By the Grace of the Gods

Today, four chapters are posted simultaneously.

This story is the third chapter.

After finishing a private discussion with Mr. Reinhardt and the others, I greeted Mr. Fuse and the others who had been waiting, and after telling them everything that happened in the Tree Sea, I decided to hand out the souvenirs...

“To celebrate Ryoma-kun’s safe return and achievement of his goal, cheers!”

“Cheers!”

Since most of the souvenirs were food items, it was inevitable that a tasting party—disguised as a banquet—would begin.

With Mr. Reinhardt’s lead, everyone raised their glasses at once and took a sip of the “Barrel Ale of the Heat Dissipation Tree” we had purchased at the Tree Sea base. Instantly, everyone’s drinking speed increased.

“Phew! Ryoma! This is delicious!”

“The aroma that wafts up your nose is stimulating yet refreshing. Easy to drink.”

“So this is the scent of the trees in the Tree Sea, huh.”

“I never knew the Tree Sea had such liquor.”

“It probably only circulates within the adventurer’s base and doesn’t often reach outside.”

“There are plenty of materials here that sell for more than alcohol, so those take priority.”

Around me were Mr. Fuse and the others who guarded me, and Ms. Eleonora, who would be supporting me with work from now on. I’d just had an in-depth conversation with the Duke’s household, so they stood a bit apart, but every voice I heard was favorable.

“Well then, everyone, let's start grilling.”

In front of us was a large iron plate specially prepared. A little farther off was a table lined with ingredients. Most noticeable were thinly sliced piles of immortal snake meat, stacked like a mountain. Surrounding it were rows of spices and fruits harvested in the Tree Sea.

It’s said securing food in the Shurus Great Tree Sea is difficult because of the many dangerous magical beasts. However, edible plants themselves are abundant. Especially around Korumi Village, you can see evidence of past villagers’ efforts to survive.

But... for me, the most delicious thing in the Tree Sea was definitely that meat. And a yakiniku party. I took the lead and placed immortal snake meat on the iron plate. The fat melted and sizzled, releasing an instantly spreading savory aroma.

“Whoa... what is this meat? Just the smell alone is incredible...”

“I’ve heard it described as a violent aroma too. Is this what they meant?”

“And this is without any seasonings or other ingredients added?”

“Everyone seems surprised. Yes, this meat is delicious enough on its own. Though the flavor is mild, its umami overpowers any seasoning.”

“Is that so... I’m really looking forward to it. Tree Sea ingredients are rarely eaten even by nobles.”

Mr. Jill, from the count’s household, alternated his gaze between the grilling meat and the pile of ingredients. Indeed, it’s difficult to gather targeted ingredients from within the Tree Sea. Hiring adventurers would cost a fortune.

“Perhaps not many have even seen an immortal snake in person?”

“As Mr. Jill said, I recall that when the kingdom was developing the Tree Sea, a team was dispatched and presented results to the late king, and it was briefly a topic of conversation... but I can’t recall exactly when that was.”

“The trend faded within a few years. The late king praised its taste, and the development team received commendation. Its rarity and the immortal snake’s regenerative abilities sparked rumors that it was a kind of ‘elixir of eternal youth,’ so there was demand, but the supply was far too limited.”

“That’s right. Towards the end, it seemed only those seeking those rumored effects cared about it, rather than as food.”

Lord Reinbach, who had taught me about past demand, suddenly voiced a question here.

“Hm? Come to think of it, at that time I often heard rumors that ‘immortal snake meat is bad,’ and though its rarity was acknowledged, it wasn’t worth sending adventurers to get it.”

“I can’t see how this meat could be bad, even now.”