Megidias the Darkgulper ①
The Cidre Tavern is bustling as always.
Many Seekers are drinking and clinking glasses together.
“It’s noisy, isn’t it?”
“It’s always like this here.”
Even as I say that, it certainly feels noisier than usual today.
I wonder if something’s going on.
“Indeed, but today… Woff. That spot over there is open.”
A table with just enough space for two was free.
We sit down.
A waitress comes over, and we order.
Of course. I get the butter rice.
Ms. Pachira ordered sausage.
And the rare kind, too—Blood Sausage.
“Do you like it?”
“Hm?”
Ms. Pachira tilts her head, looking puzzled.
“The Blood Sausage.”
“Ah, yes. That. The one from this tavern, especially, suits warawa’s palate.”
“……”
Blood Sausage has an acquired taste.
People who like it really like it, but it’s not for everyone.
There are many types and flavors of Blood Sausage, each with its own characteristics.
The Cidre Tavern’s Blood Sausage is particularly rich.
That’s no surprise, considering the ingredients are pig’s blood, pig fat, a tiny bit of minced meat, and Salt and Pepper.
It’s mostly blood and fat. They stuff it into casings and boil it.
For those who like it, the taste is absolutely adored.
“Uooooooohhhh!!”
“Amazingggg!”
“An astounding 58th cup?!”
“No, is he still going?!”
“He did iiiiiittt!!!”
What’s that? Cheers of unusual excitement are coming from the other side.
“What in the world is going on?”
“I wonder.”
“Honestly, making such a racket in the middle of the day.”
Ms. Pachira complains, looking displeased.
“What could it be?”
“Hmph, it’s probably just some foolish commotion.”
That’s true.
As we wait, our food is brought over.
Butter rice and five kinds of Blood Sausage. And our drinks.
I got lemon-lime. Ms. Pachira got orange juice.
Before eating, I put my hands together.
“Itadakimasu.”
“What is that?”
“Er, it’s a greeting from my homeland.”
“Hoh.”
I do it without thinking. A habit from my past life.
I immediately scoop some butter rice into my mouth with a spoon.
“Mm. Delicious.”
I’m completely captivated by butter rice now.
But lately… perhaps because of that, I feel like something’s missing.
That feeling grows stronger day by day.
And I know what’s missing.
Soy Sauce.
I think Soy Sauce on butter rice is the ultimate combination.
It’s not fish sauce.
I tried it, but it wasn’t right. Isn’t there Soy Sauce anywhere?
“Mmm. This flavor.”
Ms. Pachira is eating her Blood Sausage with relish.
“I thought you liked fish.”
“Because warawa is a cat?”
“Yes.”
“Even cats eat meat. Fish is meat too, you know.”
“Now that you mention it, that’s true.”
“Warawa is not a cat, though. Cat-like, perhaps. Of course. Warawa likes fish too.”
“I like fish too.”
“But around here, you can mostly only eat river fish, right?”
“Seafood is difficult, isn’t it?”
“Mmm. Because of the distance, preservation is an issue.”
The frontier region where Hydrangea is located is in the northwest corner.
But Hydrangea is inland, far from the sea.
Most of the seafood that comes in is processed goods suitable for preservation.
Preservation techniques aren’t well-established, and transportation methods are limited.
There are barrels and jars, but no canned goods yet.
However, in the Imperial Capital, the Royal Capital, and the major cities…
…they say refrigeration technology using Relics and Legacies is widespread.
When will the day come when we can eat fresh ocean fish sashimi in the frontier?
Or maybe I should try visiting a coastal town.
But it’s so far. It would take at least a month, even by the shortest route.
Hm? What’s this? The noise is bothering me, but Ms. Pachira…
Isn’t she fidgeting restlessly? Does she need the restroom?
“Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s just… Warawa has… never eaten alone with someone of the opposite sex before.”
“Eh? But I’m underage.”
“Still the opposite sex.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
I’m bewildered. Why get nervous all of a sudden with a kid like me?
Ms. Pachira looks down.
“How pathetic. And warawa was the one who suggested this.”
“It can’t be helped if you’re uncomfortable around the opposite sex.”
“You seem rather philosophical about things, don’t you?”
“R-Really?”
I wonder. Maybe I am.
“Uooooooohhhh!!”
“Oooooooooohhhhhhhhh!!!”
“Amazingggg!”
“An unbelievable 62nd cup?!”
“He actually did it!”
“Seriously?!”
“Hey, hey. Is this guy really a Tier II Seeker…?”
What is going on? Seriously.
Ms. Pachira is getting irritated too.
“This is just far too noisy!”
“S-Sorry.”
A passing waitress apologizes.
Perfect timing. I asked her.
“What are they doing over there?”
“A drinking contest.”
“With Agaro-san?”
“Y-Yes.”
“Who is his opponent?” Ms. Pachira asked.
“Um, Darkgulper… that’s what they were calling her.”
“Could it be Megidias the Darkgulper?! Isn’t she a Tier II Seeker?” Ms. Pachira exclaimed.
“A Seeker of the same Tier II as Agaro-san…”
Does this mean the person Agaro-san was waiting for has finally arrived?