Because the other Marines had endured a storm and a long voyage, the two commodores took them to rest at an inn in town, allowing Dawn and the others to wander around freely.
As for Dawn and the others, Ou'an had no worries about letting them follow Uncle Tucker to sample the local food.
As they headed toward the center of town, they saw that most of the houses were made of stone. In the fenced yards, all manner of beast pelts and meat, such as rabbit, hung on display.
A sudden clamor came from the nearby forest. Dawn looked over and found groups of hunters returning with a huge wild boar slung between them.
At the sight of the boar being brought back, the children forgot all about playing and gathered around it, shouting excitedly.
"What a peaceful place." Dawn could not help but sigh at the sight. Even Hawkins, with his poker face, nodded unconsciously.
Compared to the year of constant fighting in West Blue, this voyage felt more like a break for Dawn and the others. That was also why Ou'an had let them go out, giving them a bit of vacation time during the journey.
Following Uncle Tucker into an old tavern, Tucker greeted the owner with practiced ease, took a corner table, and ordered several dishes.
The first dish to arrive was a whole spicy rabbit served on a large tray. The aroma of the red sauce and garnishes immediately whetted their appetites.
The rabbit was tender and fresh, accompanied by heat and a faint sweetness in the sauce. It was spicy enough to make their mouths burn, yet impossible to stop eating.
Next came roasted venison leg. Since venison had little connective tissue, it was tender and refreshing, with plenty of lean meat. Prepared