggested it, but are you sure you're not overdoing it?"

"It's fine. I'm earning well enough. Here."

Saying that, I handed over the money for 200 pieces. It came out to about 500 yen per piece, a total expenditure of about 100,000 yen.

It would be quite a strain for an ordinary household, but for me now, this amount doesn't even make my wallet flinch, so it's no problem.

"Well, I've taken your money, so I won't say anything more. Just don't push yourself too hard."

"I know."

As we left, I felt a sense of warmth from the shopkeeper's concern.

Yeah, I got a good souvenir.

If I taste it and it can be used for dessert, I'll try making various things.

Many people probably want to have something a little special for New Year's Eve.

Perhaps they'll opt for something a step above their usual, cheaper fare.

However, be careful not to overeat during New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.