Thanks to the arrangements made by Count Kelvim, the central square was filled with an abundance of dishes, resembling a grand feast. Large pots brimming with various stews, crafted with great care by Flora, the chefs, the butcher, and the townsfolk, were lined up on tables surrounding the square. They had even butchered an entire cow to prepare these delicacies.
In the center of the square, a brick grill was set up, where thick cuts of meat sizzled over a wire mesh.
Gilbert rushed over to Flora, who was standing beside one of the pots. The air was thick with the rich, tantalizing aroma of food, stirring his hunger into a frenzy.
“What I made is a classic stew! It’s a rich broth made from beef bones and vegetables, thickened with a roux of sautéed flour and butter, then simmered with red wine and ripe tomatoes, along with plenty of meat, potatoes, and vegetables,” Flora explained, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she recited the recipe.
“That was our promise, after all,” she added with a smile.
Gilbert savored the stew she handed him, but it vanished in moments. As the gentle flavors filled him, he looked up to see Flora beaming at him, her face radiating happiness.
“Over there is a refreshing tail soup made by the butcher’s wife, seasoned with salt and aromatic vegetables. Next to it is a sweet and spicy stew made with bell peppers and malt sugar, crafted by the chef. They’re all incredibly delicious!” Flora continued, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
He found himself captivated by her animated expressions, but his reverie was interrupted when a mercenary clapped a hand on his shoulder from behind.
“Gilbert, what are you daydreaming about? If you don’t hurry, it’ll all be gone!” The mercenary, already a bit tipsy, was in high spirits, clearly enjoying the festivities.
“What’s that over there?” asked a member of the private army, pointing to another pot nearby. He was one of the comrades who fought alongside them earlier that day.
“That’s a stew made with sinew and shank, simmered in whey! I learned the recipe from the village chief of that settlement!” Flora replied proudly.
“Whey…?” the mercenary echoed, his expression faltering.
“Y-Yeah, whey…” Gilbert and the mercenary exchanged uneasy glances, memories of the earlier battle creeping back into their minds. Nevertheless, encouraged by Flora’s enthusiasm, Gilbert cautiously took a bite. The stew had been simmered to perfection, and the aroma was inviting.
“…! It’s delicious…!” he exclaimed.
“Is that for real? …W-Wow, it’s amazing! The meat just melts in my mouth…!?” the mercenary added, his eyes wide with surprise.
“This is incredible! The taste is so good that it’s washing away the memories of that nightmare from earlier…” the private army member chimed in, equally entranced.
As they all became engrossed in the meal, Flora watched them with a joyful smile, her happiness infectious.
—Seeing Miss Flora’s cheerful face brings me so much joy… I’m glad to be alive…
Gilbert found himself lost in thought, captivated by her radiant expression.
In the center of the square, Count Kelvim stood up, raising a wooden cup filled with wine.
“From tomorrow, we’ll be busy preparing! But today, eat your fill and gather your strength! Let’s show them the might of the ancient Northern folk!” he proclaimed, his voice booming.
The townsfolk responded with cheers, the somber atmosphere from the earlier undead beast attack already fading away.
With a mountain of bowls filled with various stews in his arms, Gilbert made his way to the table where Lionel and the others were seated. There, a priest from the Western Grand Church was sharing drinks with Dolf and Barbara.
“Ah, today is a day to remember! After all, I’ve had the fortune to meet a legendary blacksmith and a sorcerer!” the priest exclaimed, his spirits lifted by the wine.
Dolf and Barbara exchanged mischievous smiles in response to the priest’s exuberance.
“And here, we have both the old blessings and the new blessings gathered together. When blessings are combined, they grow stronger. The power born from united prayers is amplified through those very prayers. To be here and witness this…”
The priest, clearly intoxicated, spoke with tearful joy, overwhelmed by the moment.