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Shomin no Aji - Chapter 627
🕑 Added 2024-10-15 07:29:02 +0000 UTCA tasting party called dinner.
With a quick-change unbecoming of a proper lady, I somehow managed to make it to dinner only slightly late. Normally, I don’t wear corsets, so my easy-to-slip-on dress was my saving grace.
Oniisama had returned after me and was already seated at the table.
Oh no, I should’ve invited him to the tasting earlier.
I had assumed he wouldn’t make it home because he seemed so busy lately… I’m sorry, Oniisama.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"No, I heard from the Head Chef that there were many dishes, and the trial preparations were tough. I should apologize."
"No, I only supervised. Please extend your gratitude to the chefs."
"Hmm. I'll consider it."
At Otousama’s signal, the servants began swiftly serving the meal.
At the tasting with Crown Prince Raymond, we did it buffet-style, which was a mistake because everyone only ate the dishes they liked.
This time, I asked the Head Chef to serve small portions of everything at first, then offer seconds of their favorite dishes.
We can’t have a situation like with Prince Raymond, where he filled up on curry croquettes and missed out on trying other things.
As I explained each dish briefly, we reached dessert, and I started taking requests for seconds.
Otousama, who asked, "Is there no second serving of this?" after almost every dish, seemed to be aiming to have seconds of everything.
I need to make sure his portions stay small, just like at the start.
"Everything was delicious, but since dessert is still coming, I’ll have the jambalaya. Large portion, please."
Otousama, doesn’t a large portion defeat the purpose?
"I’ll have the bang bang chicken, with extra vegetables," said Okaasama, choosing something light and healthy.
"I’ll take a slice of pizza toast. Just one slice. But I’d like extra dessert instead," said Oniisama, keeping his second helping small but going all-in on dessert.
"I want a second serving of everything," said Kurogane.
"Me too~!" Mashiro added.
Since neither Kurogane nor Mashiro would ever be full, they had no reservations.
Otousama, envious, glared at them, muttering "Grr," but honestly, how can you compete with Sacred Beasts?
I, having had my fill of test-tasting dishes, didn’t order seconds.
"So, Otousama, what did you think of the tasting?"
"All the dishes had new and fragrant flavors I’ve never tasted before. The pizza toast—it's different from the pizza I’ve had before?"
"Yes, the pizza base was replaced with bread, and we added a new spice blend called harissa to the usual tomato sauce."
"Hmm. Just adding this ‘harissa’ to the tomato sauce changed the taste so drastically—it’s fascinating."
"Yes. I thought it might be a good option for breakfast the morning after a banquet."
"Thinking ahead to the next day’s menu, are you?"
"Um, well… yes, I suppose."
That was an impromptu suggestion, to be honest. Oops.
"By the way, the sauce used for the pizza toast would also be delicious in a stew. Though it’s not quite the season for it, it would make a great hearty soup with lots of ingredients."
In my previous life, I used harissa to change up the flavors in my dishes.
"Hmm, that sounds good too. I’d like to try that tomorrow."
"Uh, um…"
I glanced over at the Head Chef, who gave me a nod, so I promised Otousama that it would be served for tomorrow's lunch.
"And now for dessert, we have coffee jelly and chai, a spiced milk tea."
"Hmm? This isn't black slime... It looks like jelly made from soy sauce."
I would never serve a dessert that looks like that, Father!
"This milk tea has an unusual aroma… but the taste is also unique and delicious.”
Okaasama remarked, her eyes lighting up as she took a sip.
Chai has a strong flavor, so I thought it might be divisive, but so far, so good.
"Hmm, this coffee jelly has a bitterness that's balanced by the sweetness, and the whipped cream on top makes it smoother and enhances the flavors."
Otousama, could you not do a full-on food review with a serious face while jiggling the jelly?
It’s hard to keep from laughing!
"Everything was delicious, Tea. Could I have some of the spices you used in the chai? I’d like to enjoy this in the dormitory too."
"Of course. I’ll also include a guide on how to prepare it."
"Thanks. That’d be great."
Anything for Oniisama!
"Everything was excellent. The spice blends you created are something I’d like to keep within the family. However, if Samonar demands them as part of trade negotiations, we may have to disclose them. I apologize, Tea, for your hard work, but don’t worry, if that happens, I will ensure His Majesty grants you befitting rewards."
Uh, I’d rather not deal with a national reward… Oh, I know.
"Otousama, if I could receive a reward, might I ask for priority access to purchase spices imported from Samonar?"
Being able to regularly acquire fresh spices would be amazing!
"Hmm? That would depend on our relations with Samonar, but if I can get a commitment from His Majesty, it’s possible."
Getting a commitment from His Majesty?
Otousama negotiations with him don’t sound very peaceful!
"Tea, I’ll also work on steering the prince to grant you the reward you want."
Wait, even Oniisama is in on this? Please don’t manipulate the royal family!
It’s starting to sound like we’re a villainous family!
Both of them, smiling with such confidence, said, "Leave it to us."
Stop with the sinister grins—it’s scary!
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