Ascendance of a Bookworm

I decided to start with the pomodoro, cheese, and herb caprese imitation.

I had instructed Hugo to slice the pomodoro and cheese and sandwich them together, but here, the smaller pomodoro halves had their insides hollowed out. Soft cream cheese mixed with chopped herbs was placed inside the pomodoro.

...This might be quite tricky to eat. When I cut into it with a knife, the pomodoro almost fell apart.

Carefully inserting the knife to avoid squashing it, I took a bite of the pomodoro and cheese together. The slightly sweet flavor of the pomodoro was enhanced by the mildly salty cheese, and the herb fragrance gently wafted in my mouth.

...Ah, delicious.

The texture when eating this was better than the sliced and sandwiched caprese, and I was slightly surprised. I could almost see the chef’s passionate pursuit to create something tastier.

The high priest also ate some and narrowed his eyes slightly.

“I think this is tastier than what is usually served at the temple...”

“It must be the difference in culinary curiosity. Even though the ingredients are the same, just a slight change in texture and mouthfeel creates a significantly different flavor. It seems that cooking has progressed during the two years I was asleep. This will give us confidence even when merchants from other territories visit.”

Next, I tasted the grilled flower vegetables. Unlike the crisp, charred surface, the inside was cooked through and tender. When bitten, the consommé soup flavor spread in my mouth. It felt like eating broccoli in soup, yet the grilled texture gave it a unique appeal.

...I wonder if the high priest, who loves consommé, liked this?

Glancing at his reaction, I saw that, though his face was almost expressionless, his eyes were slightly lowered and the corners of his lips turned up. From that, I could tell he was savoring it. The high priest seemed quite pleased.

“This grilled dish could probably be applied to other vegetables as well. It’s like eating soup in the shape of vegetables.”

“This is a menu created by our house’s chef,” said the Guild Master.

Remembering Ilse, who was enthusiastic about culinary research and had apparently challenged Hugo to a cooking duel, I looked at the Guild Master.

“Is Ilse the one conducting the culinary research? I was surprised it tastes better than two years ago.”

“Yes. After once being defeated by Lady Rosemine’s exclusive chef, she was motivated to improve. She is specially working in the kitchen today. She wanted Lady Rosemine to taste her dishes.”

The Guild Master said this while looking toward the kitchen. It seemed Ilse was working hard for me.

Even without me diligently handing over recipes, new dishes were continually born through the trial and error of Hugo, Ella, Nicola, and Ilse. Since I wanted to spread delicious food, this made me very happy.

“Ilse quickly makes any new recipe her own. Her dedication to research is admirable.”

“A few days ago, Lady Rosemine gave a report about new ingredients and recipes. Unfortunately, they weren’t ready in time for today’s dessert. It had a unique texture and good flavor, but the chefs found it unacceptable.”

According to the Guild Master, a panna cotta prototype had been made, but it wasn’t of sufficient quality to serve at today’s meal.

“Lady Rosemine, what is that new ingredient? Ilse has asked for more, but I have no idea what it might be.”

It is the gelatin made by carefully extracting the most transparent part when making glue, simmering it like consommé, removing scum and impurities, and straining it. It can be made in small amounts during glue production. Having this gelatin broadens the possibilities in cooking and confectionery.

“As for that, I intend to sell the method to Frieda soon.”

The shopkeepers around raised their heads at once. Opposite the Guild Master, whose eyes widened, Benno narrowed his reddish-brown eyes.

“You’re going to sell the method to Frieda?”

“Yes. During the two years I was asleep, she faithfully protected this Italian restaurant and further refined the cooking. As a reward, I will sell her the method... Not for free, of course.”