Chapter 19: Before the Long Freeze
The evening sun's rays fell across the Crimson Tide Domain.
Inside the smoking shed near the hot springs, several smoked fish hung on wooden racks, their golden skin slightly wrinkled, emitting a rich smoky aroma.
Vaerik stood nearby, his gaze examining these fish that had been smoked for several hours.
He then gently pressed the surface with his finger, and the dry, springy texture made him nod with satisfaction.
"My... my lord..." Sally stood nearby, carefully speaking, her hands unconsciously twisted together.
Her eyes showed nervousness, afraid her smoked fish wasn't good enough.
Vaerik looked up at her words and praised: "Well smoked, the fish's texture and color are both good."
Sally let out a breath, a nervous smile appearing on her face: "It... it was all done according to your method. Without... without your guidance, we couldn't have done it."
"You have skilled hands," Vaerik said casually as he tore off a piece of fish and put it in his mouth.
Although the fish was dry and hard, a rich smoky aroma gradually spread in his mouth as he chewed. It tasted quite good.
Standing nearby, Hilco crossed his arms and tiredly yawned, his dark circles nearly falling to the ground.