Volume 4 Chapter 2 Let's Eat White Trout
After returning to the inn, Cain got some hot water for a bath, dusted himself off, and changed clothes. Then, he went down to the dining room on the first floor. The innkeeper led him to a private room, where Mr. Zain and Ms. Merida were already waiting.
"Mr. Zain, Ms. Merida, thank you for waiting. Are you still tired from the trip?"
Cain asked as he sat down.
"Thank you, Sir Cain. Even though the carriage ride was long, I'm not tired at all. I'm too excited."
Ms. Merida said with a warm smile. Mr. Zain, watching her, looked pleased.
Once everyone was seated, a knock came at the door. Lala answered it and opened the door. The innkeeper stood there, smiling, with dishes in both hands.
On the table, they laid out meat dishes, soup, salad, and a large plate of steamed and grilled white trout.
"Sir Shamrock, thank you for staying with us. I'm the innkeeper, Dodo. Tonight's special is Bridge Village's famous white trout, wrapped in Loneban leaves and steamed. The meat dish is wild boar stewed in wine. We also have houbou bird egg soup and fresh salad. Please enjoy everything."
The smell filled the room, and Cain's stomach nearly growled as he waited for the explanation to end.
"Thank you. It all looks delicious. Margrave Shield also recommended the trout here, so I'm glad I get to try it already. My stay will be short, but I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm happy to hear that, Sir Cain. If you need anything, just ring this bell."
Mr. Dodo pointed to a bell by the door, gave a short bow, said, "Excuse me," and left.
Once the door closed, Cain looked at the food and said, "Well then, let's eat." Lala stood and smoothly began serving his plate.
"Mr. Zain, Ms. Merida, please enjoy tonight's meal. No need to be formal."
Cain put his hands together and said, "Itadakimasu," before digging into the meal Lala served him.
The salad had crisp leafy greens with a citrus dressing that made his appetite grow with each bite. The houbou bird egg soup looked light but had a rich bird flavor. The broth, probably made with chicken bones, was clear and full of taste.
The wild boar stewed in wine was tender. It fell apart as he chewed. The sauce was rich too, soaking into the bread nicely. He asked for another slice.
Then came the main dish. The steamed white trout was fatty and full of flavor. The herbs removed the river smell and added a sharp, fresh accent. The more he chewed, the more flavor spread through his mouth.
"Ah, the trout's so good. I want Luke and the others to try it too."
"Sir Cain, you're very thoughtful about your family."
Ms. Merida said kindly.
"Is that so? It's not just family. I think everyone in Sanroze gets along well. Right?"
Cain looked at the three from Sanroze. They smiled and said, "That's right."
"Sanroze is just as nice as the Margrave Shield territory's capital."
Zain said, sounding proud.
"Why don't you visit us after you go home? I'd love to talk more about the magic water boiler. I'll also prepare some local food from Sanroze."
"That sounds great. I'd like to visit for sure."
Mr. Zain agreed right away, and Ms. Merida nodded next to him, smiling.
After that, they ate in peace. Then came the after-dinner tea and some small dessert biscuits. As they relaxed, the talk moved to tomorrow's plans.
"Mr. Zain, for tomorrow—after breakfast, let's go to the bridge, cross it, and then use the magic tool when no one's around. Sound good?"
Cain asked.
"Yes, that should work. But is it okay if we have to walk to the bridge?"
Zain asked.
"Hmm, what do you think, Barvish?"
"Let's ride horses up to the bridge and leave them with the soldiers. There's a guard station nearby. If we say we're checking the river, they should watch the horses for a day."
Barvish said, recalling what he saw earlier.
"Then let's meet in front of the inn after breakfast and head out."
Cain said. They chatted a bit more and then broke up for the night.
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