Chapter 455 – The Fate of Greenhouses and Rice Fields

“―And so, by trapping heat inside and circulating the air this way, it’s possible to deep-fry certain ingredients using just air and heat without any oil.”

I demonstrated by coating and frying one piece of mammoth meat. The way magic was incorporated into the cooking process seemed to be the novel part. It might make for a good entertainment too.

“I see…”

“Quite impressive…”

Both the Grand Duke and Duke appeared genuinely impressed.

Even though oil has various uses – for lighting, medicine, and other purposes besides cooking – deep-fried dishes that use oil generously inevitably become somewhat luxurious. But with magic tools, all you need are the right tools and suitable ingredients.

“In that case, an airtight form might be best for the ingredients.”

“Making it portable size could be convenient too.”

Alfred and Viola immediately began brainstorming about the shape and other aspects when turning it into a magic tool. If it’s portable, adventurers might be able to easily warm ingredients or cook outdoors without using fire.

I’ll jot down the spell formula later assuming an airtight, portable design. As expected, the Duke seems interested in purchasing and is looking at Alfred with hopeful eyes.

The tasting party had shifted to a relaxed atmosphere with conversation over meals, so I returned to the table and, finding the right moment, decided to tell Elliot and Forset about the Glacial Forest.

“About the new labyrinth section―”

When I explained the general situation of the Glacial Forest including the geyser traps and monsters that appear, Elliot and Forset nodded with serious expressions.

“Now that our proficiency with aerial combat gear has improved, getting accustomed to cold regions might be good.”

“Having many monsters could also serve as practical training for group battles. And since there are no walls, we should be able to bring wyverns and earth dragons.”

When I responded to Elliot like that, he nodded quietly.

“Sion and I aren’t familiar with snow and ice either, so this might be perfect. It snows in Termwills from now on, right?”

“Yes. We can’t always rely on aerial movement, so getting used to operating on snow and ice shouldn’t be wasted effort. Based on my impression of fighting monsters in the Glacial Forest, I believe the Demon-Slaying Knight Order and Forset-san’s group should be able to fight effectively while managing the risks.”

The appearance of Guardians could be considered an uncertain factor, but it should be within the range that Elliot, Forset, Sion and the others can handle.

While there are powerful individuals like Alpha… according to Claudia, the original Werewolf seems to be among the stronger categories even within Guardians.

This is apparently because the Full Moon Labyrinth holds a special position, and Guardians that might appear in other locations are considerably weaker compared to Alpha, so they should be manageable too.

Given that labyrinth combat would help improve their skills, actively incorporating it into training would be beneficial. Neither of the two seemed to have objections, so we concluded with conducting training in the labyrinth.

Eventually the tasting party came to an end. For King Melvin and others who couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts today, I’ll deliver mammoth meat dishes later. Since I can cook using magic, I can deliver freshly fried food by cooking on the spot.

“The tasting party seemed quite well-received.”

The next day―. I visited the Royal Castle, partly for discussions related to the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s labyrinth training, and was shown to the salon in the King’s Tower where King Melvin welcomed me.

“Thank you. Regarding the exploration of the new labyrinth section, we’ve agreed to work with the Adventurer Guild on warnings and other measures.”

“Well done. I’ve heard various things from Josiah and Stephania too. Seems you showed them something novel again.”

King Melvin grinned cheerfully.

“While it was a type of cooking that didn’t exist before… using magic for cooking seemed to be the innovative part. As for the ingredients, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve brought them with me.”

“Hmm. I’ll look forward to enjoying that later. So this is about approval for the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s labyrinth training? We should get that discussion settled first.”

It was a bit early for lunch. While I had brought mammoth soldier meat and other items, it was still somewhat early for cooking. As King Melvin said, discussing various matters first would bring us to just the right time.

“Yes. Based on my assessment, considering the quality and quantity of monsters in the new section and the Demon-Slaying Knight Order’s capabilities, I believe it would make for good training.”

“Hmm. Then I’ll grant permission for that. We’ve been preparing cold-weather gear for Beriondora’s investigation anyway. Getting feedback on its performance would be perfect timing.”

Cold-weather gear, huh. Certainly better to identify shortcomings there than having them appear in the field. Since it’s a forest location, we might also be able to train on camping methods on frozen ground.

“Understood. Another matter – about the greenhouse and rice paddies we discussed previously.”

“Ah yes. That was about growing new crops.”

“Yes. For rice paddies, outdoor cultivation involves factors like seasons and climate, so I’m thinking of first creating small-scale rice paddies underground and building an environment similar to Halvaronis’s.”

Doing it normally would mean starting next season, and underground would make better use of the knowledge that Forset and the others possess. It should work well as an experimental facility.

The preferred approach would be to establish the production environment there first, then have King Melvin and Chancellor Howard taste the results, discuss the usefulness like yield per area, and then proceed with outdoor cultivation.

Rice paddies do require fairly large areas after all.

“In that case… it would be difficult within the city, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right. Due to the sewer systems, large-scale implementation within Termwills town proper wouldn’t be possible.”

“Then how about building them around the Fire Spirit Hot Spring along with the greenhouse? There should still be vacant land around the ritual site.”

“I see. That would make securing water sources easier too.”

Hmm… So the location is decided then.

Fire Spirit Hot Spring… especially near the ritual site, that should activate the power of Floria the Dryad, and the water quality should suit the Noble Leafs well too.

The hot spring steam could be utilized for temperature control in the greenhouse, security around the ritual site is adequate… it’s more than killing two birds with one stone – everything seems conveniently arranged.

Since I already have all the materials for building the greenhouse, temperature control magic tools, and everything else, I’ll first survey the area around the ritual site, find a suitable location, and then proceed with construction. Depending on the situation, expansion might be possible too.

“Then I’ll go check out the hot spring town this afternoon.”

“Hmm.”

Depending on the situation, I might be able to proceed directly with magic construction.

Well… I’ve settled various matters with King Melvin, but before surveying the hot spring town, I should proceed as planned with the mammoth cutlet cooking demonstration. While I’ve given mammoth meat to the palace chefs and it will probably be served at dinner tonight, I doubt cutlets will be among them.

“May I borrow the kitchen?”

“Of course. The palace chefs seem quite interested in magic-based cooking too. Especially if it can be turned into magic tools and incorporated into Royal Castle cuisine.”

…So that’s how things have developed. Somehow, the Royal Castle chefs seem rather open-minded, or rather, enthusiastic about developing new dishes.

Well, I suspect this open-minded character is precisely because of King Melvin’s personnel choices.

“I must admit I feel somewhat hesitant demonstrating in front of professionals.”

“I think it’s fine. That very fact might stimulate their motivation.”

I see. Precisely because I’m not a professional, the chefs might be more accepting too.

Stimulating motivation, huh. If the Royal Castle chefs develop new dishes and seasonings because of this, I’ll get to enjoy them later too, so it might be mutually beneficial.

Well… For cutlets to be eaten as a main dish, putting them in bread would probably be best. In other words, cutlet sandwiches. I’ve prepared all the ingredients, so I’ll cook them right away and have everyone try them.