824 Bear, takes a break - Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

As promised to Kumayuru, I switch from Kumakyū to Kumayuru and continue onward. "The rate at which we're encountering monsters is getting higher, isn't it?" Since then, we've run into monsters several times. Although they were low-level creatures like wolves and goblins, they pose no threat to me. However, caution is still necessary since a giant wolf could appear just like that oversized snake. Though, I'd like to see such a wolf if one exists. "Not being able to hear sounds makes you this uneasy, huh?" Lydia, following Mane's advice, is suppressing her magic. Apparently, if she's not conscious of it, her magical energy will seep out. "In this situation, magic is precious. Leave the monster matters to the bears and focus on controlling your magic." "Ugh." "You're still leaking it." "Ugh." It feels like a child scolding an adult. "But it's amazing you can tell that." "Even as a half-elf, I am sensitive to the flow of the wind because I'm partly an elf." Elves have a strong association with the winds; it makes sense just hearing the word "elf." "But it means you're loved by wind magic." "Me, loved by wind magic…" "If you can manage your magic properly, it'll become a powerful weapon for you." Lydia looks serious as she listens to Mane's words. "However, being able to detect monsters is impressive. It'd be great if you could manage both skills effectively." Whether it's best to have it on all the time or intermittently might vary depending on the situation, but being able to switch could help conserve magic. "…Thank you, Mane." "Guiding the young is the role of the elder," Mane says, looking away, a bit embarrassed. Since she's sitting in front of me, her red ears are clearly visible. "So, you've been walking through all this uncertainty, big brother." "No, it wasn't like that because I trusted Lydia. You accurately gauged the position of monsters and helped us avoid danger. And it's not just wind magic, is it? You always paid attention to the surroundings and visually checked the tracks of monsters. That's your skill." "…Big brother." "That's why I trusted you and wasn't anxious." Hearing Zekt's words, Lydia beams with delight. It's great when siblings get along well, like Fina and Shuri, or Noa and Sia. Though sometimes you hear about siblings who don't get along, everyone around me seems to have good sibling relationships. After encountering a few low-level monsters, we progress smoothly without meeting any giant monsters, and dusk approaches. "How much farther?" "Just a little longer." "Distance-wise, about that much." The two think for a moment before giving an answer. "Then let's call it a day since it’s getting dark," Mane says, glancing up at the sky. The sun is beginning to set, and there's no need to push forward recklessly. "In that case, I'll go find a place suitable for camping out," Lydia says, hopping off Kumakyū with the intention of dashing off. "Wait!" Lydia, about to take off, turns back. I briefly consider deploying the Bear House, but since Mane is aware and this is a dangerous forest, it would be safer to spend the night inside the Bear House. "I'll handle finding the campsite." "………?" "The bag this girl carries holds a house," Mane explains before I can respond. "A house?" Zekt and Lydia echo in unison. "Yes, well. Let's move to a more open space first." The trees here obstruct the path for deploying the Bear House. Although cutting down the trees is an option, the falling noise might attract monsters. Safety first. After a short distance, we find a suitable place for the Bear House. "How about here?" I dismount from Kumayuru and retrieve the Bear House from the Bear Box. Zekt and Lydia respond with the typical shocked reactions that first-time viewers of the Bear House exhibit. They express surprise and eventually mutter, "Bear?" "Is this really a house?" "I'm amazed it came out of a bag. You must really like bears." "For now, please come inside." To avoid attracting monsters with all the noise, I lead everyone into the house. Kumayuru and Kumakyū remain in their large form for convenience. "It really is a house." "And better than ours." Zekt and Lydia glance around curiously. Being stared at so much in my own house is embarrassing; I wish they'd ease up a bit. "In here, you'll be fine against monsters like wolves, so just relax. Even if monsters attack, Kumayuru and Kumakyū will alert us, so rest easy." "Kuu~n," Kumayuru and Kumakyū reassure by making a sound, prompting the two to glance back at them. "We knew you were extraordinary, Yuna, but this is beyond imagination." "I agree. I wish Ellelaura had introduced such a remarkable girl sooner." Mane concurs with Lydia's remark. "Camping while taking turns on watch feels…" "What were these ten days for…" I have no answer for that. "But it's a relief to sleep soundly." "Indeed, we haven’t slept well in a while." Sleeping soundly in the dangerous outdoors isn't easy, as you could be attacked by monsters at any time. While I suspect some monsters are nocturnal, I usually sleep in the Bear House at night, so I don't really know much about their nighttime activities. "I'll prepare dinner, so the three of you can rest." "In that case, I need to process some herbs, so I'll use the deconstruction area." Mane heads to the deconstruction area. Unsure of what to do, Zekt and Lydia hesitate. "Both of you, come. I'll teach you how to process the herbs you collected. If you plan to bring them back, you need to maintain their quality. Although it seems you've been doing what you can. Additionally, Lydia, I'll show you how to make sunscreen." Lydia looks at me for confirmation. "I can handle this alone, so go ahead and help Mane." Following my lead, the two head to the deconstruction area with Mane. Once I confirm they’ve gone, I begin preparing dinner. Bread should suffice. The bread baked by Morin and Karin is delicious. I cook eggs and sausages, add some vegetables, prepare the soup Anzu made, and set out milk and juice for drinks. There, a simple meal is ready. I head to the deconstruction area to call them. "Everyone, dinner's ready." Entering the deconstruction area, I find them processing the collected herbs. "Aren't you done yet?" "Yuna? Has it really been that long? Let's finish the rest after eating." "Is that okay?" "Yuna went through the trouble of making it, so let's eat while it's warm." The three of them return to the room where the meal is laid out. "It looks delicious." "No way. Even eggs in the middle of this forest?" "Trust me, it's best not to question the norms with her. It'll just tire you out," Mane says something slightly harsh. "Make sure you wash your hands properly," I remind them. "Yeah." "Got it." All three wash their hands diligently before taking their seats. "Yuna, are you sure we can really eat this?" "There's plenty for seconds, so feel free to eat as much as you want." The two exchange glances and begin their meal. "It's so good." "Who would have thought we could eat something this delicious in a forest?" "You're exaggerating." "What do you mean? Since entering this forest, we've only had dried meat and hard bread. And now, we have such delicious bread with sausages, fresh salad, and this juice is delightful." "Makes me want a drink." "Sorry, no alcohol here." I'm underage and don't drink, so offering alcohol doesn't even cross my mind. Though, I do have cooking sake—I'm not planning on bringing it out though. "Ah, I'm so full." "I ate too much." The two of them ate heartily. I had to replenish the bread, and I cooked additional eggs and sausages. They even asked for multiple refills of the soup. "Thanks, Yuna. It's been so long since I've had such a delicious meal." "I'm glad you enjoyed it." "But we've eaten so much; are there still ample supplies?" "Don't worry." I have plenty of bread thanks to Morin's baking, and my stock of ingredients is abundant. And when it comes down to it, there's still a lot of wolf meat, and I've already purchased a large supply of rice from the Land of Wa. I bought enough to last a lifetime, perhaps. As I start cleaning up the dishes, Mane takes Lydia and heads to the deconstruction area to continue processing the herbs. Once I've finished tidying up the dishes and am relaxing with Kumayuru and Kumakyū, Mane and her group returns. "Finished?" "Yes, we're done." "Then, shall we take a bath and go to bed?" "A bath?" they both say in unison. "Zekt, you can take yours later by yourself." "Wait, a bath? There's a bath here?" "Lydia, it's better to let go of common sense where Yuna is concerned," Mane warns. I understand that my actions might seem unconventional from the perspective of this world’s norms, but this all feels a bit harsh.