376 Welcome Banquet ② - Beginning of the Night

Thus, when the sun set to the end of the west and the light of the burning fire became necessary, the feast of rapprochement and welcome became a carriage to be held.

Since no yakura has been built today, Donda-Lu stands in front of the main house and is on his way with his compatriots by the woods. Less than forty members of the family of Lou alone, and all twenty members of their families there, are added to the great strip. Furthermore, to the left and right of Donda-Lu, as many as twelve invited guests were lined up.

From Accommodation Town it is Yumi and Terrier-Mas, from Turan it is Michel and Maim, from Castle Town it is Roy and Siri-Low, and from Dareim it is the Dora family.

The Dora family was attended by all but two of them who were just old.

The master of the house, Dora's father, Tara and her two brothers, and the wife of her father and her son above, have a total of six.

The four people who have been visiting for the first time stand up with just a tense face. It will be perfectly cordial with the Luu clan, and in Easter it will be a pattern while enjoying the feast together, but it will still feel different at home and away. On their front like that, there was a formation of me, Rimi-Lou and the people I knew, to make me feel a little more anxious.

"... We, the people of the woods, had already spent eighty years in this woodland area of Morga, but lived without any connection to the people of the town. There would have been both the right and the wrong side to the deed. You can lose your pride and your way as a forest dweller when you interact with people in town in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, it is not my intention to say that our ancestors have kept the people of the town away or that those who still have doubts about this deed are wrong"

Donda-Lou's voice sounds good in the dim.

"But this is how we were supposed to interact with people in town. Without this exchange, it would probably not have been possible to bring the Sung family and nobles to justice correctly. It was only because we connected ourselves to the people of the town, heard the words, and knew how to live them that we could know correctly the sins of the Sung family and our mistakes. In that regard, I am convinced that I have chosen the right path."

My compatriots from 60 don't even try to give you one of the shivers. Even the little toddlers listened quietly to the words of the chief while still being taken by the bodies of their mothers and brothers.

"We stepped in the right direction. And in order to continue on the right path in the future, we will need to know more about what the people and nobles of the town are like. It was for that reason that I decided to invite these guests to the settlement for a feast. In the same place, eat the same things and hope to share the same joy.... to the bond between Moribe and Genos!

"To the bond between Moribe and Genos!" The voice is summoned.

Because it was almost an angelic momentum, the majority of the guests had trembled.

but after the earthen bottle of fruit liquor is thus put up, it is no longer rude.

A crowd of women pressed against the guests and began to push towards the dishes that were kept warm by Kamado.

Together with Ai-Fa and Rimi-Lou, I first advanced to the Dora family.

"Come on, it's a feast. Enjoy the dishes that everyone has served."

"Ugh, yeah. Oh, wow, that's so hot, man."

Dora's father, who is no longer a regular guest, also looks completely pressured by the momentum and bustle of the feast by the woods.

It was our Dan-Rutim who approached me with his hand there.

"What are you shrinking in such a place, Dora! My daughter's here today, so let me introduce her! Come on, everybody, come to this rug!

Even today, rugs were laid everywhere so that you could calm down and enjoy your meal. One of them seems to be a bunch of people from the Rutim family. Gazran-Rutim and Ama Min-Rutim are familiar faces, and Morn-Rutim is your favorite daughter, so the Dora family will be fine with this.

Seeing, Yumi and Terrier-Mass already surround which iron pot with the daughters of Luu's branch. Apparently, during the day we have been able to deepen our rapprochement again.

So, Yun-Sudra and Thur-din were turning around under Michele and Mime, and Mother Meer Ray was there, so it looked like a place for interaction was going to be formed safely.

Then again, it is Roy and Siri-Low who are left.

Rimi-Lou held hands with Tara and left for the Rutim family, so I decided to guide them along with Ai-Fa.

"Are you all right? If you like, let's go around together."

"Oh, this guy is a fuss. It's like Easter is here again."

Roy was arm in arm with a magical face, and Siri-Low was a little smaller instead.

If you look closely, that hand is sneaking up on Roy's torso. Well, I guess in a setting like this, she also has nothing to rely on but Roy.

"Don't worry, even if alcohol comes in, there's no such thing as a violent imitation of a Guest.... Yeah, what is it, Ai-Fa?

"Hmm. This is the first time these people have come to the house of Luu, and they are going to join the feast, so I wonder if they should be allowed to greet the oldest Ziba woman as well"

"Oh, I see. Let me interrupt you first."

That's why we're headed to the rug set in the center of the square.

There is a ritual fire burning there reminiscent of campfire, with rugs laid in front of it. Grandma Ziba was surrounded by Tito Min and Tali-Luu and Lyada-Lu, among others, and rinsed the soup of the wooden dish.

"Ziba-Lou, it's a little hiccup. We've brought guests from Castle Town."

"Oh, I've heard from Giza and Rudd... they entertained my family with a lot of food yesterday..."

Grandma Ziva is grinning with her face creeping up.

Roy gave a bewildering look, while still giving a bowl of grace in a respectable manner.

"I'm Roy, and this is Siri-Low. It was the Earl of Saturas who entertained your family, and it was this Siri-Low who cooked that dish, so I just helped."

"Yeah...... but I guess you cooked for the people by the woods with the thought...? I've never eaten anything like that in Castle Town before. Because Rudd was very upset...?

"It's the cook's job to please the eater. We just did our job."

"Well... then enjoy the dishes that my countrymen have served today... because they must have done everything in their power to please their guests..."

When he left the scene after greeting him that way, Roy took a louder breath.

"Don't even feel compelled when you do it, little bitch."

"Oh, really? I've never heard that before."

But Grandma Ziva, smiling behind the ritual fire, may indeed look a lot divine at first sight. The impression would be a lot different from surrounding the table with the Dora family and others.

In the first place, the Roys are residents of the Stone Capital.

Maybe that was closer to me being born in Japan than the people who root for Dalaim, Inomachi, etc.

Thanks to the fireworks, the square is bright, but it is the night forest that is spreading outside it. The Quartet is closed by the shadows of the Black Forest, and at the end of the east stands an even greater mountain of Morga. At the foot, on the ground of dirt, cheeks were tickled by the cool night breeze, where people's enthusiasm was purposefully covered - a bustle of primitive feasts that could never be tasted in stone walls.

The people of the woods are a very powerful clan. That's how they shout and eat Gibba's meat without wearing anyone. It was becoming a totally familiar sight for me, but it was, after all, a fantastic, twitchy sight, like some mythical scene.

"Oh, isn't it Ai-Fa to Asta? What are you standing around like this for?

And, looking back because he was called from across, it was Lau-Ray and Gillan-Lillin who stood there.

"Are those the guys from Castle Town called cooks? Um, he's a little thin and he looks really weak."

"You say hello all of a sudden. Cooks don't need skill. Because if you have enough power to carry an iron pan, it's enough."

"That's why I thought I'd be rude to tell you I seemed weak. Don't be tough on the banquet floor."

Apparently there was already booze in it, and Lauray-Ray laughed cheerfully and compared Roy and Siri-Low. As if she were a town daughter teased by outlaws, Siri-Low hides behind Roy.

"Were the ladies' hearts exhausted? Every dish looks really good."

Gillan-Lilyn smiles calmly as usual.

As rare as a hunter by the woods, he was unrelated to a sense of intimidation.

"Right. Let's get you some food. Uh, where shall we go?"

"If you haven't said anything yet, you should try that pot over there! The people in town looked really satisfied!

So I stopped by one of the Kama's guides on Rau-Ray, and there was the Mimes.

There are also Michel, Tour-Din and Yun-Sudra, and Mother Meer Ray had disappeared, but instead there are Zwei and Yamir-Ray. What you're eating seems to be soup made with caron milk.

"Ah, Asta! This dish is also very delicious!

Mim is smiling. So it moved my mind, and Siri-Low finally made his way in front of Roy.

"Is it a caron milk juice dish? You don't seem to be using vanilla or anything."

"Yes, but it's delicious"

Yamil-Ray, who looked sideways at both of those figures, silently pours soup into the vessel. Zwei, after all, is a strange face.

"Oh, I'm sorry.... yeah, you use meat dumplings"

When I received it after Roy and the others, I did see the little meat dough.

Of course, he also uses shoulder and momomo meat to take stock. The mellow scent of caron milk tickles the nasal cavity, which has become a lot more classic by the woods.

"The vegetables I use are Tino and Nennon and... Is this Aria? People by the woods really like Aria."

"Aria is the most used not only by the people by the woods, but also in the Inn Town and Dalaim. Because it's cheap and nutritious."

"Well, Aria isn't used much in Castle Town... I don't know what it is, but I wonder if this Aria's favor to have depth in the juicy dishes you guys make"

"I think it's big. I use aria in a variety of dishes, even as a flavoured vegetable."

When me and Roy were exchanging words like that, Siri-Law came at me with a face that wasn't serious either.

"I've said vanilla is not used, etc., but Pico leaves are used, right? Speaking of which, I think you often use Pico leaves"

"Yeah, as I may have explained before, by the woods, we're saving Giva meat by soaking it in Pico leaves, not salt. Because in the woods you can pick as many pico leaves as you want."

"I see," he nodded, slowly tasting the soup one bite at a time.

Then Rau-Ray frowned and stuck his neck out all the time.

"You guys look a lot harder and eat food. You mean you don't care about the taste?

Siri-Low shrugs his neck and falls back. Apparently, she feels intimidated by Lough-Ray's vibrant atmosphere.

Trying to hide that figure from Lau-Ray, Roy took a step forward.

"I don't care about anything. It's just that we're Castle Town cooks. Eating is a study."

"Hmm. So, either it's delicious or it's not? This dish is my family's best bet."

"I didn't make everything from scratch, drunken parent."

Yamil-Ray made the tea in its usual condition, but Rau-Ray remained on the lookout for the two guests.

Probably not meant to intimidate Lau-Ray either, but he's a young parent with sharp eyes like a hound, even in normal times. Roy looked a little contemplative, then eventually said.

"If you ask me if it's delicious or not, it's delicious. I'd love to use a lot more vanilla or something to sell it in Castle Town, but I can take the stock off exactly, there's no deficiency in the handling of meat and vegetables, and it's perfect for flavoring. I'm surprised that people who aren't cooks can cook this far."

"Yamil is helping Asta do business! It's only natural that you should have more arms than Kamadoku!

Probably nothing like being suddenly beaten up for being reputed as unsavory, but thanks to Roy's choice of words, Raw-Ray happened to be in a good mood.

This honesty is the beauty of Rau-Ray. Sometimes it can be revealed as a flaw about once every ten times, but it was a shame that this did not happen in such a setting.

"... and this has something similar to your modus operandi, doesn't it, Michelle?

When Roy offered to do so, Michelle, who was silently rubbing the soup, looked troublesome.

"There are similar parts, but not exactly the same. Besides, if you stick around, whoever cooks has the same roots."

"Really? You and Varcus, for example, don't seem very similar at all."

"If so, it means you're only looking at the top of the dish"

To this word, Siri-Low reacted.

"Wait, Michelle. Our teacher Varcus says it is difficult to incorporate because you and the people of the woods behave very differently than you. In your words, it's like even Varcus is only looking up there."

Michelle sighed increasingly on the top of the Buddha.

"Always this guy is just a nasty one. Can you give me those words and make delicious dishes? How many fine words did you line up to make the food taste the same?

"No, but -!"

"If the top surface wasn't similar, it would be difficult to incorporate. Neither did I think about incorporating the manners of a man named Varcus into my cooking."

Michelle glimpses Siri-Low's face as she narrows her eyes in a grumpy manner.

"But any dish has its roots together. You can't cook superior dishes just by adding or pulling them off repeatedly. By multiplying ingredients, it is necessary to simultaneously examine how they affect each other.... On top of that, aren't you just talking about me trying to highlight the original flavour of the ingredients and how in Varcus trying to keep away from the original flavour, dishes that look exactly the opposite can be created?

Siri-Low stood stunned, and then he got depressed as if he was soggy.

"... I'm sorry. It was foolish for me and others to return the word to you, whom Vulcus had acknowledged so far. Please forgive me..."

"Is there any forgiveness or flattery? I just told you you can't cook delicious dishes just by writing."

Michelle scrubs the soup with no more noise.

Then Lau-Ray laughed delightfully.

"Uhm! I didn't know what you were talking about as funny as it sounded! That's a pretty difficult job to do, isn't it, Asta?

"Yeah, well, I'd have trouble getting my consent there,"

I laughed bitterly, but I was intrinsically impressed by Michelle's words.

(Varcus is trying to keep away from the original flavor of the ingredients, or... I see)

It seemed like we were finally seeing who the Varcus dish was, how incredible the finish was.

In the castle town, where complex flavors are preferred, the Vulcus, which seems to be its ultimate system, may be pursuing as an ideal a flavor that can never be imagined from its original ingredients. If that's the case, it seems natural to cook the opposite of me or Michelle in order to take advantage of the flavour of the ingredients.

(But if I don't stick to the taste of the ingredients and the way they are cooked, I won't talk to you. Different up there, but does that mean the roots won't change)

Somehow, the bottom of my stomach is starting to mumble.

It's comforting to be reminded once again of how exceptional Michelle is.

Well, stating that would just make Michelle grumpy, just like Siri-Low. So I kept my luck sneaking around with Michelle.

"Then let me taste another dish as well. There's still a lot of food left to cook."

That's how we bid Rau-Ray and Mime farewell and set our feet on the next scene.

Passing through the round-roasted substitution of guiva, which was baked often, he approached the nearest rug, where there was a young man and woman who were making up their minds without any food.

It was Lara-Luu and Dim-Lutim making the argument, and it was Sin-Luu who was stuck in it and lowered his brow butt a lot.

"Uh, what the hell is all this noise?

When I called out like that because I couldn't even do it barely, I was stuck with Lara-Luu, whose blue eyes flashed.

"It's nothing! It's just that he's sticking his extra mouth in it!

"What do you mean by extra mouth? You're the one who's been saying things that don't make sense."

Dim-Rutim, the young hunter of the Rutim family, also looks as angry as Lara-Ruu. He was the same 13-year-old apprentice hunter as Lara-Lew, and for me he was quite a familiar opponent, as he was given an escort role on his journey to Castle Town and Doug.

"I was just trying to praise the power of Sin-Lu. And yet these women..."

"If you're a hunter by the woods, you can get rid of anyone as easily as the people in town, right? And yet, why do all the Sin-Lu have to deal with them! Even before this, because of their cowardly imitation, Sin-Lu had just been in danger."

"Still, Sin-Lu left the opponent without any injuries. So they applied for another stand-up, so Sin-Lu should show his power with pride?

Apparently, that was about a swordsmanship tournament in Castle Town.

Sin-Luu was not officially invited by name, but given the cause with Railis, son of Gaimaros, the formula would be high for him to be elected, well.

"But we're going to be able to decide between the Chiefs if we're actually going to participate, right?

"Oh no! You decided to let me join you! The townsfolks are trying so hard, Donda, the fathers can't say no!

Something like that.

In the meantime, I've decided to follow up with the guests.

"Roy and Siri-Low, please eat first. That looks like stir-fried meat and vegetables."

"Oh, I'm glad you said that."

Roy shrugged one shoulder and approached the rug.

Siri-Low hastily follows it, too, and Ai-Fa arms up with "Hmm".

"That doesn't seem like a sticky, contentious story. Lara-Luu guides Sin-Luu himself, and Dim-Lutim praises Sin-Luu for his power. It is never in a conflicting mood.... That's how you both say you have a heart for Sin-Lu, but what's wrong with us?

Sure, Sin-Lu was in trouble. I'm just slightly lowering my eyebrows, but still conveys enough mood.

"If you are Sin-Lu, you will not take lag on any unfavourable terms. Doesn't leading Sin-Lu there mean questioning his power?

Lara-Luu hung his eyebrows again on Dim-Lutim's words, but it was controlled by Ai-Fa.

"If you're a hunter, you don't even know you think so. But this Lara-Lew is a hunter-free bunch of women. And he's also a blood closer blood clan to Sin-Lu than you. It doesn't seem very right for you to accuse Lara-Lu of leading Sin-Lu."

"No, but..."

"You once showed such a strong obsession with Dan-Rutim. I know how to put my heart to a strong hunter, but it would be inexplicable if it bothered him."

Dim-Rutim looked at Sin-Ruh as an aside to reveal a little expression.

"... Was I bothering Sin-Lu that far?

"Oh, um, not like that... I was just about to have a little conversation with Lara-Lew"

"Right," Dim-Rutim gets annoyed.

"I was rather going to step up because Sin-Lu, speaking to the women, seemed troubled. If you've given me an extra mouth, I want you to forgive me."

"There is neither forgiveness nor forgiveness. You and your precious family."

I guess Dim-Rutim, who hopes to be in public soon, is set to give his heart to Sin-Ruw, who was chosen by eight brave men at the age of sixteen. He bowed his head once more to Sin-Luu and Lara-Luu before pulling back across the clouds and dim darkness.

"... Sin-Lu was having trouble talking to me?

So, now it's Lara-Luu.

Lara-Luu narrowed his eyes in slices and stared at Sin-Luu.

"That's right. Even Sin-Lu didn't like it and the nobles looked at me... it's just annoying that I should have been blinded."

"No, it's not"

"Sorry. If you're a hunter, it's an honor to be expected to have your arms challenged by a power comparison. I was with him earlier, and I wasn't thinking about Sin-Lu's feelings."

"So it's not, Lara-Lew"

Sin-Luu put his hand on Lara-Luu's sly shoulder.

Lara-Rue stares back at its face with tears in her blue eyes.

"It's certainly an honor to be expected to have power as a hunter. And if a nobleman named Leiris, whose father has become a sinner, can settle for thoughtless thoughts by comparing his powers with mine, I'd even more like to be his opponent.... but I don't want Lara-Lew to feel the same way."

…………

"Let me show you my power as a hunter by the woods without ever endangering myself. I swear it on this occasion... can Lara-Lew see it through?

"Can we see it? But is it like we can see it next time?"

"I don't know. But I'm not going to leave Lara-Lew for that tournament. That's how I'm gonna tell Donda-Lou."

Saying, Sin-Lu was blushing his cheeks.

"It's a spectacle of the aristocrats, so I'm sure they'll get together again, like that lady. The nobles tell me that's not something I care about... and I don't like it when Lara-Lew doesn't like it. I want to show Lara-Lew my power more than anyone else."

Lara-Lew said, "Thank you" in a small voice.

He smiles joyfully with tears in his eyes as blue as the sea. That was an unprecedented adult and soft way to laugh.

So I decided to sneak up on Eye-Fa and fade out to the rug. Any more mouth scratching would be just wild.

That's how in the rug there was not only the Roys but also the appearance of Yumi and Terrier-Mass.

"Hey, you're finally here. Lara-Lu and the others were okay?

"Oh, yeah, I think I managed to get the story together."

"Good for you. For disappointing Louis, I need Sin-Lou to be happy."

Yumi is laughing like a prank kid. The real reason I asked you not to take an interest in Sin-Lu seems to have passed on to Yumi.

They carry a plate of stir-fried meat and vegetables that looks quite delicious in their hands.

"Oh, this is so delicious! They're really good cooks."

Roy and Siri-Low are, after all, eating that dish with a serious face. Me and I-Fa also decided to sit in the corner of the rug and keep it with you.

It is a very common stir-fried meat and vegetables. but it has evolved a lot since the days when it relied on tau oil and myrmu, and even mammalian vinegar and sugar were used for that.

I guess it's based on my devised sweet vinegar mackerel dish. The amount of Mammalian vinegar is modest and sweet. Additionally, only a little bit of chit fruit was used for the corn, which was a small accent.

The ingredients are also made of Giva rose meat and classic aria and tino and eneon and pra, plus chan like zucchini. Gibba's fat is sturdy, but the bright vegetables are relieving it, and it's a very powerful meal.

"Really every dish is great. Accommodation Town can sell any dish."

From the replacement of Yumi, Terrier-Mass tells us so, too. She also seemed to enjoy a feast by the woods without being pressured, if any, along with Yumi.

"Really. Anyone can help us with our shop!... I don't know what it's like in Castle Town."

And Yumi's eyes looked at Roy and the others.

Siri-Low turns away steadily, and Roy responds by blurring, "Right."

"I still feel like Pico leaves and chit fruit aren't enough, but the use of vinegar, sugar and tau oil is impeccable.... To be honest, I'm surprised all the dozens of women can cook like this."

"Yeah, anyway, people by the woods are serious about their roots, and they're very serious about their jobs because they have a strong sense that they can't waste valuable ingredients."

"Precious ingredients, you guys make a lot of copper coins every day, don't you? If it's about sugar or mammalian vinegar, can you buy as much as you like?

"Even so, the fundamental part remains the same. I also have a strong feeling that it shouldn't change. Because the idea of undervaluing copper coins can also mean undervaluing giva hunting jobs."

Roy grabbed his mouth for a moment and looked around at the folks by the woods who were having fun mouthing the same dish.

"Precious ingredients, huh?... that's how I feel, so maybe Varcus doesn't feel like complaining about whatever ingredients you guys bring home"

"Varcus doesn't know what it's like to be a forest dweller."

Siri-Low said so in a slurred voice.

"It takes trial and error to pursue the ideal flavor. Varcus is just reluctant to be used as an ingredient in dishes that aren't even Loc, and he's not reluctant to sacrifice the ingredients for trial and error.... Even the people by the woods, if they were prepared to sacrifice many ingredients, would they have even improved the quality of their dishes?

"But the vast majority of the castle cooks who are challenging it aren't recognized for their skill by Varcus, are they? The point is, I guess it's a matter of the weight of preparedness. I guess it's one thing to be prepared not to waste ingredients."

Siri-Low scolded Roy on the side, but didn't try to argue any further, just kept eating the food.

There, "Yo, Asta," I can hear you from behind.

Looking back, Rudd-Lou and Giza -Lou stood.

"Guests are here, too. Just fine. It's a message from my father.... Do you mind if I invite those travelers to the feast?

"Get the gamrays? How come again?"

Outside the settlement, they remained tucked away in their own luggage.

The intended giva could be captured, but the sunset was imminent, so they were also to stay until tomorrow morning. Then I thought to myself that they should not be invited to the feast either - but I'm sure Donda-Lou and Giza -Lou would not allow it, and they kept their mouths shut very much.

"No, because those guys saved both the men in the branch. According to Sin-Lu and Mida's story, if it weren't for them, there probably wouldn't have been any life for either of us. As a Lew family, I'd like to return the favor, but you can't just imitate the Lew family at their own convenience without the permission of their guests or family members, can you? That's why I've been traveling around with my family's parents and guests right now, with my brother Giza."

Behind Rudd-Lou, Giza-Lou is also nodding.

"Parents and other guests of my family have already given me forgiveness. All you have to do is four people there and a person from Fa's house. I want you to let me know how you feel without falsehood."

"... I'm not going against my husband's will because this is a feast of the Lew family"

Ai-Fa replied in a low voice, Rudd-Lou said, "Are you okay?" and lean his neck.

"Ai-Fa hates a little guy for that, doesn't he? If they make a scene with each other, we'll be in trouble."

"I don't feel like making more noise than I do. I just want you to keep your words to yourself so you don't have to do that."

"Let's tell that girl named Pinot. If she's that girl, she'll take care of it."

Thin eyes, like the thread of Giza-Lou, look around at the guests.

"How are your guests? This is only a feast to welcome you, so let me prioritize your feelings."

Of course, there was no one to disagree with. Siri-Low had a lot of anxiety, but she herself must be allowed to jump in and participate, so she can't argue or anything.

"I think it's good! If those people even did the art, the feast would be so exciting!

Yumi and others had one full smile.

Giza-Lou nods "umm" with his inner illegible face.

"Then let me invite in the travelers. If anything, the people of the Lew family will be responsible for seizing it, so I want you to enjoy the feast with confidence."

That's how they arranged for the unexpected guests to join the fight in the middle of the feast.