Volume 6 Chapter 58 Curry Is Stronger Than A Sword
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Territory borders in this world usually follow clear natural landmarks like rivers, valleys, or mountain passes. When both sides agree, the boundaries stay peaceful and simple.
But some places aren’t that straightforward. Without detailed maps, borderlines blur. Wastelands get ignored, but once valuable resources like ore veins show up near the edges, things get messy. People find all sorts of reasons to argue over them.
Tizzy’s father was weak-willed, so he quietly accepted Baron Gorigan’s unfair claims for years. When Gorigan demanded ten things, Tizzy’s dad would give up only five and call it a draw to save face. He thought that was proper diplomacy, but honestly, he was being foolish.
Gorigan was happy with half the loot, so he kept pushing outrageous claims without shame. When Tizzy told me this, I was stunned.
Even as a pacifist, I couldn’t help but question her father’s way. For common folk, avoiding conflict is a virtue, but a lord must be ready to fight twice as hard if attacked. To keep peace, you sometimes have to make war. I understand Tizzy’s dad was cautious—maybe cowardly—but he probably meant well.
Victory always comes with loss. Leading in wartime must be a painful choice. Maybe, deep down, Tizzy’s dad is a kind man. Tizzy talks harshly about him, but that’s normal for a girl her age. I want to believe he isn’t truly bad, just ineffective. Without outside meddling, he might have kept his land stable.
An incompetent lord means disaster for his people. Is this the flaw of inheritance? Even with elections, bad leaders get chosen. Some excel at politics but lack real skill. Would it be better to have capable subordinates? Then again, they might cause problems themselves.
Politics is hell. Sometimes, I wish I had never become king.
Years of slow encroachment let Gorigan’s mine cross the original border, pushing deeper into Duke’s land. Some spots even have monuments praising Gorigan. It’s like dogs marking lamp posts to claim territory—except maybe dogs are smarter because they don’t waste time on pointless fights.
Still, after generations, these markers become “official” reasons to claim land. The right move is to tear them down and punish offenders immediately. Ignoring them out of fear only invites real war.
To avoid being mocked by other countries, we must strengthen our military, but it costs a fortune. I don’t know how much it costs to summon heroes, but it seems worth it. The risk is upsetting the military balance.
Military power works as deterrence—show strength to prevent war. But once war starts, both sides lose. If you lose, you lose everything; if you win, you still lose soldiers who never come back.
Big Castor was researching golem soldiers to avoid human casualties. But unmanned units rarely end well in stories like these.
I walked down the street, passing flags and signs claiming Gorigan’s territory. The ceasefire said all illegal land must return to Tizzy, so I want to reclaim as many underground resources as possible.
The natural gold nuggets here are called “nuggets” because of their shape, like food nuggets. I learned the trick over the last few days to gather real nuggets efficiently. They aren’t gold ore but brass ore that shines like gold. Actually, they contain a small percentage of gold.
I heard mineral deposits drop near Gorigan’s land, but the main vein goes deep underground. Maybe mining technology will improve someday.
At last, the border checkpoint came into view—built exactly on the original boundary. It was a grand stone fortress, not easy to move.
Across from it stood a similar fortress—Gorigan’s checkpoint. Two identical fortresses felt wasteful. Merchants must hate paying tolls twice.
This spot is both a territorial and national border. Officials should guard it, but it seemed run by bureaucrats and their deputies. Corruption thrives under hereditary power, yet the system’s rules protect their posts like stone walls. Even here, “rock-solid regulations” exist.
But if a strong leader takes charge, corrupt heads can be cut off. Like the Water Magistrate, who uses extreme measures to clean society. Still, if corruption spreads too far, the nation collapses and resets—just like Earth.
Many countries here barely hold a fragile balance before falling into chaos. It’s both impressive and terrifying.
The soldiers at the checkpoint looked weak—probably cheap mercenaries.
Honestly, low-level mercenaries don’t even know how to use their weapons properly. Ordinary villagers can become mercenaries just by signing up. But since they’re cheap, there’s always demand. They’re useful as cannon fodder.
When Gorigan’s army advanced, it seemed like total slaughter, but the checkpoint guards secretly sided with the enemy, so no one died. Is Tizzy’s weakness the reason no one was punished? If the traitors faced severe punishment, maybe the territory could have been unified.
Managing land is hard. The right choice changes with time and situation. Even ignoring Tizzy’s dad, a skilled Tizzy still failed in the end.
Fixing corruption feels impossible. Starting fresh might be easier.
Will our land crumble and fall too? Since the country’s already built, there’s no turning back. For now, I’ll just enjoy the festival and hype up the mood.
Now then, how do I get past the checkpoint?
Even the lowest ruffians here are officials in the eyes of outsiders. They collect customs, tolls, and extortion fees all at once. If a beautiful woman passes, she might get special treatment… or worse. Legitimate bandits, basically.
Some try to dodge tolls by breaking through, but getting caught is a serious crime. Deadly traps hide on secret paths too.
But those traps are managed by third-rate mercenaries, so they probably aren’t very effective.
Maybe I should try breaking through the checkpoint.
When I was in Japan, I always followed traffic signals, even when no cars were around. Respecting the law mattered.
But this place isn’t Japan.
Among the summoner heroes, many brag about cheating and refuse to obey the rules of this world. Am I about to join them?
It’s strange to think that a straightforward, honest choice is impossible here.
Alright, I’ll try sneaking past the checkpoint.
All the gates are slightly open. They probably only close them when a carriage passes through. Lazy beyond belief.
But opening and closing these heavy doors alone is tough. Maybe this is the most reasonable way.
First, I’ll go through the checkpoint on Duke Mineley Territory’s side normally.
The flags of the Holy Kingdom and Duke Mineley hang limply from the arch above the gate.
They’ve probably been here for years; faded and torn. When places like this are neglected, everything feels off. Morale must be low — or maybe there’s no morale at all.
The soldiers seem completely uninterested in work, absorbed in gambling at their outpost.
They probably only come out when a wagon loaded with goods passes by.
On the fortress walls, ballista-like weapons point toward Gorigan. They’re old models, but still interesting.
The fittings are rusted, and some parts are missing. Maybe they’re just for show now.
The space between the two fortresses is wide enough that arrows can’t reach. Is this what they call a buffer zone?
It must have been the site of battles long ago. Thinking about that makes my chest tighten a bit.
Gorigan Fortress looks newer. This side even has proper bistros. The Gorigan flags and Kingdom of Bespal banners hanging from the castle walls look almost brand new.
I was a bit impressed by the Gorigan soldiers’ energy, but they’re just gambling at the outpost too.
And they smell strongly of alcohol. Drinking during the day—if Gorigan found out, they’d be furious.
I wonder if it’s the same everywhere—places where the boss isn’t watching.
So I’m okay for now. If Shea-Shea caught me slacking off… I’d get a terrible scolding.
It’s strange how a grown man like me trembles just because a little girl yells at him.
Even the worst troublemakers get stomach aches just by seeing Shea-Shea’s face—that’s some real power.
Thanks to these lazy guards, I slipped across the border into Gorigan territory without hurry. If it were them, I might not have even needed stealth.
This is already the Kingdom of Bespal, my first time outside the Sacred Kingdom.
Well, I have been to other places like the Dwarf Kingdom via teleportation gates. Those gates are convenient, but they don’t give you the feeling of actually traveling somewhere far.
Lately, I’ve been buying maps without holding back. I even have some of this area. Though the maps are very rough.
I wonder how the world looks to people who only know these kinds of maps.
The dwarf’s globe is extremely accurate, but it doesn’t show borders. They don’t seem to care about human-made lines.
When I have time, I want to copy that globe and make a precise map.
First, I’ll aim for the teleportation gate inside Gorigan territory—the closest one. I don’t know if it still works. Many gates have stopped functioning now.
If this one doesn’t work, the Kingdom of Ayub has three teleportation gates. It’s a small country, Princess Auroora’s land. Though small, on the globe its size rivals the Sacred Kingdom.
No matter how big a territory is, if it lacks strength—real power—it’s still a small nation. But what exactly is “country power”?
Oops, I got so lost in thought I almost tripped into a trap.
Tizzy scolded me again this morning for zoning out, but I wasn’t really. Even while thinking, I keep a part of my mind alert to my surroundings. That’s how I avoided this trap.
A thin thread is stretched tightly across the street, about knee height. At first glance, it looks like spider silk.
Depending on the light, it’s almost invisible.
The thread carries faint mana. It probably doesn’t hurt if touched, but it likely detects movement—like the clappers used in old dramas.
Could a Gorigan magician have made this? That seems un-Japanese. Maybe a summoned Hero.
Controlling faint mana like this is different from handling large amounts.
To keep stable mana flowing through such a thin thread—it’s impressive control. I probably couldn’t manage it. Maybe after ten years of training.
But even with training, could I maintain such perfect stability? No flickers, no fluctuations—it feels unnatural.
Sounds like a summon cheat.
There’s probably more than one thread here. I could use Radar Scan to find them, but disturbing the mana flow might give away our location. Risky.
Summon cheats are everywhere now, so I have to be careful. Better not use Radar Scan for now.
My sharp eyes, inherited from my parents, will do. I’ll rely on my naked eyes.
Squinting and moving my head slowly, I spot a tiny thread glimmering faintly in the shifting sunlight.
A little further away, there’s an even thinner thread stretched out. This trap is tricky. Even if I avoid one thread, I might get caught by another.
The person who set this must be very cautious and precise. They think several steps ahead, trying to trap me.
That kind of opponent always gives me trouble. I wish I didn’t have to face them.
Using both naked eyes and aura detection, I carefully navigate the traps.
All the threads seem to lead to one place—probably where the trapper is.
A small carriage is hidden at a stop beside the narrow path, ready for a wagon to pass. It looks suspiciously out of place.
Barrier-like structures surround the area, similar to my Stealth skill. If they’re the same type, looking too closely might reveal me. I casually check from the corner of my eye as I pass.
If I’m dealing with a cheating summoned Hero, being this cautious is necessary.
The other side is probably a Hero Corps member from the Larse Empire. Considering the timing, they must have set this trap to catch Tizzy.
Why are they in Gorigan territory? I see—they must have teleported to the Kingdom of Bespal’s capital to get ahead.
The enemy’s teleportation tactics are frustrating… but I have to admit, it’s more convenient than using the fixed teleportation gates.
As I pass by the carriage, the number of detection threads around suddenly drops. This is it—there’s no mistaking it. Someone inside that carriage is lying in wait, expecting prey to come from Duke Mineley’s territory.
Too bad for them—I already cleared all the traps.
Once I reach the designated safe zone, I let out a long breath. The tension finally loosens, and the fatigue hits me like a wave. Still… there’s this strange sense of accomplishment, like I just unlocked the next level. Honestly, I’d love nothing more than to crash into bed right now. But I’ll keep going just a bit further.
There’s that saying about climbing trees, right? People get hurt the most when they’re on the way down.
I take a deep breath and start walking again.
Why am I picking up speed? My hands and feet are trembling faintly.
Is this how a phantom thief feels after cracking a safe and slipping away into the night? Even if they only exist in anime, I get the vibe now.
Still riding the rush, I keep moving forward.
Should I activate the Hover Shield and zip ahead?
The closest teleportation gate isn’t far now. If I make it tonight, I might finally sleep in my own castle again. It’s been way too long.
”Ah—!”
By the time I spot the thread stretched low across the ground, it’s already too late.
I twist my body mid-stride, arching like a high jumper to avoid it. I manage to fall without touching the thread.
Even so, the landing is rough. The ground is solid, and pain shoots through my side.
At least my prototype fingerless gloves protected my palms. The thin leather guards on my knees and elbows did their job, too. All that trial-and-error training with the Hover Shield wasn’t for nothing.
Maybe I should add a hood or leather helmet to the gear list next. A full-body rider suit would be overkill and way too hot. As long as I avoid instant death, it’s fine. I just need to shield the brain, brainstem, and spine. Keep the core systems online.
While falling, ideas flash through my head like a spinning lantern. My thoughts feel sharp, fast—like I’ve entered some temporary high-performance mode. Must be the adrenaline.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changes.
Huh? I should’ve dodged that thread, right?
Trying to brace against the pain, I must’ve let one of my limbs graze it.
I was careless. I knew not to let my guard down, but there was a gap in my focus.
Still, why set a trap all the way out here? Was it just some random enemy trap? Or… maybe something laid by Kongming?
Rather than sit here regretting, I need to find a way out.
I activate Radar Scan, sweeping the area.
A barrier. I’m sealed in. Even above me, there’s a solid ceiling.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears. My body’s already shifting into battle mode on its own.
”I haven’t seen your face before,” a voice said suddenly from behind. “A newcomer? What business do you have in Duke Mineley’s territory?”
I flinch. That voice came out of nowhere.
Spinning around, I find a man already standing there.
He’s small, maybe in his early thirties, wearing a camel-colored robe that hangs loosely off his shoulders. His hair is black, and his face is flat and unreadable. A summoned Hero, most likely.
No footsteps. No presence. Did he teleport? Can he jump straight to trap locations? Must be some kind of unique skill.
If he’s using teleportation, then he’s probably in the wise-class category. This is bad. I’m already trapped in a barrier—and now a magic user is here too. One wrong move, and it’s over.
Think. Focus!
How do I get out of this?
Something nags at the back of my mind. A faint detail. Am I missing something?
Wait… what did he just say?
”What business do you have in Duke Mineley’s territory?”
That’s strange. This area belongs to Baron Gorigan, doesn’t it? Why would he mention Duke Mineley?
Could it be… he thinks I’m heading toward Duke Mineley’s territory?
Ah, it must be because of the trap placement. The thread I hit was set up for people coming from Gorigan’s side.
So, he’s assuming I’m traveling in the opposite direction.
In that case… maybe I can spin this.
”Ah, are you perhaps a senior summoned Hero?” I said with a respectful bow. “My name is Justice. I’m a traveling merchant working with summoned Heroes who have good fortune. I was just on my way to Duke Mineley’s territory. I heard some Heroes are gathering there.”
Was using a fake name too risky? Maybe he can see through lies with some skill.
Still, I do have a guild card registered under ‘Justice’. Even Ms. Shirakaba and Mr. Raoh don’t use their real names, so it should be fine.
”A merchant?” the man asked, squinting. “But you don’t have any goods. What exactly are you selling?”
He took the bait more easily than expected. Good.
Now’s the moment. Let’s see if this works.
I reach into my magic bag and pull out a small pot of quail curry.
”You’re using a magic bag?” the man said, leaning closer. “Wait… is that curry?!”
The barrier around me vanished without warning.
The man leaned in, sniffing eagerly.
”It is curry! Hey, is this for sale?”
”Yes,” I said, smiling. “One plate of curry rice is ten common gold coins.”
”Isn’t that a bit too steep?”
”The spices alone are rare. And the rice is hard to come by. That’s why I only deal with wealthy summoned Heroes.”
Honestly, the ingredients cost less than a single coin. But gathering spices, refining the recipe, and building trust takes time and effort. Ten coins isn’t unreasonable.
”Damn… this smell should be illegal,” the man muttered. “Fine, take my money.”
”Thank you for your patronage,” I said cheerfully. “I’ll throw in water on the house.”
He began eating with wild energy, counting out the coins at the same time. Most of them were worn—maybe worth nine total—but I let it slide.
He might be stingy… or maybe just getting swindled by local merchants.
”Curry… it’s been years,” he muttered, mouth full. “I haven’t tasted anything this good in forever. Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but still… it’s amazing.”
That was quite the blunt remark. This curry is the result of a joint project between Ms. Hóa and me. A lot of summoner heroes in the capital are trying to replicate it, but so far, we’re still ahead. Honestly, I think it’s a flavor that could sell even in Japan.
”Is there no fukujinzuke?” he asked, tilting his head.
”I have some pickled small onions,” I replied, placing them on the side.
”Is that part of the service?” he asked, eyeing the jar.
Well, I suppose it’s fine. Pickles don’t need rare ingredients anyway.
They’re made with onions and herbs, soaked in a brine of vinegar, salt, and sweetened water.
Wild small onions are easy to gather once you know the trick. We’ve also started testing their cultivation in our fields. There are many varieties, and one day, I’d like to find the tastiest kind to grow full-time.
The same applies to herbs. Wild aromatic ones grow like weeds—even under wall barley. Their vitality is impressive. Once planted in a field, they spread like wildfire. Ms. Erin can answer any questions about that, so maybe this could be a good intro to farming.
Dried herbs last long and are always in demand. The spice guild only chases high-profit spices like pepper, so I’ve been given quite a bit of freedom. It might even grow into a proper industry.
Vinegar and syrup will be mass-produced by Mr. Aspergilus, and the salt is high-quality Dwarf rock salt. These are all affordable here.
If we can make cheap glass bottles and turn pickles into a local specialty, it could work out. The alchemy guild controls the bottle market, but pickles might let us slip through. If we form a new pickle guild, the merchant guild execs would be eager for a share of the profits. Fight poison with poison… that’s the plan. Mr. Raoh will be handling that part.
In the end, the man came back for three more servings. He must’ve really been craving curry. He handed over thirty common gold coins like it was nothing.
Surely he won’t kill me just because he’s broke now, right? For a high-level summoner hero, a few dozen gold coins aren’t much.
”Hey, can I buy the curry in the pot? And the rice too,” he said, tapping his magic bag. “This thing holds a truckload, so I’ll take all you’ve got.”
He looked genuinely happy. That cheat-sized magic bag really fits a summoner hero.
”There’ll be a victory celebration sooner or later,” he said, licking his lips. “If I sell it then, I could make a killing… You don’t have wholesale pricing or something?”
I see.
If I sell to this guy, I could probably make a good profit through the hero army.
Maybe I could even start a supply route for miso and other goods. If I could win over their stomachs… maybe I could help stop their wars. It’s not that easy, but gaining a bit of influence—or power—might be possible.
”This pot’s all I have left,” I said, lifting the lid. “About three plates’ worth. I’ll let it go for two dozen common gold coins with the rice.”
”Deal! I’ll buy it!” he shouted, eyes sparkling.
He grinned as he packed the pot into his magic bag. When someone’s that pleased, I can’t help but feel a little happy too.
”Thanks a lot,” he said with a bow. “Good trade. Since I bought everything, I’ll head out now. If we meet again, I’d appreciate it.”
Covered everything up nicely with a single pot of curry. As expected… curry really is the strongest, huh?
”Wait a second,” he said suddenly.
I froze. Did he figure it out? Does he know I’m an enemy?
No—calm down. Don’t panic. Nothing’s been decided yet.
”How about joining us?” he asked, smiling. “You might become a noble of the Larse Empire soon. If that happens, I’ll hire you as our chef.”
So that’s what this is about… don’t scare me like that.
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but becoming a noble just by earning some battlefield achievements? That’s something from a long-gone era, even in this world.
Is the Larse Empire trying to start another Warring States period just because the Demon King’s gone?
”Thanks for the offer,” I said, forcing a smile. “But I prefer living freely and doing things my own way.”
”I get it,” he replied with a nod. “Even as a traveling merchant, you’ve got your own town and castle. That’s probably better than bowing to higher-ups. I envy you, not having any cheats to rely on.”
”Not earning much, though… what kind of job is that?” I muttered, trying to wrap things up.
But my curiosity got the better of me.
The man suddenly struck a dramatic pose, his face serious as if declaring something grand.
”I alone have reached enlightenment. I may look like an old man, but within lies the mind of a sage—that’s me, Pansy!”
”…Huh?”
I froze. What kind of person is this? He’s ridiculously strange.
”Anyway, my class is ‘Wise Sage,’ and my name’s Pansy,” he declared proudly. “Don’t go calling me some generic mob character.”
So that was his self-introduction. Wise Sage Pansy… huh. If he’s really a sage, there are probably all sorts of ways he could be making money. What’s he even saying?
”If you’re a sage, then you can teleport, right?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “And if your bag can hold a truckload, you could earn money nonstop.”
Even just a large-capacity bag is a massive asset, but add teleportation on top, and it’s like holding a demon’s iron club.
I use teleport gates myself, but I have to be careful not to earn too much, or it causes problems.
”That’s just basic stuff,” he said, puffing out his chest. “The best way for a sage to earn money is by running a teleport taxi business. No, wait… I just got a genius idea! I’ll resell the curry! One plate for twenty gold coins means three plates would make sixty gold in profit. Instant riches!”
His math’s off. If he bought them for twenty coins, then three plates cost him sixty total. Selling them for twenty each means no profit, just breaking even. But… I get the idea. Buy low, sell high. That’s how you make money.
”You know what?” he said, slapping his palm. “I’ve decided! From today, I’m a merchant! My unique skill is magic thread manipulation. It’s a secret, but I can teleport to locations marked with my threads—no teleport stones needed. Think I can make some real money with that?”
That’s… honestly a terrifying cheat depending on how it’s used. Sure, it’s great for business, but in war, it could be devastating. He’s persistent, this one. A real sage, alright.
”Do you know about a place called Sabroa Dukedom?” I asked. “It’s downstream from the royal capital of the Holy Kingdom.”
He doesn’t seem like a bad person, so maybe I should try recruiting him now. I’d rather not have him as an enemy later.
”I haven’t been to the Holy Kingdom lately,” he said, scratching his head. “But I’ve heard things. The king’s Japanese, right? Running things smoothly… damn him!”
”It’s become a logistics hub recently, so there are a lot of chances popping up. If you visit someone like King Pakkyamara—a summoned hero—he’ll hook you up with a solid business deal.”
”Ah, Raoh? I know that guy. Famous weirdo.”
Mr. Raoh’s kind of a legend at the Adventurer Guild in the capital. Everyone knows how he acts like a villain when teaching rookie heroes. It’s practically tradition.
”Starting this autumn, Mr. Raoh’s shop will offer daily Japanese set meals with fresh rice and miso soup,” I said.
”No way!! That’s genius! Reselling that stuff could make a fortune! Hehe… I’ll get back at the ones who used me like an errand boy!”
To think someone with such a crazy cheat was treated like a gofer… The hero army runs deep.
Seriously, I’m really, really glad I didn’t have to fight them directly.
Notes:
• Baron Gorigan – A neighboring noble, managing a modest but wealthy mine; involved in recent conflicts and associated with a noble family with historical ties to the royal family.
• Tizzy – Claims to be Duke’s daughter, a noble with advanced magic skills. MC and Ms. Shirakaba lover.
• Holy Kingdom – Located on the east of the continent.
• Shea-Shea – Mauro’s daughter. Hurt by Alexander. Became an eager fiancée after advice from protagonist.
• Justice – The four who enter the valley of trial. A knightly character who attempts to enslave the protagonist using a subjugation skill orb.
• Shirakaba – A paladin who seems to be a skilled fighter. He’s introduced as someone with a strong defense and healing abilities.
• Raoh – Pakkyamara. An infamous, scheming, but somewhat incompetent senior adventurer known for meddling with hero summoning rituals; often gets beaten up as a result. The one who want japanese food.
• Ms. Erin – A timeless elf living in a quiet cabin surrounded by bees, Ms. Erin is over 100 years old and once the wife of a wealthy villager. After her husband’s death, she gave up luxury to live simply, sharing rare honey with select villagers—mostly children. Graceful yet intimidating, she’s known for her mysterious beauty, ageless presence, and surprising fondness for meat. She occasionally grants small blessings to the MC—subtle enchantments or quiet words that linger with unexpected power.
• Erin – A timeless elf living in a quiet cabin surrounded by bees, Ms. Erin is over 100 years old and once the wife of a wealthy villager. After her husband’s death, she gave up luxury to live simply, sharing rare honey with select villagers—mostly children. Graceful yet intimidating, she’s known for her mysterious beauty, ageless presence, and surprising fondness for meat. She occasionally grants small blessings to the MC—subtle enchantments or quiet words that linger with unexpected power.
• Pakkyamara – An infamous, scheming, but somewhat incompetent senior adventurer known for meddling with hero summoning rituals; often gets beaten up as a result. The one who want japanese food.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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