Matthew, having finished his trading journey, returned to the town of Shelland, unloaded his goods, and headed straight for his favorite restaurant, ‘Rocinante’.
As he opened the door, the attached bell jingled cheerfully.
“Excuse me.”
“Welcome… Oh, it’s Matthew! I heard the caravan had arrived, so I thought you must have returned too! Has it been about six months?”
Matthew’s old friend, the owner, Laurent, greeted him warmly.
“Yes. Business in the capital kept me busy. While working, snow fell and blocked the roads, so it was quite difficult.”
“I was worried because you didn’t come back during winter. Haven’t you lost a bit of weight? Are you eating properly?”
Matthew, though slimmer than Laurent, was taller. His calm expression and plain outfit, consisting of a white tunic and dark brown trousers, gave him a modest appearance. Despite not looking particularly active, he was actually a dynamic and outgoing man who traveled anywhere with just a black bag.
“I’m eating well. One of the perks of this job is enjoying various towns’ food and drinks.”
“That’s enviable.”
“However… there aren’t many towns that put as much effort into their cuisine as this one.”
Matthew, while based in the town of Shelland, conducted business by traveling to various towns or even outside the country.
The territory of the Dailan Magocracy was vast. Over the past twenty years, it had expanded rapidly through successive victories. However, many recently conquered areas were still unstable, requiring keen intuition and talent to trade between various towns. Matthew was a valuable merchant with such abilities.
Today, Matthew had just returned to Shelland, bringing various goods from afar, centered around the capital. On such days, it was his habit to enjoy the local flavors at his friend’s restaurant.
“Hah, when it comes to gourmet food, no other town can beat us. So, how was this trip?”
“It was troublesome. Both the capital and the port towns had a tense atmosphere. The checkpoints were stricter than usual, causing long delays… I had to camp outside the checkpoint, and my body aches.”
Shrugging his shoulders wearily, Matthew hung his coat on a hanger.
He sat at the counter, looking evidently tired.
“A war?”
“There’s no country on Argenes Island that can stand up to Dailan now. They’re probably wary of rebellions and revolutions… Though, I don’t think anyone can defeat the current king.”
“It’s a sad situation. There must be survivors from the defeated countries too.”
“Well, let’s not talk about depressing matters. I’ve brought back various spices and dried goods. You’ll be surprised.”
“That sounds exciting. But first, have some food.”
A light green soup was placed in front of Matthew.
“It’s asparagus and bean potage. The main course will be ready soon.”
Matthew took a delighted sip.
His tired face brightened up.
“Tasty indeed. Usually, hometown cooking tends to feel rustic, but that’s not the case at all.”
“Of course. My mentor was amazing.”
“Mentor… You didn’t work at that secret restaurant, did you?”
Matthew’s surprised face made Laurent look even more confident.
“He’s my mentor in spirit. I was greatly influenced. Every chef who’s been to that restaurant feels the same way.”
“Indeed, that taste was truly unparalleled.”
“Even though it’s been over ten years since that restaurant suddenly disappeared, I can’t forget it. I wonder what that person is doing now… Have you heard anything about them on your travels?”
“No, I haven’t seen anyone resembling them. In fact, I haven’t even encountered dishes like those served at that restaurant.”
“It really was mysterious.”
Amid the nostalgic atmosphere, a boy brought the food.
“Here you go. Roasted pork with vinegar sauce.”
“You’re Mars, right? You’ve grown up so much!”
“Thank you.”
Mars blushed and bowed slightly.
Matthew watched Mars’s back as he returned to the kitchen, feeling deeply moved.
“He’s grown up wonderfully. He’s still a student, right?”
“He’s just gotten taller; inside, he’s still a child. He insists on helping with work instead of playing.”
“I’m looking forward to his future. By the way, how’s your younger child doing?”
“Well… more than just healthy, she’s overly energetic.”
Laurent gave a wry smile.
Matthew felt puzzled. He knew Laurent had always been a doting father, cherishing his younger daughter as if she were the apple of his eye.
“Did you have a fight?”
“Well, something like that. She apparently went into the forest outside town on her own, so I scolded her.”
Seeing Laurent’s bitter face, Matthew tried to comfort him.
“That was certainly the right thing to do. She’s not even ten yet, right?”
“Matthew… you can keep a secret, can’t you?”
“What’s this about? Sounds serious.”
Matthew laughed, but Laurent’s face remained serious.
Matthew cleared his throat and waited for Laurent to speak.
“What I’m about to say might just be my imagination, and even if it’s not, it’s not something to talk about carelessly. So, don’t tell anyone.”
“I understand. I swear on my dead father. I’ll keep the secret.”
“There might be a new master in the Temptation Forest.”
“What!?”
Matthew nearly stood up in shock.
“Calm down. It’s not certain yet.”
“…Sorry. Please continue.”
“My daughter was playing with her friends in that forest and apparently collapsed or something. There was a beautiful woman in the forest who took care of her… it seems.”
“A woman, not a man?”
“Yes, a woman with orange hair, wearing strange clothes. The hair color is the same as that person’s.”
“Do you think she could be a family member or someone related to that person? Orange hair isn’t that uncommon, is it?”
“It’s not just that. She knew the recipe for the pudding that person made. She might be that person’s apprentice or family.”
Matthew swallowed hard.
In this town of Shelland, there’s a rumor known to only a few generations.
It’s about the ‘Secret Restaurant.’
A mysterious place that doesn’t belong to any country, offering wonderful cuisine deep in the forest.
It’s not just about enjoying the taste.
The flowers, paintings, furnishings, everything was beautiful, and the music played was top-notch.
One could enjoy luxuries even royalty couldn’t.
But even royalty couldn’t enter freely.
You couldn’t get an invitation unless the restaurant’s owner approved.
“Back then, we were still children and couldn’t drink alcohol.”
Matthew and Laurent knew this wasn’t just a rumor; it was a fact.
Both of them had been invited to the restaurant once.
When they were children, Matthew, Laurent, and another friend who wasn’t there had once performed a simple good deed by taking an ill elderly person to the doctor. The mansion’s owner praised them with, “You kids are great! Alright, I’ll give you a reward!” and gave them an invitation.
“I remember it was summer. After enjoying the meal, we were served chilled tea and pudding. It was delicious…”
Though it was scorching hot outside, a cool breeze inexplicably flowed inside the restaurant.
Matthew nostalgically remembered the taste of the tea they drank while admiring the beautiful garden.
He felt an unusual excitement, thinking this must be what adult pleasures were like.
