Chapter 3

The winter in the ancient capital is cold.

Though it doesn't snow much, the cold north wind feels like it pierces the body.

"On a day like this, there's nothing better than a drink."

While dismissing the guard unit after training, Captain Bertholdt muttered to himself.

Today, he might have pushed his subordinates a bit too hard. He had them run out of the city walls and into the forest while carrying their loads. This was something they did almost every day, but today he had them engage in realistic mock battles multiple times.

For other units, this would be impossible. Bertholdt's unit was known for its rigorous training.

The distance they ran was long.

He knew that other captains, who placed more emphasis on weapon proficiency, mocked him behind his back.

Still, he made them run because it was a principle he held as a former mercenary.

Soldiers are meant to run.

The longer the distance they can run, the higher the chance of survival.

"Besides, the ale after a run tastes even better."

He had heard that there was a popular tavern among the soldiers, but he didn't know its location.

"So, I was chosen for this."

"Consider it an honor, Hans. Not everyone gets the chance to drink with the captain."

He had taken Hans, who had made a minor mistake during training, out under the pretext of a reprimand to find out the location of the tavern.

Somehow, this had turned into a plan to go drinking together.

"Building camaraderie with subordinates. Well, it's not bad to do something like this once in a while."

Following Hans, they arrived at the outskirts of the ancient capital, on the <Stable Inn> street.

This area was lined with inns catering to stable hands, and even at dusk, it was bustling with people.

"Here we are, Captain."

"Tonight, we'll dispense with formalities. Don't call me that."

"Alright, then, Mr. Bertholdt. Let's go in quickly."

Inside the tavern, Hans ordered two "Triazunama" ales with a familiar air.

While placing the order, he was eyeing a black-haired waitress, which Bertholdt found rather endearing.

Sipping the golden, delicious ale, Bertholdt looked around the room.

Posters that seemed to be menus were plastered all over the walls, but he couldn't read a single one. The beans called "otoshi" that he ate, following Hans's lead, were also very tasty, but he felt uncomfortable because he couldn't order anything himself.

"Boss, surume!"

Hans immediately started ordering something that Bertholdt didn't understand.

Peering at the master's hands, he saw him grilling something that looked familiar.

"Boss, is that...?"

"Dried surume squid tentacles. They're good, you know?"

Squid.

The moment he heard the word, a cold shiver ran down Bertholdt's spine.

The old wound on his left arm suddenly started to hurt.

"Ah, I'll have something else."

"Sure, what would you like?"

"What can this place make? I'm sorry, but I can't read any of the menus here."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I plan to rewrite them soon. Just tell me what you want. I can make most things."

The master's smile conveyed a strong will to accept any challenge. Alright, let's make this a contest, Bertholdt thought.

This ale is indeed delicious.

How about asking him to make a dish that doesn't go well with ale? It sounds like a fun idea.

On the other hand, if something too bland comes out, it would be a problem.

Bertholdt was also hungry. He wanted something substantial that wouldn't go well with ale.

"... Boss, I like chicken."

"Chicken, got it."

"I want a dish that goes perfectly with this 'Triazunama' ale, made with chicken."

"... I see, understood."

The master started cooking without much hesitation.

But Bertholdt knew this was an impossible task.

There are six types of meat available in the ancient capital: pork, lamb, rabbit, beef, horse, and chicken.

Pork is the most popular and easiest to obtain. Lamb and rabbit are also delicious.

The problem is with beef, horse, and chicken. These meats are only available when livestock that has outlived its primary purpose is slaughtered. Cattle and horses are used for transportation, farming tools, and are valuable property, so they are rarely available.

And chicken.

The meat of hens that no longer lay eggs is available in the market, but it is tough.

Both the breast and thigh meat of old chickens are hard and unpalatable. How will this place prepare it?

"Here, have this while you wait. It's on the house."

The waitress offered sliced cucumbers.

"Cucumbers, just like that?"

"They're well pickled, so they're delicious."

Bertholdt wasn't sure what "well pickled" meant, but he decided to try them.

They were salty.

No, delicious.

What is this flavor?

The crisp texture and the right amount of salt.

No, it's not just the salt. It's hard to describe, but he couldn't stop eating.

Cucumber, ale, cucumber, ale, ale, cucumber, ale...

"Sorry, can I have another plate of the same?"

"Sure, one plate of pickled cucumber coming up!"

This time, he ate it slowly.

It was terrifying. Just cucumbers. How could they taste so good in this place?

"Hey, Mr. Bertholdt, isn't this a great place?"

"Hmm? Yeah. But the chicken dish hasn't come yet."

The master was marinating and kneading bite-sized pieces of chicken in some liquid.

What kind of dish will come out?

"Oh, darn."

The master, looking inside a metal box behind the counter, muttered as if he had just remembered something.

"Is something missing?" the waitress asked.

"Yeah, I'm out of pickles... Sorry, Shinobu, can you go buy some?"

"What are pickles for?"

"No, they're not for the customer's dish. I'll use them later."

"I don't understand... Are they even sold at this time?"

"No, pickled shallots will do. They're also delicious. They should be available at the 100-yen store nearby."

Pickled shallots?

100-yen store?

Bertholdt didn't understand any of these words. What was the master talking about?

Hans stopped the waitress, Shinobu, who was about to leave without her apron.

"It's dangerous for a woman to go out alone at this hour. I'll go with you."

"No, it's fine, sir. Just have some cucumbers and wait. It's right there."

Shinobu gently pushed past the objection and left through the back door.

For a moment, the outside view that Bertholdt caught was very bright.