Chapter 134 - Strange excitement
Translator: Yonnee
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Hans readily accepted Mark's request, driven by curiosity about the new dish. I couldn't contain my anticipation either, and I stayed at the dining hall the whole time.
Sitting with my mother, we eagerly awaited the arrival of the food.
Oh my goodness. I couldn't help but marvel at the fact that they would consider making tteokbokki from rice. I was genuinely curious about how they made it. After all, tteokbokki was a dish you could enjoy more than once.
Maybe I should ask about it later? I contemplated this while the food was served. Rice cakes, onions, boiled eggs and the red sauce. Alongside, there were deep-fried vegetables drizzled in a sauce.
"Wow..."
I couldn't help but exclaim in awe. The presentation on the elegant plate felt somewhat foreign. Well, this wasn't Korea, so tteokbokki, which could be enjoyed inexpensively back home, might not be the same here.
"It looks similar to something I had last time, called 'dak-bokkeumtang', or braised spicy chicken."
My mom also expressed interest. I picked up a chewy piece of rice cake and took a bite.
"Mmm, it's delicious."
It truly was delicious, almost overwhelmingly so.
"The texture is unique."
Indeed, the texture of rice cakes might be unfamiliar to people from the empire. As I cut a boiled egg in half, the slightly runny yolk looked enticing.
I poured tteokbokki sauce over it and took a bite. A smile involuntarily graced my lips.
"It seems our daughter enjoys eating her eggs this way. I should try it too, dear."
"Here, try the fried vegetables with a bit of sauce, Mom."
As I instructed my mother on how to eat, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of appreciation. Sharing a meal of my favorite dish with my mother... It made me exceptionally happy.
Mark came out of the kitchen and inquired about various things.
"Is it not too spicy for you?"
"No, it's just right for me."
"It's slightly spicy, which makes it even more appealing..."
Though Mom was trying this dish for the first time, it seemed to have suited her taste well. This made me feel even happier.
"You seem to enjoy spicy food, Madam and Milady. I thought I had gotten used to eating spicy food while learning the recipe from His Grace. What do you think?"
Mark elaborated on the ingredients and then asked us.
"Then, shall I prepare the dessert?" Mark inquired.
"Yes, please."
"Of course. I'll have it ready soon."
I was also looking forward to the patbingsu. I wondered where they even got the red beans for it.
It probably came from the Yuria Kingdom, but when I thought about how red bean paste was usually made, Mark's culinary skills impressed me.
To execute Korean cuisine, so different from Imperial dishes, so perfectly-it's nothing but impressive.
Mark entered the dining hall while pushing a trolley over to us. On it sat beautiful bowls. They were filled with a mound of shaved ice topped generously with red bean paste. Chopped fruit surrounded the red bean paste.
"This is His Grace the Duke's creation, patbingsu. When you eat it, make sure to scoop up some sugar and the toppings in the center."
"It's a dessert I've never seen before."
Mom exclaimed and lifted her spoon. I, too, eagerly grabbed my spoon and took a bite.
"Ahh..."
The chilled, sweet red bean paste was fantastic. It was a perfect taste for a hot summer day like today.
I devoured it without a care for dining etiquette, and the bottom of the bowl was exposed in no time.
Mark, who had been observing us closely, subtly made a comment,
"His Grace has expressed that he would have the ingredients ready anytime Her Ladyship craves for the dishes. He also requested that House Closch's chef be given the recipe."
"My word, the Duke is truly considerate."
Mom spoke with a burst of admiration, and Mark replied with a pleased expression.
"Milord holds deep regard for Her Ladyship."
"I was well aware, but... I hadn't realized just how romantic he could be," Mom responded.
The flow of the conversation had subtly shifted. I exchanged an awkward glance with Mom, knowing her usual reactions, but she was too absorbed in her conversation with Mark to notice.
"If the Baroness allows it, I'd like to demonstrate the cooking method to the chef here. Please allow me your permission."
"Oh, I think that's a good idea, isn't it? Hans seems to want that as well..."
It wasn't until later that I noticed Hans, who rarely left the kitchen, was in the dining room. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
They say memories become more beautiful as time passes. But I had been too busy to properly reflect on the past.
I felt grateful to Ciel for bringing back those precious memories.
* * *
We had tteokbokki and patbingsu later at dinner as well. Hans wanted to make it, and Dad and David were curious.
"Mmm! This tastes great. I've never had anything like this in the Yuria Kingdom. How did the Duke even know about this kind of food?" Dad asked.
"Yeah, it's a unique taste, but it sticks to your mouth," David chimed in.
Eating tteokbokki after so long made me feel like I could have it twice a day. I nodded in agreement as I munched on it.
