Chapter 488: Yakiniku Party
“……”
Under the rose shelf, additional tables and chairs that Kiel must have brought in.
Soleil sits with his legs crossed, wearing an ennui expression. At the center of the table rests a beautifully carved black dragon’s outer shell, placed atop a handkerchief.
“I want to put the fire stand there,” I say, pointing out the obstruction in the middle.
“Uuuh… To treat this masterpiece so roughly…” Soleil clutches the carved shell to his chest, looking as if he might cry.
“That’s a dragon’s outer shell, so it won’t get damaged unless you do something really weird with it,” I reassure him. The Earth Folk had a tough time carving it even with their Spirit Iron tools, and it was fine even if it was dropped.
“Dragon… Dragon…!”
“You can hold it, but it’s going to smell like grilled meat,” I say, realizing that Soleil’s excitement is a bit over the top.
“Dragon… Dragon… Dragon’s outer shell…? No way, right? It’s not something you can just come by… But today in the plaza—”
Has Soleil infected Orlando with his obsession!?
Next to the old man, Orlando starts mumbling to himself, cradling his head in despair. The old man looks at him with a mix of sympathy and exasperation.
“Now, let’s get the fire stand over here. I’ll set it up,” Charles says, extending his sweet smile as he approaches.
So that’s how he charmed so many noble ladies, huh? It’s a bit awkward to think of him like that now, considering he’s focused on cooking.
Charles sets up two fire stands in the center of each table, while Auro brings over shallow wooden plates filled with vegetables.
Plates of meat, a colander filled with lettuce, small dishes of sauce, and lemon wedges are laid out.
Kiel, a man who can wait for anything that isn’t sweet, prepares the side plates and forks. Faramia elegantly arranges white napkins.
“Just grill the meat and vegetables on the net as you like. You can dip the meat in this sauce, but be careful—this one’s spicy, this one’s refreshing, and this one’s a bit rich. Choose according to your taste,” I explain simply as I start placing the meat on the grill.
I’ve arranged the charcoal so that there are spots with less and more heat. I place the meat on the hot spots where the charcoal is abundant, while the weaker spots are reserved for eggplants, shiitake mushrooms, and other vegetables.
“I see…” The old man picks up the tongs.
“Ah! Master!” Orlando exclaims, hastily grabbing the tongs and starting to grill the meat.
What a diligent servant.
“Soleil, why don’t you temporarily place that over there and enjoy your meal while watching it?” Faramia suggests to Soleil.
Having received his agreement, Faramia carefully moves the sculpture, still wrapped in the handkerchief, to a spot where Soleil can see it well.
What a diligent maid.
“This section of the grill is my territory! Don’t encroach on it!”
“Territory? It’s already cooked, so if you don’t eat it quickly, I’ll take it,” Auro says coolly, swiftly snatching the meat that Kiel was grilling.
“Ah—!”
“Kiel, it’s definitely overcooked,” Kiel shouts at Auro, but in the meantime, Charles smoothly swipes more meat from in front of Kiel.
What a seamless exchange, with movements that are almost too efficient. Despite Kiel’s shouting, the other two are almost graceful.
“I’m just cooking it well! You lot are the ones who are undercooked!”
“Cooking it until it’s burnt—do you not know the taste of meat?”
“I know the taste of this meat!”
Is the debate between Auro and Kiel a changeling-style joke? Apparently, changelings can’t taste ingredients or dishes that lack the influence of spirits.
These two are dressed in matching suits with white gloves, looking very butler-like… How can they engage in such a conversation without making the women cry?
“Indeed, everything prepared by Nii-sama is delicious. I’m very happy,” Charles says, his face melting into a blissful smile as he savors the meat. It’s a bit scary how he seems ready to nuzzle it. I can’t help but think the women might cry.
“This is delicious…”
“Yes, Master. It’s surprisingly delicious,” the old man and Orlando seem to be enjoying the dragon meat.
“The corn is delicious too. Sweeter than any mediocre candy! Let’s make this the highlight next year,” Soleil says, clearly in high spirits as he enjoys the corn.
“This noodle is also tasty,” Faramia says, her usual expression softening just a bit.
It’s a beautiful sight to see a classic maid enjoying Morioka Cold Noodles, holding the bowl and eating with a fork. If she likes it, that’s a good thing.
Morioka Cold Noodles are smooth and cold, with an excellent texture and mouthfeel. The broth, based on beef bones, is light, complemented by the spiciness of kimchi. I think I did well with this.
“Your way of eating looks delicious too, my lord,” Auro says, glancing at me.
I’m rolling up dragon meat dipped in a slightly spicy sauce with lettuce. I’d love to make some doubanjiang or gochujang with this.
“Ah, this meat is incredibly delicious. This one is beef, right? What kind of meat is this? Which part is it from?” Soleil asks, smiling brightly.
“Ah,” I say, my eyes drifting to the carving placed on the stairs.
“Eh…? No way…?” Soleil freezes.
It’s okay, it’s a silent dragon. We’re in the clear, right?