As expected of a large cityโs shopping district, a wide variety of stores lined the streets, packed closely together. The flow of people, the vibrant colors of the shops, and the drifting scents all blended together, making it feel as if this place was in a world of its own.
Though I had lived in Wigarlus for a long time, I couldnโt help but feel excited every time I came back.
We strolled leisurely through the open-air market togetherโthough it didnโt take long before everyone tried to wander off to their favorite spots, which made it a bit of a struggle.
I was holding little Mitiโs hand to make sure she didnโt get lost.
โSniff, sniff.โ
Suddenly, Miti twitched her nose. It was an adorable gesture to witness from the side.
โTeacher! Thereโs a mushroom! A mushroom!โ
โMushroom?โ
โOver here!โ
Led by her hand, I followed, and sure enough, there was a stall selling mushrooms.
โYou really noticed thatโฆ Despite all the food stalls around here, the smells all blend together.โ
โMiti has the best nose in the orphanage, Isto-sensei.โ
It was Gloza, who had come up behind us.
He was holding a hemp bag in one hand, which seemed to be filled with โloot,โ probably accessories and trinkets.
Most likely, Sutei had shoved it onto him as a bag carrier. I couldnโt help but sympathize, as I might have done the same.
โRough day, Gloza. Want me to carry it?โ
โNo, itโs fine. This is usual for me. Besides, if I let Sutei carry it, sheโd drop it or bump into something and break it. Iโll hold onto it.โ
He let out a small sigh and smiled slightly.
โIf things get really out of hand, Iโll shove it back at him without hesitation. That kid may look reckless, but sheโs smart enough to realize when heโs made a mistake and quiets down after that.โ
โYouโre quite the strategist.โ
It seemed my gut feeling that Gloza was the groupโs shadow leader was spot on.
Meanwhile, Miti was completely engrossed in the mushroom stall.
โMiti really loves mushrooms, doesnโt she?โ
Gloza remarked as I took a closer look at the lineup of the stall. The stall not only had several types of mushrooms displayed, but they were also making a stew full of mushrooms right next to it. The smell was incredibly appetizing.
Even though I had eaten plenty at the branch managerโs place, I couldnโt help but stare at the pot.
โHey there, little lady. If you like mushrooms that much, how about I make you a special soup with the ones you like?โ
The woman running the stall smiled as she spoke, causing Mitiโs face to light up.
โReally?โ
โSure! Which one do you want?โ
โThen, this one!โ
She pointed at a strange, thin, and twisted mushroom that I had never seen before.
Heyโฆ is that okay, Miti?
Despite my concern, the mushroom vendor grinned even more.
โOh my! Choosing the Nebumatake? Youโve got a discerning eye, little miss. I like you. Iโll put in plenty!โ
โYay!โ
Miti cheered with one arm raised, while her other hand was still firmly holding mine.
The woman skillfully began preparing the mushroom.
Suddenly, Miti let out a sharp, โAh!โ
โWait! Thatโs not a Nebumatake; thatโs a Dazumatake!โ
โHuh? What are you saying? All these here are Nebumatake.โ
โIโm not lying! I can smell it!โ
โSmell, huh.โ
The vendor looked at me with a slightly troubled expression.
Miti also glanced up at me, her eyes pleading with the certainty that she wasnโt lying.
For a child as timid as her to insist this muchโฆ
I had an idea.
โMiti, hold still for a second. Maโam, could you give me just a moment?โ
With both of them looking puzzled, I reached out and touched Mitiโs ear.
โGifted Skill: Awakening Appraisal.โ
I whispered, and light poured from my hand, enveloping Mitiโs Fate Drop.
โMonitoring Lv.1 activated. Displaying the targetโs skills. Mushroom Appraisal.โ
I turned to the vendor.
โSorry, but this kid isnโt lying. Could you please double-check?โ
โWell, I mean, Iโm a professionalโฆโ
At that moment, a man walked over from the back of the stall. He had a well-tanned, sturdy appearance.
โWhatโs going on?โ
โOh, you. This customer is saying our Nebumatake is actually Dazumatake, and they wonโt budge.โ
โHuh?โ
The tough-looking man glared at me and Miti. I gently patted Mitiโs head as she flinched.
โItโs okay. I believe in you, Miti.โ
โTeacherโฆโ
Miti clung tightly to my arm with both hands.
โHmm!?โ
Suddenly, the manโs expression shifted.
โWell, Iโll be damned! Youโre right! Thereโs definitely a Dazumatake mixed in here!โ
โWhat!? But the cap has ridges. Thatโs a Nebumatake trait!โ
โYou fool. These were harvested a while ago. If it were Nebumatake, the ridges would have faded more by now.โ
โOh! Thatโs true. I nearly made a big mistake.โ
โHmm. Looks like there was just this one mixed in. Let me see.โ
The man picked up the questionable mushroom, cautiously sniffed it, then placed a small piece on his tongue for a moment.
โYep, no doubt. Itโs a poisonous Dazumatake. My wife almost gave you something dangerous. Sorry about that.โ
โReally, Iโm so sorry!โ
The couple bowed their heads.
โBut still, little miss, youโre amazing. To tell mushrooms apart by smell alone, especially Nebumatake and Dazumatake, which are tough to distinguish.โ
โExactly. Hey, little lady, how about working for us? If you study hard, you could become a top-notch artisan.โ
The man leaned in, causing Miti to fidget awkwardly.
I stepped forward to shield her.
โIf thereโs ever an opportunity, please teach her about mushrooms. But for today, our family is waiting, so weโll take our leave.โ
โThatโs a shame. Whatโs your name, little lady?โ
โโฆMiti.โ
โMiti, huh? Weโre usually around here, so come by anytime. Iโll teach you about rare mushrooms and gathering spots.โ
โโฆReally?โ
Miti looked up at me. I smiled and nodded.
โIf you find something you love, Iโll be happy too.โ
โโฆOkay, I got it!โ
Miti turned back to the mushroom-selling couple.
โIโll come again! Thank you!โ
โLooking forward to it!โ
โSee you later, Miti!โ
Ah.
This is how each person starts discovering what they want to do.
I nodded to myself, feeling like I had just learned the most important use for Awakening Appraisal.