Chapter 5 - Bird's Head Tavern
We toast with glasses of white wine diluted with orange juice.
Today marks our first memorable monster extermination. Moreover, the three of us earned three and a half silver coins. The Goddess will surely forgive us for a little luxury like a glass of wine.
This is the Bird's Head Tavern.
It's the dining hall and pub where we got the chicken carcasses used as bait for the rat extermination. Famous for its chicken dishes, our table is lined with three servings of roast chicken along with bread and boiled vegetables. For four copper coins per person, which includes a glass of diluted wine, it's quite a good deal.
Perhaps because it's just entered the dinner rush, the place is quite crowded, and two waitresses in aprons are busily moving between the tables.
"Not a bad start, is it?"
Beatrix said in high spirits, tearing off a piece of bread and tossing it into her mouth.
"If we keep getting results like this, we'll probably be able to take on jobs other than rat extermination soon."
Beowulf agreed, bringing roast chicken to her mouth.
The Mayor told us to do nothing but rat extermination for two weeks. He said he would judge whether we could move to the next step based on the results of the rat extermination.
"Where do we go after the sewers?"
"The monster patrol routes include the sewers, the water source in the Northern Forest, and the woods a bit away from the town's outer walls. The area around the highway also involves cracking down on criminals, so it might be difficult for just us."
Well, certainly, no criminal would run away just by looking at us. Even though we were wearing hemp sacks, we were reported as suspicious persons after all.
"What's the Northern Forest like?"
I ask just in case. Gathering information beforehand is important.
"Monsterized foxes. They aren't that strong, but the forest has many hiding spots. We'll have to think about how to deal with them if they suddenly pounce on us."
Wait a minute, that's impossible, I can't do that.
"Impossible. Beowulf aside, Jeanne and I can't handle that."
Beatrix says something perfectly reasonable. I can only nod. I haven't received any combat training.
"Even if it's impossible now, we still have time."
"What can we do in two weeks?"
Beatrix is not convinced.
"Why don't you try the Guard's trial enlistment? There's a course for general women next Sunday afternoon. There are female soldiers other than me, and it'll be tough from now on if you don't at least learn some self-defense."
I involuntarily exchange looks with Beatrix.
Training is certainly important. Even during today's rat extermination, the practice from yesterday was useful.
"What do you want to do?"
I asked Beatrix.
"Let's at least try participating. If it doesn't work out, we can just work hard at rat extermination until we find a way."
"That's true."
In times like this, Beatrix is quick to decide.
For now, since both of them said they are off this coming Sunday, we decided to go to the Guard's training grounds.
My schedule? You're asking a stray that. Neither of you has any manners.
"That aside, what should we do about Beowulf's share this time?"
Since Beowulf is part of the Guard, she cannot receive subjugation rewards.
Beatrix's suggestion that "no one will know if we keep quiet" was rejected by Beowulf. She said that losing trust would lead to a breach of contract and she wouldn't be able to undertake monster exterminations anymore. That said, it feels wrong to just split it between Beatrix and me.
"From now on, various necessary items will come up, right? Why don't we have Jeanne buy those things in advance? The Guard covers my basic equipment, anyway."
"I see. For now, Jeanne, who's acting as a stray, has the most time."
"Call me an unaffiliated priest!"
I protested, pointing my spoon in front of Beatrix's face. I resist being called that by others.
"How about it, Jeanne? Can you take care of it?"
Beowulf tries to soothe me, saying "there, there."
This is a flow I can't refuse.
After all, other than rat extermination three times a week for half a day each and making scrolls once or twice a week, I have no plans for now.
"Fine, but I don't know what to buy."
"You don't have to buy anything until you know. For now, I'd appreciate it if you could settle today's expenses and pay from that. Also, I have a night shift tomorrow, so I'm free during the day. Let's go buy today's supplies together tomorrow afternoon. Oh, we should probably buy two bottles of oil. We might use more than today for the cleanup."
What we bought for today's rat extermination were three hemp sacks with strings, one bottle of oil, one roll of wire, and two poles. As for the rags tied to the ends of the poles with wire for torches, Beatrix and I went around several tailors after work yesterday and got a mountain of leftover scraps, so we still have plenty. Since only the oil will have run out, ten copper coins should be enough to cover today's portion and the replenishment.
"Then, I'm counting on you. If I held onto it, I'd definitely waste it, but with Jeanne, there's no worry."
Beatrix stuck her tongue out with a 'bleh' and called over the waitress to order another wine.
You seem to be self-aware at least.
As we were relaxing after finishing our meal, two elderly men at the next table had been talking about the Subjugation Army for a while.
"I heard a part of the Subjugation Army is returning soon. Is that true?"
"Seems to be true. However, except for the wounded, it's apparently only the folks who were conscripted from the villages. They're probably trying to make it in time for the wheat harvest."
We instinctively leaned our heads toward the center of the table.
"Hey, Beowulf. Is what that old guy saying true?"
Beatrix lowered her voice.
"Yeah, it seems to be true. To be precise, it's a bit more complicated. I can't talk about it here, so I'll tell you after we get back to the orphanage."
Beatrix seemed satisfied; she gave a light nod and walked toward the kitchen.
She probably went to negotiate for the bait to use for next week's rat extermination.
It looks like we'll be eating dinner at this shop for a while, but the food is delicious, so that's fine.