#908 New Dragon Ramen

Let’s start with the story from the Mermaid Medical Association and the following vaccine debate.

The argument proved effective, and the existence of bacteria and viruses was widely accepted in society.

Well, within the Mermaid Kingdom, at least.

To combat the dreaded Hydro Runaway disease plaguing the kingdom, a decision was made to distribute vaccines throughout the Mermaid Kingdom.

The Mermaid Medical Association took the lead on this initiative.

Most notably, Docosa Hexaene was at the forefront, tears and all. However, even among healthcare professionals, there was concern about the newly established concept of bacteria, which some found hard to grasp.

Ideally, Garra Rufa, the very inventor of the vaccine, should have led the charge, but you know her.

She’s the type who prefers to avoid hassle and quickly returned to the farm, leaving her work there untouched.

So, as a next-best solution, her personal disciples, who had learned everything from her, headed to the Mermaid Kingdom to spearhead the vaccine dissemination effort.

Among these disciples were...

“The Witch of Fermenting, Heckelii!”

“The Witch of Orderliness, Batrachus!”

Yes, they were the young mermaids who once invaded the farm alongside Princess Angel of the Mermaid Kingdom. Now, trained on the farm, they’ve grown into individuals worthy of being called witches.

Especially Heckelii and Batrachus, who could almost be considered Garra Rufa’s assistants and proteges. 

Their peer, Discus, is making waves as Puffer’s successor, and these merladies are eagerly showcasing their skills.

“Leave it to us, Lady Garra Rufa! With the power of your mad followers, we’ll show those stuck in their ways in the Mermaid Kingdom what’s what!!!”

“We’ll demonstrate that madness is contagious!”

It’s remarks like these that probably wear Garra Rufa out while she teaches.

In the end, whether in the Mermaid Kingdom or on the farm, Garra Rufa’s peace of mind is always fleeting.

...But is she really fine with this?

Swiftly turning down Docosa Hexaene’s proposal and all?

I admit my perception has been tainted by the other witches, but aren’t mermaids the type who aggressively pursue love and marriage when given the opportunity? 

“Not at all. It’s a misconception to think all mermaids are like Lady Platy, Puffer, Lampeye, Lady Zoth Syra, and the former Queen Mahi. “

...

R-Right you are...

“Some mermaids are indeed passionate about love, while others are indifferent. I’m far more interested in diving into research on bacteria and viruses than romance. Plus, I really enjoy my work in the farm’s medical room.”

That’s rather comforting to hear...

“Besides, I wouldn’t easily leave for the Mermaid Kingdom since I have friends here.”

“Friends?”

“Yes! I’ve been close with Belena for quite some time!”

Ah, Belena.

Belena, a demoness, has been a long-time resident on the farm, just as long as Garra Rufa.

While other members like Puffer, Lampeye, and Batemy have either married and left the farm or changed their working arrangements, only a few, like Belena and Garra Rufa, have remained committed to their work here.

Perhaps there’s a sense of camaraderie among those left behind.

“We made a promise to each other! To remain single for life and continue working on this farm! A vow of the single life!”

“I never agreed to such a vow!”

Out of nowhere, Belena appears, the other half of this supposed vow.

“Please, I want to marry normally! I have dreams of a home and I’m fully prepared for parenting. Please don’t drag me into this singlehood pact!!!”

It seems there’s been a misunderstanding between the two.

I’ll let them sort that out among themselves...

But ultimately, the real concern is whether vaccines will effectively spread worldwide.

If vaccines can eradicate various diseases, people’s lives will be enriched.

However, I feel somewhat guilty for introducing injections to the world.

But it seems vaccines and syringes aren’t the only things spreading across the globe.

Let’s delve into that story next.

***

After ramping up vaccine production in the Mermaid Kingdom, I thought it might be nice to relax with some farming for a change. But then...

“What theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee?!”

I was shocked.

I visited Veil’s mountain to check on the orchard today.

And there, in a corner of the mountain, lay a sight completely foreign to me.

Is that... A factory?

This mechanical, rusty facility sprawling over a vast area is the last thing I expect to see in a factory.

Specifically, it looks like a conveyor belt system winding its way through the premises in a single, serpentine path.

What in the world is this?

“Ah, Master, you’ve finally arrived. Took you long enough.”

“Veil?!”

“You should’ve sensed something more exciting was up. Miss a festival, and you miss out.”

So, you’re the mastermind behind this bizarre scenario?!

But, of course, that makes sense.

This is Veil the dragon’s mountain dungeon. Nothing happens here without her consent.

Meaning, Veil is the only one who could do whatever she wants in this dungeon.

And this factory sprawling before us is a testament to doing just as one pleases.

“.........What are you up to?”

“Oh? Curious, Master? Hmm, you’re curious, huh? I guess even an influencer like you is baffled by such an outlandish setup! Very well, let’s take a closer look!”

The way she talks is getting on my nerves a little...!

Anyway, what does this factory produce?

“Ooh, as expected of Master. You’ve got quite the eye, spotting the gear for mass production! Well then, let’s cut to the chase—go on and take a look for yourself!”

With a snap of Veil’s fingers, the conveyor belt whirs to life, echoing a surprisingly pleasant sound. 

I must say, though, that was a satisfying snap. Maybe because she’s a dragon?

“First, we start by mixing a generous amount of flour with an alkaline salt solution, crafting the dough from which we shall create the noodles by dividing it equally! “

“Ohh!”

“You then portion these noodles for a single serving and dry them instantly with a blast of warm air! Every step of this process is mechanized! And thus, behold, the masterpiece of my creation, instant ramen, is born!”

“Ooooooooooh!”

This factory equipment is designed for the mass production of instant noodles through freeze-drying technology!

Now that brings back memories...

If I recall correctly, it all began with my obsession with smoked foods. As we experimented with various ingredients, we pondered, “Can we smoke ramen, too?” Veil, in charge of ramen, after much trial and error, concluded that noodles, when completely dried, could indeed be smoked.

Those dried noodles were the spitting image of the instant ramen I was so familiar with in my world!!!

“With this equipment, I can produce 800 servings of instant noodles per minute! That way, I can deliver my ramen to every household worldwide!!!”

“Oh, Veil, to think you had such grand plans!”

To want to deliver deliciousness and happiness to as many people as possible, huh?

For someone as proud as you, a dragon, to awaken to such dedication...

...No.

That can’t be right.

Veil is Veil, no matter what. There’s no way she’d generously share happiness with strangers for no reason. 

Dragons are the most selfish creatures, and Veil is no exception.

“...But what about the seasoning?”

“Gulp.”

“Just preparing the noodles isn’t enough if there’s no flavor. Salt? Miso? Soy sauce? Or before that, at which step do you add the flavor? Is it in powder form to be added later?”

“Ah! Don’t underestimate me, Master! Sure, powdered broth is convenient, but it inevitably loses its aroma when rehydrated! That’s why, despite the slightly higher cost, I preserve the aroma and richness with concentrated liquid broth...!”

“Then, let me see it.”

“Ah, no, you can’t!!!”

Ignoring Veil’s protests, I venture to the relevant area.

Oh boy, there’s a huge pot full of soup being reduced to a thick consistency.

I take a scoop and taste it... isn’t this gonkotsu broth?!

“I knew it!!!”

Veil, you scoundrel!

Was this instant noodle venture just a scheme to distribute troublesome gonkotsu broth across the globe?!

“No, Master, listen! This is purely in pursuit of flavor...Gonkotsu broth is delicious! It’s the ultimate taste I’ve been seeking!”

“But as a food, it’s a no-go if its side effects are deadly!!!”

“Don’t worry! It’s diluted to a safe level for human consumption, even milder than before! And for those concerned about it being too bland, fear not! I’ve blended pork bone, seafood, various vegetables, and more to maintain a rich flavor while creating a unique harmony in my latest broth creation!”

“That’s not what worries me!”

However, I’m intrigued by Veil’s latest broth creation. 

Her passion for ramen is genuine, after all.