2-4. The Afternoon Date with Soldier-san (2/2)

When we got to the west street, a little girl carrying a small knitted bag filled with flowers immediately stops us.

The little girl stops while holding out a flower. I've catch sights on her various time before but this is the first time she calls out to me.

I wonder if people accompanied by woman are easier sells?

She's well thought out even though she's just a little girl.

”Okay, how much is it?”

”A penny for a bundle.”

I receive the flowers in exchange for a penny. The little girl happily thank me and go toward the next customer candidate.

I present the flower to Zena-san.

Zena-san looks surprised.

No well, there is no other choice than this isn't it?

”Umm, is it fine to take it?”

”Yes, I'd be troubled if you don't receive it.”

Since I can't throw it away.

Zena-san bites her lip while looking very happy.

Huh? Is it something to be so happy about?

...Well, I guess it's fine as long as she's pleased.

”That's right, Satou-san. Do you have any business after this?”

”No, after chanting practice I have noting in particular ”

...There's alchemy, but I can do that anytime.

”Th, then, why don't we go to the street stalls on the way to the temple?”

”Yes, I'm fine with that. If possible, I'd like you to tell me the specialties of this town.”

Zena-san probably never had experience of inviting someone herself, her face turns bright red halfway during the suggestion. Since it's just me, you don't have to be so tense you're fumbling words.

That remind me, when was it decided for me to go along until the temple? She did me a favor regarding the secret of chanting, and I shouldn't complain since it's a date with a girl.

”Specialties is it?　Leave it to me!”

She's full of confidence. I could expect something, maybe.

◇

”This is made from sweet potatoes, steamed sweet potatoes are filtered to become jams which then kneaded together to make breads. It's a Seryuu city's specialty from long ago.”

Something that looks like sweet potato kneaded for bread huh. Quite a subtle presence...

”These are deep fried bat wings spread with black miso.”

It seems that Zena-san doesn't know the cuisine's name either. The shopkeeper who couldn't stand shutting his mouth any longer tells us. ...It's Dragon Wing Fries.

It seems to be foods said to bring luck.

”And then these are things I'm taught by Lilio. Ah, Lilio is the smallest girl from the trio earlier.”

Putting aside the girl's name.

The thing that Zena-san recommends is ...light brown?　...I wonder what is it?

For the time being I bought two serving for two pennies from the stall's uncle seller.

I guzzle the brown liquid using the straw plugged into it handed by the uncle seller.

It's a starch syrup!

”Starch syrup huh. It's nostalgic~”

”You knew about it~”

She looks a bit disappointed. I should have been surprised ...I'm sorry.

”The starch syrup that I know is colorless and transparent, I didn't know what this was.”

”Noble-sama, the colorless transparent syrups are high-class items made using expensive grains and sugars, this one is intended for commoners and uses sweet potatoes, gabo fruits and malts so it's light brown.”

The uncle seller interrupted with overreaction.

Who's a noble? He didn't say it to Zena-san only.

”Mister, I am commoner you know. I got to drink the colorless and transparent syrup from an acquaintance long ago. I didn't know that it's a luxury.”

I mean, it's 200 yen a pop on the festival.

Afterwards, we enjoy ourselves by going around various stalls while plodding the crowds. It's a good afternoon.