「It is true that in most countries, corn is primarily used as livestock feed. I was aware that in the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim, it serves as a staple food, at least in theory… but I never imagined it to be such a rich and robust ingredient. I can only feel ashamed of my shallow understanding.」
I had intended to take control of the situation by surprising them with a meal, but once we arrived in the receiving room, the tables had completely turned.
「If such a dish were to become a part of their established food culture, it could lead to significant export demand for Alfheim’s agricultural products. If Your Highness plays a role in its promotion, there could be diplomatic benefits as well… It is inevitable that the international landscape will shift in the years to come. Introducing corn-based cuisine as a means to ease tensions with Alfheim is not a bad idea.」
「Conversely, wouldn’t this also mean an influx of wheat into the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim? Food culture, while a fundamental part of a nation and its people, is also fragile—easily lost given the right circumstances. If cheap wheat from other nations were to flood the market, the people of Alfheim would undoubtedly be affected. In such times, whether corn has been properly embraced by foreign nations may very well serve as a pillar to uphold their cultural identity.」
Princess Yunia and Prime Minister Eidel were deeply engrossed in discussing the tortillas used in the scones—and by extension, corn itself.
「I understand that in the other world where you once lived, Sui-dono, corn was an essential crop for both people and livestock. How was it differentiated from wheat?」
「Sui-sama, if there are other dishes that utilize corn, please do share your knowledge. We, too, wish to preserve the culture that Alfheim has built, and we would like to honor the great yet unsung achievements of those who have sealed away the Demon King.」
「「Sui-dono (Sama), what are your thoughts!?」」
…Faced with their pressing gazes, I could only falter.
Discussions about national culture and diplomacy were simply too weighty. No, in a sense, I had brought this upon myself—I was the one who chose to serve tacos in the hopes that the princess would take an interest.
Managing to escape the relentless questioning of Princess Yunia and Eidel-san, I finally found an opportunity to speak with the 『Witch of No Return』—Tinam-san.
He was a man appearing to be in his early forties, his long hair neatly tied back. With his gentle demeanor, he gave the impression of a well-trusted town physician, beloved by children.
However, just as I was about to thank him for his help, he seized my hand, his face overcome with emotion, and began speaking fervently.
「Ah, to think that the child from that time has grown into such a fine young man! You likely do not remember, but I have carried regret all these years. I could do little more than delay the weakening of your life, unable to provide even adequate symptomatic treatment. I was tormented by my own helplessness. They call it ‘God’s favor’ but it was nothing more than an ailment—a challenge that people should strive to overcome. If I, who could not even conquer a single disease, am to be called a ‘witch’, what meaning is there in such a title?」
「N-No! I’m sure it was only because of your efforts that I made it in time… Please, raise your head! And besides, thanks to your elixir, our Mint was saved.」
「Ah, that is precisely what I wished to hear about! Elemental attribute conflict is yet another detestable chronic affliction that must be overcome. That my elixir proved useful is an honor beyond words, but I have heard that you also employed medicinal cuisine in the treatment. I know this is an impudent request… but would you be willing to share your recipe with me?」
For the record, Tinam-san was speaking incredibly fast.
「Of course, I’d be happy to share it. However, Mint’s birth and the nature of the Alraune played a significant role, so I doubt it would be widely applicable…」
「That is no issue at all! In fact, that makes it all the more worthy of research. If I were to simply enjoy the fruits of your labor without contributing myself, I would bring shame upon the name of ‘No Return’!」
His enthusiasm was overwhelming. And to top it off, he spoke with teary eyes, leaving me at a loss for how to respond. But above all, I was genuinely glad we met.
Fourteen years ago, he fought desperately to save me when I was teetering between life and death. And just last year, he played a part in curing Mint’s attribute conflict. The fact that I hadn’t even known of his existence until recently felt like a terrible oversight on my part, but at the very least, I could finally offer my gratitude.
While this was a reunion of old ties, it was also a moment of new encounters.
One such encounter was with Karsch-san, the ‘Continuous Rain Witch’.
「That consomme you developed—its trial implementation has begun within our knight order. And I must say, it is excellent! Unlike the adventurers of Sidera, we who are stationed in the royal capital rarely find ourselves in extreme conditions. However, in times of crisis, we must be able to act, and we conduct outdoor training regularly. Until now, we believed enduring poor rations to be a part of that training… but when food is good, even in exhaustion, one finds renewed strength. It was a revelation, truly an eye-opener.」
Karsch-san was apparently a member of the Royal Knights. True to their name, they were a knightly order directly under the royal family, newly established under the current king’s rule.
Unlike the palace guards responsible for court security or the royal guard charged with protecting the royal family, the Royal Knights primarily served the people under the king’s command. In essence, they were an independent force, separate from the nation’s political and military structures—a sort of personal army under the direct authority of the royal family.
According to mother, this was also a safeguard against the privatization of state resources by the royal family. In other words, if the royal family needed knights for personal matters, they were to rely on the Royal Knights rather than the palace guards or the imperial guard.
「Well, that’s the situation. Since the Royal Knights are funded by the royal family’s private expenses, we can’t afford extravagance. But at the same time, constantly gnawing on tough dried meat and boiling wild herbs with the bloody flesh of prey gets rather depressing. And so, your consomme is proving to be a lifesaver!」
「The granulated consomme was originally developed for adventurers who spend extended periods in the forest. If the knights can also benefit from it, that would be more than I could ask for.」
「Indeed, indeed! And another thing—I happened to hear about a certain highly nutritious confection! Apparently, it has a long shelf life and is filling even in small portions. Was it called… Stollen? This is a great opportunity, so if possible, I’d love to try it!」
「Ah, yes. I think the cafe I frequent has some in stock, so I could bring it tomorrow…」
「Really!? Tomorrow, it’s a promise! And of course, we’re having tacos as well!」
Seriously, if she just stayed silent, she’d totally have the aura of a handsome, cool female knight. But her obsession with food is something else. What even…?
※※※
After talking to person after person as if I were in a queue, I finally had a moment to breathe. I reached down and stroked Chocola at my feet.
「Everyone’s so intense…」
「Bark…」
「That’s not you agreeing with me, is it? You’re just sighing in contentment after drinking a ton of milk. I can tell.」
「Kuuun… fsshh.」
Too full to move, he squirmed as if trying to escape my hand. Oi, you…
—But still, it was an enjoyable time.
Princess Yunia and Prime Minister Eidel were still deep in conversation about corn. Noah and Parker-san had joined them, and the discussion had even shifted to sesame tofu, which was currently trending in the royal capital.
Tinam-san, with nostalgic and gentle eyes, was reminiscing with mother and Karen. He might have known father too. I should ask about it later.
Karsch-san had started chatting and laughing with her fellow knights, all excited about the upcoming Stollen-and-tacos feast tomorrow. …It looked like I’d have to prepare enough for the knights as well.
And then there was Mint, sitting happily on Grandma Seralinde’s lap, munching on sweets while she gently patted Mint’s head with a warm smile.
「Mint, aren’t you tired from meeting so many new people?」
「Uuu! Everyone warm. No cold. Mint happy!」
「I see. Everyone is warm, huh…」
When I first heard that the princess and Prime Minister—important figures of the kingdom—were coming, I had felt just a tiny bit on edge. I had been fairly sure everything would be fine, but a part of me wondered if they might bring something troublesome into our lives.
But it seemed my worries had been for nothing.
Leave a Reply