174: Siblasmith Asteroid Salt

"Apologies for the wait. Here is your order."

"Thank you very much."

After waiting about a minute,

our order—grilled skewers made with Siblasmith Asteroid Salt, a sports drink, pumpkin juice, and pumpkin seed cookies—arrives.

"Hmm. Siblasmith Asteroid Salt..."

What exactly is Siblasmith Asteroid Salt?

Most asteroids in the Siblasmith system are typical, composed of elements like iron, copper, and carbon. However, some are reportedly large chunks of rock salt primarily made of sodium chloride.

This salt is said to be formed in the vacuum of space, giving it a distinct flavor different from rock salt mined on planets in other star systems or salt refined from oceans. As a result, it is highly prized throughout the Siblasmith system and neighboring star systems.

Moreover, it has recently been discovered how they are produced, so artificially created Siblasmith asteroid salt has appeared as well—still retaining the same flavor, but now available at a more moderate price.

With that trivia out of the way, let's give it a taste.

"First, just a bite."

I brought the yakitori skewer to my mouth and took a single bite.

As I bit into the meat, hot juices burst forth, spreading a rich, savory flavor throughout my mouth.

Though it's a salted yakitori, naturally salty, there's also a refreshing, clean taste that spreads pleasantly across the palate.

The seasoning was slightly on the bold side, yet the aftertaste remains crisp and light.

So this is the famed Shibrasumis Asteroid Salt.

From what I can sense on my tongue, the composition of this salt isn't all that different.

As for molecular structure and distribution, perhaps because it's refined in outer space, there are slight variations.

The biggest difference... is undoubtedly the Sw.

The Sw from the Shibrasumis star system, which produces the glowing rings, can also be seen as a type of Sw that responds to electrical signals in the human brain—and sodium plays a significant role in most people's brain activity.

Therefore, the Sw in the Shibarasmith system can be understood as having a deep connection with sodium, and likely influences the taste of salt to some extent.

Well, it's probably best to just express it as "tastes delicious."

"Yeah, it's delicious."

"Yes, it is delicious."

With that, we continue drinking the sports drink.

This one... is indeed a bit on the stronger side in taste.

Hmm, the Sibra Smith system is a heavily industrialized system, one that involves a lot of physical labor and delicate tasks.

Perhaps that's why, compared to other systems, a stronger, more intense flavor is preferred—maybe to efficiently replenish lost minerals or relieve stress.

"Sat, may I try one skewer?"

"Go ahead. In return, can I have one of Vee's cookies?"

Yes, please.

Vilijani and I trade our respective foods.

And so, I immediately brought a pumpkin seed cookie to my mouth.

Hmm hmm

I see.

Something about it... has a warm, comforting taste.

The cookie itself is soft and has a natural sweetness.

Roasted pumpkin seeds, crisp and crunchy, are added, bringing a firm texture, a slightly burnt aroma, and the distinct scent unique to pumpkin.

Nutritionally, it's perfect, offering a sense of nostalgia and simplicity while still being deeply satisfying.

Given how well it's made, it would fit right in at a noble tea gathering without raising an eyebrow.

"Well then, I suppose I'll browse some news sites for a while."

"You're right. Still, it doesn't seem like anything out of the ordinary has happened."

Well then, I've pretty much tested everything now.

With that in mind, I check the news site for the Shibrausmiss system on my personal information terminal.

Well, the main news includes things like the new anime movie selling well, a new technology being developed, updates on the construction of the 'Jichikane-to,' and the 'Fastestrans' vehicle, which participated in the space race in the Nerialni Potz system, winning a race somewhere... Most of it is peaceful news.

That's good.

Still, there aren't entirely no bad news.

The most common type of news is... unsurprisingly, accidents occurring during work operations.

Carelessness, operational errors, failure to follow procedures, or even flawed manuals—well, there are all sorts of reasons, really.

That said, in today's world with shield mods, most accidents cause equipment damage at worst, not injuries to people, and with the presence of glowing ring Sws, rescue operations go smoothly, so things rarely escalate to serious incidents.

Other negative news, though—there's inevitably always talk of theft and murder.

That said, this is the modern era—surveillance cameras are everywhere, so as far as I've checked, every incident has been resolved promptly.

In fact, if someone were to commit murder in today's empire and get away with it, they'd have to either possess powers beyond normal comprehension, like those of Maglina, or carry out a coordinated cover-up akin to the crimes in the Niliani Potts system. So, this outcome is hardly surprising.

"Phew, glad that worked out."

"Welcome back, Joharis."

"Welcome home, Joharis. Here's the menu."

"Thanks. Then I'll take this doll-shaped pastry, 'Magical Girl Magical☆Pumpkin.'"

"Understood."

And just then, Joharis returned.

It seemed the tasks that could only be done when Joharis was present had been completed.

Incidentally, the doll-shaped pancake that Joharis ordered—'Magical Girl Magical☆Pumpkin'—turned out to be a snack featuring a pancake shaped like the main character of 'Magical Girl Magical☆Pumpkin,' filled with pumpkin filling.

Hmm, if Memocchi takes too long to come back, maybe I should order one too...