Chapter 96

The appearance is that of a miniature log house.

It’s probably what’s commonly referred to as a tiny log house.

There are two small windows on either side of the door.

It looks like a toy house, and it’s quite cute.

Originally, it came with a shower room, but I have a magical item I got in a dungeon.

“I don’t use it much since I moved into the container house, but it was good to get the toilet room…”

It’s a palm-sized rectangular box, but when set up, it manifests a sanitary room from a high-end hotel.

The initial setup only had a sink and toilet, but I’ve added a lot of other things, and now it’s quite well-equipped.

Of course, there’s a barrel bath that I asked my cousins to send me, as well as a bath set, shelves, wagons, towels, and even a change of clothes that I summoned from a large furniture shop.

“Definitely more comfortable than a cramped shower room, setting up this magical tool is the way to go.”

The toilet room is box-shaped, and when you enter, it has an expansion feature that makes it about the same size as the tiny house.

With a width and depth of 1 meter, and a height of 2 meters, it’s a box shape. It takes up a little space when installed inside, but I can store it in the [Item Box] when not in use.

The shower room was removed, and in its place, I had them install a mini kitchen. It’s a simple kitchen with a sink and a single-burner stove.

It’s enough for use as a substitute for accommodation during travel.

Fortunately, no additional points were required.

While admiring the exterior of the tiny house, I felt a sense of satisfaction when I was interrupted by Ketsue, who tapped my foot impatiently.

“What is it?”

“Oh, sorry. Should we go in? This is our home while we travel.”

Opening the door, the small interior was immediately visible. The scent of fresh wood from the new construction was pleasant.

The room was simple, with a hardwood floor. The only facilities were the mini kitchen, and it had no storage space, making it quite cramped.

“Well, it’s a house for sleeping, so I guess this is enough…?”

Ketsue, who finished exploring the room in an instant, looked somewhat bored.

“I can’t help it. Let’s make it a little bigger.”

I used space magic to expand the room a bit.

I added about the space of one tatami mat.

Since there’s a possibility I might invite people over to this tiny house, I made sure to keep the appearance and exterior from looking too different.

“I want a good bed since this is a house for sleeping. Since Ketsue and I will use it, let’s buy a double size.”

The large furniture shop offered natural and classic-modern coordinated sales, and I gratefully made use of them.

I placed a bed that seemed comfortable along the wall and set up sheets and pillows.

For the futon set, I chose ones made from natural materials. The sheets and pillows were plain and in natural colors. I’d like to buy a quilted bed cover from the town soon so it doesn’t look out of place.

“Something that looks natural… maybe a little antique style would be nice. Furniture made of wood that doesn’t look out of place in this world.”

Besides the bed, I didn’t buy much else.

I bought a dining table set, along with some basic cooking utensils, plates, and shelves and wagons for storage.

I decided not to place a sofa and instead opted to relax on the bed. I also set up a cat tower for Ketsue.

“The shelf from the tent should be fine for this. …Yeah, this looks pretty good. If I invited someone over, it wouldn’t seem too strange.”

I took a full look around the room and nodded in satisfaction.

Since I didn’t place any large furniture besides the bed, there was plenty of space.

In the spot where the shower room was, I set up the magical toilet room instead.

It’s looking pretty good.

The interior feels a bit like a camper, and it’s kind of exciting.

Ketsue, who was lounging around, mewed with a sweet look, “Mew.”

“Yeah, I guess we’ll take a bath. We couldn’t take one properly during the journey.”

Like their owner, Ketsue is also neat and tidy.

Even though I used purification magic every day to clean up, taking a bath slowly is a different kind of pleasure.

Tonight, I decided to enjoy the barrel bath and go to bed early.

◆◇◆

The small house turned out to be surprisingly comfortable.

I was able to sleep soundly on the spacious bed and woke up feeling refreshed.

I buried my face in Ketsue’s soft belly as he slept on his back, filling up my motivation.

I received a paw punch to the face, but it was a reward. After thoroughly enjoying the “cat吸い” (cat cuddling), I went to the mini kitchen.

“Let’s make a sandwich with lots of salad today.”

I had stored plenty of vegetables from the forest base in the [Item Box].

I used lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, and made a sandwich mainly with vegetables.

Since Ketsue would sulk if it was just vegetables, I added boiled eggs, ham, and teriyaki chicken.

The teriyaki chicken was made from rock bird meat I got in a dungeon.

For Ketsue, who loves mayonnaise, I also added plenty of mayonnaise sauce. The sandwich turned out delicious, if I do say so myself.

I decided to save the leftovers for lunch.

“Well, time for the regular report.”

Since my cousins have strongly emphasized it, I make sure to check in every other day.

It’s a hassle, so most of my updates are just photos sent through a messaging app.

This time, since I got a tiny house for traveling, I want to show it off a bit.

I took a selfie in front of the entrance with Ketsue.

I made sure the little house, although small, was properly captured in the shot and sent it to the group message.

“I bought a tiny house, here it is.”

Akimi and Haruto  had specifically warned me not to send photos with women in them, so the only photos I would send were the ones with Ketsue. Apparently, Natsuki  would get really mad if I sent any photos with women in them.

“Did it look like I was flirting with a woman? No wonder Natsuki  would get angry. He’s seriously training to be a hero…”

After checking in with my cousins, it’s time for my report to Rei, the golden dragon. I took out the communication magical tool, a handheld mirror, and called out to its matching mirror.

After waiting for a moment, the mirror lit up, and Rei appeared. It seems he transformed into his humanoid form for this.

“It’s you, Tohma . What’s up?”

“Hey, it’s been a while, Rei. Nothing much, just the regular check-in.”

“I see. I’m glad to hear you’re safe. …You look like you’re having quite a lot of fun?”

“Can you tell? Ta-da! I got a tiny house for traveling!”

“Huh. It’s small.”

“Well, it’s a tiny house. But it’s more comfortable than a tent!”

“I see. Show it to me next time we meet.”

“Sure. …By the way, where are you now, Rei?”

“I’m in the Empire’s territory. There are a few high-level and special dungeons here, so I’m going to check them out.”

True to his serious and diligent nature as a divine beast, Rei is working hard.

I told him I’m still moving through the Great Forest, and that wrapped up my update.

He wistfully complained that he was hungry for good food and books, which I had provided him before setting out.

But when I proudly declared, “I’ve eaten everything and read through it all,” I couldn’t help but feel like he’s a bit of a spoiled child!

“Take your time and savor it.”

“Well, I’m rereading the books now.”

“As for the food, I gave you some seasonings, so just roast some meat and eat it.”

“It’s better if you cook it, Tohma …”

“Ahh, fine! When I get back, I’ll feed you until you’re full!”

“You promise, Tohma ? I’m looking forward to it.”

He smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but feel a little manipulated. But honestly, I was happy that he liked my cooking.

“Well, see you.”

“Yeah. If anything comes up, contact me immediately.”

“What? Are you going to fly over and help me?”

He chuckled lightly, and then, with a serious expression, nodded.

“No matter how far apart we are, I’ll come to you immediately.”

“Uh, okay…”

That was close. I almost got a little flustered there.

This is the problem with good-looking guys!

For him, it was probably no big deal, but if he spoke to women like that with such a shining face, there would definitely be a scene!

After finishing the communication with the magic mirror, I started preparing for the next village. I had bought popular items like razors, scissors, and sewing kits from the shop.

This time, I decided not to bring any seasonings or jams, but instead packed more glass jars.

I also made sure to bring vegetable seeds.

“The end of the forest is near, so maybe there will be a settlement that’s not inhabited by beastmen.”

I asked about the location of nearby villages and was taking a detour while moving, so it was taking more time than it would if I had just gone straight through the forest.

Since I wanted to interact with different races, I was enjoying the detour as part of my peddler journey.

“I’m curious about the other elves, but I’d also like to meet the dwarves. And maybe I’ll look for a fairy, one of Ketsue’s friends.”

“Nyaa!”

I heard that my next destination is a village larger than the settlements, and I was looking forward to new encounters.