...
The ratman and Licht looked at each other silently while thinking about something. The heavy smell of cheese seemed to be more bearable to him and he was probably choosing the most important thing for his journey in the south and back to his home.
" The texture is rather poor and the smell is bad, but I like the taste. It tastes like a woman bathing in the sea among fishes."
Licht said, putting down the tiny wooden pick. His comment moved the heart of observing rat-men who valued their creation. Although the maker was just a newbie, it was the greatest respect that he could get from a human.
" Thank you for your guidance. I will improve myself and prepare a better slice for you later."
The young rat man bowed, looking at the plate with an ecstatic look. He felt all of his worries go away and his heart was lightened.
The old rat man handed a towel to him while picking up the piece for himself. He gently put the piece inside his mouth, savoring the taste with a calm face.
" You have a great taste, sir. May I know your name?"
The old rat man asked, scanning him from head to toe. His old murky eyes were able to see through this gifted young man who had very bright energy inside him. As a rat-man, he was sensitive to the smell of other beings and he was able to tell people's hearts with their smells.
The smell that he got from Licht was as light as nature itself, he felt his wrinkled face being lifted by his smell.
" Licht Silvercrest. I am from the Western continent."
Licht offered his hand to him as they shook their hands. The old rat man smiled at his response, feeling his respect in his voice. Not many show respect to weak race like rat-men who have weak physique. They were short and they had less mana capacity than other races, making them inclined to production-type races.
However, this was their blessing. Due to their extreme talent in craftsmanship, they were respected by the higher-ups among humans, giving them a chance to flourish. Their economy was rapidly developed as they gained equal footing with great races like elves and dwarves. Even other humanoid races started to respect them.
" Western continent, huh? They had the best blue cheese in the world. I remember sharing the cheese with my other half who left me here. She enjoyed every bit of it."
The old rat man smiled, recalling his deceased wife. She used to travel with him all the time even she was sick. Her bright smile and fragrant smell were the most memorable thing in his life.
" I see. It is a good memory."
Licht smiled gently, pulling out a small piece of cheese from his backpack. He used this cheese for his breakfast and this was made from rare milk, so it had exquisite taste and smell.
He placed the cheese on the rough hand of the old rat man, gesturing for him to try it. The old rat man didn't hesitate as he put it in his mouth.
He gently chewed the cheese, feeling the melting cheese in his mouth. His body trembled from the sudden taste because this cheese reminded his passed wife. She used to make cheese exactly like this.
His eyes teared up, feeling grateful from the deep of his heart. He gently slid his hand into his pocket, pulling out a wooden token with cheese on it. To him, this was his proof of identity and he believed this would help Licht in his journey.
He wanted to see this young man become a warrior who could change the course of history.
" Young man, take this. Meet the mayor of the fortress city and he will give you a chance to enter the biggest market in history, but beware of the temptation of the place. That place is the dirtiest hole in the world. Many fell into their greed and became monsters due to their greed."
He placed his hand on Licht's hand, warning him with a heavy tone. Licht nodded at his words as he put the token away.