#739 What Swims in the Curry

Damn... 

We did it.

“It’s super good.”

By pouring in every single type of my so-called secret ingredients like a waterfall, my original blend curry was born.

I was sure it was going to fail. 

But when I tried it, it was pretty good. 

No, it was more than just pretty good–it was amazing.

“I bet it’s because of my dragon extract.”

“No, no, it’s probably me, Dorian Kaioh, who brought out the flavor.”

I’d like to believe they’re both mistaken.

But even if it did turn out well, I just sloshed everything in, so there’s no way to replicate it randomly.

I’ve lost track of what I put in, or how much.

"Well, it's no use crying over spilled milk...!"

The curry itself is a hit, so the next issue is the ingredients.

Usually, you're supposed to simmer the ingredients with the curry to draw out the flavors, so it feels like we're a bit late for that...

But it should work out somehow.

What would be the right ingredients for my otherworldly farm curry?

Should I stick with traditional vegetables?

That sounds quite farm-like.

"Hold on a sec!"

A voice of objection rings out.

I knew it was coming.

Just like when I was devising the secret ingredient, I figured there might be pushback!

"We should have a say in that question too!"

"I agree with you, Letasreit."

Ah, you two...!

The former princess Letasreit and the angel Horkosfon.

Right out of the gate, some serious challengers have entered the ring!

These two are, after all, the Bean Duo, famed throughout the farm!

"Beans are the ideal ingredient! They work perfectly in soups or mixed with rice, not to mention they're delicious and nutritious! Our farm curry must be a bean curry, packed with beans!!!"

Letasreit's proposal of beans as the star ingredient is still manageable, but...

"Plus, if you add natto, it would be just right."

...Here comes the real hurdle!

Horkosfon, the angel who always endorses natto, no matter what the context!

"By now, Master, you must understand. There's no dish that natto doesn't enhance."

"Wait... Uh...!”

I regret my inability to offer a convincing rebuttal.

"Therefore, I suggest that natto curry is an entirely valid option. Come on, Master, let's mix the natto into the curry!"

Hold up!

Just because it's a hit on CoC*’s menu, doesn't mean I can't straight-up refuse it!

You're making me question if there really is any dish that natto doesn't complement!

"This is turning into a risky situation...!"

What's insane is that usually, Horkosfon and her natto serve as the punchline, but now they're here right from the get-go!

I can't predict where we're heading, or even envisage how things might develop!

"N-Next speaker, please!"

Half-jokingly, I had a feeling that someone (or something) would start championing their favorite ingredient. I called for it.

And then, it showed up...

A chicken monster.

Its name is Yoschamo. 

This creature is about the size of a chicken, but don't let its size fool you - it's incredibly aggressive.

If you get too close, it will transform you into a football with its ferocious kicks.

It's that intense of a creature, but...!

"Why are you here...?!"

Could it be that you're volunteering to be an ingredient for the curry?

To become tandoori chicken?!

No! Don't do that!

You're a comrade who's lived with us till now!

"Bok.”

Just as I was bracing myself for the worst, Yoschamo presented a basket.

Inside it was...

"...Eggs?"

"Bok.”

Oh, you came to offer eggs...?! You had me sweating bullets for a second...!

Right, Yoschamo is our primary egg provider on the farm.

Egg in curry!

What an excellent combination!

Raw eggs, boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, all of them work amazingly well!

Especially when you stir a raw egg into the curry, it softens the spiciness and tweaks the flavor to perfection!

"It also pairs well with natto."

"Horkosfon?! Stop butting in at every opportunity!"

The versatility of natto is maddeningly admirable!

So, who else is stepping up to the plate?!

"We shall...!”

"Claim the spotlight as the true curry ingredients!"

With that declaration and a grand splash, appear...

The Kraken and Giant Crab Desmask?!

We’ve got unexpected contenders from the seaaaaa!

“You’ve got it! If you’re on the hunt for ingredients, you should set your sights on the sea! Countless, no, tens of thousands of different types of food sleep within the ocean’s depths! Utilize them, and you’re guaranteed to cook up the mightiest curry on land... no, the mightiest curry in the entire seaaaaaa!!!”

The seafood contingents sure are making a passionate plea.

Hmm.

Seafood curry, huh?

Now, that’s not a half-bad idea.

“Hehehe... that’s a lousy idea...!”

Wait, is that Letasreit butting in?

“Hear me out! Seafood generally packs a potent sea-like scent! Mix that with the rich aroma of curry... it’s bound to create a flavor clash, wouldn’t you say?”

“Wh-What?!” 

“Labelling it as just seafood isn’t enough! We’ve got fish, crustaceans, mollusks, seaweed... a whole array of things! All with robust flavors!” 

“Ugh!” 

“Throw all these things together, each overpowering the other, and you’ll end up confused about what the main ingredient even is! It would just taste like a muddled mess!”

I’m not entirely convinced, but I do have to admire Letasreit’s orderly reasoning.

From a self-centered princess when she first arrived at the farm... to this.

Is this her evolution?

“No, no, no! It’s true that there’s a wide variety of seafood, but think of curry as a colossal ocean, embracing everything and fusing it into one distinct flavor!” 

“Exactly! Curry is broader and deeper than the sea, welcoming all, desmas!!!”

Why do the giant octopus and crab have such deep-rooted faith in curry?

What’s your relationship with it?!

“Moreover, matching potent scents can often have a synergistic effect! Curry isn’t timid! The scent of the seafood combined with the aroma of the spices will work in harmony to produce an even grander effecttttttt!!” 

“It’s a harmonious blend of seaside smells and spices, desmassss!!!”

The intense debate between the sea spirits and Letasreit seems unending.

Hmm, this is a dilemma.

Of course, I need to intercede, but how should I handle it?

Typically, I’d just mention the natto as a final gag and forcibly end the conversation, but the natto card has already been played this round.

How should I put an end to this?!

“Grunt (Enough)!!!” 

“WHAAT?!”

Then, out of nowhere, the dispute’s mediator appears.

It’s... a boar?!

“Square Boar?!”

Isn’t that Square Boar, the boar monster that serves as our primary protein source?!

“Grunt!” 

“Your petty squabble over the main ingredient in the curry is pointless when you’re neglecting the real star of the show, which is me... is what he’s saying.”

Horkosfon?!

You can speak boar?!

“Grunt!” 

“Curry without meat is like a play without a lead actor! He’s saying the curry that Lord Saint prefers must include his meat.”

Hold up, Mr. Boar! 

Are you okay with this?!

I mean, given all this time we’ve been eating you, where is this sacrificial dedication coming from?!

Beans vs. seafood vs. meat.

Who will triumph as the farm’s ultimate curry ingredient?