The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about creatures hoarding treasures is a dragon. But now my Medusa is showing off a large pile of gold and silver treasures to me as if to boast.
To say "a large pile" might be an exaggeration; it's probably just about one cubic meter in size.
In addition to bags of coins, there are various ornaments resembling ancient European styles, ranging from small brooches to large crowns. But the most eye-catching item in this pile of treasures is the "great sword."
The broad blade reflects light like a mirror, the hilt is adorned with gold decorations, and the most dazzling feature is the large emerald embedded in the hilt. If I were to sell this now, I estimate it would fetch over a billion.
Let me try picking it up... um, I can lift it, but the weight is a bit disappointing.
With one hand, it is impossible to execute any sword techniques, let alone hacking and slashing.
With two hands, it can be used, but it can only perform chopping and slashing movements.
So, it is highly likely that people in this world can carry a sow around the street, as previously mentioned, right?
...
Stop joking around! Even if it's beyond common sense, there should be limits. Those black market merchants don't look like they can even move this sword.
In any case, I'm more curious about the origin of these dazzling things.
"Um... how did you... get all of these?"
"Oh, these... um... I obtained them before." She answered my question in a way that I could understand.
One week of language study has been very effective. I couldn't have dreamed of having a conversation at this level before.
"Before... from battles?"
"No, it's... um..."
When it's difficult to explain, she tries to show me with actions. Like now, she puts a ring in my hand and then takes it back.
Could it be understood as looting?
An image appeared in my mind: a renowned adventurer team comes to the cave to slay Medusa, but they are petrified by Medusa and killed, and their equipment and wealth become spoils of war.
These monsters are so powerful! And I'm also strong for being able to live with a monster like her!
"You, very good!"
I didn't know how to say "strong," so I praised her in this way.
"Huh?"
Although she might not have understood my compliment, she smiled slightly.
Well, never mind all that. Instead of selling this pile of treasures to merchants, I'd rather...
The shiny cutlery looks like something those rich people use, and there is also a gold-trimmed pair of small scissors. Since they can no longer be loyal to their original owners, they might as well come to my hands.
Oh, and that great sword, don't expect it to be used for self-defense, but it should have no problem cutting down trees.
After selecting the tools I could handle, she and I brought the remaining gold and silver jewelry back to the dark cave. The cave was truly pitch-black and narrow. The way we moved was also strange – she hooked the end of her tail onto my hand and slowly led the way.
Walking in the narrow cave where I was dragged on the ground a week ago, I had an indescribable feeling.
The relationship between the two of us has really changed. Although I don't know what motivated her to tie me up at the beginning, besides luck, I couldn't think of any other adjective to describe how things have evolved to this extent.
Without powerful magical abilities or any "physical skills," living with a Medusa for over a week should count for some achievement, like Medusa's favor?
Living with a monster in the eyes of ordinary people like this, even indulging in intimate activities, would definitely be considered crazy. But all along the way, all I did was make what I thought was the best choice. I initially only had the mindset of "just stay alive," but now I can casually embrace a snake-haired beauty and enjoy roasted meat.
Speaking of roasted meat, a strange idea came to mind.
First, start the stove, then place the sword on the stove, and finally lay the sliced meat on the blade!
It's done! The Great Sword-Shaped Barbecue Grill Mk.1!
The above is just my imagination. When I actually tried to use the sword to barbecue, there were quite a few problems. For example, it took a long time to heat up, the meat stuck to the blade, and the whole sword became extremely hot...But human wisdom is also powerful. In the end, that sword became a part-time barbecue tool.
Just like the silver dinner knife and fork, they have become my utensils. Although I hope she uses utensils to eat, so far she hasn't had a second meal. The small scissors are very suitable for trimming animal fur, and as for the jewel-encrusted brooch? I snapped off the thin needle and used it as a toothpick.
Don't say I'm wasting precious items, wearing a brooch doesn't increase my comfort in life.
So, everything that can be used has found its own purpose, and I didn't ask about her pile of treasures anymore. Since they were seized, they must have some history. I'll study and understand it carefully after I have a better grasp of the language of this world.
"Let's eat!"
Hearing my call, she comes to my side in an S-shape, using her tail as a guide.
Although we are eating together, for her, it's just leaning against me and enjoying the feeding play. But since she enjoys it, I gladly accept it.
After spreading animal fat on the sword and wiping my fingers on my clothes (don't say I'm dirty, there are no napkins in the treasure), I wait for it to preheat and open the thick book to learn from her. I doubted whether the language she spoke was the language of this world, but unfortunately she could fluently read the sentences in the book. As a novice, I can only believe it for now.
Besides relying on the book, there is another fast way to learn the language, which is to ask her how to pronounce things I want to know. For example, I remember the pronunciation of animal fur, stones, axes, and short bows very well. Unfortunately, there are too few things in the cave, and many words cannot be represented by objects or actions.
On the other hand, even though the book is thick, there is a limit to it. One day, the contents of this book will be exhausted, and then I may have to find another way to learn the language. Although it was a long time later that I learned that the book was the famous "Chronicles of the Kingdom" specifically written for high intelligence monsters.
After thinking about it, the meat is already grilled. I skewer the whole piece of grilled meat with a fork and take a big bite. The taste is much better than the kebabs made with branches. The bark taste is gone, and each part is evenly cooked. Watching her surprised expression after tasting it, I feel greatly encouraged.
I have my father's chef blood running through my veins. In the past, at a five-star hotel, my dad personally taught me how to cut vegetables. So even in a different world, I can still cook delicious food!
Uh, digressing. Next time the black market caravan comes, I'll see if I can buy a pot. And Chinese food and barbecue are completely unrelated...
Eating just grilled meat can fill my stomach quickly, but I always want to eat enough because the meat of a giraffe, although it can be eaten for a long time, has a limit of three days for storage. Maximizing the use of resources has become the reason for my gluttony...
"Mmm, eating is really good." I sighed as I picked my teeth.
But my stomach is indeed a bit full, I want to take a walk, I don't know if she has the same idea...
"Um... How should I say... walking? Let's go for a walk?"
Saying this awkwardly, I made a walking motion with my hand.
"Walking?"
Even the little snake in her hair had a strange expression.
"Yeah!"
This time, let me hold your hand and walk in this strange land.
There is nothing happier than strolling in the woods while holding the hand of the person you care most about. For everyone, there is always something more precious than gold and silver. At least here, she has become my only reliance, and no matter how the future may change, I will accompany her without hesitation.