LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 69 - Chapter 69: Camp Meal
Chapter 69: Camp Meal
“Captain, do we really need to help with the cooking?”
Marius said, glancing at the struggling Holy Knights. Squiring for Elliot’s squad, who came to help with the cooking after finishing setting up the tents, also nodded.
It seems they were initially turned down when they offered to help set up the tents themselves. However, when I pointed out the saint, who was shivering in the cold despite using a temperature adjustment spell on her cloak, they quietly agreed to help.
They hardly have any muscles, unlike us. Even for us, having two levels of temperature adjustment magic for armor and cloak is just right. So, it must be quite cold for the saint.
“If it turns out bad, the saint will probably ask to cook herself. Until they come and ask for help, leave them alone.”
“Got it!”
“Gaspard, Simon! Dissect the horn rabbit you hunted on the way. We won’t use it this time, but it should be easier than cooking, right? Don’t worry about getting dirty; I’ll use a purification spell later.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Captain, we’ve finished cutting the vegetables. Should we also slice the sausages, or leave them whole?”
Arnault, who had finished cutting the assigned vegetables, asked. He’s more skillful compared to Simon and Gaspard, so I can trust him.
“Cut them in half diagonally. …Probably because the saint might eat them too.”
I muttered to myself at the end. Normally, when the Holy Knights go on expeditions, they’re provided meals and lodging at various temples. Just by seeing their tent-pitching skills, it’s clear they’re not used to camping, and they’re probably not good at cooking either.
They prioritize their sword skills over cooking skills. Even if someone else collapses, they can rely on the saint for healing, but if the saint herself collapses, it’s hopeless.
“Water Sphere.”
I filled a stockpot with water using water magic, then added liquid consommé and a roughly made bouquet garni.
“Arnault, add the root vegetables. Marius, did you season the chicken? Once you’ve prepared the onions and mushrooms, we’ll start cooking too.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Yes, sir!”
“We’ll start by slicing them diagonally and sautéing them until they’re soft… probably going to taste delicious!”
Asil, the other squire who had finished prepping and had some free time, licked his lips.
“After stewing, just add some cream and adjust the taste with salt. Use pepper if it’s not flavorful enough.”
Simon and Gaspard, who had been dismantling the horn rabbit, stopped and looked over. It seems we’re downwind from them.
“Captain, I’ve skimmed off the scum since it’s boiling. Should I add the chopped cabbage and sausages?”
“Yes, let’s do that. Alright, now we just need to simmer them both.”
As I lowered the heat on the magic stove, I smelled something burning… No, it smelled charred.
“What are you doing, you fool!”
“But sir, it’s not fully cooked inside yet!”
Do they not know how to adjust the heat? As expected, the Holy Knights apparently didn’t let the saint cook. They’ll probably end up relying on her next time. Perhaps the saint couldn’t resist and will start cooking herself.
As we continued, the surroundings gradually grew darker, making the work even more difficult.
It looks like the dismantling is almost done here, so all that’s left is to clean them with my purification magic and toss them into my magic bag.
“Captain! Can we eat now? Is it okay? I’m going to dish out the fricassee onto plates!”
(Note:”Fricassee” is a cooking term that refers to a dish made by stewing pieces of meat or poultry in a sauce, typically with vegetables, and often served over rice or noodles. It’s a method of cooking that involves browning the meat or poultry first, then simmering it in a flavorful sauce until tender.)
“Yeah, while that’s happening, I’ll clean up the dismantling team with purification magic. Elliot, please take out bread from the expedition magic bag.”
“Understood.”
Perhaps eager to eat, the movements of the subordinates afterward were very agile. Then, as they served the fricassee and soup onto spare plates, Jest, as an apology for devouring all the sweets, also placed a cheesecake on a tray to take to the saint.
“Knight Commander Vandière, what do you mean by this? Our meals were supposed to be prepared by us.”
The Holy Knight Commander, Axel, blocked my path.
“But it seems your cooking isn’t going smoothly, does it? I’m more concerned about the saint’s health than the Holy Knights. If you’re worried, you can have a taste before handing it over. You probably have bread with you, so please bring that out.”
When I mentioned tasting for poison, I could tell Axel gulped. You want some too. But since my gluttonous crew will run out if I share with everyone, I’ll only share with the saint.
“Understood… We’ll gladly accept.”
“You’re only allowed to taste for poison, remember? No nibbling.”
“Of course, I understand!”
Axel blushed noticeably, even in the dimming light. He probably wanted to eat all of it.
Later, while I was eating the cheesecake after dinner, the saint who came to return the tray said that it was delicious, yet for some reason, she appeared crestfallen. I wonder why.