Altaïr and the others could never have imagined that an airship would actually house a tavern of such considerable scale.
Though they hadn't exactly gone hungry during their days in the wild, they had only been able to make do with simple meals; finding a tavern like this, they naturally wanted to treat their stomachs properly.
In that sense, the feeling of having a feast high up in the sky was actually quite a novel experience.
The Investigation Team Leader excused himself, claiming he still had work to attend to. After recommending a few signature dishes, he took his leave, dragging along an oblivious Erik as he went.
A young Wyverian girl dressed in a Wycademy uniform but with an apron tied over it, a somewhat strange combination of attire, walked over, clutching a menu to her chest.
"I'm Millsy! If you need anything, just call me anytime. Here is the menu~!"
"Thank you." Altaïr took the menu and tucked it into Isis's hands.
If he wasn't mistaken, Miss Millsy was likely a staff member of the Soaratorium aerial research lab who was working part-time as a guild receptionist and waitress.
Otherwise, it would be quite unnecessary to specially staff several waitresses on a research-oriented Airship like this.
Come to think of it, the proportion of Wyverians on the Soaratorium was remarkably high; it felt like they made up nearly half the crew.
Then again, the long lifespans and peaceful temperaments of the Wyverian race were inherently suited for professions like researchers and craftsmen. The ratio of Wyverians within academic institutions had always been high, so it wasn't really surprising when one thought about it.
"Cheese fondue! Cheese Aptonoth steak! Honey gooseberry pie! And what kind of mushroom is this Abyssal Mushroom? Anyway, let's have one of those too!" Isis first ordered the dishes the Investigation Team Leader had recommended before he left, then vigorously added several more.
"Does Nymera want to order anything?" Isis passed the menu to Nymera.
Nymera glanced through the menu. "How about adding this dish: Moofah cheese balls."
"."
"Coming right up~!" The part-time guild receptionist named Millsy noted down the order with a beaming smile and headed toward the kitchen.
While waiting for the food to be served, Altaïr spoke up. "Based on what the Investigation Team Leader and his crew said, we should be passing over Metapetatto around midnight.
They can deploy a small Airship to drop us off then, before they continue on toward Dundorma."
"Since the final destination is Dundorma, does Isis want to go home and visit? It's right on the way, meow," Clawdia suggested.
"There's something more important than that!" Isis looked at Nymera with sparkling eyes. "Nymera, do you want to form a permanent team with us?"
Altaïr: "."
There it was again! Isis's completely reckless straight ball!
From the Lagiacrus to the Duramboros, the experience of two battles and the time spent together had allowed the three young Hunters to gain a deep understanding of one another.
Nymera possessed impressive strength, and her coordination with the two of them could be described as quite seamless. Most importantly, their personalities clicked.
He, Isis, and Sajji had discussed the idea of inviting Nymera to become a permanent partner in private; Isis had voted in favor with both hands, and Sajji had voted in favor with both hands, both feet, and his tail. Clawdia didn't mind, if Isis was in favor, she was in favor. Therefore, in the six or seven days since the hunt ended, he had repeatedly mulled over the right timing to ask this question.
His original plan was for everyone to return to Metapetatto together, finish the quest settlement, and then ask the question at the dinner table while celebrating a successful hunt.
If Nymera agreed, the celebratory meal could be upgraded to a lavish feast welcoming a new partner.
If Nymera declined, everyone would go their separate ways after the meal, avoiding any lingering awkwardness.
He had discussed this with Isis, and she had readily agreed, but she seemed to have mistaken the current meal for the one in the plan.
But what could be done? Isis had already thrown the invitation right in Nymera's face; it wasn't as if she could take it back.
Faced with Isis's enthusiastic and sincere gaze, Nymera froze for a split second, then appeared somewhat troubled.
Though Isis was blunt, her powers of observation were remarkably keen; noticing the conflict in Nymera's eyes, her mood plummeted instantly.
Beside her, Sajji, who had been full of anticipation, let his ears droop as well.
"No, no, it is by no means that I am unwilling to become your companion," Nymera said quickly, raising both hands to soothe them. "It is just..."
"Miss Nymera, there is no need to worry so much. Just say whatever is on your mind."
Altaïr smiled from the side and said, "Whether you accept or decline, we are all still friends. After all, everyone has different goals; there is no reason for it to cause any bad blood."
"Very well." Nymera straightened her back slightly, placing her hands firmly on her thighs in a very formal sitting posture. "I would be most honored to travel with you both, but there are matters I must inform you of beforehand.
The reason I left my homeland and came to the Old World is that my master hoped I would travel the world to broaden my horizons; this is part of my training.
Since ancient times, Kamura has never known peace. The wind that laid waste to the Moon Capital, the Rampage, the Gaismagorm Calamity, the Frenzy Virus outbreak...
Sooner or later, the day will come when I must return to my home, Kamura Village. Protecting my ancestral land is the duty of my life."
Every single one of those sounded terrifying; Altaïr felt his scalp tingle as he listened.
Nymera had told them a bit about Kamura Village and the Rampage before, and they knew it was a restless place, but they hadn't realized it was quite this restless.
No wonder even the owner of a teahouse could train a Hunter of Nymera's caliber...
Sajji climbed onto the edge of the table and looked at her. "Then Nymera probably won't be returning to Kamura Village for at least a year or two, meow?"
Nymera thought for a moment and shook her head. "Not for now. My current strength is still far inferior to that of the two guild receptionists at the Kamura Village Guild Hall.
Perhaps only after I am promoted to High Rank will I be able to truly be of help to everyone back home."
Hearing Nymera say this, Isis's spirits lifted again. "In other words, for the next two years or so, it's okay for you to become our partner and hunt with us?"
Nymera gave her a small smile. "There is no reason why not. Geo Wandreo, Metapetatto, Dundorma, or any other city makes no difference to me."
Altaïr and Isis exchanged a look; by saying that, Nymera had essentially accepted.
"That's wonderful, meow!" Sajji squeezed in next to Nymera. "If Nymera's hometown is ever in trouble, we'll help out too, meow! Right, Boss?" "Of course," Altaïr said with a smile. "Since we're becoming partners, that's only natural, isn't it?"
Nymera, sitting upright, bowed her head low. "Then, for the time being, I look forward to working with you."
"Ohhh!" Isis raised her arms and cheered.
Just then, the part-time guild receptionist named Millsy approached, carrying a massive tray. Along with the dishes they had ordered, there were several large mugs of ale.
She said with a smile, "The Shopkeeper sent these drinks over. She said that at a happy time like this, it wouldn't do not to have a few rounds."
Altaïr and the others looked back toward the counter, and Isis waved her hand, shouting loudly, "Thanks, Shopkeeper!"
Behind the counter, the glamorous Wyverian lady lazily raised her small fan and tapped it twice in the air toward them, acknowledging the thanks.
"Cheers!"
The three humans and two Felynes clinked their mugs together, sloshing ale into one another's cups.
What followed was a period of hearty eating and drinking.
Few Hunters ever chewed slowly; once their bellies were quickly filled, Altaïr recalled the topic Isis had interrupted earlier. "By the way, Clawdia had a point earlier. Isis, do you plan on stopping by home on the way?"
Isis swallowed her food with an effort, looking somewhat hesitant.
Having been away for over a year, she did indeed miss Grandpa Amos, but she was also worried that going back would interfere with the group's next move.
Having spent so much time together, Altaïr guessed her thoughts immediately. "There's no need to worry about that. After I head back to Metapetatto to settle the quest, I'll probably take a few days to rest.
Keeping watch in the wild for a week was pretty exhausting anyway, so I'll just treat it as a short vacation for myself."
"Actually, I was also hoping to make a trip to Dundorma," Nymera spoke up suddenly.
Seeing Altaïr and the others look at her in surprise, she explained with a smile, "There are many Airship flights from Dundorma to Kamura Village. I intend to return to my hometown for a visit."
"You're planning on going home too?"
"Yes, after all, it has been several years since I left." Nymera rubbed Sajji's head. "Besides, Sajji said before that one must find their own bonds.
I have thought about it for a long time, and perhaps I should go see Master Iori to see if there is a suitable hunting partner for me."
"Everyone's going home, then..." Altaïr mused.
Perhaps he should go back for a visit as well?
(Translated by yourtl.app)
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TL NOTES — LORE SECTION
Some terms and creatures referenced in this story may be unfamiliar to readers new to the Monster Hunter universe. The following entries provide additional context.
CHARACTERS
Master Iori — A renowned Buddy Handler based in Kamura Village, responsible for pairing hunters with compatible Palico and Palamute companions. Known for his deep understanding of animal behavior and his ability to match hunters with Buddies suited to their individual fighting style.
ENDEMIC LIFE
Moofah — Small, sheep-like creatures found across various regions. Docile and non-threatening, they are valued as a source of wool and dairy products, with Moofah cheese considered a culinary delicacy.
CONCEPTS & SYSTEMS
Gaismagorm Calamity — A catastrophic event linked to the awakening of Gaismagorm, a colossal elder dragon-class creature lurking deep beneath the earth. Its emergence brought widespread destruction to the regions surrounding Kamura, and remains one of the gravest threats the village has faced.
Frenzy Virus — A mysterious pathogen spread by certain elder dragons, capable of infecting both monsters and hunters. Afflicted monsters enter a frenzied state of heightened aggression, while hunters who succumb to the virus temporarily suffer weakened resilience. Those who fight through the infection rather than yield to it are known to emerge with a surge of enhanced combat ability.