Kazuki leaned back on the bench, letting his eyes wander over the bustling street. Merchants called out in a language he couldn't understand, children darted between stalls, the clink of coins sounded, none of it making sense to him, that was the main problem.
Dropped into another world…
And the first wall I hit is the damn language.
It wasn't just inconvenient.
It was crippling.
No matter how polite he tried to be, no matter how much he smiled, he was still just a man making strange noises to these people. Without words, he was nothing but a curiosity.
Then came money. He had a gold ring, sure, but finding someone who wouldn't swindle him for it? That was another story.
And after that, food, a roof, a job. Survival.
He rubbed his face and exhaled through his nose.
Meanwhile, those other isekai protagonists…landing in a soft bed, greeted by some benevolent goddess, instantly fluent in the local tongue, handed a magic sword and told they were the chosen one. By chapter three, they'd have a harem of beautiful women and a pocket full of gold.
Must be nice..huh...
His fingers toyed with the temporary ID card in his pocket. It was the only real thing he had going for him, a scrap of proof he existed here.
A start, maybe, but far from enough.
Kazuki's eyes shifted back toward the street. People passed by without a second glance, but he noticed some girls stealing looks, whispering to one another before giggling and moving on.
He didn't think much of it.
Maybe I should just head back to the gate… Ask Miss Sophia for help again.
The thought lingered, but so did his pride. He wasn't sure which would win.
Well… better than wandering around like an idiot, shouting at random people and hoping someone understands me. That's not going to get me anywhere.
Miss Sophia is probably my best shot right now. She seems reliable enough… though I doubt she has the time or reason to keep helping some stranger.
Still, if I can at least get her to teach me a few basic words—where, how much, yes, no, it would already make a huge difference. Just enough to get by until I can start piecing the rest together.
And the ring… yeah, I should probably ask her to help me pawn it. It's the only valuable thing I brought here from my old life, and the last thing I need is to walk into some shady shop and have them pay me in worthless coins, or worse, take it without paying at all.
She'd know the proper place, the right price, and hopefully, the people I can trust.
But then again… asking her for more help after she's already done so much?
That's just leeching off her goodwill.
Not exactly how I want to start my new life here.
In my world, I'd call it pathetic.
A grown man relying on a woman he just met. Feels wrong.
But? I don't have a choice. Either swallow my pride, or keep walking in circles until hunger makes the decision for me.
"Alright… time to stand up and find her again." Kazuki muttered under his breath as he rose from the bench, brushing the dust off his pants.
He took a few steps down the cobblestone road, letting the flow of people guide his direction, until he slowed, frowning slightly.
…Wait. Which way did I come from again?
He glanced left, then right. The streets all looked similar.
Stone buildings, colorful banners, bustling stalls, the smell of roasted meat in the air. There wasn't a single landmark he remembered clearly enough to follow.
Great. I forgot one basic thing.
This is a brand-new place for me. A new world, actually. And I didn't even bother to note the way back.
Kazuki let out a slow sigh. Another mistake I shouldn't be making… but I guess this counts as experience. Not the kind I wanted, though.
He scanned the crowd. Merchants haggling, children weaving between legs, women balancing baskets, a couple of armored men walking past with their swords clinking at their sides.
Alright… plan B. If I spot a guard, maybe I can just say her name.
They probably know her, and even if they don't understand everything I'm saying, maybe the name will be enough to point me in the right direction.
Kazuki adjusted his pace, eyes subtly sweeping the area, looking for anyone in uniform. No point panicking. Just… find someone who looks like they know where they're going.
He kept scanning the street, trying to spot a guard, when something else caught his attention, and froze him in place.
…Cat… catgirl!?
Kazuki's eyes widened. The small figure ahead, weaving between stalls, had a long, sleek tail swaying with every step. Soft, fur-tipped ears twitched atop her head, reacting to the sounds around her.
Whoa…
Without thinking, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his smartphone, thumbing the camera on. The screen lit up, and he began recording.
That tail actually moves.
Those ears actually twitch.
Real. Actual. Catgirl.
Not cosplay. Not a costume.
Damn…
He shifted slightly, making sure to keep her in frame as she stopped by a stall selling roasted skewers, her tail curling lazily behind her.
First an elf, now a catgirl. I must be on a roll today.
He kept the camera steady, recording every little movement.
Her head tilt as she spoke to the vendor, the flick of her ears at a sudden shout from the street, the lazy sway of her tail.
They really do look like humans… no fur on the skin, clean, smooth. The only difference was the ears, the tail… and maybe her build. A bit petite, but definitely not fragile.
Alright… gotta keep recording this.
( End Of Chapter )