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Chapter 42
Scotch Eggs Emilio, a young apprentice priest serving the Red G.o.ddess, stood in front of a woman sitting on a large and durable stone chair with a tense expression. [Thank you for coming. We sincerely welcome you.] Lucia was the name of the woman who was smiling brightly.
Despite being over 50 years old, she had no trace of wrinkles, still had the charm of a woman, and her thin silk priestess clothes showed that she was also a follower of the Red G.o.ddess… As a high priestess and one of the contemporary leaders, all of those who served the Red G.o.ddess knew her. For the congregation of the Red G.o.ddess religion that lived around here, Lucia’s presence was like a queen. Her glossy beauty had not decayed though she was over 50 years old; she had the power to fully transform into a “dragon” with the power of her faith. She had successfully done so several times during the war against the followers of other G.o.ds. Also, she was the descendent of a family that produced many excellent priests, and more than 1,000 years ago, when northern barbarian invaders attacked with magic and weapons, it was said that her ancestor turned into a dragon and destroyed many enemies. Even the powerful priests at the “Sacred Holy Temple” of the Red G.o.ddess couldn’t disregard her. [No… such… I only came here to receive training… that… I’m honored.] Emilio answered her bashfully. Emilio was still an immature follower of the Red G.o.ddess. By all rights it should be a big-shot of the Sacred Holy Temple that visited, but the one that came was a priest that was told to go there to receive training. (After all, I…) Suddenly, dark feelings weighed Emilio’s mind. As Emilio was still an apprentice priest, he had no other talent. His only unnecessary talent was having “a pretty appearance like a girl”, though he wanted to be masculine. Unaware that he was a male, there were many times he was whispered words of love “from men”. Although he sought masculinity, even when he shaved his hair and wore men’s clothes, that didn’t work either. It was a good idea when Lucia first saw Emilio’s beauty and spoke with him. [Fufufu… it’s alright. Because I’m expecting you after all…] Whether she was aware of Emilio’s thoughts or not, Lucia smiled gently and caressed Emilio… Using a long “tail” that was 3 times longer than the girl-like Emilio. Yes, the races that wors.h.i.+ped the G.o.ds were not limited to only humans. If they had intelligence and culture that respected G.o.ds, the path of faith was open to everyone. Unlike any others that served the Red G.o.ddess, Lucia was a Lamia. A tribe stronger than humans with the upper body of a woman and lower body of a snake. …With the appearance close to the dragons that were the strongest creatures of the world, it was a race with powerful magic and high intelligence. Even if she didn’t become a priestess and was stronger than human adventurers, it was a distinctive nature of Lamia to keep in touch with humans. The Lamia tribe was an all-female race. All members of the tribe were “women” and when they became older, they conceived a child with a member of another race. And then, “Lamia’s daughter” would be born after they received sperm from human males and laid their eggs. They were that kind of tribe. If Lamia did not keep in touch with other tribes, they would become extinct. (In fact, according to travelers from the Northern Continent, Lamia who did not serve the G.o.ds only had small settlements of mothers and daughters, forcing them to attack humans and were regarded as dangerous, it seemed they would be exterminated.) That’s why he knew that Lamia who a.s.sociated with humans intimately sometimes accepted “pract.i.tioners” like Emilio. …Though they had never accepted female pract.i.tioners for more than 1,000 years. [Saa, come with me. Today is a special day. I will specially show you the sacred place today.] Leaning towards Emilio, she affectionately whispered that to him and encouraged him. [A, a sacred place…?] [Ee, that’s right. For us… and perhaps also for you. I sincerely welcome you. Please know that these words are not lies.] She said those with a smile, making Emilio felt fl.u.s.tered, and started to move away. As if attracted to it, Emilio walked beside Lucia. —Look, who’s that beside Lucia-sama? —Maa, how dreamy. As expected of Lucia-sama. —Ara, that way… aa, today’s the day right. Emilio’s ears heard the voices of the Lamia who was living inside the settlement with strong stone pillars to support the ceiling that was several times taller than humans. (They, they saw me…) Feeling uncomfortable gazes looking at him, Emilio quietly walked beside Lucia. The two of them reached their destination. [We’ve arrived. This is our sacred place… a place to protect precious things.] Lucia turned to face Emilio. At first glance, it looked like a cave. A natural cave that was made by excavating reddish rocks, not decorated like a shrine and no unnecessary decorations. [This place… no, I see. I certainly feel that there’s a strong power of flame.] However, Emilio was certain that this was a sacred place. He could feel the sacredness of Red G.o.ddess leaking out of that place. […Ee, that’s right. Well, let me show you.] Looking at Emilio, Lucia pleasantly narrowed her eyes and urged him inside. [Yes please.] Unable to resist his curiosity, Emilio nodded and followed Lucia inside. They entered a cave and shortly walked until they reached a clearing. […I see. This sure is important…] At the back of the clearing, Emilio understood what Lucia said was important. The important thing inside the cave. One was a huge deep-crimson scale that was stabbed into the ground which made this sacred place into a holy ground, probably when the Red G.o.ddess fought against the old Chaos G.o.d. The other one was… [Ee. This place is important for us… a place to protect our daughters.] He said that while watching the mothers of the brethren. In the hall, there were several Lamias coiling. Each of them was holding a white egg the size of a human baby. [It will take 3 more seasons for the daughters to hatch. And the mothers spend their time inside this hall most of the day. This place is always full of our G.o.ddess’ strength.] While saying that, Lucia approached a young girl. […Aa, honored grandmother, is there something wrong?] Noticing her approaching, the girl asked her grandmother while cradling a white egg. [At ease, Lumia. I brought a guest today.] [A guest… aa, welcome to our sanctuary. My name is Lumia. Pleased to meet you, priest-dono.] To Lucia’s words, Lumia noticed Emilio and gracefully bowed. [Well then Lumia, I think you should be the one to go today.] […Honored grandmother, it’s fine. Instead…] Lumia who guessed what Lucia was saying replied to her with a laugh. [Ee, I know.] Lucia also knew it and gently smiled. […Ano? That is?] Emilio, who couldn’t keep up with their conversation, asked Lucia. […You’ll know soon.] Looking at Emilio, Lucia kept smiling and went further back of the hall… and reached there. […Are? Why is there a door in such place?] Emilio looked at it and tilted his head. There was an out-of-place black door. …Even though there were no decorations in the cave. […Fufu. This is the door to the land of G.o.d that our G.o.ddess gave us 10 years ago.] She gently laid her hand on the golden handle and turned it. ‘Chirinchirin’, the door opened. [Uwa!? What is this place!?] The moment the door opened, Emilio was surprised and unexpectedly shouted. The Red G.o.ddess’ power leaking out from the door was intense… it was even more powerful than the Sacred Holy Temple. It was so powerful that even Emilio who served the Red G.o.ddess had never felt such intensity. [No need to hesitate.] Lucia said while remembering her situation 10 years ago when she first visited the place. [This place is a genuine sacred place… and it is the place where they serve the food of the Kingdom of G.o.ds.] Usually when mothers were nurturing their children, they were unable to eat delicious treats, and so their mouth watered when seeing one. The sacred place was unexpectedly vibrant. […There are a lot of strange people.] Emilio honestly said while looking around at the strange sight. In the sacred place, there were people who wear magical clothes that Emilio did not recognize, small fairies and dwarves, lion-headed therianthrope and cat-eared monsters, and people with strange long ears. [Ee. This is a different world. And these people are people from our world through the door similar to ours.] While she said so, she slithered to the table next to a priest serving the Gold G.o.d that started to come recently, and coiled around a seat. [Well, come here.] [Yes… excuse me, Gold priest-sama.] [Umu.] Unlike Emilio, the priest with manly bear-like body lightly greeted him while eating confectionaries. [Welcome! Are you ready to order?] While he was sitting down, a teenage girl with sheep horns approached them and asked for their order. [Ee, I would like Scotch Eggs as usual. We want half of them to be soft-boiled while the other half hard-boiled. I want them with bread please. And 20 of it for takeaway… are you okay with that, Emilio-sama?] [A, yes… I leave it to you.] [Yes, thank you very much! Here’s your gla.s.s of water.] After taking their order, the waitress gently place two transparent gla.s.s filled with water, bowed and retreated to the back. [Isn’t it unusual?] Lucia asked Emilio who was taking in his surroundings. [Ee… this place, isn’t it a sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess? This looks like a shop that sells meals or something.] While watching the strange decorations of the place, the customers were also strange. Even though this was a sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess, only Emilio and his company served her. There’s no doubt that the one seating beside them was a priest of the Gold G.o.d judging from his clothes, and formm a different table there was an extraordinarily strong feeling from the four women who served the White G.o.d. Wasn’t this place the sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess? [Yes, that’s right. This is the sacred place of the Red G.o.ddess. Not to mention… the Red G.o.ddess also visited this place.] As if to admonish Emilio, Lucia said those words. 10 years ago… for the first time since her birth, she was amazed from the bottom of her heart that day. [Ee!? The honorable G.o.ddess herself!?] He swallowed his words to refrain from asking her if she was joking. In front of him was the pious high priest of the G.o.ddess. She wouldn’t dare to tell such lies about the Red G.o.ddess. [Yes. After all, the food of this restaurant is very delicious… fortunately, the G.o.ddess visited at midnight, so there’s spare time.] [Ye, yes… yes!] To Lucia’s words, Emilio rapidly nodded many times. It was a great honor to meet the G.o.ddess, but at the same time it was excessively heavy. Even if he was told that they would meet the G.o.ddess now, his mind was not prepared. [Good. Well then… let’s enjoy our meal.] While Lucia said that, a middle aged man… the owner brought their food. [Thank you for waiting. Here are your Scotch Eggs.] The owner placed the plates in front of them. On top of a white plate were leafy green vegetables, small Marmettes1, and a meat dish. There was also a small jar filled with sauce as red as a Marmette. One of the round meat dish was cut in half showing vivid white and yellow egg surrounded by minced meat while the rest were not cut and still intact. There was also a bowl of piping hot light brown soup. [A, looks delicious…] Smelling the fragrance, Emilio swallowed his saliva. [Later I’ll bring your takeaway and Tequila when you’re finished with your meal. Well then, please enjoy.] And the owner left, leaving behind the food emitting delicious scent. [Saa, let’s eat our food.] [Ye, yes…] They started to eat their food. [A, it’s really delicious…] First, Emilio bit into his bread and unintentionally leaked a voice. Freshly baked bread, the crust was thin and hard but the white inside was soft and sweet. It was a taste that he had never tried, but it was quite delicious. [This is called bread… a gra.s.s named wheat was grounded into powder and baked into this.] [Hee, so it’s called wheat… it’s different from corn huh.] To Lucia’s words, Emilio stared at the bread and said. It was different from the usual food that Emilio ate; they usually ate steamed corn flour that was kneaded with water. Even this alone was enough for Emilio to know that this was a different world. [Saa, while bread is delicious, please eat the Scotch Eggs.] [Yes, well then…] Encouraged by Lucia, Emilio tried the Scotch Eggs. With Lucia’s advice, Emilio picked up the steaming Scotch Eggs, yellow and white, the grey minced meat with brown coloured crust similar to bread. He carried the round Scotch Eggs to his mouth. (Oo…) Below the fragrant coating was the flavor of the meat. Salt and spices were used to season the minced meat; the umami of the meat fat was combined with the sweetness of the chopped transparent vegetable mixed with the meat. Also with it, the taste of boiled eggs. The light flavor of slightly salted egg mixed with the meat’s umami and became one. [How is it?] After confirming that Emilio had swallowed, Lucia deepened her smile and asked him. [Yes! It’s delicious. Really delicious.] Emilio smiled at the question. [Isn’t it. However the taste of Scotch Eggs isn’t just limited to that. Next is chili sauce… please eat it with the red sauce.] [Okay.] Emilio tried it with the red sauce as recommended by Lucia and found that it was amazingly delicious. (Uwa!? It’s spicy!?) Yes, the red sauce was spicy and sour. It seemed that Togaran2 was mixed with the acidity of Marmette, hot and spicy. Just it alone was not delicious. (However…!) Emilio pierced the Scotch Eggs with his fork one by one, applying the sauce on each of them. (It’s delicious!)
Scotch Eggs were completed by adding the hot and sour taste of the red sauce to the simple taste of meat and eggs. Just like the Lamias who were fascinated with the Scotch Eggs, Emilio devoured it. [I’m glad. It seems that you like it…] Feeling a little bit relieved, Lucia also ate her Scotch Eggs before it became cold. And for a while, there was only the sound of the fork clinking with the plate. [Well then, next is the “soft-boiled”…] Eventually, the first half was finished… the one that was hard boiled, Lucia said to Emilio. [Soft-boiled, huh… is it this one, the one that’s not cut?] To Lucia’s words, Emilio’s gaze was directed to the one that was still intact. Since it was egg-shaped, it was also Scotch Eggs. [Why is this one not cut?] [You will understand when you see.] Lucia softly answered Emilio’s question. [Well, let’s eat. Cut it with a knife.] [Okay.] Encouraged by Lucia, Emilio gently pressed a silver knife to the Scotch Eggs… and applied force. The Scotch Eggs was easily sliced… and the yolk flowed out. [E? Uwa!? Thi, this…] He was momentarily surprised… and understood its ident.i.ty. [Yes, for soft-boiled, the yolk has not solidified.] So the owner did not cut it. That was the answer to his question. [Saa, let’s eat… soft-boiled or hard-boiled, which one is more delicious is a difficult question that even we couldn’t solve.] She jokingly said that and encouraged Emilio to eat. [That… I see. That is certainly a difficult question to answer.] Emilio agreed with Lucia’s words. Although it’s not solid, the egg was definitely exposed to heat, so the yolk was not raw. The flavor of the egg was thicker and was a great combination with the meat. It softened the hot and sour sauce used with the Scotch Eggs. The dilemma was to either regard the egg yolk as a seasoning or to regard it as a part of the meat. Certainly it was really hard to choose either one. The two of them silently ate. They finished eating the Scotch Eggs, even the spilled yolk and red sauce was wiped by the bread. When even all the vegetables were eaten… their meal was finished. [Fuu… it was very delicious.] [That’s right… I’m glad that you like it.] Lucia was smiling so widely that her eyes became narrower. [Sorry to keep you waiting. Here’s your takeaway of Scotch Eggs.] Then the owner came bringing a brown paper bag containing Scotch Eggs and a gla.s.s bottle of alcohol. [Maa, thank you very much… as always, it’s really delicious.] They took the Scotch Eggs and alcohol… while receiving the souvenirs for those who couldn’t visit, Lucia gently handed the owner some silver coins. [Thank you very much for you patronage.] The owner received the coins and pocketed them after counting that it was the correct amount and said his grat.i.tude. [Yes. Well then… let’s go back, Emilio-sama.] [Okay.] Both of them left the restaurant with great satisfaction. [[[[[Welcome back, Lucia-sama.]]]]] The moment they returned to the cave, they were surrounded by Lamias carrying their eggs. Their eyes were zeroed on the paper bag that Lucia was carrying. [[Fufu…]] Lucia and Emilio smiled at their actions. Thus, Emilio’s pursuit of knowledge… the first day he spent with Lucia and her 10 granddaughters and their “daughters”, ended calmly. Marmette – tomato Togaran – chili
Scotch Eggs Emilio, a young apprentice priest serving the Red G.o.ddess, stood in front of a woman sitting on a large and durable stone chair with a tense expression. [Thank you for coming. We sincerely welcome you.] Lucia was the name of the woman who was smiling brightly.
Despite being over 50 years old, she had no trace of wrinkles, still had the charm of a woman, and her thin silk priestess clothes showed that she was also a follower of the Red G.o.ddess… As a high priestess and one of the contemporary leaders, all of those who served the Red G.o.ddess knew her. For the congregation of the Red G.o.ddess religion that lived around here, Lucia’s presence was like a queen. Her glossy beauty had not decayed though she was over 50 years old; she had the power to fully transform into a “dragon” with the power of her faith. She had successfully done so several times during the war against the followers of other G.o.ds. Also, she was the descendent of a family that produced many excellent priests, and more than 1,000 years ago, when northern barbarian invaders attacked with magic and weapons, it was said that her ancestor turned into a dragon and destroyed many enemies. Even the powerful priests at the “Sacred Holy Temple” of the Red G.o.ddess couldn’t disregard her. [No… such… I only came here to receive training… that… I’m honored.] Emilio answered her bashfully. Emilio was still an immature follower of the Red G.o.ddess. By all rights it should be a big-shot of the Sacred Holy Temple that visited, but the one that came was a priest that was told to go there to receive training. (After all, I…) Suddenly, dark feelings weighed Emilio’s mind. As Emilio was still an apprentice priest, he had no other talent. His only unnecessary talent was having “a pretty appearance like a girl”, though he wanted to be masculine. Unaware that he was a male, there were many times he was whispered words of love “from men”. Although he sought masculinity, even when he shaved his hair and wore men’s clothes, that didn’t work either. It was a good idea when Lucia first saw Emilio’s beauty and spoke with him. [Fufufu… it’s alright. Because I’m expecting you after all…] Whether she was aware of Emilio’s thoughts or not, Lucia smiled gently and caressed Emilio… Using a long “tail” that was 3 times longer than the girl-like Emilio. Yes, the races that wors.h.i.+ped the G.o.ds were not limited to only humans. If they had intelligence and culture that respected G.o.ds, the path of faith was open to everyone. Unlike any others that served the Red G.o.ddess, Lucia was a Lamia. A tribe stronger than humans with the upper body of a woman and lower body of a snake. …With the appearance close to the dragons that were the strongest creatures of the world, it was a race with powerful magic and high intelligence. Even if she didn’t become a priestess and was stronger than human adventurers, it was a distinctive nature of Lamia to keep in touch with humans. The Lamia tribe was an all-female race. All members of the tribe were “women” and when they became older, they conceived a child with a member of another race. And then, “Lamia’s daughter” would be born after they received sperm from human males and laid their eggs. They were that kind of tribe. If Lamia did not keep in touch with other tribes, they would become extinct. (In fact, according to travelers from the Northern Continent, Lamia who did not serve the G.o.ds only had small settlements of mothers and daughters, forcing them to attack humans and were regarded as dangerous, it seemed they would be exterminated.) That’s why he knew that Lamia who a.s.sociated with humans intimately sometimes accepted “pract.i.tioners” like Emilio. …Though they had never accepted female pract.i.tioners for more than 1,000 years. [Saa, come with me. Today is a special day. I will specially show you the sacred place today.] Leaning towards Emilio, she affectionately whispered that to him and encouraged him. [A, a sacred place…?] [Ee, that’s right. For us… and perhaps also for you. I sincerely welcome you. Please know that these words are not lies.] She said those with a smile, making Emilio felt fl.u.s.tered, and started to move away. As if attracted to it, Emilio walked beside Lucia. —Look, who’s that beside Lucia-sama? —Maa, how dreamy. As expected of Lucia-sama. —Ara, that way… aa, today’s the day right. Emilio’s ears heard the voices of the Lamia who was living inside the settlement with strong stone pillars to support the ceiling that was several times taller than humans. (They, they saw me…) Feeling uncomfortable gazes looking at him, Emilio quietly walked beside Lucia. The two of them reached their destination. [We’ve arrived. This is our sacred place… a place to protect precious things.] Lucia turned to face Emilio. At first glance, it looked like a cave. A natural cave that was made by excavating reddish rocks, not decorated like a shrine and no unnecessary decorations. [This place… no, I see. I certainly feel that there’s a strong power of flame.] However, Emilio was certain that this was a sacred place. He could feel the sacredness of Red G.o.ddess leaking out of that place. […Ee, that’s right. Well, let me show you.] Looking at Emilio, Lucia pleasantly narrowed her eyes and urged him inside. [Yes please.] Unable to resist his curiosity, Emilio nodded and followed Lucia inside. They entered a cave and shortly walked until they reached a clearing. […I see. This sure is important…] At the back of the clearing, Emilio understood what Lucia said was important. The important thing inside the cave. One was a huge deep-crimson scale that was stabbed into the ground which made this sacred place into a holy ground, probably when the Red G.o.ddess fought against the old Chaos G.o.d. The other one was… [Ee. This place is important for us… a place to protect our daughters.] He said that while watching the mothers of the brethren. In the hall, there were several Lamias coiling. Each of them was holding a white egg the size of a human baby. [It will take 3 more seasons for the daughters to hatch. And the mothers spend their time inside this hall most of the day. This place is always full of our G.o.ddess’ strength.] While saying that, Lucia approached a young girl. […Aa, honored grandmother, is there something wrong?] Noticing her approaching, the girl asked her grandmother while cradling a white egg. [At ease, Lumia. I brought a guest today.] [A guest… aa, welcome to our sanctuary. My name is Lumia. Pleased to meet you, priest-dono.] To Lucia’s words, Lumia noticed Emilio and gracefully bowed. [Well then Lumia, I think you should be the one to go today.] […Honored grandmother, it’s fine. Instead…] Lumia who guessed what Lucia was saying replied to her with a laugh. [Ee, I know.] Lucia also knew it and gently smiled. […Ano? That is?] Emilio, who couldn’t keep up with their conversation, asked Lucia. […You’ll know soon.] Looking at Emilio, Lucia kept smiling and went further back of the hall… and reached there. […Are? Why is there a door in such place?] Emilio looked at it and tilted his head. There was an out-of-place black door. …Even though there were no decorations in the cave. […Fufu. This is the door to the land of G.o.d that our G.o.ddess gave us 10 years ago.] She gently laid her hand on the golden handle and turned it. ‘Chirinchirin’, the door opened. [Uwa!? What is this place!?] The moment the door opened, Emilio was surprised and unexpectedly shouted. The Red G.o.ddess’ power leaking out from the door was intense… it was even more powerful than the Sacred Holy Temple. It was so powerful that even Emilio who served the Red G.o.ddess had never felt such intensity. [No need to hesitate.] Lucia said while remembering her situation 10 years ago when she first visited the place. [This place is a genuine sacred place… and it is the place where they serve the food of the Kingdom of G.o.ds.] Usually when mothers were nurturing their children, they were unable to eat delicious treats, and so their mouth watered when seeing one. The sacred place was unexpectedly vibrant. […There are a lot of strange people.] Emilio honestly said while looking around at the strange sight. In the sacred place, there were people who wear magical clothes that Emilio did not recognize, small fairies and dwarves, lion-headed therianthrope and cat-eared monsters, and people with strange long ears. [Ee. This is a different world. And these people are people from our world through the door similar to ours.] While she said so, she slithered to the table next to a priest serving the Gold G.o.d that started to come recently, and coiled around a seat. [Well, come here.] [Yes… excuse me, Gold priest-sama.] [Umu.] Unlike Emilio, the priest with manly bear-like body lightly greeted him while eating confectionaries. [Welcome! Are you ready to order?] While he was sitting down, a teenage girl with sheep horns approached them and asked for their order. [Ee, I would like Scotch Eggs as usual. We want half of them to be soft-boiled while the other half hard-boiled. I want them with bread please. And 20 of it for takeaway… are you okay with that, Emilio-sama?] [A, yes… I leave it to you.] [Yes, thank you very much! Here’s your gla.s.s of water.] After taking their order, the waitress gently place two transparent gla.s.s filled with water, bowed and retreated to the back. [Isn’t it unusual?] Lucia asked Emilio who was taking in his surroundings. [Ee… this place, isn’t it a sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess? This looks like a shop that sells meals or something.] While watching the strange decorations of the place, the customers were also strange. Even though this was a sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess, only Emilio and his company served her. There’s no doubt that the one seating beside them was a priest of the Gold G.o.d judging from his clothes, and formm a different table there was an extraordinarily strong feeling from the four women who served the White G.o.d. Wasn’t this place the sanctuary of the Red G.o.ddess? [Yes, that’s right. This is the sacred place of the Red G.o.ddess. Not to mention… the Red G.o.ddess also visited this place.] As if to admonish Emilio, Lucia said those words. 10 years ago… for the first time since her birth, she was amazed from the bottom of her heart that day. [Ee!? The honorable G.o.ddess herself!?] He swallowed his words to refrain from asking her if she was joking. In front of him was the pious high priest of the G.o.ddess. She wouldn’t dare to tell such lies about the Red G.o.ddess. [Yes. After all, the food of this restaurant is very delicious… fortunately, the G.o.ddess visited at midnight, so there’s spare time.] [Ye, yes… yes!] To Lucia’s words, Emilio rapidly nodded many times. It was a great honor to meet the G.o.ddess, but at the same time it was excessively heavy. Even if he was told that they would meet the G.o.ddess now, his mind was not prepared. [Good. Well then… let’s enjoy our meal.] While Lucia said that, a middle aged man… the owner brought their food. [Thank you for waiting. Here are your Scotch Eggs.] The owner placed the plates in front of them. On top of a white plate were leafy green vegetables, small Marmettes1, and a meat dish. There was also a small jar filled with sauce as red as a Marmette. One of the round meat dish was cut in half showing vivid white and yellow egg surrounded by minced meat while the rest were not cut and still intact. There was also a bowl of piping hot light brown soup. [A, looks delicious…] Smelling the fragrance, Emilio swallowed his saliva. [Later I’ll bring your takeaway and Tequila when you’re finished with your meal. Well then, please enjoy.] And the owner left, leaving behind the food emitting delicious scent. [Saa, let’s eat our food.] [Ye, yes…] They started to eat their food. [A, it’s really delicious…] First, Emilio bit into his bread and unintentionally leaked a voice. Freshly baked bread, the crust was thin and hard but the white inside was soft and sweet. It was a taste that he had never tried, but it was quite delicious. [This is called bread… a gra.s.s named wheat was grounded into powder and baked into this.] [Hee, so it’s called wheat… it’s different from corn huh.] To Lucia’s words, Emilio stared at the bread and said. It was different from the usual food that Emilio ate; they usually ate steamed corn flour that was kneaded with water. Even this alone was enough for Emilio to know that this was a different world. [Saa, while bread is delicious, please eat the Scotch Eggs.] [Yes, well then…] Encouraged by Lucia, Emilio tried the Scotch Eggs. With Lucia’s advice, Emilio picked up the steaming Scotch Eggs, yellow and white, the grey minced meat with brown coloured crust similar to bread. He carried the round Scotch Eggs to his mouth. (Oo…) Below the fragrant coating was the flavor of the meat. Salt and spices were used to season the minced meat; the umami of the meat fat was combined with the sweetness of the chopped transparent vegetable mixed with the meat. Also with it, the taste of boiled eggs. The light flavor of slightly salted egg mixed with the meat’s umami and became one. [How is it?] After confirming that Emilio had swallowed, Lucia deepened her smile and asked him. [Yes! It’s delicious. Really delicious.] Emilio smiled at the question. [Isn’t it. However the taste of Scotch Eggs isn’t just limited to that. Next is chili sauce… please eat it with the red sauce.] [Okay.] Emilio tried it with the red sauce as recommended by Lucia and found that it was amazingly delicious. (Uwa!? It’s spicy!?) Yes, the red sauce was spicy and sour. It seemed that Togaran2 was mixed with the acidity of Marmette, hot and spicy. Just it alone was not delicious. (However…!) Emilio pierced the Scotch Eggs with his fork one by one, applying the sauce on each of them. (It’s delicious!)
Scotch Eggs were completed by adding the hot and sour taste of the red sauce to the simple taste of meat and eggs. Just like the Lamias who were fascinated with the Scotch Eggs, Emilio devoured it. [I’m glad. It seems that you like it…] Feeling a little bit relieved, Lucia also ate her Scotch Eggs before it became cold. And for a while, there was only the sound of the fork clinking with the plate. [Well then, next is the “soft-boiled”…] Eventually, the first half was finished… the one that was hard boiled, Lucia said to Emilio. [Soft-boiled, huh… is it this one, the one that’s not cut?] To Lucia’s words, Emilio’s gaze was directed to the one that was still intact. Since it was egg-shaped, it was also Scotch Eggs. [Why is this one not cut?] [You will understand when you see.] Lucia softly answered Emilio’s question. [Well, let’s eat. Cut it with a knife.] [Okay.] Encouraged by Lucia, Emilio gently pressed a silver knife to the Scotch Eggs… and applied force. The Scotch Eggs was easily sliced… and the yolk flowed out. [E? Uwa!? Thi, this…] He was momentarily surprised… and understood its ident.i.ty. [Yes, for soft-boiled, the yolk has not solidified.] So the owner did not cut it. That was the answer to his question. [Saa, let’s eat… soft-boiled or hard-boiled, which one is more delicious is a difficult question that even we couldn’t solve.] She jokingly said that and encouraged Emilio to eat. [That… I see. That is certainly a difficult question to answer.] Emilio agreed with Lucia’s words. Although it’s not solid, the egg was definitely exposed to heat, so the yolk was not raw. The flavor of the egg was thicker and was a great combination with the meat. It softened the hot and sour sauce used with the Scotch Eggs. The dilemma was to either regard the egg yolk as a seasoning or to regard it as a part of the meat. Certainly it was really hard to choose either one. The two of them silently ate. They finished eating the Scotch Eggs, even the spilled yolk and red sauce was wiped by the bread. When even all the vegetables were eaten… their meal was finished. [Fuu… it was very delicious.] [That’s right… I’m glad that you like it.] Lucia was smiling so widely that her eyes became narrower. [Sorry to keep you waiting. Here’s your takeaway of Scotch Eggs.] Then the owner came bringing a brown paper bag containing Scotch Eggs and a gla.s.s bottle of alcohol. [Maa, thank you very much… as always, it’s really delicious.] They took the Scotch Eggs and alcohol… while receiving the souvenirs for those who couldn’t visit, Lucia gently handed the owner some silver coins. [Thank you very much for you patronage.] The owner received the coins and pocketed them after counting that it was the correct amount and said his grat.i.tude. [Yes. Well then… let’s go back, Emilio-sama.] [Okay.] Both of them left the restaurant with great satisfaction. [[[[[Welcome back, Lucia-sama.]]]]] The moment they returned to the cave, they were surrounded by Lamias carrying their eggs. Their eyes were zeroed on the paper bag that Lucia was carrying. [[Fufu…]] Lucia and Emilio smiled at their actions. Thus, Emilio’s pursuit of knowledge… the first day he spent with Lucia and her 10 granddaughters and their “daughters”, ended calmly. Marmette – tomato Togaran – chili
