第８３７堀：名物？ (Part1)
Chapter 837: A Local Specialty?
Side: Samantha
"…Hmm. The scent of the shore. It’s like the sea at Weed, no—even wilder."
The moment we stepped out of the noble district, Cleena remarked on the air.
Indeed, if one were to sniff carefully—though that’s a strange way to put it—the scent of the coast was riding on the breeze.
However, it was mixed with a rather pungent, fishy odor; as Cleena said, "wild" was the most accurate description.
"Well, it’s not maintained for tourism like Weed is. This place serves as both a fishing port and a military port, so that raw, fishy smell is probably inevitable."
That makes sense. If it’s a harbor for securing the sustenance of the people and a military base to protect the nation, then it’s only natural. It isn't a place meant to prioritize cleanliness, after all.
…Though, I suppose Weed is the only place that uses the sea as a recreational area for people to swim in.
As I was pondering this while walking through the town, Jessica suddenly spoke up.
"However, although we’ve heard reports of monster damage, the townspeople don't seem to show any signs of it."
"That’s because the information is still being suppressed. It wouldn't do for word to get out that the pride of Sea-Cypher’s military was defeated by monsters. Besides, even the higher-ups are still half-doubting the existence of the monsters themselves."
"Is it really at that level? Well, that is what the report said, but..."
"…Hmm. Strange. You’d think the townspeople would be the ones spreading such stories."
As Cleena noted, one would expect the citizens to be the first to know of such rumors, but…
"Ah, that’s because the damage has only occurred on the high seas so far. Ordinary fishing boats don't stand a chance against monsters capable of sinking military vessels, so they just vanish. Only the military ships have a chance of returning. So, the authorities are likely treating the civilian disappearances as ordinary shipwrecks. The common folk would believe that far more readily than a story about being attacked by monsters. After all, they don't believe monsters exist here in the first place."
"I see."
"…Hmm. Understood."
In other words, no one would believe an impossible story about being attacked by a monster they’ve never seen.
Well, a town paralyzed by anxiety over known monster threats would be even more troublesome. Such things can explode into chaos over the smallest incident.
As we continued to gauge the atmosphere of the town, the scent of the shore and the fishy odor grew stronger…
"Ah, the sea!"
"It’s the sea!"
"The sea, indeed."
With those cries, Aslin and the others dashed ahead.
It seems we had arrived at the public fishing port.
"Get it while it’s here!!"
"Fresh catch, get your fresh catch!!"
"This one’s rotting, isn't it!!"
"Alright, I’ll take this one…"
A market swirling with such clamor came into view.
"That’s unexpected. Aren't fishing markets usually in the morning? Or rather, early dawn?"
"Right? I thought I might have misunderstood something."
For some reason, Yuki-sama and Taiki-san tilted their heads in confusion at the noisy market.
Just as I was thinking that, a man who smelled strongly of fish approached us.
"Oh, oh. You guys know your stuff. But that’s for the wholesalers."
"Ah. I see."
"I see, so this time of day is for selling what’s been brought in."
"That’s right. Well, it’s for the general public, anyway. The big shots come at dawn and take the best of the lot. It’s not exactly 'leftovers,' but this is the time for the common folk."
What could that mean?
Just as I was about to ask for more details…
"…Hmm. Yuki. If you know, tell me."
Cleena had already asked Yuki-sama. Well, she is a girl who wants to know everything, so that was to be expected.
"Well, I’m not sure if it’s the same in this sea, but generally, fishing involves heading out early in the dark and returning to port at dawn."
"Aye, the lad’s right. If you head out during the day to catch fish, you won't be back until night to sell them. And that won't sell. Fish don't stay fresh for long, you see."
"I see. So it’s to sell them while they’re fresh."
"That’s it. You’re a sharp lass, too. A fine little sister you’ve got there."
"…Little… sister."
*Pfft!!* Cleena, a little sister!! Yuki-sama’s little sister!!
I understand. I understand perfectly. Cleena has talent, but her physical growth hasn't caught up yet. No matter how you look at it, they do look like an older brother and his little sister.
While Cleena was reeling from the shock, Yuki-sama asked the man a question.
"We’re new to this market today, do you have any recommended fish? Or rather, given the time, is there anything left?"
"Thought so. Haven't seen you or these beauties around before. As for a recommendation…"
The man walked back into his shop.
"How’s this? The biggest one of the day."
What he brought out in his hands was…
"Whoa. Amazing. It’s a lizard!!"
"It has fins between its fingers!! Is it a salamander?"
"…It looks incredibly slimy."
It was less of a fish and more of a four-legged lizard, just as Aslin said. I don't know what kind of creature Firia’s "salamander" is, but I assume a similar creature exists on Earth.
And Labyris’s observation seemed spot on; a droplet of water dripped from the creature, trailing a string of slime as it hit the ground. It was definitely slimy and slippery.
"I’ve never seen this before. Do you call this a fish here? It feels more like a lizard to me."
"Hmm. Aye, that’s right. We call it a 'Sea Lizard' because of how it looks. Well, it might look like that, but it’s definitely for sale."
"I see. Is this Sea Lizard caught often?"
"Nah, it’s rare. That’s why I’m recommending it. It’s delicious. Though, it’s a bit pricey for the general market. I thought you folks might be tourists, so I took a chance."
"I see. So it’s quite a luxury item."
"Aye. But my luck’s out today, no buyers. If it stays like this, I’ll have to toss it or sell it for pennies. It’s fate, I’ll give it to you cheap."
"But you’ll still make a profit, right?"
"Of course I will!! Hahaha!!"
What a boisterous man. But he seems like a decent fellow.
Still, this Sea Lizard…
"Understood. I’ll buy it at the regular price."
"Aye. Much obliged! Wait—I said I’d give it to you for less than the regular price!"
Eh? He’s buying it?
And at the regular price?
Just like the man, I tilted my head in confusion, wondering why, when Yuki-sama spoke.
"No, it would be a shame if our acquaintance ended here. We plan to be in town for a while, so I’d appreciate it if you could teach us various things in the future. For instance, the best way to eat this Sea Lizard."
"Ha! If that’s all, I can teach you that. Though it’ll have to be after I finish my work."
"That’s fine. For now, tell me how to eat this thing."