「Are you alright with the smell? It’s stronger than usual」
「Bark?」
「Looks like you’re fine… But if it gets too much, head outside, alright?」
「Bark!」
As I wheeled the cart carrying the finished curry, I spoke to Chocola at my feet.
I had worried the spices might be too much for a dog’s nose, but he seemed completely unbothered.
As expected of a Cu Sith.
Entering the guest room, I began setting out the plates.
The two “witches” and their attendants weren’t present today. Apparently, they had gone to explore the city on their own.
I briefly wondered if that was alright, considering they were supposed to be on guard duty, but since we were inside Noah’s estate and all of us were here, it had been deemed safe.
Yunia-san had explained,
“I want them to see this city not just as our attendants, but with their own eyes and perspectives.”
And so—
The six members of the Hatano family: me, Karen, Mother, Mint, Grandma, and Chocola.
The four members of the Sorx family: Yunia-san, Eidel-san, Noah, and Parker.
A total of ten people gathered for lunch.
Chocola only had meals in the morning and evening, so for now, he had his snack—milk.
I had added some fruit to it, making it a bit more luxurious than usual.
「Well then, itadakimasu」
「Bark!」
The curry came in three varieties, each tailored to different meats.
Beef, pork, and gigi bird (chicken).
The beef curry was a European-style dish, slow-cooked with wine.
The pork curry was a home-style dish, mild and comforting with added honey.
The chicken curry was Indian-style, rich with butter and cream.
Each was served in deep dishes, meant to be enjoyed by dipping naan into them.
I hadn’t been able to get all the proper ingredients to make them truly authentic, but I thought I had managed to bring out distinct flavors in each one.
※※※
「Each one is simply marvelous…」
Yunia-san exhaled deeply after tasting them all.
「Most of the spices used are the same, yet the difference in flavors is remarkable. I had noticed that the cooking process varied quite a bit between each pot, but I see now how much the base ingredients influence the final taste」
「For me, this one is the best」
Noah savored the beef curry, his face relaxing into a smile.
「The richness of the beef, the sweetness of the onions, and the depth of the wine combine to create a refined, exquisite flavor. The mushrooms add a delightful texture as well」
「For me, it’s the gigi bird one」
Parker-san had taken a liking to the chicken curry.
「The big chunks of meat make it really satisfying to eat. And the spice level is just right. It’s spicy, but at the same time, it has this mellow richness. So strange, but so good」
「I think I prefer this one, the one with the most ingredients」
Eidel seemed to be drawn to the pork curry.
「Carrots, round yams, long squash… The chunky vegetables make it so enjoyable. It has a gentle, comforting flavor. The honey balances out the spice, making it something you could just keep eating endlessly」
And so, the members of the Sorx family discussed their impressions.
「Still, what a truly unique aroma and taste. It’s my first time eating this, yet somehow, it feels nostalgic. The spices are intense, yet they have a strangely calming effect. It’s not just about the heat—it leaves you wanting more with every bite. So this is curry…」
As Yunia-san marveled at the dish,
「It might be better not to introduce this to the royal capital. It’s too delicious; it would definitely become a craze. But with the sheer number of spices needed, the business and trade implications would be massive」
Noah wore a serious expression.
「I agree… There’s also the issue of production. If it spreads recklessly, it could lead to disputes. Fortunately, unless someone manages to decipher the spice blend, it’s impossible to recreate. If word of this leaks outside Sidera, we can just claim it’s a secret recipe」
Eidel-san nodded deeply.
「The most important ingredient seems to be pepper. But that’s mostly known only in the Beastkin Territory. I doubt anyone could figure it out just from the aroma of this dish」
Parker-san smirked mischievously.
Though their conversation had taken a political turn, it was only natural—after all, they were a royal family that ruled a nation. Discussions like these were likely just part of their daily lives.
As the Sorx family spoke, the members of the Hatano family began to join in as well.
「I appreciate your consideration. Dealing with complications is the last thing I want… This curry, you see, is the taste of home from the world and country where Kazu-kun was born. The flavor of an ordinary household, an everyday kind of happiness… If it is ever shared more widely, I just hope that part remains untouched.」
With a smile, Mother took a bite of the pork curry—the most traditional 『Japanese curry』 on the table.
「Hey, hey, Grandma, try this too! This spicy, so Mint goes ‘Uhh’—little, but when drink lassi, it goes away!」
Sitting beside Grandma Seralinde, Mint happily waved her spoon.
「Oh my, thank you, Mint. This lassi drink is quite delicious. Wasn’t it passed on to 『Skylark Pavilion』?」
Grandma had already finished three pieces of naan. Watching her hearty appetite always brought a smile to my face.
「Hmm, I think it’s on the menu, and it’s decently popular. …Yunia-sama, Sui and I both want people to enjoy good food. That feeling will never change. But if it ends up causing trouble for a lot of people, then that’s something we don’t want either.」
Karen put my thoughts into words.
So I looked around—at everyone’s faces, at the curry and naan disappearing from their plates without hesitation—and thought to myself.
Bringing Earth’s cuisine here, introducing new flavors, that could certainly boost the economy. But at the same time, it might create conflicts. The royal family, Yunia-san and the others, had to consider those concerns as part of their duty.
It was complicated, and in the end, I could leave those matters to them.
But—
「In the end, I don’t think what I really want to share is the food itself. It’s the happiness of sitting down with family and eating curry together. Right now, the Hatano family and the Sorx family are sharing a meal, sitting across from each other, smiling as we eat. …Just like Mother said. This ordinary, everyday moment—this is what I love.」
「Bark!」
Chocola barked, nudging his empty dish, asking for more milk.
I reached out to pick up the dish, gently stroking my beloved dog’s back.
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