Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 347: Giant Ox Steak
The giant buffalo hunt had come to an end.
Altogether, Rest and the soldiers had taken down fifteen giant buffalo.
With each beast weighing about 3,000 kilograms and roughly a third of that being edible, they had secured about fifteen tons of meat.
“This feels like a bit too much, doesn’t it…”
“Well, I don’t think so. With over a thousand mouths to feed, this won’t even be enough, really.”
“That’s true, I suppose…”
Rest nodded in agreement with Isis’s words.
Even if a steak portion was set at 300 grams, when divided among a thousand soldiers, that would only amount to about fifty meals each.
It drove home once again how much of a money-eater an army could be.
In wartime, food like this would never go to waste, but in times of peace, the cost of feeding soldiers who weren’t even fighting must be an enormous strain on the budget.
(Still, if you downsize the army, it just plays into the hands of enemy nations… Ruling a country must be full of headaches.)
“Well done. Impressive work.”
Commander of the advance unit, Valeya Catreya, approached, seeing the giant buffalo taken care of.
“I thought five beasts would be more than enough, but I never imagined you’d bring down this many. With this, we won’t have to worry about rations anymore.”
“Ugh…”
Valeya gave Rest’s shoulder a hard slap.
“As expected of the man my sister chose… I’ve underestimated you, Count Clover.”
“Th-thank you…”
“Keep up the good work. And if you fall short, I’ll be pointing it out every time.”
With that, Valeya removed his hand from Rest’s shoulder and ordered the soldiers to begin butchering the giant buffalo.
Rest’s shoulder throbbed painfully. He hadn’t checked, but he was certain there’d be a hand-shaped mark left under his clothes.
“Is it just me, or does Captain Catreya seem like he wants you to fail?”
“W-what a coincidence… I thought the same thing.”
Rest deeply agreed with Isis’s quiet observation.
If Rest slipped up, Valeya would have a reason to oppose his sister Yuri’s marriage.
It wasn’t that Valeya was hoping the whole campaign would fail… but if Rest personally stumbled, he’d no doubt take satisfaction in it.
“Then you’ll just have to leave no openings. I’ll cheer you on. Do your best.”
“Don’t just cheer me on—help me, please…”
“You know I can’t interfere in a marquis family’s marriage. But don’t mistake me, Rest—I expect great things from you as well.”
Isis placed a hand gently on Rest’s shoulder.
Unlike Valeya’s grip, it was a warm touch.
The pain faded away… She had cast a healing spell.
“Now then, let’s actually eat some giant buffalo. I’ll personally cook you a steak.”
It would take some time before all the meat was properly processed, so Rest and the others were given the chance to eat and rest in the meantime.
“Lubase, would you like to join us?”
“…No. I’ll eat over here.”
Though invited, Lubase glanced at Isis briefly before quickly slipping away.
So, with a block of meat cut by the soldiers in hand, Rest moved with Isis to a less crowded spot.
“Mmm, nicely marbled. Looks delicious. Just a touch of salt and pepper should be perfect.”
“Isis-san, you can cook?”
“A little. It’s part of a noblewoman’s education. I’m especially good with meat dishes.”
She conjured flame with magic, heating a pan and laying the meat onto it.
Once one side browned, she flipped it with practiced ease and sprinkled salt and pepper.
“Ooooh…”
A gasp escaped Rest’s lips.
The savory aroma teased his senses, and the sizzling sound made his throat involuntarily gulp.
“I’ve eaten giant buffalo before, but… why does it look so much better this time?”
“Because it’s freshly hunted. It’s nothing like preserved meat. Medium-rare should be fine, right?”
“I-I’ll leave it to you…”
Rest’s stomach growled in protest.
The soldiers nearby all stared intently, and he could hear them swallowing audibly.
“Damn, that looks good…”
“Tch, I can’t wait, I’m starving!”
“Hurry up and finish the butchering already! I need food now!”
Spurred on by the scent of the cooking steak, the soldiers sped up their work, eager to finish quickly.
“All right, it’s done. Here you go.”
At last, a steak was placed before Rest.
A thick cut of meat served simply on a plate—no garnish, no sauce, only salt and pepper.
And yet… somehow, the fat-glossed slab looked like shining gold.
“Th-thank you for the meal…!”
Rest eagerly cut into it and took a bite.
With each chew, he felt the fibers pop apart in his mouth.
“――――――――!”
Delicious.
Thick, juicy, and irresistible.
Its wild texture seemed to carry the life force of the giant buffalo that had been running free only moments before.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Do you think I’d make a good bride?”
“Of course! Without a doubt!”
“I’m relieved to hear that… truly.”
Rest devoured his portion hungrily, even asking for seconds.
Isis watched him with a meaningful gaze, but Rest remained completely oblivious, utterly focused on savoring the meat before him.