NOVEL NEXT Chapter 146.2
The Apprentices’ Homemade Meal
Watching made Yuuri want to help or even join in, but observing was enjoyable. Behind Camille, who was effortlessly cutting broccoli into bite-sized pieces, Yakk was mashing boiled potatoes. Adding sautéed mince and chopped onions, he mixed them happily.
Turning his gaze, Yuuri saw Magg, who had finished preparing the broth, adding a large amount of mushrooms to the pot. It seemed the soup’s ingredients were mushrooms. Indeed, mushrooms release a good umami, so the soup would be delicious. Magg, stirring the mushrooms with a ladle, seemed to be in high spirits, probably feeling happy from the broth’s aroma.
Urgus was sautéing bison meat and shredded onions in a pan. Thinking it might be a stir-fry, Yuuri watched as Urgus added pre-mixed seasonings to the pan. The sizzling sound and the aroma suggested a sweet and savory flavor. Ah, it’s probably a simmered dish, Yuuri thought. A sweet and savory dish that goes well with rice, one of Urgus’s favorites.
“It looks delicious.”
“Hey, Yuuri.”
“What is it, Camille?”
“Sitting there like that, you remind me of Lelei.”
“…Eh…”
Yuuri laughed awkwardly, thinking, “I’m not that much of a glutton.” But for Camille, it was an honest observation. Leaning over the counter and happily watching the cooking while saying, “It looks delicious!” was typical of Lelei. Yuuri’s actions resembled that.
While joking around with Camille, Yuuri eagerly awaited the completion of dinner.
And so, the dinner prepared by the apprentices was ready.
The main dishes were simple croquettes made by Yakk and simmered bison meat made by Urgus. Considering there were two main dishes, Yakk’s croquettes were smaller than usual. Instead, there were plenty of them, piled on a large plate for seconds.
The side dish for the croquettes was boiled carrots and broccoli. The vibrant green and orange next to the brown croquettes were appetizing. Beside the simmered bison meat was vinegared cabbage, creating an interesting monochrome contrast.
The mushroom soup Magg meticulously made had a concentrated umami flavor from kelp, bonito flakes, and dried sardines, with added mushrooms. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce, the aroma alone was mouthwatering. Truly, a broth believer.
The vegetable side dish was a light simmered dish of komatsuna, carrots, and Chinese cabbage in broth and soy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds. Camille said, “Since the others are rich, one mild dish would be good.” The considerate one subtly showed his skill.
Both bread and rice were prepared as staples. Everyone could choose their preference. Yuuri was a rice person. Not that he disliked bread, but seeing the array of dishes, he craved white rice. Mainly because of the simmered dish, which is delicious with rice.
“Well then, let’s eat.”
“Let’s eat.”
Somehow appointed as the leader, Camille tilted his head but led the cheer, and the meal began. Camille, still not convinced, asked Urgus, “Why me?” Urgus replied annoyedly.
“Clearly, you adjusted today’s menu, so in that sense, you’re the responsible one.”
“Eh, I just prepared some vegetable dishes.”
“Liar.”
Camille, who didn’t like unnecessary attention or being praised, grumbled. But Urgus had already ignored him and returned to eating. Delicious food is best eaten fresh.
Ignoring their exchange, Yakk leaned over to check on Yuuri. Yuuri was munching on Yakk’s handmade croquettes.
“…Yakk, what’s up?”
“Ah, um… How’s the taste?”
Yakk smiled awkwardly, and Yuuri smiled back. Holding Yakk’s croquette, Yuuri answered kindly.
“It’s delicious. Did you add dried herbs?”
“Y-yes. I did. You made it before, and it was tasty.”
“Yakk, you’ve gotten good at making croquettes.”
“Hehe. I love croquettes.”
Praise made Yakk shyly eat his croquette. Prompted by this, the apprentices’ gazes turned to Yuuri. Their unspoken question was clear. Understanding, Yuuri smiled.
“Urgus’s simmered dish, Magg’s soup, and Camille’s vegetable dish are all delicious. Urgus, your seasoning was too strong before, but today’s is just right. Magg, you’re still great with broth. Camille, it’s impressive how you thought of adding vegetable dishes for balance.”
“Alright!”
“…Broth, tasty.”
“Yay, I got praised!”
Urgus clenched his fist as if he’d won something, Magg happily sipped his mushroom soup, and Camille, though a bit monotone and deliberate, was likely hiding his embarrassment. As usual, Yuuri and the apprentices got along well.
By the way, the others were smiling at the lively children, though Yuuri didn’t notice. They all found them adorable, but ignorance is bliss.
Thus, the apprentices were steadily improving in both cooking and household chores. …Being able to handle daily tasks is essential for becoming a full-fledged adventurer, so no problem there.