LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 41
Chapter 41
“…Shall we conclude here for now and have lunch?”
“Phew, it’s done.”
While there were breaks for drinking water and using the restroom, reading aloud from the book since morning was truly exhausting.
I wonder if I’ve read more than ten volumes.
Looking at me, lounging on the bed with my upper body slouched, Vivian briskly starts organizing the study materials.
“By the way, does Al take lunch here?”
“That depends on Lady Alshade’s mood, so it’s hard to say. However, considering the schedule, it’s likely that lunch will be taken in a different location.”
“I see.”
In my mind, Alshade seems quite carefree, but apparently, she used to be serious and dedicated, even being forced to take breaks. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if she decides where to have meals according to her schedules.
“I’ll bring your lunch now.”
“Understood.”
“Excuse me.”
Watching Vivian leave the room, I let out a sigh.
Easing the tension that had been building up, I sink my weight onto the soft bed.
Vivian didn’t appear in the original story and we’ve only known each other for less than a day, so her personality remains a mystery.
Plus, she’s attractive, making it even harder not to feel nervous.
There’s something mature and appealing about her that Alshade doesn’t possess—
“…It’s cold… It’s probably best not to think about unnecessary things.”
Suddenly, a mysterious chill runs through me, causing a shiver.
When I stop thinking as my intuition tells me, the chill disappears, as if it never existed to begin with, within a few seconds.
“Wait, wasn’t that thing just like those clichés you read about in light novels? If that’s the case, the only possible person here is Al, right?”
Even though she should only understand emotions and not thoughts, why would she react to something like this?
“Seriously, women’s intuition is freaky.”
I used to think that light novel protagonists got carried away by thinking too much, but now that I’m in that position, I truly understand how terrifying it can be.
In a way, those predecessors, the protagonists of light novels, were truly remarkable.
“(Well then, rather than that, now that I have some time alone to think, should I consider what Milo mentioned?)”
In the end, the divine oracle, the god of games, Milō spoke of, ⟦Prepare for the impending catastrophe⟧ but what could the nature of this catastrophe be?
My initial conjecture revolved around the Lumiad Empire plotting something insidious, but honestly, even if they tried their best, an empire like that wouldn’t reach the level of calamity a god might foresee.
If it were a natural phenomenon, I doubt Miló would bother to tell me.
“…In that case, it’s probably an event related to the Wildia Chronicles.”
When it comes to a catastrophe in the Wildia Chronicles, it’s usually something to do with monsters and creatures.
Unless there’s an exception, it might be related to that ancient lousy alchemist who was up to no good, but I’ll leave that aside for now.
Catastrophes related to monsters usually fall into two categories.
First, powerful monsters just going on a rampage.
Second, a phenomenon where monsters overflow from the magical realm dungeons—the Monster Stampede.
To solve either of these, you’d need either a skilled hero or the might of an entire nation.
When I try to recall whether such events occurred before the start of the original story, only one thing comes to mind.
“…The change of the ruler in a large-scale magical realm. This has to be it.”
Large-scale magical realms are places like forests or mountains that have become entirely infested with monsters.
Within these types of realms, there’s a reigning figure, akin to a final boss, and on rare occasions, they might lose a battle against a challenging monster and be replaced.
Consequently, the defeated ex-ruler’s monsters come out of the magical realm and inflicted extensive damage on the Great Forest of Elves to the north of this country.
This event should have happened before the original story started.
While the specific magical realm from which they emerged wasn’t known, the southern region suffered the most, so it’s likely one of the magical realms in the southern part of the kingdom.
However, there’s one problem in preparing for this.
“…And that’s the fact that the enemy is overwhelmingly powerful.”
The Great Forest of Elves is the homeland of the Elven race… And if it caused significant damage, it’s definitely not something to be taken lightly.
And this event is supposed to happen four years from now. Even if I start training now, I don’t know if I’ll be prepared in time.
“But well, since it’s a prophecy from a god, there’s no choice but to follow it, right? Besides, by that time, it’ll probably turn into a full-fledged war for the entire Rient Kingdom. The odds of success should be there… probably.”
Either way, all I can do now is study, so I’ll leave the future version of me to handle things like gathering information, subduing, or repelling the threat.
As I dismiss my thoughts with a somewhat resigned feeling, a knock comes from the door.
“Come in.”
“Excuse me. I’ve just returned.”
Vivya opens the door and enters the room along with a cart.
On the cart, there’s a deep plate… and the familiar nutrient potion.
“What’s that?”
What’s in the deep plate resembles something like porridge.
I was a little surprised since I haven’t had rice since coming to this world, but upon deeper contemplation, considering there are countries in the east with cultures akin to China and Japan, the presence of rice seems only natural.
“It’s risotto. However, due to stomach concerns, the usual ingredients that are added aren’t included.”
Ah, I remember a dish like this from my previous life, I murmur internally.
“Risotto, huh? Well, I was in the slums, so it’s no surprise I haven’t heard of it before.”
“The main ingredient, rice, is mostly reliant on imports from the eastern lands, so it can’t be helped.”
I nod at Vivian’s explanation, wondering if rice isn’t cultivated here.
“Hmm, is that so? Well, let’s put the excitement on hold for now. First, pass me that potion, please.”
“Certainly.”
I open the lid of the potion bottle that I receive from Viviana and drink from it, but it still has that subtle taste, consistent with the morning’s breakfast..
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
Perhaps it showed on my face, as Vivian handed me a glass of water. I express my gratitude before taking a sip and clearing my palate.
Next, I exchange the glass for the plate of risotto.
Although Vivya had mentioned no ingredients were added, it still emits an enticing aroma, stirring my appetite.
“Gratitude for the blessings of the deities and the bounty of the world.”
I wonder if they used some kind of broth? As this thought crosses my mind, I spoon some of the risotto into my mouth.
“Delicious!”
Maybe it’s because I had that potion earlier, but the risotto is incredibly tasty. I finish it in no time.
“…What’s on the agenda for the afternoon?”
I hand back the empty plate to Vivian and ask.
“Well… just studying languages might get a bit dull, so how about we do some basic math as well?”
“Sounds good. I’d appreciate that. Reading books out loud for so long is getting tiring.”
“Understood. Afterward, it’s scheduled for you to have an early dinner, followed by a haircut and a bath. Is there anything else you would like to inquire about?”
While Vivian outlines my afternoon plans, one word catches my attention.
“Bath?”
“Bathing entails cleaning oneself before submerging in a large vessel filled with water.”
“I see.”
Whether it’s part of the after-service that Millo mentioned or just the influence of a culture similar to Japan’s in the eastern lands, I didn’t find myself yearning for Japanese food or anything of the sort.
But if I can take a bath here, something I couldn’t do before, it’s pretty natural for me as someone who used to live in Japan to look forward to it.
“(A bath after so long. I used to only be able to wash up with water or a cloth. I’m looking forward to this after dinner.)”
At this moment, the joy of being able to take a bath again fills me with such elation that I find myself humming a tune in my mind.
…Little did I know the challenges that lay ahead.
—
If you like this novel, Please leave ratings and review in NovelUpdates.>>HERE
If you’d like to make a one-time donation to support our translations or subscribe to read up to 5 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi: