Volume 4 Chapter 16 It Was Quickly Completed
Before Cain began making the white trout fry, he and his companions were having a late lunch. They sat at a wooden table tucked into the corner of the warm, busy kitchen. They had asked for something light, but instead, they were served large sandwiches. Between thick slices of fresh-baked bread were layers of crisp, leafy greens like lettuce, ripe red tomato slices, and thick-cut ham that was juicy and warm.
As Cain and the others munched on their heavy sandwiches, the kitchen buzzed with quiet work. The chefs, moving under the firm voice of the head chef, were busy getting things ready for the fry. Because they needed many eggs for the meal, a few staff had gone to get more from the market. When Cain and the others finished eating, those chefs returned from their break and joined in the kitchen preparations.
From the other side of the kitchen, the head chef raised his voice with a clear call.
"All the ingredients are ready. Please begin when you're ready."
Cain wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin and stood up from his seat with a small nod.
"Thank you. I'll start now."
He stepped into the heart of the kitchen, where pots steamed and the air smelled of flour, herbs, and firewood.
Cain stood near the counter and looked at the white trout. His voice was calm and clear.
"First, since this is a test batch, please cut the white trout into small, bite-sized pieces. Be sure to take off all the skin and bones."
One of the older chefs stepped forward, his hands moving with practiced ease. He picked up a sharp knife and filleted the fish in smooth, clean motions.
Cain walked along the counter, stopping beside a tray of warm bread. He looked to the staff gathered around.
"Next, let's make the breadcrumbs for the batter. Please use the bread we baked this morning. Grate it with the coarse grater, then toast the crumbs lightly in a dry pan until some of the dampness is gone. Be careful. If it burns, we'll have to start over."
Soon after his words, the soft, dry shk-shk-shk of grating bread filled the air.
Cain turned to face the group again. His expression lit with a bit more energy.
"Now we'll make the sauce. The fish goes well with regular sauce, but today we'll make something even better—tartar sauce. Let's divide into teams: one group will make mayonnaise from scratch, the other will chop boiled eggs and pickled vegetables."
Walking toward the large metal bowl, Cain picked up the whisk used for cake batter. His hands moved as he showed them the next step.
"Alright, let's start. Put the egg yolks into the bowl. Add a bit of salt and a dash of vinegar. Now stir. Keep stirring, slow and steady. Pour in the oil little by little while you mix it."
The group worked with steady hands, brows furrowed in focus. The thick mixture turned soft white and smooth.
Cain dipped a spoon into the bowl and tasted a small bit. A thoughtful look crossed his face.
"Mmm... yes. It's good. But let's add one more pinch of salt."
He tilted his head slightly as the taste settled. Something had been missing. With a small nod, he watched them add the salt and stirred again. He tasted it once more.
His eyes lit up.
"Yes. That's perfect."
Cain held the bowl out with both hands, offering it to the head chef.
"Please try this. This is our mayonnaise."
The head chef stepped closer and took a bite. A small smile tugged at the edge of his lips. One by one, the other chefs tasted it too, their eyes lighting up.
A soft voice broke the silence, filled with surprise.
"Ohh... this is amazing. Really, really good."
Cain breathed out slowly and gave a faint smile of relief.
He leaned against the counter, tapping the edge with his fingers.
"This mayonnaise goes well with vegetables, or even meat if you sauté it. But we're not done. We're going to turn this into an even better sauce—tartar sauce."
Gasps passed through the group like a gust of warm wind. The chefs' eyes went wide, their hands frozen in place.
From the crowd, the head chef took a step forward, his voice nearly a shout.
"Huh? Even better than this? Show us, please!"
Cain stepped back slightly, raising both hands. He smiled, just a little.
"Y-you're a bit too close. I'll show you. Just mix in the chopped boiled eggs and pickled vegetables we made earlier."
The head chef didn't wait. He picked up a spoon and stirred the two into the mayonnaise without pause. A moment later, he tasted it—and his entire face lit up.
His voice came out almost as a cry.
"O-oh no... this is too good! What is this deep taste?"
A single tear slid down his cheek as he clutched the edge of the counter. Around him, the other chefs took turns tasting the tartar sauce, their hands shaking, eyes moist.
Cain spoke louder, raising his voice to bring them back from their emotion.
"This is just the sauce. Don't lose focus. We still haven't fried the fish."
At his words, the group jolted, returning to their stations with red cheeks and burning energy.
Cain pointed to the clean frying pans lined up at the far end of the kitchen.
"Pour about five centimeters of oil into a deep frying pan. Heat it slowly. While it's warming, I'll coat the white trout pieces."
The chefs worked with new speed. They dipped the trout into flour, then egg, and finally into golden breadcrumbs. Each piece went onto a tray, lined up like soldiers waiting to enter battle.
Cain stood beside the stove, peering into the pan. His tone turned serious.
"Watch the oil closely. Add a pinch of breadcrumbs. If they make small, gentle bubbles, the oil is ready. If it smokes or bubbles too fast, turn down the heat."
The sound of frying filled the air—soft, steady shhhhh—as the white trout began to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Cain smiled as he watched them flip each piece. His voice was calm but full of pride.
"When both sides are golden, they're done. The time depends on the size, so check each one. Now—it's time to taste!"
The chefs gathered again, hands wiping off sweat and oil. Each picked up a piece of fried trout and added tartar sauce.
The head chef held his plate in both hands. His voice lowered into something near reverence.
"Alright. Taste it with all your heart."
The first bite gave off a loud crunch. Chewing followed—quiet, eager. Then, one by one, they swallowed with a loud gulp.
A shout rang out across the kitchen, full of joy.
"""OOOOHHH, IT'S SO GOOD!!!"""
The room shook with happiness. Some of them fanned their mouths, saying it was a little hot, but no one stopped eating. Everyone's face was lit with pure joy.
The head chef stepped forward again, his eyes shining. He took Cain's hands in his own, squeezing tightly.
"Thank you so much, Sir Cain! Thank you for this amazing recipe!"
Cain looked him in the eyes, voice soft but steady.
"I'm glad you liked it. Now, let's make some for your grandfather and grandmother, too."
The head chef stood straight and gave a strong nod. His answer was loud and proud.
"Yes, sir!"
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