Chapter 76 - A Cheerful Dinner
Aisha and Kurune, having finished their greetings at Elgis-san's house, returned, and we were eating dinner.
"Delicious! This venison has no gamey smell and is so tender!"
"...It really is. When I grill it at home, it never gets this tender."
Kurune and Aisha, having eaten the venison, raised voices of admiration.
"It's because it was freshly caught and the pre-processing was good. In Aisha's case, you just overcook it a little."
It's true that I've become accustomed to processing deer since becoming a hunter, but I think Flora, who can create dishes with the perfect level of doneness, sauces that match the meat, and considerations for other ingredients, is more amazing.
She didn't just serve grilled venison; she provided a refreshing sauce using Kuku Fruit, a sweet and savory sauce, and spices that added a bit of heat.
To think she could increase the range of flavors this much beyond just grilling it.
First, to taste the venison as it was, I tried it without any sauce.
I put the fatty venison into my mouth.
The moment my teeth sank in, the meat juices spread as if overflowing.
The flavor of freshly caught wild venison spread richly. The doneness was just right and it was very tender. The more I chewed, the more the overflowing taste of the meat seemed to make the strength within my body surge.
Having tasted the venison itself, I next tried dipping it in the sweet and savory sauce.
This was a familiar flavor sometimes seen in sandwiches and the like. A sauce made by combining various nuts, sugar, alcohol, and so on. It becomes very delicious when mixed with meat and sandwiched in bread.
There were small slices of bread on the table, so just as I was thinking of sandwiching it, I saw Aisha dipping her venison in the sweet and savory sauce in the same way.
Then, after thinking for a moment, Aisha started dipping the venison already coated in sweet and savory sauce into the spicy seasoning.
While I was surprised by the double-dipping I hadn't even considered, Aisha leisurely carried it to her mouth.
Then, after chewing the meat as if savoring it, she gave a firm thumbs up.
Apparently, it was delicious.
Attracted by Aisha's double-dipping, I was led to dip the sauce-covered venison into the spices. The moisture of the sauce absorbed the red spices, and the venison was dyed red.
When I timidly carried it to my mouth, the sweet and savory sauce, the stinging spices, the overflowing meat juices, and various other flavors mixed together in my mouth.
The more I chewed, the more the thick wild taste of the venison asserted itself, and the sauce and spices clashed as if competing with it.
It was a strong, stimulating taste, but for some reason, it was a flavor that left me wanting more.
"...This combination is similar to the seasoning of meat sold at stalls in the city."
"I might like this combination the best."
"Eh—that's surely too heavy. It's best to taste it as it is and occasionally neutralize the fat with a refreshing sauce!"
As I murmured thoughtfully, Kurune spoke in a dissatisfied voice.
Kurune preferred refreshing seasonings over heavy ones.
Taking a piece of venison, I dipped it slightly into the sauce made with Kuku Fruit.
Then, I threw the venison, which was about to drip with meat juice and sauce, into my mouth all at once.
When I chewed it, there was the plump texture of the venison, and the fatty meat juices gushed out. Amidst the thick flavor of wild venison seeping out, the refreshing Kuku Fruit sauce arrived as if to neutralize those fats. Thanks to the moderate acidity, it was easy to eat.
Kurune's opinion was also valid and a classic approach.
"But what if you sandwiched this double-seasoned venison in bread and added fresh vegetables?"
"T-That is...! It would surely... be delicious."
Kurune, the refreshing-flavor partisan, groaned at Aisha's point.
Certainly, if it's heavy, you can supplement it with the moisture of vegetables. Just by combining other ingredients, it can suit various people's preferences. Meat and sauce are profound.
While Kurune and Aisha were arguing, I asked Flora, who was sitting next to me.
"How do you like to eat it best, Flora?"
When I turned toward Flora, she had just put meat in her mouth and was moving her jaw. She wanted to answer my question, but she couldn't speak because there was meat in her mouth. Perhaps finding that frustrating, she desperately moved her mouth 'mogu-mogu,' but since Flora's mouth was small, she couldn't seem to finish swallowing easily.
"Ahaha, you can take your time."
I laughed because Flora, who was making a troubled face while desperately moving her mouth 'mogu-mogu,' was adorable. Her appearance was like a squirrel that had put nuts in its mouth.
Perhaps realizing my teasing attitude, Flora tapped me repeatedly as if protesting against my laughter.
"...Somehow, they've started flirting right in front of us."
"Isn't it better than them doing the 'say ah' thing?"
Perhaps having seen the interaction between Flora and me, Kurune and Aisha spoke with cold eyes.
I wouldn't do 'say ah' in front of people. Though we do it occasionally when it's just the two of us at home.
While receiving their cold stares, Flora finally seemed to have swallowed the meat and slowly opened her mouth.
"I like to eat them in order little by little, and finish with the refreshing sauce at the end."
Flora's way of enjoying it was also another classic approach.
◆
The discussion about the compatibility of the venison with the sauces and how to eat it grew heated, but the dinner for four was very lively. When I brought out wine halfway through, Kurune was delighted to drink it and became tipsy, but she seemed truly happy.
Not only did the wine and venison go well together, but she probably felt relaxed because she could meet me, her old companion, after a long time, make new friends, and reach a place where she could feel safe.
I think Kurune was letting loose and laughing more than usual.
In that way, after eating delicious food, drinking alcohol, and talking deeply, night fell.
The sun had already completely set, and the surroundings were pitch black.
Reluctantly, we cut off the conversation and moved on to cleaning up the dishes.
That said, since Aisha and Kurune were guests, the ones cleaning up were Flora and me.
Even so, Kurune was diligently wiping the table, perhaps as thanks for the hospitality. Having lived as an adventurer, she probably felt restless doing nothing at a time like this.
While I looked at Kurune warmly, I conversely sent a cold gaze toward Aisha, who was boldly relaxing on the sofa.
She was indeed a guest, but shouldn't she follow Kurune's admirable attitude a little?
Aisha, while noticing my reproachful gaze, let out a yawn on the sofa with a "Kuaaa."
I could almost be impressed by how thick-skinned she was.
While I was thinking that, Aisha, who had been yawning, stood up from the sofa.
"Well then, Kurune. Let's head home for today."
"I suppose so. It's a shame, but let's call it a day."
"Oh? I thought Kurune would be staying here, even if Aisha wasn't?"
Flora, who was polishing the washed plates, nodded in agreement.
Then, as soon as Kurune looked at my face, she let out an exasperated voice, saying, "You dummy."
"Staying at the house of a couple who just started living together would be awkward, so I'll pass. I'll be in Aisha's care for a while."
I thought that made us sound like a lovey-dovey couple, but considering the interaction from earlier, it wasn't necessarily wrong, so I accepted it.
Actually, if I were in the opposite position, I might want to decline too. For example, I would hate to stay at the house of Elliot, who had married a noble lady and was all lovey-dovey.
"Yes, please do come to our place. The bath—everyone will be happy if Kurune comes."
"Yes, yes, you want to take a bath, don't you? I get it. In exchange, let me drink the delicious wine at your house, okay?"
"...I understand. I'll let you drink the vintage wine my father is hiding."
Apparently, a contract had already been formed over there.
Certainly, if Kurune used her magic, heating a bath would be a simple matter.
Aisha's family would likely enjoy the bath to their heart's content.
"...With this, I can avoid getting scolded by Ina."
By inviting such a capable mage to her house as a guest and showing off her excellence, the reprimand for Aisha slacking off on her work might disappear.
It was a truly cunning method.
Well, Kurune could drink delicious wine, and by going along with Aisha's intentions, she could stay there without hesitation.
"You mustn't trouble the family members too much, okay?"
"Yes, I know. Well then, thank you for the meal. And good night."
When admonished by Flora, Aisha walked out of the living room, perhaps thinking she might be lectured.
While giving a wry smile at Aisha, who was like a child afraid of being scolded, Kurune also headed toward the entrance.
Having changed into her outdoor shoes, Kurune opened the front door and turned back toward us.
"Thank you both for today! It was very fun. Well then, see you tomorrow!"
"Yeah, it was fun for us too. See you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
When Flora and I replied with smiles, Kurune gave a broad grin and closed the door.
In an instant, the two lively people were gone, and the living room became quiet.
I was surprised and worried that Kurune had quit the Magic Academy and come to Nordende, but seeing Kurune's firm will and smile, my worries had blown away.
I don't know if she can find new happiness here, but I hope she finds happiness like I did and leads a life that is even a little bit fun.
Things will start moving from next time. ...Probably.[Author's Note]