The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 27

Chapter 27: The Rip-off Artist Enjoys Court Cuisine.

“Ahhh… isn’t there a more… commoner-friendly place?”

“It’s fine! It’s not that formal a place.”

Is that really true? The restaurant in front of me is as magnificent as the church in Alanis.

I’m starting to get a little nervous myself.

It’s a bit like the fear of stepping into an unexplored area for the first time with no map.

“Vottark-sama, we’ve been expecting you.”

As we approached the front of the restaurant, a young staff member opened the door for us.

His movements were incredibly smooth and efficient.

When you master a sword or magic, your movements become less wasteful… I felt a similar kind of impressiveness from that staff member.

“Thank you for coming today. We have a private room in the back for you.”

Once we entered the restaurant, an elderly staff member bowed to us with a smile.

What is this? I feel like I’ve become a noble, and it’s making me uncomfortable.

Having been used to restaurants that shout “Welcome!” for decades, this overly orderly space feels strangely uncomfortable.

“A-Are you okay, Rody-san?”

“You’re the one I should be asking… The dress looks good on you.”

The light green dress, adorned with delicate frills, perfectly suited Al’s atmosphere, expressing a delicate balance of cuteness and beauty.

The dress alone had a slightly childish impression, but seeing her wear it, the impression changed completely.

“Ehehe, thanks. You look sharp too, Rody-san.”

“Thanks. Ah, but I came in thinking I could eat some authentic court cuisine…”

“It’s a little too authentic, isn’t it…?”

We whispered as we followed Mifa, who was perfectly dressed in a moss green dress.

This is a rather unfamiliar place for a country commoner.

It would be nice if I could escort her properly, but I’m a beginner myself, so all I can do is be flustered together with her.

In the end… we were led to a private room and sat down in our chairs, looking quite suspicious the whole time.

“Don’t be so nervous, you two. I got a private room so you don’t have to worry about table manners.”

“Sorry, Mifa. For making you worry.”

“Geez, what are you talking about? It’s our first meal together in a long time. Let’s have a family get-together, with Al-chan too.”

“Mifa-san…”

Al’s eyes teared up at Mifa’s words.

Actually, I feel like crying too.

My stepfather and mother have long since passed away, and I’ve had no contact with my stepsister, Mifa.

For me, today’s meal is more than just a meal.

As Mifa said, this is a family get-together.

“Excuse me. I’ve brought the aperitif.”

The elderly staff member who had guided us earlier served a small glass cup in front of each of us.

A sweet, flower-like scent wafted from the contents of the cup, which had a color similar to white wine.

I know the smell, but I can’t remember it.

“This is a liquor made from the Chitrin flower. I hear this is a reunion after a long time, so please enjoy your time.”

The elderly waiter, with a smiling expression, bowed and quietly withdrew.

Was he a scout or something in his previous job? His movements are too refined, and it’s surprising that he makes no sound at all.

“Well then, to celebrate our reunion… cheers.”

At Mifa’s lead, we raised our small cups.

I had heard that it was the royal capital style not to clink glasses.

Well, I think they would break if you clinked them like beer mugs.

“This is good.”

“It has a mellow taste.”

“This might be very rude, but I’m glad your palates are decent. I was… surprised when we had tea, too.”

I couldn’t help but smile wryly at my stepsister’s words.

Well, it’s true that my palate might be somewhat refined.

I was living a life where I was only on the surface for two days a week.

While on the surface, I became a gourmet.

Al, in the course of accompanying me, also became quite a connoisseur of taste.

“But this is my first time having court cuisine. I’m a little worried if our country palates can enjoy it.”

“That’s true… Our tongues might be dominated by monster gibier.”

Mifa’s eyes widened at Al’s words.

“Don’t tell me, from Yaje?”

“Yes. We went all out on the authentic stuff.”

“Wow, that sounds gross.”

“There were a lot of crazy things. For example—”

I silently watched as Al and my stepsister chatted happily.

I deeply, deeply understood that this was a happy time and engraved it in my memory.

For me, who had been prepared to mess up in the depths of the dungeon and become monster food, this was a precious time that might not have been possible.

“Excuse me for interrupting your conversation. I’ve brought the appetizer.”

Dishes were placed in front of me without a sound, as if by magic.

“This is bamboo shoots and sole with shette sauce.”

“Shette sauce…? Don’t tell me, from the Fermizen Shette grass?”

“That is correct. By any chance, are you not fond of it?”

“No, I was just surprised that an ingredient for a Potion of Healing is being used in a dish. My apologies.”

“Not at all, you are very knowledgeable. It also has the effect of settling the stomach before the main dish, a little medicinal cuisine from the chef.”

The waiter bowed slightly and withdrew.

Ah, I see. Court cuisine is generally something that royalty and nobility eat. In that case, there would be such hidden considerations in the order of the dishes. Wow, that’s amazing.

“You can use alchemy too, Nii-san?”

“Well, yeah. My master was a man who could do anything, so I ended up being able to do it too.”

“That’s amazing. As expected of the ‘Rip-off Company’.”

“Why is it that you know about that?”

My sister’s face became a little serious at my complaint.

“Because your epithet is very widespread. The reason I’ve been able to get promoted at this age might be thanks to you, in a way.”

“What do you mean?”

“The name ‘Rip-off Company’ Rody Vottark is a topic that sometimes comes up even in the upper echelons of the academy.”

“Huh?”

I instinctively stopped my fork and asked again.

“I don’t know the details… but even the king knows your name, Nii-san.”