The Pride Of A Cook

Sloda was a wandering nomad. The settlement where he had lived had fallen under the control of a great power, forcing him to drift through various countries until he was eventually hired by Erin’s father, Kansas.

Through his hard work, Sloda became more than just a subordinate; he was even called Kansas’s right-hand man. This was because Kansas utilized Sloda and his people’s travel-hardened experience and knowledge of various countries in their merchant ventures, advising each other until their trading company grew big enough to purchase a noble title.

Although Kansas was assigned to a remote mountainous area far from the capital—which normally had little to offer—its climate was similar to Sloda’s homeland. With Kansas’s permission, Sloda summoned his scattered people there, gaining a peaceful home where they supported each other.

“This is an interesting grain,”

Kansas muttered curiously one day during an inspection, after seeing the rice Sloda’s people had planted. Upon hearing more details, it seemed Kansas had been searching for new food ingredients to bring fresh change to a diet dominated by wheat. Sloda was happy his homeland’s ingredients were being appreciated and felt it would be wonderful to have the proud flavors of his homeland served in shops in the capital, so he agreed to cooperate.

However, the results were disastrous.

At a party Kansas hosted—where nobles were also invited—Sloda poured his heart into making dishes with rice. He selected only the highest-quality grains and carefully adjusted the accompanying side dishes to suit Britannians’ palates, asking many people to taste and advise him.

His friends from the same homeland, his wife, and children all helped as they discussed, “We hope everyone will enjoy this.” But the nobles invited to the party never touched the dishes Sloda confidently served.

They glanced at his food with a bitter smile, then only ate the traditional Britannian dishes before leaving.

And that wasn’t all. Thinking no one was around, they said the following while Sloda happened to be in the restroom:

“Did you see those dishes? To serve something so strange shows a lack of common sense.”

“Ah yes, those weird immigrant dishes. Did he really think proud Britannian nobles would eat that? That’s feed for peasants or livestock.”

“Haha, Kansas is just a man who bought his way into nobility anyway. He’s not like us who were born nobles.”

Hearing them belittle his homeland made Sloda’s blood boil, but he held it back. Nobles had high status in Britannia; if he caused trouble here, it would inconvenience Kansas.

Surely, some nobles would understand someday. With that hope, he continued serving his dishes at each party.

Some did try it, but their stiff expressions made it obvious they only ate because Kansas had asked them. One noble even washed the rice down forcefully with wine; there was no way they could appreciate the taste like that. Thus, Sloda grew to despise nobles and had given up on spreading rice in Britannia.

“Please, Sloda, give me one more chance. Prince Arthur doesn’t have prejudice against commoners; he’ll surely take an interest in your food.”

“Alright. But make this the last time.”

“Of course. I’ll explain the wonders of rice to Prince Arthur myself, so don’t worry.”

Sloda couldn’t refuse Kansas, to whom he owed much. In their planning, they decided to first serve Britannian dishes and later present rice as the highlight.

Perhaps Kansas would tell himself that if Prince Arthur left some food behind, it was just because he was full. And even if Arthur only tasted a little, nobles eager to approach him and commoners interested in his actions might also try rice.

Maybe more people would eat rice than before.

‘But what meaning would that have? I am a cook! What value is there in spreading a dish that no one truly finds delicious?’

Sloda had his pride—both as a cook and as someone who loved his homeland’s cuisine. Kansas had his reasons for wanting rice to spread, but this was one thing Sloda couldn’t yield on. That’s why he ignored the agreed plan and offered Arthur the rice dish directly.

A person’s true nature shows when taken by surprise. That’s why he acted outside the plan.

The result was astonishing. Even though the dish was unfamiliar, Arthur looked at it with curiosity and listened to his explanation.

And above all else—there was that smile he gave.

“Oh, that sounds fun! Let’s dig in right away. I’ll try it with the meat. Kei, what about you?”

“Yes, then I’ll take you up on your offer. I’ll try it with fish.”

With those words, Arthur and his maid began eating the rice. And they truly ate it as if it were delicious.

There wasn’t the slightest hint of mockery like other nobles… nor the fake eating to save face… they truly, genuinely ate as if they found it delicious… Sloda was nearly moved to tears.

Then, when their meal settled down:

“Um… thank you so much for eating our food so delightfully.”

“Ah, it really was delicious. Can this be easily cultivated in Britannia?”

Arthur asked that, and Erin’s eyes sparkled as if struck by realization.

“My, as expected of you, Lord Arthur. You’ve already seen through our intentions, haven’t you?”

Originally, Kansas had invited Arthur to the party to spread rice. Arthur eating it with such relish made the other guests start tasting it as well.

The reason he asked if it could be cultivated clicked immediately. Arthur’s popularity among commoners was rising. People imitate those they admire. If they heard Arthur ate rice, they would also start eating it.

Did Arthur fully understand Kansas and Sloda’s intentions and act accordingly? He must be an incredibly perceptive man.

But just as Sloda began feeling a little down, thinking how sad it would be if Arthur’s enjoyment was an act—

“Rather than difficult talk, aren’t we here today to eat good food? Is there no seconds?”

“Ah, Lord Arthur, you can’t just eat meat. Please eat your vegetables properly. Look, there are still green peppers left.”

“I know, I know… I want to try other combinations too, so tell me your recommendation. Something… that can mask the vegetable taste would be nice…”

As the maid girl scolded Arthur, he rubbed his cheek sheepishly. And in that natural behavior, Sloda became certain. Ah, this person really was enjoying their food.

“Please wait a moment!! I’ll show you the ultimate combination!!”

Sloda’s motivation soared higher than ever before.