NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49 - Episode 49: There's History in Objects, and Meaning in a Grimace.
Episode 49: There’s History in Objects, and Meaning in a Grimace.
(Return to Frim’s Perspective)
Then, I was told the meaning behind learning to stab someone with knives, .
“Even if magic is on the verge of death, it can still be used and is necessary.”
“The spirit magic of this country doesn’t require procedures like magic from other countries.”
“Magic on the brink of death is powerful.”
“The opponent might have other weapons as well.”
“…I see.”
Unlike modern times, it seems that bare hands aren’t considered fundamental. It’s common for the noble class to be able to use some form of magic. The easy-to-trigger magic of this country can be activated even when on the brink of death. Since facing someone bare-handed is like facing an “invisible handgun,” it’s necessary not only to stab but also to incapacitate them with overwhelming pain. Or instant death.
…Considering magic as a factor, a knife might not be a decisive blow, and since it’s unknown who can use what kind of magic, immediate counterattacks are possible.
Knives are allowed weapons for nobles to carry, useful not only for everyday tasks like cutting envelopes but also as a last resort weapon for self-sacrifice or a final assault even when magic runs out.
It seems there’s a tradition of “history in objects” since ancient times. It’s a dangerous country.
No, even in Japan, during wartime, it was normal for households to have blades like naginata or tanto, as a long-winded old man from a trading partner once said. Japan has had a long period of peace… thankfully, I’ve only ever touched knives, scissors, and box cutters. But even in modern times, depending on the country, it might be “normal to have guns at home.” Peace is truly something precious and close to us.
(Note: Naginata)
(Note: Tanto)
The exploration time of the Levias family mansion is getting shorter and shorter. We’re gradually organizing information, discussing suspicious places, but due to etiquette, my body are stiff and movement is restricted. Rough movements and whispers aren’t helpful either. We’ve requested an investigation through teacher Ael to the king. Even if there are no more people from Levias, there might still be servants or those who married into other families.
Boss received a report that someone from the Druggen family came. I thought it might be Mr. Bursa, but it was his father. I don’t know what they discussed, but he seemed incredibly displeased. He didn’t kill his father, right? He’s okay, right??
“Myued, what happened?”
“…I was told that the Druggen family wants Pakis.”
“Why?”
“Since Lord Bursa doesn’t have children, and Pakis is seen to have potential from his unique hair.”
Pakis’ hair is rarely seen for its orange color… Is there such a perspective?… If it weren’t for his tendency to wield violence, it might be somewhat better.
Boss seems to be working hard on his sons’ education behind the scenes amidst his busy schedule, but it doesn’t seem to be going well. Myued is capable of dealing with nobles near the colosseum, but not all of his sons are.
“And besides, with the qualifications of Mr. Dugga… I mean, Lord Dugga, Pakis can naturally enhance his physical abilities, so he might be considered the best among his siblings.”
“Is that so?”
Honestly, I can’t bring myself to like Pakis. He tried to stab me and treated me like a toy. My thoughts on Pakis are just to the extent of “It’s okay if he’s living somewhere I don’t know about.”
—Prejudices are hard to shake off.
To Pakis, I’m probably just a “burdensome, foolish child good for making money.” It was the same in my previous life. The neighbor lady still thinks I’m like a kindergartener even though I’m an adult, so she gave me candy, and my elementary school teacher still sees me as “a child who hasn’t grown up.” “Prejudice” and the “assumptions” that come with it are quite troublesome, and for some reason, my colleagues from the same batch have been looking down on me without reason and have been hindering my promotion, despite my achievements. Once an impression is formed, it either takes time to dispel or a significant impact to rewrite it.
So, I don’t know how Pakis will grow up… but when I meet him next time, I’ll either show him a stunningly gorgeous beauty or impress him with powerful magic.
“I’ll go practice some magic.”
I’ll give it my all. Go, Frim-chan!!
“Let’s learn a bit more etiquette first, okay?”
“…Yes.”
Even though her plans were thwarted, Frim-chan isn’t discouraged!
—…Day by day, the greetings and invitations to tea parties from subordinates keep increasing. Time flies by in a rush while studying, and before I know it, a month has passed.
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“Welcome to the Lucarim estate, welcome.”
“Hmm, it seems today will be quite surprising. Looking forward to it.”
“…”
The introduction came first from the king… the prime minister was also present.
But wait, the order is different!!!???
I was told that in situations like this, the king should come last! Did this arrogant king want to give the impression that he was anticipating this? Or does he just want to surprise the nobles who come later?
One after another, members of the royal faction enter the mansion. The nobles who arrive late are taken aback. This king has a bad personality, definitely.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a tart made from ripe fruits. Let me slice it for you.”
“Hmm.”
There are many ways to make fancy sweets and delicious dishes with modern knowledge. But it all depends on the ingredients. It just so happened that Chef Rorai thought the mayonnaise was delicious, but now that I know the ingredients, I can do more! So, I tried my best with the tart.
Pies and tarts look good and can be made with almost anything delicious on top. Simply mixing diced meat with spices is delicious, and stewing fruit like in apple tart is also good.
The sweets in this country are too peculiar. Many of them are made with fructose-like substances extracted from fruit juice, and they are often served on thin, crispy cookies.
For slightly luxurious sweets, there’s soft bread with fructose and fruits on top, like a creamless fruit pancake… There are various types of fructose and fruits, and they are delicious in their own right, but I can’t help but think, “It needs a little something more!”
Fructose retains the sweetness of the fruit and, due to the heating process, leaves a peculiar taste. I cut and heated the fruit called Reap, which tastes like peaches, made incisions with a knife, sprinkled it with fructose that was tried and tested halfway through, heated it again to melt the surface, and established it as a fruit tart.
I’ve only made a few Western sweets before, but I’ve been watching videos flowing on social media one after another, and the “cooking techniques” remained in my memory, so I experimented with the surplus ingredients.
I made candy thinly spread like a net, and jams made from several fruits turned out quite good, I think.
Prototype products were eagerly devoured by Boss and others, with Boss leading the way, saying, “Eating it all is proof of loyalty,” so there was no shortage of trial and error. It was a bit delicate that they only said, “It’s delicious,” no matter what I asked.
While the fruit tart looks visually appealing, I think the meat tart turned out better.
“This is… delicious.”
“Thank you.”
“No, this is quite something. The crispy crust and the not-too-sweet sauce on top of the fruits go well together. Whose handiwork is this?”
“I came up with it.”
Although the existing sweets and their ingredients remain the same, the texture and appearance are completely different. However, with ingredients that are the same as existing ones, I thought that tarts would be easily accepted sweets in this country.
I actually wanted to serve a cake with whipped cream, but I decided against it because of “venue constraints,” “my preference for water,” and “it might be too innovative.” Fruit tarts or meat pies are still delicious with water, but cakes with plenty of cream and water don’t go well together. It’s kind of uncomfortable.
If it deviates too much from the existing norms, it might be criticized for being too extravagant, so I opted for something easy to understand and delicious. Not overdoing it, not the best but aiming for better results…
“Fantastic!”
“Where did this come from? Who made it?!”
“It’s like art, it looks good, and the tartness of the clarie fruits is balanced perfectly, I could eat as much as I want!!!”
“Hmph! This is from the Lucarim family………… Delicious.”
“To think we could eat something this delicious.”
“Why is it outside?”
“Maybe we can see the rumored Flame Magic. Let’s take another tart.”
“This meat one is good, easy to eat and compact. It would be nice to serve it to the knights.”
“Not bad, not bad… hmph.”
“That was the tart I was aiming for!”
“Even though I took it first, you didn’t touch it until later? How petty.”
“What!?”
Maybe I went a bit overboard. There are people arguing.
I experimented with the recipe, and there’s nothing perishable that gets spoiled while making it. I’ve prepared thoroughly and stocked up on ingredients in large quantities… but they’re eating with tremendous speed, so I hope they enjoy the tarts even when they cool down.
It’s a standing buffet outside. I heard that there would be several seating areas for introductions like this, and people would gather in factions to chat. I heard that most of the food would be left over and thrown away, so I developed a tart that is too perfect: “delicious,” “visually appealing,” “easy to make,” “easy to accept,” and “resistant to spoilage.” I worked hard on it during the time I escaped from etiquette with my tired body. I don’t know why, but I’m worried that the dishes are disappearing at an incredible rate. If it seems like there’s a shortage of food, I’ll have to deal with it by asking each person to cut it themselves carefully and slowly. When they start to feel full, the diners might want to enjoy various flavors, and it should buy us some time. I’ll discreetly pass on the message.
After exchanging light greetings, I entertained the king and the prime minister… just when I thought it was getting dark and it was time, that Lucarim girl came last.
“Thank you for the invitation. Am I late?”
“No, I’m about to show my magic, so please feel free to watch!”
Now, let’s serve this girl some tart as well—… and then, it’s my turn to be introduced!!