Chapter 34
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: WWE (1)
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Asha subtly averted her gaze from Lady Retia.
'...Looks like she changed into a fresh apron.'
The bloodstain she'd scrubbed off earlier was nowhere to be seen. It was spotlessly clean.
Which could only mean...
'No way... Does that kind of thing... happen often?'
No, no, no! Get that devil out of my head!
Of course she'd have spare clothes! No one works without backups, especially not a noble lady.
This time, Asha's eyes shifted to Elysia straight ahead.
Elysia was touching her lips in surprise, staring at the monster steak.
It might look like her own reaction at first glance, but since she was the point of comparison, the difference was stark.
That was genuine admiration.
...Probably.
'Information. I need information.'
One thing was certain: Lady Retia had a fiery personality.
Unlikely as it seemed... if she didn't want her head bashed in, she needed to choose her critique carefully.
Did she want blind praise? The innocent reaction of a newbie? Or maybe some deep, insightful critique?
The last option was especially dangerous.
Because it would mean she wasn't judging the food—it was Asha herself on trial.
"...".
For a split second, the greenhouse fantasy from before flashed in Asha's mind.
The beautiful greenhouse bursting with natural charm.
A massively sturdy wooden table, the elf noblewoman wielding a bloodstained club, and vines nearby purifying the air in peaceful bliss.
And there she was, sitting across from her, posture perfect.
No time to savor the tea's aroma...
'...Argh! Aaaargh! That's not it!'
Her mind kept getting hijacked!
Forget elf averages—she needed to wrap up this situation safely first.
Asha decided to play it clever.
"Madam, what cut is this steak from? The texture feels so unique right from the density."
She had no clue, but it sounded convincing. Let the other side interpret and respond.
It put off judging her own taste while probing Lady Retia's standards indirectly.
"Hee hee, good eye. It's tenderloin. The most tender center part, sliced and grilled."
"Ah ha...! And the sauce?"
"Reduced thick with special wine, herbs, and butter. Brings out that signature flavor."
"Perfect match for tenderloin!"
Lady Retia nodded in agreement.
'That explanation sounds familiar...'
Something about Chateau whatever. She couldn't recall exactly.
Besides, this was monster meat—no relying on past-life memories.
With her assessment done, Asha sliced into the meat with her knife. Better to taste it first.
First bite, no sauce.
"...!"
Juices exploding in her mouth!
Enchanted, she cut another slice and dipped it in sauce.
Another bite.
"...!!"
Asha whipped her head toward Lady Retia.
Her mouth was still full, chewing thoughtfully.
Nom nom. Nom nom. She wanted to say something but held back, manners dictating she finish first.
Lady Retia watched, her lips twitching in amusement.
"To your taste?"
Nod nod!
"Hee hee, glad to hear it."
Lady Retia tilted her chin up, shoulders shrugging proudly.
Did praise always need words?
Sometimes, a pure, unfeigned reaction was the truest review.
Look at that childlike, beaming face.
Even an honorable elf making that expression! It meant her cooking was top-notch.
As a fellow elf, she knew.
This girl was utterly entranced.
It had been ages since she'd served a meal like this.
That was enough for today.
The mansion banquet was coming up soon anyway—they'd meet again then.
A perfect chance to gauge this intriguing girl's palate.
'And repay her for saving my husband.'
Chuckling softly, Lady Retia bid them "Enjoy your meal" and withdrew.
As she left the hall, her long ears perked at a snippet of conversation.
"...Elysia. The reservation and tasting the lady's cooking are separate, right?"
"Yeah. Definitely separate."
"Ughhh...".
A groan of longing.
Could there be higher praise? Satisfied, Lady Retia chuckled and headed to the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Asha thought:
'That... resolved easily?'
She tilted her head unconsciously.
For all the intense staring, the lady had backed off without a fuss.
...Well, good things were good, right?
Asha let out a sigh of relief.
At least she'd dodged the head-bashing nightmare.
'Yeah, I was overthinking.'
Resorting to violence over a mild dislike? Even real foodies wouldn't go that far.
That earlier commotion must've been a rare slip.
Words and actions mirror the heart, after all.
A gracious lady serving such fine dishes for free. And her demeanor was so elegant...
Ah, right.
"Elysia. The elf knights invited us to the banquet. Will Lady Retia be there too?"
"She should be. Unless she leaves again right away."
"Got it."
Asha nodded contentedly.
A private banquet with distributed invitations!
Wasn't that the perfect spot to reveal true character through words and deeds?
Asha decided to think positively.
One more data point on Lady Retia.
They'd made light acquaintance today—plenty of time for deeper chats later.
With her thoughts sorted, Asha dove into the delicious meal purely for enjoyment.
The flavor and texture made her want to return, price be damned.
...Speaking of price, that sobered her a bit.
The great city of Hiragart, home to tens of thousands.
Daily, locals from nearby villages, merchants, mercenaries, travelers, and more streamed through its gates.
The sun hung high at midday.
A group of nobles had just passed through Hiragart's checkpoint.
Fine, aristocratic attire. They crossed the main avenue leisurely on horseback, followed by orderly attendants with luggage.
Heirs of a prestigious noble house, their escorting knights, and retainers.
"Young master, after securing lodgings, what's next? I plan to pay respects to the Raglain Knight Order."
"Pass. We're only staying a day or two—no need."
"Understood. I'll go alone then."
The knight nodded at the obvious reluctance, a familiar routine.
As they passed the outer walls nearing the inner citadel...
The young master on horseback let out a bored yawn.
'This expedition was a waste.'
He'd finished a monster subjugation mission, then swept through a tournament packed with so-called powerhouses.
High hopes, but disappointment all around.
Most couldn't even handle mana properly—total amateurs.
The finalist knight was decent, but...
Even he crumpled after a few exchanges.
The young master shook his head, dismissing the memory. Not worth recalling.
"Sigh..."
Unable to bear the boredom, another long sigh escaped.
Then, suddenly—
His idle scan of the crowd locked onto one spot.
'An elf...?'
Golden hair swaying as she walked.
Sensing his gaze, she turned, meeting his eyes.
A bright smile.
The fresh-faced elf girl dipped her head slightly in greeting before continuing on.
She vanished around the alley corner.
"...".
The young master stared after her for a long while.
Raglain Knight Order headquarters reception room.
Vice Captain Roderick greeted a rare visitor.
Hardin Payron, loyal knight of the Crobel Count family and the young master's escort.
"Heard the news. Young master swept the tournament?"
"Word travels fast. Yes, won without a scratch."
Hardin nodded, then sighed deeply.
He didn't seem thrilled. Roderick stroked his goatee.
"What I'm thinking?"
"Yeah... It's getting worse. So, abruptly—mind taking a mission?"
"Details first."
Hardin pulled a letter from his breast pocket and slid it over.
Eye contact exchanged, Roderick broke the seal. His eyes scanned rapidly.
Finished, he let out a dry chuckle.
"This is... no small task. Can't hand it to just anyone."
A massive job.
Success could monopolize the quarter's profits.