SMW C14 A Meal Begins

Reinhard studied his exhausted nephew with wary amazement. He never could have anticipated such a performance from the boy.

For all he knew, Alexander had been nothing but a frail child who could barely lift a training sword. Yet tonight, Reinhard had been forced to resort to a war of attrition—simply outlasting his opponent rather than overpowering him. It was, in some ways, rather humiliating for a veteran knight.

"You fought admirably, boy. I must admit, you've undergone a remarkable transformation," Reinhard said, approaching the reunited father and son. "If I hadn't worn you down through endurance, I would have been forced to fight seriously—with actual intent to harm."

Alexander beamed at the praise. Aldric nodded approvingly. "Thanks to your training methods, Reinhard, my son was able to demonstrate his true capabilities. You handled it perfectly by testing his limits without causing injury."

"Indeed," Reinhard agreed with a slight smile. "However, boy, while your performance was impressive, you still have significant flaws in your technique. Tomorrow I'll teach you to correct those mistakes."

Alexander seized this moment to redirect the conversation. "Enough about my swordsmanship! Let's address the real issue here." His voice grew more serious. "So, Father, Uncle—what do you think? Are you convinced now that I've truly been blessed by those so-called 'pig fodder' roots and gained strength my former body never possessed?"

The mention of the cursed vegetables brought immediate silence to both men. Aldric and Reinhard exchanged meaningful glances—though they spoke no words, inwardly they were grappling with the implications.

If Alexander's claims proved true and the cursed food could indeed enhance human strength, it would revolutionize the entire Barony of Eisenfurt. Not only would it solve their chronic food shortages, but it could potentially create the strongest military force in the region.

Alexander watched their silent deliberation anxiously. Are they still not fully convinced? he wondered with growing concern.

Finally, Aldric crouched down to meet his son at eye level. "My son, if these cursed roots are truly as beneficial as you claim, then you will have made an invaluable contribution to our barony." He paused meaningfully. "However, we remain uncertain. To prove your assertions definitively, tomorrow you must prepare the same dish you served the servants this afternoon."

Alexander's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? You'll give me that chance?"

Aldric nodded firmly.

"Excellent! Trust me—not only will I recreate the stew I prepared earlier, but Fritz and I can cook an entire variety of dishes using these roots! They're all equally delicious and nutritious. I know numerous ways to prepare them."

Aldric raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? You can create dishes other than that stew?" His expression grew curious and slightly suspicious. "When exactly did you acquire such extensive knowledge about these cursed vegetables? How do you know so many preparation methods?"

Alexander hesitated, searching for a plausible explanation. "Well... I discovered an ancient manuscript in the castle's old archives. It was written by a traveling scholar from distant lands who had encountered these roots during his journeys. He called them by a different name and described various cooking methods that made them safe and nutritious for human consumption. The text was quite detailed about their preparation and beneficial properties."

"An ancient manuscript? Where is this manuscript now?" Aldric asked with keen interest.

"I... it went missing somewhere in the castle," Alexander replied, struggling to maintain his fabrication. "I've been searching for it ever since, but these old documents get moved around so frequently by the servants during cleaning..."

Aldric nodded thoughtfully. Inwardly, he didn't fully accept his son's explanation—he sensed Alexander was concealing something important. However, he decided to let the matter rest for now. "Very well. I'll speak with Father Hensfried about this. As the spiritual authority of our barony, he must witness tomorrow's demonstration to verify that these foods are truly harmless—if you're indeed telling the truth."

Alexander nodded eagerly, his mind already racing with anticipation. He had so many dishes he wanted to showcase: French fries, mashed potatoes with fresh cheese, boiled potatoes seasoned with wild herbs, and so much more! I can hardly wait to show them what these wonderful vegetables can become!

Aldric stood and fixed his son with a stern gaze. "Don't disappoint me tomorrow, Alexander."

"I won't let you down, Father!" Alexander replied with determined enthusiasm.

Aldric nodded and departed with Reinhard, heading toward Father Hensfried to discuss the arrangements. As they left, Ermelinde approached Alexander with a doting expression, fussing over him and checking for injuries.

"You were absolutely magnificent out there, my son!" she exclaimed with maternal pride.

Aldric shook his head with a mixture of bewilderment and hope as he walked alongside his brother. Reinhard broke the silence with a concerned question: "Are you certain it's wise to have Alexander prepare dishes from those cursed roots? Won't this offend the Church?"

Aldric considered this carefully before responding. "Alexander claims he was chosen by God for this purpose. We're not offending anyone by suggesting he received divine revelation about those vegetables. Besides, we'll work to convince Father Hensfried of their true nature. If Alexander is telling the truth—that the cursed roots are not only harmless but actually beneficial—I believe even our priest will be forced to accept the evidence, however reluctantly."

Reinhard nodded, seeing the logic in his brother's approach.

They found Father Hensfried still looking shaken from the evening's events and explained the plan for tomorrow's cooking demonstration.

"Absolutely not!" Father Hensfried's face contorted with disgust the moment Aldric finished speaking. "I will not be party to such blasphemy!"

"But you witnessed with your own eyes how these vegetables benefited my son," Aldric pressed. "Surely you can at least consider the possibility?" His voice took on the commanding tone of a lord addressing his subordinate. "As baron of this territory, I'm not requesting your cooperation, Father—I'm requiring it. You will attend tomorrow's demonstration and provide your theological assessment of what we observe."

Father Hensfried found himself trapped between his religious convictions and his secular obligations. The baron's authority over Church matters within his domain was absolute. He had no choice but to acquiesce.

"Very well," he sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "I will attend, but I maintain that no good can come from this unholy experiment."

Aldric and Reinhard exchanged meaningful glances. While relieved that Father Hensfried had agreed to attend, they both felt the weight of what tomorrow would bring. They silently prayed that Alexander would indeed produce the miraculous dishes he had promised.

If Alexander failed in his demonstration, they would be branded as heretics by Father Hensfried and potentially the entire Church hierarchy. They would lose their standing within Holy Catholicism and face excommunication—a fate that could destroy their house entirely.

Alexander might not fully grasp it, but he was placing the entire House of Eisenberg at tremendous risk.

---

The next day arrived with startling swiftness. The previous evening, Fritz had been ordered by both Alexander and Aldric to procure a substantial quantity of potatoes. With help from Reinhard and his squires, the head chef had managed to gather several large sacks of the controversial root vegetables.

In the castle kitchen, Alexander was already awake and active well before dawn. He was determined to prepare an impressive array of dishes alongside Fritz.

"Young Lord, it's still extremely early—barely past Matins," Fritz observed, noting the darkness outside. "Please, let me handle the potato stew. I've already mastered that recipe."

"We won't be making just potato stew today," Alexander replied with determination. "I plan to prepare a variety of dishes that will require my direct involvement and knowledge."

"I understand. In that case, let's give this our absolute best effort, young lord!" Fritz exclaimed. He had committed himself completely to Alexander's vision—partly because he believed in his young lord's claims, but also because his own life hung in the balance.

"Excellent!" Alexander said, and they immediately set to work.

They began by preparing the potatoes in different ways. Alexander showed Fritz how to slice potatoes into thin strips for what he called "fried potato strips"—carefully cooking them in rendered fat until golden and crispy.

Next, they boiled larger potatoes until tender, then mashed them with fresh goat cheese and butter into a creamy, rich consistency. For a third dish, they prepared whole potatoes boiled with wild herbs—thyme, rosemary, and garlic—creating an aromatic and hearty side. Finally, they recreated the successful potato stew from the previous day, ensuring they had options to suit different tastes.

The kitchen filled with incredible aromas as each dish reached completion. Fritz found himself amazed at how versatile these supposedly cursed roots could be, each preparation method revealing different flavors and textures.

By Prime—around seven in the morning by modern reckoning—their culinary preparations were complete.

In the Great Hall, an unusual early gathering had assembled around the main table. Lord Aldric sat with Lady Ermelinde and their young daughter Adelheit. Father Hensfried occupied a place of honor, alongside Steward Konrad and several other trusted retainers.

They all awaited the dishes Alexander had boasted about so confidently. The timing felt strange—it was far too early for the midday meal, and eating at this hour was highly unusual. After all, the concept of breakfast had not yet been established in this era.

Father Hensfried grew increasingly impatient, but before he could voice his complaints, enticing aromas began wafting through the hall.

Everyone turned to see mess boys carefully carrying wooden trenchers, ceramic bowls, and iron serving pots laden with the prepared dishes.

"What is that smell?" Aldric asked with genuine curiosity. "It's unfamiliar, yet somehow comforting and incredibly appetizing."

"You're absolutely right," Ermelinde agreed, inhaling deeply. "I've never encountered anything quite like it."

The assembled retainers all caught the pleasant scents. Father Hensfried stubbornly tried to resist acknowledging the appealing aromas, but they invaded his nostrils despite his best efforts. How can something so supposedly cursed and evil produce such... pleasant and inviting smells? he thought with growing confusion. This must be some form of demonic deception, designed to tempt the faithful into sin. Yet why does it remind me of the most comforting meals from my childhood?