Chapter 68

When grated the first yuzu on the grater, a refreshing fragrance spread throughout the shop.

The old capital has become much more wintry since the great market ended. Snow has become more frequent than rain, and it’s not uncommon for frost to descend in front of the shop in the morning. The people who were so active in the city have closed their windows, preparing for the harsh cold.

The kettle began to whistle, emitting steam.

It had been a while since Shinobu made yuzu sherbet, but her hands remembered the process.

Bertolt had consulted her about Hermine’s recent loss of appetite right after the great market ended. He said she could eat sour or non-greasy foods, but since neither of them had any experience with pregnancy, they were both surprised.

After consulting with Nobuyuki, they had been sending various easy-to-eat foods, and today they decided to try making yuzu sherbet.

Hermine’s portion was already finished, and now she was preparing the batch for the shop in the evening.

She added plenty of yuzu juice and grated yuzu peel to the sugar syrup.

This was a recipe she used to serve as a seasonal dessert.

Since they started serving the special pudding, more customers have been asking for something sweet after their meals.

If it turns out well, she wants to add it to the menu for the winter.

"... It smells good."

Drawn by the fragrance, Arnu appeared as if by chance.

Even after officially taking the title of marquis, he occasionally visits Nobu to eat tempura and the day’s specials.

"Is it okay for you to sneak out again?"

"Inspecting friendly neighboring cities is an important job for a lord. Besides, I have business with the city council."

Most of the crops harvested in the Sacknussenburg Marquisate are consumed in the old capital, making this city Arnu’s largest trading partner.

"But Hans has really come into his own. When I heard he was quitting the guard, I thought about asking him to serve the marquisate."

"Thank you. I’ll take your kind words to heart."

Hans, who was reluctantly let go from the guard, is now training to run his own stall. When Nobuyuki is busy, Hans helps with tasks like peeling vegetables, trying to learn the taste of Nobu’s dishes.

Nobuyuki, who used to train juniors at Yukitsuna, found a disciple worth training after a long time and was subtly teaching him the basics.

"Would you like something to eat?" Shinobu asked, and Arnu shook his head slightly.

"I’ll pass today. Being a marquis is surprisingly busy, even if it doesn’t look like it."

Arnu’s back, waving his hand, was full of confidence and enthusiasm.

Even when he pretended to be a playboy, he had a certain charm, but now his back looked lively.

He must be in his element.

"Hmm, someone was here?"

Nobuyuki returned through the back door, unusually dressed in civilian clothes and carrying a furoshiki.

"Arnu. He’s inspecting the old capital."

"It would have been nice to have him try the yuzu sherbet prototype."

"He seems busy."

"That’s true."

While giving a nonchalant response, Nobuyuki began inspecting the potatoes peeled by Hans.

He smiled at the tense-looking Hans, took the knife himself, and started peeling. The skin was thinner than what Hans had peeled.

"Of course, you want to leave as much of the edible part as possible, but vegetables and fruits often have the most flavor just under the skin. It’s better to peel as thinly as possible so that part can be enjoyed by customers too."

"Yes!"

Nobuyuki’s tone today resembled that of the head chef at Yukitsuna, Takanohara.

It’s no wonder, as he had just met with him. He had brought Takanohara some nikujaga to taste.

The nikujaga in the bento box was well-seasoned and had the perfect flavor. Shinobu had given it her seal of approval, saying it was good enough to be served in a restaurant.

"Takanohara, huh?"

Nobuyuki didn’t answer, but thrust his thumb up. It must have gone well.

With that flavor, no one could complain.

"Thanks to Shinobu for tasting it."

"It’s because the boss worked hard."

As a chef, Nobuyuki had climbed a mountain. There’s a sense of security in his current state.

He will likely pass on this skill to Hans.

Feeling a presence, he looked towards the glass door and saw two shadows.

Shinobu greeted them with a heartfelt smile as they held hands.

"Welcome!"

"… Welcome."

The izakaya Nobu raised its curtain in a corner of the old capital once again today.