Infinite Mage

Chapter 127: The Galiant Island (3)

Chapter 127: The Galiant Island (3)p>Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

Chapter 127: The Galiant Island (3)

Shirone and his companions rented a carriage outside the harbor and headed to a resort on the west side. The beach, with its expansive white sands, was beautiful even from a distance, lined with numerous shops and accommodations built along the mountain like a hillside village.

Rian had rented a villa halfway up the mountain. True to its noble exclusivity, the property was spacious enough for the four of them, and the view of the ocean was satisfying from every angle.

From the terrace, Shirone admired the sea. The blue waves crashed onto the sandy beach, creating foam.

Watching people leisurely enjoying the beach made it easier to momentarily forget the unpleasant confrontation at the harbor.

After settling in and lighting the fireplace, they gathered in the living room to relax from the journey.

Having skipped proper meals since morning, they were all hungry.

As Tess pondered over what to eat to make a good impression, an idea seemed to strike her.

How about we cook ourselves?

Rian looked at her in surprise.

"What? You know how to cook?"

"Of course, I do. Did you think swordsmen can't cook?"

"I was worried it might be some kind of military ration."

"Don't be ridiculous! I can cook for real, you know?"

Rian was genuinely taken aback, not having expected the boisterous Tess to be confident in her culinary skills.

This was precisely the reaction Tess had hoped for, seeing it as an opportunity to show Rian a different side of her during this trip.

"I'll prepare the most delicious meal, so just bring the ingredients. What do you say?"

"Hmm, should we? It does seem a bit much to go out on our first day. Shirone, what do you think?"

"I'm fine with it. Food always tastes better when you're outside, right?"

Amy tentatively offered her help.

"Should I... help with the cooking?"

All eyes turned to Amy. While her prickly nature might suggest otherwise, no one doubted her ability to cook.

Tess sensed Amy's underlying motive.

'Is it for Shirone? Despite appearances, she's quite endearing.'

Tess was all for it, hoping this could be a chance for the two to reconcile.

"Great. Let's have a cooking showdown! Rian versus Shirone! You guys get the ingredients, and we'll prepare to cook. Sound good?"

With everyone in agreement, Shirone and Rian took the shopping list from the girls and headed to the market.

Once the men had left, the atmosphere softened.

As they washed dishes side by side, Tess, with a playful glint in her eye, asked Amy.

"Is this your first time?"

"First time for what?"

"You know. Your first fight with Shirone? Despite the argument, you seemed flustered, it was obvious."

Amy quickly diverted her gaze to the dishes.

"It wasn't a fight. And definitely not our first, nor a lovers' quarrel."

With a typical mage's triple denial, Tess burst into laughter.

Mages may be cunning and secretive, but in moments like these, they seemed rather adorable.

"Still, you were quite thorough with the shopping list. Are you maybe feeling a bit... nervous around Shirone?"

Flustered, Amy stopped washing the dishes to ponder. Since it was just the two of them, there was no harm in being honest. Eventually, she opened up to Tess.

"Shirone sometimes feels... distant."

"It's fine! I'll manage on my own, so just don't get lost. Remember, it's a cooking competition. The loser does the dishes."

"Alright! I hope you enjoy doing the dishes with Amy. You'd better hope to lose if you want to make up with her."

"Make up? We didn't even fight."

"Didn't you argue at the harbor? And now it's all awkward between you two?"

"Argument doesn't mean fighting. We just had a difference of opinion. It's natural to exchange views from time to time."

"Ha! You're such a fool. That's what 'fighting' means."

Shirone stopped talking. As before, being called a fool by Rian strangely made him feel incompetent.

"Anyway, I'm off to buy the vegetables first. See you at the villa."

"I'll start with the meat. See you there!"

Shirone watched Rian dash towards the butcher's shop, imagining the amount of meat he would likely purchase.

Checking the note Amy had given him, Shirone saw nothing particularly difficult to find on the list.

Though the variety of ingredients was greater than Rian's, he needed to move quickly to keep up with time.

After about half an hour of shopping and sightseeingsince the resort area had many unique and interesting shopsShirone had nearly completed his list.

The commercial district was bustling with entertainment, including vending machines offering games and various street performances, indicating a continuous influx of tourists.

Indeed, the streets overflowed with people, their laughter painting a picture of freedom not found on the mainland.

"Wow, there are so many interesting shops here. I should have fun here tomorrow."

With his shopping done, Shirone headed back to the villa.

Suddenly, a shop door burst open, and a woman stumbled out, falling to the ground.

"Kyaa!"

"Kyaa?"

Puzzled by the unusual scream, Shirone tilted his head but quickly approached to help.

The woman, in her mid-twenties with bobbed hair and bangs, had an attractive face that didn't seem ridiculous despite her peculiar hairstyle.

"Why are you doing this to me? What did I do wrong?"

Rising, the woman shielded her chest with her arms, wearing a low-cut dress typical of a barmaid.

Her eyebrows were thin, and her eyes sharp, yet her expression in front of a towering man was meek, like a herbivore.

"Come on, why the fuss? Let's have some fun together."

"I'm not that kind of woman!"

"So what? Wandering around a tourist spot dressed like that, it's obvious. Just come and have fun with me."

The man intimidating the woman was Gamos, a well-known wealthy figure on Galiant Island.

His enormous size was more from fat than muscle, especially noticeable around his abdomen.

But his wealth apparently made up for his appearance, as he was flanked by imposing bodyguards.

"Come on, while I'm asking nicely. Honestly, you're not in a position to refuse."

"Help me, please! Someone, help!"

As Gamos dragged the woman by her wrist, no one intervened.

Tourists didn't want to get involved in trouble far from home, and the locals feared Gamos's influence.

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