Chapter 244 - Chapter 216: Prep Work Done?
Becoming a [Guardian of Selkies] so suddenly, and being told the island population exceeded 50, was surprising, but more intimidating was the pressure from the Selkies' eyes, full of expectation.
First, I need to properly convey the details of the job I'm asking for…
"Um, I need to dive into the sea for shrimp, crabs, shellfish, seaweed. Oh, and fish too, of course. I'll be diving as well, so can you help me?"
"~~~?"
Sweee translated my request, and the Selkie Prince nodded with an "hm-hm" and a smile.
"The fish we catch will need processing, and the feast will be a bit later, but is that okay?"
Specifically, starting roughly before the live stream begins.
Well, with this many people, I probably can't make anything too elaborate…
"Kyuu~♪"
"~~~♪"
The Prince smiled again, and Sweee gave a thumbs-up, signaling it was fine. What a relief.
"Alright, then, let's get right to it… actually, before that, Lupi, please guide Sweee and the Fairies to the [Camlus Tree]. I don't think any monsters will appear, but please keep an eye on them."
"Woof!"
Sweee flew from my left shoulder and perched on Lupi, so I guess I can leave the rest to them.
"Alright, I'm counting on you."
"Kyuu~♪"
Chasing after the Prince, who seemed to be saying "follow me!" as he dove in, I also jumped into the sea. Still scared, so feet first, of course.
As if waiting for me, the Selkies surrounded me and the Prince.
"Alright, let's search together."
"Kyuu~♪"
I couldn't shake the feeling that my words were subtly understood.
Maybe they understand by intuition if we get along? Lupi and Sweee understand me almost perfectly, and the Drab Wolves and Fairies seem to get it too.
Anyway, there was some saying like "just try it," so I guess I need to dive in first and set an example.
How deep and how long I can dive depends on my [Diving Skill], but thanks to the whistle I received, my skill level is currently 5.
Since I'm at it, I might as well try to raise it one or two more levels…
…
…
…
"Thank you! You really helped a lot!"
"Kyuu~♪"
"""Kyuu~♪"""
As expected of an Uninhabited Island, there was an abundance of seafood.
They were skilled at catching fish, swimming around with a speed that seemed to exceed the skill cap for swimming and diving, catching many [Oranjack (horse mackerel)].
Furthermore, some Selkies who went a bit further offshore caught a big one and brought it back…
[Niphony]
*A fish inhabiting coastal areas, about 1 meter long. Edible.
Cooking: Roasting is common.*
Probably a Spanish mackerel? The one they caught was easily over 1 meter, I wonder how many servings of Saikyo-yaki this alone would make.
It was just past 4 o'clock.
If I log out at 5, then log back in before 8 to start cooking, there's a subtle amount of time available.
Would the Selkies feel more at ease if I served them a little something now?
"I'd like you to taste a little first, is that okay?"
"Kyuu~♪"
Seems like I got the okay, so I'll quickly make a tasting portion of [Oranjack (horse mackerel)] carpaccio.
I filleted it into three, sliced it thinly, added a little Grapeful Vinegar and sesame oil. A light sprinkle of black pepper, then squeezed some Greenberry Fruit over it, and that was it.
"Here. Everyone try it. If it's not good, tell me, okay?"
"Kyuu~"
The Prince took the wooden plate and showed it to his companions.
The first to try it seemed to be the oldest-looking Selkie.
Taking a fork with great curiosity…
"Kyu!"
His expression turned to "delicious!", and I felt relieved.
Is it by age order? They all seemed satisfied trying it in turns. In fact, it looks like it's running out, so I'll make another plate.
How many Selkies are there, anyway? Um, one, two… it's impossible to count when they're moving around. Oh, I can just check the current island population.
Before the Selkies joined, it was definitely 22 people, and the current number is… 56. So, there should be 34 Selkies.
Hmm, are there really 34 here? Maybe some Selkies are staying behind…
"Kyuu~♪"
"Here. I think there are still some who haven't eaten."
When I swapped it for a refill plate and handed it over, the Prince took it to the next Selkie. He's such a straightforward and good kid.
"Woof."
"~~~♪"
"Oh, welcome back."
Lupi, Sweee, and the Fairies all had [Camlus Fruit] in their hands and looked happy.
It was almost time to move the left-behind luggage to the Old Tavern and log out, but what should I do with the large quantity of seafood I caught?
Shellfish would be fine, but leaving the fish out is a bit…
I should have made a large wooden box or something and brought it, but today I focused on transporting ingredients, so I don't have space in my inventory.
I really wish I had a [Transfer Magic Circle]…
"Sweee, I need you to convey something for me."
"~~~?"
I asked her to convey that I'd keep the shellfish since they won't escape and freshness isn't an issue, but I'd like the Selkies to keep the fish, if possible.
The plan was to call them again when I returned to make the feast…
"~~~♪"
"Kyuu~♪"
"""Kyuu~♪"""
Ah, looks like it's okay.
Sweee also gave a thumbs-up, so I'll end things here for now and quickly go have dinner.
"Alright, see you later."
"Kyuu~♪"
"Woof~"
"~~~♪"
*
"Ah, was I a bit too early?"
I quickly finished dinner and entered the [Virtual Club Room] just before 7:30.
Too much had happened during the day, so I thought I'd tell Mion and Bell-buchou, but no one was there except me and Seth.
"Well, if you wait a bit, they'll surely arrive soon."
Mion and Bell-buchou usually appear shortly after 7:30.
I'm usually doing dishes or homework after dinner, you see…
Oh, Shou-kun, Seth-chan!
Mion appeared shortly and quickly took her seat.
"Sorry. A lot happened during the day, and I want to log in right away."
Yes, I checked after coming back. The Selkies are probably waiting, so please go.
"Thanks."
I promised to return later, but I wanted to go back as soon as possible and treat them.
Besides, if I'm preparing a feast for that many people… will I even have time to eat myself?
"May I also watch until the stream begins?"
Of course. Seth-chan, would you like to come to the studio too?
"Mm!"
Listening to their conversation, I logged into IRO.
It's good that Mion and Seth get along well.