第８３７堀：名物？ (Part2)
"I could teach you how to do it myself, but you’d be better off taking it to a shop and having them process it for you. There’s a place I’d recommend..."
With that, we left the market and headed toward the establishment the gentleman had suggested.
"Yuki-sama, you were speaking quite extensively with that gentleman earlier. Was there something about him that caught your attention?"
It was true; for Yuki-sama, he had seemed unusually engaged in deep conversation with the man. I had wondered if there was something I had failed to notice.
"Hm? Oh, there was nothing suspicious about the guy. He’s just a talkative fellow. And quite friendly, too."
"Ah, I see. So you were gathering information through him?"
"Spot on, Taiki-kun."
I see. If it were that gentleman, he would certainly know a great deal about Sea-Cypho. The fact that he was able to recommend a shop capable of butchering a sea lizard speaks volumes about his connections.
"Well, I’m hoping that later on, he can point me toward some good spots or help us out with the marine survey of the waters near Sea-Cypho."
"...Mm. Very logical. That makes sense."
So that was the reasoning behind his approach. Indeed, there are things a local would know that a soldier never could.
"And above all, he recommended a place like this. It just goes to show how well-connected he is."
Yuki-sama stopped in front of a building that looked rather stylish for the town of Sea-Cypho. It was likely an establishment frequented by the nobility. That meant the gentleman from earlier had ties to such circles as well.
"Now then, I wonder what kind of information the people here might have. Ah, but first, I’m looking forward to a delicious meal."
"Mm. I’m hungry. Food first."
"Yeah, I’m starving!"
"I hope the sea lizard is delicious!"
"I’m looking forward to seeing how they prepare it."
With that, we entered the shop. When we mentioned the gentleman’s name, we were promptly guided to a room for large groups. It was a surprisingly elegant place, confirming that it was indeed a high-class establishment. Ordinary shops rarely have private rooms or spaces for large parties.
"It is strange, though. We went out, yet there wasn't a single escort soldier with us."
Jessica’s observation made me realize the fact for the first time.
"Now that you mention it, that is odd. Usually, there would be one or two people assigned to guide us..."
"Ah, as for that, I had Kirika and the others lead them away by saying we were busy cleaning up our quarters this morning. If you have unnecessary attendants tagging along while you’re sightseeing, everyone just puts on a show. It’s only natural, really."
I see, he had shaken them off. I had briefly worried that the people of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom were simply rude and lacked common sense. But then again, a country that couldn't even manage such basic considerations would hardly be a great power.
"But Yuki, won't it be difficult to talk to others in a place like this? It's a private room, after all."
"Well, we should still be able to talk to the staff who bring the food in."
"...Is that enough?"
"I’m not planning on getting everyone’s life story in a single day. Besides, we have to head back after lunch for the afternoon meeting. It’s best to just treat today as a formal introduction."
Yuki-sama is right. We don't have much time to linger, so today should just be about making connections. As I was thinking this...
"Apologies for the wait. Here is the sea lizard platter and today’s special."
The server brought the dishes out. They smelled even better than I had imagined.
"Alright, let’s fuel up before the meeting. Oh, and a word of warning to everyone: if it doesn't suit your palate, don't force it. There’s no need to push yourself. Sometimes the body just doesn't accept food from a different land."
"Yes!"
We nodded at Yuki-sama’s advice, and Aslin and the others responded cheerfully before reaching out for the sea lizard dishes.
Now, let us sample the culinary culture of Sea-Cypho.
And so, even with important matters at hand, our survey party never forgets to enjoy the finer things. After all, when you go to the sea, you have to eat the bounty of the sea. It’s like when you go on a trip—you have to try the local delicacies. Though, sometimes you find things that don't quite hit the mark. Or perhaps it’s just a matter of personal taste?
Sea lizard. I wonder if it’s delicious?
Oh, and while this happens to be the 1000th chapter, I haven't really been keeping track, so please don't expect anything special.