I returned to my room at the inn and collapsed onto the bed with a sigh.
I lay on my back and stared at the low, dirty ceiling.
"Very uncomfortable, huh...?"
It's a cramped temporary residence, but it's the room we've been staying in for six months, so I'm a little sad to leave.
"..."
No, that's a lie. This place was a peeping room where I could hear my neighbors' stares and moans every night. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.
Surely, if you live in an apartment, no one can see you from the room next door. If they do, you can tell the landlord. But that's not the case here. Now I can finally live a normal life. How wonderful!
Thinking about it that way, it wasn't a mistake to pay coins for that unknown ability. If human rights can be bought with a single coin, it's a worthwhile purchase.
However, in order to move, I need to start some kind of business.
"Business, huh...?"
I was a college student living at home with no part-time work experience, so I had no idea what kind of business I should start.
Wes said we could buy potions from an alchemist's workshop that has a relationship with the guild and sell them at a street stall, but I don't think it's that simple to make a profit that way.
First of all, probably only adventurers and guards would buy potions. However, they would probably buy them at a hardware store in town, and I don't think they would bother buying them at a street stall. After all, real hardware stores have a better selection. But if they ever wanted to buy potions at a street stall, it would be when they needed them urgently.
In other words, I would go to the hunting grounds to sell potions to injured party members. I thought that selling as a traveling salesman, rather than at a street stall, would be advantageous for me.
However, there is one major problem with this business: traveling alone to the hunting grounds is extremely dangerous.
"Well, I don't want to do that."
I retired from my job as a monster exterminator because I don't want to put myself in danger, so why should I go to dangerous hunting grounds? If I run into a goblin mage or get hit by a fireball, I'd be six feet under in one fell swoop.
Even if I took such a risk and sold the potion, I don't think I could get double or triple the price. As a business, it's too risky and the profitability is very low.
Furthermore, potions are quite expensive, so there is also the problem of how to cover the initial costs of purchasing them when starting a business. I could borrow money from the guild, but I think relying too much on them could have a negative impact later on.
Wes is a competent employee of the Adventurers' Guild, but he's a novice in business. It would be wise to accept his proposal without reservation.
I need to think of a business that requires less capital and allows me to make a profit safely...
Oh dear.
My stomach was telling me it was time to put something in it, so I sat down.
I haven't eaten anything today except a bite of bread this morning.
However, my wallet is very empty. Unlike usual, I didn't hunt anything today, so I have no income.
I left the horned rabbit, electrocuted, as it was and returned home. Even if they asked me how I charred it, since I only have one magical power, I couldn't give a good explanation. Besides, if it was so charred, the fur and meat would be useless. As for the rabbit's corpse, I left it there, and they would probably think that some passing magician had roasted it.
So, what should you do if you don't have any money but still want to eat?
"...It's been a while since I last used that tactic."
I left the room and went downstairs to the bar on the first floor.
"Ah."
As I was walking down the stairs, my eyes met Irene's, who was about to enter the bar.
As soon as Irene saw my face, she blushed bright red and looked at me seriously. Huh? What's wrong?
To avoid being bothered by another unpleasant comment, I ignored her and tried to walk past, but then I heard heavy footsteps coming toward me.
"Yu, Yuji! Is it true that you're quitting the adventure?"
As soon as Irene spoke, the hubbub in the bar suddenly ceased. It seemed as if the adventurers' ears were straining, trying hard to listen. Although it was probably just an illusion.
"What? Where did you hear that?"
"Rumor has it that you talked about it at the reception today!"
Ah, I see. Now that I think about it, I was talking to Wes at the reception. I didn't even notice if anyone was watching us, so of course they would hear me. Well, I'm the only one who has been given the privilege of doing business without having to exterminate dangerous monsters, so it's no wonder rumors have started...
"Why? Why are you quitting?"
"Why? Because I felt that my skills as an adventurer had reached their limit."
But you've worked so hard all this time! Don't give up so easily...! One of your strengths is that you don't give up easily...!
No, until now he's been saying stupid things like I should quit soon and get a job at home or become his domestic butler. Is it because he wants me to quit or because he doesn't want me to quit?
Don't give up on your own, try harder! No, that would be irresponsible...!
—I don't know what's going on, but calm down. You're saying a lot of things.
Shut up! Don't make me follow you and then disappear on your own!
...Well, this kid seems to be crying.
With tears streaming from the corners of her eyes, Irene stared at me.
I'm in trouble. I know this world is dominated by women, but as someone with common sense, I'm vulnerable to girls' tears. Even though I have [Mental Resistance], I still feel like I've done something wrong. Did I do something?
"Oh, excuse me, my pet ran away."
While I was confused, the leader wizard of Irene's group approached and grabbed her by the back of her neck.
Let go of me! I haven't said enough yet!
"Oh my God, you really are a child. It was you who followed the chict. Who's being selfish? You shouldn't cry so easily, you're a woman."
"Ugh!"
"Yuji, I'll give this boy a lecture, so don't worry."
Hmm, I wonder. I really don't understand teenage girls from another world.
First of all, let's clear up a misunderstanding.
____
"There seems to be a misunderstanding, but I'm not going to quit the adventurers' guild, you know?"
"Huh?"
I won't be exterminating monsters anymore, but I plan to continue working for the guild. Well, if you ever need to collaborate with me, I'll be happy to help.
"Ah... what's wrong?"
Irene sighed in relief. She felt like she heard similar sighs coming from all over the bar. Maybe it was just my imagination.
Just as she had calmed down, Irene arched her back and turned her face away.
"Then you should have said so before! You're a man, but you're not good at expressing yourself!"
"Hey!"
"Gyan!"
The leader hits Irene on the head and her eyes fill with tears.
Then they gently escort her out of the bar, like an orphan who had come to ask for bread.
What was that...?
Once Irene and her group left, the bar returned to its normal bustling state.
"Really? Time is finally up!"
"I finally have to pay my taxes. I envy the woman who can do whatever she wants with that sexy body."
I wonder which group it will belong to. If it's going to be shared property of the group, why not turn it into a gigolo and open a brothel or something?
It would be quite a business.
"Hehehe, won't he even have time to dry his stick?
"Before you know it, they'll all have huge bellies and be on maternity leave! Hahaha!"
===
No, I feel like they've become even stronger than before.
Everyone at every table seemed to be engrossed in conversation, but I had no idea what they were talking about.
Well. I guess there are no fools out there.
Ah, that's him over there...
Hi, Ursuna. May I join you?
"Eugene..."
Ursuna is usually an energetic bully who says stupid things, but today he seems a little depressed.
"Um... are you serious about retiring from being an adventurer?"
"No, that's not why I'm quitting being an adventurer. I'm just going to stop exterminating monsters. Why is everyone so curious about my whereabouts?"
"Well, you... No, never mind. It has nothing to do with me, a loser who only made it to tenth place. I don't think they'd ask me..."
Saying this, Ursuna took a big gulp from her mug as if she were drinking to drown her sorrows.
There's something empty about this girl today. You're the type who gets drunk and shows her tits to guys. If you don't cheer up a little more, it'll be harder for me to get something.
"I don't really understand, but cheer up, drink more!"
I patted Ursuna on the back and gave her a pep talk.
Ah, yes! Let's have a drinking contest! The loser will buy something!
"A drinking contest... okay, but Eugene, do you have any money?"
"I don't have any."
"That's not good."
"Then if I lose, how about I pay with my body?"
When I said that, Ursuna's eyes widened.
"With your body, you say...?"
"You can order me to do whatever you want, Ursuna. I'll do my best."
I'll do anything for you, like a shoulder massage, a full-body massage, or a little job.
My massages work, and I've been giving them to my grandfather since I was a child, so some people say that Yuji's massages are like heaven.
I slowly moved my fingertips and gave a nihilistic smile.
"I'll send you to heaven."
I swallow...
I thought I saw Ursna clear her throat.
"I can't back out if you say so. Hehe, you're the one who brought it up, so the guild master can't complain. Sorry, comrades, but I have to take his virginity! Hey, landlord, bring me the strongest liquor in this store!"
—Oh, please bring something to eat too. Bring some skewers or something like that.
"Okay! For now!" Fire wine whiskey
Ursuna and I drank cups full of strong, pure liquor, clinking our glasses together.
"Cheers!!"
An hour later.
Ursuna rested her elbow on the table, her face red and rough, breathing heavily.
Meanwhile, I took a big bite of the skewered rabbit and drank the strong alcohol in one gulp. The feeling of the fat in my mouth disappearing instantly was irresistible. There are many snacks to accompany whiskey, such as cheese, raisins, and chocolate, but for me, meat is definitely my favorite. I think the combination of fatty meat and strong alcohol is the best.
I dropped my empty cup on the table and raised my hand to the landlord.
"More, please!"
"...Really...?"
I'm fine, but it looks like things are starting to get difficult for Ursuna.
I shrugged and smiled slightly.
You can drink water without any problem, okay? If you want, I won't tell anyone if you throw up on the floor.
Damn it, don't do it! If a man makes fun of me, I'll be disgraced!
As she said this, Ursuna closed her eyes, grabbed the cup, and poured it down her throat.
I'd like another one too!
Wow, what guts.
But I think she'll soon reach her limit.
"Ah, next time we'll have a drink. I'm getting tired of the same flavors. Hey, bartender! Next time let's have a beer, dark grape!
I could hear the audience applauding loudly.
"Order beer to go with your fire liquor..."
Ursuna is also reckless. Facing that constrictor bitch Eugene...
I'm sure she didn't know. When she arrived here, she harassed the high-ranking members of the guild and challenged them to a drinking contest, defeating them all... But lately, no one has challenged her.
When I was in college, I was often told that if you didn't have money, you should ask your superiors for it.
Here, too, I offered to do a tasting and was given free food.
Over time, he stopped making eye contact with me and would run out of the bar if he saw my face, so I started to feel reluctant to approach him, as I was worried that it would put him in a bad position in the guild.
Well, I don't really have any money right now, so I'll have to ask Ursuna for a break.
Ah, but I feel bad for Ursuna if I only get a free meal. I'll give him something extra in return.
"Ah, I think the alcohol is getting to me. I'm starting to feel a little warm."
I took off my jacket and was left with only my running shirt. Then I opened it up front and let the wind hit my chest. It was a little cold, but I endured it.
Ursuna leans forward, her eyes wide as she catches a glimpse of his pecs. Hmm, that's pretty effective... although I don't understand what's so fun about looking at a man's chest.
I was also slim and muscular, so I have some confidence in my torso. In fact, I think being more muscular, more toned, would be cooler, but unfortunately, we are all born with a certain body type. Thinking about this, I looked at Ursuna.
Let me explain!
This is like when a girl you're drinking with says, "It's a little hot," takes off her jacket, and shows you her breasts while looking at you sideways. It's like she's inviting you!
By the way, there isn't much demand for muscular men in this world! Since they don't do physical work, there are many thin men, and most people believe that a thin, muscular man without excess fat is the most exciting naked body.
Ursuna snorted, turned her attention to the surrounding crowd, and began to threaten them: "Hey! What are you looking at? I'll kill you! Get out!"
Well, honestly, I'm grateful. Some spectators were craning their necks to get a good look at my chest, but they didn't have to go out of their way to see it here. They could have, since I had been shirtless the whole time while scrubbing the gutters.
Let me explain!
Seeing a girl's naked body is more exciting than being completely exposed!
That said, these guys also watched the sewer dredging and masturbated twice!
"Fuah..."
I let out a small yawn.
My stomach is full, and I've enjoyed skewers for the first time in a long time, so I want to go back to my room to sleep. I wonder if Ursuna will pass out soon too.
"What's wrong, Eugene? Are you reaching your limit?"
With a bold smile, Ursuna teases me.
"Well, I guess so. I'm getting bored and starting to yawn."
"...!!"
When I teased her slightly, Ursuna gritted her teeth.
Oh, how scary.
Even so, Ursuna has a beautiful face. Above all, her features exude an air of elegance. She has long eyelashes, narrowed eyes, and when she is silent, her gaze seems to be filled with sadness. If she dressed well, I think she would look like a prince charming. But her behavior and way of speaking are so vulgar that it makes up for it. In what world is there a prince charming who shows off his chest and provokes you?
"What's wrong with you, staring at people's faces...?"
"No, I just thought Ursuna had a very nice face."
"... Idiot! What's wrong with you all of a sudden? Are you trying to flirt with me?!"
Oops, I blurted out what I was thinking. I've been talking to myself a lot since I came to this other world. It's annoying because I feel lonely when I'm alone and I can't help but mutter to myself.
Even so, I feel full and sleepy. It looks like Ursuna will be overwhelmed with another drink, so I wonder if that will be the end.
Oops, I think I'm going to yawn loudly.
"Ahhh..."
When they brought me the cup, I covered my mouth with my hand and yawned loudly. It was a huge yawn, even I admit it. It was so loud that I had to look up at the ceiling.
Gently...
Shss— Hmm? It sounded like sand being scattered.
"..."
"What's wrong?"
Ursuna's face was no longer red, but now turning blue as he tilted his head toward me.
The mug is filled to the brim with dark beer.
Hmm. Something's wrong with this guy.
Well, never mind.
I picked up the mug and drank the beer in one gulp.
Ugh! Mm~
"Delicious!"
Dark beer is the best. Lager is good too, but if you like bitter flavors, dark beer is definitely the way to go. Ever since I was little, I've never disliked bitter things. In fact, I like them, and I used to enjoy eating things like green peppers.
I put the cup back on the table, leaving it about half full so I could enjoy it slowly, when Ursuna's narrowed eyes opened and she fixed her gaze on my face as if she had seen something incredible.
"...What?"
"Oh, no... you're a good drinker."
Thank you very much. Have a drink too.
"...Um, is everything okay?"
"There's nothing special about it. It's delicious, isn't it? Dark beer is good even without being chilled, so that's good."
"...Did they give me a fake one...?"
Ursuna muttered something to herself, stood up, and snatched the cup from me. Before I could stop her, she drank it in one gulp.
Hey, do you want a kiss? I thought, looking at her in amazement, while Ursuna wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
"...Damn... This medicine really works..."
Pop!
Ursuna collapsed on the floor and didn't move a muscle.
This is bad, is it acute alcoholism?
I ran over to Ursuna and approached her. She had a strong smell of alcohol on her breath, but I was relieved to see that she was breathing normally.
Ah, so she just drank too much... What a surprise.
Let me explain!
The last resort for getting a girl home who doesn't seem drunk at all after a party: free sleeping pills from the supermarket! It's a crime, so you should never do this in real life.
I asked Ursuna to pay the bill at the bar, and with the help of her friends who were in the audience, I took her to the room next door.
You have to make sure she's lying on her side and not choking on her own vomit.
Even so, I ate a lot more than expected today. I also drank quite a bit, so I'm very satisfied.
By the way, I never get drunk.
The [Drug and Poison Resistance] [drugs] I've acquired neutralize alcohol by identifying it as poison.
To be precise, I think it neutralizes not only alcohol but also acetaldehyde, a poison produced when the liver breaks it down. I can taste the alcohol, but I don't get drunk when I drink it. I like the taste of alcohol, but I hate how it clouds my mind, so this is very useful to me.
Well, it's cheating, but it's always been that way.
However, [Drug Resistance] doesn't just have its advantages; it also has the disadvantage of making drugs ineffective.
Cold or stomach medicines don't work. I haven't tried them, but sleeping pills probably don't work either, so there's no way to force yourself to fall asleep, even if you're sleep deprived. Well, thanks to [Disease Resistance], you won't catch a cold, so it's a good combination.