Chapter 581: Tastes in Food
I share a brief conversation with Haulon about Esha.
“You mentioned the Fire Country, so I was wondering… is there another country that goes by that name?”
It’s not just a guess; Esha is protected by the Fire Spirit and the Sand Spirit. They’re weak, but they’re ancient Spirits. The Fire Spirit is one thing, but I sensed Baylis’s presence with the Sand Spirit, so regardless of the name, it’s certain that there’s a connection to Karn’s Country.
“There was a place called the Fire Country.”
“…That’s unfortunate.”
In Nakahara, while there aren’t many trees, the land is covered in grass. It’s a remnant of the Wind Spirit that once carried nutrient-rich soil to protect the Hero, and even now, the remaining retainers continue this practice as if it were a habit.
The scale of it seems to have shrunk considerably, but you can still see fields of wheat and pastures scattered about.
I think that when Esha moved here, there were probably more trees. Before the Age of Wind, it must have been the Age of Trees in Nakahara.
The Green Country of Tildonai. I can understand why it would be called that, surrounded by sand with little greenery, but I thought the name might have changed in the more verdant Nakahara. It seems I was mistaken.
“The Fire Country grew too large, split apart, and then came together again as the Tildonai Kingdom. When the kingdom fell, the only city that barely survived was Es.”
“Ah, right. You mentioned that there are descendants of the people in Es.”
Not just in Nakahara, but they’re scouting residents from Es as well.
“Es was originally a city with many different ethnicities. While there was certainly a belief in the Fire Spirit, the faith in the Mother River Es was even stronger. That’s why it’s said that the true lineage of the Fire Country was lost with the Tildonai Kingdom…”
From what I’ve seen and heard so far, it seems that when powerful Spirits that define an era disappear—whether it’s the Fire Spirit or others—the countries under their influence become blank slates. Es likely had a greater influence from the Spirits other than the Fire Spirit. Probably.
“Ah, so the Fire Country is indeed Karn’s Country?”
I wonder if it will become a nation that worships the Desert Spirit Baylis next. And then there’s Es, Asas, and Wanwan. No, just from the name Shahira, it seems like the King’s Branch will become the center of worship.
For now, I hope it’s not the faith in the Light Spirit that promises self-destruction.
“Most likely. But expressions like ‘buried in sand’ can also refer to towns abandoned in the desert, so we need to investigate when Esha moved…”
Haulon seems restless.
“Go investigate, and when you meet Esha with Baylis, it’ll be fine. —Want to eat something?”
It’s Haulon’s job to gather solid evidence and confirm things. And it’s Karn and Haulon’s job to go pick her up. I’m just the one providing information. It’s probably better for everyone emotionally if I stay out of it.
“I’m eating.”
Retze, who had been silent, suddenly stretches my cheek.
Why!?
“It’s already late today, so we’ll talk about investigating tomorrow. Give me some too.”
Haulon, who had been restless, takes a deep breath and sits back down.
“Sure, sure.”
What should I make? Maybe something British?
Fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, roast beef served with stewed beans and salad. Wine and orange juice.
For the salad, I’ll use a creamy dressing made with boiled egg yolks, mustard, and fresh cream to give it that British flair.
If Dean and Karn were here, I’d definitely add a hearty steak, but it’s just Retze and Haulon.
“What’s that on top? It’s really smooth, but it’s not gratin, right?”
Retze asks as he brings the shepherd’s pie to his mouth. It’s not white sauce.
“It’s potato. The filling is minced mutton.”
The mashed potatoes are made smooth with fresh cream.
“Oh, so potatoes can be used in this kind of dish. The ladies of Shulm would probably love it.”
“They would enjoy it?”
Is potato popular?
It seems like there are tomatoes in Shulm too.
“Here, it’s a status symbol to tear into meat with gusto, but over there, it’s considered polite to eat without chewing.”
“Huh?”
A liquid diet?
Retze, who told me this, seems a bit put off by it. Is it something like how cold jelly became popular because of the drought and heat? It’s so mysterious.
“I’ve heard bits and pieces about it before, but the phrase ‘to chew’ is avoided because it’s seen as beast-like. It probably won’t last long, though. This meat is tender, right? Even though it’s thin, the juices come out and mix with the sauce, creating a great flavor.”
Haulon says while eating the roast beef.
“Well, it doesn’t really matter to us. The food right in front of us is definitely tastier than any unknown dishes from other countries. —Though there are plenty of dishes here I don’t understand either. Which sauce do you dip this white fried food in?”
Retze points to two small plates.
“Whichever you prefer. Tartar sauce or vinegar.”
I dip it in vinegar first, then add tartar sauce.
“Fried potatoes are best when they’re hot. —Potatoes are spreading quite a bit, but they’re still mostly boiled and used as a substitute for bread. I hope the wars settle down soon so that your cooking methods can spread too, Jean.”
Haulon brings a potato to his mouth.
There are some likes and dislikes, but I’m glad we all share similar tastes in food!!! If someone said they liked space food, I’d be at a loss every meal time.