Book 4: Chapter 10-1: Compromise

Book 4: Chapter 10-1: Compromise

Dinner had concluded, and we were enjoying post-dinner tea. I couldn't help but feel relieved that I had managed to avoid displeasing anyone during the meal.

I'm pleasantly surprised. I never thought we could have such a feast in such a remote place.

That's right, Ojou-sama. It's even better than the mansion's cuisine. I overindulged. I should have stopped after two bread rolls.

At the dinner table, Lucy, Kuu, and I were representing Erucy. On the opposite side, were the visitors from Erin Azul and the woman called Jii. The rest of Erin's group had declined the invitation, and, regrettably, I hadn't invited Yukino.

Compared to Lucy, who had been raised as an elven priestess, and Kuu, the daughter of the fire fox clan's chief, Yukino had somewhat questionable manners when it came to interactions with outsiders, especially in diplomacy.

I had prepared Yukinos portion as well, packing it in a bento box for her to enjoy later.

I'm delighted you enjoyed it. It was worth the effort.

Did Cyril-san make this dish?

Yes, I put a lot of effort into making it.

Today's menu featured bread rolls baked to perfection with plenty of goat butter and yeast, sauted goat meat, duck stew, and a turnip salad.

I used a young male goat for this meal. As goats grow older, their meat becomes tougher and develops a stronger taste. Meat from goats that are about to be weaned is very tender, has no strong odor, and tastes great. Ideally, I would have let it grow bigger even if it lost some flavor before cooking it, but the sudden arrival of the guest made this impossible. I paid meticulous attention to the cooking time and sauce to accentuate the exceptional quality of the meat.

Cyril-san is quite skilled.

Yes, Cyril is amazing. My proud husband.

When the word "husband" was mentioned, a slight twitch appeared at the corner of Azul's mouth.

We also have dessert prepared for after the meal, so please indulge.

I brought out a large metal cylinder. Inside it was filled with ice and saltwater, with a smaller metal cylinder contained within. Opening the smaller cylinder revealed white chunks clinging to the outer wall, which were, indeed, ice cream.

Well, you see, this is um it's like a poison test, making sure my lady can eat any of them safely! I'm doing a safety check for all of them!

Jii, do you realize how rude it is to do a poison test in front of our host?

I I mean, well, there's that, but, you know, It was only a thought. Don't mind me!

For some reason, the woman in men's clothing was smiling at me, thumbs up and all.

By the way, Jii, you didn't touch the turnip salad, did you?

I've always disliked turnips, even as a child.

I ate it without any issues, but didn't you plan to conduct a poison test on everything so I can safely eat anything?

Hahaha, I had complete faith in our elven friends; I knew they wouldn't poison anything.

In many ways, Jii was quite disappointing. She had dug herself into a hole so deep that she didn't know where to stop. Azul smiled kindly and then spoke slowly.

Jii, your pay cut has been extended for another six months.

N-No way

And with that, Jii collapsed. She devoured her ice cream between tears, letting out sighs of both happiness and resignation.

Im sorry for showing you an embarrassing display. I apologize on her behalf.

Don't worry about it.

We exchanged wry smiles.

In the elven village I mean, in Erucy, do the villagers eat such delicious food every day?

Azul's lips curved into a smile, but her eyes began to show a serious glint.