"That was truly incredible... honestly, I’m not even joking."
Having finished his meal, Rest exhaled a long, satisfied breath.
It had been delicious. Spectacular, even.
While he had never actually tasted one in his previous life, this steak was easily as good as a piece of A5-rank Wagyu beef.
"I never would have guessed that beast could taste so good. It’s a shock, frankly."
He had already been informed of the ingredients by the one who provided the meat—Yuri. He never expected a Corrosion Beast, a mere kin of the Subnock, to transform into such a high-end steak.
"Monster cuisine... I’ve heard that certain gourmets have a penchant for it, but this is a revelation," Viola remarked, her voice full of wonder.
"Yes... it was so delicious I could almost see myself getting addicted to it," Primula added with a soft sigh of admiration.
The two sisters had been quite vocal during the cooking process, but the sheer quality of the meat had left them momentarily speechless. In this world, the custom of eating monster meat wasn't particularly widespread. It wasn't unheard of, but because many monsters were venomous or carried parasites, the general public tended to avoid them. Still, rumors persisted of eccentric nobles and wealthy enthusiasts who sought out monster delicacies.
Rest himself had been forced to eat monsters back when he was struggling for survival at the Honorary Viscount Ebern House.
(Some of them were actually decent... though I ruined my stomach more times than I can count. I suppose I can thank those experiences for helping me master [Antidote] magic...)
Chewing on those bitter memories, he took a sip of the post-meal tea Primula had poured for him.
"Still... I’m amazed you even thought to try eating that thing, Yuri. That’s what shocks me the most."
"Is it really that strange? I don't think it's particularly unnatural."
Yuri tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.
"I’ve always been good at finding things that are edible. My father kept me on a short leash at the Marquis Catreia House, so my world was very small... I used to spend my time eating flowers from the garden or digging up insects from the roots of trees."
"...I have to wonder if that’s quite appropriate for the daughter of a Marquis," Viola said, her face twitching slightly.
Beside her, Primula nodded fervently in agreement.
"The kin of the Evil Lion Subnock... the 'Corrosion Beast,' right? The moment I saw that thing, I just knew. I thought, 'That looks tasty.'"
"......"
"That’s why I carved off a manageable amount of meat and brought it back. Though, if I’d known it would be this good, I should have taken the whole carcass. I’m feeling a bit of regret now."
"Y-yeah... I’m inclined to agree..." Rest muttered.
How a monster that dripped corrosive saliva could taste so heavenly was one of life’s great mysteries.
(Then again, I suppose people eat snakes and all sorts of things. Even eels and konnyaku are poisonous if you don't prepare them right. I shouldn't let my prejudices get in the way.)
The Corrosion Beasts were a hindrance to the development of the plains. Ideally, he wanted to wipe them out entirely—but if they tasted that good, it felt almost like a waste to drive them to extinction.
"...Just to be safe, I’ll cast [Antidote] on everyone. We can’t rule out the possibility of a slow-acting toxin."
While savoring the rest of his tea, Rest applied healing magic to the entire group as a precaution.
"So, Rest," Viola said, skillfully steering the conversation. "How is the development project coming along?"
She was asking about their primary mission—the reclamation of the plains.
"I heard you were assigned to survey the central region. Wasn't that the territory where the lord of the Magical Wilds made its lair?"
"Is it safe? I'm... I'm very worried about you," Primula added, her eyes filled with anxiety.
Rest took another sip of tea before offering a casual shrug.
"It hasn't been a problem at all. If anything, it’s been a bit of a letdown."
He wasn't merely putting on a brave face. He had anticipated encountering creatures that, while perhaps not as strong as the Subnock, would still pose a significant threat. However, the most dangerous things they had run into so far were the Corrosion Beasts. They were the kind of enemies that Rest and his team could handle with ease.
"It’s only the first day, so we can't afford to be careless, but at this rate, the overgrown weeds might actually be the tougher opponent. As long as we keep our wits about us, we’ll be fine. There’s no need to worry."
"If you say so... I'll trust your judgment."
"Please tell us if there is anything we can do to help. Anything at all."
"Thanks. If I need a hand, I’ll be sure to ask."
Appreciating the twins' genuine concern, Rest glanced down at the campfire, which was beginning to die down.
"Let’s head back to the tent and get some sleep. It’s been a long day, and I’m exhausted."
"Yes, let’s. If you’re feeling stiff, perhaps I could give you a massage?" Viola suggested.
"I-I want to help too! I'll give you a massage as well, Rest-sama!"
"Oh? That sounds like fun. Should I join in too?" Yuri asked.
"Absolutely not, Yuri. You’d probably crush my shoulders."
Bantering back and forth, the four of them stood up to head inside.
"Good evening... Count Clover..."
A voice suddenly called out from the darkness.
Rest turned around to see a young girl standing there, flanked by several attendants.
"...It is an honor to meet you. I am sorry... for coming... so late at night..."
Her speech was stilted, as if she were choosing each word with great effort. The girl had a purple bob cut and a petite, slender frame that made her look like an elementary school student.
"Oh, good evening. Um... who might you be?"
"Forgive me... I have been slow to introduce myself..."
The girl placed a hand over her heart and looked up at Rest. Her face was as expressionless as a doll’s.
"I am Ulula Lavender. I am... the granddaughter of Margrave Lavender."
"Margrave Lavender?"
Rest’s eyes widened at the mention of the high noble responsible for the kingdom's eastern border.