57: Zacrok Hayomotsugui

"Is this the place?"

"Looks like it."

The next day.

We three had arrived at a somewhat secluded spot within the lower levels of the First Primeval Colony—the residential area designated for ordinary citizens.

"Yes. This is the location of the chef originally from the Hinomoto star system, recommended to us by Count Grogrobeta."

The building before us can technically function as a shop, but it's primarily designed for living.

Within the scope of my knowledge... it's most like a locally focused, independently run diner that only locals know about and rarely attracts visitors.

No, in fact, that's exactly what it is.

It seems to still be in operation, but neither I nor Meikoshi knew there was a place like this here.

In fact, there isn't even a sign out front—there's no way we'd have known about it without being told.

"Shall we go in?"

"Yes."

"Right."

So why are we visiting this kind of place?

Well, it's connected to the recent failed Rocket Cone terrorist incident.

First, although the recent Rocket Cone terrorist attempt caused damage only to a portion of the asteroid belt farm, the situation could have led to the complete destruction of the entire Grogrobeta star system if it had unfolded according to the terrorists' plans.

The severity of the incident was such that, even though the asteroid belt farm was actually occupied, it's still referred to as a "failed" attempt.

And since the incident was so significant, it was necessary to show appreciation—through rewards, consolation, or honors—to those involved in resolving it.

Thus, Count Grogrobeta, the noble ruling over the Grogrobeta system, is hosting a celebration in honor of the key participants.

That part is fine... but the problem lies in how we're being treated.

First of all, it's obvious to everyone that we were the ones who made a difference.

The handling of the launched rocket cone itself led to the discovery of facilities that would normally have remained hidden, achieved the destruction of the fake cosmic monster—clearly a dire threat even without precise military assessment—and delivered results that, even if underestimated, were more than sufficient.

However, Virijanila was meant as bait within the intelligence unit, making public recognition inappropriate, and she herself doesn't wish to be honored.

For me, being publicly recognized is tantamount to revealing part of my abilities, which could invite trouble, so I'd rather not be honored.

Moreover, MeMoKu sought clearer benefits such as increased operational funding, rather than mere recognition.

In short, all three of us refused to step forward and take the spotlight.

Thus, we managed to smooth things over through cooperation among the Imperial Army, the Imperial Intelligence Division, and the governing bodies of the Grogloveta system, including Lord Grogloveta himself.

In exchange for not receiving public recognition, we were granted a modest sum of money, and as a favor to us, we were introduced to this establishment—a shop specializing in unique local ingredients, expertly prepared and exceptionally delicious.

Yeah, I think this was a win-win deal for everyone.

"Excuse me."

"Welcome. Those eyes... noble blood, I see. So you must be the guests the count wished to entertain."

The dragonkin—a creature with pure white scales, red eyes, and golden horns—greeted us as we entered the shop.

He stood in the kitchen, wearing an apron and holding a knife, seemingly engaged in some kind of cooking, so it's safe to say he's the renowned chef from the Hinomoto system.

"Hmm? Brother, what's the matter?"

"Oh, no, sorry. It was my first time seeing a real Draconian. As a professional, I couldn't help but observe. I'm sorry if that bothered you."

It's no problem at all. Most Draconians don't leave the place they've designated as their nest, so it's quite common to find their appearance rare and noteworthy. In fact, if you're interested, feel free to look at them openly.

"Y-yes, I see..."

Draconian.

A race renowned for their exceptionally long lifespans, surpassing a thousand years, among the humans living within the Empire.

Like the Lizardmen, they are entirely covered in scales, but they can be distinguished by the presence or absence of horns and the presence or lack of a jaw beard.

In terms of physical ability, they surpass even the Lizardmen, who are already known for their superior physical prowess, and due to their long lifespan, they are driven to master their personal interests thoroughly, resulting in deep knowledge.

Judging solely by overall ability, a noble human augmented through mods might well be comparable.

"First, let me introduce myself. My name is Zacrok Hayomotsugui. As a chef of the flow, I travel across regions in search of unknown ingredients, prepare them, and serve them to people."

"Thank you for the detailed introduction. I am Vilijanira Vanilagengroot. These are Satu Seetekus and Mekushi Aichouha."

We bow to each other, Zacrok and I.

Zacrok… probably still hasn't lived two hundred years, being a Dragonian.

The length of his jaw beard gives it away.

Though, of course, he's vastly older than me—there's no doubt about that.

I assume you've already been briefed by the count, but I'll explain it once more. My cooking prioritizes safety and taste, with appearance taking a back seat. The presentation of dishes and the arrangement of dining spaces is even less important.

I understand. It's because you relocate to a different star system every year, correct?

That's right. I recognize that meals engage all five senses, but some people lack the economic means to afford such luxuries.

We sit down at a suitable spot under Zacrock's guidance.

Other guests... they're focused entirely on their own meals right now, so it should be fine.

Still, even if whispered, the fact that someone without financial means can't afford to worry about the quality of tableware—this must be why it was mentioned in advance, given that the other party is clearly a noble, Vilibianira, and that we were introduced by Count Glogrobeta, to prevent any discomfort.

Yeah, in that case, there's nothing we can do about it.

Vilibianira being a proper noble isn't something that'd be obvious to Zakurok-san anyway.

Probably, if it were just me, I wouldn't even be told, and I wouldn't worry about it, so yeah.

"Then, as ordered, I'll serve everything accordingly."

"Yes, please."

But more importantly—

While we took precautions with the dishes, we set no safety measures at all when it came to taste.

In fact, we even called taste the top priority, right alongside safety.

This... could be promising.

I couldn't help but feel excited inside, patiently waiting for the meal to be served.