第７９５堀：とれたてが美味い (Part2)
It’s tough if you aren’t used to the scent of the sea.
As I was thinking that, the old-timers approached us…
"So, Boss. How about we grab a bite together?"
"Hmm. What do you think?"
"I don’t mind. If we can enjoy the fruits of the sea harvested here in Weed together, it’s exactly what I was hoping for. You all are fine with that, right?"
"Yes, sir!"
And so, we ended up joining an impromptu banquet at the harbor.
"Alright!! Long live fish and booze!!"
"…Milly, don't drink too much."
"You really shouldn't drink so much, you know."
"That’s right. Milly-nee-sama has a habit of drinking a bit too much whenever there’s fish involved."
I’m a little worried about our resident drunkard starting to get rowdy. The fact that even Aslin and Firia are warning her is proof enough that everyone is concerned.
"In that case, we shall assist with the preparations."
"Indeed. We’ve grown quite used to filleting fish since coming to Weed, so please, leave it to us."
As expected of maids, Kirue and Sasari offered to help with the cooking without a moment’s hesitation. Having traveled extensively, I’m not exactly helpless in the kitchen, but I know that it’s best to leave these things to the professionals, so I decided to stay quiet.
While I was keeping to myself, Yuki was busy nearby…
"…I’ve never seen this fish before. It looks like a snake. What is it called?"
"This is a conger eel. It’s surprisingly delicious. Let me fillet it for you."
"Oh? Yuki-sama, you cook?"
"Yes. I enjoy it. Though I hold the position of consort now, I was just a commoner back in the day."
"…What on earth happened to you?"
"That’s a long story."
As they chatted, Yuki skillfully prepared the conger eel. He drove an awl into the head to pin it down and deftly sliced open the belly.
"You’re quite dexterous. But is this conger eel actually tasty?"
"Yes. If you prepare it properly, it’s delicious. It has a lot of slime, so there aren't many regions that eat it, but if you do this…"
Yuki explained the process, meticulously cleaning the fish, and finally…
"After skewering it like this, I’ll grill it over charcoal…"
He then pulled out his secret sauce, slathering it on before grilling it again, sending a savory, mouth-watering aroma drifting through the air. However, *kabayaki* only reaches its true potential after being dipped in the sauce and grilled repeatedly. I had to be patient.
Just as I was thinking that, the food around us started to come together, and delicious scents began wafting from every direction…
"Hey, General Lake and your men, the Boss’s *kabayaki* needs a little more time, so dig into this first. Milly-chan, Deryu-ane-san, this stuff is good!"
They handed us grilled clams with butter and soy sauce.
How could they… but, considering we have guests…
"Itadakimasu!"
Milly, unburdened by such internal conflicts, grabbed a large clam and popped it into her mouth, drink in hand.
"Mmmmmm!! Delicious!!"
Well, of course it is.
"See? It’s delicious, just like that. I won’t force you, though."
"No, I shall partake. But what about you, Yuki-sama?"
"I’ll have some, too. Deryu, could you grab a portion for me? And please, you all should eat as well."
"Ah, understood. Leave it to me!"
With Yuki’s permission granted, I wasn't going to hold back! Aslin and the others started moving as well…
"Here you go, Uncle Lake. Eat this."
"It’s delicious."
"Hahaha. If you young ladies say so, I suppose I have no choice but to try it."
And so, even the cautious General Lake and his men began to eat without reserve…
"Alright! This is the good stuff!! Now, let’s have a drink!!"
"Yeah!!"
Milly got carried away and started serving drinks, kicking off a banquet in the middle of the day.
"Yuki. Is this alright?"
"Once the alcohol flows, their tongues will loosen. Even if they don't drink, they can just enjoy the fish."
"I see."
It’ll be interesting to see how long the people of the Seasiph Kingdom can hold out with Milly and the others drinking so happily right in front of them.
Well, I have no reason to hold back anymore, so I’m going to eat and drink my fill!
"Here, Yuki. Say 'ah'."
"Alright. Ahhh."
Mmm. This is the good stuff.
I’ll be honest.
It’s fresh, just caught, and truly delicious.
It’s completely different from the stuff you find in plastic packs at the supermarket.
If you ever get the chance to visit a harbor-side restaurant, you’ll be shocked at how good it is.