With words of encouragement (and pressure) from Lawrence-san, we finally set out for Xenodia.
Typically, travel during expeditions was done by carriage, but since the exhibition’s opening date was fast approaching, Simone would have to give it her all this time.
「Leave it to me!」
Simone replied with a bright smile and immediately transformed into her dragon form.
「W-woah!?」
Luke-san, seeing Simone’s dragon form for the first time, let out a startled cry. While my companions and I, as well as the townspeople of Driessen, had long grown accustomed to seeing Simone as a water dragon, Luke-san’s reaction was entirely understandable. Even the innkeeper earlier had casually waved at her, saying, 「Oh, Simone-chan, full of energy as always.」
Seeing that, Luke-san looked even more surprised.
This sight… it may feel normal to us now, but for someone new, it must be quite the shock.
We composed ourselves and climbed onto Simone’s back as usual. Luke-san followed suit, and after placing his horse into a cage, Simone grasped it with her claws and took off into the sky.
「Luke-san, be careful not to fall.」
「Y-yeah.」
It was his first time riding on a dragon’s back.
Rather than excitement, I could feel the tension radiating from him.
I decided to ask about the exhibition’s details while we traveled.
「Including you, there are currently thirteen participants. The contest involves using vegetables—ah!」
「? What is it?」
「Ah, well… I forgot to mention something important.」
「Something important?」
Seriously? Now of all times? If it had anything to do with eligibility for the contest, we’d have to turn back immediately.
And that crucial piece of information was—
「For this exhibition… one of the judging criteria involves submitting a dish made with vegetables.」
「A dish?」
Martina immediately reacted, perking up at the mention of cooking.
「Ano, could it be that… the important thing you forgot to mention was that we need to bring someone to prepare the dish?」
「Exactly.」
「Then there’s no need to worry.」
「Huh?」
Martina said confidently, puffing out her chest, while the rest of us nodded in agreement. Luke-san had no way of knowing this, but—Martina was an exceptional cook, skilled enough to design the menu for the Krentz Knight Order’s cafeteria.
「Her skills are the real deal. Her father is the personal chef for one of Krentz’s great noble families.」
「Oh! That’s reassuring!」
Luke-san’s expression brightened instantly.
I was grateful as well. Having Martina handle the cooking was a blessing—I’ve been her partner for so long that I know exactly what she’s capable of.
Still… a cooking contest, huh?
Now I’m curious about the other participants. This might actually turn out to be pretty interesting.
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