Rest used his magic to levitate the three sharks he had slain during his search for the monster, hauling them back to the fishing village.
Though the villagers hadn't dared set sail since the previous day, the moment Rest set the carcasses down on the beach, they swarmed the area in a frenzy of excitement.
"Look at that! These are some fine sharks, they are!"
"We’ll have ourselves some grand Tsukeage tonight!"
"Another banquet! Tonight, we feast again!"
When Rest returned with his haul, the villagers welcomed him with a chorus of cheers. They gathered around the sharks lined up on the sand, rejoicing with such fervor they might as well have been dancing.
"Oh! It’s the noble lord!"
"I just happened to come across them, so I took them down," Rest said. "Please, eat your fill."
"Noble lord... Not only did you drive away the monster and heal our wounds, but you even brought us such a bounty..."
"He’s like a god come to earth... Truly a blessing, a blessing from above..."
"Could you... please stop worshiping me? Honestly, it’s making me a little uncomfortable."
Rest recoiled slightly as the villagers dropped to their knees, pressing their hands together in prayer. His reputation in this village had skyrocketed since his arrival. Though the only rewards he had accepted so far were dinner and some spirits, he had to admit that being thanked so wholeheartedly didn't feel bad.
"By the way... are these sharks actually edible?"
"Of course they are. They’ve lost their horns, but these are Horned Sharks, aren't they? They’re the primary ingredient for Tsukeage."
"Tsukeage...?"
It was a dish Rest didn't recognize. When he asked for clarification, an elderly villager began to explain with great enthusiasm.
"You grind the fillets into a fine paste, then knead in some grated potatoes. Sometimes we even throw in whatever vegetable scraps we have lying around."
"Madam Sanada was quite fond of it, too," another added. "She often used fried Tsukeage as a snack while she drank her sake."
"We can't afford to use precious oil so extravagantly ourselves, so we usually just sear it over the fire or simmer it in a pot."
"I see... So it’s similar to Kamaboko, then..."
Most likely, this was another cultural export the Queen Dowager had introduced. Perhaps it had been a favorite of hers in her previous life.
"We’ll prepare the paste during the day and bring some to the inn later this evening."
"I appreciate it. I'll be looking forward to it."
"Right! Let's get to butchering before the meat spoils! Everyone, to your posts!"
The villagers produced blades and set to work on the sharks all at once. With practiced, efficient movements, they removed the entrails and began carving the meat into thick blocks.
"Oh..."
Rest found himself watching, mesmerized. It was a gruesome sight, yet strangely captivating in its clinical execution. He had never seen one in person, but he imagined this was what a professional tuna dismantling show felt like.
"Ah, Rest-san. You've returned."
"Lady Celestine."
He had been so engrossed in the spectacle that he hadn't noticed Celestine approaching. Her private guards followed close behind.
"......!"
Celestine’s eyes widened for a split second at the sight of the butchered sharks, but as the Iron Lady, she regained her composure instantly.
"I have a few matters I would like to discuss with you..."
"Right. Let’s move somewhere else."
Rest was fine with the gore, but he figured it was a difficult scene for someone of Celestine’s standing to endure for long. The two walked side-by-side away from the beach, heading back toward the inn.
"I have finished making the arrangements for food aid," she began. "Because of the sheer volume, it will take some time to mobilize, but I expect the supplies to arrive within a week."
"A week, huh? I think we’ll be okay until then."
He wasn't sure exactly how much the village had in reserve, but with today’s sharks, they had a fresh source of protein. They likely wouldn't fall into such dire straits that people would starve before the aid arrived.
"In addition... I have sent a discreet notice regarding the monster damage to the lord who governs this territory. Since I issued the formal inquiry under the name of the Duke Crocus House, I expect some form of response shortly."
"I see... though I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up."
The local lord had ignored the villagers' petitions for ages, leaving them to suffer. Furthermore, the opponent was a monster that even Rest was having trouble pinning down. Even if the lord finally decided to act, Rest doubted he had the means to accomplish anything.
"Thank you, Celestine. You’ve been a huge help."
"No, think nothing of it. More importantly... how did the hunt go? Did you find the beast?"
"I couldn't find a trace of it. Just searching the vast sea is proving to be a real ordeal."
"I see... It is beneath the waves, after all. It cannot be helped."
"Yeah... but I did think of one thing."
The memory of the shark hunt flashed through Rest's mind—the way the blood had spread through the water, and how a massive swarm of other Horned Sharks had been drawn to it almost instantly.
"I want to try something tonight. Would you mind assisting me?"
"Of course. If there is anything I can do, you need only ask."
Celestine placed a hand over her heart, offering him a graceful, confident smile. She truly was dependable. Rest nodded deeply and began to explain the plan he had devised.