Chapter 157: The Gourmet Hunter

Three days after our shopping trip in the city of Lanzole, Lua-san and her group returned from their adventure.

This time it seemed they’d been on quite a grand journey— they’d even discovered an uncharted dungeon.
It wasn’t as large as the dungeon we’ve been exploring during the winter season, but since it was near the border, apparently no one had ever set foot inside before.

They had only explored the first floor this time, but they were fired up to reach the deepest point on their next expedition.
I was interested in the newly discovered dungeon, but what I was really curious about right now was the so-called “Gourmet Hunter.”

According to Velvet-san, he was supposed to visit today…

While I was working in the fields, fidgeting with anticipation, I spotted Velvet-san’s luxurious, ornate carriage rolling toward me.

“Oh my, Sato. Did you come to greet us?”
“I saw your carriage, so I hurried over. The person inside is… the Delicacy Hunter?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I’m Douglas, a Gourmet Hunter. Pleased to meet you.”

Douglas-san’s expression darkened slightly at the phrase “Delicacy Hunter” I’d casually used.
It seemed he preferred calling himself a Gourmet Hunter— “Delicacy Hunter” was not a name he liked.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Sato. Velvet-san has told me about you, and I’ve been wanting to meet you.”
“Hmm… hard to say if that’s true or not, but I’ll take it at face value for now.”
“It really is true. I was amazed by the Queen Needle’s honey, and I also want to discover delicious monsters myself.”
“…Hmph. I see. Well, in that case, I don’t mind.”

His expression softened. He must have been pleased to hear I had an interest in edible monsters.
He might actually have a bit of a tsundere side— or so I thought to myself while I ushered Velvet-san and Douglas-san into the living room.

After serving tea with Queen Needle honey, we got right to the topic I wanted to ask about— tasty monsters.

“If you don’t mind me asking right away— besides the Queen Needle, could you tell me about other delicious monsters?”
“Hmm… apart from the Queen Needle, Summer Cattle milk and Gold Hen eggs are both relatively easy to eat and make fine ingredients.”

Cattle meant cow, and Hen should be a chicken.
The monster names made them sound exotic, but really, they were just milk and eggs.
The Queen Needle’s honey was basically honey too— so these two had to be delicious.

“Even the names sound tasty. I’d love to try them.”
“Names alone, eh? You’re a strange one. I brought a small amount— want to taste for yourself?”
“If you’re offering, I’d be delighted!”

And so I received some Summer Cattle milk and Gold Hen eggs.
Since neither could be eaten raw, I decided to cook them first.

The result, after simply heating them, was hot milk and a boiled egg.
Neither was pure white— both had a faint brownish tinge.

“I’ll start eating, then… Velvet-san, would you like some too?”
“No, thank you.”

She’d been staring at them, so I thought she wanted to try, but it turned out she was just curious.
Perhaps, since they were products of monsters, she felt differently about them compared to honey.

I decided to start with the boiled egg.
Sprinkling on a little salt, I bit in boldly.

“—Delicious! This egg is incredibly rich.”

“Hoho, you have a good tongue. It’s a bit strong in flavor, but that’s part of its charm.”

Indeed, there was a slight sulfur scent— like a richer version of the black eggs from Ōwakudani.
Next, I picked up the hot milk and drank it in one go.

“This is wonderful too. It’s so sweet, even without sugar.”

“Aye, it pairs well with desserts.”

“I can see that— it’d be perfect.”

Compared to this world’s regular ingredients, these were on another level entirely.
Before I knew it, I had finished both the milk and the egg.

I was extremely satisfied— but Velvet-san’s eyes on me were icy cold.

For something this tasty, that kind of look could only mean she had a strong aversion to monster-based foods.

I was sure she’d be hooked if she tried them, but I couldn’t force it.

Maybe if I prepared them in a more “dish-like” way first… someday, I’d get Velvet-san to taste them too.

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