The subsequent morning, I turned into up early, status in front of the innkeeper as he surpassed me a burlap sack filled with… potatoes.
"Yes, potatoes," the innkeeper said with a laugh as if he'd simply study my thoughts. "We've were given a large order nowadays for the farmer out at the west aspect of the village."
I stared on the bag in my arms. "So, permit me get this directly. My first quest on this new international… is to supply potatoes?"
The innkeeper shrugged. "It's sincere paintings, lad. Not each day is slaying dragons and saving princesses, you understand?"
I tried not to permit my unhappiness show. Sure, I wasn't awaiting to combat a dragon right away, but delivering potatoes? "Right," I muttered. "How heroic."
"You'll get used to it," the innkeeper stated, wiping his palms on his apron. "Now, take the ones spuds over to Old Man Yamamoto's place. He's anticipating them."
With a sigh, I hoisted the sack over my shoulder. "Alright, in which exactly is that this Yamamoto man?"
"Just comply with the road west," the innkeeper replied. "You'll see his farm at the edge of the wooded area. Can't pass over it."
I nodded and commenced to move out, but then I heard a acquainted sound behind me. A soft thump-thump as some thing small observed intently at my heels. I glanced down.
"You once more?" I asked the rabbit, who become fortunately hopping along beside me.
It blinked up at me with those big, spherical eyes, completely oblivious to the truth that I become likely the least lucky adventurer within the complete world. I didn't have the coronary heart to ship it away.
"Well, you would possibly as well come along," I stated, giving the rabbit a small smile. "Let's pass deliver some potatoes."
As we made our way down the street, the solar became just beginning to rise, casting a heat glow over the village. It wasn't a terrible place, I meant. Peaceful, quiet, and definitely, a pleasant exchange from the frantic existence I used to stay again in Japan. Even if my modern quest become as mundane as it got, at least I wasn't lifeless. That was a plus.
"So," I said to the rabbit as we walked, "I don't think you've got any hidden powers or special capabilities, do you?"
The rabbit did not solution. Not that I was awaiting it to. It just persevered to hop along happily, sometimes pausing to nibble on a blade of grass.
"Yeah, I failed to suppose so," I muttered. "Well, perhaps one folks will discern out the way to be useful sooner or later."
We soon arrived on the farm, which, because the innkeeper had stated, become proper on the threshold of the woodland. The fields stretched out for what regarded like miles, rows upon rows of plants glistening within the morning sun. In the space, I should see an old guy hunched over, running within the dirt.
"That should be Yamamoto," I said, choosing up the tempo. As we approached, the vintage guy straightened up and grew to become to face us. His weathered face cut up into a smile as he noticed the sack of potatoes over my shoulder.
"Ah, you need to be the brand new boy from the hotel!" Yamamoto known as out in a raspy voice. "Good, desirable! I've been anticipating those spuds."
I set the sack down in the front of him with a grunt. "Yep, here they are. Fresh from the resort."
Yamamoto gave the bag a glad pat. "Fine paintings, lad. Fine work. These'll do nicely."
I glanced round on the countless rows of plants. "You sure you need extra potatoes? Seems like you have already got enough meals to feed the complete village."
Yamamoto let loose a hearty snort. "Oh, those aren't for me, boy! These are for the competition arising. Folks from throughout might be coming through, and I plan to sell every ultimate such a beauties."
"Festival?" I repeated, unexpectedly intrigued. "What sort of festival?"
"The Harvest Festival," Yamamoto explained, his eyes twinkling. "It's a grand affair—dancing, feasting, and masses of competitions. You ought to stick round for it."
I raised an eyebrow. "Competitions?"
"Sure! Strength assessments, magic duels, cooking contests… You call it, we've got it," he said with a snigger. "But you don't appear to be the kind for combating. More of a… delivery boy, eh?"
I felt my pride take successful, however I couldn't argue. "Yeah, I bet so."
"Don't allow it get you down, lad," Yamamoto stated, giving me a pat on the shoulder. "Everyone's gotta begin somewhere. Besides, I'm positive you've got something up your sleeve."
"If you mean this rabbit, then yeah," I stated dryly, gesturing to my fluffy partner, who changed into now sniffing the air around the potato sack.
Yamamoto regarded down on the rabbit, his grin widening. "A acquainted, eh? Can't say I've ever visible one like this earlier than. What does it do?"
"Absolutely not anything," I sighed. "It simply… hops round and looks lovable."
Yamamoto laughed again. "Well, cuteness has its uses too! Sometimes, just having a friend by using your side makes all of the distinction."
I glanced down on the rabbit, who regarded up at me with wide eyes. "I bet…" -_-
Yamamoto suddenly leaned in, his voice losing to a whisper. "Tell you what, lad. I pay attention there's a service provider coming thru the village in some days. He sells all sorts of peculiar and magical items. Might be well worth sorting out in case you're looking to, uh… improve your state of affairs."
I perked up at that. "Magical items?"
"Aye," Yamamoto said with a nod. "Potions, enchanted equipment, uncommon scrolls… You call it, he's probably got it. Could be just what you need to jumpstart your adventure."
For the primary time because I arrived in this international, I felt a spark of hope. Maybe this merchant ought to help me locate some thing beneficial—something that would deliver me a preventing chance on this new global.
"Thanks for the top, Yamamoto," I said, giving the antique man a thankful nod. "I'll simply take a look at it out."
"Good lad!" Yamamoto stated, slapping me on the lower back. "Now, off you cross. I've were given work to do, and you have were given a festival to prepare for!"
With that, I picked up the empty potato sack and grew to become to go away, the rabbit hopping alongside me as traditional. As we made our way returned to the village, I couldn't help however experience a piece greater constructive. Sure, I wasn't a hero yet, and my familiar changed into a fluffy ball of uselessness, but perhaps, simply maybe, things have been beginning to look up.
"Well, bunny," I stated, glancing down at my associate. "Let's see if this merchant has something that'll make us a touch much less… avarage."
The rabbit twitched its nostril and persevered hopping alongside.