Chapter 10

The tenderly cooked meat crumbled sweetly in my mouth.

I couldn't quite understand it, but a complex and rich aroma filled my nose.

"This is delicious too!"

"Is it the beef cooked in red wine?"

"Red wine..."

Perhaps there were many other ingredients that contributed to this flavor, but the taste of adulthood made me instantly fall in love with red wine. I sighed, dreaming of one day drinking it in its pure form.

"By the way, you used to like red wine, didn't you?"

"Really? I did?"

Noticing the gaze that seemed to say, "Stop your poor acting," I nodded and said, "Yes, I did. I forgot."

"But since coming to this tower, I've come to like many things. Especially the sweetness... it makes me feel more alert. I think I'll be able to think clearly for a while today."

"You were seriously working on something. You said you had an idea after hearing Neil's story."

"Yes! I thought, wouldn't it be great if there was a food that is easy to distribute, doesn't spoil easily, is inexpensive, and makes one less likely to get sick?"

With that, I began my explanation.

"For example, there is a plant called Nigana that is so bitter it makes you gag when you put it in your mouth. There is also a plant called Idaten that has a high yield but a very short harvest period and spoils quickly. However, both are very nutritious. They are especially recommended to be eaten with white bread... So, I want to create a sealed container that can make them tasteless and less likely to spoil."

"A sealed container?"

Claude, who listened to me with a serious face, said with a slightly surprised look.

"When the solution made by boiling the leaves of Seracin and the decoction of Gursellin is boiled down and then cooled and dried, it forms a very strong solid. Before it is completely cooled, it can be shaped freely like clay. It can be eaten without any problems and melts smoothly when heated. I think this can definitely be used. ...It will still take a lot of time to make it practical, and even if it is made, there will be various issues to consider, such as compatibility with the contents."

If I can make a container small enough to swallow easily and put the bitter plant inside, it can be consumed without tasting it.

Moreover, while the principle of food spoilage is not yet understood, it has been found that preventing Idaten from coming into contact with air can prevent it from spoiling.

Of course, I need to verify this thoroughly.

Also, the effectiveness of medicine can vary depending on the refining method. The same applies to food; by changing the cooking method, such as drying or boiling down, the nutrients can be concentrated, which would likely be very effective.

"Nigana, Idaten, Seracin, and Gursellin are all common wild plants in the capital. In other words, they are inexpensive! If the material costs can be reduced and the containers are light and easy to transport, they can be delivered at a price that people living in poor areas can afford..."

Claude's expression became serious, and I suddenly lost confidence.

"Maybe I'm saying something naive..."

When I said that, Claude thought for a moment and then spoke heavily.

"...If it were to succeed. However, there are still many poor areas in the country. I don't know the exact amount, but at least to provide enough for everyone, the naturally occurring plants wouldn't be sufficient. Cultivation by farmers would be necessary. Then, the labor and large-scale facilities required to produce these containers in large quantities would also be needed."

"I see..."

I thought it was a good idea, but I was indeed naive.

Feeling dejected, I let my shoulders drop, but Claude continued.

"But if it were to work, it would be a wonderful technology. If such a thing were created, the knight orders on expeditions would want it. I don't have that kind of knowledge, but I can imagine it would have applications in various fields. There would be many investors, and the food problem has been a major issue in our country since the famine a few years ago. It's not impossible."

After saying that, Claude added, "To be honest, I think you are a rare and exceptional villain."

I felt like I was being lifted up and then dropped.

"But since you came to this tower... No, I can see that you enjoy seeing me confused and that you have some purpose. You are that kind of person. However, even if your motives are evil, the attempt you described is wonderful... and noble, and I cannot help but acknowledge it."

Claude sighed.

"Regarding your statement, I respect you, Violet Elford."

As he said this, Claude smiled slightly.

—Maybe, I've been recognized.

My cheeks slowly relaxed.

I felt a tickling sensation in my chest, feeling both happy and embarrassed.

Seeing me blushing, Claude looked uneasy and somewhat complicated.