Menu 27: Crêpe Suzette
The familiar streets of the Baharuth Empire stretched out before us. Behind me, I heard Kawasaki's voice rise in genuine admiration.
"Hoh... this is a completely different vibe from the Kingdom."
He laughed, clearly in high spirits and intrigued by the sights, but I couldn't share his enthusiasm. The two girls trailing behind us were simply too terrifying.
(Try not to let it get to you, okay? They just have... prickly personalities,) Clementine whispered to me as she led the way.
They looked like young girls, but their power was leagues beyond our own. Hearing that they were a type of "god" serving Kawasaki only made us tremble more; it proved Arche's theory was correct. Clementine insisted that Kawasaki was incredibly mild-mannered and that we'd be safe as long as we didn't infuriate him. At this point, we had no choice but to take her at her word.
"Um, Mr. Kawasaki... about that..."
"Don't worry, Arche. I keep my promises," Kawasaki replied. Arche had spoken up hesitantly, and while I winced at her boldness, Kawasaki just gave her a reassuring smile. "But information gathering comes first. Our primary objective takes precedence. Understood?"
Arche had been prone to acting impulsively whenever her sisters were involved, so I was constantly on edge. The condition Kawasaki had laid out for us when we woke up was life-changing.
"Moving to the Kingdom..." I muttered.
"Precisely. Specifically, I want your entire team to relocate to a place called Carne Village."
Initially, our plan was to finish this job, forcibly snatch Arche's sisters, and abandon the Empire forever. We had been worried about where to go, so this offer was a godsend... but it left us with the problem of how to rescue the girls in time.
"Um! Mr. Kawasaki! I have a—"
"Hmph. A mere human, speaking without—"
Biff!
Kawasaki's fist came down on Shalltear's head before she could finish her insult.
"I've told you a dozen times not to talk like that," Kawasaki scolded her. He turned back to Arche with a gentle expression. "You were saying, Arche?"
"M-my two sisters! I want them to move with us... My—my parents are drowning in debt... I've been trying so hard to pay it off, but my earnings aren't enough... If things stay as they are, my sisters... Kuudelika and Ureirika... they'll be sold..."
Arche's voice broke as she pleaded with him to save her family.
"I know I'm in no position to ask for favors," I added, bowing deeply alongside her. "But please."
"Once they are safe, we will follow your every word. Just give us a little time."
"Please!" Roberdyck joined in, his head low.
The pressure radiating from the two girls behind Kawasaki intensified. It was so thick I could barely bring myself to look up.
"Hey, Clementine," Kawasaki said, sounding a bit dejected. "Do I really look that scary?"
"In your human form, maybe a little intimidating. Though I think you look cool," she replied.
"I see..." Kawasaki sighed. Then, he clapped his hands together. "Fine. I'll help you. If you try to do it yourselves, you'll likely be pursued. I have a better idea. I promise to rescue them once my observation of the Empire is complete."
We all looked up, stunned. Kawasaki's expression was serene.
"It seems I have one more favor to ask, then. Arche, your sisters will be the perfect playmates for a young girl in Carne Village named Nemu."
At those kind words, Arche burst into tears. She bowed over and over again, sobbing out her thanks. The rest of us bowed just as low, our hearts overflowing with gratitude.
"You likely have errands to run, so we'll split up for now," Kawasaki announced. "Let's meet up later at a place called the Singing Apple Inn. I can't have you running away or talking about me to the wrong people, so Shalltear will go with you as a... monitor. It's just a precaution. Shalltear, no threatening and no killing. Got it?"
"As you command, I do declare! I shall perform this task perfectly! Come now, move it along, you lot!"
Shalltear barked at us to start walking. We offered a quick "Understood" and parted ways with Kawasaki, heading toward the client who had commissioned our latest job.
+++
I continued my tour of the Imperial Capital with Clementine and Entoma. It really was worlds apart from the Kingdom. The streets were meticulously paved with stone and brick, and the people walking them looked energetic and happy.
"Ugh, Kawasaki... I have something very difficult to say, but I suggest we turn back now," Clementine said.
"Why?"
We had already explored the central plaza to look at ingredients and seasonings. In the northern market, I'd seen various magic items supposedly invented by someone called the "Minotaur Sage." To me, they looked like primitive electric fans and refrigerators. It made me suspect the Sage might be a Player, and I'd developed a sudden interest in the Minotaur nation.
"Well... there's a slave market ahead. I don't think you should see it," Clementine explained.
For a moment, I didn't process what she said. "Slavery? It exists here?"
I felt a cold, sharp chill settle in my mind. Clementine nodded gloomily.
"The Emperor, Jircniv, is incredibly capable. He stripped the titles from incompetent nobles who only held power by birthright. Some of them couldn't let go of their luxury, racked up massive debts, and ended up selling themselves. Since they're technically Imperial citizens, they have some protections, but... there are Elves there too. Honestly, it's not a pleasant sight. I don't want you losing your temper and going on a rampage."
I went silent. Perhaps it was because I was in human form, but I felt much more prone to emotional outbursts than I did as the Cookman. The incident with Brain was proof of that.
"...I guess every country has its darkness," I muttered.
The city looked so clean, yet the society was clearly stuck in the medieval era.
"If it displeases you, Mr. Kawasaki, shall we crush them?" Entoma asked.
"No... not now."
Our goal was information gathering. I had no intention of starting a war with the Baharuth Empire today. I'd just have to count the knowledge of its existence as a win. I left the market with a heavy heart.
"Over there is the Arena," Clementine pointed. "There's a champion called the Warrior King. I heard he's fighting a troll right now. Want to see?"
"No, I'll pass."
I wanted to know about the Empire's current political climate, its legends, and—most importantly as a chef—its unique cuisine. Besides, I suspected the Arena might involve slaves being forced to fight. I had no desire to witness that.
"Ho! Tourists? Or maybe Workers? I've got some prime meat here. Want a bite?"
Near the Arena, a row of food stalls had been set up. A stall owner gave me a broad grin, waving a meat skewer at me. I wasn't really in the mood to eat, but I wanted to know how the Empire seasoned its food.
"Sure. Give me three."
"Coming right up!"
The man laughed with the same friendly energy he'd used to call me over. As I handed him the coins, he paused, looking at my hands.
"Well, blow me down. You're a chef, aren't you? Drat, I should have known better than to try and sell to a pro... Hahaha! You're gonna steal all my secrets!"
"You can tell?" I asked.
The owner laughed again. "Course I can! You think one chef can't recognize the hands of another?"
He was right. I'd seen the callouses on his hands from his knife work; even for a stall owner, he clearly had significant skill.
"Don't you have a restaurant?"
"I do! But when the Arena is active, that's when the real money is. So I set up a stall. Here, dig in!"
I handed one skewer each to Clementine and Entoma and took a bite of my own.
"...Wow! This is delicious," Entoma chirped.
"It really is," Clementine added, looking surprised.
The first thing I noticed was the tenderness, followed by the complex aroma of spices and herbs. The meat had been meticulously prepped. They'd likely used wine in the marinade, and more importantly, they'd used precise scoring to ensure the flavor penetrated deep.
"So? What does the chef from the South think? Pretty good, eh?"
"It's excellent," I admitted. "You've got garlic, and... four, no, five types of herbs I don't recognize. High-quality rock salt, too. And you marinated this for a long time... at least two days, I'd bet."
The owner's eyes went wide, and he let out a boisterous laugh.
"If you can pick it apart that easily, I'm out of a job! Hahaha! Man, I'd love to taste your cooking sometime."
He was a likable guy. He reminded me of the owner of the first restaurant where I'd apprenticed.
"If you're looking for a place to set up shop, head to the central plaza," he advised. "Emperor Jircniv is hosting some kind of festival. If you catch his eye, he might even help you get a license!"
I thanked him and headed toward the plaza.
"Are you going to enter, Mr. Kawasakiiiiii?" Entoma asked.
"If I can. Power players in any era are always hungry for something new."
I figured I'd observe the local chefs and then make something they'd never seen before to grab the Emperor's interest. I didn't actually want to open a shop here, but it seemed like a fun way to gauge the Empire's culinary level.
"You'd definitely win, wouldn't you?" Clementine asked.
"Haha, who knows? I might not even be allowed to enter."
Even if they rejected me, it would be interesting to watch from the sidelines. But when I reached the registration booth...
"Alright, you're all set as 'Sakaki.' Good luck out there!"
...I got in without any trouble at all. I'd used the alias Sakaki, but I was still surprised by how easy it was. Clementine and Entoma moved to the spectator stands. In the center of the plaza, seven makeshift kitchens had been set up, stocked with meat, fish, vegetables, and fruit.
(So that's him...)
I spotted a blonde youth in a shaded pavilion, guarded by four knights. That was the Emperor. Beside him sat an old man who looked every bit the stereotypical wizard. I was glad I was wearing my mana-suppressing gear; according to Arche, that old man could see mana as light.
"I am deeply pleased that so many skilled chefs have gathered to participate," the Emperor announced.
His opening speech was long. I mostly tuned it out. Great men always love the sound of their own voices; it's best to just let it wash over you.
"Now, show me your skill. Amaze me!"
The speech ended, and a gong signaled the start of the event. As the other participants began to scramble, I simply crossed my arms and sat down on a stool.
(Alright, Imperial chefs. Let's see what you've got.)
I decided to watch their techniques first, keeping that talented stall owner in mind.
+++
The Imperial Knights' Perspective
His Majesty was attending this event somewhat reluctantly, but since it was an official Imperial function, he had to participate. As his guards, we—Baziwood Peshmel "the Lightning," Nimble Arc Dale Anoch "the Gale," Leinas Rockbruse "the Heavy Explosion," and Nazami Enek "the Immovable"—were also in attendance. But one participant stood out like a sore thumb.
(A Southerner...?)
He was a large man with black hair and dark eyes. While the others were frantically prepping, he just sat there with his arms crossed, observing his competitors with eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
"Do you really think that man is a chef?" Nimble whispered.
"I can't tell," Baziwood replied. "But if he's here, he must have confidence. If he fails miserably, he'll earn the Emperor's ire, and he'll never work in this city again."
"I suspect he's a former adventurer," Nazami added, staring intently at the man. His stillness was becoming an anomaly that drew the attention of the crowd.
"He certainly looks confident," Leinas noted with interest. Baziwood didn't trust Leinas; she had joined the Knights only in exchange for a curse-breaking item. She lacked loyalty and moved only for profit.
"It's finished!"
The first chef, who had been grilling fish, brought his plate forward. He'd used vegetables to create a colorful presentation, but compared to the palace chefs, it was amateurish. The food tester took a bite and shook his head. The dish never even reached the Emperor, and the chef was escorted away. The next few dishes made it to the Emperor, but he only took a single bite of each. This was an event meant for young chefs to build their reputations, so it wasn't surprising that their skills were unrefined.
Just as the Emperor's expression began to sour, the motionless man finally stood up. He walked to the central table to inspect the ingredients. His movements and the intensity in his eyes were far too serious for a mere cook...
"Strawberries, eggs... flour and white wine," Nimble noted.
"What is he planning?" Baziwood wondered.
The man gathered his supplies—flour for bread, fruit, and wine—and set them on his station. He even brought out some magic items designed by the Minotaur Sage. Once he was ready, he approached the pavilion.
"I have a request," the man said. His voice was deep and heavy, matching his imposing physique. Nazami stepped forward, hand on his sword.
"What is it?"
"Would it be possible to perform the finishing touches in front of Emperor Jircniv?"
The four knights exchanged confused glances. Baziwood stepped forward.
"Why? Just finish the dish and bring it here."
"Some dishes only have meaning if the final step is performed before the diner. If that is forbidden, I will have to change my recipe."
The man didn't flinch. His tone was firm and certain. Baziwood was sure this man was no ordinary citizen. As he hesitated, the Emperor let out a delighted laugh.
"Very well! I shall allow it. Show me this 'meaningful' finish."
"I thank you for your consideration. I shall show you a dish the likes of which you have never seen nor tasted."
His confidence was absolute. The Emperor's smile widened. The man returned to his station without another word. Baziwood couldn't help but feel a flicker of genuine curiosity.
+++
The stall owner had been great, but the chefs in this contest were mediocre at best. They were making rookie mistakes—trying to do long stews when they had no time, or prioritizing appearance over flavor. I was disappointed; I'd hoped to find a real challenge.
(Well, since I'm in, I might as well win.)
I'd been observing Jircniv. The man was clearly full. He had no real desire to eat and was only here out of obligation. Serving him a heavy roast or a stew at this point was a losing move. In this situation, the only correct answer was dessert.
(Cake flour, bread flour, granulated sugar, salt...)
I pretended to take the ingredients from the table, but I actually pulled them from my Item Box. The quality of the provided goods was honestly pathetic. I could tell the organizers just wanted to get the event over with.
I sifted the flours into a bowl, added the sugar and a pinch of salt, and whisked them together. I'm not a fan of making sweets, but there is one dessert I've mastered. I cracked two eggs and began beating them while using a small spark of magic to melt the butter. There was a murmur from the crowd at the display of magic, but I ignored it. I combined the eggs, flour, and milk, whisking until smooth before adding the butter. Then, I placed the bowl into one of the "Sage's" magic items—a refrigerator. Letting the batter rest and chill would settle the gluten and ensure a perfect texture.
By now, any pro would know what I was making: Crêpes. Specifically, Crêpe Suzette. It required a performance, making it the perfect choice for this crowd.
The Imperial fridge was powerful; a few minutes were enough. While it chilled, I prepped the sauce and the accompaniment. I washed the strawberries, removed the stems, and quartered them.
"This is actually pretty handy," I muttered as I heated milk and sugar with vanilla essence. The stone induction burner on the station was remarkably efficient. I might have to take one of these back to Nazarick, I thought. I poured the milk mixture into a tray and slid it into the fridge. I hoped it would set in time, though I had a backup in the Item Box if needed.
Next, I put the strawberries in a small pan with a dusting of sugar and covered it. I pulled the batter from the fridge—it was perfectly chilled. I heated oil in a skillet.
"...Right."
When the pan was screaming hot, I ladled in the batter. It hit the metal with a satisfying hiss. Once the edges browned, I flipped it. I made enough for two portions, including the food tester. I folded the finished crêpes into elegant triangles, slightly offset to look more refined.
"This will have to do for an impromptu dish."
The sugar on the strawberries hadn't fully melted, so I crushed them slightly with the ladle and returned them to the heat. Once the edges bubbled, I added white wine to create a fruit sauce. It was a bit thick, but I didn't have much time. I melted butter in a fresh pan, added more sugar, and then poured in my strawberry sauce, thinning it with a dash of water.
(Good enough.)
It lacked the depth of a long prep, but since Crêpe Suzette likely didn't exist in this world, it would still be a revelation. I loaded the sauce, the crêpes, the quick-set ice cream, and the remaining whole strawberries onto my station.
"Hmph!"
I put my back into it and lifted the entire station. It was designed to be portable, and with the Cookman's strength, it was light as a feather. Ignoring the gasps of the crowd, I carried the entire setup to the Emperor's pavilion.
"I shall now perform the final step. Please, come closer."
Jircniv nodded and stood up, his curiosity clearly piqued. The old man behind him looked frantic, which I felt a little bad about, but I was in the zone. Once the Emperor was in range, I began the finale.
+++
I watched the man work. Even his most casual movements—tossing the pan, reaching for a jar—had a magnetism to them.
"What is that?" I asked, pointing to the vibrant red sauce in the pan.
"A strawberry fruit sauce," Sakaki replied. "Made from macerated berries, white wine, and water."
The aroma was incredible—a sharp, concentrated sweetness. He watched my reaction and then dropped thin sheets of dough into the bubbling sauce. I had been watching him from the start, yet I still couldn't guess what the final product would be.
"Your Majesty," Fluder whispered.
"I know."
I didn't turn back. My eyes were glued to this man. He produced a strangely shaped bottle of spirits.
"Behold," he said. "The dessert of flame."
He uncorked the bottle and poured the liquid into the pan. A second later, a brilliant blue flame erupted into the air.
"Hoh...!"
The flames flickered and danced over the skillet. It was a scene of ethereal beauty. The crowd was too far away to see clearly, and I saw them straining their necks to catch a glimpse. When the flames died out, Sakaki plated the crêpes, bathing them in the sauce. He added two scoops of the white cream and garnished the dish with fresh strawberries.
"I present to you: Strawberry Crêpe Suzette."
I couldn't help but smile at the presentation. Yellow triangles of dough swimming in a sea of crimson, topped with white spheres and vibrant fruit. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. I reached for the knife and fork, but Fluder stopped me.
"The testing first, Your Majesty."
I was annoyed, but he was right. As Emperor, I had to be cautious. The food tester took a bite of the dough.
"It... doesn't have much flavor," he noted.
"You have to break a bit of the ice cream and eat it together with the dough and the sauce," Sakaki instructed. "Eating the crêpe alone won't give you the full experience."
The tester offered a quick apology and followed the instructions. He used his fork to shave off a bit of the white sphere, wrapped it in the crêpe, and dipped it in the sauce. He took the bite and froze, his eyes going wide.
"...Th-this... what in the world...?"
"Good, isn't it? A flavor you've never experienced," Sakaki said. His tone was casual, devoid of the deference usually shown to royalty. He spoke with the absolute authority of a master.
"Well? How is it?" I pressed.
"...Lord Fluder. It is cold, yet hot. Sweet, yet carries a magnificent spirit of alcohol... I don't know how to describe it. It is... simply a masterpiece."
Cold and hot? I could no longer contain my curiosity. I sliced into the crêpe, wrapped it around the ice cream, and swirled it through the red sauce.
"..."
I was speechless. The crêpe was rich with the taste of eggs and a subtle sweetness. Because it had been simmered in the sauce, it was warm, and the intense aroma of strawberries and high-end liqueur hit my senses like a physical wave. The white sphere—the ice cream—melted instantly, flooding my mouth with a concentrated milk flavor and perfect sweetness. He hadn't lied; this was a revelation.
I ate in silence, unable to stop. What is this?! How can food be this good?!
"Your Majesty? Are you alright?" Fluder asked.
I blinked and realized the plate was empty. The sauce, the fruit—everything was gone.
"Haha... Hahahaha! Spectacular! A truly spectacular dish! Man! What is your name?!"
"I am Sakaki. A traveler from the South."
His speech was polite, and his movements were refined. He didn't seem like a barbarian at all; he looked like someone who belonged in a palace.
"What did you do in the South?"
"I served a variety of dishes. Roasts, stews, fried foods, and desserts... whatever was requested of me."
Sakaki added that he wasn't particularly fond of making desserts. If this is his weak point, what is his specialty?I had to know.
"What are your plans now?"
"I intend to stay in the Empire for a few days before continuing my journey. I'm interested in the local cuisine of new lands."
A few days? He might leave before I can secure him, I thought.
"Your Majesty, you must reconsider!" Fluder warned, sensing my intent. I ignored him and looked Sakaki in the eye.
"Sakaki. You shall cook for me. Show me the dishes you truly excel at."
"Your Majesty!" Fluder and the Knights tried to protest, but I raised my hand for silence.
"He says he is poor at desserts, yet he produces this. I must see more. Well, Sakaki? Will you do it?"
"If you wish it, I shall. However, if I am to be a guest in your castle, I must inform my companions. Will you grant me a little time?"
Sakaki had accepted. I quickly produced a piece of parchment, signed it with my seal, and handed him a royal pass.
"I shall be waiting. I declare Sakaki the winner of this event!"
I turned toward my carriage.
"Your Majesty, what are you thinking?" Fluder hissed as we boarded. I looked out the window and saw Sakaki reuniting with his companions—the female warrior and the maid.
"I'm interested, Fluder. That dish was magnificent."
The appearance, the flavor—even as Emperor, I had never tasted anything like it. And if there was something even better, I had to have it. But more than that...
"Look at me, Fluder. Look at my body."
"Wh-what...?"
I had called him Fluder, not "Teacher" or "Old Man." It was a sign that I had found something he desired.
"I feel a surge of power flowing through me just from that one dish. My mind is clear. That wasn't just 'food.'"
I felt as if a high-level buff had been cast upon me. I felt invincible.
"Southern magic... no, but..."
Fluder was muttering to himself now, his own interest clearly piqued. I sat back in the carriage and smiled. I couldn't wait to see what Sakaki would serve next. My focus was now entirely on the mysterious chef.
***
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