It was the day after I got the drop items from the demons as a reward from the country.

As Louise had yet to return, I decided to promptly act on my promise with Rurune to take her out to eat delicious food.

By the way, even though these were the drop items obtained from the demons I defeated, should I say it was as expected? It seems the drop items were valuable things that were normally unobtainable, so the soldiers who sorted out the rewards were very surprised.

However, I think that all the soldiers, including the King who seems to have vaguely noticed, know that this was because of me, but the King is just taking it to be a lucky situation, and not treating it as anything peculiarIs that really alright to do as a King Well, itd would be great if it was just me worrying unnecessarily

And so, By the way, these were the drop items that I got.

Thousand Fists TekkouMythology Grade accessoryWhen attacking, the number of attacks is doubledFurthermorea light attribute is attached it adds the light attribute to normal attacks. (TLCN: This is what tekkou is: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1843/5225/products/navytekkou_1024x1024.jpg?v=1497087863)

Sky Kings BootsMythology Grade accessoryBy creating footholds in the air, the user is allowed to move freely in the skyFurthermore, by manipulating the air around the users feet, it can raise the speed of attacks

Water Gods FlaskMythology Grade accessoryAn unending source of waterOne mouthful of the water, when drunk, can cure abnormal statuses and recover the users health

It seems, I have once again killed a God.

At this point, my power has been put on display for all to see.

The effect of the Thousand Fists Tekkou is, for example if I were to strike a random Demon monster 100 times, it would automatically turn that into 200 strikes. And on top of that, it would add on the light attribute to my attacks The monster around here isnt me, alright?

I wasnt really too interested in the rewards that I got, but out of the information I received from defeating the Demons, the knowledge I had regarding the items came from the memories of a creature called theThousandGolem, so these are probably its items.

The Sky Kings Boots which I obtained, were like an upgrade from SariasBlue Shoes. It had no restrictions regarding walking in the air, and on top of that it could even speed up faster.

I cant really tell which demon in particular I got this item from. After all, with names like Sky DragonandAir Lion, there are too many creatures that have a vaguely SkyKing-like names. There are too many monsters with names similar to Sky King, like Sky Dragon or Air Lion.

While different from the protective gear, the Water Gods Flask also had a cheat-like function.

It might not matter to me, but it recovers all abnormal statuses you know? On top of that, it says it returns the body to healthy state, so doesnt that mean it can cure illnesses too? Thats beyond outrageous.

I dont know which Demon this item was from either. There are just too many names like Sea SerpentandAqua Lord

Ive also got plenty of other random bits and pieces from the various other Demons that were defeated, but to explain them all would take too much time. it would take too much time to explain it all.

As I mentioned earlier, I had planned to go around the stalls with Rurune to eat some good food, rather than eating breakfast, I was thinking that we should go out early and have a look at the stalls first.

Saria and the others seem to have taken up a request from the guild, so they were relaxing in the Inn for the moment.

That aside, as Rurunes waiting for me, I quickly prepared myself, and left the inn.

I waited outside the inn for a little white, before Rurune came out.

AhMastermy apologies A-noHave I kept you waiting for long

No Not at allMore importantlyshall we go get ourselves some delicious food to eat If you dont eat breakfast, then your stomach will grumble

I, I see Well thenlet us go at once

With a smile on her face, Rurune started to go off ahead of me.

While it was true that we were hungry, I wanted to slowly savour all the food today, so I grabbed her hand, restraining Rurune.

Ruruneeven if you dont rush, its not like the food will run awayCan we just take our time

AhThThats rightIf so thenMaster

Your hand

Ahsorry

When Rurune bashfully said that, I finally realised that I was holding on to her hand tightly.

When I quickly tried to let go of her hand, she instead started to tightly hold on to mine

Rurune

Feeling suspicious, I took a peek at Rurunes face, only to see her shamefully staring at the ground as she replied.

Today is a good day soIf you would allow it, could we keep holding hands like this

Who is this person, a child?

The food-loving, Dignified and yet airheaded and somewhat incomprehensible hard-to-understand dignified airhead Rurune was nowhere to be seen, and the embarrassed Rurune, blushing red up all the way to her ears in front of me was something I had never seen before.

I was bewildered by this change in atmosphere, unconsciously falling into a daze as Rurune called out to me.

Master

AhIIm fine Et-toif youre fine with me, then go ahead and hold my hand all you like

What kind of reply is that, me.

At my wits end, I couldnt help but answer with a strange reply.

However, when Rurune heard it, though her cheeks were still red, she started to laugh lightly.

At her suddenly laughter, this time I started to blush, and the moment I noticed that, I turned my face away, and started to move.

HHora If we stay here, well just be a nuisance to the other right keep standing here, wont we cause trouble for others Lets go check out a random stall

Okay

Somehow it took some time before we left, but we finally started walking.

Even though wandering around aimlessly can be enjoyable too, this time around, I decided to head towards the plaza with a large number of stalls.

I was also thinking that after that, me and Rurune could go to Noado-sans cafe. That place has delicious tea and cake after all.

AhMaster Please take a look at that

In the midst of our way to the plaza, Rurune suddenly stopped, and pointed to something.

When I turned my gaze that direction.

Eating Competition

There was a big sign out at the front, showing that an Eating Competition was soon to be in progress. going to happen soon.

Surprisingly, it just so happens that the diner over there was holding an Eating competition

When I took a look, it turned out the name of the diner wasFull Stomach DinerWell, Its name doesnt really seem like it would be weird for it to host eating competitions.

I intended to go to a normal stall to eat, but these kinda of irregulars such irregularities are also interesting.

And so, reading further on, I found out that the winner, of the eating competition, would not need to pay for the cost of the food they ate.

Rurunewant to try participating

Eh ButWould that really be alright

OuI can wait till later to eatIf Rurune wants to eatthen Ill follow you wherever you go.

I seeWell then

Rurune hesitated for a moment, before finally deciding to participate.

And so, I conveyed to the shop assistant that Rurune would be participating.

A-noWill that really be alright There are many famous gluttons gathered here for the competitionAnd as there is no female divisionshe would have to participate with those guys

What the heck are Famous Gluttons?

And on top of that, it seems like this world is much bigger than I had first thought.

The shop assistant did warn us already, but Rurune went on without a care

I dont care! I shall eat

It seems her mind has gone back to focusing on food. Rurunes back to her normal self

Rurunes extraordinary enthusiasm distracted the Assistant for a moment, but being a professional, he quickly allowed her to participate.

In the middle of the diner, there was a so-called cheap-diner feeling, with big round tables scattered all around, but besides those, there were also counter seats facing where the Owner was, Terrace seats, and so on.

Rurune was, heading to where the other participants were, so I looked around for a seat where I could clearly see Rurune, before I sat down.

When I did that, a suddenly stream of black smoke flowed out from beside me.

Unconsciously turning my eyes to that direction, I saw a man clad in a tattered black robe take a seat beside me.

Whoopsmy badfor the smokeI had to get here quickly by all means.

The person beside me had his whole form hidden by the robe, but from the cigarette in his mouth, the unshaven beard, and the deep voice, I could tell it was a manActually, it looks like this world also has cigarettes

AhNoIts fine

That so Im Grateful for thatOld man Grab me an Ale And you there, whaddya want

My apologies for the smokeWhich drink

Theres no need I didnt do anything particularly amazing

Its fine, lemme treat you So Whaddya want

AhEt-toIf so thenmaybe some kind of juice

AyeOld-ManGet me a cup of the best juice you have too

If I remember correctly, isnt Ale a type of beer?

I feel like I saw something about the difference between the alcohol brewed with and without hops on TV back on Earth

While I was thinking about such trivial matters, the man beside me had already gotten his mug of Ale, and had placed a cup of what seemed like orange juice in front of me.

The man downed his Ale is one gulp.

Aah Delicious

Yesit does taste great

Mine was Orange juice instead of alcohol, but it was 100% pure juice, and I could taste the condensed flavours of the original fruit.

The man who was pleasantly drinking away suddenly talked to me.

StillThis is a good countryDont cha think so too

Eh AhYesThats trueI wasnt born here, but I still do think this is a good country

Thats rightbecause of my work, I have to travel oftenbut this country really has been managed well, even the small villages..Speaking of management, even though it sounds like Im talking bad about em, dont get my meaning wrong alright Theyre properly looking after the country, and the Knights order is always looking after the security of the surroundings, so if theres ever a situation when a village is under attack, theyre ready to deploy to help outAnd because the public projects are well plannedthere are very few poorand even for the few poor onesare properly supportedso is this not truly the ideal country

Is that so

This countrys King is really greatIf it was any other country, then there would naturally be discrimination, and theres no where way people could get along with peace of mindOh yeah, are ya an adventurer

Et-toYeah

In that case, eventually you will probably leave this country but when doing jobs in another country youd best not use this country as the standard. While this is a peaceful, valuable country, precisely because of that peace we dont have any sense of danger here.

Thats right It would definitely be better not to take the Guild Headquarters in this town to be the standard for the other guild outposts. Actually, if even the other guilds are perverts, that would be really troubling. The ones in this town are more than enough.

Thats so isnt itThanks for the advice

Dont sweat itOh yeahmind telling me ya name

AhIts Seiichi

Seiichiaint that a good nameJudging from the soundyoure from the eastern countries Im SurouWell, us meeting here must be some kind of fateItd be great if we could meet up again next timeOld Man Im leaving the money here

Saying that, the man Surou-san, with the smoke clinging to his body, left the diner.

Hes kind of a mysterious person huh

Somehow or rather, during the course of my conversation with Surou-san, the preparations for the Eating Competition were completed, and I could now hear the hosts voice.

Were back again The famous Eating Competition hosted byFull Stomach Diner Lets get down to introducing the Competitors First up is this towns number 1 Glutton HaraHetta

(Note : Hara Hetta is used to indicate a person is hungry)

Uooooo Im the real Glutton Master

The first contestant to be introduced waswhile not to Gassurs extentA muscle-bound man in a tank topActuallythe heck is a Glutton Master And sohis name is

Following thatfrom the Kaizer EmppireGlutton King So Shaku

It is Iwho is the real Glutton Master

The next one to be introduced was a slightly past middle aged man with a military-like uniform, and a well groomed handlebar mustache.

Does this contestants name come from the word Chew?

Next up is also from another country The number 1 Gourmet Glutton of the Varusha Empire Yoku Taberu

FufufuCan you beat my stomach

The middle aged man had a fearless smile on his face, his white hair neatly set, and his belly, which showed his ability to eat, was wrapped in luxurious clothes.

I dont even want to retort to this anymorebut his name comes from the phraseI Eat A Lot doesnt it

That aside, thats the first time Ive heard of that country

The Kaizer Empire isnt a place that I have particularly deep ties to, but from my talk with Surou-san earlier, even though it should be obvious, it reminded me once again that there were many other countries out there.

Finally The only female contestant this time Rurune

Introduction completeLet us quickly commence the eating

Rurune is really blunt isnt she.

While I was admiring Rurunes current lack of tension in this situation, The host started to explain the rules of the Competition.

Well then, Ill be simply explain the rules of the competitionThe rule is that the contestants have to eat what is put in front of them in turn, and the last one remaining will winOf course, the type and amount of ingredients given to all will be the same The winner this time will not only have what theyve eaten be free of charge, but will also be present with our prided Great Parfait as a reward

Ooh, theres even an extra dessert that wasnt written on the signboard.

Now, lets bring up the first dish The dish isDeer-Horse Steak

It cant be that Deer-Horse!? Actually, wouldnt Rurune eating her own kind!?

While I was looking shocked, an overflowing lineup of delicious looking stakes are placed in front of the contestants

Now, is everyone ready Well thenStart

The contestants simultaneously begin to biting into their stake with the hosts signal.

Rurune, just like the other contestants, was eating the steak Aah Cannibalism

As the contestants continue to consume the steaks, Hara Hettas speed gradually began slowing down

II give up U-pu

Contestant Hara Hetta, dropped out.

Oi! That was just the first piece!? Its true that just from looking, you can tell the volume of the steak is large, but at least finish that one piece!

Hara Hetta, had only eaten up to half a piece of steak, and it was to the point where it made me doubt why he had even bothered appearing in this competition.

Ot-totheres already an early dropout Well thencontestant HaraHettawill have to pay for all the food prepared for this time, including the leftovers

When the host said that, a shop employee approached HaraHetta, and passed him a sheet of paper. That was probably the receipt.

The face of HaraHetta who had just received it, looked as though he was about to cry This instead only made me more interested as to the price written on it.

Well then, it seems the other contestants have finished this dish! Lets keep up the pace and get to the next one

And so, as the dishes are carried over, the contestants finish them one after the other HaraHetta, really isnt living up to his name is he?

The second dish, third dish on and on the dishes came, until the second contestant finally dropped out.

II cant anymore

Okay Contestant So Shaku has given up Well then, please pay the price

While he was still clutching his stomach, looking as though he was in pain, the assistant once again appeared, and handed him the receipt.

And then, the second person also cried out. What kind of money do they actually have to pay?

Finally its down to a one on one Unexpectedly, the contestant Rurune who I never thought would have remained is still here

Like what the host said, if you were to look at Rurune normally, you would doubt that such a beautiful girl was such a glutton.

As for me who was sitting so close to her, rather than doubting her, I couldnt help but instead wonder how she could take in that much food.

Nowright now its down to a one versus oneand we have also reach our last prepared dishBut, the dish we have prepared is unlike any before itWell thenHere it is

The moment the host announced that, the assistant brought out a huge, 5 meter tall, barbecued bird.

And the final dish isBarbecued Soft and Flabby Bird A dish worthy of the final fight

The reactions they had when they saw the dish, were complete opposites.

Ku To think that a super heavyweight dish would have been prepared

Oooh Is that not an appetising bird

Rurune gleefully bit into it, while Yoku Taberu tried his best to finish it, albeit slowly

However

Contestant Yoku Taberu, while holding his hands over his mouth, fell back onto his chair. On the floor along with his chair.

Ot-to Contestant Yoku Taberu is down That means to say that What a turn of events! The winneris todays sole female contestant, Rurune

I was shocked by the sudden, loud applauseand when I finally looked around me, I noticed I was surrounded by spectators I was so focused that I didnt even notice

As for the winner herself, Rurune

Mu Victor Rather than thatare there any more dishes

Still wanted to continue eating. What exactly happens in that stomach of hers?

While still shocked, contestant Yoku Taberu stood with with a pained look on his face, approaching the winner to give his blessings and applause.

FuFufufuTo think that one such as I would loseand, to a cute lady like yourself

That is merely because I find satisfaction in eatingBesides, when faced with food, it doesnt matter whether a person is male or female

Gender equality you sayId like to know one thingWhat exactly are Meals to you, as a lady?

To that philosophical question, Rurune didnt even take a moment to think, and replied

The link between life and deathAnd also, History

What does that mean

Eating, is the process where one consume the lives of others in order to surviveIf either oneselves or others is missingthen the concept ofMealscannot existAnd the only reason we are able to satisfy ourselves with so much food is thanks to the research into Meals that our predecessors left us. We dont distinguish between male nor female, race nor religion, not even between God and humans when it comes to these. I believe that meals are one of the few sanctuaries that not even God can infringe upon.

Deep. Too deep.

I never would have once thought that Rurune would have thought this deeply into what Mealsare

Hearing Rurunes answer, contestant Yoku Taberu looked as though he was touched by something, and he had an expression of clarity on his face.

I seeIt seems thatI still have a ways to goI am thankful that I took the opportunity to leave my country, attend this competition, and to have learn of this ladys truths

It seemed that the spectators to their conversation were deeply moved, and gave a warm round of applause.

It was then, a shop assistant appeared out of nowhere next to contestant Yoku Taberus side, and handed him what seemed like a receipt.

All three of them, had eyes like they were about to cry in despair.

The heck is this.

All I could do was stand there, astonished.