NOVEL NEXT Chapter 119 - Episode 119: Laura's Feelings ①
Episode 119: Laura’s Feelings ①
(Laura’s Perspective)
The place that Bonus-sama and the others call their hideout is truly a mysterious place.
It has abundant water and plants unimaginable in the Savoia territory. Not only that, there is also an array of magic that I even cannot comprehend as a mage. It is as if magic is naturally present everywhere.
The numerous creatures living in this place are remarkably adept at handling magic. They weave new order from chaotic magical fluctuations, performing such miraculous feats as a part of their daily lives.
Coupled with the scenery of this green and watery paradise, the sight is truly mystically beautiful. Compared to this, the magic we mages proudly use seems so crude and immature… it’s almost embarrassing.
Although this is just speculation, almost all the animals, insects, and plants here might either have come from another world or are descendants of those mixed with local creatures like me.
As long as they can use magic, it’s unthinkable for them to lose in the survival competition against those who can’t. Nearly all creatures utilize magic in some form and have taken root here after surviving such competition.
Conversely, it would be difficult for the creatures here to survive if they left this place. The optimized environment is too unique. While there seem to be many attractive fruits, vegetables, and other potential foodstuffs, growing them outside here would unfortunately be difficult.
Speaking of which… I wonder if those colorful fruits can be eaten later.
Anyway, the magical nature of Hell’s Cauldron is so unique that it is beyond our comprehension. Past exploration records show attempts to utilize the unique magic of this place and discover new resources, including the Kidanakemo.
However, not only did all attempts fail, but some even turned against us like a curse. These memories are deeply engraved in us nobles as trauma. Thus, we mages have complex feelings towards Hell’s Cauldron. We see it as both our roots and a taboo.
But to actually feel a sense of nostalgia here surprised me. I thought our roots were just historical and a nostalgic story, but what I felt was much more vivid and real.
Perhaps I am closer to the Kidanakemos than I thought. The unique magical order created by the creatures here evokes a sense of nostalgia and feels comforting.
“Gugyau~? Gyaugyau~!”
“Since it’s freshly fried, I think it will be delicious!”
“Oh, thank you.”
Anyway, for now, let’s focus on the fried food in front of us. It looks very delicious, and the aroma is wonderful. Everything Bonus-sama and the others have made so far has been delicious. The fish I first ate from the sea was fantastic.
However, the issue is… this is Kidanakemo meat.
The first time I saw a large Kidanakemo was with Elizabeth-san. I thought I understood them through numerous documents. Although I wasn’t too worried, I was prepared for the worst. All recorded expeditions ended in gruesome outcomes.
Even with such resolve, the actual creature was overwhelmingly powerful. Its presence as a biological entity was overwhelming…
No, let’s forget about that. I’m happy to have become friends with Elizabeth-san now.
Anyway, back to the fried dish in front of me. Imagining being eaten by a Kidanakemo is one thing, but to actually eat one…
Is it really okay? But it looks so tasty…
“This is delicious! Oh, yeah, this is really good. I could eat this forever!”
“Oscar, calm down. You were just stuffing yourself with bananas a while ago… Oh, Laura, don’t hesitate to eat. If you don’t like fried food, there are other options. Mil’s serious cooking is really tasty.”
“Ah, thank you very much! Then, here I go!――Hau!”
What is this…?
It’s too delicious…
It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
And the meat is so tender.
Since it’s Kidanakemo meat, I was worried whether I could bite through it without a knife, but it was a complete non-issue.
The savory and rich oils from the meat fill my mouth…
With each bite, the rich flavor of the meat spreads in my mouth, making my back tingle a bit.
“Bonus-san. This is too much. You shouldn’t make something like this… What are you feeding me? What am I supposed to do now… goodness me… mmph.”
“Uh, um… yeah, well, let’s just calm down and eat, okay? There’s plenty more. You’re eating like Edda now.”
“But it’s just so delicious! I can’t help it…”
Still, it’s way too delicious.
Since I am a member of the nobility, I believe I have eaten my fair share of meat that is generally considered delicious.
Yet, none of the best meats I’ve had compare to this fried chicken.
The texture, taste, aroma, and aftertaste are all superb.
The taste permeates through my body, and I can’t stop eating.
Could this be some kind of magic?
Since it’s Kidanakemo, it’s possible…
Eating something this delicious in such a beautiful place… it makes most things seem trivial.
“Ah~ Kohaku-chan is cute, Elizabeth-san is beautiful, the shade is nice, and the food is delicious…”
“Unya?”
“Meeh?”
“Laura-san, your face is melting. My cooking isn’t bad, right? I think the other dishes turned out quite well too, so eat lots.”
“Mil-san, you’re amazing! Ah, today’s bread smells so good… Is it different from usual?”
“Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t use much sugar in Vaintz village. Since we’re at the hideout now, there’s no need to hold back. Today’s bread also uses Elizabeth’s milk and herbs from the hideout. Plus, there’s fruit cake for dessert, so don’t eat too much!”
“What… Bonus Trading Company is terrifying… Are you trying to make my stomach explode?”
I was completely engrossed in the fried chicken, but looking around, I see other delicious-looking dishes.
I need to calculate carefully how much to eat of each dish and save room for dessert…
While thinking about this, I notice Gisella-sama. She’s cutting a slit in the bread, stuffing it with fried chicken and vegetables, and sprinkling something like herbs on top…
“That looks delicious.”
“Hahaha, I’ll give you half.”
“Oh, sorry. It looked so delicious I couldn’t help it… Honestly, getting half is very helpful!”
“Hmm? Oh, yeah, you don’t want to get too full.”
“Exactly! There are so many delicious things, and I’m looking forward to dessert too…”
“Hahaha, Mil-chan’s desserts are really delicious. You can look forward to them.”
“I can’t wait!”
Gisella-sama swiftly cuts the bread in half and hands it to me.
Although I’ve already eaten quite a lot, seeing the juices from the fried chicken soaking into the bread makes me hungry all over again.
“Thank you, Gisella-sama! Everyone at Bonus Trading Company is so kind and pleasant to be with. It’s truly a mystery that I can spend such happy times in Hell’s Cauldron… I haven’t felt this happy since my sisters got married.”
“Hearing that makes inviting you worthwhile. But you also seemed to be enjoying yourself when having coffee at our stall.”
“Yes! Now, I’ve met wonderful people like Menas-sama. I couldn’t have imagined it before meeting Bonus-sama and the others.”
“Was your life so gloomy before?”
“No, that’s not what I mean… It’s just that as a noble, my life was over in many ways…”