Chapter 605: Small Portions
“No, wait. I said ‘sure,’ but it’s Spirit Gold, Spirit Gold!”
Haulon, leaning back in his chair, suddenly leans forward and shouts.
“If it’s just Spirit Gold, most people would give up if you keep it at the Temple. —Though the amount seems off, with connections and money, you can get your hands on it,” Retze reassures him.
“Exactly! If we have Wanwan as a watchdog, we’ll be safe!”
“Don’t call it a dog!?”
Haulon glares at me.
“…True, Spirit Gold is valuable, but troublesome individuals usually have the connections and wealth to gather it, so the chances of them getting involved are low. Normal thieves wouldn’t be a problem. Besides, before that, the fruits and vegetables offered at the Temple are…”
His voice gradually drops, and he slumps over the table.
“Ah…”
“Wait, are fruits and vegetables more valuable than a crown!?”
In my mind, the emeralds of the crown and scepter turned into cabbages. The necklace transformed into a splendid melon.
“You’re the one who brought the Golden Fruit and vegetables!” Haulon shouts, lifting his head.
Ah, right, I remember they’re excellent as a source of magical power.
“It would be nice if we could use them for things like air conditioning or drawing water.”
“You can’t just use what was offered to the Gods without permission! Especially not with those ancient, powerful deities!”
He seems to be quite concerned about various things.
“Should I bring some more?”
I have plenty. In fact, I have them ready. I’m always looking for someone to offload them onto.
“Stop it!?” Haulon is half in tears.
“Calm down with some wine. Jean, give him something to snack on.” Retze says, pouring wine into Haulon’s glass.
Since he requested snacks, I serve some.
Stuffed red peppers with tuna paste, mushroom and scallop canapés, salted cod croquettes, and a variety of hams and cheeses.
“Oh, this fried stuff has a great saltiness. Was it croquettes? They go better with wine than that other dish.” Retze pops a bite-sized cod croquette into his mouth.
“Ugh, it’s still delicious as always.” Haulon, tempted, reaches out and starts eating.
“As long as the Spirit Gold isn’t cursed like the Golden Armor, it should be fine. Yes, exactly! Compared to vegetables!”
Haulon has revived!
But he also made a problematic statement!
“Alright, Jean. Serve it in small portions.”
I was stopped by Retze before I could speak!
The armor made of Spirit Gold is the one that has turned into Chris’s statue, right? The one rumored to move when no one is watching. It’s not armor, so is this safe?
“Oh! Jean’s here!”
“Good evening.”
Dean and Chris return.
“Good evening. Tired?”
They look a bit worn out.
It’s rare for it to rain steadily outside, so maybe they had a tough job?
“Exhausted, exhausted, so give me food! I’ll give you something good!”
“I was tired until just now, but seeing Jean has lifted my spirits!”
They say they’ll wash their hands and feet first and head to the well. Dean, who used to prioritize eating and drinking even when dirty, now properly cleans up before sitting at the table.
That’s a good thing.
“Those two have been staying overnight since yesterday. It should be chilly, so if you can, serve them something warm.”
Even though it’s raining, it’s not a cold day. I wonder? Were they dealing with ice Demon Beasts or something?
“I wonder what ‘something good’ is?”
Retze laughs and doesn’t tell me. I guess he’s looking forward to what they’ll bring out.
Hearing Retze, Haulon mutters a short incantation and flicks his fingers toward the Fireplace. Suddenly, a spirit in the shape of a lizard darts up from the flickering flames, causing the fire to grow larger.
“Can Retze and Haulon eat?”
“A proper amount might be a bit much.”
“Serve it in small portions, please.”
Haulon wants it in small portions.
“Alright, I’ll get some plates so you two can share.”
I prepare enough wine for everyone and a trivet for one less than the number of people.
“Thanks for waiting.”
“Sorry to keep you waiting!”
Dean and Chris return, holding their shoes, and place them in front of the Fireplace to dry. A spirit with a blissful expression is nestled inside Dean’s boots.
“Ah, leave the dessert to me and Dean.”
“I’ll give you something delicious and rare.” The two laugh.
“I’m looking forward to it. First, please have some rice.”
Saying that, I serve Nabeyaki Udon. It’s a ceramic pot, but it has a flat bottom like this one.
“Be careful, it’s hot. It’s also good to cool it down with the plates.”
“Whoa, it’s bubbling!”
“This looks hot. Since it was cold, it’s a feast for the eyes too!”
It’s Nabeyaki Udon with mochi-filled pouches. I think it’ll fill us up. I served it because it was really good to eat when it’s cold, but I wonder how it’ll go?
“Drop the egg according to your preference.” I say, dropping an egg in and covering it.
Since I asked the spirit to take it off the fire, it’s still bubbling a bit longer than usual, so the egg white should solidify properly.
“What’s this? Is it shrimp tempura?”
Retze skillfully lifts it with chopsticks.
“It’s more like ebi-ten.” The batter has soaked up the broth, making it soft and tender.
“Sorry, I’m going to eat a whole serving by myself. Can I ask for more now?”
Haulon stops Retze, who was about to divide it into plates.
“Then I’ll ask for some too.”
I glanced at Retze, who was supposed to share half with Haulon, and he nodded back.
In the end, we all enjoyed the Nabeyaki Udon together.