After continuing the hunt centered around the Forest Deer and Forest Boar, I wrapped it up before evening. I returned to the base and began converting non-meat materials into points. Of course, the meat was going to be enjoyed as a delicious meal.
“Now, let’s grill the meat I marinated earlier.”
I started grilling the venison, specifically the loin part, in a simple stove using a frying pan. Since it’s the tenderloin, there’s no fat, just lean, clean meat. Being game meat, there was a slight odor and some toughness, but since I had marinated it in steak sauce, it should be easier to eat.
I dropped the loin into the pan with some oil and grilled it over medium heat. I cooked one side for about a minute and a half, then flipped it and grilled for another minute. Afterward, I wrapped it in aluminum foil and let it rest for about five minutes.
I had checked through identification, so it seemed that medium-rare would be fine.
(Game meat always has this image of being risky due to parasites, though…)
Fortunately, it seems there are no bugs that parasitize magical beasts, so even roasting it like roast beef would be safe, which was a relief.
While the steak rested, I sautéed the vegetables for the side. I seasoned onions and asparagus with butter and salt and pepper, while I glazed the carrots. To brighten up the colors, I added buttered corn, which made it more festive. I prepared a salad with cilantro and radishes in a Japanese-style dressing and decided to make an instant soup.
“I’ll heat up the rice with heat magic… and done! The steak set is ready!”
I didn’t forget to take a picture and post it on ‘Hero’s Message.’
There were other creatures like the Horn Rabbit, Almiraj, and Cocco bird being eaten, but the Wild Deer meat seemed to be very hearty and filling.
“This is what meat is supposed to be like!” I couldn’t wait.
I cracked open a beer cooled with [Life Magic] and started tasting the venison steak.
“Wow, it’s softer than I expected. The grilling is perfect, too.”
Since the tenderloin is a lean cut, it’s easy to eat. Overcooking it would make it tough and the texture would suffer, but because I grilled it medium-rare, it turned out perfectly tender. The rich taste of the red meat was satisfying.
“Yeah, the tenderloin is just the best when you eat it as a thick steak.”
The disassembled deer meat had been separated into chunks like the thigh, back legs, back loin, belly, front legs, and neck, all neatly stored in my [Item Box]. This time I used the back loin’s tenderloin part, but the belly—especially bone-in spare ribs—would be great for braising or teriyaki.
“There’s no off-putting smell at all, and the texture is tender. Honestly, the magical beast game meat is way better than the game meat I’ve had in Japan…”
I was looking forward to the Boar meat as well. Slowly savoring the venison steak, I made sure not to forget the sides and salad. Everything tasted great, and I set my chopsticks down feeling satisfied.
Sipping my beer, I sighed.
“I wish I had some wine…”
Red wine would definitely go better with the venison steak than cold beer. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any wine among the alcohol I brought with me.
“Sigh… I wonder if they’ll add a liquor store to the summoning magic online shop…”
I couldn’t help but mutter, because this delicious venison steak really needed a good red wine. Braising the spare ribs in wine would also deepen the flavor.
For the Boar meat, maybe sake or shochu would be good?
“Well, but I’ve hunted quite a bit of magical beasts today… maybe my level’s gone up?”
I opened the status and checked. My [Summoning Magic] level had risen to 3.
Excited, I tapped the detailed info, and saw that “all products from the current shops are available for purchase.”
“All products… does that mean I can buy the thousand-yen camping gear too?!”
I had only been able to summon products worth up to 300 yen, so I had expected the next level up would let me buy up to 500 yen items, but this was a pleasant surprise.
The longing for wine vanished from my mind, replaced by excitement as I checked out the higher-priced items in the shop.
“A sunshade is 1,000 points, and a hammock is 500 points… Other 1,000-yen items include a body pillow plush, a mattress pad, and a squishy cushion…”
I wasn’t too interested in the plush, but the mattress pad and mats would probably be wanted by the others. I’d let them know about the new items.
The 500-yen cushions seemed comfortable for sitting, and I was surprised to see bed covers and sheets for only 500 yen.
Among the other 1,000-yen items were a food pot and a cooling backpack. The mini stainless bottle for 700 yen also seemed handy.
“A mess tin for 500 points? Definitely buying that. The envelope-style sleeping bag is 1,000 points… but will it be usable?”
For now, I decided to summon sunshades, a mess tin, sleeping bags, and compact chairs for my younger cousins. Since I had earned a lot today, I intended to treat them like a big brother should.
“…A fishing rod for 1,000 yen? A lure rod? They probably won’t need it, but I want it.”
Leisure fishing by the river or lake sounded like a perfect slow life. When I got tired, I could lie in the hammock and relax, enjoying peaceful moments.
“Alright, I’ll buy it.”
I tapped to purchase.
There were also aromatherapy items and handheld fans available.
“This is dangerous. I’m going to end up shopping forever…”
Even though I had plenty of points, I reminded myself not to overspend. I decided to buy only the things I needed for now.
“Food items are still 100 yen. It’s nice that I can buy bath towels and sports towels now.”
Natsuki would probably try to sell those to the princess again. I felt like Akimi wouldn’t skimp on cushions and bedding.
I added everything I needed to my shopping list and summoned them to my item box.
“I wonder which shop will open next.”
I idly thought about how it would be great if a shop with a wider range of products, like a supermarket, would open soon. Meanwhile, I checked the comfort of the hammock I had just summoned.
