Chapter 51
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: They All Clamor to Eat It
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They all clamored to eat it.
Those who had been standing far from the grill started shoving each other, afraid their turn might never come, and it even escalated to full-on brawls.
“Don’t cut in line!”
“I’ve been here since yesterday!”
“What bullshit!”
In the chaos, luck favored those with higher status, stronger curiosity, or just sharper wits and quicker feet who had snagged spots up close.
Dane and Bankers gestured for each person to take just one piece and step back.
All eyes locked on those hurriedly shoving the meat into their mouths.
The live tasting show participants froze the instant they chewed. Their expressions varied wildly.
Some furrowed their brows in disbelief.
Others stared off into space with eyes wide open.
Nostrils flared over wrinkled noses.
Pupils trembled beneath eyelids blinking even faster.
“…….”
But not one of them opened their mouth.
“How is it?”
“Tasty??”
“Say something! Say it!!!”
They clamped down tight, desperate to keep the savory, sweet juices from escaping. Pure instinct.
The more they chewed, the more it melted away, infuriating them even as it slipped inevitably down their throats.
“Gulp…….”
And just like that, one piece of meat vanished forever.
Those who swallowed whipped their heads toward the grill in unison. Then they staggered forward a step or two.
“Block them!!”
Naturally, the onlookers who’d watched the whole thing wouldn’t allow it. No second chances. They blocked fiercely with their bodies.
“Give me some toooooo!”
“You already ate, you bastard!”
It was real. Meat they had to have. Desires converged as one.
“Give us meat!!!!!”
“Quick, quick…… please!!”
Even amid the riotous atmosphere, the butcher crew stayed calm. They’d tasted that intense flavor themselves and anticipated this.
If they hadn’t built tolerance eating monster meat over time, or scouted reactions across Zone 2 beforehand, they’d have been in real trouble too.
Elite安心 was that shocking. They might’ve lost their minds and devoured it all themselves, never mind others.
“I’ll…… I’ll pay!”
“Yeah! Me too! I’ve got money here!”
The cries erupted first from those who’d tasted it. The free tasting seamlessly turned paid.
The proper progression of a tasting event. Exactly what Dane had aimed for.
“The tasting samples are all gone. How about a little Elite tail stew? The umami is out of this world.”
River set a basket on one end of the counter and beckoned the shouters.
-Clink!
-Clink!!
Coins poured in steadily. Only those who paid got a small bowl with a scoop of deep, rich tail stew.
“Grrraaah!”
“Huh…… this is so deep and subtle.”
“It’s hot but cooling!”
“Feels like last year’s booze is finally wearing off!”
Exclamations overflowed at the indescribably complex flavors.
“This is a whole rib roast. The smoky char gives it that perfect edge.”
Bankers sliced a thick piece from the spit and set it on the counter. It vanished the moment coins hit.
“It clings right to your mouth!”
“So tender! Is this what they mean by melts?”
“Monster meat tastes like this…….”
Flavor raves drew more coins. A virtuous cycle. The butchers grilled and boiled frantically but couldn’t keep up with the eaters.
‘Time.’
Dane scanned the meat-craving slaves regretfully, then made another pitch.
“Fresh Elite cuts, butchered right now. Buyers, follow me!”
Dane spun his cleaver and strode toward the Elite, trailed in a long line by River with her basket and the hunters.
The Dane Butcher Crew’s Elite disassembly show and meat sale raged on until the eastern wasteland glowed golden.
No scraps remained for the nameless monster birds circling overhead.
* * *
Tebier hadn’t budged from the hilltop until only bones were left of the Elite. Thanks to him, the elves couldn’t escape the revolting scene.
“What do you think, Chief Auditor? Impressive young man, isn’t he?”
Tebier’s question drew a slight nod from the stone-faced Chief Auditor Vigdis.
“Shocking in every way. I can’t believe what I just saw.”
“Hahaha, it’s fun seeing such a seasoned traveler react like that.”
“The hunt was one thing…… but watching them devour meat so openly is downright alien. Common in Foldtown?”
“Not at all. First time I’ve seen it myself. Foldtown faithfully upholds the capital’s laws.”
“Impressive how you stay so composed amid that stench.”
“Haha, I’m just curious what monster meat has them so rabid. Look there—they’re buying and already heading out. Can’t wait to eat, I suppose.”
They watched the long procession departing the wasteland. Everyone had bought from the butchers.
“Foldtown has some bizarre hunting party.”
As Vigdis glared gravely at the Dane crew’s wagons, Tebier slipped away smiling to approach Illein.
“Chief Supervisor Illein. Most parties showed up today, right?”
“Yes.”
“Town’s gonna erupt.”
“……Probably.”
“The smell alone will be epic.”
“Pardon?”
“Smell’s this strong across the whole wasteland. Imagine every home grilling meat. Hahaha.”
Tebier looked genuinely amused. Illein thought it time for stern words.
“Sorry, but this isn’t something to just laugh off.”
“We’ll laugh it off today. Make sure no arrests for indoor grilling.”
“You’ll go that far? Even the young elves are grumbling, not just the elders. With the Chief Auditor here, how do you…….”
The young elves lined up behind brimmed with contempt and disgust. Tebier didn’t hide his smile.
* * *
The bonfire in the butcher crew’s yard burned late into the night. They recapped the day haphazardly, praising each other.
“That tail stew killed it? Vanished so fast.”
“Meat was so good, barely needed cooking.”
“The安心 peeled off the flaws! Who knew a tiny piece held that much juice!”
Dane and River blushed at each other. Dane tossed one to Bankers too.
“You grilled great.”
“Thanks for trusting me.”
“Hope I didn’t make the prince do anything too rude.”
“He hauled wagons—what can’t he do, Butcher Dane! Haha.”
They laughed together. Were they at easy banter now?
“Anyway, everyone worked hard. Way better day than expected.”
Eyes converged on Dane’s words.
Baskets brimming with coins, arms piled with Elite ore, hides, bones, and monster bits—everyone’s hearts swelled.
“Kemora party yielding all spoils was unexpected. They earned it too, yet walked away empty-handed.”
All nodded at Bankers.
Kemora left first with the wounded, citing repeated life debts.
For someone so clear on favors, suggesting a split would’ve been shameless. They took only their spears.
“Thanks to them, it went smoother, so I’ll call it even out of respect.”
Dane’s smile chilled onlookers.
“Not the guy who beat ’em talking.”
“Be grateful we didn’t kill you? Cruel bastard, heh.”
River and Bankers tsked.
“Some noise is inevitable in setting hierarchy.”
Dane said flatly.
Through it, they’d cemented true top-dog status in Foldtown. No denying from Kemora party, admin office, local hunters, or Mekardo merchants.
River asked.
“What next? No new recruits?”
Kemora’s coordinated takedown of the giant beast impressed even Dane. But numbers weren’t key for hunts.
“We’re good as is…… but if adding, an expert on monsters would be ideal. Knew about the air sac, so we could hunt smarter.”
Just scanning innards wasn’t enough. Crew agreed vehemently.
“Then we’d see you hurl yourself into danger less.”
“Yeah. Today had us on edge……”
River trailed off. Dane played dumb and continued.
“Dunno if one exists, but ask Kreya Traders or admin office. They summoned us for Thick Root party selection anyway.”
Plans were unfolding. But how Tebier and the elves viewed today’s event? Questionable.
‘Town’s in uproar by now.’
* * *
Dane’s hunch was spot on.
Unlike the jovial Dane Butchers, icy tension filled Foldtown’s senior elders’ conference hall.
“You went and did it, Director Tebier.”
“Shockingly blatant with every admin elf watching…… Unbelievable!”
“Slacked on the secret butcher shop from the start, and now this mess. What were you thinking?”
Some laughed in disbelief, some tsked in disapproval, some slammed desks in fury. Amid the elders’ sharp rebukes, Tebier smirked silently.
After letting them vent, he spoke casually.
“Damn…… I really don’t see the problem. Foldtown bans meat-eating indoors only—outdoors, do what you want. How could I stop it?”
He spoke lightly, smiling.
“Word’s spreading that citizens grilled meat all over town today. Because of that Dane, and you say that?”
“Young elves mock the elders. Can’t you see authority and order crumbling?”
Elders pressed. Tebier replied innocently.
“Arrest those citizens, and no hunters left in Foldtown. Sometimes turning a blind eye is a leader’s mercy.”
“So no restraints at all?”
Chief Auditor Vigdis asked. Tebier grinned.
“On the contrary, I plan to reward them.”
Vigdis and elders furrowed brows as one. Illein, standing quietly beside Tebier, felt her heart sink.
The auditors answered directly to the capital. Every word, every decision flowed straight there.
Tebier scratched them all raw.
“I’ll grant Dane Butchers ‘Foldtown Thick Root Hunting Party’ status. Oh, mayor’s prerogative. So done.”
Outcries erupted predictably. Rebukes flew thick, just shy of curses.
“Strongest party—why all the fuss? Bring a hunter who solos an Elite, I’ll revoke it gladly. Otherwise, shut it, hahaha.”
Tebier laughed, unperturbed.