After making the rounds and greeting familiar faces, we strolled around the town.
It was late winter, waiting for spring, and while the market was starting to get busier, it was far from its usual lively state. There were fewer stalls, and the fruit candy stand where Mint had enjoyed her treat before wasn’t back yet.
「Well, it’s still pretty cold.」
「Everyone, tired and cold?」
「Yeah. Mint, it’s amazing that you’re so full of energy even in the cold.」
「Uuuu, cold, hot, like!」
We wandered hand in hand, occasionally greeted by familiar faces.
Though there weren’t many options, we managed to grab some street food here and there.
We found a bench in the square to sit, watching people go by—
And just like that, Mint enjoyed her time in the town of Sidera.
※※※
On our way back, we picked up some groceries, and I prepared dinner with whatever ingredients we had on hand.
Since this was Sidera, there was no soy sauce, mirin, miso, or dried kelp. No instant rice either. The cooking tools were limited, and above all, there was no induction stove. So, dinner ended up being quite different from what we’d usually have at the Hatano house.
I decided to try making Shkmeruli, a traditional Georgian dish—a rich garlic milk sauce simmered with chicken.
Sidera’s bustling livestock trade made chicken and dairy products readily available. They were shipped year-round, so even in winter, they were affordable and perfect for this dish.
Since Mint couldn’t eat much of something so rich, I asked Shiki-san to bring some fruit from the fairy realm of Tir na Nog, and also made some sesame tofu as a side dish.
「Itadakimasu!」
Though the layout, furniture, and tableware weren’t the same as home, with everyone eating what I’d cooked, it still felt like the Hatano family dinner table.
「This is delicious! I’m amazed there’s still something new from Sui-kun’s cooking.」
「Hmm, Sui is a genius. The menu is endless.」
As usual, mother and Karen showered me with praise.
But endless? That’s going a bit far.
「The cookbook father left at home has been incredibly helpful. There are so many dishes I’ve never made before.」
Today’s Shkmeruli recipe was one I picked up from there. It’s pretty close to the authentic taste too.
「It’s amazing how many cuts of Gigi bird are used—breast, thigh, wings, even the tips… every bite feels different and keeps it exciting. And the aroma is just wonderful.」
「I’m so glad you’re enjoying it, Grandma.」
Incidentally, Grandma Seralinde’s food reviews are always more logical than mother’s or Karen’s—her personality shines through.
「Shkmeruli is sometimes called ‘the world’s tastiest way to eat garlic.’ I think the milk sauce really brings out the garlic’s fragrance.」
First, you simmer a mountain of roughly minced garlic in butter. Then, mix in milk, sour cream, and spices to make the sauce. You chop up various chicken cuts and sear them until crispy, then stir-fry them with onions. Finally, you toss everything in the sauce and let the flavors meld together.
Though it’s technically a stew, it’s apparently not meant to be stewed for long in Georgia. I just followed the fun trivia from the recipe book exactly.
「But wow, this is delicious. I almost regret not making it sooner.」
「Can’t blame you; both garlic and dairy are precious supplies when you’re living in the forest.」
Mother was right; sometimes it’s just a matter of availability.
「How about you, Mint? If the smell or flavor’s too strong, you don’t have to force yourself.」
「Not strong, it’s yummy! But, sesame tofu like better…」
「Yeah, I figured, so I made plenty of it for you.」
「Yay!」
Mint couldn’t quite take to Shkmeruli as a main dish, but she thoroughly enjoyed the sesame tofu and fruit. She did seem to enjoy the Shkmeruli in small bites, though.
It wasn’t so long ago that even a hint of salt was too much for her. It’s hard to believe that was just eight months ago; it already feels nostalgic.
「I thought you’d be tired of milk by now…」
「Nom nom nom nom!」
And Chocola, for today, has been on a milk binge from lunch to dinner.
I thought he’d had enough after all the treats he got wherever we went, so I was planning to make him a simple unsalted stew. But when I casually asked, ‘You’re done with milk, right?’ he gave a wildly enthusiastic response, practically demanding more with his tail wagging like crazy. And so, tonight’s Gigi bird was simmered in milk for dinner.
—In any case.
The whole family gathered around the table, laughter and lively conversation filling the room.
「By the way, Grandma, you’re living in the research bureau dorms most of the time, right? Isn’t it a bit cramped?」
「I’m not one for grand accommodations, so the compact quarters suit me well. Plus, the staff takes care of my meals and household needs.」
「Oh, that sounds so noble…」
「Oh, but back in my adventuring days, I cooked for myself, you know? …Although Cliche wasn’t exactly a fan of my cooking.」
「Aunt, the fact that your cooking skills are disastrous is probably a Mucare bloodline trait. It’s just never been an issue because it was hidden by the family’s nobility.」
「Oh, and I heard Kazuteru couldn’t cook either. So how on earth did Sui get so good at it?」
「Hmm. I was terrible too, but recently, I’ve been learning a lot from helping Sui. Viole-sama, Grandma. Cooking is about effort, not talent.」
「Well, there’s no arguing with that…」
「Fufu, quite so.」
With cheerful conversation and laughter, the meal felt warm and comforting.
Though part of me wondered if it was okay to spend such a peaceful time together, especially with our journey to the Elf nation of Alfheim being just a week away. But maybe that worry was just my anxiety talking.
What’s truly important right now is—this kind of time. Relaxing with Mint, Grandma, Pochi out in the garden, and the family who will be waiting for us, recharging our spirits together.
「Mother, I know you’re thinking you’re low on wine. You can have one more glass.」
「Really? The garlic aroma does make the wine go down easily… Thanks, Sui, you’re the best!」
With a bright smile, mother gave me a quick kiss on the cheek.
Grandma sighed, Karen chuckled, Mint cheered without really understanding, and Chocola stayed engrossed in his food. Deciding I’d visit Pochi afterward, I joined in the laughter.
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