I Got Transported to Another World, but Who Even Summoned Me? : Chapter 37 Marnie's Shop: Second Floor and Lunch

Series: I Got Transported to Another World, but Who Even Summoned Me? ~ Abandoned and Alone, I Use My Cheat Skills to Live Freely ~  

Chapter: 37 Marnie's Shop: Second Floor and Lunch

Translated by: MTLing

Tags: Isekai, Cheat Skills, Abandoned Protagonist, Fantasy, ZapNovel

Climbing the stairs, Tenma found that the interior had changed drastically from the first floor.
The first floor had a white-on-ebony theme — white walls, white furniture, and black flooring — projecting an air of luxury designed for accommodating many customers.

In contrast, the second floor featured a deep crimson carpet, white wainscoting, and black walls adorned with gold vine patterns. Three display cases were arranged around a central reception set, clearly intended for smaller, more private groups.

Led by Marnie, the members of Orochi and Tenma stood before the display cases.

"Here, we display standard jewelry. Prices start at one medium silver coin. These are typically bought by nobles for show or personal pleasure," Marnie explained.
"Next, we have accessories made with magic stones — starting at five small silver coins. Noble ladies and adventurers often purchase these for protection."
"And finally, these are pocket watches. They begin at three small silver coins."

"The cheaper ones require winding once a day. However, watches embedded with magic stones automatically recharge when you check the time, eliminating the need to wind them."

As Marnie spoke, Tenma's gaze was drawn to the pocket watches — or more accurately, what he recognized as pocket watches.
One in particular caught his eye: a simple silver one. It had no engravings on the lid, and the dial was white with black numbers. From beyond the glass, he couldn’t tell if it was a hunter-case type.

"Marnie-san, may I take a closer look at this one?"

"Of course, Tenma-kun."
With a smile, she retrieved the watch from the display and handed it to him.

The pocket watch was a hunter-case. Opening the back, Tenma saw the same mark engraved on the dust cover as the one on his magical pouch. The crown had a magic stone embedded in it.

"Is this how you normally carry pocket watches?"

"You use a string or chain, like these."
From beneath the display, she produced an assortment of chains, cords, and threads, and demonstrated their use with the watch Tenma held.

"This thread is made from spider silk, obtained from magical spider monsters. It's three times stronger than iron of the same thickness. As for the chains, we have mithril, gold, and silver. The cords are made from beast leather. If you choose this design, where the bow and stem are made from mithril, pairing it with a mithril chain and spider silk thread will allow the chain itself to charge magic power on contact."

"That sounds expensive..."

"Indeed. The watch you initially chose is nine small silver coins. Upgrading to a mithril chain adds seven small silver coins. The cord comes free. The one with the mithril bow and stem costs one medium and six small silver coins."

After some thought, Tenma decided to buy the one with the mithril bow and stem.

"Then that’ll be two medium and six small—no, just two medium silver coins is fine."

"Could I also have a cord? And... I’d like to set the time. Is there a clock somewhere?"

"Of course. Here."
Marnie pulled a watch from his pocket and checked the time.

"Oh my, it’s already this late. Tenma-kun, it’s 11:50 right now."

He showed the watch to Tenma.

"Orochi, Tenma-kun — how about joining me for lunch? I brought back something interesting from the royal capital. It’s easy to store, easy to cook, and supposedly delicious... but I haven’t dared recommend it to my wife yet."

"Sounds good. Marnie-san’s always looked out for us. In exchange, could you help Tenma change clothes? We picked up a few things earlier."

"Of course. Let’s head upstairs."

Following Marnie, Orochi and Tenma climbed another flight of stairs.
The third floor was Marnie’s personal residence. Though modest in appearance, closer inspection revealed fine craftsmanship and tasteful details. It was the kind of decor that revealed its value only to discerning eyes.

"Tenma-kun, you can change in this room. I’ll wait in the hallway, so don’t dawdle."

Feeling a silent pressure in Marnie’s tone, Tenma stepped into the room — perhaps once a servant’s changing room — and quickly dressed.

Returning to the hallway, Tenma was immediately greeted by Alf’s teasing whistle.

Tenma now wore long sleeves, trousers, shoes, and a summer jacket, with his guild card hanging from his neck.

"Do I look weird?"

"Not at all. You look great, Tenma-kun," Marnie said, leading the way.

Leaf and Mario patted Tenma’s back in approval, while Alf ruffled his hair before following Marnie. Tenma trailed after them.

"Oh my, dear. What’s the occasion?"

Aria had emerged from her room, dressed in another luxurious gown. Tenma couldn’t help wondering if she wore such formal attire all day long.

"Just thought we’d try some of that food I brought from the capital with Orochi."

"How lovely. May I join you?"

"Of course. Though I can’t guarantee the taste. Is that all right?"

"Perfectly fine. Are we heading to the dining room or the kitchen?"

"The kitchen. I need to oversee the cooking process myself."

And so, Marnie and Aria walked ahead. Orochi and Tenma followed in silence.

Once inside the kitchen, Marnie handed a piece of paper to a man who appeared to be the head chef, then began issuing instructions.
The man filled a large pot with water and set it over a fire. Meanwhile, another staff member brought over a pouch.
Marnie opened it and revealed the contents to Aria, Orochi, and Tenma.

Tenma gasped.
“Pasta?”

"This is a new food called pasta, developed by a royal palace chef. The ingredients are simple: special wheat flour, water, and salt. It’s said to be easy to prepare — just boil until soft."

"Sir, the water is boiling."

"Very well. Add this in."

Marnie handed the chef what looked like five bundles of pasta.
He dropped them into the boiling pot.
About five minutes later, the noodles were lifted out and divided among several plates.

Everyone stared at the pasta on the table. No one made a move.
After a tense moment, Alf picked up a fork and took a bite.

Everyone else watched with bated breath as Alf chewed, then frowned slightly.

"Not bad… but not good either. It’s… meh."

With that, the rest cautiously began eating. Similar expressions spread around the table.
Tenma had his own critique: “Overcooked. And bland.”

"This won’t do. I bought quite a lot, but I doubt we can sell it."

"Indeed. It’s not very good, is it? A royal chef made this? I can’t believe the royals would accept something like this."

"We followed the recipe to the letter. Perhaps the recipe itself is flawed?"

Tenma observed the group. No one was eating with enthusiasm. The problem was obvious: overcooking and lack of flavor.
Still, he opted to quietly eat the soggy noodles. Standing out too much would only invite trouble — a mindset shaped somewhat by Alf’s earlier remarks.

Using the accompanying soup to help swallow the noodles, he finished his meal.

"What’s your plan after this?" Marnie asked.

"The armory. We’re getting Tenma some gear. After that, we’ll stop by the Mage Guild."

"Wait... you haven’t been to the armory yet?"

"Didn’t have time this morning."

"Because Alf insisted on stopping by the shoe store."

"Hey! That’s got nothing to do with this!"

"I see. Well, Orochi didn’t make any purchases today, so perhaps next time.
We’ll also continue researching this ‘pasta’. My shop, Marnie’s Groceries, still carries it for now, so feel free to check in anytime."

With that, Marnie and his wife escorted them to the shop entrance.
Tenma and the others stepped out into the afternoon sun.

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