Kays Translations

Chapter 30: The Delinquent Grand Duke’s Incognito

　It is dusk before the evening sun goes down. Lute, now in his human form, walks alone through the bustling town, which is tinted with the color of crimson red.

“It’s really crowded.”

　He was overwhelmed by the bustle of the marketplace where he stopped by on a whim. It was as if the metaphor of a boisterous atmosphere with lots of drinking and singing had become a reality. In a world where entertainment is scarce, the arrival of Lute may have had something to do with the bustle, but even taking that into account, it was still quite impressive.

　Sanderica, the kitchen of the Empire’s seas. The fact that this city is as bustling as the capital city of Bailey makes him realize that this city is one of the key points of the empire.

“Hey shop owner. I’d like to ask you a question, is there a good bar around here? Actually, I just arrived in this town today. Also, what kind of dish is this? It looks like a normal soup, but it smells different”

“This is a local dish called limu. It’s a soup made by boiling small fish and other ingredients in seawater. It’s delicious.”

“Seawater? That’s not even drinkable.”

“You know a lot, brother. Are you from a place near the sea? It is true that seawater is not drinkable as it is. But if you boil it and dilute it with water, you can drink it. It won’t make you sick. In fact, the combination of the flavor of the sea and the taste of the fish makes it a superb dish.”

“Huh? That’s interesting. I’ll take one.”

“Here, thanks for the business.”

　In order to find a bar, he approached a random restaurant, but Lute laughed, saying that it seemed to be a hit. It is a kind of local cuisine that is rarely found in the Kingdom of Land, where there is no ocean. If it is explained that it is made with seawater, there is no end to the interest in this dish.

　He decided to put the tavern issue aside and enjoy this store for the time being.

“How will you pay?”

“In imperial currency”

“Then that’s the price on the sign. With the bowl is the upper price. If you want to return the bowl, it’s the lower price.”

“Lower, please”

“Yes….Uh, that’s exactly right. Put the empty bowl in this. It’s your first time at Sandérica, right? I put a little extra fish in it for you.”

“Oh, thank you.”

　He is in a good mood with the generous owner, and receives a bowl with soup poured into it. He takes a bite.

“… it’s delicious”

　Lute’s eyes widened unintentionally at the delicious taste that spread in his mouth. It seemed that he had really hit the jackpot, and the food was definitely better than at a cheap restaurant.

　Sea water. Well, it is different in depth from mere saltiness. It has a complex yet gentle aftertaste. The fish flavor that is added to the saltiness gives it an even broader flavor.

“No, it really is more than I expected! I’m convinced of that when I taste it like this. Fish from the sea and seawater, of course they go well together. And that’s not all. It also has a sweetness that is different from that of seafood. It’s not sugar, it’s……vegetables?”

“Oi oi. What’s this, brother, you’re quite a gourmet for such a young man, aren’t you? You have a good tongue. That’s correct. I cook the scraps of vegetables and the secret sauce together to season it. It makes it taste so much better.”

“I see. It is common to put vegetables in stewed dishes, but this is what happens when they are combined with sea food. This is delicious.”

　Seawater and fish. The addition of the sweetness unique to the vegetables adds a nice salty balance to the dish, it is a good seasoning.

“The ingredients are also delicious. The fish is simply full of flavor, and the occasional bitterness of the fish guts keeps me coming back for more. And with such a large portion, it looks like it will keep you going for a long time.”

　When the fish is chewed with the soup, a different taste spreads in the mouth. …… ‘Limu”, it is not to be underestimated.

　A few minutes of tasting and tilting the bowl. Splendidly, Lute had finished off the limu soup.

“I’m satisfied. Can’t you serve this to the nobility?”

“Ha ha ha. You give me a high compliment, brother. I’m not that good. But when you eat like that, it makes the restaurant worth running.”

“It’s an honest evaluation.”

　When the shopkeeper laughed at him for overreacting, Lute also chuckled. If he knew that it was an aristocrat actually raving about it, the shopkeeper would be stunned. He was tempted to expose it, but he thought it would be bad to cause a strange commotion here, so he refrained from doing so.

　And as he returns the empty bowl, Lute asks the owner again about his original purpose for the restaurant.

“Now then. I’m feeling good and I’m full, so I’d like to start drinking. I’ll ask again, is there a bar you recommend? I’d love to hear a recommendation from the owner of a place that serves such delicious food.”

“Ha ha ha. You’re really good at lifting people up, brother. If that’s the case, I recommend a bar called Uminekatei, just past the market and down the street to the right. It’s reasonably priced and has a wide selection of drinks. The food is good too. …… though the limu soup is not as good as ours.”

“I guess. I’ve only eaten limu soup here, but I’m sure it’s still delicious.”

“Of course! We’re very popular in this market.”

　Lute is convinced by the grinning shopkeeper that it’s natural. The food is exquisite and the owner is very good-natured. There is no reason why he should not be popular.

“But brother. It’s fine to ask for a bar, but did you get an inn? As you can see, it’s crowded today. A new lord and an amazing magician who is on par with that fire demi-god have arrived. Everyone in the area is gathering to catch a glimpse of him. If you’re not careful, you’ll run out of places to stay.”

“That’s fine. I’ve actually just moved to this town. I’ve got a place to sleep. Unless I drink too much and use the cobblestones as my bed!”

“Is that so! That’s great! Then come back again!”

“Of course I would patronize such a delicious restaurant. I’ll come again even if you don’t tell me. See you later, owner. It was delicious.”

“Oh, yes, every time! I’ll be looking forward to the next one. Oh, and don’t drink too much and sleep around! Sanderica is a safe town, but there are still bad people! And even if you’re drunk, stay away from the slums! Don’t go near it! You should be able to tell at first sight!

　The owner, who went out of his way to raise his voice and offer various advice to Lute as he leaves the store, naturally smiles. I had no idea that he would take such good care of a first-time customer. He introduced the store, gave him advice, and so on. The store has quickly become a favorite of Lute’s.

“I’m off to a good start. I’m looking forward to the bar.”

　Uminekatei. The good-natured owner of that restaurant recommended it. The expectations were undeniably high. Lute’s feet naturally move faster.

“Even so, Sanderica. My fiancée’s city looks moderately splendid.”

　The city at twilight. Looking at the sky where starlight was beginning to peek through, Lute disappeared into the crowd.

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