Tasting Session: Part Three
"Oh, Otousama. Perhaps we could save such complicated discussions for later? Since we have this noodle dish here, please enjoy it while it's still warm and delicious."
In an attempt to diffuse the tense atmosphere, I encouraged everyone to try the pho, and the strained mood immediately dissipated.
"Y-Yes, you're right. Let’s eat it before the noodles get soggy."
With Otousama's words, everyone regained their composure and picked up their chopsticks.
"This was quickly prepared, but we successfully milled Idika flour and used it to make the noodles. Since it’s a trial product, the taste and texture still need improvement..."
As I explained, everyone silently chewed the noodles.
They weren't slurping them, though—just chewing away.
I think slurping udon or soba makes them taste better, but oh well.
"The texture is different from wheat noodles. It's chewier and goes down smoother."
"Yes, it seems more slippery than regular udon."
Otousama and Oniisama, who were accustomed to eating udon, immediately noticed the difference between regular noodles and the rice-flour noodles.
While I've cooked with store-bought pho before, I’ve never actually made noodles from scratch.
The extent of my experience with rice flour was using it to bake bread or sweets for a relative's child who had a wheat allergy.
I'll need to study milling techniques more thoroughly.
"This is delicious... Idika flour, huh? It's as good as wheat."
Crown Prince Raymond closed his eyes, savoring the chewy texture of the pho.
Yes, this seems to be going well.
Even Prince Kaldor and the others looked pleased.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it. Idika flour—and possibly milled Lars—could be used similarly to wheat flour. This way, everyone in the kingdom can have fulfilling, enjoyable meals without going hungry."
As I spoke with satisfaction, everyone looked startled for a moment, and Prince Kaldor and the others nodded deeply.
"Indeed, we are grateful to Miss Cristea. Thanks to this, our people will no longer starve."
"We owe this to Miss Cristea."
Both Prince Kaldor and Tika-san bowed deeply to me, leaving me flustered.
"Prince Kaldor, Tika-san, please raise your heads! I didn’t say that to make you bow!"
"I understand, but I can't help but express my gratitude."
After saying this, Prince Kaldor turned to Crown Prince Raymond.
"Your Highness Crown Prince Raymond, and Duke Ellisfeed, I am grateful for this magnificent recipe you have developed for our kingdom. In light of this achievement, our kingdom shall maintain friendly relations with the Doristan Kingdom and prioritize trading goods such as spices."
"This accomplishment belongs to Miss Cristea and the chefs of the Ellisfeed family, but we gladly accept the offer. I’ll propose to His Majesty that Duke Ellisfeed's household be given priority."
"It is true that this achievement is my daughter's, but she has no interest in matters outside of cooking, so we welcome the preferential trade for spices."
With Prince Kaldor limiting the terms of the trade in line with my wishes, Crown Prince Raymond and Otousama agreed, forming a tentative agreement.
But isn’t this the kind of thing that shouldn’t be decided here!?
Otousama later told me, "An unspoken understanding was reached in that moment to settle the matter since you’re so opposed to receiving formal rewards."
I feel bad... but honestly, I’m most excited about the preferential trade for spices.
"... By the way, is the tasting over now?"
Otousama gave me a serious look.
"Huh? Yes, I believe so."
"Good. Then I'll have seconds. I'll take Gapao rice and pho."
Otousama, isn’t that too much food?
"I’ll have pho as well. The same amount as before, please."
Oniisama is more reserved.
"Then, uh... I'll have fried rice. Can it be curry-flavored?"
Crown Prince Raymond—customizing it like curry fried rice feels like cheating!
"What? Curry-flavored fried rice? I'll have the same!"
See? Now Prince Kaldor is copying him!
"Hmm, curry fried rice... I'll have that too."
"Oh, me too, then."
Otousama and Oniisama too!?
Behind me, Tika-san was looking at me with desperate eyes as if saying, "What is this? I didn’t hear about that! You’ll make some for me too, right!?"
But still...
"Um, could I also have a small portion of curry fried rice?"
Once I hear about curry fried rice, I can’t resist!
I was planning to secretly enjoy some later, too!
"Oh, and if possible, could you make a small hollow in the center and add a soft-boiled egg?"
"Understood."
At my additional customization, everyone reacted with a "What’s that delicious-sounding idea!?" and ultimately, they all decided to add soft-boiled eggs to theirs as well.
Tika-san, I promise I’ll make some for you later, so please don’t look at me with that hopeless expression.
I beg you!
What do you think about this chapter?
