Chapter 282 - Chapter 249: Selkie Traditional Seasonings
Saturday
Saturday was my solo play day.
After an early lunch with Miki, I logged into IRO.
Bell-buchou and her group's plans depended on the outcome of today's meeting, but it seemed they would start moving towards the `Republic` unless Leona-sama objected.
Of course, Seth (Miki) would accompany them, and she was scheduled to meet up with Marie (Mashiro) Nee on Sunday… I'm worried.
"Phew. I think this is good enough."
I created a regular `Stone Oven Range` on the opposite side of the `Smoking Room`.
Since there was a possibility of smoke accumulating in the `Storage`, I added a vent using `Excavation magic`.
I did it carefully so the wall wouldn't collapse, so it took a little longer, but now I can eat even on rainy days, and I'll probably remove the old hearth in the former tavern later.
In the grassy area in front of the `Storage`, Lupi and Sweee were both napping.
It felt a bit mean to wake them, but it was almost 2 o'clock, so I should call True and the others.
"Lupi? Sweee?"
"Woof."
Lupi woke up sharply when called, while Sweee, who had tumbled off her back, remained asleep.
"I'm going to call True and the others soon."
"Woof-un."
She responded, nudging Sweee with her nose to wake her up.
The sleepy-eyed Queen looked left and right… then floated gently to my left shoulder, letting out a big yawn.
"Here, this will wake you up."
She took a bite of the `Greenberry Fruit` I offered, relished its sweet and sour taste with a little coo, and blinked her eyes awake.
"Alright, I'm calling them."
I lightly bit the `Selkie Whistle` on my pendant and blew.
Piuu~~~yo~~~♪
A clear, pleasant melody echoed across the entire `cove`.
Before the sound faded, the heads of `Seals` appeared between the ripples. Their numbers rapidly increased.
"Kyuu~♪"
"Oh~!"
I waved back at True's call.
The `Selkies` sped up, approaching.
"Kyu~♪"
"Woof-un."
"~~~♪"
Lupi 'shook hands' and Sweee 'high-fived'. I was glad they all got along so well.
Should I explain the `Smoking Room` after we catch some fish? We're going to cook anyway.
I was about to start right away, but then,
"Kyu-kyu~"
"Hm?"
True seemed to have something. He looked behind him and beckoned, and two `Selkies` approached, each holding a small ceramic pot.
"Kyu-kyu."
"Eh, for me?"
"Kyu~♪"
They offered it with beaming smiles, so I gratefully accepted.
But what is this? I'm curious about the contents…
"Can I check inside?"
"Kyu~"
It seemed fine, so I set one down and removed the kelp lid from the other.
Immediately, a slightly pungent, yet strangely calming aroma wafted out…
[Krupesauce]
*A seasoning made from the extract of salted `Krupe` (fish).
Its flavor and distinctiveness tend to intensify with aging.
Cuisine: Can be used as a seasoning.*
"Ah! So it's `fish sauce`! I'm so happy! I'll make something with this today!"
"Kyu-kyu-kyu~"
"Eh, oh, is the other one something different?"
They nodded enthusiastically, so I securely lidded the `Krupesauce` and set it aside, then opened the other pot…
"Oh, I know this! It's `oyster sauce`!"
"Kyu~!"
[Osterasauce]
*A seasoning made from the extract of salted `Ostera` (oysters).
It has a unique flavor and rich umami, often used in stir-fries.
Cuisine: Can be used as a seasoning.*
"This is amazing. I feel like my cooking repertoire is expanding dramatically. Just stir-frying leafy greens and drizzling `Osterasauce` on them would be delicious, wouldn't it?"
I want to make `yakisoba` with this. But the wheat flour, ugh…
It's about time I built something outside the church, but the `Goddess Statue` takes priority.
Too many things to do, I can't keep up…
"Kyu?"
"Ah, sorry, sorry. I'll use this too. It's a bit strange to say 'in return,' but I've brought pepper and sugar, so if there's any left over, please take it home."
"Kyu~!"
I was planning to give any leftover vegetables or seasonings to the `Selkies`, but perhaps thinking of it as an exchange is better?
Well, no need to overthink it.
Anyway, let's dive together and cook some delicious seafood.
………
……
…
"Kyu~?"
"Yeah. Go ahead and take it to eat."
"Kyu~♪"
I told the assisting `Selkies` while frying `Oranjack`.
I further upgraded the `Oranjack Nambanzuke` I made last time. By adding `Osterasauce` to the `Grapeful Vinegar`, it became a refreshing yet rich delicacy.
"Alright, Lupi, you too. Be careful, it's hot."
"Woof-un!"
Today, they caught another large fish for me, a `Seriola`—something like a yellowtail. Half of it had already been enjoyed as sashimi.
They could have it with `Krupesauce` (`fish sauce`) and `Clefol` (wasabi) or with sesame oil and salt, whichever they preferred. The remaining half would be stir-fried now.
""Kyu~?""
"Yeah, you can watch."
Is it the same `Selkie` kid who helped me before? They seem to want to learn my cooking, so I'll let them watch.
I sliced the fish into slightly thick, bite-sized pieces and dusted them with potato starch.
I cut the `Chagatake`, `Kitopukusa`, and `Hermit Bamboo Shoot` into the same size.
"Do you guys cook with fire too?"
""Kyu~""
They nodded, so it seemed they did.
Well, they ate my cooked food before, and they were skilled with knives, so they probably cook themselves.
I wonder what their cooking tools are like?
If they're using old ones, maybe I should give them new ones… Ah, I'll worry about that later.
"Heat the frying pan, add oil. Then, first, we'll fry the `Seriola`."
The sizzle sound was pleasant, and a delicious aroma was already wafting.
Once it was nicely browned, I added the `Chagatake`, `Kitopukusa`, and `Hermit Bamboo Shoot`.
"Once the vegetables are cooked, we add the `Osterasauce`, sugar, and salt here and mix it all in thoroughly."
The `Selkies` nodded intently, their eyes serious…
"Finally, add a little `Krupesauce` as a secret ingredient, and it's done."
I transferred it to a large wooden plate and lightly tasted it…
"Yes, it's delicious!"
It felt like an IRO-style arrangement of `Yellowtail Oyster Sauce Stir-fry`, and the rich flavor was really good.
When I offered it to the `Selkie` children, their eyes widened as soon as they took a bite, clearly surprised by the deliciousness.
""Kyu~♪""
Being looked at with such respect is a bit much, I mean, I feel like it's just because the `Osterasauce` and `Krupesauce` are so excellent.
Ah, but maybe they usually just grill and add sauce without potato starch or sugar?
"Oops, how about the `Bacon`?"
Making `Bacon` usually takes time and effort, but with `Material Processing Skill` and `Drying Magic`, the prep was done in no time.
It should have been about 15 minutes for smoking, so…
"Oh, what a great color!"
""Kyu~♪""
Ah, that's good.
I thought the `Selkies` might only eat fish, but their reaction suggests they'll be fine with this.
I should have them try `Bicobit` and `Greydeer` meat too.