Chapter 79

Both Nebel and I were exhausted from the morning, and we moved to the square below the castle with Theodor and Kurt.

In the square, large pots and griddles were set up in several places, and the meat that had been cut up was already being distributed and cooked nearby.

There were stews, grilled meat, and skewers, and it turned out that we could compare the different parts of the meat. Yay, I love meat~

The meat from the boar-like creature tastes similar to pork, so things like char siu and braised pork belly will definitely be delicious.

I don’t really dislike dried meat. In this world, it’s portable food, but I think if I use it as a broth base and add lots of vegetables, it will make a delicious soup. Maybe I’m being too optimistic?

I also want to make a robust sauce. Fortunately, Fullftbahr is known for fruit cultivation, so if I can make Worcestershire sauce, I can also make medium and thick sauces.

I definitely want miso and soy sauce, but Fullftbahr is inland, so there’s no fish sauce. In that case, I want to start with Worcestershire sauce.

Mayonnaise can be made with eggs, oil, salt, and vinegar, and tomato sauce, gravy, and brown sauce are already available.

If I can make a medium sauce, I’m sure I can have that! Okonomiyaki!!

For a proper okonomiyaki, I know I need to add things like dried shrimp, bonito flakes, and tempura bits, but I can make it with just cabbage, flour, and eggs. It’s technically a substitute, but if I mix in bacon or braised beef tendon and cook it, it will definitely be delicious.

And if I have sauce and mayonnaise, I’m set. I can do without green laver and pickled ginger. I don’t need to say I want a proper okonomiyaki. A substitute is fine.

I also want bacon. I want to eat it. I’ll ask to make it next time.

And of course, I want rice. I think it’s faster to look for it through trade. I have my eye on a place. There’s an island nation called Yapanes to the east. Geographically, it might be the same as Japan, I suspect. Apparently, there’s trade with them, so I want to ask a merchant to investigate.

If I have rice, I want to eat a bowl of chashu rice made with the meat of the Great King Boar. It will definitely be delicious.

Ah! Maybe there’s miso and soy sauce in Yapanes? Wow!! I want to ask merchants traveling to different countries to look for it. I’ll ask the old couple if the Marcocius family has a house merchant.

While we were talking, Hedda and Hilt joined us and toured the festival in the town below the castle.

Hilt is visiting the Fullftbahr territory as a marquise’s daughter, not as my classmate, so she couldn’t dress as a boy and was in a day dress, like she often wears at tea parties, and was moving around with us.

Nebel, who had been mentally drained by the strong social dynamics of the Clefftege family, might recover a bit with this.

Watching the two of them having fun, Hedda asked with a smile.

“By the way, Master Albert, are you going to hunt in the Forest of No Return this time?”

“Yeah, I haven’t done the ‘First Hunt Ceremony’ yet. Since we’re here, I thought I’d do it along with my first battle.”

“Oh, oh, oh! That’s a great opportunity!”

Ah, this is not good!

“I would like to join you.”

Of course! I knew she would say that!!

Even seeing my frown, Hedda’s smile didn’t waver. Damn, no use. She doesn’t seem to want to give up.

“Hedda”

“What is it?”

“It’s not a game.”

“Of course I know.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“I understand.”

No use. I can’t be too harsh because I’ve asked Hedda to take care of the Einhorn princess.

“Please get permission from the Duke and Duchess of Hunt-Erfolk.”

“Of course I will.”

Please... please, Duke and Duchess, stop her!! I don’t know how capable Hedda is, but she’s dealing with a monster. I hope her parents will stop her.

And as if he had heard our conversation, Theodor also spoke up.

“I’m going too!!”

Looking at Kurt, who was nearby, he didn’t seem to want to stop Theodor and was just smiling.

I can’t count on any backup.

“Come on, is it okay?! I want to go monster hunting too!!”

And the morning nightmare starts again.

“If Al is going, I can go too, right?”

But I’m telling you it’s not a game.

“Isn’t Theodor going back tomorrow?”

“I’m staying!”

Don’t say you’re staying so easily!!

Lady Matilde, will you reject it? I hope so. Please, please stop him.

“Even if Theodor says he’s staying, Lady Matilde won’t allow it, right?”

“Then ask her together! If Al asks, Mother will give permission.”

No way!! You’re being too optimistic about your mother!! Lady Matilde is the secret boss of the Rave Kingdom!!

“Al will ask too, right?!”

I don’t know! I don’t want to ask, so I won’t!

The Forest of No Return is a dangerous place, even in the shallow layers. Father Clegger hunted the Great King Boar as if it was nothing yesterday, but that’s because he’s a professional who is used to the Forest of No Return.

“Hey, Theodor”

“What? You’re such a wet blanket! Call me Theo!!”

Come to think of it, when did I start being called ‘Al’? What is this strong social dynamic.

“I also want to be called without the ‘-san’ soon.”

Hedda is also pushing it.

In the end, overwhelmed by their momentum, I had to agree to call Theodor ‘Theo’ and to drop the ‘-san’ for Hedda and Hilt in private.

Being with these two, my energy is drained.

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