Chapter 45: Maple Whisper Village Is Truly a Monster-Spawning Cage…

A Quiet Meal

“Then I’ll just go ahead~” Wenger turned back to focus on cooking, leaving Vick to linger by the door. He leaned against the frame, quietly watching her practiced movements. Cooking seriously in a kitchen was something he’d never tried. At home, servants prepared and served meals; in the wild, a quick roast sufficed. If he had teammates, they often brought a chef. Good rest was vital for battle. Chances to cook himself were rare.

But now, he was far from that life. Dying peacefully in some corner didn’t sound bad—unnoticed, though it might trouble Miss Wenger. The girl worked diligently in the kitchen, occasionally glancing at him with a slight smile before diving back in. Vick stepped away to avoid disturbing her, sitting downstairs to take in the view. The giant tree was practically a wonder. It was hard to imagine such a towering tree in an ordinary village. He couldn’t help but link it to the silver-haired girl.

Wenger might be hiding a lot, despite seeming so simple. That sword wasn’t a good thing—his instincts warned of its danger, far beyond merely killing a few people. He’d considered possibilities, but after spending time here, Vick felt he’d been too paranoid. The warm atmosphere was palpable, and with her student… If Wenger were a witch or something, traces would’ve been noticeable elsewhere. Was he overthinking? He rubbed his temples.

Not far off, a little girl ran over excitedly, carrying a basket. “Mr. Vick, want some fruit?” “Your teacher’s almost done with dinner.” “No problem! Teacher said in her hometown, they often had sweet melons on the summer table (actually watermelons)!” Vick hadn’t heard of such a custom. Wasn’t Wenger from Maple Whisper Village? That made more sense—a wanderer settling here, perhaps missing her homeland. He looked up but couldn’t see inside the house.

Dinner was ready an hour later. Finally time to eat. As the dishes were served and they sat, Wenger felt something was missing, less lively than last time. Oh… Rella was gone. She couldn’t pinpoint the feeling. If she was sad, food might help. Good food pleased the stomach, lifting the mood. She’d read that somewhere.

The moon governed the soul and emotions, corresponding to the stomach in the body. Top and bottom aligned. With the moon’s phases, slight emotional fluctuations were normal. She’d make afternoon tea, preparing snacks for a few. An upset stomach soured the mood, and a bad mood upset the stomach—so eating something to cheer the stomach cheered her up. Though she felt it was mostly psychological.

At the table, Viyi ate intently. Vick and Wenger occasionally chatted, from food to far-off places. A thought struck her. Sarding City’s affairs were surely tied to Vick. She couldn’t ask directly, but that wasn’t what she wanted to know now. Vick had traveled farther than her during his last absence from the village, so he likely knew more. She was curious about the war’s progress between the kingdom and Crotiya.

“Greenmbark sent troops southwest, unclear if it’s preparation or to support Dangarol.” Vick popped a piece of tofu in his mouth, pondering as he shared what he knew. Wenger nodded slightly. Viyi blinked, not understanding, and kept eating. She barely knew where Dangarol was.

Anna had arrived before Vick, so the orders were likely given before he left the capital. Recalling the map’s vague distances, the journey wasn’t short. The situation might be worse than Vick let on. Wenger wasn’t worried about frontline clashes, but as time passed, the demon clan’s attack loomed closer. Her small domain couldn’t withstand such devastation.

In the main storyline, Snowgreet City fell. Greenmbark’s first flames came not from the empire’s army but from the demon clan, its long-standing foe. She wasn’t sure if this southern deployment was a foreshadowing. She lacked the energy to control the bigger picture. The fourth tier wasn’t weak, but this wasn’t a hack-and-slash world.

“No need to worry.” Vick’s reassurance was plain. Strength was the greatest confidence. It was just a hassle, not a real concern. The protagonist would resolve the war, charging north to wreak havoc. But where was Vick then?

She’d initially guessed he was fifth or sixth tier, but now, at fourth tier herself, she suspected he was at least sixth. He’d mentioned never hearing of anyone above seventh tier. So, he was already at the ceiling? Talk about security. A figure who could sway the plot—she feared messing it up.

Joking aside, Wenger was seriously pondering. The story didn’t have him saving the day. Did the boss fight’s memories suggest he’d become someone else by then? He noticed her scrutinizing gaze, unsure what she was thinking. “When are you leaving again?” “Maybe.”

Vick had said he’d stay a few days, but if it was just that, building a house was unnecessary. He hadn’t mentioned his deal with Kyle to her. Such matters weren’t yet suitable to share with a familiar yet distant friend. Wenger, unsure of her standing, chose to stay silent too.

After dinner, Vick brought up fishing. “I found a nice lake in the mountains. Have you been?” “Where?” She wasn’t picky about fishing spots—probably why she always came up empty. “Not far behind the mines, though it’s a bit high up and chilly.” Vick pointed vaguely, then mentioned Viyi’s request. “When are we going?” “Tomorrow morning. I want to head out early.”

Sharing her discovery of the magic-sealing runes, Wenger noticed his reaction was stronger than expected. It was indeed more complex than she’d thought. Maple Whisper Village was truly a good place. From every angle. Far from the world, yet like a “monster-spawning cage” full of crises. From mines to stone forests, dragon eggs, and cursed swords—encountering even one was “lucky” for most. She’d hit the jackpot.

If the plot never started, living here until her natural end wouldn’t be bad. Such a pity… The girl’s eyes shimmered with faint sorrow, mingling with the moonlight’s glow.