Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps
Chapter 155
The day after the Skyfish attack, we resumed our journey early in the morning. As we moved forward on the magic carpet, the outlines of buildings and a wall gradually came into view. Suddenly, an energetic voice echoed from behind.
"Heiha! That's the town, right?"
"Whoa!? Don't climb on my shoulder!"
"Hey, don't bother Ookura-dono!"
"Okay!"
Freesia, leaning over my shoulder, quickly stopped when Noru admonished her. She tends to act impulsively, which can be quite troublesome, especially while I'm navigating.
Sevarya, being a port town, is naturally situated by the sea, but its entrance faces inland, surrounded by tall stone walls, much like other towns. At a glance, it seems much larger than Brune. This town must be one of the major hubs, indicating significant investment from the kingdom. As we neared the town and located the gate, I stopped the carpet.
"Alright, let's proceed on foot from here."
"I knew it, but walking all this way is such a hassle. It seems quite far."
After helping everyone off and stowing the carpet in my bag, Estel frowned in discontent. Walking is indeed a hassle, but getting any closer would risk being seen by people. While I can check the map app for nearby people, there's always the chance of being spotted with a telescope, as happened in Queres. Not knowing the lay of the land here, it's better to play it safe.
Unlike us, who sighed in resignation, Noru and Freesia were more enthusiastic.
"We've been riding for so long; I feel stiff! Noru-chan, let's race to the town!"
"Challenge accepted! I'll show you what I'm made of!"
With a cheerful shout, the two sprinted towards the wall. Seeing their backs fade into the distance, Estel and I exchanged amused glances and followed at a more leisurely pace.
We soon reached the gate, joined Noru and Freesia for a quick registration, and entered the town. Sisuha had other matters to attend to, and Runa was still sleeping, so it was just us today.
My initial impression of Sevarya was that it felt like a larger version of Brune. Unlike the excitement of visiting the Capital or Queres for the first time, there was less novelty here. While I felt slightly disappointed, Freesia was thrilled, looking around with wide eyes.
"Wow, this is a port town! Where are the ships?"
"The port isn't here. It should be by the lighthouse."
"Let's go see it! I can't wait!"
True, it's too early to be disappointed. As a port town, the harbor is the main attraction. So we decided to head towards the sea to check it out.
"Can't wait to see the port!"
"...You just want to check out the fish market, don't you?"
"Of course! There must be plenty of fresh ingredients!"
Noru, visibly excited, wagged her ponytail like a tail. It seemed like her mind was entirely on food, likely because we were in a port town. Since coming to this world, we haven't had much seafood, so I'm also looking forward to it. I'd love some sashimi or sushi... though sushi might be asking too much. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Perhaps I should teach Noru how to make it... wait, I'm getting distracted by food too!
"I wonder how they fish in this world."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, with sea monsters, how do they manage to catch fish safely?"
"Good point. And with a port, they must trade with other towns. But how do they sail safely?"
"They must fight off the monsters while fishing!"
That's a bold assumption but plausible. Considering the Skyfish attack yesterday, they must have some means to protect themselves. If they use wooden ships, they must reinforce them against attacks. We'll find out more at the port.
While discussing our curiosities, keeping an eye on Freesia's erratic interests, we finally saw the lighthouse and the sea. Walking along the coast, we should reach the port soon.
"The sea view from the town is beautiful. We might want a base here after we get one in the Capital."
"That's ambitious... We'd end up wanting bases in all major towns."
"That sounds convenient. Let's consider it once things settle down."
It does sound convenient. We can think more about it after securing a home in the Capital and completing our investigation here. My thoughts were interrupted by Noru's sudden shout.
"Look! That must be the fish market!"
"Hmm? Yeah, it looks like it."
"It's bustling with people!"
"I want to check it out before we head to the port!"
"You're always thinking about food, Noru."
Noru, waving her arms excitedly, led us to a crowded square filled with stalls. We joined the throng, blending into the bustling market.
Up close, the stalls displayed various fish—silvery, blue-backed, and red ones, with some more exotic, brightly colored specimens. There were shellfish like abalone and turban shells, hard-shelled shrimp, and transparent squid. It felt like a true fish market, without any signs of monster-derived ingredients. I wondered what kind of sea monsters lurked nearby.
"Wow! Everything looks so fresh!"
"Hey there, little lady, why not check out my stall? I've got fresh catches from this morning. I'll give you a good deal."
"Oh, you think I'm cute? You're making me blush! Sure, I'll check it out!"
Easily swayed, Noru headed to the stall with a bashful smile. She's so easily flattered! Watching her, I felt a tug on my sleeve. Estel, looking uncomfortable, spoke up.
"...It's a bit too fishy here for me. How does Noru handle it so well?"
"I'm okay, but it is a bit strong. How about you, Heiha?"
"I'm used to it."
Having grown up eating fish, the smell didn't bother me much. Noru seemed unaffected, but Estel found it overwhelming. Freesia, while not visibly distressed, stayed unusually close to me. I told Noru we'd wait outside, and we moved to a less fishy spot. After a while, Noru emerged, carrying a large basket overflowing with fish.
"Hehe, I got a great deal!"
"You bought a lot..."
"There's shellfish and shrimp too."
"Noru-chan's cooking is always delicious. I'm excited!"
How much did she buy? That blue-spotted fish looks questionable... But everything else seemed fresh and appetizing.
"These fish look solid. This one could be good for sashimi."
"...What?"
Noru's reaction was echoed by Estel and Freesia, all looking shocked.
"Raw fish? Seriously?"
"Is that so surprising? With some wasabi and soy sauce, it's delicious."
"So that's why you're okay with the smell..."
"Raw fish is scary..."
I see... They have a strong aversion to raw fish. It's a shame since it's delicious. I thought Noru would be fine with it, but even she's hesitant. Considering this world's fish might be different, I'll ask the vendor next time. After storing the seafood in my magic bag to keep it fresh, we resumed our walk to the port.