Published: July 5, 2025
Knowing it would be unwise to venture too far, Ryo and Abel decided to explore the port area.
The port of Von is quite large... You could even say it’s gigantic.
Perhaps that's why the atmosphere inside the port is lively, resembling that of a big city.
Along with numerous stalls, many shops line the streets.
The townsfolk, not involved with the ships, come to buy seafood, and there are also people who seem like tourists wandering around.
The three of them are among those tourists.
"This fried little fish, like fish and chips, is delicious!"
"Yeah, perfect for eating while walking."
As they chatted, Ryo and Abel munched on their food while peeking into various shops.
Of course, Scotty followed silently behind them, eating his own makeshift fish and chips.
While this hungry group was having their fun, they suddenly noticed something as they turned a corner.
It was a scent.
An alluring fragrance that instinctively captivates the hearts of people.
It could be described as a kind of religion.
"This enchanting scent... could it be...?"
"It’s curry."
Ryo exclaimed in surprise, while Abel confidently asserted.
Indeed, there was no doubt about it.
Then Abel remembered.
"Last time when we docked at Von, Ryo brought rice with him."
"Yes, that's right."
Ryo nodded in recollection.
When they helped gather ingredients with the Kobatchi Head Chef, Ryo had found rice being sold.
Additionally, he remembered that the Kobatchi Head Chef had made fried chicken flavored with curry.
In other words, could it be that they could make curry rice?
"Has the curry religion truly been born?"
"No, I don't think they ever got around to making curry."
"Actually, it seems the Kobatchi Head Chef experimented with it using the kitchen of a local diner during our stay."
"Huh?"
"He said he would try it if I showed him an easy recipe... and that he had several attempts with the diner’s owner who he got acquainted with during our stay."
"Then why didn’t they make it in Skizblaznil?"
"The rice... apparently didn’t make it in time for departure."
"…Huh?"
Ryo said sadly, while Abel tilted his head.
"Basically, it seems that the region produces a lot of rice, but this year, the harvest around Von hasn’t been great. There were good crops in areas a bit farther away, and if they had stayed just one more week, it seems they would have received it..."
"So that’s why we couldn’t eat curry."
Abel shook his head multiple times.
His expression was very sorrowful.
After all, the way curry captivates people is almost religious... it is truly deserving of being called a curry religion.
"Ryo, I think we have a responsibility here."
"Abel, I feel the same way. Whether curry has truly been born, and whether it is the curry we know, it’s up to us to confirm if the correct curry has been passed on."
"I understand that having curry after all this street food would definitely be overindulgent."
"Yes, but it can’t be helped. This is the responsibility we must take."
It was unclear whom they were making excuses to, but Abel and Ryo were eager to find the source of the aroma.
Curry is indeed delicious.
That goes without saying.
However, the truly sinister reason behind curry is its scent.
It captures people's appetites even from unseen places.
Full? Did you just eat?
It doesn’t matter.
Without question, it stops your breath.
Truly, a culinary assassin!
"Resistance is futile."
"I totally agree."
Ryo spoke as if voicing curry’s claim, while Abel nodded.
"Why did people create such a terrifying dish?"
"The one who made it first must be a genius."
While engaging in such conversation, the two followed their noses to track the origin of the smell.
Identifying the source wasn’t difficult.
"Here it is."
"It has an old-fashioned look."
Abel asserted, guessing that it was a store supported by the locals.
The three entered through the door.
"Welcome!"
"There are three of us."
"Please take any open seats."
As the voice spoke, Ryo and Abel glanced around the shop.
Half of the seats were filled.
There were four people, likely construction workers, chatting while waiting for their food.