Part 1
And so, we decided to head to the Wu clans main house.
I was happy about reaching a conclusion, but this also created so problems. The next morning, Rie Wu appeared before us as promised which made realize the problems.
After completing our work at the water source, Rie Wu ca over when I was at ho maintaining my blade. When I told her about agreeing to help, she shouted Thank you!. Her smiling face made other people around her blissful too.
She then told :
In that case, co over to my place before sunset! I will prepare the ingredients.
I tilted my head confusedly.
What ingredients are you talking about? I plan to cook in this house, then deliver the finished product to your place.
You cant do that! The food you cooked here can only be eaten here!
I didnt really get it, and after further questioning, I realized this was a rule in Forests Edge.
The actual explanation was:
The one cooking and the ones eating must enjoy the sa al in the sa place.
Simply put, this was an order to prevent others from making food harmful to the body.
I dont really get it, but I just need to cook the al at your place, and dine at the sa place as Grandma Jiba Wu right?
Heading to an unfamiliar place to cook was a little pressuring, but I wouldnt back down because of such trivial matters.
However, the real problem ca right after that.
Yes, but you wont just be cooking Grandma Jibas share. My family is large and it will be tough, but I will work hard together with you.
Ehh? I wont just be cooking for Grandma, but everyone else too?
Yes, because we will be entrusting the hearth to you. Isnt that so?
Is that so?
Yes it is! Asuta, youre really weird.
Even a child 7 or 8 years old thinks Im weird.
Spare , Im still learning the rules of Forests Edge.
I understand. I just need to prepare everyones share, right? Im willing to cook for everyone. The more people who eats my cooking, the more driven I would be How many people are there in the Wu family?
Hmm Rie Wu started counting her fingers.
When she counted all ten fingers, I couldnt help retorting in my heart.
Hmm, including , there are thirteen!
T-Thirteen!? What a large family.
Ah, but Kota Wu is just one year old, and can only drink milk. So you just need to prepare food for the twelve of us. The won who are supposed to caretake the hearth will help you too!
Twelve huh such a number wont be a problem for . Can I cook the sa dish as yesterday for everyone?
Yes of course! Im looking forward to it too!
I see. But I dont think I can solve the issue by cooking for Grandma just once. I need to hold a lecture for the Wu clan won to learn how to cook those dishes, then I can rest easy...
What is a lecture?
What I an is, I cant use the stove at your place every day, right? So from tomorrow onwards, you all will cook the delicious food for Grandma.
Ehh? I can make such delicious food too?
The temperature for that dish yesterday is a bit hard to control Ah, by the way, you have 13 people in your family, so theres more than one pot, right?
Pots? Our house have 4 pots.
Four!? Thats great!
In the end, I beca excited.
Using four pots to cook for a dozen people No, including and Ai Fa, it would be 14.
My adversary was an elderly person without teeth, and the people in the settlent who bore hostility towards because Im an outsider.
This developnt spurred my spirit as a chef instead.
I understand. I will prepare the kiba at here, can you prepare enough poitan and aria for everyone? And also rock salt and fruit wine.
Ehh? We have plenty of at at my place.
The at is the key. If there is a chance, I want to teach you the right way to slaughter that would make the at taste good.
I started thinking about the dishes in my mind.
Rie Wu then walked towards , and tugged the corner of my shirt a little hesitantly.
Asuta, Im really grateful. Now, Grandma Jiba wont cry about wanting to die Thank you for accepting such a difficult task.
Dont cry. Dummy, we dont know if we can solve the problem yet.
Dont say that! It will be fine! The food you cooked tastes really good!
Rie Wu then turned towards Ai Fa who had been working on her blade in a corner of the house.
Ai Fa, thank you too. When Grandma Jiba gets better, lets play together again. Im going off first, see you in the evening!
Ah, my dish would require so ti to prepare, can I intrude on your place before sunset?
After I replied on behalf of the silent Ai Fa, Rie Wu said Yes! I got it!, showed us a brilliant smile and left.
Really, in a sense, she was full of life just like Ai Fa. I raised the corners of my lips.
Why are you smiling by yourself. What a disgusting man.
Ohh! Ai Fa! Youre finally willing to speak with ! Although what you said was rather rude, but I feel relieved now.
Shut up.
Ai Fa sat with her back to the wall and didnt even look at . She had a serious face as usual as she inspected the knife that had a silver glint.
However, I got to see her weak side yesterday and she must be feeling really troubled. I could tell how she feels very easily.
But to think we have to dine with them too. Ai Fa you knew that from the start, right?
Of course. Thats what entrusting the hearth to you ans.
Yes. The denizens of Forests Edge thinks that caretaking the hearth was a job that required responsibility. I think this was a great rule.
But in that case, we will need to face Rie Wus father Ai Fa, you will co with , right?
Are you retarded? You dont even know the rules of this world, how can I let you go to another house alone!?
She roared and glared at my feet.
If you dont plan to cut off ties with , then of course I will accompany you.
Thats true. If I went alone, I will be scared. Its great that you can accompany .
I walked a few steps towards Ai Fa and sat down. I kept so distance away from her, just out of arms reach.
Ai Fa didnt avert her eyes. She was looking at my feet just now, but has shifted her gaze to my chest now.
I put my hands on the ground and lowered my body in an attempt to et her gaze. Not only didnt it work, she turned the point of her knife my way.
Sorry, I was just kidding around.
Can the Wu clan really entrust their hearth to a man like you?
She looked at after keeping her knife.
Frankly speaking, this was the first ti Ai Fa looked in the eye properly after I woke up today.
Her sensitive cheeks blushed again, but she didnt hold back and said to in a rough tone:
Entrusting ones hearth to another is equivalent to putting the lives of their family in your hands. If soone from the Wu clan fell ill after eating your food, they wont let us off so easily. They might cut off our ears, pull out all our teeth or banish us from Forests Edge!
Ehh, working the stove is so important but you gave the job so easily.
I dont care about such an archaic custom! But many people in Forests Edge still hold such an opinion!
I know, who do you think I am, I wont let them get food poisoning.
You are just a seventeen year old apprentice chef, right? I was hoping Ai Fa would retort like that, but she just pursed her pink lips shut and fell into silence.
Her cheeks were tinted red, like a kid who didnt want to admit her loss.
But this was just like her.
The sullen Ai Fa last night was completely unlike the usual her. But she was cuter the way she was now.
After a short silence, Ai Fa said: Im telling you to not let down your guard.
I know how good your cooking skills are. If its you, then you should be of help to Rie Wu and Jiba Wu. But you have to watch your steps.
Uwah I feel so moved.
I want to go near her and hold her hand. But with how she was right now, she might really kill if I did that. So I decided to restrain myself.
Since you already said that, there wouldnt be a problem. Dont worry, I swear on what little honour I have that I will help Rie Wu.
And I have another reason now, which was For the sake of Ai Fa.
In order to help Rie Wu and Jiba Wu whom Ai Fa treasures, I will pick up my kitchen knife and fight hard.
Under such conditions, how could I be careless or arrogant?
I felt my body filled with hype and fighting spirit as I looked at Ai Fa who still had an unhappy face.
I will definitely complete this job properly.
For the person I respect the most in this different world.
Part 2
Oh So this is the Wu clans courtyard.
I said in awe.
It took about an hour to walk from the Fa house to the Wu clan. From the position of the sun, it was located so distance to the south of Fa house.
The Wu clan didnt have any building that was larger than the others. In place of that was many buildings in close proximity of each other. After coming to this world, this was the first ti I saw such a sight.
Although these buildings had ample space and there was quite so distance between them, their difference from other residence was clear at a glance.
In the center of the buildings were a flat brown plaza, about half the size of a field found in schools. Seven wooden houses were built at its edges, surrounding it.
All the buildings were about twice as large as Ai Fas house.
But even for a family of thirteen, they didnt need so many rooms As I tilted my head in confusion, Ai Fa explained to as she held the 5kg of kiba thigh at wrapped in fake rubber leaves carefully:
The head of the clan would inherit the main house, if the brothers of clan head is to wed, they would build a new house near the main house. Several of them are the residence of the clan heads brothers.
I was also carrying 5kg of Chuck Flap in my arms, and answered with a nod: I see.
Why is there a plaza in the middle? It looks big enough to hold a sports et.
Sports et? This space is for celebrations or funerals. If everyone related to the Wu clan are to gather here, there would probably be more than a hundred people.
Of the 500 denizens in Forests Edge, a fifth of them were related to the Wu clan.
But thinking about it the other way, there were just 500 people in this settlent. If outsiders didnt co in, the village would be filled with ones relatives in no ti.
Enough talk. Lets go.
Ai Fa said and started walking forth. I chased after her and entered the plaza.
When we reached the center of the plaza, a tiny figure appeared from the back of the house right in the center, and ran towards us.
Ai Fa! Asuta! Welco to the Wu clan! You are here really early.
That figure was of course, Rie Wu.
By the way, the ti was right between noon and evening.
I felt it was about 3pm in the afternoon.
Are we too early? I wanted to have more ti to get things done.
No problem! Dear guests, please give your knives for safekeeping!
Ai Fa handed both her blades over silently.
I did not expect that and panicked a little.
Rie Wu, I want to ask. Is it okay for to cook with my own knife?
Hmm? But we have many knives for cutting at at our place too.
But my knife is a bit special.
I drew out the Santoku knife at my waist, as if I was acting in a yakuza film.
But the way, my attire today was a t-shirt with a colourful vest over it. I wore a cloth around my waist, but had white shoes on and a white towel on my head, a mixture of many different elents.
To be honest, the white chef uniform represents the honour of a chef and I very much want to wear it. But I didnt want to dress like a foreigner too much, hence my strange get up.
Rie Wu observed my Santoku knife curiously and said I see, then tilted her head confusedly.
In that case, please give your knife first, I will return it to you at the stove! If you have the knife on you, I cant usher you in!
I sighed and handed over the Santoku knife and my other knife.
One sabre, two knives and the Santoku knife. Rie Wu took the four blades with respect, then turn around.
This way please.
What would happen next? I braced myself and prepare to et the Wu family. A group appeared from both the entrance and the back of the building all of them seed to be frail won.
Oh right. During this ti, all the n would head into the forest.
About six won stood in a line before us. I was surprised, but Ai Fas attitude was calm as usual.
I brought the guests! They are Ai Fa and Asuta from the Fa House!
Six pairs of curious eyes watched us without reservation.
During these five days, the other people all politely ignored my existence, that was why their actions surprised . Not only did they not ignore , they even focused their gazes on .
This was a large family of thirteen, so it wouldnt be strange for more than half the household to be won. But their imposing aura still surprised .
Three of them were married and wore a long dress made from one piece of cloth.
Three of them were unwed, their long hair draped over their shoulders, with two pieces of cloth covering their chest and waist.
One of the married woman was an old lady. But she probably wasnt Grandma Jiba. She was plump and looked energetic. She also had the sll of fats about her.
Another one was a middle aged woman. She should be about my parents age. She looked healthy and robust would be a more appropriate way to describe her. She was also rather tall, and appears to be a strong mother.
And then the other girls were all young.
Two of them looked older than I was. They should be about twenty years old.
One of them wore a long dress and had a really small baby in her arms.
Another one of the girls was about my age, and one more was a bit younger than .
A total of six won.
Including the baby and Rie Wu, there were eight people in total.
This is grandma Ditto Min. Beside her is Mommy Mia Lei. Next is Sati Lei, she is my brother Jizas wife, and the baby is Kota. Over there are my sisters Vena, Leina and Lala!
Hey, if you introduce in one go like that... My heart started racing suddenly.
Hey, did you say Leina?
What?
The girl who was about my age tilted her head confusedly.
She had a head of black hair, which was rare in Forests Edge. Her hair was tied at her left and right shoulders in a low ponytails. She was short and petite, and her innocent face resembles Rie Wu a little And of course, she had brown skin and blue eyes.
Right. What am I thinking?
This girl just happen to share a na with my childhood friend.
But she looked completely different from Reina. Reina was more childish with short hair, and didnt look so prominent. The only thing they had in common was their small stature, their height only reaching my shoulders.
Sorry, its nothing. Because my friend had the sa na as you, so I couldnt help reacting like that.
You know soone who has the sa na as ?
She showed an innocent smile which looked a little like Rie Wus smile.
Ah Her smile was a bit similar to Reina. Reina was more childish than she looked, which also applies to this girl before and Rie Wu.
I am the head of House Fa, Ai Fa. This man is a mber of my house, Asuta. We are here on Rie Wus bequest, to temporarily caretake the Wu clans hearth.
Ai Fa announced in a voice stiffer than usual.
Ai Fa and Asuta from House Fa, we welco you.
The old lady who slled like fats said to us. Her voice was just like her appearance, steady and gentle.
The Wu clan welcos your visit. Lala, safekeep the hunters cape from our guest.
Eh? You want to do it!? The girl who looked the youngest said unhappily.
She was about thirteen or fourteen, and looked as tough as a boy. Although her limbs and body were slim, she was taller than Leina. She had bright vermillion hair just like Rie Wu, and tied her ponytail high on her head. Her eyes were bright blue like an ocean.
This girl nad Lala walked forth reluctantly and received Ai Fas fur cape. Grandma Ditto Min ignored her and smiled gently.
Since you wish to use the stove as soon as possible, we finished our job to extract fats as fast as we could. You can use the room now. Whos scheduled to caretake the hearth today?
Rie, Grandma Ditto Min and Leina sis!
Right. Then Rie, Leina and I will assist you.
Okay, thank you.
This was unexpected.
I had braced myself for my visit into enemy territory, but the people here were how should I say it, warm and rather friendly.
Only that red haired Lala looks a little displeased, everyone else had a smile on their faces. Compared to the people I encountered at the water source and on the road, their attitude was obviously different.
Ai Fa once rejected the demand of their clan head Donda Wu, refusing to marry into the Wu clan. And I was an unknown foreigner (actually from another world). They dont seem to mind us much though.
Well Before we get to work, I want to confirm one thing...
Soone said suddenly with a seductive voice.
It was the young girl who was older than and not carrying a baby.
She tied her brown hair to the right, and because she only covered her breasts and waist with two pieces of cloth, it brings out her sexy curves even more.
Asuta of House Fa You ca from a foreign country, right? But you didnt state your place of birth, is there a reason for that?
No, I have no intention of hiding this.
I already discussed this part with Ai Fa earlier.
I had no way of proving my identity, and what role I should play in my life in this world. As I didnt have much options, the decision was made easily.
The people here seem unfamiliar with my birthplace I ca from a nation called Japan.
Ai Fa and I chose to Tell everything honestly.
Six days ago, I woke up at the foot of Mount Morga. However, I had no idea why I was here. The people here dont know about Japan, and I have never heard of the Amusehorn continent. But we could communicate clearly. Im still confused about this and dont know whats going on.
If I lied, I will be found out one day. And in the off chance that soone in this world had the sa experience as , I would miss the opportunity of learning that.
So I decided to share my experience, and be honest about what I didnt know I only hid one thing. I died, but revived in this world, that would sound too unbelievable.
I see A foreigner who had never heard of Amusehorn...? Why did soone like that appear in the middle of this continent so suddenly?
This sister would pause for a bit in mid sentence, and her misty eyes made her more alluring. However, since she asked this, it ans that she was the most guarded of the group, and has the quickest wit. I made a ntal note of that.
I really have no idea. After eting Ai Fa in the forest, she took care of and even worry for . She says it is too dangerous for to wander around without knowing the rules of Forests Edge.
I see Ai Fa of House Fa, your personality isnt bad I thought youre only interested in hunting kiba like the n...
Her words werent malicious, but her tone had taunting undertones which made Ai Fa stiffen her face.
And of course, Ai Fa didnt reply. This sister looked at Ai Fa with coquettish eyes and laughed softly.
No matter what, Im looking forward to today. And youre here for our precious family grandma Jiba, right? Although father Donda showed an annoyed face after learning that, I welco you very much and is very grateful I really an it...
Eh, you flatter .
I gave a laughable response. When she saw how I was, she put her finger on her full lips and her laughter was like silver bells.
Every move of hers perates a sexy charm, that should be her unique characteristics.
I am Vena Wu, eldest daughter of clan Wu The second daughter is the black haired Leina, the third daughter is the redhead Lala, and the youngest daughter is Rie I will introduce my brothers to you when the n return from the forest...
She then gestured her well proportioned arm towards the older group of won.
This is the wife of the previous family head, Ditto Min, she will assist you later Which ans, she is my grandmother Beside her is my mother, Mia Lei, the wife of the clan head Donda And that is Sati Lei and her child Kota, the spouse of my oldest brother Jiza The person you are helping is my great grandmother Jiba, she is resting in the house right now Ai Fa and Asuta from Fa House, nice to et you...
Part 3
This way please.
The one leading us was the second daughter of the Wu clan, Leina Wu.
Rie Wu entered the house to keep the guests blades. The grandmother Ditto Min still need to clean up for the fats extraction work too. The other won went back to their own work, and they left quickly.
The stove room was situated at the back of the building.
Large houses like this would separate the rooms and kitchen. They erected another building behind the main house that was half its size. There was a stove room, food store and kiba slaughter room.
hmm? Theres stoves over there too?
There were two heavy stone stove beside the building, similar to the one in Ai Fas place.
These two stoves were situated outdoors, and even had a beautiful wooden roof erected over it. The opening of the stoves faced each other, like two faceless monster glaring at each other.
But there wasnt any iron pots on top of the stove.
These stoves are used for grilling at. My father Donda prefers grilled kiba at.
The petite girl who tied her black hair into two low ponytails smiled.
I see! When you grill the kiba, there should be an astonishing amount of smoke. This thing is great. I will use this stove today then.
Eh?? Asuta, do you want to grill kiba at?
I was surprised for so reason and looked into the girls round eyes.
Why was that? When I heard this girl with the sa na as my childhood friend call my na, I felt a little strange.
However, Reina calls Asuta-chan even in high school.
Thats right, I planned to use grilling, it there any problem?
Well, Rie told that the at she ate was very soft. So I thought you would cook a kiba stew...
I see. But I will be grilling the kiba at. You might think my cooking thod is weird, but I will take care of the troubleso steps, I will be counting on you for the other areas.
Okay! To , Grandma Jiba is an irreplaceable family. I am very grateful for your help, Asuta! I will work hard!
This girl was really similar to Rie Wu. She was cheerful, innocent, energetic and had sincere eyes.
Furthermore Although this was unnecessary information, it was clear that she had inherited the sa genes as that sexy eldest sister.
Her arms and thighs were rather thicc, and the curves on her breasts and hips were very feminine. Because she had a slim waist, she didnt look too fat But I didnt know where I should look when I speak with her.
The girls in this settlent were too scantily clad. They seed to think just covering their chest and waist was good enough. And the cloth they wrapped their body in was too thin, making the shape of their body clear at a glance.
And unlike the won I t in the settlent, they would wear accessories.
Bangles made from Krilee fruits seed to be their standard equipnt. Other than that, they would wear shiny silver hair accessories, ear rings, ankle bracelets and
Ah. That necklace.
Huh?
All of you are wearing three tusks or horns on your necklace. Is that so kind of charm?
Yes. Because won cant hunt kiba, the n will gift tusks and horns to us as a blessing for a safe life in Forests Edge.
The necklace swayed before her bold clevage. She held the necklace to her chest and smiled blissfully.
Fathers would gift them to their children, husbands would gift them to their wives. The n wont give an entire set of horns and tusks, holding one back to signify that the kiba wasnt hunted by the won.
I see, what an interesting tradition.
As I was answering Leina Wu, I felt a stabbing pain on the back of my neck. I turned back and found Ai Fa leaning against the wall, staring at us with icy eyes.
I didnt forget about my task at hand. My mistress, I was rely distracted by the outdoor stove.
Erm, there are four stoves, huh? Lets start a fire in one of them.
Alright, please follow .
Leina Wu smiled again and walked towards Ai Fa.
She nodded towards the serious faced Ai Fa, then pulled open the sliding door beside her.
This is the stove room.
I see.
I walked forth as I answered Leina. I wanted to talk to Ai Fa, but my dear mistress averted her face strongly and stepped in before I did.
What was going on? I was confused, but felt that things would beco troubleso.
Leaving that aside, I stepped into the room.
Oh, this is cool.
This room was only 8 tatami big, but it looked vast as there wasnt many items placed inside.
There were four stoves in a cluster right in the middle of the room. A working platform propped up by a log was placed beside each stove, along with a flask full of water. I was impressed.
The floor wasnt covered with rugs. The wooden walls and bare ceiling and beams were similar to Ai Fas place.
However, there were an assortnt of kitchen knives, ladles and stirrers hanging on the walls. The closet that didnt have a door was filled with plates, spoons and other utensils.
This was how a stove room, kitchen and food preparation room should look like.
I could feel my emotions getting hyped.
As I admired these kitchenwares, Leina Wu stood before the stove and showed a carefree smile as she said: Can I start the fire? Pray tell when you are ready. She actually used the term pray tell.
Although she had a pure and innocent personality, she was very elegant.
By the way, they way they start a fire was just like Ai Fa. They would tie a dry leaf called karakara to the tip of a thin stick, then create friction by rubbing it against another firewood. The karakara would then burn like a matchstick.
They would take care not to let the fire go out, and wait for the other firewood to catch fire.
I also tried using this thod to start a fire before, but would fail every two out of three attempts. Leina succeeded in just one try.
Yes, can you help boil half a pot of water? Use strong fire.
Leina Wu acknowledged and started filling up the water.
I could feel soone staring at my back, but I didnt do anything wrong this ti, right?
Okay, Ai Fa, give the kiba at. Miss, can I put the at on that table?
Yes, of course Excuse , you can call Leina.
Yes, you are right. But you have the sa na as soone I know, so it feels weird.
I took the pack of kiba at from Ai Fa, and opened the fake rubber leaves wrapped around the at.
Leina Wu then stood beside , smiling close to my face.
Asuta, that person must be important to you, thats why you cant bring yourself to address with her na.
Thats not it.
If not, then why? I didnt know either.
But, speaking of which Aside from my family, I spent the most ti with Reina. I didnt think of her as a love interest, but the thought that I could never see her again still made my heart ache. That was the type of person she was to .
That was why I didnt want to ntion or hear her na.
I didnt think I should tell this to soone who shared her na.
Huh?
As I was unwrapping the at from the leaf, a small brown hand held my hand.
I was surprised and looked to the side. Leina Wu who was smiling just now looked down, as if she was about to cry.
Im sorry Asuta, I said sothing I shouldnt have. Your eyes look so sad
No! Its nothing! Im really fine! Im just thinking about sothing!
What was going on? I didnt co all the way here to act out a romantic cody drama!
Ara, the back of my head hurts. As if soone stuck a pick made of ice into my brain. To think I could feel a persons gaze so clearly, did I have the talent to be a sword saint?
At this point, I heard a voice behind saying Sorry for the wait, Asuta! Heres your knife!, and soone poking my back, which made scream.
Uwahh!
I thought a certain soone took the kitchen knife on the wall and stabbed .
Rie, dont do that! You cant play with knives!
Eh? Whats the harm, theres a sheath!
I wiped away my cold sweat and grabbed the Santoku knife from Rie Wus fingers.
A-Alright then, I need to cut the at. Can you help take enough poitan for everyone? After the water in the pot boils, help throw them all into the pot.
I got it! Leina sis, lets go to the food store!
Okay.
After the two close sisters left, only and my mistress was left in the stove room.
I patted away the pico leaves stuck to the thigh at, and cut through the surface of the at. I then stole a glance at Ai Fa.
My mistress was leaning against the wall, with her legs crossed and one knee raised high.
Seems like I wont be of any help.
Thats not true! You are my ntal support! I could only focus on cooking because you are sitting there watching over !
Why are you so flustered?
I wasnt flustered. If I was, it must be due to your voice being colder and lower than usual.
However, this was a precious opportunity to talk with Ai Fa in private. Her icy gaze was scary, but I still shared the thoughts I was harbouring in my heart.
The Wu clan is friendlier than expected. I thought they would be a more hot blooded tribe of hunters.
Who knows. Aside from Rie Wu and Jiba Wu, this is the first ti I t them too.
Ah, have you seen their n before?
When Donda Wu ca to my house to propose a marriage, he brought all three sons with him. If you want to et hot blooded people, just wait til evening.
No, I dont really want to
We exchanged just these few words when the two close sisters ca back.
They held sothing like a sieve in their hands which contained a pile of fake potato, which was poitan. Each of the fourteen people need two, so there was 28 in total.
That was why the sisters had another helper. It was the grey haired and plump old lady, Ditto Min Wu.
Sorry for the wait, Im here to help Ara, what a large piece of kiba leg at.
Her face was filled with wrinkles, but she seed well. She turned towards Ai Fa with a smile.
Ai Fa of House Fa, I heard that you watches over the Fa house by yourself. Did you hunt this kiba by yourself?
Yes, thats right.
Her tone might be cold, but Ai Fa still stood up politely and nodded.
Thats really impressive, didnt the Fa house break off all relationships with the other families? I couldnt imagine how a girl like you could defend your own ho without relying on others.
Its not difficult. My father taught how to hunt kiba. He taught the important points on surviving in Forests Edge. I can live on without relying on anyone else.
Live alone and then die alone?
A smile appeared on the old ladys face, as if she had seen through everything.
Ai Fa opened her mouth, but closed it without saying anything.
If a woman is responsible for hunting kiba, she cant bear and raise children, right? Live alone, die alone, and let the Fa house die out Ai Fa of Fa house, are you satisfied about this?
Many houses in Forests Edge died out like this. Not everyone is as powerful as the Wu clan.
What? We arent that capable. Leina, Rie and I cant hunt kiba. No, even those n probably cant hunt kiba by themselves. Speaking of which, there are few who are as capable as you.
Thats
But the Fa house will die out, and the Wu bloodline will carry on, why is that Maybe the Fa bloodline can be passed on too?
What is Grandma Ditto Min talking about?
The bored Rie Wu who was poking the poitan asked with a confused face.
The old lady looked my way and narrowed her eyes happily for so reason.
Rie, you will know after you grow up the water is boiling.
Ah I will put it in!
When mbers of the sa family address each other, they seem to omit the family na. Following Rie Wus energetic announcent, she took a slim kitchen knife from the wall.
She then looked at the boiling pot and tilted her head confusedly.
Isnt there too little water? And you are cooking so many poitan with just one pot?
Yes, this is enough. If you want to eat the poitan you had yesterday, then throw it all in.
Okay!
She took a poitan from the pile, slit on it with a knife, then threw it into the pot. As she was working through the pile, I was almost done with all the thigh at.
I cut off the fats, and prepared to used it to cook. To make it more convenient to make minceat, I cut the red at into adequate sizes. This wouldnt take much ti, the at was just about 5kg.
Grandma Ditto Min turned to and smiled this ti.
Asuta of House Fa, your knifework is more nimble than a womans.
Thats right. Im actually an apprentice chef in the country I was from.
Is that so.
When she heard my reply, Grandma Ditto Min narrowed her eyes.
A woman who hunts kiba partnered with a man who is good at cooking. What an interesting combination. Looks like I shouldnt say too much.
I agree, Grandma Ditto Min, its better to not ddle in others family affairs.
Leina chided her in a childish tone.
This feels rather warming.
But I wasnt too relaxed.
When I turned my heart out of concern for how Ai Fa was faring, the female head of our house just showed a displeased face.
Part 4
Alright then, ti to switch up the mood and focus.
I had been disturbed by the noise around since just now and letting it affect my work a little. This wouldnt do for who was on the lowest rung of the chef hierarchy. Father would never permit to use his Santoku knife while being this flustered.
Cooking poitan this way is simple. If this dish fits Grand elder Jiba Wus taste, then everyone can try making it from tomorrow onwards.
While I was announcing that, the poitan was boiling inside the iron pot. I stirred it with a ladle, careful to not let it burn. The poitan had turned rather gooey at this point.
Sorry, but are you planning to boil it until all the water evaporates?
Leina Wu asked.
When I nodded to affirm that, her big round eyes showed her confusion.
But, wont the poitan turn into a mud-like solid? I think its hard to eat that...
Ehh? Leina Wu, you tried cooking poitan like this before?
Leina Wu showed a surprised expression montarily, then her eyes sparkled.
Yes! I tried many ways to make poitan more palatable, but everyone scolds for wasting food.
For so reasons, she had a blissful smile on her face.
Why would she show such an expression at this juncture? Because I called her by her na for the first ti? No, I need to focus, focus.
Well then, I will leave the poitan to you, Leina Wu It might be rude to ask, but do the people of Forests Edge study cooking thods like this too?
Yes. We feel troubled after Grandma Jibas body beco like this Can I let all the water evaporate?
Yes, be careful not to let it burn.
Okay!
There was still so ti before evening, so lets get the necessary task out of the way before then.
Alright, first, I will prepare the kiba at. The heat for this dish is hard to control. If possible, please rember this, it can be used on other dishes in the future too.
After saying that, I opened the pack of chuck flap.
Rie Wu then uttered: Hmm.
The shape of this at is strange! Is this really kiba at?
Hmm? Whats strange? This is the at from the back and shoulder of a kiba.
Ehh!? I never ate this type of at before!
What? Your family have so many people, dont you bring the entire kiba ho?
We only bring the entire beast back in order to skin them. Asuta, we only eat their hind thigh at.
Grandma Ditto Min replied.
Why? Your family is huge, there shouldnt be enough thigh at, right?
No, the n of Wu clan would hunt two kiba everyday. Even just taking the hind legs would be so much that we have to let so of these at rot.
Two in just one day...
I was shocked.
She was right. If one kiba is about 70kg, then the hind legs alone would be 20kg. Two kiba would be 40kg Which couldnt be consud in one day. Even if you include the parts to be smoked, they would just need one leg.
But I realized one thing. One kibas tusks and horns could only be traded for 10 peoples worth of aria and poitan.
And since the Wu clan had a dozen people (and one baby), hunting one kiba a day wouldnt be enough. There would be extra at, but hunting two kiba would be the appropriate course of action.
And of course, I know that such a system would result in leftover at. It was clear from the food store at my place too.
The kiba Ai Fa hunted six days ago still had about 45kg of at left. After preserving it with pico leaves, it had shrunk to 40kg due to moisture loss. But Ai Fa and I could only eat one kilogram per day. As they could only be preserved for 20 days, I would need to smoke more than half of these at.
And in the anti, Ai Fa also need to hunt one kiba every five days for their tusks and horns. The carcass of the kiba she hunts during this ti would be left in the forest as food for the wildlife there.
Smoking the at I spent so much ti to bleed out was such a waste. That was why I felt rather happy that I could expend 10kg of at in one go However, learning that even such a large family would only eat the kibas thigh at made a little sad.
While I was slicing the chuck flap, I glanced at grandma Ditto Min before who looked really happy.
So after hunting the kiba, you will skin them, cut off their tusks, horns and hind legs, then throw the rest away?
Yes, and to prevent the people of Forests Edge from getting them, we will toss them down the valley. Monta builds their nest at the bottom of the valleys, and will guide the spirit of the kiba back into the forest.
prevent the people of Forests Edge from getting them?
Thats right. If the people who cant hunt kiba finds these at, they will just live on the at cast away by others. Then people without honour will appear in Forests Edge.
So that was the so called honour of Forests Edge.
Being from a different world, I couldnt understand this.
The thing I disagree with the most was how they treat the delicious chuck flap and pork belly like garbage! Maybe my values were a little weird.
If the n of such families get injured or beco too old to hunt kiba, what will happen to them? Im just asking for reference.
If anyone loses their strength, they will have to rely on their family. If their family is unable to render aid, they will need to rely on a more powerful clan. Even if they cant hunt kiba, that person will have the right to eat kiba at if he can assist in other jobs.
I see.
After hearing their explanation, I agreed with their ethical views a little more.
I understand now, thank you After slicing the at like this, we will be mincing them with the knives.
I focused on cooking once again.
This wasnt the ti for to collect information.
We will use a big knife at first, it will be easier that way. Dont use too much force, use the weight of the knife itself to mince the at evenly.
What is that!? It looks interesting! I want to try too!
Hmm? Alright, I can let you handle it if its just mincing at.
There was still a lot of ti left. I could still finish the job for her if need be, so there wasnt any problem. And they would need to do this themselves in the future, so I want to teach them how to cook delicious kiba at as much as possible.
Uwah, its all gooey, so fun!
Rie Wu might sound like she was playing, but the way she handled the kitchen knife wasnt dangerous at all. She might be young, but she was used to helping with house chores.
E-Excuse Asuta, I want to try it too!
And of course the only one who talked to like this was Leina Wu. She turned her head and peeked at my hands as she stirred the poitan juice.
I reserved 7kg of at to make hamburg steak for 14 people. She didnt need to ask so desperately, she could mince as much as she wanted.
Ah, the poitan is almost done. Erm, can we move the iron pot?
If we pass a stick through the pot handles, two people can move the pot together!
Thats great. Well then, Ai Fa
I can move it move it. Leina Wu smiled at with a Krilee stick in hand.
In that case, then Ai Fa and Leina Wu I considered it, but my instincts told that I must not let the two of them work together.
And so, taking care not to get scalded, I picked up the handle on the side of the pot and pass the krilee stick through it. Leina Wu and I took so effort to carry the pot outside.
Ai Fas gaze wasnt as icy as before, but after she spoke with Ditto Min, she turned quiet and her eyes were filled with sorrow.
I really hate seeing Ai Fa looking so depressed.
So, what should we do with this pot of thing?
Ah, we need to put it in a place with plenty of sun and let it dry. Lets sprinkle so water on the outside of the pot to keep the poitan from getting burnt.
Okay!
Although Ai Fa made feel uneasy, the work ethics of the girl nad Leina Wu was worthy of respect. She worked quickly and understand things fast, able to infer further things from my teachings. Rie was this way too, she really wants to learn these skills quickly for the sake of grandma Jiba.
After we brought the poitan outside the room, I let Leina try cutting the at, and she perford even better than Rie Wu. The at was minced so well that I didnt need to mince it any further.
As there were several knives, the 7kg of kiba at was turned into a pink pile in no ti after Ditto Min entered the fray.
They were really an excellent class of students.
Hmm? Asuta! There are more at here! Dont we need to make them gooey too?
Ah, just keep those at like that. I need to use it for other dishes.
Since she had problems with her teeth, I think I should prepare a soup. Aside from the 7kg of at for hamburg steak, I need 3kg of chuck flap for that. When she heard what I said, Rie Wu pouted:
Tch!
I reversed the order, but we will need to deal with the aria next. I also need other ingredients, so Rie Wu, can you bring to the food store?
Yes!
Ahh, can you help start the fire in the other stove? Ai Fa help carry the things.
Ai Fa left the wall lethargically.
We handed the stove over to grandma Ditto Min, and the four of us headed to the food store.
There were three doors in this house, from right to left was the stove room, the food store and the dismbering room.
We opened the center door and stepped inside under Rie Wus lead. I let out a sigh in awe.
I never expected the inside to be such a scene.
It was filled with unfamiliar ingredients.
What are these? This is incredible, its like a treasure trove!
I shouted upon seeing this sight.
Cupboards without any doors lined the space inside this 8 tatami big room. There were pumpkin-like fruits that was as red as a tomato. A green vegetable with leaves arranged like a rose. A mysterious bundle that looked like a coiled snake. Aside from these, there was a green skinned fruit with durian like thorns anyway, it was filled with ingredients that werent aria or poitan.
The familiar pico leaves and lilo leaves hung on the wall. However, there was a plant about two ters tall leaning on the wall, right beside these herbs. It was as thick as a bamboo, and full of wool like a burdock. Sothing that looked like dried yellow persimmon was also hanging on the wall.
I couldnt see any kiba at. There was a door inside the room, that was probably the at store.
The eight tatami wide space was filled with ingredients I had never seen before, it was like a paradise.
Asuta! Here are the arias!
Rie Wu moved quickly between the shelves and ran to the right side of the room.
There was a large number of aria and poitan there.
There are so many vegetables in this world.
World? Yes! If you throw them into the pot, the taste will change too, its interesting! I like Tarapa. Leina likes Tino leaves!
But Rie Wu, humans will be able to live just by eating aria and poitan.
Hmm? Yes, I think thats true! But you will get sick of the taste if you eat the sa thing every day, right?
I see, these ingredients were probably luxury items, only powerful clans could afford them.
No these ingredients should be full of nutrients. Even if they were luxurious food, it also served as proper food and not just for indulgence.
By the way, aside from Rie Wu and Lala Wu, the other won had fleshy bodies and looked very healthy.
Ever since I realized that poitan was a cereal, I thought the only vegetable in this world was aria and was a little depressed. From the looks of things, the won of the Wu clan supplent their nutrients by eating other vegetables.
But In the end, no matter which vegetable, they are just tossed into the kiba pot along with the poitan, right? What a waste.
With so many ingredients, just how sumptuous of a al could be made!? Just thinking about it made tremble from excitent.
If you wished to, you can use any of the ingredients here.
Leina Wu smiled faintly at .
When I heard her say that, I felt tempted, but I still rejected her firmly.
I dont have ti to taste test them. Its a pity, but lets not use these ingredients for now. If I use unfamiliar ingredients and destroy the taste of the dish, then it would be a waste of effort.
I already spent four days to research poitan after all. My honour as a chef and Ai Fas feelings were at stake today, I couldnt take the risk.
Speaking of which I turned towards Ai Fa, and the mistress of my house was glaring fiercely at those things with a cold expression.
Thats right. We need to hunt a kiba every five days to secure the minimum amount of food. Its useless to envy people who are better off than we are.
I grow up in a family that operates an economical restaurant, ingredients like caviar or foie gras. Commoners didnt need to eat such extravagant food. I thought that way to change my mood.
And so, we carried enough aria for fourteen people, pottery bottles of fruit wine and a bag of rock salt and left the food store.
At this mont
They appeared.
What the hell is this? Kiba feces? Dont block the path with that thing!
A hoarse voice ca like thunder from inside the room, which hurts my ear.
A hint of tension flashed across Ai Fas face.
Hmm? Daddy Donda, welco ho! You are back early today!
With a bottle in her arms, Rie Wu ran towards the voice with a cheerful shout.
The mont we stepped out of the food store, four n with intense feral aura appeared before us.
A burly man stood at the very front, looking unhappily at the pot filled with cooked poitan placed along the pathway. That man looked over Rie Wus head and glared at us.
Ho, so youre that outsider at Fa House? Everyone says your skin is white, so youre actually a weak pale skinned brat huh!
The burly man had a face full of beard, even his breathing was like a beast
And that man was of course the head of the Wu clan, the father of Rie Wu and the others, Donda Wu.
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