Chapter 48 – A Spirited Away’s Legacy
Chapter 48
A Spirited Away’s Legacy
Date: Day 29 of Harvestmoon. 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren and Elise left the Adventurer's Guild.
The transition was immediate. The quiet bustle of the Guild hall was left behind. Replaced by the vibrant chaos of the Adventurer's District. The contrast was stark. The Guild was orderly. The district was alive. The energy of the evening crowd spilled into the streets.
The dual suns had already gone. Night had descended over Akela. The sky was dark. The natural light had faded. But the city was not dark. The magic lamps posted every few meters illuminated the surroundings. Warm but bright light.
Rows of shops and restaurants were packed with people. The establishments were doing brisk business. The evening crowd was hungry. The streets were full of life.
Bars and taverns were starting their business. They would remain open until the dead of night. The adventurers were returning from their quests. The workers were finishing their shifts. The evening was the time for relaxation. For drinking.
Street vendors were changing too. The produce vendors of the day were packing up. Replaced by sellers of cheap drinks. Snacks. Food. The nighttime economy was different.
An image of a modern city. In a medieval fantasy setting.
Hyoren was not surprised anymore. The initial shock had worn off. The expectations had adjusted. But he was still awed. And glad. He did not need to adapt too much. He had expected the need to adjust to how a medieval fantasy world worked. But he was greeted with something familiar.
Maybe not the same as Japan. But not too far. The infrastructure was advanced. The amenities were present. The quality of life was high. The adjustment was minimal. The transition was smooth. He could almost pretend he was in some distant corner of his old world.
Elise turned around to him. Her expression was soft. She smiled. The warmth was genuine. The earlier tension was completely gone.
All her possessive streak had faded. The predator was gone. Ina was no longer present. The protective instincts had receded. The jealousy had dissipated. She was relaxed.
Her pointed ears were twitching. The movement was natural. The elf in her was always alert. But no more red streak. The flush had faded completely. The embarrassment was gone.
And her emerald eyes were back to calm.
"Hyoren, let's eat at a restaurant first. Before we go to the inn."
She continued.
"I want to eat well. The inn I frequent provides dinner too, but it will be a simple one."
Hyoren ended his scan of the surroundings. His attention returned to Elise. His eyes met hers.
"That's a good idea. I agree. A feast to celebrate our milestone."
Elise nodded. The agreement was mutual. Then she led Hyoren away. Her steps were confident. She knew the city. Knew the district. Knew where to go. He followed.
They walked for a few blocks. Elise navigated the street with ease. Then Elise stopped in front of restaurant.
Hyoren looked at the busy restaurant. The atmosphere was serene. The establishment had a peaceful quality.
The building was made from wood with stone as decoration. Similar to every building in this city. The architectural style was consistent. But the inside looked clean. The interior was well-maintained. The space was organized. And it had cozy decorations. This was not just a place to eat. This was a place to enjoy.
The sign read "Bertho Dining."
"Looks good, Elise. It's so busy and packed with people. Definitely the food is going to be worth it, right?"
Elise nodded. Then she grabbed his arm. A gesture which had somehow become common since they arrived in the city.
"Don't dilly-dally too much, Hyoren. My stomach is already rumbling."
Hyoren chuckled. The sound was amused. Her impatience was endearing. Her hunger was understandable. He shared it. The day had been long. Food was needed.
And he opened the door.
Inside, they scanned the tables. The establishment was indeed busy. Most seats were occupied. Most tables were taken. Adventurers. Workers. Citizens.
"Lucky, there are still a few tables. Let's go to that table in the corner, Hyoren."
They sat at the table in the corner. The chairs were comfortable. The position was good. The view of the establishment was clear. The privacy was adequate. And picked up the menu.
Hyoren read the menu. His eyes scanned the items listed.
The menu looked normal. The structure was familiar. Just using monster meat or ingredients with alien fruits or vegetables. The proteins were different. The produce was foreign. But the concepts were recognizable.
Rabbit whole roast. The dish was straightforward. Squirrel stew. Another traditional dish. Stewed small game. Ramtauro steaks. A larger protein. Grilled meat. Substantial fare. And so on. The options were varied. The cuisine was diverse.
But then his eyes caught something which surprised him:
Ramtauro Creamy Ramen
Squirrel Clear Ramen
Squirrel Karaage.
His eyes widened. The surprise was genuine. The shock was real. He had not expected this. Had not anticipated finding food from his world.
He asked. The inquiry was genuine.
"Elise… What is this food..."
He turned his voice to a whisper.
"This looks like food from my old world."
Elise looked up. Her eyes rose from her own menu. She looked unbothered. The question did not surprise her. After glancing at the menu Hyoren pointed at, she was back to picking her own menu.
"Oh. Those foods. Those are foods introduced by Mr. Kotaro. Around 200 years ago? He was also Spirited Away person like you."
Hyoren was surprised. The revelation was startling. Then he remembered. He was not the first one. Elise had mentioned this.
And the last one before him—Mr. Kotaro—had carved his name by popularizing Japanese-style food. The cuisine of Japan had traveled across worlds. Had become part of this culture.
"Okay, I decided."
Elise's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hyoren. You decided yet? Be quick. I'm hungry."
Hyoren then snapped from his thought. The contemplation ended. The present returned. He would ask questions later. Picking the food first.
"Sorry, Elise…" he apologized.
"I will pick Ramtauro Creamy Ramen and Squirrel Karaage. Plus... Dew-heart ale."
Elise nodded. The order was noted. Then she stood to go to the counter to order. She came back quickly. She sat again.
"So. Hyoren. Why did you look surprised?"
Hyoren looked at her. Then he smiled wryly. The admission was embarrassing.
"I just forgot that spirited away before me existed."
He confessed. He had been so focused on his own situation.
"And was surprised when seeing familiar food from Earth."
Elise chuckled.
"Fufu. Silly Hyoren. But well, a lot of things are happening. So it's understandable your mind is overwhelmed."
Hyoren then looked at the menu again. His eyes scanned the items. The Japanese dishes were noted. The legacy of Kotaro.
Then he looked back at Elise. The question was forming. The curiosity was growing.
"Elise, can you tell me about this Mr. Kotaro?"
Elise smiled. She leaned forward. And put both her hands on the table.
"I don't know the details. Only public knowledge about him."
She prefaced. The limitation was acknowledged. The information was incomplete.
"He is a spirited away who came to this world in 816 AY… Around 200 years ago?"
She looked up. Trying to remember more details.
"He suddenly appeared near Eldoria City. The capital city of Altaria."
Hyoren nodded.
"I see… Unlike me, he truly dropped near civilization, huh."
Elise smiled. The reaction was gentle. She then put one of her hands on her chin.
"He was... not an adventurer. I never read about him being strong. But he was famous in the culinary industry."
She gestured to the menu.
"He introduced a lot of condiments, ways to cook, and food recipes. He was even invited to work as a Royal Castle chef."
She smiled. And chuckled. Finding Kotaro interesting.
"But he declined. He seemed to want creative freedom and cook for the masses. He opened restaurants in the Capital and a few other big cities in Altaria."
She put down her hands on the table again. Touching the menu.
"He already passed away. But if you want, there's still restaurants he opened on the capital and others city."
She offered. The continuation was available. The establishment persisted. The cuisine survived. Hyoren could visit. Could experience. Could connect with his predecessor's work.
Hyoren chuckled. The sound was appreciative.
"He didn't want to be tied by the Royal, huh..."
He mused. The desire for freedom was relatable.
Elise smiled.
"It seems that was a trait of people from your world, huh."
She observed him.
"They always love... freedom..."
Hyoren shook his head.
"That's not actually true. But maybe the ones who got Spirited Away here are."
He then looked toward the kitchen. When the kitchen staff busy making food.
"So his cooking influence even spread to this frontier city, huh?"
Elise looked at the counter too, following Hyoren gaze. But for different reason. She seemed impatient for their food to come. But she looked back to Hyoren again.
"That's right. It even spread to other nations.His condiments and ways of cooking are loved by many people."
She continued. Her hands tapping the table. Impatient.
"Maybe he also had some kind of blessing and unique skill, too."
Hyoren nodded. Then thought about Kotaro. His predecessor.
Kotaro had followed a different path than him. Not the adventurer. Not the monster hunter. But the chef. The creator.
But in the end, they were similar. Thrown into another world. Needing to live in an alien realm. Then thriving. Until carving his name in the culinary world. Until leaving a legacy that persisted for centuries. Until becoming part of history.
Hyoren was still grasping around. Just surviving. Just taking his first steps. But would he also thrive like Kotaro? Leaving a legacy? Only time would tell.
***
Their food came. The wait ended. The waiter approached with laden trays.
Elise's eyes were sparkling.
The waiter put their food on the table. The dishes were arranged.
Elise seemed to have ordered Squirrel Stew and Squirrel Karaage. The stew was in a bowl. The karaage was on a plate, golden brown and looked crispy. The combination was hearty.
Alongside with a blue-ish wine. The color was distinctive. The liquid was vibrant, almost glowing.
Then Hyoren's Ramtauro Creamy Ramen was served. The bowl was large. The broth was thick and creamy. The color was rich. With serving of thick slices of meat.
The karaage was also placed before him.
And Dew-heart ale was served too. The fruit he had encountered in the forest. Now in liquid form.
There was even chopsticks which came with it. The tool for eating ramen. The instrument from his world. The presence of chopsticks confirmed the Japanese origin of the dish. The legacy of Kotaro.
"What is that wine, Elise?"
Hyoren asked. The curiosity was piqued.
Elise, whose face was delighted, looked up. In front of her favorite food. The joy was evident. The anticipation was overwhelming.
"Rainlumes!"
She answered. Her favorites fruits. In wine form. Hyoren nodded. All the dish and drinks were her favorites. Suited to celebration indeed.
She smiled widely. The happiness was visible.
"Let's eat, Hyoren. I can't wait anymore."
Hyoren chuckled. The sound was warm. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Her joy was endearing.
"Let's eat, Elise."
He agreed. The meal began. The celebration commenced. The feast was underway.
Elise instantly dug into her stew and filled her mouth with karaage. The fork and spoon moved quickly. Her expression was bliss.
The taste was everything she had hoped. Everything she had craved.
Hyoren then focused on his food. Tasting the karaage first. The taste exploded in his mouth. The marinade was perfect. The flavors had penetrated the meat. The spice was subtle.
And especially, the umami. He knew this taste. He was familiar with this.
"This is... soy sauce??"
With mouth full of food, Elise nodded.
"Yesh, Iorhen... Shoi Soos..."
She gulped down first before continuing.
"That is one of the condiments Kotaro invented. I quite like the taste too. It's light but so savory."
She then continued digging into her food.
Hyoren tried the ramen next. He slurped the broth first. And his eyes widened. The recognition was immediate.
This was definitely miso.
Both karaage and ramen were the taste of Japan. Fully recreated in another world.
Hyoren had already prepared himself to need to adapt to the cuisine of another world. He had expected unfamiliar flavors. Strange ingredients. Foreign preparations.
And was shocked to find he could actually find the taste of home.
The discovery was emotional. In this alien world. He could still experience familiar flavors. Could still taste the comfort of his past.
Thank you, Kotaro, for your work.
He silently thanked Kotaro. His predecessor. The one who had left this legacy.
Both savored the meal in silence after that. They were drowned in the pleasure of their tongues.
Elise with her favorite food. Squirrel meat and Rainlumes wine. Hyoren with his nostalgic taste of his homeland. The ramen and karaage that reminded him of Japan.
Elise ate with quick motion. Her appetite betraying her athletic figure. She looked refined and elegant. But her eating told a different story. She was consuming the hearty stew and karaage like a hungry beast. As if she had not eaten for weeks.
Hyoren ate slower. Each flavor was appreciated. He kept closing his eyes every bite. Savoring every taste he thought he was going to miss forever. The miso. The soy sauce. The combinations that defined his culinary memory. The flavors of home that he had resigned himself to lose.
After a while, both their bowls and plates finally emptied. Elise put down her spoon and fork.
She exhaled. The breath was satisfied. The sound was content.
"Ahh. That was... delicious. I missed this after weeks in the wilds."
Hyoren also put down his chopsticks. And put both his hands in front. The gesture was automatic. A habit from his old world. The polite posture after eating.
"Thank you for the food."
A Japanese custom that persisted even in this world.
He then looked at Elise.
"This is definitely delicious, Elise. Thank you for picking this restaurant.Not only did it fill my belly... it filled my soul with the taste of home too."
Hyoren looked up. His eyes glistened. The emotion was rising. The gratitude was overwhelming. The feeling was intense.
Elise chuckled. She understood his emotion.
"Glad you like it. We can become regulars here. This place is not cheap, of course, but not exactly too fancy either. With our earnings, we can eat here often."
Hyoren nodded. The agreement was given. The suggestion was accepted.
"Let's do that."
He confirmed. The plan was made. The commitment was offered.
"I will come back here often."
He then looked around. The gaze swept the establishment. The busy restaurant. The satisfied customers. The atmosphere of comfort and quality.
"But Kotaro's legacy is everywhere, right, Elise?"
Elise picked up her Rainlumes Wine. Then she sipped on it before answering.
"That's right. But remember… not every restaurant or cook can cook those dishes well."
Hyoren picked up his ale too. And sipped it. The liquid entered his mouth. The taste was refreshing. Like melon. The familiar flavor of Dew-heart.
"I see. That's reasonable. Not every cook is good at cooking. Haha."
Elise chuckled. The sound was agreeing.
"That's right! But most well-established restaurants would have similar dishes like this. There will be variety, of course. But these dishes are not that rare."
Hyoren looked at his empty bowl. Before looking back at Elise
"How about the condiments, Elise… The soy sauce. The miso. Are they available?"
Elise nodded and elaborated it.
"Yes. It's widespread. You can buy them in almost every general store or store that sells food ingredients."
Hyoren's face relaxed. The tension released.
"Good then. Good."
Elise then picked up her glass of wine. The vessel was raised. Now it was time for something else.
"Hyoren… Let's toast."
She proposed.
"To celebrate us safely reaching the city. To celebrate your milestone of officially becoming an adventurer."
Hyoren also picked up his glass of ale. The vessel was raised. The toast was joined. The ritual was shared.
"That's right. Let's do that."
He agreed to her proposal.
"To us who earned 1 million Kres. To celebrate us forming an official party."
He continued the toast.
"To Freedom Party!"
He concluded. Their party name was declared.
Both of them raised their glasses. The vessels met in the middle. The glasses clinked. A celebration in sound.
And both said at the same time.
"Cheers! To Freedom Party!"
The declaration was mutual. Then both laughed. Enjoying the moment of celebration. The restaurant buzzed around them.
***
Now with both their bowl and glass emptied. The warmth of a good meal settled in his chest—a comfort he hadn't known in weeks.The cheers and celebration done.
Elise pushed back her chair and stood.
"Okay Hyoren. We should end our day. Too many things happen today."
Hyoren rose as well, stretching his arms above his head. His shoulders popped from the motion—stiff.
"That's right. We should rest. You have a good inn in your mind, Elise?"
Elise nodded.
"Yes. I was regular there. Let's go there. I hope they still have empty room."
She turned toward the restaurant door, and Hyoren fell into step behind her. The wooden floorboards creaked beneath their boots.
"How about the meal cost, Elise?"
She waved a hand dismissively over her shoulder.
"Don't worry. I already paid for it when ordering. Don't make too much fuss about meal cost, Hyoren. We are in party now. Partner."
She glanced back at him, the corner of her mouth lifting.
"We will earn more sooner or later."
Hyoren thought of the magic stones they'd sold—the weight of coin that now sat in his pouch. She was right. He nodded.
"Okay then."
Elise smiled, and together they stepped through the door into the evening air of the Adventurer's District.
"Okay, follow me, Hyoren. The inn is not that far. But it's not in main street. Don't lose your way, okay?"
Hyoren nodded and followed her lead.
She walked for a while before turning into a smaller street. Not an alley, exactly, but a side road that branched away from the main street.
The noise of the bustling market faded behind them, replaced by something quieter. Gentler. Stone houses lined both sides, their windows warm with candlelight. Cozy cafes and taverns nestled between inns, and though the main road was close enough to hear its distant sounds, this place felt separate.
Serene.
After a few blocks, Elise stopped in front of a three-story building. It looked sturdy and clean, with polished wooden doors and window boxes filled with colorful glowing flowers that cast soft light across the facade. A carved wooden sign hung above the entrance: "The Wanderer's Rest."
"This inn. My regular inn."
Elise said, a fond smile on her face.
"I like this one. It has a proper shower bathroom, good security, and the food is really good... not as good as the restaurant before, of course. But good for this district standard. Plus, the proprietress is a kind woman."
They entered the inn, and the warmth washed over them—clean air, the smell of woodsmoke and herbs. The common room was small but well-kept, with a handful of tables occupied by quiet adventurers. Higher-ranking ones, Hyoren guessed, from the way they carried themselves. A fire crackled in a large stone hearth, casting a warm glow across the room.
Behind the counter, a middle-aged woman looked up from wiping a mug. Her hair was streaked with grey, and her brown eyes crinkled at the corners as she saw them enter.
"Elise, dear!"
Her voice was warm and welcoming.
"It's been a while. I was wondering when you'd be back from the Wilds."
She turned her gaze to Hyoren, her eyes widening slightly as she took in his appearance—neat clothes, handsome face.
"And you've brought a friend! Welcome, welcome. My name is Martha Powell, you can call me Martha. Please, come in. Find a seat. Are you hungry? Thirsty? The stew is fresh tonight."
Elise smiled warmly at the innkeeper.
"Martha, I've come to book a room for the night."
Martha's expression brightened even more.
"Of course, dear. It's always a pleasure to have you."
But then her face shifted—apologetic.
"But we are almost fully booked, Elise. I only got one room left, and it's in third floor."
Elise's eyes narrowed. She stood silent for a moment, thinking.
Hyoren nodded.
"Okay then, Elise. You can book room here. I will find another inn to sleep. We will meet tomorrow here?"
He turned around, but before he could take a single step, Elise grabbed his arm. Her grip was firm.
"Where do you think you are going to go, Hyoren?"
Her tone left no room for argument.
"But there is only one room left. We need two rooms, right?"
Elise looked him straight in the eyes.
"No. I already plan to book single room for two of us since start. It was safer. And we can save our coins."
Hyoren opened his mouth to argue, but Elise placed her hand over his lips. Shutting him down.
He decided arguing was pointless. He watched her helplessly.
She turned to Martha, who watched their interaction with warm, knowing eyes.
"Okay, Martha. One third floor room please."
Martha smiled.
"Are you sure, Elise? You know all my third floor rooms are arranged like that, right?"
Elise nodded. Her expression remained firm.
"I see. I won't pry too much about you two situation. So how many days?"
Martha's knowing smile softened into something motherly.
"I'll book for three days for now, Martha."
Elise placed three bronze coins on the counter, and Martha took an ornate brass key from the wall.
"Of course, dear... Three days it is."
Elise took the key with a nod.
"Thank you, Martha."
Martha deposited the coins into a small shelf and smiled.
"As always, dear. You two go on and get some rest. You look like you've had a long journey."
Elise grabbed Hyoren's arm—her grip firm and final—and began to pull him toward the stairs.