The Apothecary Noble Lady Treated Like Trash Was Executed — After Being Pushed Off a Cliff, She Regained Memories of Her Past Life, So She Abandoned the Kingdom and Decided to Enjoy a Carefree Life in Another World" - Episode 12

“Whoa… So, this is an inn.”

The moment I stepped through the entrance, exactly the scene I’d imagined unfolded before my eyes.

A wooden counter in a foyer reminiscent of old Europe, with a combined dining hall and tavern on the first floor. Though nearly empty at this afternoon hour, I could vividly imagine adventurers drinking together here come nightfall.

I felt another thrill at becoming part of that scene myself.

“Welcome. Oh my, what a lovely young lady.”

“Hello. The old man from the apothecary recommended you. Can my companion and I stay here?”

Snapping out of my daydream, I approached the counter with Ark.

The man seated there was a portly gentleman wearing glasses.

“To think that cranky old man would recommend someone. Of course, you can stay. Your familiar’s too big though, he’ll have to stay in the outer stables. That alright?”

Everywhere I went, mentioning the old man earned me surprised looks. Was it really that unusual?

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Seeing Ark nod, I continued.

“Good. Then it’s one gold coin per night. Meals are an extra silver.”

About 10,000 yen per night including the familiar. Meals around 1,000 yen.

After my shopping spree, it felt a bit pricey. But since the old man recommended it, I’d stay here.

“Understood. With meals, please.”

“Got it. How many nights?”

“Could we stay ten days to start?”

I didn’t know how long saving up would take. Unless I got lucky again like yesterday and found rare herbs, this wasn’t money I could earn in a day or two.

So, I’d book longer. If ten days wasn’t enough, I could extend.

“Righto.”

“Oh, and may I use the kitchen?”

“There’s a cooking area outside. Just clean up afterward.”

“Understood.”

“Your room’s number three on the second floor. You’ll see it when you go up.”

After paying and receiving the key, I headed to my room while an employee led Ark outside.

A simple space with just a bed and side table, but impeccably clean without a speck of dust, absolutely spotless.

No wonder the old man recommended it.

After dropping my bags, I grabbed my ingredients and portable cooking set, hurrying to the cooking area.

‘Hurry up.’

‘Sorry, sorry! I’ll cook right away!’

Reuniting with Ark at the stables, we reached the outdoor kitchen.

They had frying pan-like pots, regular pots, and even a cutting board prepared. No knife though, so I used the one I’d just bought.

“It’s a bit hard to cut, but I did it!!”

Having used knives for potions before, I couldn’t help my excited voice at this new experience of cutting meat.

Now I had thick steak cuts ready for Ark.

Next, lighting the stone stove.

Though various fire-starting tools were available, I chose the flint and steel I’d researched in videos.

—Click, click

Recalling fire-making tutorials, I struck the stones together.

“Huh? What the—?”

I couldn’t hit them right, missing repeatedly. Worse, my fingers kept hitting sharp edges.

But thanks to my super-healthy body, not a scratch appeared. Come to think of it, those videos warned about bleeding and recommended gloves.

After many attempts, I finally struck them properly.

“Ah! Sparks!!”

That tiny, fleeting glimmer made me exclaim despite myself.

Now I could finally make fire.

Striking sparks onto hemp fibers but they died before catching. Despite watching countless tutorials, some details were fuzzy.

“Oh! Right!! Transfer sparks to this black stuff first!!”

Remembering at last, I sparked the black fluffy material until it began glowing red.

—Whoosh, whoosh

—FWOOOSH

“Whaaaaa…!”

Blowing on it, I’d finally made fire.

As the embers grew, the stove ignited, flames roaring to life. This fire I’d made myself shone brighter than any I’d seen before.

‘Hey! When exactly will food happen?’

Hearing Ark’s voice, I noticed the surroundings had grown dim.

Just making fire had taken hours.

“Waaaaah, sorry!!”

Frantically placing the pan on the stove, I threw in the meat.

—Sizzle

But the smell quickly turned to burning.

‘That reeks of char! You sure about this!?’

“I-It’s fine! Just be quiet!!”

It cooks this fast!?

I tried flipping the meat.

“Eh? Huh?”

But it stuck stubbornly.

Oh no! I forgot to oil the pan!!

“Ughhh…”

By the time I pried it loose, the meat was completely blackened.

“Next time I’ll cook it properly.”

‘Enough!! I can’t wait any longer!’

“Ah!!”

As I prepared to try again, Ark shoved me aside and devoured the burnt meat in one gulp.

‘Munch munch… Well, it’s edible.’

Ark’s voice sounded somewhat satisfied.

‘Are you trying to make me feel better?’

‘Who’d do that!? I merely state facts!!’

Ark replied in flustered tones.

‘Sorry.’

‘For what?’

‘For acting like I could cook.’

All that bravado for this result. Reality rarely goes smoothly.

‘I never expected much. The smell told me everything.’

“Eh?”

I looked at Ark in surprise.

‘You probably saw something and thought you could do it, no? That much was obvious.’

So, he’d seen through me from the start.

‘For a supreme being like myself, perhaps. But for foolish humans, initial failure is expected. Though next time might go better?’

‘…You’re right. No one gets it perfect immediately. Thanks, Ark.’

‘Hmph! I can’t tolerate this every time!!’

When I hugged the comforting Ark, he turned away.

‘I’ll definitely make something delicious next time! Just watch!!’

‘Hmph. You’d best improve enough to satisfy me.’

Those words made me smile despite myself.