Chapter 402 - Episode 355: Oh My… Extensive Preparations
Saturday
Yesterday, Friday, it rained constantly in both real life and in-game.
After school, I read the [Gravity Magic] grimoire, and squeezed olives with [Gravity Increase] to reach skill level 5.
At night, I mined heavily, then focused on refining and blacksmithing. [Mining] reached 7, [Alchemy] 6, and thanks to using [Heat Barrier], [Barrier Magic] reached 5.
The roof panels for the collapsed section of True's cave were also complete, so perhaps Sunday after the live stream would be a good time to install them.
Today, Saturday noon. Mion was absent for lessons.
Voice training, huh? It really looks like she's going to sing soon. I wonder if she was practicing for times like this?
In her stead, though not really a substitute, Miki was watching my live stream.
She had already moved to the Necropolis, and was scheduled to have a preliminary meeting with [Master Chef]-san at 2 PM today.
Since she had some time until then… she was here to tease me.
It is truly like brother, I think.
Seth said, and laughed again.
I had told them about the "White Dragon Princess's brother, friend of the Silver Dragon" message last night, and Bell-buchou froze, while Miki burst out laughing…
"Argenta-san's friend is fine. But why 'White Dragon Princess's brother'?"
Nao has also called brother 'Shou-nii' since childhood. It is likely similar.
"Ah…"
Nat's younger sister, Nao-chan, also treated me like an older brother. She still calls me "Shou-nii" even now.
The time when Miki and I started being frequently looked after at Nat's house was indeed around the same age as the White Dragon Princess when she was young, wasn't it?
Moreover, it likely also serves as a code.
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Villains might claim 'introduced by Shou of the island.' Therefore, if there is a formal introduction from brother, the correct procedure is to state 'introduced by the White Dragon Princess's brother, friend of the Silver Dragon.'
I see…
Oh, I must be off soon.
"Ah. Well, I'm not worried, but do your best."
Indeed!
………
……
…
"~~~ ♪" "Grrr~ ♪"
"Just a little more, okay?"
I was making candied [Marone] (chestnuts), which is essentially candied chestnuts, and they seemed to have been drawn in by the smell. The Fairies were also behind the Queen, very curious.
"Even without adding gardenia fruit, it's turned out a beautiful golden color. Almost done…"
I took out a piece that had split in two and popped it into my mouth… Sweet and delicious.
[Cooking skill level has increased!]
[Cooking skill basic value has reached its cap. No SP refund.]
Oh! [Cooking] skill reached MAX!
Now, if I equip a [Mithril Knife]…
[Cooking skill level cap has been broken!]
[Advanced Cooking skills are now available!]
Level cap breakthrough, check. And it's the pattern with multiple advanced skills, huh?
Searching for cooking-related skills from the skill list, I found:
[Cooking Mastery]
A skill for more specialized cooking, for cooking experts.
[Confectionery Mastery]
A skill specializing in confectionery, for cooking experts.
[Medicinal Cuisine Mastery]
*A skill specializing in medicinal dishes (dietary supplements), for cooking experts.
Prerequisite: Alchemy Lv7+*
…Huh? [Medicinal Cuisine Mastery]?
"[Cooking Mastery] and [Confectionery Mastery] are Uncommon, but [Medicinal Cuisine Mastery] is a Rare skill, huh…"
Even I can't take all of them… Yes, I can.
"Mion. Let me confirm this before the live stream."
I left a message for Mion, who would likely watch the archive later.
[Cooking Mastery] and [Confectionery Mastery] are Uncommon, so someone probably already has them… So, perhaps the Rare skill [Medicinal Cuisine Mastery]?
It has a prerequisite of [Alchemy] skill level 7 or higher, so there's a high possibility of getting a pioneer reward.
"~~~!"
"Ow, ow! I'm sorry!"
Sweee, perhaps unable to wait for the candied [Marone], pulled my earlobe and cried out.
Since it would be too hot for Raz and she might get burned, I scooped half onto a wooden plate and used [Cooling Magic] to cool it down to body temperature.
"Here, help yourselves."
I also provided small spoons for the Fairies.
"~~~ ♪" "Grrr~ ♪" """~~~ ♪"""
They seemed to enjoy eating it, so the rest went to Lupi and the others.
I thought about sending some to the White Dragon Princess, but maybe it's better to wait until I can secure a more stable supply of [Marone].
"Grrr?"
"Hmm? Oh, you want to share it with your companions too?"
"Grrr~ ♪"
Looking at Sweee, she saved enough portions for everyone, as if to say, 'if that's the case.'
"Ohh, as expected of the Queen."
"~~~ ♪" """~~~ ♪"""
The Fairies applauded Sweee, who was puffing out her chest…
Well, it's fine, I guess.
"Alright, let's go behind the church for a bit."
I'll tell Pan and the others about tonight's plans too.
………
……
…
Brother. All went well.
"Oh, good work."
I went behind the church, talked to Pan, helped with the fields for a bit, and returned to the Mountain Cabin.
Are you making food again?
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, I'm planning to use it for tonight's live stream."
I was able to make [Grapeful] yeast from [Grapeful], and Pan gave me [Kohaku Flour] (wheat), so I was making pizza dough. I was thinking of making pizza with bacon, vegetables, and cheese.
This [Kohaku Flour] seemed like strong flour, but what should I do for medium and weak flour? Well, I guess I can ask during the live stream.
"So, did you meet Lord Argenta?"
Indeed. Lord Scarlet Dragon Vermilion was also present.
"Oh, really…"
A fleeting sense of unease crossed my mind…
Ah, crap. I forgot to tell him about Lord Argenta's warning.
"Vermilion-san apparently loves alcohol a lot, so be careful."
Hoh. Does brother have an acquaintance with him?
I haven't told Seth that I've met Vermilion-san, have I?
"I once sent wine for Lord Argenta, but Vermilion-san apparently drank it. The letter said to be careful because he loves alcohol that much."
Hmm. Well, unless it is [Yashiori no Sake], he will not likely get drunk.
Seth was saying something complicated again.
It was from Japanese mythology, right? The sake that made the Yamata no Orochi drunk?
"So, how did it go?"
We proposed creating booths like stalls on our side and having the Dragonfolk come to eat, and it seems there was no problem with that.
"I see, then they'll be at ease. The only question is if they'll actually come."
The Dragonfolk always seemed so stiff; I wonder if it'll really be okay?
No, well, Lord Geira should be struggling with that…
By the way, brother.
"Hmm?"
The [Jade Goddess Statue] displayed in the church truly resembled Mion-dono after all!
…