Section 3 "Food Fighter"

We built a place to live, and a place for water. I thought we were doing well, but...

This is the biggest mistake I've ever made. How could I have not noticed?

...We're almost out of food.

Servants don't need to eat. If anything, food is like a mood stabilizer for us.

However, that's not the case for Master... This is a big problem. How did you guys get by so far?

We've been eating the rations we brought from Chaldea, but they're about to run out as well.

？！

That just means... we'll have to procure food ourselves.

A lack of food is a serious issue. It doesn't just affect our Master, but it lowers our morale as well.

I thought Scáthach might be able to help, but I haven't seen her for a while...

So for now, we'll have to rely on ourselves. Let's see if we can find something to eat!

Hmm... all the plants are so different from the ones in Bethany. I'm not sure which ones are safe to eat...

But alas, it is best to remain calm in situations like this. Nothing will go wrong if we stick to our instincts.

Humph. Master, why do you look so nervous?

Humph. Master, why do you look like you have a bad feeling about this?

？！

There's no need to worry. I used to feed all kinds of weird things to my little brothers, and they were mostly fine.

In fact, they prayed even harder after they ate. They even had tears in their eyes when they did.

The look on all those tough little boys' faces reminded me of how He prayed over the suffering and sins of mankind.

So don't worry. And don't disobey me. My gut feeling is pretty good at times like this, you know?

(I don't know what their tears really meant, but I do know that whenever that happened, Martha didn't eat any of those things herself!)

F-For now, I'll get going! Please wait for me, Master!

...I'm sorry, Master. I should've read up on how to survive outdoors.

I could barely find anything... All I managed to do was bring Fou back with me. He was wandering around over there.

...? Fo... Fou!?

？！

Oh, th-that's not what I meant, Fou! I brought you back here because you're fluffy and fun.

I didn't bring you back here for your calories!

I can't say I found much either... Just a few different kinds of fruit.

Ooh... Well done! What are they? I've never seen these shapes and colors before.

... (Grin)

？！

You've got a problem with my instincts!? It's never been wrong! It's fine!

They all look like coconuts... but upon closer inspection, one has thorns, one is fluorescent pink...

And one smells terrible... I'm getting kind of worried.

At the very least, I don't think you'll die instantly from eating them. Just spit it out if your tongue feels numb, got that?

Do the same if your stomach feels strange after you swallow.

If you're having trouble regurgitating it, let me know. I'll use a special method to, um, knock it right out of you.

Fou, foooou!

Ahem. Anyway, that will tell us whether it's something ominous and deadly, at least.

As a saint, I can swear that to you. Trust me.

...Okay, looks like you have no objections, so let's get started. Go ahead, Master.

？！

O-Of course, I'll try them with you, Senpai. We're in this together.

Oh, but wait. These look like coconuts, so their shells must be made like coconuts too.

I'll go get something to cut this open

Haiiee-yaah!

She chopped the top off... with... just her hand!

Okay, you should be able to drink from it now. No need to thank me.

？！

Th-This is... It's spicy! Just as you'd expect from something covered in thorns! It's spicier than a habanero!

My whole body started to sweat instantly!

Well that's a shame. Still, I suppose it'll make some good seasoning... Anyway, let's try the pink one next.

MATTHEW!

？！

...It's tasteless. It's completely tasteless! And the texture is all weird and dry.

If I had to compare it to something... It's like eating an eraser.

It's probably okay if it's nutritious... but it's not something I'd eat on my own... ever...

...Huh? That's strange. Normally, at least one thing I find turns out to be edible.

Maybe my intuition's grown dull... Well, on to the last one.

MOSES!

？！

...

Hey, why aren't you saying anything!?

I'm pretending not to notice the horrible stench that came after I opened it.

This is... It's edible. I... guess.

What? Then it's fine, right? What's with that look on your face?

I guess the best way to describe the taste is...

？！

It really doesn't taste like something... that you'd expect from a fruit...

I suppose you could eat it... if you forced yourself to. But that actually just makes it all the more disgusting.

But it IS edible, right? That means more choice in an emergency. Good.

I have to say, Fujimaru, Mash, you're both too picky anyway.

People in the past ate things that tasted a lot worse, you know. Just be grateful to the Lord that your food tastes like anything at all.

？！

But to tell you the truth, it wasn't just instinct this time. There was a reason that I thought this last one might be safe to eat.

What's that?

I saw a crab eating one that fell on the ground. It wouldn't do that if it was poisonous, right?

Doesn't that mean, though... that it's crab food?

...That's right.

And we're spreading this smell everywhere. Which means...

I knew it! There they are!

Oh, more hungry lost lambs over there, too. Maybe they're in the same situation we are...

But let's take them out before we get eaten, Master!

I don't think Master's food shortage can be solved with those mysterious fruits.

Considering the taste and the fact that enemies attack every time we bite into one... At most, we can use it as emergency rations.

As for other sources of food... well...

Oh no, I didn't know we were in that much trouble. I guess we don't even have any bread.

？！

...? I'm sorry, but I can't help you even if you keep staring at me like that, Master. I wish I could be of some help...

Huh? You were all looking for some food?

I'm just about to go freshwater fishing. Wanna come with me?

...Fishing, huh? That does sound like a solution. But I have no experience... Besides, what about the equipment...?

What, are you afraid you won't be able to reel any in? Don't worry, the best thing about fishing is even a beginner can catch some.

I can make rods for you. One each for Mash and Fujimaru, right? Piece of cake!

？！

I've never been fishing myself, but it sounds like so much fun!

Freshwater style? Oh, what refined taste! There's no way I can pass this up. It'll be like summer vacation in Japan all over again!

I was thinking to go find some wild grass for Master, but you changed my mind. I'd like to come with you, too.

Wow, got a lot more people now... Gotta make four more rods, huh? Well, I don't mind. The more the merrier! That's fishing for ya!

Uh, I see. So this squirming thing is the bait...

Yep. Recommended for beginners, too. Once you get enough experience, you can do without it.

Yes, I'll try!

... N-No, I'm fine. Thank you though.

I can manage something like this by myself. I don't want to cause you any trouble!

？！

...You put it on a hook like this... It's okay, Mash, just relax...

...!

I did it! I did it, Senpai!

Oh, no... you don't have to... I only did what everyone else should be able to do... I was just too inexperienced...

Yes, I'll try my best!

？！

Fishing is a hit-or-miss business. Taking it easy is the right manner to enjoy it.

Sitting next to Master, looking out over the water together as time passes us by...

For me, that alone is enough.

Fishing can be such an elegant, upscale pastime as well.

Oh, I see someone here gets it. I agree with you. I guess knowledge does come with age.

Twagh! I-I dare you to say that to Scáthach as well! And you know what? How about you DROP DEAD!

Oops, well, pardon me☆ Today, Tamamo is elegant and classic☆

This is my first time... It's okay to try without bait, right? Maybe I'll go ahead and do just that.

I meant it's okay for experienced fishermen like myself, though... Well, anyway, up to you.

Like what Miss Fox there said, you should be fine as long as you give it a try and keep a line dropped.

Well, Master, let's sit back and enjoy ourselves.

I'm quite serious here. We must catch some big fish so Senpai can get some proper nutrients!

I can't catch any at all...

Try to hide your presence, Shieldy.

Mmmm... It's soooo frustrating...

Though I said spending time with Master would be enough, the fact that it is taking so long to catch something is making me a little...

What, are you giving up already? You're less patient than I thought you were.

You haven't caught any yet, either!

I'm fine because I'm enjoying the process. Besides, I'm not hungry yet.

...It might be a problem with the rod. Maybe I should get in the stream directly and try my luck at spearfishing like a true Lancer would...

Oh. That's not good. A sophisticated woman wouldn't do that, and to be frank, it's a job more suited for the Cat...!

I, as a fancy mannequin, cannot stoop to that level!

Also, it seems you haven't noticed yet, so I'm gonna tell ya. The princess over there caught something.

The princess over there...?

...Here you go! Hehe, I've just caught another one.

...Oh, look at you, staring at me with those "Don't eat me!" eyes... All right, all right.

I'll let you go, so don't get caught ever again, okay?

That's what she's been doing for the whole time. Looks as if fish come willingly to get caught. So being unselfish is the secret of fishing after all?

I don't think ANY fish have "Eat me!" eyes, Marie...

？！

Eek! Wh-What is...this...?

A big one!? Let me give you a hand! I'm coming right now, so hang in there!

Master!

We should help her out, too! It looks kind of fun!

I feel I'll be dragged into the river if I lose my concentration...!

？！

Good! I see it now! One more should do it! Here we go now!

It's a whopper of a fish!

...

Hmm... Definitely not "Don't eat me!" eyes. Would you say this one looks like it wants to eat us?

What on earth have you reeled in!?

I guess I'll hang around and help you look for food. After inviting you all out on that unsuccessful fishing trip, it's the least I can do.

Well, thank you, Cú Chulainn. Your help means a lot to us.

...You know, the normal way to "procure food" is to hunt. So, let's go hunting!

I see, so that's why you asked us to tag along.

This'll be a walk in the park. ...Oh, Your Majesty. Why are you here?

It's useless asking me that question. Hunting is a knight's hobby. Especially since I am an Archer now. I will not let any prey escape me.

It would be perfect if my trustworthy horses Llamrei and Dun Stallion were here. My hound Cavall too.

Well, well, let's see how good you are then. Oh, I just got a glimpse of a deer in the lee of the mountain right over there.

What shall we do? Should I have Mary chase the deer so I can shoot at it when it jumps out

No, let me try this time around. I would like to warm up since I have not been hunting for a while.

Now, watch me.

Ex

？！

What?

Don't you "what" me! What the hell are you doing?

Well. When your game hides in the lee of a mountain or a dense forest...

...then completely eradicating the surroundings would be one way to get at it, wouldn't it?

It's not something I always do, you know? ...There are times when I need to, though. That's all.

Child of Light, am I breaking Celtic hunting etiquette in some way?

This goes way beyond simple etiquette! No one bothered to bring it up to you?

Don't be ridiculous. Are you saying this is an absurd thing to do?

When Agravain came with me on hunts, he would say with his lifeless eyes, "Impressive, Your Majesty. You certainly gave it your all."

Are you saying that was all just lip service?

Well, not lip service per se... How should I put it...

？！

A-Anyway, we should ban the use of Noble Phantasms. Let us deal with that deer.

Come on, Anne. It's hunting time!

Yes, ma'am♪ Let's show everyone how skilled we are!

As expected of Altria! Birds... rabbits... you caught a lot!

Well, I did pretty good for a class I'm not used to. You did a good job, too, Mash.

Anne is good at shooting birds, too. I mean, out on the open sea, that's the only target there is.

For the time being, this game should be enough.

So Anne and Mary shot the deer... That's wonderful. This was a good hunt!

I think all this should temporarily solve our problem with food shortage...

...Cú Chulainn. Is that spear of yours an ornament? You looked like you slept through the whole thing.

Hmph. I was thinking about lending a hand, but I sniffed something out, so I was thinking about that.

Sniffed something out?

See, here comes a big one. Looks like this is its hunting field, too!

Seeing as how we snatched its prey, it's not like we can slip away quietly.

I'll pay the hunting fees with a thrust of this spear!

- The First Ever Happy BBQ Fiesta for Master Fujimaru & Servants -

I'm not opposed to the idea of having a barbecue, considering all the extra meat we got...

But still, that sign seems very unnecessary...

No, no! What's important is the feel of it, the atmosphere!

Hm. Meat roasted over rune fire sure has a unique taste... (munch munch)

We were wondering where you went, but didn't think you'd be off hunting alone... So much for us running around.

？！

She already noticed that we were short on food... She's so amazing...

Oh, Master... I cannot believe I did not notice you were starving. Shame on me.

The next time you cannot bear your hunger any longer, will you please let me know?

I am prepared to give up this body anytime for you... I recommend my tail first.

？！

That is quite true. Then, here, Master. Please have some deer meat that I slowly roasted with my fire.

Say, "aah"...

"Rune fire" this, "my fire" that... Such unfamiliar terms flying around...

I guess starting a fire is a simple task for those two.

Well, they are indeed very talented individuals.

However, does the flavor actually differ depending on the fire used?

I did try to compare them, but with my unsophisticated palate I could not tell.

？！

Well then, how about something like this? Karna? (whisper whisper)

...!

...Understood. If that's what the Master desires... I shall be glad to help.

!!!

？！

Hahaha. This would be charred meat, not chargrilled meat.

I tried to add to the types of fires, but dear me. "More than enough is too much," I suppose.

...I miscalculated the temperature. I apologize, Master.

Hey! Do not waste food!

Oh, Martha has finally put up her fists! That stance isn't jujitsu... It must be some form of street fighting!

Why are you so happy about it!? I'm not going to hit you just because you over-roasted some meat!

Really? Are you sure?

...I apologize.

...Nom, nom. I have to say, all of the meat tastes great.

But, as a cooking method, barbecue is simply a bit too sloppy. Surely there's no denying that now?