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“Who was it that just called it childish a moment ago?”

Of course, that thought only lingered in my mind.

Karem didn’t recklessly overturn the situation like Mary.

“Then I’ll be right back.”

Instead, he picked up two cups from the table and descended from the royal seats.

Up close, the table at the banquet was even more starkly contrasted against the royal seats due to the overwhelming scale of decorative dishes. The other common dishes barely caught one’s eye.

“If someone saw this, they’d think we placed freshly dead creatures on the table.”

Among them, the monsters and beasts being prepared in the storage-kitchen were lavishly decorated and placed on plates, retaining their lifelike appearance.

“That’s Icebick Snowrunner leg meat over there!”

“Please wait a moment.”

The servant took the order and moved quickly with clumsy motions. As he removed all the feathers from the wagon-sized sky-blue Snowrunner leg, the bright reddish-brown shell shimmered under the light like armor.

“I can’t wait to find out what it tastes like.”

“Isn’t it a bit undignified for a knight to say that so openly?”

“But how can I resist that fresh look that seems ready to jump off the plate? Oh, finally!”

At that moment, the servant skillfully and delicately peeled the meat from the shell and heaped it onto a plate. The knight accepted the plate filled with shell-attached meat.

“I’m really curious about the taste.”

As Karem slowed his pace, the knight immediately bit into a piece of the dark-colored leg meat along with the reddish-brown shell.

Crunch!

Amidst the noise of the Great Hall, the crisp yet chewy sound of the shell struck Karem’s ears.

Just from the sound, it didn’t seem like it could be bad.

It sounded like the crunch of Beijing duck’s skin.

“Oh, the shell is crispy, and the more I chew, the more flavor and aroma keeps coming out.”

“Are you saying it’s delicious?”

“Only the shell. The meat is too tough. The flavor comes out, but it just won’t chew. It’s incredibly strong.”

“So… um… it has flavor, but if it’s this tough…”

“Just eat the shell for now.”

Chew, chew!

The sound of their chewing echoed loudly as they struggled to get through the non-chewable gum-like texture.

“Ianbert! If the dish isn’t great, how about this one?”

“With this amazing feast, you certainly must say something!”

As Karem approached the King Frost Ice Cream drink dispenser, the people gathered around the banquet had completely surrounded Alfred and Ianbert.

“With someone saying that, why not eat more?”

“Umm… then maybe just a little more.”

“That seems too little.”

It felt like he was reluctantly eating. Under the gaze of those around him and Alfred’s words, Ianbert hesitated as he took another bite of the dish.

As he observed them for a moment, Karem quietly passed by and approached the King Frost statue-dispensing machine.

“Wow, how on earth was this made?”

The King Frost, placed in the center of the banquet table, was astonishingly impressive up close. Behind the slightly translucent ice wall, beer and wine were visible. It made one think it might turn watery if it melted.

“Oh, Lord Karem. May I assist you?”

“Yes. One glass of beer and one of wine. But won’t that melt?”

“They say the Chief Magic Consultant cast a preservation spell on it.”

A preservation spell, huh? I can guarantee that Catherine didn’t cast any. King Frost was crammed into a box just as it was hunted and dragged to the warehouse.

Hissssssssss!

The sound of steam exploding reverberated powerfully. Just hearing it gave Karem a refreshing sensation, and he raised his head. Despite being cold, the rich aroma of grains and nuts wafted through the air.

“Sure. What does that matter? Beer is right in front of me.”

The servant swiftly poured a glass brimming with beer, then precariously filled the wine until it was on the verge of overflowing and presented it.

“Beer is indeed Eisenvart beer. Plus, it’s a limited 10-year edition of Ruare. Here you go.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Karem carefully maneuvered to avoid those congratulating Alfred, who was starting his speech. The large glass in front of him was filled to the brim, almost spilling.

—

There’s a saying that approaches a truth that pierces the world:

If something cannot be solved by money, consider whether you are simply lacking in funds.

Of course, that is not an absolute statement; however, it is certainly true regarding most problems one encounters while living and those that are yet to arise.

Yet, there is no absolute in this world.

There are things that cannot be bought with money.

It doesn’t refer to feelings like love, friendship, or courage.

It’s something more material, for example, a special limited edition among limited editions.

It’s already in limited supply, so with surging demand, particularly if it’s a consumable, such as food, its value will only increase with time.

The prestigious Ruare winery known for Bersengzeto.

The 10-year vintage, in particular, was even more so.

“Sir Atanitas? Excuse me?”

Such wine was served not in large cups, silver or brass, but in oversized beer glasses typically meant for dwarves to down in one go.

“Why must it be a beer glass?”

“Uh, because I didn’t want to go back and forth twice?”

“Is that all?”

“Just take a look over there.”

Catherine silently turned to where Karem was pointing.

In other words, towards the King Frost dispenser.

“Ugh, beer has to be cold enough to chill the bones—” “Two beers!” “Here you go!” “Gulp, gulp—now refill!” “Everyone, return to your seats and finish your drinks—” “Hmm. It’s cold, but the aroma intensifies over time—” “Make way for His Grace and the guests!”

With the maid’s shout, the chaotic center of the banquet momentarily cleared, only to return to its original state as soon as she left.

“There are… a lot of people.”

“If I’m told to go over there, I won’t be able to return.”

Everything that provoked the fantasies of drunkards, regardless of gender, was right there in the central banquet hall.

“…Thinking about it again, this is indeed more efficient than going back and forth multiple times. I’d rather just stay seated and drink for as long as I can.”

“Well, it wouldn’t matter if Mary was out there.”

“Not a chance in the world. It lasts until midnight today.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true.”

Karem tilted his head slightly. Mary let out a deep sigh as she widened her eyes.

“That’s what they said.”

“Really unfortunate. If it weren’t for the punishment, blowing away this crowd would be child’s play…”

“No, you can’t just blow them away.”

“Oh dear, it seems someone is stealing my job and lowering my boiling point. Just a little longer and starting tomorrow—”

“That sounds ominous.”

Karem shook his head and lifted the wine glass. It was heavy, but he carefully tilted it for Catherine to drink.

“Sharp as ever, aren’t you?”

“Of course, especially with you giving me such pointed hints next to me.”

Catherine shot Karem a sideways glance at that remark but soon chuckled, bringing the glass to her lips to savor it carefully.

The thick and creamy purple liquid, once in her mouth, burst with a sweet and tart grape aroma, almost to the point of excess. But the bitter and astringent aftertaste felt like a good finish.

In that brief moment spent contemplating savoring the aroma, the scent of the wine changed so rapidly and naturally it was barely believable it was wine.

“Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, and brambleberry. Hah. For all of Bersengzeto’s arrogance, their wine is unrivaled.”

“Is it that delicious that you’re so amazed?”

“Why, are you curious, too?”

“You seem to be reacting completely differently than when you drink other wines.”

“That’s because it can’t even be compared.”

Catherine shook her head slightly and tipped her glass. Mischief danced in her eyes as they locked onto Karem’s.

“Curious enough for a sip? There’s plenty.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me…”

“What…?”

At Catherine’s flustered voice, Karem himself realized he overstepped. He instinctively felt to recoil but now it was too late to pull back.

Gulp!

“Geeck—”

And, as the wave of tangy, astringent flavor rushed from his mouth to his throat, he immediately regretted it.

“Bleh—ugh, wine is—ugh.”

Cough!

Catherine was taken aback and blinked rapidly, unable to suppress the laughter bubbling up from witnessing Karem’s contorted face.

“Hmph. Well, little one, you hardly drink anything but beer, right?”

“I didn’t have much drink before, especially wine. I often used it while cooking.”

“Especially wine, huh?”

“The unique tart and astringent taste at the end is just…”

“Can’t drink well, huh? Just like a little kid.”

“But I do drink beer.”

“What about other drinks?”

“…Fruit wine?”

Catherine lightly scoffed and nodded her head. Then she flinched slightly at the sight of the advancing wine glass, hesitated, and finally took a sip.

“Are you not going to try any dishes?”

“Then… oh, it seems the dishes are coming.”

Servants approached the royal seats, offering the prepared decorative dishes.

Catherine ordered a little of each decorative dish, and with the various types, her plate filled up completely.

Karem also followed Catherine’s lead, filling his plate with decorative dishes of every kind. Although he had heard beforehand that they tasted terrible, he was honestly still curious.

And he was disappointed.

The shells were either crispy or soft, rich in flavor, and generally good. However, the meats had no foul smell but were often overflowing with aroma or far too tough.

“Even if the shells were edible, calling this a decorative dish is just outrageous. You can feel the resentment from Zigmeser and the chefs.”

Catherine rinsed the greasiness in her mouth with wine and marveled at it.

“The shells are tasty, but is it really that extravagant?”

“Yep.”

Catherine took a moment to breathe and adjusted her seating. While savoring the wine, she brushed aside her flowing blonde hair.

“Decorative dishes are just that. Their purpose is to be enjoyed visually rather than by taste. They are meant to be aesthetically appreciated, not necessarily tasty.”

“So, the shells being tasty means—”

“Well, that’s only because the magic tools and ingredients were used liberally.”

The reasons for decorative dishes being tasteless are multifaceted but can be broadly summarized into two points:

They either haven’t been seasoned through and through.

Or, flavor wasn’t a consideration at all.

“The meats are tough or overly fragrant, but they at least managed to be somewhat edible. They’ve definitely used magic tools and spices liberally. They must have splurged a lot of gold.”

“Is that why Sir Zigmeser wept?”

“The head chef cried?”

“He was overwhelmed with joy in the storage area and tears just rolled down.”

Catherine seemed to be picturing a bald, bearded dwarf crying for a moment, wrinkling her nose. Karem, who understood her feelings, quietly tilted his wine glass for her.

“I can cook decorative dishes deliciously as well.”

Mary chimed in, taking a bite from an apple pie that looked just like an apple.

“If I combine my superb cooking skills with the magic of my kin, even if it was a fish as big as a calf, I could make the outside crispy and soft while evenly infusing flavor and aroma, it’s a shame.”

“Then why didn’t you help?”

“Unless the contractor gives a command, I must attend to the tower’s management and the contractor’s service as per my contract.”

Karem couldn’t hide his surprise at her desire to take on more work when there was already plenty to do.

“So, what’s the point?”

Catherine frowned, looking dissatisfied.

“So, if you entrust me with the preparation for tonight’s late-night snack, I can prove—”

“The punishment lasts until midnight today. No extensions.”

Mary’s so-called punishment was coming to an end.

But that only made it harder to bear, and more anxious.

Mary continuously demanded a quick conclusion, watching as her companions’ cups neared empty while they indulged heartily, and others at the royal seats began to rise from their chairs.

“Say one more word, and I will extend the punishment.”

“….!!!!!!”

Karem had to bite his thigh to suppress laughter at the not-so-funny spectacle.

Many people were leaving the Great Hall. The wizards had likely returned long ago, leaving only Karem and Mary following Catherine out.

“Oh, speaking of which, I forgot about the ice cream.”

“Should we prepare that for a late-night snack?”

“I think vanilla ice cream would be good.”

“You can’t even make that—”

While discussing what flavor of ice cream they’d have for a late-night snack, the three came to a sudden stop at once.

“Ugh—ugh—”

They heard someone retching as if trying to hold it back right in the middle.

The sun had long set. Only the dim outlines of armor and helmets against the flickering flames of torches and magic stones were visible.

“Is it a knight? Whoever it is must have drunk too much.”

“Are you saying that, Sir Atanitas?”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing at all.”

Considering the volume of wine from her glass, she had to have drunk at least a bottle, but Catherine continued walking, unaware of any issue.

And as the party moved to shift their attention, the moonlight fell naturally to illuminate the figure retching quietly.

“…Isn’t that person, um, that guest?”

Before Catherine could respond to the whispers, the silhouette, Ianbert, turned his head sharply and locked eyes with the group.

“Oh no. Ugh—!”

Before he could say anything further, Ianbert quickly turned away and faced the wall of the training ground.

 

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