Goblin Slayer, Vol. 14

Mead—honey alcohol. Of course she knew about it; she had even drunk some. But maybe the mead they made in the north was different somehow. Intrigued, Cow Girl leaned toward one of the jugs.

“Was this a gift, too?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “They asked me about my household, although I didn’t quite follow.”

“Your household?”

“I said that I’m unmarried but that I live with you and your uncle. Then they told me to take this home with me.”

“Huh… There’s quite a bit of it here. Maybe they want us to drink it together?”

The mead was fragrant despite the tight seals on the jars. She gave one of them a shake and was rewarded with a distinct, pleasing
splish
. The sound made her excited somehow.

“Maybe we should have some with dinner tonight.”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Although I don’t know much about alcohol consumption.”

“As if I do!” She giggled. “Say… Do the people of the north wear horned helmets?” Still smiling, she waved her fingers in the air, tracing two horns. “You know, like you used to do?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I saw it myself.”

As the steam rose from their tea, the two talked about a great wide variety of things.

How immensely useful Uncle’s cloak had been on the journey north. How the land there had been quite different from the saga the two of them had heard once upon a time, and yet just like it described. The bravery of the northern warriors. Their strength. How they were a company of heroes.

The chill of the north. The warmth of the north. The startling culture, games, and food. The songs.

The terribleness of the raging sea. The unknown monster that lurked within it. The captured women. The northern hero challenging the sea devil. And the faraway princess who loved him. How sweetly the two got along.

The massive sword the hero wielded. The great, inspiring horns that decorated his helmet.

How of the rescued women, some had returned home, while several had decided to stay and become brides of the northerners. How it seemed the cleric girl who served the Earth Mother was being talked about for promotion.

This and much, much more he told her, giving his all to speak of it in his poor style and minimal vocabulary.

She
ooh
ed and
ahh
ed at the appropriate times, occasionally asked questions or urged him on, and all the time listened joyously. It was a whole collection of stories to make the heart race.

In other words, it was an adventure.