Tacit

“It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to this place,” Hans muttered to himself as he stood before the glass sliding door. Izakaya Nobu. The peculiar tavern built of plaster and wood had become a go-to place only to…

A glistening, amber-colored ankake-jelly was generously poured over the white mound. On top, something finely chopped and green was scattered. According to the waitress, it was a herb called “negi” A pleasant aroma, mixed with steam, tickled Johann-Gustav’s nose. It…

Johann-Gustav was first surprised by how warm it was inside the establishment. He was only familiar with the city’s taverns as standing-room-only places with drafts whistling through. This place, however, was different. Though small, it had chairs, arranged so patrons…

Red. So very red. The entire serving of noodles, completely red. “Fräulein, (young lady) what exactly is this?” He enunciated each word carefully, adding a touch of intimidation to his tone. Gernot had certainly ordered a pasta dish, or so he believed.…

Cabbage. Yes, it was cabbage. Gernot was eating cabbage. Gernot, a distinguished figure with a seat on the city council of the ancient capital, was simply, and wholeheartedly, eating cabbage. It hadn’t even been made into pickled sauerkraut. At first…

Sizzle, the sound of the chicken being lowered into the oil. The pleasant sound filled the small shop, and Bertholdt couldn’t help but swallow. Using so much oil to deep-fry something was quite a luxury. Normally, people would just push…

Winter in the ancient capital is cold. While it rarely snows, the north wind’s chill feels like it’s piercing your skin. “On a day like this, there’s nothing better than a drink,” muttered Berthold, the company commander, as he dismissed…

“Ah, Oden, you say?” “…Do you know about it, Nikolaus?” Hans asked, looking at Nikolaus’s knowing expression. “Nope, not a clue.” As they were having that exchange, a large soup bowl was placed in front of them. The ingredients were huge.…

“Recently, there’s a shop in the old capital that’s been getting a bit of buzz.” The mere sound of that made Hans’ stomach rumble. It was after a rigorous training session. Hans was a city guard in the old capital,…