Chapter 165: Rest at the Home Port
Feeling the exhaustion of battle-worn soldiers, I decided to treat them to a delicious meal. I borrowed the kitchen of the tavern and prepared food alongside the hardworking harbor women of Pervert.
Transylvania is famous for its cheese. Curious if they had cheese fondue, I inquired.
「Do you serve cheese fondue here?」
「No. While we occasionally add bits of cheese to stews, we don’t indulge in such extravagance. However, I must admit that the rich aroma and flavor of cheese are delightful.」
It seemed that here, the fare consisted mainly of bread, herring, and bean soup. Transylvania’s shortage of arable land led to a strong emphasis on dairy farming. Although they produced dairy products like cheese and beef, along with cured sausages, their high prices made them primarily for export, rarely gracing the common folk’s tables.
If the tavern girls enjoyed it, I was sure the sailors would too. Cheese fondue was a simple dish—just finely cut cheese mixed with flour, heated white wine, and served in a pot. Originally meant to soften stale bread, it paired well not only with bread but also with blanched broccoli, carrots, or sausages. The naturally fragrant and delicious Transylvanian cheese made it a delightful treat.
「Follow my instructions and prepare plenty for the crew. We’ve rented out the entire tavern, so the payment will be generous.」
「Understood.」
The Silesien Navy had grown significantly, now numbering well over a thousand. With so many sailors ashore, the tavern was bustling. Everyone stretched their wings after being at sea for so long.
As I approached the lively group surrounding the central table, I noticed something intriguing. Admiral Drake deftly manipulated cards with one hand, winning a heap of gold coins from Admiral Jean. Admiral Jean stared at the cards, his face turning pale. Is he caught in a losing streak? It seemed like a game of chance, akin to poker. Best not to get too carried away.
Personally, I had little interest in gambling. After confirming that the food I’d prepared was well-received by the crew, I scanned the room. There, I spotted Commodore Philip, the Marine Corps commander responsible for harbor defense.
「Enjoying yourself?」
「…Hah!」
The sun-kissed, twenty-four-year-old youth with wheat-colored skin snapped to attention, saluting me. His fellow townsfolk, who were dining with him at the same table, also stood up in a hurry.
The liquor on the table was a distilled brandy known as ‘burnt wine’ produced in Silesie. I sampled it briefly—a potent drink that could ignite if you struck a match. Silesiens were known for their strong constitution when it came to alcohol, a trait I secretly envied.
「Please, have a seat and relax. No need for formality during our break. Philip, I apologize for entrusting you with an unfamiliar task. The harbor defense was no small feat for everyone.」
「No, i-it’s… an honor! I’m honored!」
Philip’s reddened cheeks made him appear slightly tipsy. When dealing with elderly folks, conversation flowed more easily, but facing someone just a bit older left me tongue-tied. These volunteer soldiers saw me as the hero, an image that had taken on a life of its own.
「And how’s the food?」
「Ah, the dishes prepared by the Hero himself are a delight! Everyone is thoroughly enjoying them!」
While I wished I could ask about the taste, the language barrier remained insurmountable. Well, judging by the progress of their forks, they must be savoring the meal. It was a good opportunity to discuss work, but perhaps not right now—since it was break time, I’d let it slide.
「Commodore Philip, we’ll discuss the details later, but due to the anticipated threat of further enemy assaults, I entrust you with the ongoing defense of this harbor. So, please continue to familiarize yourself with the town as much as possible.」
「Understood! I will defend it with all my might, even if it costs me my life!」
No need for such sacrifices. As long as they carry out their duties, there’s no need to risk their lives needlessly. These volunteer soldiers need not speak like knights. Unfortunately, some of the seasoned volunteers, influenced by Louise’s teachings, tend to use such grandiose language.
Pervert Harbor remains part of the Transylvania Duchy’s territory. Ideally, the defense of the town would fall under the responsibility of the national army. Therefore, I’ve already informed King Valram, who resides in the capital, Brussel, about the potential attacks from the invincible armada. We can expect sufficient reinforcements.
In truth, defending from land has its advantages even against fierce assaults. With an ample number of guards and a solid defensive posture, the harbor won’t fall. Preparedness is key—I don’t want to lose these sincere souls who follow my lead without complaint.
As the commander in chief, my presence tends to make the sailors uneasy, inhibiting their relaxation. So, after lightly patting Philip’s shoulder and saying, ‘Enjoy your time’. I returned to the tavern’s kitchen.
Cheese fondue was meant for the soldiers, but now it was time to prepare something for myself. As I poured honey wine to my liking, I focused on cooking.
「This is what the navy is all about.」
The dish I’m attempting is beef curry.
Finally, with access to spices, I can make it.
Though I lack potatoes, I have carrots and onions, and I’ve added garlic for flavor. It should turn out well.
I’ll mix various spices—fiery chili, fragrant cumin seeds, vibrant turmeric, flavorful coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and garam masala—let them rest, and then toss them into a roux made by sautéing flour and butter.
Stirring the sautéed beef and vegetables into the curry, the nostalgic, tantalizing aroma filled the air. It was enough to make one’s mouth water.
I also cooked rice in a clay pot. This rice came from the unpolished grains I obtained from the ‘furuki sha’. With Viola’s plant-growing abilities, we cultivated it in the marshes, and this year’s harvest yielded a crop. I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but the ‘furuki sha’ provided Japonica rice rather than Indica rice.
Perhaps it’s a form of summoning ability. Considering my journey through the cruel fantasy, it wouldn’t be strange if the embodiment of the Mother of Chaos summoned Japanese rice.
As I pondered this, I tasted the curry soup with a ladle. Maybe I’d added too much chili during the preparation; it was a tad spicier than intended. But then again, curry isn’t truly delicious without some heat.
「Still, it’s a bit sharp.」
While the recipe might be correct, mixing spices alone doesn’t quite achieve the mildness of Japanese curry. Something was missing. Despite that, I figured it was good enough—it had the essence of curry flavor.
Cooking secretly for myself wasn’t solely because rice and spices were precious commodities. When I previously had the slave girls taste-test my curry rice prototype, their reactions were quite mixed.
Despite multiple adjustments and my confidence in getting the spice blend right, the girls barely touched their spoons. Sharon, in particular, forced herself to eat, sweat dripping down her face, and weakly declared, ‘It’s delicious…’.
Clearly, something was off. It wasn’t just about the spiciness; there was a deeper issue. It seems that Silesiens don’t find Japanese rice or curry as delightful as I do.
It’s likely because the ingredients I’m using are unfamiliar to their palates.
Perhaps in another hundred years, curry rice might become more widely accepted in this world, but for now, I’ll enjoy it on my own.
「Alright, it’s ready.」
「It smells wonderful.」
Louise said as she approached. She must have been nearby, having returned to her role as my guard. Holding a glass of brandy, she seemed to have already taken a sip. Despite drinking a bit, Louise never showed any signs of intoxication.
「I’ve made curry rice. Care to try it?」
「Of course.」
Louise, an old soul who usually struggles with new things, makes an exception when it comes to food. She’ll eat just about anything. Compared to devouring monster innards, unfamiliar curry rice is a minor challenge for her. I scooped some onto a spoon and handed it to her.
「Is it delicious?」
「Yes, it’s quite tasty. This curry reminds me of dragon stew.」
Indeed, I thought the same.
When chili peppers were scarce, I considered using dragon breath sacs to create spiciness. The tingly sensation on the tongue from the black wyvern’s breath was reminiscent of the flavor in Thai curry. Compared to that punchy taste, my curry should be more palatable.
「Ah… it’s delicious. This is it.」
I sighed, savoring each bite.
Though the flavor differed slightly, the intricate blend of rice and curry was irreplaceable. It reminded me of the taste of my homeland.
「This is the flavor of Takeru’s homeland.」
「Yes, it’s the flavor of my country. Shall we have another serving?」
As we sat quietly in the corner of the kitchen, the distant sounds of the bustling tavern reached us. Louise handed me a wooden plate, and I generously ladled more curry onto it. Both of us had hearty appetites, and there was plenty left for seconds.
In a cozy corner of the tavern, just the two of us sat around the table. Louise and I ate in silence.
It had been a while since we shared a meal like this, just the two of us. The atmosphere was perfect, but then an intruder appeared.
「Hero, what are you eating?」
「What’s up, Are?」
「It’s not ‘what’s up’, give me some too!」
「Sure, but can you handle curry rice?」
Despite claiming to be famished, I had already treated Are to a hearty cheese fondue earlier. Yet here they were, ready to eat again.
Well, Are hailed not from Silesie but from an island in the Afri continent. I was curious to see their reaction to curry.
「How is it?」
Are, with her small mouth and large, dragon-scale-covered hands, clumsily gripped the spoon. Then, she devoured the curry at nearly supersonic speed.
For Are, curry wasn’t a dish—it was a beverage.
「Yeah, the spiciness from the red pepper in the broth is quite delightful.」
「Can you really taste it?」
「Don’t be surprised. Red pepper is native to Are’s island. They asked for some, so I shared with the folks from the Eura continent.」
「I see…」
Red pepper, originally from Central and South America, wasn’t something I’d find in this Eura land. Potatoes, corn, tomatoes, pumpkins—all likely originated from another continent.
But that was understandable; the Age of Exploration hadn’t reached these shores yet.
On the other hand, I occasionally spotted chili peppers and strawberries cultivated in certain regions here. Even vanilla beans, which shouldn’t exist, were considered luxury items in the market.
Perhaps tracing the trade routes would reveal that these goods flowed through the Siren Sea from the Afri continent. Or maybe the uncharted New Continent was already connected through trade with the dragon maidens residing on Rango Island.
「Hero, what are you lost in thought about? Bring me seconds.」
「Ah, of course, here you go.」
Are’s manner of speaking seemed to rub off on me, and I chuckled. Looking ahead, if we emerged victorious in this battle against Castilia and secured dominance over the Siren Sea, we could open trade routes to Afri and the New Continent. That way, we could obtain energy-efficient crops from the New Continent and enrich the Eura continent’s strength.
In doing so, even starving children might become scarce. Perhaps we could put an end to the slave system perpetuated by poverty.
In that sense, Are’s presence was a boon. Maintaining ties with Lango Island was crucial.
But that was a matter for the distant future. Someday, in the country’s taverns, curry rice with potatoes might be enjoyed without a second thought. If that were the case, the sacrifices made in this battle would hold meaning.
Are, who had devoured curry to their heart’s content, finally spoke up.
「By the way, hero, the bath is ready.」
「Huh? What do you mean by ‘bath’?」
As a bath enthusiast, I had done my research. There were no places like the lecherous inns with baths here.
In Lanct City, there used to be public bathhouses. But it seemed the waves of bathing culture hadn’t reached this side yet.
「Never mind that; come over here.」
「Wait a moment, Are. We need to clean up first.」
After soaking the finished dishes in water, Louise and I followed Are to the outskirts of town.
「Just a little further.」
「How far are we going?」
Beyond the city walls, along the river, a wooden enclosure had appeared. It hadn’t been there before.
「You should peek inside.」
「What… Is this really a bath?」
Within the wooden walls, as Are had described, stood a large rock bath, steam rising from its surface.