Isekai Nonbiri Sozai Saishu Seikatsu - Chapter 208

Once the Skyfish was finished, the next dish was presented.

“This is the main meat dish—Galargon ballotine with vegetables.”

When the lid was lifted, four round pieces of Galargon meat were arranged atop the vegetables, with the sauce artfully drizzled to convey a sense of motion.

“May I ask for an explanation of the dish?”

“Galargon meat is incredibly flavorful, but its fibers are quite tough. We carefully prepared it, slowly steaming it from the inside to preserve the umami while ensuring tenderness.”

As Artorius spoke, the sturdy chef smoothly provided the explanation.

The creature was covered in tough fur and feathers, with well-developed muscles. It was no surprise that preparing its meat was a challenge.

“Well then, let’s dig in.”

After hearing the explanation, Artorius eagerly moved his hands, and both Franryule and I followed suit, picking up our knives and forks.

As I sliced into the thigh meat, the blade slid through effortlessly.

Juices seeped out from within, and the center was stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms, carrots, and onions.

Cutting it into bite-sized pieces, I carefully brought one to my mouth.

“It’s so tender and delicious!”

The first thing that struck me was the surprising tenderness of the meat. It was so soft that it melted in my mouth—unbelievable for thigh meat.

“Steaming it slowly at a low temperature has concentrated the meat’s flavor inside!”

Franryule, pressing a hand to her cheek, voiced her impression.

Whenever I try steaming food myself, it tends to turn out dry, but as expected of the professionals hired by the Reilart family. They had achieved the ideal balance of tenderness and juiciness in a steamed dish.

“Oh, the minced meat inside—it’s Byron meat, isn’t it?”

“Exactly.”

I thought the stuffed meat was also Galargon, but the rough, intensely wild flavor unmistakably belonged to Byron.

“Even when finely minced, the flavor still stands out! More than anything, just eating it fills me with energy!”

With a fearless grin, Artorius took another bite of the ballotine.

His hair, which should have been neatly styled with hair product, was now standing on end.

He looked like he was ready to rush outside and start hunting for ingredients at any moment.

Perhaps certain people are more susceptible to the effects of Byron meat due to their constitution.

It might be interesting to ask Lumia to research that once we return to Grantel.

“This tenderness, the overflowing meat juices…! This is the most flavorful poultry dish I’ve ever had.”

“I feel the same way.”

If Artorius and Franryule, both gourmets, said so, there was no doubt about it. At the very least, this had to be one of the top-tier poultry ingredients.

“The next time we ask Shuu-dono to gather ingredients, we should request Galargon as well.”

“In that case, I will refrain from accompanying you, but I think it’s a good idea, Father.”

“Please spare me from that.”

I immediately interjected at the outrageous suggestion from the father and daughter.

Franryule casually trying to avoid going along that time was a bit unfair, too.

As we continued the conversation—uncertain whether it was serious or a joke—the main meat dish disappeared in no time.

“Well then, last comes dessert.”

The dishes were cleared away, and the final offering was the fruit of the giant tree—the true main ingredient of today’s meal.

In a small dish, the golden-yellow fruit of the giant tree had been cut and arranged decoratively.

“This is the fruit of the giant tree. We explored various ways to prepare it, but in the end, we concluded that it is best enjoyed raw. As time passes, its temperature changes, and so does its flavor. Please take your time and enjoy.”

The best preparation was to leave it untouched by the chef’s hands.

After much trial and error, they had arrived at this conclusion, so there was no doubt about it.

“…It’s been ten years since our last encounter.”

Facing the fruit, Artorius spoke with deep emotion.

It could only be harvested once every ten years. Even Artorius, who was likely in his mid-thirties, must have had the chance to taste it only two or three times in his life.

“Franryule, have you ever had it before?”

“Yes, once when I was five… However, I was so young at the time that, embarrassingly, my only memory is that I ate something delicious.”

Franryule gave a somewhat embarrassed smile.

“Then this time, you must truly savor it and make sure to remember.”

“Yes. Shuu-san, please make sure to etch this flavor into your memory as well!”

Slowly, I brought the quivering fruit of the giant tree to my mouth.

The moment my teeth pierced its thin skin, it burst with a pop, unleashing a flood of juice.

Flavors of apple, mango, grape, and strawberry all surged at once. Each taste was intensely concentrated, with a sweetness beyond comparison to any ordinary fruit.

With just one bite, I could feel every cell in my body rejoicing.

It is said that when people eat something truly delicious, they become completely speechless.

Everyone who tasted the fruit of the giant tree was overwhelmed by its flavor.

“…Artorius-sama, Franryule-sama, your faces are looking quite unbelievable right now.”

“You say that, Shuu-san, but yours is the same.”

“Wait, mine too!? Ah, you’re right!”

At Franryule’s words, I took out a hand mirror from my magic bag, and sure enough, my reflection showed a face completely relaxed beyond help.

I tried to fix my expression, but it loosened again almost instantly. It seemed impossible to keep it in check, so I gave up. After all, I was eating something this delicious—it couldn’t be helped.

Pulling myself together, I took another bite of the fruit, and its flavor shifted in my mouth—peach, banana, pear, watermelon.

“Amazing! The taste changed!”

“Just how many different flavors does it have?”

And each of them was nothing short of exquisite.

All the nutrients drawn up through its massive roots had been concentrated into this one fruit, making it clear why it could only be harvested once every ten years.

Once we finished eating, we slowly set down our dishes.

Everyone remained silent, as if lingering in the aftertaste.

After a while, Artorius finally spoke.

“That was delicious.”

“Yes, far beyond what I had imagined.”

Of course, the taste was incredible, but for me, the greatest satisfaction came from the fact that I had the chance to experience something that could only be harvested once in a decade.

“What about you, Fran?”

“Of course, it was delicious. I truly believe I will never forget this taste for the rest of my life.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

He had almost no memory of the last time he ate it, but this time, he had firmly engraved it into his heart.

“Thank you for the wonderful meal.”

“No, it is we who should be thanking you. Without you, Shuu-dono, we would never have been able to obtain these ingredients. Once again, thank you.”

As I expressed my gratitude for the meal, Artorius and Franryule bowed their heads.

“Please, raise your heads. I only did what was expected of me as an adventurer.”

“If gathering such rare ingredients and defeating a Garlargon were considered standard work, the adventurers of the world would be facing quite the ordeal,” Franryule said with a small laugh at my modesty.

She had a point. This was well beyond the scope of an ordinary task.

“Shuu-dono, you collected far more rare ingredients than what was requested. Simply increasing your reward wouldn’t be enough compensation.”

“Indeed, not at all. I wish there were something our family could do to assist you,” Franryule nodded in agreement with Artorius.

The reward I had already received from our previous deal was enough to live modestly and never have to work again, yet they still felt it was insufficient.

I really didn’t understand the mindset of the wealthy. If I left it up to them, they might suggest something outrageous, so I decided to make a request myself.

“In that case, may I be so bold as to ask for one thing?”

“Of course. Don’t hold back—speak freely.”

“I would like the right to continue gathering ingredients in the Gourmet Sanctuary. Naturally, I will report everything I collect, and if you so desire, Artorius, I will prioritize selling the materials to you.”

“That’s all you want?”

“That’s more than enough!”

For me, being allowed to freely gather materials in a place inaccessible to the general public was a privilege so great that I would have gladly paid for it.

Rather than receiving excessive money or special favors, the ability to continue gathering ingredients in the Gourmet Sanctuary was worth infinitely more. That was the greatest reward for me.

“Father, this is just the kind of person Shuu-san is.”

“You truly love gathering materials, don’t you? Very well, it is in our best interest as well for you to continue harvesting within the Sanctuary. I look forward to your future work.”

“Yes! Likewise, I look forward to working with you!”

With a smile, I shook Artorius’s outstretched hand.

Yes! Now I could continue entering the Gourmet Sanctuary! Whenever I craved delicious ingredients or wanted to collect rare materials to my heart’s content, I could do so without hesitation.