Chapter 152 - Unstoppable Island Cuisine
Stepping down into the earthen floor, I first lit the [Stone Kiln].
"Er, I've added too many functions, so it doesn't really feel like a [Stone Kiln] anymore, does it?"
The newly built [Stone Kiln] was divided into three sections: a central part for baking, a left part for a makeshift [Stone Oven Range], and a right part for [Pottery].
The part I just lit was for the makeshift [Stone Oven Range]. I placed an iron frying pan on top.
[Shazna]: "It's practically a system kitchen."
[Minsel]: "Chefs are particular about their tools."
[Shidenkai]: "What? No wok?"
Etc. etc.
I considered a wok for a moment, but decided to stick with the pan I usually use.
"Today's main ingredient is this."
I pulled out a [Flower Trout].
Before, I'd grilled and smoked it, but today I planned to make something a bit different.
It's not the same as before, is it?
"Nope. There's another main ingredient... this."
A wooden bowl with [Chromnaria] purging sand. It's a game, so maybe sand purging isn't necessary, but just in case? I don't want to bite down on grit when I eat it.
[Jonto]: "Grilled clams!?"
[Mii]: "No, no, it has to be clam miso soup."
[Akumon]: "What about soy sauce or miso?"
Etc. etc.
You're right. I thought so too, at first...
Um, what are you going to make?
"Hold on, just watch for a bit."
I filleted a rather large [Flower Trout], lightly salted it, and then...
Before that, actually,
"This is my homemade [Perilla] oil."
[Nonnonno]: "Fah!?"
[Shakeena]: "Wait, you can make [Perilla] oil yourself?"
[Fel]: "You can make too much of everything, lol."
[Daytron]: "
Etc. etc.
It's [Perilla] oil extracted from diligently collected [Perilsense], dried with magic, and pressed with an iron press I made through [Blacksmithing].
It took a lot of effort, but I think I got more than expected thanks to my [Material Processing] skill.
After quickly coating the pan with [Perilla] oil, I tossed in the [Flower Trout] fillets.
By the time it was nicely browned, an incredible aroma was already wafting, but today there's even more to it.
"When it looks good, I'm throwing in [Chromnaria], [Lexon], and [Kitopukusa]! Boom!"
[Linley]: "[Aqua Pazza]!?"
[Master Chef]: "It's [Aqua Pazza]."
[Hirari]: "Too fancy!"
Etc. etc.
As expected, someone figured it out.
When I found [Chromnaria] at noon, my mind immediately went to clam soup, but if I don't have miso or soy sauce, then Western style it is.
"Now, add a pinch of salt, pour in water, cover, and let it sit for a while."
Is it [Aqua Pazza] for sure?
"Yeah. Maybe a Chinese-style [Aqua Pazza]. Ideally, it would have white wine and tomatoes."
After simmering it until the [Chromnaria] opened, I covered it and brought it to the table. It's supposed to steam for a while.
Is it finished?
"Wait just a bit longer. I'll prepare the condiments in the meantime."
Condiments, or rather, seaweed, as usual. It should really be chopped parsley or something.
I lightly roasted the beautiful sheet of seaweed, which I made using [Drying Magic], to bring out its aroma.
Alright, is it ready now...
"There!"
The [Chromnaria] looked like it had released plenty of umami, and the [Flower Trout] was perfectly cooked.
[Lexon] and [Kitopukusa] also had good color... though I wished I had some red cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
It looks delicious!
"Not yet. Finally, sprinkle with shredded seaweed, drizzle lightly with a bit more [Perilla] oil... and done!"
[Gafugafu]: "Food terrorism: It's here."
[Reaper]: "Damn. I want wine."
[Daytron]: "
[Marsan]: "Nice Pazza!"
Etc. etc.
Well, it definitely looks delicious.
"Woof!"
"Oh, wait a sec."
I served a portion of fillets, clams, and vegetables onto Lupi's lunch plate, with just a little bit of soup to avoid burning.
"Alright, let's eat!"
"Woof-woo!"
Naturally, I started with a slice of [Flower Trout].
The white fish flaked easily with chopsticks, carrying the fragrant aroma of [Perilla] oil...
"Delicious, truly delicious..."
Despite being white fish, it was juicy, and with the added umami of the clams, [Perilla] oil, and seaweed, it was top-tier.
I was a bit nervous about [Chromnaria] since it was my first time, but the flavor was incredibly rich, like clams and hard clams combined and then multiplied...
[Kusho]: "Guh-guh-guh-guh..."
[Bluesha]: "No fair! o(｀ω´ )o"
[Fel]: "What game is this again? lol"
Etc. etc.
Ugh, it looks so delicious...
I shouldn't overdo it, or Mion might get angry. I need to keep it in moderation.
Well, I could always make it in real life, and with the ingredients prepared last time, it would be harder to make it taste bad.
"Woof!"
"Alright, alright. Lupi, seconds."
Lupi carefully ate only the clam meat. Quite skillful.
Since she still seemed hungry, I served her all the remaining food.
"So, that's about it for the explanation of the new house, I guess?"
Yes. Should we open it up for questions for the rest of the time?
"Oh, yeah."
[Yonro]: "Question time!"
[Donden]: "All I can think about is the food terrorism!"
[Ashleaf]: "Books! What happened with the books!?"
[Nantsuu]: "Curious about the library!"
Etc. etc.
Today's Q&A session was longer than usual.
I had skipped over the books section, so there were many questions about that.
Okay, please tell us about the books.
"Right. Um, there were a lot of encyclopedias and [Elemental Magic] books, but there are still many I haven't read.
And as I'm sure all players know, I acquired a few knowledge-based skills from the books, and what I learned from that was... Lupi."
"Woof."
I called Lupi, who had wolfed down her seconds, and showed the [Appraisal] results.
[Bluesha]: "♪───Ｏ（≧∇≦）Ｏ────♪"
[Subrock]: "A messenger from God, as expected!"
[Marsal]: "It's getting really Norse Mythology, lol."
[Nelson]: "I thought it was Fenrir, but it's that!"
Etc. etc.
Of course, they'd be surprised...
Lupi-chan, is she really incredibly strong?
"I don't know. I don't really have anyone to compare her to around here, so I can't say. But if Lupi is strong, then that just means even stronger opponents will appear later..."
I mean, I could barely handle a [Red Armor Bear], so will I be okay?
[Kusokoro]: "Ah... (understood)"
[Rakkasan]: "Do your best! I'll cheer you on!"
[Choccol]: "And you're usually solo, aren't you?"
[Rossan]: "You'll get another [Solo Area Boss Defeat] reward! lol"
Etc. etc.
You're right. I'm worried...
"Oh, right. About what comes next, or rather, about the door with the [Unlock Code]. Um, it was written in this..."
I pulled out the [Record] from my inventory.
I quickly explained that the person who used this [Mountain Cabin] was transferred here due to a demotion, but then faced some kind of crisis and never returned.
You plan to open that door after the test, right?
"Yeah. It might be tough, but I have to see what's beyond it."
To reach the upper part of the mountain where Lupi was, I'd have to open that door.
Maybe Lupi's parents or siblings are there, and I want to take her to them...