Shomin no Aji - Chapter 622

A shopping spree!
"Oh, that robe and uniform... you must be a student of Adelia Academy. Looking for anything in particular? We've got a lot of herbs that can be used as spices, and many are also medicinal. We supply some to the academy too, and they're all top quality."

The man at the stall seemed to have guessed I was a student from the Adelia Academy based on my outfit, and started explaining herbs, mostly ones that could be useful for herbology practice.

Indeed, despite being shipped here by boat, none of the herbs showed any signs of damage. A testament to good storage practices. Maybe they have someone with a magic box or inventory that can store large quantities.

As I listened to the man’s recommendations, I started browsing for the items I had in mind.
… Yes, it looks like I can easily replenish the spices I've used up over the past few days.

Since Leon-sama has graciously offered to treat me, I’ll go ahead and stock up. After all, this will be used to prepare dishes for the banquet with the royal guests, so I might as well buy plenty without hesitation!

"Oioi, you're buying a lot."

As I ordered one thing after another, the man was a bit taken aback, but quickly instructed another staff member to start measuring and packing.

Is this man young but perhaps the leader of this stall... or rather, the whole merchant group? He seems quite used to giving orders.

"Oh, um, I plan to share some of it with the other students."

Since I couldn't exactly say that it was for the noble guests of his country, I gave a vague answer.

"Spices aside, that's still a lot of herbs."

Ugh, I just saw so many hard-to-find ones that I couldn't help myself...

"Oh, those are for the chef at home."

That’s true since I’ll be asking the head chef and Shin to help with cooking soon, so technically I’m not lying.

"I see... bringing spices home for your staff? That’s rare for a young lady like you."

He gave a curious smile and handed me the bill after finishing his calculations.

Oh my... quite the price!
I glanced over at Leon-sama, but he didn’t bat an eye. He simply took out the wallet he had concealed (or rather, pulled from his inventory) and handed it over to the man, saying, "Keep the change."

Wow... Leon-sama, do you earn that much as an adventurer!? You’re so generous!

"Thanks! I’ll throw in a little something extra as a bonus."

The man added another package as he handed it to me.

"Ah, thank you..."

It’s always nice to get a little something extra with such a large purchase, so I’ll gladly accept it.
… Even though it was Leon-sama who paid.

"You must be from a good family, huh? If there’s someone you fancy, you should give them this."

The man winked and handed the items to Kurogane.

Give this to someone I fancy...? Is it something to drink?
I thanked him and left the stall.

Come to think of it, does this stall always set up here?
I should’ve asked. When I turned around, the man was still watching us and waved as I glanced back.

I hesitated to wave back but was blocked by Kurogane and Mashiro stepping in front of me.

"My Lord, let’s go."
"Cristea, come on?"
"Ah... okay."

Prompted by the two, I headed towards the carriage waiting at the station.

After dropping Mariel-chan off at her home, we entered the Ellisfeed Ducal mansion, nestled deep within the noble district where the high-ranking aristocrats' mansions stood. There, Otousama was waiting at the entrance.
Wait... has he been waiting there this whole time!?

"Cristea! Welcome back!"

Before the attendant could even open the door, Otousama himself opened it to escort me inside.
Otousama...?

"I received word from Crown Prince Raymond that everything was delicious, and he’s looking forward to the banquet. Though... it pains me that His Highness got to taste my dear daughter’s new creations before I did... But well done!"

... I could feel the inner conflict in his words toward the end, but it seemed like he swallowed his pride somehow.

"Come, let’s have some tea and hear all about it."

"Ah, yes..."

Otousama escorted me inside, where Okaasama looked on in exasperation.

"Honestly, for the head of a Ducal household to be so impatient for his daughter’s return."

With a sigh, Okaasama shook her head.
You’re absolutely right, Okaasama.

As we made our way to the drawing room, with Otousama on one side and Okaasama on the other, the head chef could be seen peeking around the corner of the hallway, muttering, "New recipes... new recipes...!"
Scary! I’ll tell you later, so stop lurking around like that, please!

"... Hmm, so this time, it’s a whole collection of new dishes, I see?"

Sipping tea (which, for once, wasn’t brewed by Miria), I gave a report to Otousama and Okaasama.
As expected, Miria’s tea is still the best. She really is my maid for a reason. Way to go, Miria!

"Yes. By experimenting with different combinations of spices, I was able to create various dishes. I plan to test more than just the recipes from this time."

"That’s my daughter! So, we’ll be able to sample those recipes too, yes?"

It seemed Otousama and Okaasama were eager to try the new dishes, as they looked at me expectantly.

"Yes, of course. Once I’ve unpacked, I’ll share them with the head chef."

As I said that, I heard a distant "Yesssss!" fading away from behind the door.
... Head Chef...? Were you eavesdropping!?
Please don’t do that!

Naturally, Otousama and Okaasama heard it too and smiled wryly.

"Well, you have been hard at work developing new recipes for the banquet, so I had instructed him to be fully prepared with all the ingredients, and ever since, he’s been on edge. I understand how he feels, so let’s forgive him."

... You understand how he feels?

Not knowing how to respond, I excused myself and headed to my room.
Alright, time to change and get to the kitchen!

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