After revealing that I came from another world and explaining my ability to everyone, I walked Fia back to her home before returning to mine. Lange also headed back to the inn he had booked for the night. Tomorrow, he plans to inform the Adventurer’s Guild that he has accepted the request, and then we’ll meet at the shop to discuss more details.

“Still, another world, huh? The world is full of mysteries.”

“Like I mentioned earlier, it’s just like coming from a place very far away. Besides, as I said before, I’m not particularly eager to go back right now. I really enjoy my life here.”

It’s a little disappointing that neither Lilia nor Lange knew anything about returning to my original world. That said, apart from wanting to see my family and friends again, I genuinely like the life I’ve built here.

“Indeed. Especially now, as you’re about to open a new shop. Abandoning it to return home seems out of the question.”

“Exactly. With the shop, and the help of Lilia, Fia, and Lange, this is where the real journey begins.”

Even if I had the chance to return to my old world, I don’t think I’d take it now. Everyone has put so much effort into helping me. For now, I’ll focus on giving it my all in this world.

“…Hmm, unfortunately, it seems Tetsuya doesn’t have any aptitude for magic.”

“Really? Aw man, I wanted to try ice magic…”

The day after Lange confirmed his acceptance of the request with the guild, he came straight to my shop. He mentioned that he’d be leaving for another town tomorrow, as he had also taken on another request.

I had asked Lange to teach me how to use magic, but it seems I lack the aptitude. In this world, people are divided into those who can use magic and those who cannot, and without aptitude, it’s simply impossible to use it.

“There’s not much you can do about it. It’s largely a matter of race and luck.”

“True. Besides, magic is convenient, but it’s not essential. You can live perfectly fine without it.”

Lilia, for instance, became a B-rank adventurer without using magic. While magic requires considerable training, I still wish I could have used ice magic, even just a little. If I ever hire someone in the future, I’d prefer to bring on someone who can use magic.

“Yeah, even if I could use magic, I doubt I’d have become an adventurer.”

“Exactly. Plus, Tetsuya, you have something far more incredible than magic—your Outdoor Shop ability! The compass was amazing, and the fire starter and blue tarp are incredibly useful too!”

I’ve already shared a variety of items from the Outdoor Shop with Lange.

“And let’s not forget the instant soup and outdoor spices! The soup just needs hot water to taste so good, and the spices are way better than regular salt or pepper!”

Lange seemed especially pleased with the instant soup and outdoor spices. As he frequently camps between towns, he appreciated how easy it was to prepare delicious soup with just hot water and how the spices could elevate the flavor of any meat, fish, or vegetable.

“I plan to sell the instant soup in the shop, but I’m keeping the outdoor spices exclusive, so please don’t share them with anyone else.”

The Outdoor Shop from my original world has many tools that could benefit adventurers, but my current ability limits what I can offer. To reach the next level of the shop, I still need to spend about 470 gold coins. It’s a slow process, but I’ll keep at it.

“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. And thanks for cooking so much for me! I’ll treasure every bite.”

Lange’s storage magic can hold a substantial amount of items and even stops time for the stored items. I prepared several dishes for him, including hot sandwiches, fried chicken, and French fries. Storage magic is truly convenient.

In exchange, Lange refused to accept any payment for the request. Since he doesn’t actually need to procure anything and only stops by a few places during his travels, he said the meals and shop items were more than enough.

Though I pointed out that he’d still incur travel costs and potentially face dangers, he preferred the camping gear and food from my world. His generosity is a big help, especially as I’m transitioning from a food cart to a shop, which comes with significant expenses like rent, wages for Lilia and Fia, and taxes.

“Next time you’re here, I’ll have tried out even more recipes for you. Also, if you find any of the ingredients I mentioned, please pick them up for me.”

“Got it!”

I’ve asked Lange to keep an eye out for ingredients from my world that aren’t available in this town, particularly rice. It’d be great to find some!