Chapter 23

A huge chandelier was hanging from the ceiling in the entrance hall.

A red carpet is laid in the corridor leading to the back, and it looks really expensive.

All the furnishings were good, and the portrait of the owner, casually hung on the wall, was full of dignity.

It’s a mansion for an aristocrat, but even if it’s gorgeous, it doesn’t have a flashy impression.

Rather, it seems that safety is taken into consideration for the vassals who work in the mansion. The vassals also did not oversell themselves and returned to work after a light bow to us who were passing by.

We wash up in the hot spring, change clothes, and then go to the dining area.

A white tablecloth and three candlesticks are on the long desk, which seems to be a custom. In addition, plates and dishes were placed and food was already served.

“Don’t stand around, please sit down.”

Rafina, the owner, appears in a deep burgundy dress.

The trekking style of light clothing was not bad, but now there was only an aristocratic daughter, and the dress looked good.

After arranging our seating, Rafina was seated as well.

Following the appetizer and soup, today’s main menu has finally arrived.

“this is?”

Rafina explains while I look at the dish.

“It’s Bradrabbit’s boiled broth.”

A mellow scent rises with the fluffy steam. There is no monster-specific odor there. It just stimulated my stomach.

The color is not bad either. In addition to carrots and onions, it is served with mizuna that has just been boiled.

It looks like a stew with little water. Bradrabbit’s meat was stuffed in the soup, which was slightly thickened with flour.

“Wow. It’s almost like chicken.”

Olivia is impressed.

There is a reason for that. Bradrabbit is also a monster. As with the previous three-necked Wyvern, if they are wary of their enemies or nervous, their blood will bleed magical power and turn blue. Then, the taste will change and the monster’s unique odor will come out.

The bluish color of blood does not change whether it is boiled or baked.

The fact that it looks as beautiful as chicken can be said to be evidence that Bradrabbit was killed without being nervous.

“It’s wonderful …”

Looking at the plate, I was impressed. If Rafina did it, it means she has good skills.

“Thank you. However, Bradrabbit at this time has a rough temper and may have a slightly strong flavor. The meat quality is also hard, so I decided to boil it in wine.”

“Thank you for your concern. May I have it immediately?”

“of course”

Rafina answers with a smile.

Me, Olivia, and Rir resume our meals.

I immediately stabbed it with a fork.

So soft…….

Wild rabbits are a valuable source of nutrition when hiding in the mountains. I’ve eaten it several times, but when I stabbed it, it felt different.

I immediately put it in my mouth and chewed.

“Uuuuuuuun! It’s delicious!”

Olivia screams in delight.

I totally agree.

It’s not chicken. It’s like combining the tenderness of chicken with the elasticity of pork …. Anyway, I was slightly shocked by the texture of the meat that I had never tasted before.

The moment I chewed, I was overwhelmed by the overflowing gravy.

The more I chewed, the more it spread in my mouth like a thick chicken  soup.

I scooped up the soup I was trying and swallowed it, but the soup stock often came out.

The simmered vegetables and the umami of Bradrabit combined to create an unparalleled harmony.

“There is no odor at all.”

Olivia can’t help but be surprised.

That’s true.

I was prepared to smell more beast. That’s not the case at all.

A gentle texture and smell of monster’s meat flows. Suddenly Olivia’s body began to tremble. I’m wondering if something’s wrong with her.

“Hey. Olivia, are you okay?”

“I’m fine”

Olivia was crying.

What the hell is that?

“Why are you crying? Was it so delicious?”

“Well … because this Bradrabbit looks like a rabbit, right?”

“Oh, oh …”

“Imagining it becoming so pitiful … but it’s delicious, so the fork moves reflexively and brings the meat to my mouth …”

I start crying.

If you don’t cry, you shouldn’t eat … I was worried and lost.

In the end, I, Rir, and Olivia eat Brarabbit. It was quite satisfying to eat. Next time, I would like to try something in winter and early autumn.

The main dish was over and the rest was dessert.

Until it comes, Rafina tells us a story.

“Well,  Zelet-sama. It was none other than me who requested you to come to my mansion. I wanted you to apply for a request directly from me.”

Before the meal started, the story was heard directly from Rafina.

It seems that Rafina herself was enthusiastic about sending the request.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t worth the effort, it was just wasting in the corner of my room.

“As I said earlier, I’m only interested in S-ranked monsters. Other things such as A-ranked small fish are not for me.”

“Apparently, that’s right. I lost my bet. I’ll cancel all the requests that I requested.”

“That’s fine. The problem is the betting prizes.”

“I know.”

“Rafina-sama, can you make a request for ingredients for S-rank monsters? The price will jump. It’s harder to find S-rank monsters in the first place.”

Olivia squinted anxiously.

“No. I have one guess.”

“Speaking of which …?”

Leviathan …….

Rattling!

I kicked the chair and stood up.

Olivia and Rafina’s eyes are focused on me. Among them, only Rir turned her face away soon after.

In their eyes, I looked like a hungry wolf.

I’m out of breath. With quickening heart beats.

Its nickname is “Kairyuou” …. It is a tough opponent that can be called the king of the sea.

The rank is naturally “S”. Among them, it can be said that it is a special one.

There is no shortage for the other party.

” Zelet-sama, I would like to ask you, what is your experience in subduing Leviathan?”

“Yes, only once.”

“Wow … you have the experience of defeating that “Kairyuou” .”

Olivia is stunned. Rafina has a similar reaction.

I only managed to defeat it with multiple adventurers.

For me, I wanted to have a one-on-one duel, but at that time I didn’t have that much ability.

But now I am confident that I can subdue it alone.

No, I definitely want to fight without involving anyone.

“Sorry,  Zelet-sama, I’m sorry, can you listen to the story to the end?”

“Hmm? Doesn’t it mean that I should procure Leviathan meat?”

Rafina shook her head slowly in response to my question.

“That’s not the case. No, it may be more difficult than defeating Leviathan and procuring its meat.”

“It’s more difficult than hunting Leviathan …”

I can’t understand it at all. What the hell is that?

No, if there’s something more difficult than defeating Leviathan … It will be more thrilling than defeating S-rank monsters.

“That is, isn’t it about procuring Leviathan meat?”

Rafina nods to Olivia’s words.

“Don’t be afraid, say it clearly. What on earth do you want me to do?”

“Then-Zelet Winter, what ingredients do you want to formally request?”

It is an ingredient with a capture difficulty rank of “S”.