Shop 52.1

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Chapter 52.1. Let's Have A Takoyaki Party In The Wilderness!

"More octopus again..."

"I said there were two more dishes, didn't I? This is one of them. Still biased?"

"It's not that simple to get over. The sashimi was okay, but..."

"It's completely different in taste direction. Quite surprising, isn't it?"

"Akira, are fried octopus and that disgusting fish from earlier the same dish?"

"Well, they're cooked in the same way. There are some differences, but don't worry about that."

"That was delicious, so let's dig in right away."

Hagg still grabs his chopsticks without hesitation, regardless of the ingredient. 

Whether it's for racial reasons or just because Hagg is peculiar, it's a curious point.

"Hmm. Oh! This is delicious! Crispy on the outside, tender inside! The seasoning is bold but balances perfectly with the octopus! Goes great with sake!"

He continues to gulp down sake and fried octopus at his usual pace. Fried octopus is a drinking snack, huh?

"I also... Mm. Delicious."

"Me too! Mm~! This is also delicious! I like this!"

"It's hard to believe this is the same octopus as earlier. The well-seasoned surface flavor and the taste of the octopus complement each other so well that you savor them both. Few people would dislike this."

"Right, squeezing lemon over it adds another dimension of flavor."

"Let's see... Ah, it leaves a refreshing aftertaste."

"This is good."

"Mm, a bit sour."

"This is splendid. The high-quality oil masks it, but adding lemon juice reveals how the oil lingers on the palate. Washing away the lingering oil leaves a refreshing flavor, making it seem endlessly edible."

"Huh? I can eat as much without lemon."

"That might be true for a little kid."

"Onii-chan, that's mean!"

It's probably true.

"..."

"So, not having more?"

"No, it's just... enjoying the aroma."

"Yes, yes!"

As expected.

"Hugo, this is delicious, isn't it?"

"While the sashimi from earlier might be a matter of taste, I believe this would be well-received by everyone."

"Understood..."

She bravely lifts her fork. She doesn't need to look so tense, as if going to a duel.

"Hah... Mm, yes, this is easy to eat. It's nice that the flavor comes from the start without needing extra sauce. This would go well with wine."

"It's a hit."

"No, this would go well with any alcohol, I think. Your Highness Narnia, even with this fruit juice, it's delicious."

"Thank you. This juice is tasty! Yes, it goes very well with the fried octopus!"

In her childish way, she talked about the food's compatibility with drinks.

"Indeed. That would cause quite a stir if served in restaurants or taverns."

"Yes, but isn't this soy sauce?"

"Compared to eel, the barrier is much lower."

"That's good. If the previously worthless octopus sells well, it'll be a big deal."

Cherina seems happy to have found a new business opportunity.

"Oh, don't be surprised by something like this!"

"Is there more?"

I chuckled as I pulled out another fascinating item. It was just placed at the edge of the table, though.

"...It's gooey."

"It's not done yet. Just watch."

I placed a semi-circular griddle with indentations on top of the gas stove. I carefully rubbed oil onto the iron with a cloth.

After confirming it was sufficiently heated, I poured in the gooey batter made from wheat flour.

"What's starting now?"

"It's Takoyaki Party!"

I grinned.

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