Tasting Session: Part One
It felt wrong to send off Crown Prince Raymond empty-handed, so naturally, we invited him to join us for a luncheon, doubling as a tasting session.
Crown Prince Raymond, who had been curiously sniffing around the kitchen earlier, seemed quite pleased to finally get a chance to try the food.
Since most of the test batches had already been eaten, leaving only lingering scents, he must have felt incredibly teased. I get it.
"Finally, I get to eat," said Leon-sama, walking beside Crown Prince Raymond toward the dining hall, his hands clasped behind his head in a relaxed manner.
Oh, hush.
Now that I think about it, Leon-sama intentionally took him to Prince Kaldor's stall, didn't he?
He must have known this would happen, this crafty schemer.
Thanks to that, we ended up making a test batch of Idika, which wasn't originally planned. Though meeting Idika was lucky, so perhaps it worked out in the end.
After everyone moved to the dining hall and took their seats, the first dish was served—freshly steamed rice, modestly portioned on small plates of differing colors.
"What is this?"
"These are cooked samples of Lars and Idika. Please compare the two."
I deliberately didn't mention which plate was which.
The visual difference should make explanations unnecessary.
"Hmm, the grain shapes are clearly distinct. This one looks like the Lars we're accustomed to eating…"
Otousama said confidently, picking up the plate of Lars and taking a bite with his chopsticks.
"… Yes, the texture is sticky, and the more you chew, the sweeter it gets. It's the usual taste."
Closing his eyes as if savoring the flavor, Otousama gave his verdict with confidence.
Otousama, you've gotten so used to Lars.
When you first tried it, it was immediately obvious it was animal feed, and you gave me a scolding. You've come a long way since then.
"Indeed, as Otousama said, this plate appears to be Lars. Then this must be Idika? Compared to Lars, the grains are longer and more separated… hmm?"
Oniisama struggled to pick up the Idika grains with chopsticks, as they scattered more easily than Lars.
I handed him a spoon, which I had prepared just in case.
"… This is interesting. The flavor and texture are distinctly different despite the similarity. And there’s a unique aroma to it."
Otousama was quick to notice the differences in Idika and pointed them out.
As expected of him.
"Yes. While Lars and Idika may seem similar, their characteristics differ. They cannot be cooked the same way, so this was prepared using a recipe specific to Idika."
"An exclusive recipe for Idika, you say?"
Otousama's expression changed. Of course, it did. A unique recipe implies significance.
While saving a nation might be an exaggeration, it's clear he saw potential value in this for Samonar.
I feel a bit bad for Otousama, but I've already proposed to Prince Kaldor that instead of a high-priced transaction, the Ellisfeed Dukedom should be given preferential treatment in the future. I'll need to discuss this with Otousama.
Since Otousama acknowledges that I'm the one who devised the recipe, he usually honors my wishes unless I completely hand over the negotiations.
If I casually said, "Feel free to take it for free," he'd likely be upset.
So, while the recipe will be presented as a gift, I'll ensure the Dukedom secures a favorable arrangement.
For me, that's the best outcome.
Even from Otousama's perspective, gaining an advantage over other nobles through long-term preferential treatment should be beneficial.
Is this a victory of selflessness? No, it's more of a calculated desire.
Earlier, the Head Cef smiled wryly and remarked, "Cristea-sama, you have no greed."
While I lack ambitions like fame or superiority, I certainly have a desire for the means and materials to create delicious food. I suppose that makes me materialistic.
What? You're saying it’s just an appetite?
Well, a maiden’s heart prefers not to call it that directly.
Let’s leave it at that. Haha (not amused).
Prince Kaldor silently compared Lars and Idika.
Judging by his occasional nods while eating Idika, he seemed to appreciate its distinct appeal.
Tika-san, though a retainer, stood behind Prince Kaldor, gazing longingly at the table as if to say, "I want to eat too!" Tika-san, we’ve saved some for later, so please hold on!
"Now that you've understood the differences between Lars and Idika, the first dish is fried rice.”
I announced as half-sized plates of fried rice were brought out.
"Wait, that's it? Isn't the portion too small?"
Leon-sama complained. That ill-mannered holy beast lion!
Both Kurogane and Mashiro were behaving, so you should too!
That said, it seemed Otousama, Oniisama, and Crown Prince Raymond shared Leon-sama’s sentiment but hesitated to voice it.
Leon-sama’s bluntness, however, left them slightly flustered.
"Since we’ll be serving other test dishes, the portions are modest. If you like something, you can request seconds afterward.”
"Oh, I see. In that case, I'll wait with anticipation.”
Leon-sama replied, satisfied, as he picked up his spoon.
Aware of everyone’s hearty appetites, the kitchen staff was likely busy steaming more rice.
Still, the servants preparing for the post-tasting rush looked tense.
To the kitchen staff and servers, I apologize.
Hosting royals and holy beasts from multiple nations in one dining hall must be nerve-wracking.
Perhaps I should ask Otousama to issue special bonuses… or maybe I should cover it myself?
"This is delicious. I've had Lars fried rice before, but this has an entirely different texture.”
Otousama said, enjoying the Idika fried rice.
After savoring the first bite, he eagerly dug in.
"Indeed, the separate grains complement the fried rice texture."
Oniisama added, clearly pleased.
Crown Prince Raymond finished his plate in no time.
"Exactly. The unique aroma of Idika surprisingly enhances the dish.”
Otousama remarked.
While some might find Idika's distinct scent off-putting, it seemed to be well-received.
Kurogane and Mashiro, having finished long ago, were already demanding the next dish.
Both must have been quite hungry despite their earlier composure.
Seeing the reactions of the Doristan Kingdom delegation, Prince Kaldor and Tika-san exchanged confident glances, clearly believing, "This will surely work!"
Good. The fried rice has passed the test. Now, onto the next dish!
What do you think about this chapter?
