第１５９６堀：釣った魚たちのお味は？ (Part2)
"If you feel that way, then do something about your usual lack of restraint. Here, catch."
"Gmph!?"
Master intercepted the complaints from Hairen, who had been pestering me, by deftly shoving something into her mouth. Even Hairen, caught off guard with her mouth full, couldn't voice her protest and began to chew.
"Here you go, Rurua, Lilishe."
What he offered us was something deep-fried in tempura batter. I see—at this stage, the original appearance of the creature is completely obscured. I picked up my chopsticks and took a bite of the tempura just as it was.
"Oh my. This is delicious. Though, I feel like I’ve eaten something similar to this before..."
"I agree. The flavor is familiar to me as well. Master, what is the ingredient in this tempura?"
"Hmm? Oh, it’s that thing we were just talking about. The shrimp—or perhaps centipede, or maybe Anomalocaris?"
"That thing? I suppose it does have a shrimp-like quality to it. Though, it has a rather unique flavor profile, doesn't it?"
"It does. Compared to the shrimp we’ve had before, there’s a certain... density to the meat, wouldn't you say?"
"That’s to be expected. This new species is in the eight-meter class, so there’s plenty of meat to go around. Still, it’s delicious, isn't it? I heard that on Earth, large creatures like this are often difficult to eat due to high ammonia content, but perhaps it’s because this one is still relatively small? Giant squids and the like reach tens of meters, after all."
...I hate to say it, but people from Earth are truly something else. To think they would eat such unfamiliar creatures without even the aid of magic. It’s either incredibly resilient or simply terrifying.
"So good—wait, Yuki! Did you just feed me something that wasn't supposed to be edible?"
"No, I knew from the scent that it was safe to eat. And since it’s edible—even if it’s a bit of a hassle to prepare—I didn't lie to you."
"Grrr!? Why are you so quick with your tongue? You’re not Sota, you know!"
"Well, I am from the same country as Sota-san, after all. Besides, it was delicious, wasn't it? Or would you like to stop taste-testing? I won't stop you."
"I’m eating it! Also, rice! And salt and tempura dipping sauce!"
"Coming right up."
Despite her grumbling, Hairen made her demands to Master and began devouring the mountain of tempura. And just like that, he produced everything she asked for—his item box is truly a mystery. It’s not just raw ingredients; he has finished dishes lined up inside. I recall he even had soup stored away back in the old Vinoshia of Suurus. It shouldn't surprise me that he has other meals tucked away as well. I often think that Master and his companions are likely the only ones who would store food like this alongside their valuables.
As I was pondering this, Master turned toward me.
"Rurua, Lilishe, do you want any salt or dipping sauce, or anything else?"
"In that case, I’d like some salt and dipping sauce. And some rice, salted squid guts, and perhaps some miso soup?"
"I would like the same, please."
"Understood. But since there’s more than just tempura, are you sure you can eat all that?"
"It’s quite alright. If I get full, I’ll just eat the rest later. Please save it for me."
"If it’s not too much trouble, I would like the same. After we eat, I intend to monitor everyone’s condition. Though, I suspect most of you will simply be suffering from overeating."
As I said this and looked around, I saw...
"It’s so delicious... I must be careful not to let my guard down."
"As expected of a powerful sea monster."
"Dre-nee and Vili-nee, you both look like complete fools while eating like that."
"So yummy."
"Indeed. I think this would sell quite well, don't you?"
"It certainly would. It doesn't overlap with the seafood brought in from Sea-Cypher, Aurelia, or the If Continent, so it’s a great addition."
"Ah, this goes perfectly with sake."
"It really does. This is excellent."
"Honestly, Grand Master, Guild Master... why are you drinking while on duty?"
Everyone was gathered around, eating and chatting happily. Come to think of it, when did Ratz get here? And Kina-san, thank you for your hard work.
I’ve thought this many times before, but the first person to ever eat an octopus or a sea urchin must have possessed truly incredible courage.