SADGM 10

Chapter : 10

The Single Aristocrat and His Guest Enjoy Smoked Foods

I had been absorbed in the world of a book, but the growling of my own stomach brought me back to reality.

“Lunchtime, huh…”

By the time I noticed, the sun had passed its zenith—it was well into the afternoon.

I wanted to read a bit more of the story, but hunger made it impossible to concentrate.

I placed a bookmark between the pages I had been reading and set the book aside for the moment.

“I’ve smoked these long enough. The flavor should be well absorbed by now.”

Although the magical device had been turned off midway, the smoke still lingered inside the sealed box.

Surely, the ingredients inside had absorbed the flavor thoroughly.

Excited, I opened the lid of the sealed box.

A puff of smoke rose from within, and the ingredients inside had turned a rich brown, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

“Whoa! That looks delicious!”

The voice wasn’t mine.

I realized a man with amber hair was standing nearby.

He looked about my age, maybe slightly younger, and his sky-blue eyes shone innocently as he gazed at the smoked food.

“Who are you?” I asked.

“Me? I’m Eight.”

No, that’s not exactly what I meant…

Startled by the sudden intruder, I took a deep breath to calm myself.

Glancing diagonally, I saw that the previous guest who had been sitting in the chair was no longer there.

I assumed this guy was the one who had been sitting there earlier.

“Don’t be so defensive. I just smelled something tasty and got curious.”

“Well, then your curiosity is satisfied. Go back to where you came from.”

“Hey, you were using some weird smoke there. Is this actually tasty?”

He wasn’t listening to me at all. I wondered if the ears on his head were just for decoration.

No, he was probably ignoring me on purpose.

“…I wouldn’t make something bad tasting and bring it outside,” I replied.

“Come on, let me try it!”

Apparently, this man, Eight, had never eaten smoked food before.

I handed him a skewer, and after a moment of hesitation, he chose the classic cheese.

He pierced the cheese with the skewer and sniffed it curiously.

“It has a unique smell! Not smoky exactly, but… weird!”

After a brief solo excitement, Eight took a bite of the cheese.

“Delicious!”

I couldn’t help but smile at his predictable reaction.

“What kind of cheese is this? Is it some special kind?”

“No, it’s just regular cheese from the central district market. A block costs less than a silver coin.”

“That ordinary cheese tastes so rich! It’s savory, has a unique flavor, and the umami feels amplified in layers…”

While quality cheese is preferable, even ordinary cheese becomes delicious when smoked properly.

“What kind of dish is this?”

“It’s smoked food. This time, I used hot smoking.”

“Smoked food… just smoke it and it becomes this tasty?”

“It’s not just any smoke—you need carefully selected chips that release good flavors.”

Using random wood chips wouldn’t produce this refined flavor. Each ingredient needs the right chips, and combining them brings out complex flavors and umami.

“Are these the chips? Dried bark?”

“Exactly. These are made from apple wood.”

I showed him the bag of chips, and he sniffed them with interest—like a dog, almost.

Once he was satisfied, I retrieved the bag.

“Can I try the others too?”

“Bring a plate. Once you serve it, go back to your place.”

“Thanks!”

Eight thanked me and quickly ran back to his tent, returning not only with a plate but also a bottle of wine.

“It’s a thank-you for feeding me something delicious. I’ll pour you some in a cup.”

“Much obliged.”

Though he kept unusually close, he seemed to have manners.

I handed him a cup, and Eight poured red wine from the bottle.

I glanced at the label and was surprised by the brand.

“…That’s wine from Cerberos?”

A rare wine from the famous Cerberos region. Grapes grown in nutrient-rich soil, made using a special method, with only a hundred bottles distributed per year.

Its taste was exquisite, sought after by royalty and high-ranking nobles, making it nearly impossible for middle or lower-class people to obtain—even with money.

“Oh, you know it? Then you must really like wine. Savor it—it’s rare.”

Eight’s smile was genuine, proud of the fine item he wanted to show off.

After pouring the wine, he lightly wiped the bottle and closed the lid, moving with the smoothness of a high-class waiter.

Even in my previous life’s camping experiences, solo campers would exchange food in this way.

Give good for good—that spirit is admirable.

I received the plate from Eight and arranged all the ingredients—cheese, eggs, bacon, nuts, and peanuts.

He happily took it and returned to his chair.

He wasn’t a bad guy, but I wanted to enjoy my meal alone as intended.

“Let’s start with the Cerberos wine.”

Since it was such a rare gift, I wanted to savor its pure taste before the other foods dulled my palate.

I enjoyed the rich aroma and took a sip.

The concentrated grape flavor was supported by a refreshing mineral note.

“As expected… it’s delicious. But it might pair better with meat or cheese.”

I decided that such a concentrated flavor needed a hearty food to complement it.

I tested it with smoked bacon, piercing it with a skewer and taking a bite.

The bacon was well-seasoned and fatty, and combined with the smoky flavor, it was irresistible.

The bacon’s juiciness danced in my mouth, releasing its full umami.

I followed it with the Cerberos wine.

The wine’s fruitiness enhanced the meat’s flavor, highlighted the smokiness, and its tannins and acidity balanced the overall taste.

“Perfect match,” I confirmed.

I marveled at the wine while Eight across from me was flailing his legs, likely realizing the wine and smoked food combination too.

He was oddly noticeable, but I focused on my own enjoyment.

I moved on to the cheese.

The market cheese had hardened slightly from the smoking process, taking on a richer yellow hue.

Piercing a piece with a skewer, I tasted it.

Ordinary market cheese had transformed into a rich, flavorful delight thanks to the smoke.

Once again, the Cerberos wine cleansed the lingering richness of the cheese, leaving a smooth yet lingering umami aftertaste.

Next came the seasoned eggs.

Before smoking, they were lightly brown from the sauce, but now fully smoked, their aroma was irresistible.

I bit into one, enjoying the sweet sauce and smoky flavor.

The whites were perfectly tender, and the semi-soft yolk added a rich sweetness.

“…Delicious.”

Previously, the boiling time and seasoning had been off, but this time everything was perfect.

While food at home is good, eating outside enhances the flavor.

Although I usually doubt the “tastes better in large groups” notion, I completely agreed this time.

After finishing the main ingredients, I enjoyed the smoked nuts and peanuts while fishing by the lake.

[Author’s Note]
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