Ignismens (Month 7) 15, 1617 Central Calendar
Le Brias, Altaras Kingdom
The second stop for this year's summer vacation group was none other than Altaras Kingdom, one of the four island nations located at the southern fringe of the Third Civilization Area, spread between Philades and Rodenius Continents. In recent years, the Holy Milishial Empire's so-called Island Chain Strategic Diplomacy to contain Parpaldia's military adventurism had attracted a surge of foreign investment and rapid development, transforming Altaras into one of the rising "Pearls of the Orient." For several members of the group, this trip also marked their first experience setting foot in a foreign land.
Finding themselves at a nice seaside restaurant, the boys and girls were seated at a round table, and after a while waiting, a group of people arrived and presented the menu.
"Thank you for waiting."
With that brief announcement, the meal began to materialize. What had been a lengthy list on paper was swiftly turned into reality as dish after dish was brought out, until the tabletop was nearly overwhelmed by the sheer variety of dishes. Simply looking at the spread was enough to stir their appetites, feeling as though the sea had been emptied straight onto their plates.
Whole fish arrived split and laid flat, their flesh pale and tender beneath a sheen of oil, accompanied by sauces sharp with acidity and depth rather than heat. Shellfish appeared in generous mounds, cooked just enough to hold their sweetness, some bathed in broths enriched by slow-simmered vegetables and herbs, others lightly charred so that the edges carried a hint of smoke. There were also smaller offerings, pieces of seafood preserved or cured, served cool to contrast the warmer plates.
Walman stared at the table for a moment, then blurted out the obvious.
"...It's all seafood!"
"Brilliant observation."
"They look appetizing," Kaios said from beside him, nodding eagerly as he swallowed in anticipation.
"I'm starting with that one!"
Being the native Altaran among them, Irmiya Mephilas didn't waste a moment. He pointed decisively at one of the dishes.
When the lid he selected was lifted, it revealed rice stained a rich brown from slow-cooked onions and fish stock. Resting atop it were thick slices of white fish, seared until lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender and flaky within. The aroma was gentle but deep, where caramelized onions, bay, and spices leaned earthy rather than sharp. Toasted nuts were scattered across the rice for texture, and a small bowl of tangy sauce sat to the side, ready to cut through the richness.
Irmiya scooped up a mouthful without ceremony, fish and rice together, steam still rising faintly from the plate.
"...Mmh—! Man, this is good!" he beamed, shoulders tensing for half a second before he continued. "This is so good already!"
"Tastes like home, huh?"
"Myeah!"
Responding to Walman's offhand comment, he nodded vigorously.
Irmiya's enthusiasm was the spark they needed. Suddenly, the table erupted into a flurry of activity as hands and voices rose together.
Annette Pendragon, meanwhile, had been drawn to a dish of spiced prawns resting on a bed of couscous tinged golden with saffron and studded with chickpeas and dried apricots. The aroma was a warm blend of cumin, coriander, and smoky paprika. She carefully lifted one of the prawns, its shell glistening with a glaze of harissa and honey, and took a thoughtful bite. It was indeed exquisite. The sweetness of the shellfish and honey melded with the deep, earthy heat of the spices, a perfect contrast to the fluffy, savory couscous.
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Just A Reincarnation Story (Summoning Japan Edition)
Fanfiction"Unacceptable. If there's one thing that a conveniently appearing overpowered entity in this world has shown us, is that we are seen as weak and hopeless. I find that previous life's terms unacceptable. I want a better world. With these hands, I dar...
