Be Careful When Agreeing to Terms and Conditions

3. Mondstadt Again (10)

Hynx returned to Samut Village three days later.

During this time, I had been signing contracts, staying in Samut Village to inspect the quality of boar meat. Occasionally, I would host gatherings, getting to know the villagers.

It wasn’t a meaningless time. To sell goods, quality checks and establishing relationships with suppliers were essential. Besides, staying in Samut Village allowed me to learn how they slaughter and age boar meat. It was a productive time in its own way.

However, my original plan was slightly different. First, my plan was like this: store the freshest boar meat from Samut Village in my ‘backpack’ and sell it in Mondstadt. This way, Mondstadt could showcase the freshness of boar meat from Samut Village that they could never experience locally. It would attract the interest of Mondstadt residents who are crazy about delicious food.

But there was one problem with this plan. To do significant business in Mondstadt, a considerable quantity was needed, and the amount of boar meat that could be slaughtered in Samut Village in a day was limited. It was a natural limitation due to the limited manpower.

So, I decided to stay in Samut Village for a while to secure inventory. With the ‘backpack’ function, I didn’t have to worry about the freshness of boar meat. Once in the backpack, the condition of the items remained fixed. I just had to wait in Samut Village, receiving the daily production until I had enough stock.

However, to receive the ‘freshest Samut Village boar meat,’ some time was needed. Of course, hunting and slaughtering had started from the day of the contract. Dozens of boars were currently being processed.

But the issue was not the time it took for hunting or slaughtering. It was the ‘rigor mortis’ right after death. Animals experience rigor mortis shortly after death. Meat that hasn’t passed through rigor mortis is tough and tasteless. So, most meat requires an appropriate aging period to relieve rigor mortis.

The key to my original schedule was the few days until the ‘rigor mortis’ was released. I had planned to visit ‘Mondstadt Castle’ during that time. Since I had stayed out overnight in Samut Village, Lumine would likely be worried, and I also needed to discuss the next schedule with Fischl. Plus, considering the dangers we faced during the last schedule, I thought about reinforcing the escort personnel. At least two or three.

However, all those plans went down the drain because of Hynx, who left abruptly after making an unexpected request.

I pressed my throbbing temples to calm myself. Although I had agreed to the request and thought I could afford to waste a few days, it was still bitter inside.

Lumine was especially worried. Perhaps it was because of the pain of losing her brother, but she had a tendency to be somewhat obsessed with me. But since I had disappeared without a word for several days, it was almost certain that I would face her anger when I returned.

It was a pitiful life. My life was full of ups and downs.

I sighed deeply and looked around. In front of the house on the hill, the residents of the Sammul Village were gathered, watching something.

And at the center were Hyangreung and Brook. Hyangreung, the representative chef of Liwal, and Brook, the representative chef of Sammul Village, were standing face to face, staring at each other.

From what I heard, this was the whole story of the incident. Hyangreung, as usual, followed the delicious smell and met Brook, the master of meat in Sammul Village. The two chefs had a heated debate about how to cook the wild boar meat from Sammul Village, and it seemed that they realized that their beliefs differed.

I don’t really care. As long as the taste is good, does it matter how it’s done? But craftsmen tend to risk their lives on such unnecessary problems.

And this was the result. I ended up being the judge of the cooking competition that was beyond my capabilities, and during the few days that Hyangreung was absent, rumors had spread throughout Sammul Village.

Now there was no turning back. I had to admit the defeat of either Hyangreung or Brook. Since all the residents of Sammul Village had come out to watch, the rumors were probably spreading even further. It would be ridiculous to say, “Let’s stop the cooking competition” at this point.

“…So, what should I do now?”

I sighed deeply and asked Hyangreung. Hyangreung had a confident face. He had brought some extraordinary ingredients, but they looked suspicious.

Will it be okay? Of course, Hyangreung was a figure who was evaluated solely for his cooking skills, so I didn’t have to worry. What worried me was myself. I had to eat the dish made with those suspicious ingredients.

Contrary to my feelings, Hyangreung had no worries on his face. All that was visible was his passion. It was a face that showed his determination to win in the cooking competition.

“I’ve prepared extraordinary ingredients, so there’s no problem now! However, I need someone to assist in the cooking.”

I glanced at Brook at Hyangreung’s words. Brook nodded slightly as if acknowledging.

Come to think of it, the restaurant didn’t have only one head chef. There were several subordinate chefs who assisted in cooking, and that’s how the restaurant functioned. It seemed that a system similar to a real battle was adopted, probably because there was a time limit for the cooking competition.

It was normal unless you were someone with the “cooking” ability like me. Even if I borrowed the power of the “cooking” ability, which could complete the cooking in the shortest time with the optimal behavior pattern, it was as difficult as the stench that came out of my mouth to take responsibility for the kitchen alone.

I looked through the people who came to watch, wondering if there was anyone who could assist Hyangreung, but in the end, I sighed and raised my hand weakly.

“Then I’ll assist Hyangreung.”

Since Brook ran a restaurant in Sammul Village, there should already be an assistant chef. So now, all we had to do was find an assistant for Hyangreung’s cooking. I decided to volunteer willingly because I wanted to finish this cooking competition as soon as possible.

It was an obvious story, but Brook resisted my proposal.

“Assistant chairman helping? Where does that happen!”

“I’ll swear on my pride. I won’t show any bias in the judging.”

However, Brook hesitated at my additional words, closing his eyes in contemplation. Soon, as if unavoidable, he nodded his head.

“…If a chef of your caliber says so, it must be true. Fine, I’ll believe you.”

I wasn’t a remarkable chef, and I didn’t have any extraordinary pride in cooking, but I didn’t bother to verbalize that. If he was willing to accept it without misunderstanding, I was grateful.

Let’s finish this quickly. I thought so and stood beside the cooking station.

Hyangryung was clenching his fist, preparing himself. What on earth was this fuss about in a cooking competition?

It was an unknown issue, but since I was temporarily assisting Hyangryung, I had no intention of taking it lightly. I couldn’t tarnish Hyangryung’s reputation, and even though my body was accustomed to cooking with the use of the ‘cooking’ function, without giving my best, assisting Hyangryung would still be a challenging task.

“Alright, let’s begin!”

Dulaf, who temporarily took on the role of judge instead of me, declared the start of the cooking competition. Hyangryung and Brook immediately began handling the ingredients.

At a glance, the meat Hyangryung took out was a type I had never seen before. It seemed to be a kind of wild boar meat, but it was a type of meat with a fat content and distribution that I had never encountered before.

Unable to resist my curiosity, I asked Hyangryung.

“What is that?”

“It’s a wild boar that went extinct over 300 years ago! According to the ＜Liwal Pungmulji＞, it was hunted to extinction because its taste was too exceptional. Impressive, right?!”

With a proud smile, Hyangryung raised the prepared meat as if boasting about his achievement.

Come to think of it, even in modern times, there were animals that went extinct because they were considered too delicious. The Stella sea cow in the Arctic and the passenger pigeon in the United States were representative examples of animals that went extinct for such reasons. It seemed that this wild boar belonged to the same category.

But how did he manage to obtain the meat of a wild boar that went extinct 300 years ago? My curiosity deepened, but I decided not to demand an explanation from Hyangryung.

After all, the Tibet continent was originally such a place. Instead, I focused on assisting Hyangryung.

“Hmm, we need a new flavor! Siu, could you wash the radish?”

“Wow, the fire is too strong! Siwoo, can you adjust the fire for me?”

“I don’t feel any ‘beekah’ vibes… Siwoo, prepare some mushroom skewers!”

I replaced the radish in my ‘backpack’ with highland radish, and it had been a while since the [Adjust Fire] button popped up, so I instinctively moved to adjust the fire. Making mushroom skewers was no issue; I had made countless of them when selling them at street stalls.

No, I could understand everything else, but I couldn’t fathom why Hyeongryung, who could manipulate the element of fire, asked me to adjust the fire. Anyway, since my task was to cleanly assist Hyeongryung, I did it without saying anything.

Cooking quickly with the help of my assistant, Hyeongryung suddenly stopped. It seemed like he was lost in thought.

“What would be a good side dish…?”

Closing his eyes and pinching his chin was a habit that appeared every time Hyeongryung was in contemplation. I spoke as if everything was a matter of concern.

“We did something last time. ‘Bountiful Veggie Wrap’ or something.”

That night, the dish Hyeongryung and I prepared had a similar composition. Fatty meat and a side dish that could neutralize it.

Since Hyeongryung’s ‘Wild Boar Stone Plate Grilled Meat’ would soon be completed as the main dish, a ‘Bountiful Veggie Wrap’ like back then would be an excellent side dish.

Hyeongryung nodded in agreement with my suggestion.

“Alright, then I’ll leave the side dish to Siwoo.”

“…Me?”

If the recipe wasn’t registered, it would be difficult, and the moment I thought so, something astonishing happened.

Hyeongryung’s voice turned into golden particles and began to seep into my body. It was the effect of absorbing the recipe. Although it seemed invisible to others.

“The ingredients are cabbage, ham, watercress, and red chili pepper! First, extract the broth from the vegetables and…”

It appeared that simply reading the recipe book didn’t mean you could register the recipe. Perhaps getting close to Hyeongryung or cooking together like this was a condition for learning this recipe.

I obtained unexpected results. This should be sufficient as compensation for assisting Hyeongryung in cooking.

“…And finally, add the spiciness of the red chili pepper to enhance the finishing touch! How about that, Siwoo? You should be able to make it quickly, right?”

“Yeah, just leave it to me.”

If I have the recipe, there’s nothing I can’t do. I immediately started cooking and soon enough, I was able to complete all the dishes on time.

Now, all that was left was the judging.

The judges were me, Mr. Duraf, and the residents of Sammul Village.

Of course, since there wasn’t much quantity, the residents could only taste it, but I was given enough to make a decent portion by combining the cooking of Hyangreung and Brook.

Must be the privilege of the head judge. I picked up my fork, thinking that being the head judge of the cooking competition wasn’t so bad.

The first dish was Brook’s. While I had witnessed the entire cooking process of Hyangreung’s dish, this was my first time tasting Brook’s cooking, so I was curious about the taste.

Brook’s dish was a classic steak. The thick piece of meat revealed a well-cooked surface, adorned with spices and garnishes.

However, the shape of the meat was a bit peculiar. Was a specific part of the meat cut out? I pressed my knife against the steak.

To my surprise, a remarkably tender sensation was transmitted through the knife. It was soft. Even if the texture of wild boar meat was usually tender, there was still a limit. It was because they were highly active animals. But this meat was cut by the knife without any resistance, to the point that it didn’t feel like wild boar meat at all.

As soon as the pink flesh was exposed, a rich juice flowed out along with the meat’s texture. Just by looking at this, I could be certain. This dish couldn’t be tasteless. It was a dish to look forward to.

I put the first bite in my mouth, and the moment it touched my molars, a melting, tender texture was felt. It was exactly the taste I had expected since I picked up the knife.

It was an intense flavor. It was like receiving an uppercut of flavor. The salt and pepper emphasized the intense flavor unique to wild boar meat. The spices were used sparingly, allowing a subtle aroma that enhanced the taste of the meat to linger in my mouth.

Despite the intense flavor, the texture was incredibly tender. That contradictory situation made the taste of the dish even more distinct. It was indeed a chef with enough skill to call themselves the “Meat Master” of Sammul Village.

“…Hmm, to be honest, it’s excellent.”

Duraf nodded in agreement with my evaluation. The residents of Sammul Village were now eating Brook’s dish that had been divided into individual portions. Excitement soon erupted among them.

Brook explained the dish with a proud face.

“It’s a dish made by cutting and grilling fresh and tender meat that grew anew in the area where the King of Wild Boars’ territory battle took place. It preserves the unique flavor of wild boar meat while providing a tender and melting texture. After all, in meat dishes, you have to make the main ingredient, which is the meat, stand out. I especially kept that in mind.”

No wonder the shape of the meat looked strange. It seemed that it was because they only cut out the newly grown flesh. Honestly, I broke out in a cold sweat at that obsession, but still, it was a skill worthy of pride. I nodded my head as if acknowledging it.

Next was Hyangreung’s dish. What would the taste be like, considering it was made from wild boar meat that went extinct 300 years ago?

The steak cooked on the stone plate still emitted a faint heat. And there was a slightly stimulating scent tickling my nose, probably from the pickled chili pepper.

I stabbed the dish from Hyangryeong with a fork. The sensation upon entering was smooth, yet despite that, it felt firmer than Brooke’s cooking.

However, when I put the meat in my mouth and chewed, I felt that even that was somewhat intentional. Not only a rich flavor but also a simplicity and a harmonious combination of a chewy texture.

Rather, because it touched and chewed on the teeth, the taste was even more pronounced. The inevitable smell that could be added during the process of thawing frozen meat was not noticeable at all. It was because of the refreshing texture and fragrant aroma of Cheongsimhwa.

And the bitter yet savory spiciness of the pickled chili added a kick that could make the somewhat plain taste of the meat more diverse.

No matter how delicious a dish is, if it only has one flavor, it can become monotonous. However, Hyangryeong’s cooking tasted different the more you ate. It was because various ingredients harmonized to create a variety of flavors.

And even though I made it, the side dishes were excellent. Hyangryeong’s recipe had evolved since the last time I had it. Especially, the sharp aftertaste added by the pickled chili worked as a kick. It covered the potentially bland taste of the broth with an addictive spiciness.

The contest was decided. Brooke’s cooking was excellent, but Hyangryeong’s cooking was even more outstanding. While Brooke focused on simply ‘delicious cooking,’ Hyangryeong showed an intention to create ‘delicious and interesting cooking.’

“Well, shall we vote on whose cooking was better now?”

At my words, Mr. Duraft nodded heavily. Both dishes were delicious, so declaring a winner might be painful. However, it was inevitable.

In the end, the victory of the cooking contest went to Hyangryeong. However, Brooke’s cooking also received recognition from Hyangryeong, and her dish was honored to be added to the menu of the Manmindang as well.

After the cooking contest, Hyangryeong seemed quite excited. Rather than enjoying the victory in the cooking contest, she seemed to take pleasure in being able to eat delicious food.

Hyangryeong smiled broadly and said to me.

“Thanks, Siwoo! Honestly, if it weren’t for Siwoo’s assistance and excellent side dishes, it would have been hard to determine the winner. Siwoo, you truly have talent.”

It was a genuinely grateful remark. As a result of this cooking contest, I gained one more recipe, and I could once again receive recognition from the residents of Sammul Village. My side dish, the Fertile Vegetable Wrap, also received high praise.

And in the interesting rumor about the cooking contest between Hyangryeong and Brooke, my story might be included as well. As a merchant, it was a good thing for my name to be known in any direction, so it wasn’t entirely without income for me.

Nevertheless, I found Hyangryeong a bit cheeky. Even though we were friends, leaving after just leaving one statement? Because of that, I was bound to be scolded by Lumine as soon as I returned to Mondstadt Castle.

So, I decided to tease Hyangryeong enough to tear her apart.

“Well, it wasn’t a difficult task. By the way, Hyangryeong, since I helped you this time, it’s your turn to help me next time, right?”

Huh, and Hyangryeong’s head tilted. My unexpected request seemed surprising. However, Hyangryeong soon replied in an energetic voice.

“Of course! I’ll help with anything Siwoo needs. Just let me know!”

I decided to accept the favor of Hyangreung gratefully. With a smirk, I spoke to Hyangreung.

“…Hyangreung, have you ever heard of ‘collaboration’?”

However, it seemed like Hyangreung didn’t understand what I was talking about, and he just blinked his eyes.

Again, despite that, Hyangreung was a giant in the catering industry of Liyue with significant influence.

It would be a waste not to leverage such connections. In my mind, a new plan was being drawn, including Hyangreung, for the second ascent of Liyue.

**

After finishing the conversation with Hyangreung and bidding farewell to the people of Samul Village, I arrived at Mondstadt Castle under the escort of hunters late at night.

I deliberately handed a suitable amount of Mora to the hunters who had worked hard for me to reach Mondstadt Castle. After a few claps of their hands, the hunters reluctantly accepted the Mora when I insisted.

That Mora would help my reputation spread in Samul Village. And no matter how well-treated I was, if I didn’t give something to those who had deliberately worked hard for me, it made me feel uncomfortable.

And now, I was standing in front of the accommodation. It seemed like only a few days had passed, maybe about three to four days.

Since it was late at night, there would be Lumine inside. Paimon would be there too.

Of course, I had asked the hunters of Samul Village to inform Mondstadt Castle in advance that my stay might be a bit longer. But planned stays and sudden stays were different.

I took a deep breath, slowly opened the door, and the still-lit dining room greeted me.

The lights wouldn’t go out because someone was waiting. I swallowed dry saliva. In the dining room, all the figures I expected were sitting.

Fischl, who was casually cleaning her bow, glanced at me and turned her head with a snort. She looked annoyed. Well, I had come to the accommodation because of me, and staying out for several days must have upset Fischl.

Still, I could handle Fischl. If I fed her something delicious, she would probably ease her anger. The person I was worried about a little more was sitting a bit further inside.

Lumine was maintaining a sword. It was the one-handed sword ‘Aquila Favonia’ that I had gifted her before. The blue blade was imbued with a chilling light, the ‘Skyward Blade.’

When the door made a creaking sound, Lumine turned her gaze. And our eyes met. Lumine’s pumpkin-colored eyes were so beautiful that they often made my heart tremble.

“…You’re late, Xiao.”

It was just one word. However, with Lumine smiling, I found myself drawn to sit in front of her.

Peisul pretended to be indifferent as she cleaned her bow behind me. But judging from her perked-up ears, it seemed she was also curious about what I had been up to.

I decided to let out a sigh and share the details. The task of going to Sammul Village to finalize a major contract, the encounter with Hyangreung during the process, and getting caught up in a cooking competition bet with Hyangreung, only to finally return now.

I added that I was also planning for the second rise of the Reveal Festival. After all, Luminena and Peisul needed to know.

However, as Luminena listened to my story, she raised her hand to interrupt me. It seemed that her interests lay elsewhere.

“…Just curious, but this ‘Hyangreung’ person, is she a woman?”

There was no need to hide, so I nodded. In response, Luminena let out a deep sigh. She pressed her temples as if her head was throbbing.

Peisul’s reaction was cold as well. After briefly glancing at me, she snorted dismissively. It was a lukewarm response.

I was taken aback by their reactions. Did they think I was neglecting my comrades because I was involved with a woman? But I felt unjustly accused.

Hyangreung and I were friends. If anything, we were closer to business partners. At least that’s how I saw it in the future I envisioned.

But knowing that anything I said now would sound like an excuse, I simply bowed my head and recited the prepared apology.

“It was an unavoidable situation, but I’m sorry for disappearing without a word. You must have been worried.”

In response to my reaction, Luminena narrowed her eyes. Whenever there was a conspiracy lurking, she usually wore that expression.

“I know you’re sorry.”

“…Well, then, I would worry a lot if you disappeared without a word too.”

Luminena fell silent for a moment after my words. Then she smiled mischievously, like a mischievous child.

She opened her arms towards me and said,

“Well then, give me a hug.”

I looked at Luminena, wondering what she meant. Even though my gaze seemed a little surprised, Luminena continued to wear her mischievous smile.

I was not the only one who reacted to Luminena’s words. Peisul, who had been eavesdropping on our conversation, flinched and trembled.

Luminena casually said to me in a calm voice.

“Because I was so worried waiting for Siwoo, please comfort me. I wish Siwoo would hug me.”

In that moment, I hesitated. What should I do? Of course, normally, hugging Lumine was an unimaginable thing.

But I recalled something from not too long ago. Lately, Lumine had been experiencing a lot of loneliness. The accommodation used to be just me and Lumine, but suddenly Fischl also came in, and I found myself having to leave due to business.

And on that night, the look in Lumine’s eyes when she pulled me onto the bed.

I couldn’t forget it. The deep-seated loneliness reflected in those eyes ultimately prompted me to get up.

But Lumine, unaware that I was approaching, just chuckled and laughed.

“It’s a joke, Siwoo. I didn’t expect anything anyway…”

That moment came. I gently embraced Lumine.

The sensation of Lumine’s slender body fitting snugly into my arms. Lumine’s fragrance tickled my nose, and her various colored breaths subtly infused my embrace.

I hesitated a bit at the end, but it was a spontaneous act. Even if just a little, I definitely hugged Lumine. I felt my heart flutter slightly at that fact.

“Sorry, Lumine. From now on, I won’t cause you any worries.”

I sincerely apologized to Lumine, hoping she wouldn’t have lonely eyes like that again.

But the one who received the apology, Lumine,

“Huh? What’s this?”

Wide-eyed in my arms, she made a puzzled sound. As if there was no way this could happen.