"Roy! I'm back!" Janis's cheerful voice greeted me as she returned, her smile brightening the room.
"Welcome back. Did everything go smoothly?" I smiled, curious about the outcome of her errand.
"Absolutely. Now that I'm free, we can do whatever you like. Since you're new to the village, could I give you a tour?" Janis suggested, her offer sounding inviting. However, I couldn't shake off the recent embarrassment of my public exposure. While some villagers may not mind, others could make the situation uncomfortable.
"Could we grab something to eat? I haven't had a meal all day," I requested, feeling the gnaw of hunger outweighing any potential embarrassment. Besides, dining in the privacy of the house seemed preferable. After all, I have a few complaints about our current accommodation.
"Why don't we take this opportunity to dine out? Lunchtime is approaching, and I know the perfect spot," Janis suggested, seizing the chance to lead us out for a meal. Without waiting for my response, she took my hand and guided me.
Leaving the house provided me with my first glimpse of the village. As Janis led the way, I attempted to shield my face, feeling self-conscious about being seen.
The village was perched atop a massive tree stump, presenting a scene unlike anything I had seen before. The wooden floors gave the place a rustic charm, although it seemed somewhat impractical. Without directly extracting water from the tree or conjuring it through magic, obtaining water would necessitate a journey away from the village.
Farming posed an additional challenge in this setting. Procuring enough soil and transporting it back to the tree presented logistical hurdles, leaving me curious about how the villagers managed such tasks.
But I pushed those thoughts aside for now. The most striking feature of the village was its location atop a tree stump. However, I was astonished by how the tree remained alive despite having one-third of its base cut away. The remaining trunk arcing over the village cast a considerable shadow over the settlement for a significant portion of the day.
The village utilized the remaining two-thirds of the tree's side as platforms for additional tiers, creating a multi-level settlement. Considering its size, it felt inadequate to classify it simply as a village.
As Janis led me around, she enthusiastically introduced me to various shops lining the way. We passed construction suppliers, furniture stores, candy shops, and assorted boutiques selling handmade items. Despite her excitement, I found them all irrelevant, considering my lack of funds and limited interest in browsing.
I couldn't help feeling disappointed that we hadn't encountered any clothing stores or establishments specializing in magic-related goods. While Janis had provided me with clothing, they weren't necessarily suitable for everyday wear.
Recalling my earlier assumption that the village was comprised solely of women, I now realize this was not the case. It seemed odd, and I couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity. Perhaps I should inquire about it when we return to Janis's home.
"We've arrived!" Janis announced as we reached our destination: a restaurant named Revolutionary Cuisine. With a name like that, I couldn't help but anticipate exotic dishes from other lands. Considering my recent arrival in this new world, I was eager to sample the local cuisine and experience its unique flavors.
"Ms. Morale, I'd like a table for two," Janis requested upon our entry into the restaurant, addressing an employee who seemed familiar with her. Given Janis's status as a regular, it was no surprise that they had an established rapport.
"Welcome, Janis! I see you've brought a friend. Please follow me, and once you're ready to order, we'll take it from there," the employee greeted warmly, leading us to a table by a window in a secluded corner.
"Order anything you'd like," Janis encouraged me, gesturing towards the menu. Unsure of what dishes elves typically enjoyed, I hesitated briefly before perusing the menu, which surprisingly featured vegetarian and meat-based options.
As I perused the menu, I saw several dishes I couldn't imagine myself eating. However, one item caught my eye: the Tyrant Bull Steak. It seemed like a special dish, and I couldn't resist the temptation to order it on this occasion. Yet, the hefty price tag gave me pause. I hesitated, feeling reluctant to burden Janis further.
"Is something troubling you? Despite appearances, I'm financially on par with nobles in big cities." Janis reassured me, addressing my concerns with uncanny perceptiveness. Despite her assurances of wealth, I couldn't shake the feeling of being a burden.
However, Janis's words touched me, prompting a shift in my perspective. Dwelling on negativity wouldn't serve me well in the long run. With resolve, I decided that I would treat Janis once I found stability in this world.
Encouraged by Janis's insistence, I placed my order for the Tyrant Bull Steak, embracing the opportunity to indulge in this special meal.
As the plate arrived, I was greeted by a hefty steak that looked mouthwatering. The freshly cooked meat's irresistible aroma and sizzling sound made it nearly captivating. I eagerly cut into the steak without hesitation, releasing juices and flavors with each slice.
Taking my first bite, I was instantly greeted by a symphony of flavors dancing across my taste buds. The meat was tender and succulent, satisfyingly rich and savory.
"Hehe~!" Janis chuckled as she observed my enthusiastic enjoyment of the meal. Her amusement was evident as she watched me savor every bite.
"Want to try some?" I offered, cutting a piece of the steak and extending it towards Janis. Unlike me, Janis typically opted for a more balanced and fruit-based diet, but I couldn't help but share the joy of this delectable dish with her.
"Really? I'm curious to see what's got you making such an exaggerated expression," Janis replied with a playful gleam in her eyes.
"Oh~! It truly is delicious," she exclaimed after taking a slice, licking her lips in satisfaction. Her enjoyment was evident, and she seemed eager for another taste.
Despite the temptation to order more, we contented ourselves with the ample food already on the table, enjoying our lunch together in good company.