Chapter 402: Curry Again
I placed the pot down on the unlit Cooking Stove with a thud. Next, I set down the steaming rice in its container with a thump, followed by the plate of Fukujinzuke with a clatter.
After serving rice onto a plate and adding the cutlet, I lifted the lid of the pot.
“Hmm? What’s that?”
Retze reacted to the wafting aroma of curry.
“Oh, so today it’s curry powder?”
The Butler’s voice came from behind Dinoss.
“Not just curry powder, but curry. Katsu Curry.”
I had occasionally served dishes seasoned with curry powder, so it seems there was some misunderstanding. Even if I accidentally entered a subpar restaurant, as long as they had curry powder, I could make do, and I had been using it here and there.
“Ah, the smell of curry.”
Retze seemed to recall what the unique scent was and leaned over to peek into the pot.
I poured the curry over the rice, added a bit of Fukujinzuke, and handed it to Retze, who had come to see. The Butler took care of the rest of the serving as usual.
I was confident the rice was fine, so I boldly prepared Katsu Curry, which I remembered was popular among foreigners who preferred bread back in Japan. It was well-received here too.
For a moment, I considered making Katsu Don, but that would involve the egg barrier. I could make it firm, but I wanted to ease into it gradually.
“Here you go.”
Along with a salad and Lassi.
“Alright. Let’s toast first.”
With Dinoss leading the way, we raised our glasses and said, “Itadakimasu.”
I ate while holding my plate, facing the side table. I wanted to improve this part a bit.
Even with the curry clinging to it, I took a big bite of the thick cutlet. The rich flavor of pork fat spread in my mouth. It was a bit hot, so I took a sip of Lassi.
“This is delicious.”
“Yeah, I prefer this to curry powder.”
Well, since it’s Dinoss, curry powder is… well, whatever.
“This is a thick cutlet. Just changing the thickness alters the taste.”
Retze munched while observing. They do have cutlets here.
“Not bad.”
“Delicious.”
Karn’s response was quite ordinary.
Karn usually only tastes specific foods, but thanks to the Butler allowing Spirits to come and go in the House’s kitchen, my cooking should have flavor.
Still, it seems his favorite is still red wine. He also seems to prefer chai and sweet spicy dishes. Since dishes without the influence of Spirits lack flavor, it’s good that his top favorite is red wine.
“Can I have seconds?”
“Of course. How about the cutlet?”
“Can I get half?”
“Oh, then I’ll take that half. I like this more than the regular grilled version.”
Dinoss seemed to enjoy the Katsu Curry. I wondered if Haulon liked the cutlet.
I wondered how fried food would be for the elderly. Come to think of it, here, it seems that aging doesn’t change one’s preference for lighter foods, unlike in Japan.
Also, unlike Japanese culture, there’s no practice of individuals adjusting flavors; they don’t mix plain rice—here it’s bread—in their mouths. They just shove bread in because the flavor is strong.
Even now, the curry is neatly mixed on the plate. Speaking of which, even in the same Asian region, when something is served on rice, it’s mixed on the plate before it goes into the mouth. Could it be that Japan is the minority?
“Hmm, maybe I should buy a larger table and a tablecloth next time.”
With two more people—who are also big—the current table is too cramped.
“Oh, it’s a bit tight, but I like this atmosphere. Including the table.”
Haulon said.
Since Haulon and Karn are big, they occasionally bump their heads against some of the lamps I have hanging from the beams.
The floorboards are thicker than usual, and I’ve added more joists, so I don’t think the floor will collapse. I should reinforce it with Spirit Iron later.
“Now that we’ve finished eating, let’s complain!”
Dinoss gulped down his red wine.
“Yes, I have plenty to share.”
Haulon replied.
Their gazes were not on me but directed at the Butler.
“Is it about what happened in Es? I wonder if it’s appropriate to complain in front of the person involved…”
The Butler smiled faintly.
“Didn’t you already realize that Lord Jean’s daily life is extraordinary from the start?”
He continued while pouring tea. The Butler’s movements were elegant.
“If that was introduced as daily life, my mind would just blank out!”
“Why would you contract with Es in daily life? That’s not something you do in the ordinary!”
Dinoss and Haulon chimed in.
“Es… is it?”
The Butler maintained his smile.
“Shouldn’t we tone it down a bit?”
Retze said while sipping his wine.
“Isn’t it better than seeing it in person?!”
“There’s no mercy for fleeing before the enemy!”
Fleeing before the enemy, Dinoss…
Karn watched the two making a fuss while sipping his wine. I also took a cup of tea from the Butler, who was frozen in place, and drank.
Ah, Daifuku was about to tumble off Retze’s lap. The Zabuton seemed to have given up on lifting Karn and was resting on his knee. It looked a bit cat-like too.
“Could this be related to the time when the Es River receded?”
The Butler asked Dinoss and Haulon.
It’s fine, I heard it returned quickly!!!!