Chapter 10

Eating dinner alone in my room was my daily routine, so I dug into the chicken steak and potato pancakes that Gina had prepared.

As expected of a meal fit for the prince of a major empire, the ingredients used were high-grade, the portions were plentiful, and it tasted delicious.

Though I figured the final taste was largely thanks to Gina’s hard work.

“How much did the sale bring in?”

Since they were early-game drops, it probably wouldn’t amount to a huge sum, but as the saying goes, many a little makes a mickle, so it would at least help supplement our budget.

“It came to two silver coins.”

Gina reported calmly… two silver coins, huh.

If we applied the standards from the original game, wasn’t that roughly equivalent to about two thousand yen?

It was a mere drop in the bucket, but since I was weak right now, building it up bit by bit was what mattered.

Assuming we earned two thousand yen a day, that would be twenty thousand yen in ten days.

“I’m thinking of buying some magic potions, but how much do they cost?”

“A lower-grade potion should run about one silver coin per bottle. Though given your status, my lord, I believe you could acquire them through the Ministry of Magic.”

After answering my question, she looked at me with a puzzled expression.

Sure enough, someone in my current position should still be able to pull some strings to get favors from the Ministry of Magic.

It was probably a good idea to check commodity prices while I had the chance, but I might as well make use of whatever resources were available.

I certainly didn’t have the luxury of putting myself through any self-imposed challenge runs.

“Well, that’s true. Make sure to secure a few bottles before we head out on tomorrow’s exploration.”

Since it was well known around the court that Gina was my exclusive maid, there was no need for me to go pick them up myself.

In fact, it was entirely possible that things would go smoother if I wasn’t there.

“Understood.”

Gina gave her acknowledgment, then stared intently at me.

“If you plan on exploring dungeons while consuming potions, shall I also prepare some rations to carry with us?”

“Ah, right.”

I had completely forgotten about what we were going to eat during the exploration.

Today, my head had been so full of future plans that food was the last thing on my mind.

If I didn’t eat, Gina wouldn’t eat either, which meant I had really put her through the ropes.

“Make sure you prepare a portion for yourself, too.”

Otherwise, there was a very real chance she would only pack food for me—that was just the kind of character Gina was.

“Understood. I am deeply touched.”

Was that gratitude for looking out for her?

“Do you have any preferences?”

When she asked about my preference for rations, I knew we were limited to foods that stored well.

Ah, but since we had the [Asset], we had some leeway, didn’t we?

“Meat and dried fruit would be good.”

Of course, if it wasn’t something quick and easy to eat, it would only put us at a disadvantage during a dungeon exploration, so restrictions still applied.

“Understood.”

With that acknowledgment, Gina stepped back, and I let out a heavy sigh before flopping down onto the bed.

Today was going to wrap up safely enough, but I wondered what tomorrow would bring.