Volume 2 Chapter 24 Second New Year's in Another World IV
"Clap clap clap, sizzle," the sound of firewood burning in the stone oven and the sweet, sticky aroma of Satsuma burst out, making Cain and Gardy excited.
"Sir Cain, it smells really sweet now."
"Yeah, but we still gotta wait. Can't give Satsuma back yet."
They used long tongs to turn about 20 Satsuma inside the stone oven. The irresistible, delicious smell hit them hard, but they stayed strong and kept working silently, resisting the urge.
Then, after 20 minutes of patience, Cain drilled a thin wooden stick he made specifically for this day into one of the most tempting, cooked Satsuma. The stick went in smoothly, making a quick "swish" sound like it slid through effortlessly. Testing with a few more, they all went in just as easily.
"Alright! Looks like they're perfectly cooked. Time to take them out!"
Cain hurriedly put the hot Satsuma into a container for keeping warm, doing all 20 at once, then sealed the lid.
"Gardy, I need you to add more firewood because there are 20 more to go into the oven. We're putting in the 'I'm Satsuma' again."
Cain kept stuffing raw Satsuma into the oven while Gardy added firewood. Both kept their focus on their work, hiding the warm container from view. As soon as they finished, they stared at each other.
"Gardy," "Sir Cain," they said together. "Want to try a little? Just a bite?"
Their voices overlapped. Both nodded at the same time. Gardy opened the lid of the warming container, and Cain picked out one Satsuma, splitting it in half. He handed one piece to Gardy, then bit into his own.
""So delicious! So sweet!!""
Their voices boomed with excitement as they devoured the Satsuma quickly, unable to stop.
"Sir Cain, this Satsuma is too good. It feels even twice as sweet. The sticky, rich texture is perfect. I want Noel to try it too."
Gardy raved about the taste so quickly he almost couldn't stop, but in the end, he looked down sadly, feeling a bit lonely.
"Why don't you invite her to the New Year's Eve dinner tonight? She helped us build the stone paving, the fort, and even the baths, so it'll be fine. This place will be fine for a while, so why don't you invite her?"
Gardy grabbed Cain's hand tightly. "Thank you," he said, then ran off. Cain watched him go, smiling softly.
* * *
Before Gardy returned, they were busy──refilling Satsuma, adding firewood, and doing chores. The maid came to ask for more hot water. Very quickly, they loaded the second batch of tasty-looking baked Satsuma into a warmer container and took it inside the mansion. Rest assured, Gardy properly handled the fire.
When they brought the food into the dining hall, Lloyd and the other chefs already had a feast laid out. A bunch of meat dishes filled the table. Cain's stomach made a loud "Grrr" sound──he felt pretty hungry.
"Young Master Cain, no sneaking snacks," a voice chided.
Chef Lloyd carried a castella sponge cake on a tray.
"I'm not sneaking. It's just──you're scary, so I couldn't."
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing. But wow, this year's amazing. I've never seen so many meat dishes at once."
Cain pointed at the spread of food, showing his happiness.
"Thanks to everyone bringing back lots of meat, and the chefs worked as hard as they could. We also have braised pork. Please enjoy it all. I'm going to drink my fill of that wine over there."
Lloyd, normally serious, answered with a rare, bright smile.
* * *
The dining hall buzzed with noise──murmurs and chatter filled the air. Cain, the mansion staff, the knight captain and team leaders, and guests all gathered together.
"Ah, ah, ah... Right. Everyone, thank you for your hard work in preparation. It's been a tough year, with so much happening. But I'm happy we can all be here, together, to celebrate the New Year's banquet without losing anyone. Tonight, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves to the fullest! Thanks to the Knights and Arthur, we have plenty of meat this year. And Benjamin and Chris have even more prepared. The ladies can enjoy the many sweets Cain has come up with. Now, cheers!"
"""Cheers!"""
Everyone's cheers echoed as the banquet began. Some rushed for the meat dishes, others headed for the barrels of alcohol, and still others scrambled to grab the sweets. Cain, for his part, secured the "braised pork belly" first, took 2 Satsuma oranges as promised, and piled his plate high with roasted guinea fowl.
Since it was a buffet, there were no assigned seats. He sat in a nearby chair and took a bite of the "braised pork belly." The soy sauce and sweetness filled his mouth, and he couldn't help but smile at how delicious it was.
"Cain! This Satsuma is amazing and sweet!! How is it so sweet!!!"
Alice, still chewing, rushed toward Cain, her excitement overflowing.
"I'm glad you like it, Elder Sister Alice. It's because we baked them in the stone oven you saw earlier."
"Is that stone oven magic? Satsuma as sweet as honey? It's the best!"
"There are still many delicious dishes, so it would be a waste to fill up on Satsuma alone."
"Okay! I'll eat just one more and enjoy the other dishes!"
Cain watched the adorable Alice go, thinking, 'You're still going to eat more?'
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