𝐑𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬
Rolf had a charisma that seemed to brighten a room just by being there.
Edgardo, who has a sweet tooth, and Rolf, who prefers spicy food. Edgardo appears a bit emotionally unreliable, while Rolf seems laid-back but is actually quite dependable.
Friends with a slight age gap, they appeared mismatched but were surprisingly well-suited for each other.
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Rolf, the life of the lively holiday, gladly accepted the role of taste tester.
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“Personally, I prefer it a bit spicier, but this is good as it is. What’s interesting is that you can add your own seasonings to suit your taste. Miss Norchev’s idea is quite intriguing.”
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In a previous world, it was normal to change flavors, but not in this one.
For a chef in a noble household, the focus is on perfection; everything is complete on the plate. The thought of adding something to disrupt the finished dish doesn’t exist.
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“If someone from the Knights leaks this to the outside, imitators will start showing up.”
“Well, then I have to create my own original sauce.”
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Right now, it’s easy to replicate since we’re just adding condiments as they are.
While enjoying cake and nodding along to the conversation, Edgardo sat next to Rolf who was munching on pickles.
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“Does Miss Norchev want to own her own shop? I think you could do it if you wanted to.”
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Owning my own shop. . .
I have looked into it, but in this world, only men can own a shop. Someone else can become the shopkeeper for me, and I can have some authority.
However, I don’t think I can trust the opposite sex that much. Even if such a person were to appear, there is no guarantee they won’t betray me.
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The only absolutely trustworthy males are my dad and Thor, but owning a shop is considered lowly for a noble.
Dad and Thor would probably say not to worry about it, but I don’t want to tarnish the name of Norchev.
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“I, I am. . .”
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I tightly gripped my hands and looked up.
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“Excuse me, but I’ll be leaving now!”
“Right now?!”
“It’s market research! I want to learn about the seasoning preferences of common people!”
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The taste preferences of Edgardo and Rolf are very helpful and appreciated, but they are naturally biased towards noble tastes. Since my future clients are commoners, I want to do some preliminary research.
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“I’ll go too.”
“You’re going to eat out? Isn’t that difficult for Valka-sama?”
“I’ve. . .always wanted to try it.”
“Ah, I see. When you see friends or lovers eating joyfully, it’s enticing.”
“I’ll go too. I know some tasty places.”
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For some reason, the three of us decided to go. It’s a holiday, so they could just rest, but it seems like they’re at an age where they want to experience commoner life.
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We quickly wrapped things up and headed towards the lower town together. After crossing the area where the nobles live by carriage, the atmosphere gradually became livelier.
Despite their simple clothes, Rolf and Edgardo stood out like sore thumbs. Surrounded by nobles, I blended seamlessly into the lower town. Ignoring the heated gazes from women, the two looked around curiously.
Before anyone could approach us, I started walking in a random direction, and they followed like chicks.
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“There’s a stall over there with a lot of people lined up. I’ll go buy something, so both of you wait here.”
“I’ll go with you. The real charm of street food is buying it yourself and eating while walking, right? That’s what I’ve heard.”
“I’ll go too. It would be unthinkable for me to sit while the lady stands in line.”
“You’re right, I was about to steal the fun. Sorry.”
“You were being considerate, weren’t you? No need to apologize.”
“I will also, um, stand in line with you.”
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Rolf, who was grinning, got a fairly hefty body check from Edgardo. Even though such an impact would likely have made me fall and get injured, the two well-trained guys were unfazed.
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While watching the two playfully interact, the line moved surprisingly quickly. This is a yakitori stall, filled with the delicious aroma and sizzling smoke.
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“One of each kind, please.”
“Sure thing! Thank you!”
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I hold the handed-over skewers. Giving space to Edgardo behind me, I noticed he looked bewildered.
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“. . .I didn’t bring any money.”
“Huh? Ah!”
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Nobles don’t carry money. Affluent households have merchants come to their home, and a representative handles the payments. If they buy something outside, they don’t pay on the spot; instead, a bill is sent to their home.
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“Uncle, add two more of each kind, please.”
“Hold on a sec.”
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The offered skewers are too much to hold. When I glanced at the two, they both quickly took them. They might never have held their own purchases before.
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We sit on an empty bench in a nearby plaza. It’s a warm and sunny day, making the bench feel cozy.
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“Miss Norchev, I apologize. . .I didn’t know we had to pay on the spot.”
“I’ll pay you back for the money earlier, sorry Miss Norchev. But, you saved us.”
“I should apologize for not noticing it myself.”
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Edgardo looks utterly downcast, while Rolf seems a little restless.
Watching the two, who clearly stand out even in the town below the castle, look bewildered in front of the stall was somehow a little cute.
To hide the laughter welling up, I clear my throat with a small cough and smile.
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“Shall we eat while it’s still hot?”
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