Volume 4 Chapter 29 Let's Think About Dinner II
Cain blinked as Barvish gently shook him out of a long silence. When he looked around, every cook in the kitchen was staring at him.
"Um... sorry to keep you waiting?" he said, rubbing his neck. "Let's start with a test dish. I want you to taste it and help adjust the flavor. So, we'll split into two teams—one for cutting the White Trout, the other for making sauces."
Following Cain's words, the group split up. To the cutting team, he gave clear instructions:
"Please slice the White Trout into three fillets, then cut them again a little thick."
The cooks were used to this kind of work. Without needing more orders, they started slicing the fish with smooth and steady hands.
"Now, we'll make the sauces. There will be two types, and I want you to tell me which one tastes better. And please be honest—if it's bad, say so. I can't serve bad food to Uncle Will."
Cain asked for honesty, knowing it was rare to speak against a noble. These cooks were professionals, though. Still, it was safer to ask directly.
"First, this black sauce—oh, wait. What is it called again?"
He stopped himself from saying "soy sauce" and asked for the name.
"Yes, that's called soy sauce," one of the cooks answered.
(That's just the same name!) Cain shouted in his mind, nearly losing his serious face.
"Thank you. We'll mix soy sauce and honey, one to one."
He had one of the cooks pick a spoon and combine the two ingredients in equal parts.
"For the second sauce, we'll add soaked juice from large mushrooms to soy sauce and honey. The ratio is about one to one to two?"
As he explained, Cain thought, (We'll adjust this later if needed.)
One of the idle cooks began writing notes. Cain waited for the notes to finish before moving on.
"Next, take the fish slices and dry them with a cloth. Then, dust them lightly with flour. This helps the sauce stick and gives a nice crispy look when cooked."
The cooks started their tasks. One raised a hand.
"Excuse me. Should we season the White Trout slices with salt before cooking?"
Cain nodded.
"That's fine, but I left it out because soy sauce already has salt. If the taste is too weak after testing, we can add more later."
(We'll learn by trial and error,) he thought, giving the answer.
Another cook said, "We've finished," so Cain gave the next steps.
"Alright, please cook the White Trout slices in a frying pan. When they're about 80% cooked, add the sauces."
Two cooks began heating the fish at the same time. Soon, the sound of sizzling filled the air. The slices were turned a few times to avoid burning and help the heat spread.
Once both cooks said they were done, Cain handed them each a different sauce. They poured them into the pans. Again, the sizzling sound rose—and this time, a warm, deep smell filled the kitchen.
"Oooh!" some cooks said, reacting to the strong, roasted smell of soy sauce.
(Good. They like the smell,) Cain said to himself, holding a fist low in victory. He had been worried they might hate it.
"Lower the heat a little, and make sure the sauce coats the fish. It burns easily, so be careful."
"Yes!" the cooks answered quickly and focused even more. Soon, the sauce boiled down, becoming thick and sticky. Cain told them to remove the pans from the heat.
"Okay, it's time to taste. We made two kinds, so please help me choose which one we'll serve to Uncle Will tonight."
At Cain's word, the cooks rushed forward, each eager to try the dishes. After the first few bites, silence spread across the room. Then, one by one, reactions exploded.
"Amazing!"
"I've never tasted anything like this—so good!"
"The sauce smells roasted, it's salty and sweet—perfect."
"This sweetness and smell go so well with the fatty fish. Delicious!"
They kept eating and shouting their thoughts. Soon, the test dishes were gone.
Cain watched them all with a wide smile.
(Yep. Teriyaki is a hit—even in another world.)
Notes:
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Will - Margrave Shield's son, Aisha's brother, and Cain's uncle. He is playful and enjoys teasing his father. He is a fan of Cain's 'hamburg' recipe.
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