[Are you looking for me?]
The fairy, covered in dirt and leaves, fluttered in through the open kitchen door, seemingly from the garden.
“What have you been up to?”
[I was looking at the flowers you planted.]
Recently, Sylvia had filled her garden with fragrant flowers. Her magic seemed to grow stronger with use; now, she could grow plants even in non-soil environments.
Thus, she had turned her house into a jungle-like space. Corn grew in one corner of the living room, and various vegetables hung like vines in each room.
The reason for growing flowers in the garden was out of curiosity to see if they could collect honey. She wondered if bees might come and build hives there.
Next to the brightly blooming flower bed, there were wisteria and acacia trees, hoping that bees would build hives there.
“Come here, you’ve got leaves on you.”
Sylvia gently brushed the leaves off the fairy’s head, smiling brightly. Erin always seemed at a loss when Sylvia smiled like that, feeling her heart fluttering with excitement.
“There, all clean. Shall we go now?”
[Hehe, yes!]
Erin, who had been sitting on Sylvia’s palm, fluttered up and perched on her head. She adorably grasped Sylvia’s hair with her tiny hands and rubbed her face against it.
Dean, recognizing Sylvia as she arrived at the second city gate, quickly approached her.
“Hey, what’s on the menu today?”
Sylvia, recognizing the blonde-haired Dean, happily responded.
“When did you return?”
“Just yesterday afternoon. Phew, it was quite dangerous this time.”
As Dean lamented the recent increase in the number of demonic beasts, Sylvia pondered thoughtfully.
‘The novel mentioned that as the Black Dragon sleeps, the number of demonic beasts increases. I wonder if the Croban mercenary group is okay.’
As she set down her leather backpack, Dean urged her.
“So, what’s the menu for today?”
“Today, it’s steak with butter-baked potatoes, a vegetable salad with orange dressing, and rice.”
“Oh, meat today.”
While he was getting used to fresh vegetables, meat was always welcome.
“Then, give me 20 today. Oh, I brought the lunchbox container.”
“Got it. Today’s fruit is apple.”
Sylvia skillfully took the empty lunchbox container he handed over and placed it in another spatial bag. Then, she handed over the steak lunchboxes and apples.
“Oh, right, that… what is it, the tasty water, what kind is it today?”
“Today, it’s corn tea. Should I include that too?”
“Yes, 20 of those too.”
She quickly took them out of her backpack and put them into Dean’s spatial bag. With the flurry of orders, Sylvia busily moved around, taking the money and putting it in her pocket.
[Today, they’re selling really fast. Today’s lunchboxes look really delicious!]
Erin enthusiastically spoke, smacking her lips. Sylvia pretended to reach up to her head, gently stroking the fairy’s hair.
“Leader, here it is. Over here.”
A familiar voice gently touched Sylvia’s ears.
“There are so many people. Let’s line up too.”
“These lunchboxes are that delicious?”
“They’re incredibly popular. They sell out quickly, so you have to wait in line early, according to Bishop.”
“Hmm, lunchboxes… Why bother when we can just catch a wild boar on the way?”
“Ahem, not only are they delicious, but the woman selling them is also quite beautiful, adding to the fame.”
Sylvia didn’t hear the last part, which was whispered very softly.
“I see.”
“And eating these lunchboxes supposedly cures constipation. Many people talk about their effectiveness. Haven’t you heard, Leader?”
“Hmm… not sure.”
As the two conversed, their turn to order came.
“Excuse me, it’s my first time here. How does this work?”
Sylvia tilted her head as she looked at the man with sky-blue hair speaking enthusiastically.
‘Have I seen him before?’
“Leader! How many should we buy?”
“Just get enough. We’re planning a light day today.”
“Okay! Then…”
The man with sky-blue hair counted the members of his mercenary group, pondering. Sylvia, watching him intently, turned to look at a strikingly handsome man next to him and exclaimed.
“Oh?”
Pointing her finger, her eyes widened in recognition.
“What?”
Reacting to her response, the man named Ethan, who was standing next to the sky-blue-haired man, looked at her with slightly widened eyes.
“Ah, I thought you looked familiar. It’s you, miss.”
Ethan smiled warmly, his lips curling up at the corners as he greeted her.
“Do you remember me?”
“Of course, aren’t you the mage who bravely joined a mercenary group despite not being a combat mage?”
“Oh… yes, that’s right. I was really grateful for your help back then.”
Sylvia conveyed her gratitude to Ethan, who had readily helped her when she was lost and confused in this new place. If he hadn’t been there, she wasn’t sure what would have become of her.
Jeremy, the man with sky-blue hair, who had been pondering at the side, threw a curious glance and asked.
“Leader, do you know her?”
Only then did Sylvia recognize Jeremy. He was the man who had first offered her help in the forest.
“Don’t you remember me? You helped me in the forest.”
Recalling the past, Jeremy clapped his hands in realization and joy.
“The mage from that time! It’s good to see you again.”
“Yes, nice to see you too.”
“The beautiful woman of the famously delicious lunchbox shop is actually the mage… It’s really great to meet you again.”
As Sylvia chatted with the two, she noticed the line still waiting and asked softly.
“How many would you like to buy?”
“Hmm, we’ll take 40, please.”
“Could you please hand over your spatial bag?”
Jeremy handed over his spatial bag. Sylvia filled it with 40 lunchboxes, 40 cups of corn tea, and 40 apples. Jeremy watched in amazement and blinked before asking.
“Were we supposed to buy them as a set?”
With a soft laugh, Sylvia handed back the spatial bag.
“No, this is just a service I provide.”
Ethan waved his hand in response to her words, but Sylvia was quicker.
“It’s quite a bargain for saving my life, isn’t it? Please spread the word about how delicious it is. You got that, right?”
Her bright turquoise eyes twinkled. Jeremy blushed and nodded. Ignoring Ethan’s attempt to pay more, feeling it might be too excessive, Sylvia turned to the next customer.
“Oh? The mercenary, back again?”
“Still got plenty left? I need 30 today. Decided to buy for our guys too.”
“Of course, we have enough. Can I have your bag?”
“I’ve also washed the lunchbox container.”
“Thank you. Today’s fruit is apple.”
“Oh wow, apples… Did I ever tell you I used to work in a knight order? I had them once at a noble’s house.”
“My apples are probably better than those.”
Jeremy and Ethan, pushed naturally out of the line, looked at her with a mix of surprise and admiration, but Sylvia continued serving her customers.
Ethan stayed nearby, waiting for a chance to properly express his gratitude. He felt thankful that she remembered his help and wanted to reciprocate, even though he felt he hadn’t done much.
His curiosity about her grew. What kind of mage was she to be selling lunchboxes? Jeremy, recalling what Bishop had said, marveled at how quickly the lunchboxes were selling out.
“Uh-oh. Only five left now.”
“Ah, just missed it by a bit… Can’t be helped. Can I take those?”
“Yes, you can. I’ll add some extra apples for you. Please come again.”
“Really? I will enjoy them, thank you.”
The last customer, delighted by her attentiveness despite their disappointment, left with a word of thanks.
[That was fast.]
As the fairy noted, the lunchboxes sold incredibly quickly. In just an hour, all 500 lunchboxes were sold.
Some bought in bulk, but many bought in smaller quantities. The price was a bit higher compared to the rice ball lunchboxes she sold on the first day, so some customers found it a bit expensive.
Despite the higher price, Sylvia’s lunchboxes remained incredibly popular, with different menus each day attracting more interest.
As Sylvia was packing up her backpack, Ethan and Jeremy approached her again.
“Your lunchboxes are really popular.”
Sylvia turned towards Ethan, who initiated the conversation and replied with a narrow smile.
“Thank you. I hope it suits your taste, Sir Knight.”
Ethan, revealing a charming white smile, extended his hand.
“Call me Ethan, I lead the Nakri Mercenary Group.”
They shook hands firmly, his brown, weathered hand in hers.
“I’m Sylvia, a plant mage.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar term.
“A plant mage? That’s new to me. Ah, I’m Jeremy.”
He extended his hand awkwardly, surprised at his own outburst, and Sylvia shook it with a smile.
“It’s quite rare, I guess. I haven’t met other plant mages either. I’m Sylvia.”
Their friendly conversation was interrupted by the massive gates of the second city gate beginning to open.
“Pull! Pull it properly!”
Sounds of bustling activity and commands echoed as people worked to open the gate.
Sylvia, despite visiting daily, had never seen the giant gates open completely. Ethan spoke softly beside her.
“It seems the Visconti Knight Order has returned.”
As he finished his sentence, the gate fully opened.
The thunderous sound of horses galloping in unison was overwhelming. The rumbling noise made Sylvia widen her eyes in awe.
[Wow, Sylvia! I’ve never seen so many horses before.]
Erin, perched quietly on her head, chirped excitedly. The knights, led by one in shining white armor, were followed by others in silver armor, glittering in the sunlight.
The sporadic dark blue bloodstains on their armor subtly indicated their recent engagement in monster subjugation.
“That’s no small feat.”
Jeremy commented, marveling at the rare sight. It was indeed uncommon to witness such a massive knight order, roughly 800-strong, passing through the city gate all at once.
Ethan observed intently, murmuring softly.
“It seems they’ve been to the vicinity of the monsters’ stronghold.”
Such a large number could only mean they had ventured that far.
“To venture that deep, it’s indeed the Visconti Knight Order.”
“No matter how much they support mercenary groups, knights are on a different level, especially a knight order led by a duke of the Corpora Empire.”
Sylvia listened intently to their conversation. Despite knowing the future of this place from a novel, she had limited knowledge about the Corpora Empire.
The novel had focused on the protagonist, only mentioning the empire in relation to the main character’s storyline.
‘The Visconti Knight Order, led by a duke of the empire… Regardless of other factors, it’s best to avoid nobility where possible.’
Resolving this internally, Sylvia watched the departing knight order before turning away.
[Are you looking for me?]
The fairy, covered in dirt and leaves, fluttered in through the open kitchen door, seemingly from the garden.
“What have you been up to?”
[I was looking at the flowers you planted.]
Recently, Sylvia had filled her garden with fragrant flowers. Her magic seemed to grow stronger with use; now, she could grow plants even in non-soil environments.
Thus, she had turned her house into a jungle-like space. Corn grew in one corner of the living room, and various vegetables hung like vines in each room.
The reason for growing flowers in the garden was out of curiosity to see if they could collect honey. She wondered if bees might come and build hives there.
Next to the brightly blooming flower bed, there were wisteria and acacia trees, hoping that bees would build hives there.
“Come here, you’ve got leaves on you.”
Sylvia gently brushed the leaves off the fairy’s head, smiling brightly. Erin always seemed at a loss when Sylvia smiled like that, feeling her heart fluttering with excitement.
“There, all clean. Shall we go now?”
[Hehe, yes!]
Erin, who had been sitting on Sylvia’s palm, fluttered up and perched on her head. She adorably grasped Sylvia’s hair with her tiny hands and rubbed her face against it.
Dean, recognizing Sylvia as she arrived at the second city gate, quickly approached her.
“Hey, what’s on the menu today?”
Sylvia, recognizing the blonde-haired Dean, happily responded.
“When did you return?”
“Just yesterday afternoon. Phew, it was quite dangerous this time.”
As Dean lamented the recent increase in the number of demonic beasts, Sylvia pondered thoughtfully.
‘The novel mentioned that as the Black Dragon sleeps, the number of demonic beasts increases. I wonder if the Croban mercenary group is okay.’
As she set down her leather backpack, Dean urged her.
“So, what’s the menu for today?”
“Today, it’s steak with butter-baked potatoes, a vegetable salad with orange dressing, and rice.”
“Oh, meat today.”
While he was getting used to fresh vegetables, meat was always welcome.
“Then, give me 20 today. Oh, I brought the lunchbox container.”
“Got it. Today’s fruit is apple.”
Sylvia skillfully took the empty lunchbox container he handed over and placed it in another spatial bag. Then, she handed over the steak lunchboxes and apples.
“Oh, right, that… what is it, the tasty water, what kind is it today?”
“Today, it’s corn tea. Should I include that too?”
“Yes, 20 of those too.”
She quickly took them out of her backpack and put them into Dean’s spatial bag. With the flurry of orders, Sylvia busily moved around, taking the money and putting it in her pocket.
[Today, they’re selling really fast. Today’s lunchboxes look really delicious!]
Erin enthusiastically spoke, smacking her lips. Sylvia pretended to reach up to her head, gently stroking the fairy’s hair.
“Leader, here it is. Over here.”
A familiar voice gently touched Sylvia’s ears.
“There are so many people. Let’s line up too.”
“These lunchboxes are that delicious?”
“They’re incredibly popular. They sell out quickly, so you have to wait in line early, according to Bishop.”
“Hmm, lunchboxes… Why bother when we can just catch a wild boar on the way?”
“Ahem, not only are they delicious, but the woman selling them is also quite beautiful, adding to the fame.”
Sylvia didn’t hear the last part, which was whispered very softly.
“I see.”
“And eating these lunchboxes supposedly cures constipation. Many people talk about their effectiveness. Haven’t you heard, Leader?”
“Hmm… not sure.”
As the two conversed, their turn to order came.
“Excuse me, it’s my first time here. How does this work?”
Sylvia tilted her head as she looked at the man with sky-blue hair speaking enthusiastically.
‘Have I seen him before?’
“Leader! How many should we buy?”
“Just get enough. We’re planning a light day today.”
“Okay! Then…”
The man with sky-blue hair counted the members of his mercenary group, pondering. Sylvia, watching him intently, turned to look at a strikingly handsome man next to him and exclaimed.
“Oh?”
Pointing her finger, her eyes widened in recognition.
“What?”
Reacting to her response, the man named Ethan, who was standing next to the sky-blue-haired man, looked at her with slightly widened eyes.
“Ah, I thought you looked familiar. It’s you, miss.”
Ethan smiled warmly, his lips curling up at the corners as he greeted her.
“Do you remember me?”
“Of course, aren’t you the mage who bravely joined a mercenary group despite not being a combat mage?”
“Oh… yes, that’s right. I was really grateful for your help back then.”
Sylvia conveyed her gratitude to Ethan, who had readily helped her when she was lost and confused in this new place. If he hadn’t been there, she wasn’t sure what would have become of her.
Jeremy, the man with sky-blue hair, who had been pondering at the side, threw a curious glance and asked.
“Leader, do you know her?”
Only then did Sylvia recognize Jeremy. He was the man who had first offered her help in the forest.
“Don’t you remember me? You helped me in the forest.”
Recalling the past, Jeremy clapped his hands in realization and joy.
“The mage from that time! It’s good to see you again.”
“Yes, nice to see you too.”
“The beautiful woman of the famously delicious lunchbox shop is actually the mage… It’s really great to meet you again.”
As Sylvia chatted with the two, she noticed the line still waiting and asked softly.
“How many would you like to buy?”
“Hmm, we’ll take 40, please.”
“Could you please hand over your spatial bag?”
Jeremy handed over his spatial bag. Sylvia filled it with 40 lunchboxes, 40 cups of corn tea, and 40 apples. Jeremy watched in amazement and blinked before asking.
“Were we supposed to buy them as a set?”
With a soft laugh, Sylvia handed back the spatial bag.
“No, this is just a service I provide.”
Ethan waved his hand in response to her words, but Sylvia was quicker.
“It’s quite a bargain for saving my life, isn’t it? Please spread the word about how delicious it is. You got that, right?”
Her bright turquoise eyes twinkled. Jeremy blushed and nodded. Ignoring Ethan’s attempt to pay more, feeling it might be too excessive, Sylvia turned to the next customer.
“Oh? The mercenary, back again?”
“Still got plenty left? I need 30 today. Decided to buy for our guys too.”
“Of course, we have enough. Can I have your bag?”
“I’ve also washed the lunchbox container.”
“Thank you. Today’s fruit is apple.”
“Oh wow, apples… Did I ever tell you I used to work in a knight order? I had them once at a noble’s house.”
“My apples are probably better than those.”
Jeremy and Ethan, pushed naturally out of the line, looked at her with a mix of surprise and admiration, but Sylvia continued serving her customers.
Ethan stayed nearby, waiting for a chance to properly express his gratitude. He felt thankful that she remembered his help and wanted to reciprocate, even though he felt he hadn’t done much.
His curiosity about her grew. What kind of mage was she to be selling lunchboxes? Jeremy, recalling what Bishop had said, marveled at how quickly the lunchboxes were selling out.
“Uh-oh. Only five left now.”
“Ah, just missed it by a bit… Can’t be helped. Can I take those?”
“Yes, you can. I’ll add some extra apples for you. Please come again.”
“Really? I will enjoy them, thank you.”
The last customer, delighted by her attentiveness despite their disappointment, left with a word of thanks.
[That was fast.]
As the fairy noted, the lunchboxes sold incredibly quickly. In just an hour, all 500 lunchboxes were sold.
Some bought in bulk, but many bought in smaller quantities. The price was a bit higher compared to the rice ball lunchboxes she sold on the first day, so some customers found it a bit expensive.
Despite the higher price, Sylvia’s lunchboxes remained incredibly popular, with different menus each day attracting more interest.
As Sylvia was packing up her backpack, Ethan and Jeremy approached her again.
“Your lunchboxes are really popular.”
Sylvia turned towards Ethan, who initiated the conversation and replied with a narrow smile.
“Thank you. I hope it suits your taste, Sir Knight.”
Ethan, revealing a charming white smile, extended his hand.
“Call me Ethan, I lead the Nakri Mercenary Group.”
They shook hands firmly, his brown, weathered hand in hers.
“I’m Sylvia, a plant mage.”
Jeremy’s eyes widened at the unfamiliar term.
“A plant mage? That’s new to me. Ah, I’m Jeremy.”
He extended his hand awkwardly, surprised at his own outburst, and Sylvia shook it with a smile.
“It’s quite rare, I guess. I haven’t met other plant mages either. I’m Sylvia.”
Their friendly conversation was interrupted by the massive gates of the second city gate beginning to open.
“Pull! Pull it properly!”
Sounds of bustling activity and commands echoed as people worked to open the gate.
Sylvia, despite visiting daily, had never seen the giant gates open completely. Ethan spoke softly beside her.
“It seems the Visconti Knight Order has returned.”
As he finished his sentence, the gate fully opened.
The thunderous sound of horses galloping in unison was overwhelming. The rumbling noise made Sylvia widen her eyes in awe.
[Wow, Sylvia! I’ve never seen so many horses before.]
Erin, perched quietly on her head, chirped excitedly. The knights, led by one in shining white armor, were followed by others in silver armor, glittering in the sunlight.
The sporadic dark blue bloodstains on their armor subtly indicated their recent engagement in monster subjugation.
“That’s no small feat.”
Jeremy commented, marveling at the rare sight. It was indeed uncommon to witness such a massive knight order, roughly 800-strong, passing through the city gate all at once.
Ethan observed intently, murmuring softly.
“It seems they’ve been to the vicinity of the monsters’ stronghold.”
Such a large number could only mean they had ventured that far.
“To venture that deep, it’s indeed the Visconti Knight Order.”
“No matter how much they support mercenary groups, knights are on a different level, especially a knight order led by a duke of the Corpora Empire.”
Sylvia listened intently to their conversation. Despite knowing the future of this place from a novel, she had limited knowledge about the Corpora Empire.
The novel had focused on the protagonist, only mentioning the empire in relation to the main character’s storyline.
‘The Visconti Knight Order, led by a duke of the empire… Regardless of other factors, it’s best to avoid nobility where possible.’
Resolving this internally, Sylvia watched the departing knight order before turning away.
