Entering the shop, Kaito looked around curiously. He hadn't waited in line, but his purpose wasn't to eat ramen; it was to find someone, so no one stopped him.
If he wanted to be served, he'd have to queue normally. Walking in like this, they'd just ask a question and then ignore him.
The staff were busy; the business was so good there was a long line outside, so the inside was naturally not idle.
The customers were quiet. Some came alone, others with partners or family.
The ramen wasn't exceptionally high-class, but each bowl was large and filling, so everyone ate happily and contentedly.
Some bowls had plenty of meat, making them even more satisfying.
Kaito didn't know if ramen existed in this world, but wheat certainly did.
Ramen was also very filling. If the broth was rich and flavorful, it was even more comforting. No wonder business was booming.
People here tasting ramen for the first time would immediately love the noodles. It was filling and flavorful; not just laborers, but ordinary people would likely come regularly.
The food in this world was...
Abysmal.
Cooking methods were basically roasting, stewing, or baking. Most meals were either wheat porridge or large, hearty bread sticks...
One long, thick bread stick could feed a family of several for a day or even days!
"Excuse me, is the owner in?"
Kaito approached the counter with a smile and asked the staff.
The staff member was slightly stunned by the handsome man, stealing a few extra glances. Noticing his noble attire, she quickly nodded.
She couldn't afford to offend someone like that. Besides, the owner had said that if nobles or mages came to inquire, just let her know; she would handle it.
Hmm...
It seemed someone was eyeing this thriving business.
"Don't worry, I'm an old acquaintance of your owner. Please just call her."
"Okay, sir. Please wait a moment."
The staff hurried to the back. Soon, Hirano arrived, dressed in slightly luxurious local attire.
No kimono; she wore the world's clothing.
She also didn't look very attractive, as she had deliberately made herself look plainer.
"K-Kaito! It's you!?"
Seeing Kaito, Hirano was stunned, then overjoyed.
It had been almost a year!?
She'd finally met someone she knew!!
Overcome with excitement, she quickly invited Kaito to the back room to sit.
She noticed the two Maidens following him but didn't think much of it; she had her own Maiden.
Two Maidens probably meant something had happened.
But more importantly, she cared about Kaito.
After personally brewing him a cup of hot tea, she sat across from him happily.
"Kaito, long time no see! I'm so happy to see you here."
She even had a slight accent from this world, she spoke with such excitement.
"Yeah, same! Over six months ago, I saw Yor. We adventured together for a while, then she left to go her own way."
"But you, how did you end up opening a shop here?"
"Opening a ramen shop is a bit unexpected, but thinking about it, it makes sense. I guess that's just like you."
Kaito's words made Hirano blush slightly.
She felt a bit embarrassed but also happy.
"Well, actually, I opened this shop about eight months ago. After coming here from outside the Lands Between, this city was my first stop."
"After learning about this place, I decided to settle here."
"I opened the shop because I wanted to study magic at Raya Lucaria Academy."
"Since I'm not a mage, outsiders have to pay to learn. Unless I have a letter of invitation and become an official apprentice, but... it's difficult. There are too many rules between nobles and mages in this world."
"Ordinary people can't easily enter and freely learn magic."
Hirano explained, a hint of helplessness in her voice.
For an ordinary person to learn magic was like trying to become an official.
In a medieval setting, an ordinary person was just a noble's tool. How could they be allowed to gain wealth or power?
Merchants were looked down upon; nobles even considered merchants' money as their own!
In short, being a noble was great, like a local emperor.
Ordinary people wouldn't dare resist; they were accustomed to oppression.
Whatever a noble said was right; being noticed by a noble was considered an honor!
The food they grew was taxed regularly. Even rights like prima nocta were claimed by nobles.
If a woman was to marry, her first night belonged to the noble. If he liked her, he'd bless the marriage afterward. If not, she was "lucky" but also unlucky.
She'd avoided that fate, but her marriage was considered cursed and unhappy.
It was absurd, but it was the norm.
Mages were similar; they were considered higher than nobles. Nobles had to show them respect and grant their requests!
"You've worked hard."
"It's okay. As long as I earn enough money, I can buy magic books or hire mages for instruction."
Hirano shook her head with a wry smile.
Her strength wasn't negligible; besides the physical enhancement cards Kaito had given her, the Snow-Snow Fruit alone could easily handle many mages.
But she wanted to learn magic to gain more power and combat options, which was understandable.
Especially since she discovered she had a talent and aptitude for magic. With her intelligence, pursuing the path of a mage wasn't surprising.
"What magic can you use now?"
"Hehe, quite a lot. But no powerful spells yet, just those usable by ordinary mages."
"Not bad. By the way, are you planning to challenge the Raya Lucaria mages, and then Rennala?"
"How could I? Even using the Snow-Snow Fruit, I can't beat them. They're really strong..."