Volume 2 Chapter 20 Let's Go Shopping III
"Yummy──so sweet!"
Alice's praise for her "Daigaku Imo (Japanese sweet potato desert)" echoed loudly in the cafeteria.
"Alice, please sit down. I know it's delicious, so please be a little more ladylike and impressed."
Lydia gently scolded, lowering her eyes, while nibbling on her own "Daigaku Imo."
"But, this 'Daigaku Imo' is new. I think more merchants will visit our land just to taste it."
Luke raised his fork, holding a piece of "Daigaku Imo" up to his eyes, happily giving his opinion.
"I'm really glad we came back. Thanks to Cain. Cain, thank you."
Next to him, Chris chewed on his own "Daigaku Imo" and also thanked Cain.
"I... I'd like to share this with someone special."
"Huh? Elder Brother Arthur, who do you want to share the 'Daigaku Imo' with?"
Benjamin immediately chimed in after hearing Arthur mumble casually, pushing a little joke. Arthur hurriedly covered Benjamin's mouth, blushing. No one else noticed or thought much of their exchange──just saw 2 friends joking around.
Cain, eating his "Daigaku Imo," was surprised by the skill and sense of Chef Lloyd. The recipe made for tasting was based on Michio's grandmother's──homestyle but not special. However, Lloyd's "Daigaku Imo" became a real restaurant dish. Cain was excited, looking forward to the castella after dinner even more.
* * *
"Elder Brother Ben, I bought a magic stone at the adventurer's guild. Could you teach me how to charge [Mana] into it? I think if I can store [Mana], I can use the [Magic circle magic] to make magic tools."
"Sure. It's our promise, after all. Hmm... where to start? Maybe from drawing [Mana] out of the magic stone."
Benjamin pulled out a bundle of parchment from his bag nearby.
The parchment was covered with various symbols and things that looked like writing. To Cain's eyes, it was like a programming language with lines of text followed by symbols, then text again.
"This [Magic Inscription] is made up of 3 parts. The first is the 'syntax' to draw [Mana] from this magic stone. The second is the 'syntax' for the [magic] you want to perform. The third is the 'syntax' to decide where to execute the [magic]. This is the same for any magical item. [Magic Inscription] is still being studied, and this 'syntax' is all we know how to use for now."
Benjamin explained the meaning and patterns of the 'syntax' written on the parchment. He had copied the meanings and syntax of the passed-down text, so Cain could continue the research after Benjamin left. While receiving the explanation, Cain noticed something and decided to ask about it. Benjamin looked pleased.
"I thought you'd notice, Cain. The 'syntax' to extract Mana with a 'Mana Sucker' isn't here. It's a new 'syntax' I discovered after lots of research. Along with a way to change the 'syntax' later, these two findings got me my own research room."
Cain thought, 'His way of thinking is outside this world's common sense.' Could Benjamin be a 'reincarnator' too? But Lady Gardea didn't mention anything like that.' As he pondered, he realized Benjamin was calling him.
"...Cain? Cain? Are you listening?"
"Ah, sorry, Elder Brother Ben. I was thinking."
"I heard you say we should continue tomorrow because it's almost time for dinner, but what do you think?"
"Yes, we can't be late for dinner. Let's continue tomorrow."
They gathered their materials and headed to the dining hall. Tonight's dinner was bread, salad, and meat soup. As always, the dinner was very delicious, but the rest of the family seemed restless, probably looking forward to dessert.
After dinner, the dishes were cleared away. The Head Maid prepared some fragrant tea and poured it into cups. It seemed stronger than usual. Then, small plates of "castella" were brought in. Still warm, the sweet scent drifted from the "castella."
A maid carried the "castella," followed by Head Chef Lloyd entering the dining hall and standing next to Luke.
"Lloyd, could you explain this sweets?"
"Certainly. This is called 'castella.' The recipe was provided by Young Master Cain. Please, enjoy."
Once Lloyd nodded approval, everyone simultaneously speared forkfuls of "castella" and brought them to their mouths.
"Mmm!!"
They couldn't find words──eyes widened in surprise. Some took a moment to chew, then let out deep sighs of satisfaction. Alice was already gobbling it up eagerly.
"This is also incredibly delicious."
Luke shared his honest impression of the "castella" with Lloyd.
"Yes, I think this 'castella' stands apart from other sweets. It's soft, sweet, moist──really good with tea. How about making this recipe exclusive to the Sanroze family? Only served to visiting guests?"
"That's right. With this 'castella,' even nobles would come to taste it. Lydia, Randolph──what do you think?"
""I agree completely.""
Lydia and Randolph nodded in sync, both agreeing.
Cain, surprised once again by Lloyd's taste──first with "Daigaku Imo," now with "castella"──felt a twinge of envy. It was far better than his trial batch. The sweetness was perfect, moist and fluffy enough to be like a top-tier castella from a famous store. Cain looked at Lloyd and saw the gentle, pleased smile.
Although he felt a bit frustrated about his own lack of skill, Cain's focus shifted as he watched Alice happily melting into her food, grinning brightly.
Character Notes:
Alice - Cain's Elder Sister, from the second wife.
Lydia - Cain's Stepmother.
Luke - Cain's father.
Chris - Third son from the first wife, earnest and impressed by Cain.
Arthur - The first son from the first wife, boisterous and teasing, affectionate.
Benjamin - The second son from the first wife, wise and calm, experienced in magic.
Lloyd - Head Chef of the Family.
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