Chapter 26

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Translator: True Detective

Chapter: 26

Chapter Title: The Best Braised Short Ribs

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1.

"What's wrong? Did you... maybe bite a bone or something?"

Elena froze for a moment, and Noir asked with a thoroughly flustered expression. She was anxious, wondering if there was something wrong with the food.

"Sis. It's boneless braised short ribs, remember? How could you bite a bone? And your body's stopped, but your mouth's still moving non-stop."

As everyone wondered what was going on, Carrier walked out from the kitchen and said.

"Oh, right. Then why's she like that?"

"She's just shocked at how good it is. Don't mind Elena, Sis—eat up quick before the ribs get cold."

"Mm-hmm."

Trolls hiding in the chat picked fights at Carrier's words.

But they had no idea. That Elena was truly feeling shivers of delight, just as she said.

Nom nom—

The moment it hit her mouth, the tender meat tore apart along the grain. The soy sauce braised in for ages had soaked deep into every fiber, filling her mouth with a rich, heavy flavor from just one bite.

'The best braised short ribs I've ever had in my life!'

And the rice—how was it cooked so perfectly? The more she chewed, the nuttier and sweeter it got, harmonizing perfectly with the meat.

"Wow, this is seriously so good..."

As she swallowed the ribs down her throat, admiration spilled out naturally. It was the kind of dish that demanded nothing but the highest praise.

"My viewers probably know, but I prefer Korean food, right?"

Elena read through the chat and continued.

"So, my agency usually books Korean dining spots for meetings, you know? Every time I go to ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠those places, I always order braised short ribs... but this is even better than what they serve."

She brought the camera close to the plate, then ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠picked up a piece of rib. Just a slight press with the chopsticks, and the meat tore along the grain.

"See how tender the meat is? It just melts in your mouth, and the seasoning explodes... I seriously can't even speak."

Elena stared blankly at the rib mid-explanation.

Gulp...

She swallowed her saliva and popped the meat into her mouth. It was pure instinct.

She looked puzzled. She'd just been explaining, so when the heck did she eat the meat? She couldn't figure it out.

Nom nom—

Still, Elena's mouth didn't stop for a second. Because it was that good.

"Elena! Potatoes! Try them with the potatoes! That's the real killer combo!"

At Noir's urgent shout, Elena hurriedly picked up a potato. It was so soft she had to focus just to chopstick it properly.

One piece of rib and one chunk of potato. She placed them on her spoon and into her mouth.

Nom nom—

The soft mashed potato mixed with the thick broth, creating the perfect consistency.

'The ribs alone felt a bit dry, but the potato's moisture fills it perfectly...'

The salty-sweet seasoning softened even more thanks to the potato starch. Definitely way better than meat alone.

"This... is seriously a hit..."

"Right?"

Noir grinned at Elena's words. The two smiled at each other as they ate the ribs. Then a thought crossed Elena's mind.

'The meat... it's disappearing.'

It was the most obvious thing in the world.

Food existed to be eaten, and once eaten, it was gone. Her head got it, but her heart refused to accept.

The pile of ribs that had been heaping at the start was already less than half. While she'd been describing and savoring, Noir had eaten them all!

'No time to waste!'

Realizing the ribs were finite, impatience kicked in.

Gulp...!

Elena snatched a rib.

No more time for exclamations, explanations, or savoring. Right now, she had to eat as many as possible.

Her mouth moved at top speed. She forgot the chat entirely, focusing only on eating.

"Uh, um... Elena? I was gonna eat that one..."

Elena snatched the rib Noir was about to take. As Noir protested, Elena just lifted her head and gave her a cold glare.

"Ah, no... I-I'm fine... eat as much as you want..."

That one look crushed Noir's spirit completely. Carrier's holy power had run out, so the Blessing of Courage faded, leaving her unable to even protest.

Noir just watched silently, chopsticks in mouth. Elena was devouring the ribs mercilessly.

"One more bowl of rice, please!"

The heaping rice had vanished before she knew it, and she took the second bowl without hesitation.

The massive pile of ribs disappeared in a flash, and only after scraping up the last of the sauce did her frenzy stop.

"Thanks for the meal."

Elena set down her empty plate, wiped her mouth with a napkin, leaned back, and patted her belly. Anyone could see she was satisfied.

"Did it suit your taste?"

"Yes. Best braised short ribs I've ever had. The salad you started with was amazing too."

"Glad you liked it. Want dessert?"

"There's dessert too?"

"Yeah. Made a fruit sorbet to refresh your palate—nice and tangy."

"Bring it out now."

"Got it."

Carrier headed straight to the kitchen at Elena's firm request.

Soon, sorbet in an ice cream bowl came out, topped with colorful fruits on white sorbet.

"Just looking at it feels refreshing."

"Wait till you taste it."

Elena scooped a bit with her spoon. The white, smooth sorbet was pear-based.

The moment it touched her tongue, the cool, subtle sweetness of pear spread. Followed by pineapple's tangy aroma. Strawberry, blueberry, kiwi chunks added sweet, crisp aftertaste.

"Even the dessert is perfect. Clears your mouth right up."

Nothing fancy. But ideal as a finish.

"I'm so happy... who knew VR food could be this good..."

She never expected this level of satisfaction. Carrier wasn't bluffing about her cooking.

"Feeling full in VR is wild. It goes away when you log out, right?"

"Yep. Virtual food, even if it feels real."

"Sigh, so I still gotta eat IRL after... after this, instant ramen or delivery sounds cruel. I won't be satisfied!"

"At least no weight gain from VR eats."

"Oh. True!?"

Elena jumped in realization.

Downside: eat IRL equivalent. Upside: no calories.

"Wow. Ate this much and no weight change. This is huge... business idea?"

"Eh... anyone can use Flavor Link, not just me."

"But no one else can make flavors like this but you, Carrier. Spread the word, and you'd rake in cash with a shovel."

"Even if. Not interested. Doesn't suit me."

Carrier shook her head firmly. Elena smacked her lips in disappointment.

"Too bad. I'd be first in line if you did..."

"I'll invite you again sometime."

"For real!? Promise?"

Elena shot up and stuck out her pinky. Carrier laughed and hooked hers.

"Promise. Stamp. Sign. Copy. Laminated!"

"Got it."

"Alright, meal's done, so we'll head out now! Thanks for watching!"

The broadcast ended, but the ripple effects were just beginning.