kscans

Chapter 192 - The Land of Paper 3. The Paper Pot

"...Well, I'd like you to keep this just between us... but I was wondering how it would be for military equipment."

During his life in his previous world, Japan, Yuri had read a wide variety of books, but he had never heard of paper pots being used for military equipment. As he wondered about this inwardly, Adon explained.

"There's the fact that a paper pot would be lightweight, but I've also heard that the water used for washing dishes becomes a serious problem. On the other hand, carrying them around unwashed creates a hygiene issue. The military would want to avoid having soldiers fall ill during a march. But with this paper pot, you can just use it as kindling after you're done."

Everyone was impressed by Adon's triumphant explanation, but Yuri alone realized Adon's misunderstanding.

"...Um... Adon-san... it's still just paper, so there's a limit to the weight it can support. I don't think you could make something like a large cauldron..."

He had seen a paper pot at a restaurant his parents had taken him to in his past life, but that too had been a small pot for a single person. Moreover, the paper pot had not been placed directly over the fire. It had been set in a wire mesh holder for heating. When he explained this, Adon seemed disappointed that his plan had fallen through, but...

"...Then, Yuri-kun, what is the advantage of a paper pot?"

"I believe... since it's paper, it absorbs the scum from the pot..."

"It absorbs the scum?"

As if he could not let that comment pass, the one who leaned forward in Adon's place was the head chef, Mand.

"Y-Yes... I believe that was it..."

"Excuse me, Yuri-sama. Is it... with that paper pot, are the dishes placed before each person cooked by them individually?"

"Ah, yes. That's what I've heard."

Upon hearing Yuri's answer, the group showed complex expressions. The style of cooking where each person has their own small pot is a method not seen in this world. Aside from the question of how customers would react to playing chef themselves, there was another unspoken issue. Poisoning countermeasures. In a dish like stew made in a large pot, it is impossible to poison a specific individual. Also, with something like a whole roasted beast, it is customary for a cook to carve it in front of everyone, so that too is under public scrutiny. However, with the individual small pots Yuri described, it is impossible, or at least difficult, to demonstrate that kind of safety.

"It would probably be fine for serving to a large, unspecified number of guests at an inn..."

"But it would be difficult to serve at a banquet..."

Yuri, who felt that the meals of important people were quite a hassle, remained carefree. He had said what he needed to say. Racking their brains over its practical application was Adon and the others' job. ...Or so he had thought, but he had just come up with an unnecessary idea. And since he had thought of it, he supposed he should say it. As they say, an unspoken thought is a heavy burden.

"...Adon-san, I just thought of something... is it not possible to reinforce the paper pot with magic power?"

The group turned to Yuri with exasperated looks for his sudden, outlandish suggestion. A paper pot was strange enough, but to reinforce it with magic? What was this child thinking?

"Well, my stone tools are reinforced with Earth Magic, so if you reinforce the paper with Wood Magic or something, won't it hold up for the duration of cooking?"

The reason a paper pot for a large group could not be made was its lack of rigidity. So, if it were reinforced with magic, would it not be possible to make a large paper pot?

The group mulled over Yuri's point. Yuri had never tried it himself, but... might it be worth a shot?

"...I'll ask an acquaintance. Until then, I want everyone to keep this matter to themselves."

"Also, Adon-san, since it will be used for cooking, you should probably make sure the paper used doesn't contain any harmful substances..."

"Ah, I'll confirm that as well."