Chapter 192 - What Was Left Behind...
It was a small, crescent-shaped cove surrounded by cliffs, but what was interesting was the breakwater on the north side. Further beyond that was a lighthouse.
Inside the breakwater, was that a dock? There were two warehouse-like buildings and one smaller house nearby.
The south side looked mostly rocky, but it was a blind spot from this high vantage point, so I'd have to go down and check it out.
"Woof…"
"Hm? Oh, is this as far as your territory goes?"
The Drab Wolves nodded sadly to my question.
I guess I can't ask them to come any further, outside their territory.
"I'll be back. And, just a moment…"
I still had plenty of Ranziboa meat, so I decided to give them some.
I divided a large chunk of meat, about an armful, into four parts and handed it to them. It was still quite large, but I hoped they'd manage to carry it back.
"Wuff."
""Bow!""
Waiting for Lupi's command, the Drab Wolves took the meat and headed back towards the mountains.
Now, I'd wanted to get started right away, but…
"Mion, what time is it now?"
"It's just past 9:30."
"That's an awkward time…"
We did take a break on the way, after all.
Still, it would be a waste to turn back now that we'd come this far.
"Perhaps for about an hour?"
"Really? It might run past 11:00, though…"
"I'm fine with it."
"Hmm… then, let's do it."
No use fretting over it.
I figured I'd quickly survey the visible area, and save any interesting spots for later.
I'd go with the intention of finding a place to spend the night in this port.
"Alright, let's go!"
"Wuff."
Suppressing my eagerness, I cautiously descended the slope, careful not to slip.
Once we reached the coastline, the previously unseen south side gradually came into view… It looked like there was nothing there.
We continued along the path leading north, approaching the buildings.
They were all simple stone structures. Was the small one in front an office? The two larger ones lined up behind it looked like warehouses.
"They resemble the storage room Shou-kun built."
"The one that looks like an office is similar, but it actually has a door, so I'm curious about the inside…"
I guess I'll check out the breakwater first, then explore inside later.
"~~~?"
"Oh, Sweee, you're awake."
I thought she'd been sleeping in my hood the whole time, but she was on my left shoulder. She looked around with a sleepy expression.
With the sea on my right and the buildings on my left, we walked until we reached the base of the breakwater.
It was indeed a dock, with three thick stone posts for mooring boats.
"Hmm, it's a surprisingly normal port…"
"It feels like we're somewhere in Japan."
"Yeah. Somehow, I feel like fishing."
"Shou-kun, you haven't acquired the Fishing skill yet, have you?"
"No, I haven't. But maybe it's time to get it."
A fishing rod from Hermit Bamboo. The hook seems doable with Blacksmithing and Crafting. The main line can be made by thinning rope, and the Harris from Ranziboa fur?
I'm starting to think it's surprisingly possible…
"Wuff."
"Yeah, let's go."
We strolled to the end of the breakwater.
It was about 3 meters wide and 30 meters long, and looked quite old.
"I can see fish swimming…"
"Can't you use [Appraisal]?"
"Doesn't look like it."
The fact that no nameplate appears either means I can't see them properly, or I need to acquire the Fishing skill…
I remember Grandpa saying, 'You can't catch fish you can see,' so I'll try it when I make a fishing rod.
"~~~!"
"Whoa, watch out! You should stay inside!"
I quickly caught Sweee, who was about to be blown away by the sea breeze, and tucked her back into my hood.
We leisurely walked back along the breakwater, arriving at the base of the lighthouse at the northern tip. It was good that we got here, but…
"Which door is this?"
"It looks like a normal door."
"Then, shall I open it?"
"It might be an Ancient Ruin; shouldn't we check the office first?"
"Ah, yeah. Let's save this for later."
We went back to the small stone building.
When I say 'small,' I mean compared to the two large warehouses next to it; it was actually bigger than my own storage room.
"Wuff."
"Mm, you're right."
I asked the light spirit for a light.
There were two small wooden windows high up on each side. They were probably for light, but they were tightly shut.
"Heave-ho!"
I lifted and removed the wooden bar, which was just a thick square timber used as a latch.
The latch receiver was rusty… if I forced it, it looked like it would break off.
"Shou-kun, please don't break it, okay?"
"Okay."
I did break the wooden window of the Mountain Cabin just by opening it.
As I gently pulled it open, there was a faint creaking sound.
When light entered the dark interior, I saw a stone floor, three round tables, some chairs, and a large counter at the back.
"Hmm… a tavern?"
"It certainly looks like it. Is there a way to go around to the back from the right side?"
"Hm? Oh, there's a back there. Is it the backroom… Whoa!"
As I stepped in, a cloud of dust billowed up, obscuring my vision.
I feel like I'm going to get a status ailment if I don't clean this…
"~~~!"
"Hm? Sweee?"
"Wuff."
Is she pulling on my hood, telling me to get away from the door?
Prompted by Lupi, I moved to the right side of the door and…
"~~~♪"
"Ohh!"
Sweee's Spirit Magic? Dust was expelled from the door, and the room was rapidly ventilated.
"Sweee-chan, that's amazing!"
Sweee wiped her forehead in a gesture, hovering with a triumphant look.
No, seriously, that's incredible. She has every right to look smug.
"You saved me. Is that all set?"
"~~~♪"
I split a Dried Papu Fruit in half and gave it to her. She sat on my shoulder and began to eat it.
Looking inside again, the thick dust had been completely cleared, and the room was perfectly clean.
"Was that a wind spirit?"
"I see. That's convenient…"
If I could use that in real life, cleaning the house would be incredibly easy.
"Has the method for making a Wind Spirit Stone been discovered yet?"
"No, not yet. Everyone seems to be going to windy places or areas that might have them."
"I see…"
Just in case, I showed Sweee a Tiny Magic Crystal Stone, but she shook her head.
It's probably something about not meeting the conditions. When we went to the water source, she cooperated, or rather, turned it into a Water Magic Crystal on her own.
"Well, never mind for now. Let's investigate this place first."
"Woof-n."
We moved the round tables and overturned chairs against the wall and advanced to the counter. I went around the counter from the left end.
The wall-mounted cupboard was empty, but there were signs it had been used, so it felt like everything was taken when they left the island.
Peeking into the backroom from the back right, I saw…
"It's a room. And there's a loft."
"Isn't there some paper attached to the barrel visible below?"
"Huh, oh, you're right. …I hope it's not horror-related."
"…"
Rumble, rumble, rumble…