Chapter 38

Thanks to Lord Kelvim's arrangements, the central square was filled with a feast, with a variety of dishes prepared and laid out.

Large pots filled with various stews, made by the butchers, cooks, and the townspeople, who had worked hard after dismantling an entire cow, were lined up on tables surrounding the square.

In the center of the square, a brick grill was set up, where thick cuts of meat were being roasted on a metal grate.

Gilbert ran over to Flora, who was standing next to one of the pots in the square. The air was filled with rich, mouth-watering aromas, and his stomach was rumbling.

"The stew I made is a classic one, made by simmering beef bones and vegetables to make a broth, thickened with a roux of flour and butter, and combined with red wine and ripe tomatoes, along with plenty of meat, potatoes, and vegetables."

Flora, her cheeks flushed, smiled as she recited the recipe with enthusiasm.

"It was a promise, after all."

With those words, Gilbert received the stew and quickly savored it, feeling a warm satisfaction spread through his body. When he looked up, Flora was smiling happily at him.

"Over there is a clear tail soup made by the butcher's wife, seasoned with salt and aromatic herbs. Next to it is a sweet and spicy stew made by the cook, using bell peppers and maltose. They are all very delicious."

Flora, in high spirits, explained with a lively voice, and Gilbert couldn't help but follow her with his eyes. Just as he was lost in thought, a mercenary put his arm around his shoulder from behind.

"Hey, Gilbert, what are you spacing out for? If you're not careful, it'll all be gone."

The mercenary, already tipsy, was in a good mood. They had become good friends.

"What's this one?"

A private soldier, who had fought alongside them earlier, pointed to another pot.

"That's a stew made by simmering sinew and shin meat in whey! I got the recipe from the village chief of that settlement."

"Whey..."

"R-right, whey..."

Gilbert, the mercenary, and the private soldier all took a step back, their faces contorted. The memory of the battle earlier was still fresh in their minds. However, since it was made by Flora, Gilbert tentatively took a bite. The meat was thoroughly cooked, and there was no resistance in the aroma.

"…! It's delicious…!"

"Really? …U-um, it's good…! What is this, the meat just melts in your mouth…!?"

"Amazing, the deliciousness is so overwhelming that it's erasing the nightmare of the earlier battle…"

As they all became completely engrossed, Flora watched them and smiled happily.

– Seeing Flora's happy face like this makes me feel so happy… I'm glad to be alive…

Gilbert thought to himself, lost in admiration.

In the center of the square, Lord Kelvim stood up, raising a wooden cup filled with red wine.

"From tomorrow, we'll be busy with preparations! Today, eat your fill and regain your strength! Let's show the strength of the ancient northern people!"

The townspeople responded with cheers to Lord Kelvim's raised voice, and the somber mood from the earlier attack by the undead beasts was already fading.

Gilbert, carrying a mountain of bowls filled with various stews, headed to the table where Lionel and the others were sitting. There, the priest of the Western Grand Church was drinking with Dolf and Barbara.

"Today is a glorious day in my life. After all, I've met the legendary blacksmith and the mage."

The priest, in high spirits from the alcohol, received a mischievous smile from both Dolf and Barbara.

"And now, both the ancient and new blessings are present here. Blessings become stronger when combined. The power born from gathered prayers is amplified through more prayers. To be able to witness this…"

The priest, clearly drunk, said this with tears of joy in his eyes.