When freshly harvested yuzu was grated, the refreshing aroma filled the entire restaurant.
After the Grand Market, the ancient capital, Aitheria, had become increasingly wintery. Snow fell more often than rain, and it was not uncommon to find frost in front of the shop in the morning. The people of the city, who had been so lively, had closed their windows and were preparing for the harsh cold.
The kettle began to whistle, emitting steam.
It had been a while since Shinobu made yuzu sherbet, but her hands remembered.
It was just after the Grand Market when Berthold consulted her, saying that Hermina’s appetite had recently diminished considerably. She could eat sour or non-fatty foods, but it seemed that both of them were surprised because there was no one around them with experience in pregnancy.
After consulting with Nobuyuki, they had been providing various easy-to-eat foods, and today they decided to try making yuzu sherbet.
Hermina’s portion had already been prepared, and what was being made now was for the restaurant to be served in the evening.
Plenty of yuzu juice and grated yuzu peel were added to hot water in which sugar had been dissolved.
It was a recipe that had been served as a seasonal dessert during the Yukitsuna era.
Since the introduction of the special pudding, more customers have been wanting to eat sweets after their meals.
If made well, she wanted to add it to the menu, at least during the winter.
“…Something smells good.”
Arnoux, drawn in by the scent, had wandered in.
Even after officially becoming a Marquis, he occasionally visited Nobu to eat tempura and other daily recommendations.
“Is it okay for you to sneak out again?”
“Visiting nearby friendly cities is also an important job for a feudal lord. Besides, I have business with the city council.”
Most of the crops harvested in the Sachsenburg Marquisate are consumed in the ancient capital. In other words, this city is Arnoux’s biggest trading partner.
“However, Hans-kun is really getting the hang of it. When I heard he was quitting the guards, I thought about asking him to serve the Marquis’ family.”
“Thank you very much. I’ll just take your sentiment.”
Hans, who had retired from the guards with everyone regretting his departure, is now training to open his own food stall. When Nobuyuki is busy, he helps with tasks like peeling vegetables, and he’s working hard to steal Nobu’s flavors.
Nobuyuki, who had also been in charge of training junior staff at Yukitsuna, felt that he had found a disciple worth training for the first time in a long time, and was subtly teaching him the basics so that he could learn.
When Shinobu asked if he wanted to eat something, Arnoux shook his head slightly.
“I’ll refrain today. Believe it or not, being a Marquis is surprisingly busy.”
Arnoux’s back, as he waved his hand behind him, was full of confidence and enthusiasm.
He had a certain charm even when he was pretending to be a playboy, but now his back looked lively.
It must suit his nature.
“Hmm, did someone come?”
In turn, Nobuyuki returned from the back entrance. Nobuyuki, unusually dressed in plain clothes, was carrying a furoshiki in his hand.
Translator’s Note
Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, often used to carry items or gifts.
“Arnoux-san. He said he was inspecting the old capital.”
“I wish we had let him try the yuzu sherbet prototype.”
“He seems to be busy.”
“I guess so.”
While giving a noncommittal reply, Nobuyuki was already inspecting the potatoes that Hans had peeled.
He smiled at the nervous-looking Hans, then picked up a knife himself and began to peel smoothly. The peel was thinner than the potatoes Hans had peeled.
“It’s not just about leaving more of the edible parts, but many vegetables and fruits have a lot of flavor near the skin. You should peel it as thinly as possible so that the customers can eat that part too, right?”
“Yes!”
Today, Nobuyuki’s tone resembled that of Tohara, the head chef of Yukitsuna.
And that’s because he had just met him. Having Tohara, his master, eat his nikujaga.
That was the reason for Nobuyuki’s outing today.
The nikujaga, packed in a jubako, was well-seasoned and just right. It was a taste that Shinobu vouched for, saying it wouldn’t be out of place even if served in a high-class restaurant.
Translator’s Note
Jubako are tiered lunch boxes (bento), frequently lacquered, traditionally used for special occasions or takeout.
“What did Tohara-san say?”
Nobuyuki didn’t answer, but thrust his thumb up. It must have gone well.
With that taste, no one should be able to complain.
“It’s thanks to Shinobu-chan’s taste testing.”
“It’s because Taisho worked hard.”
As a chef, he had overcome a mountain. Nobuyuki now had that kind of confidence.
He would likely pass on these skills to Hans.
Suddenly sensing a presence, she looked towards the glass door and saw two shadows.
Shinobu greeted the joined hands with a heartfelt smile.
“Welcome!”
“…Welcome.”
Izakaya Nobu continues to hang its noren in a corner of the ancient capital today.