“Hmm... Rare ingredients, you say?”
Rest’s magic mentor, Dieble, tilted his head thoughtfully at the question.
He happened to be visiting the Count Clover Territory on business, providing Rest with the perfect opportunity to gather some professional insight.
“Ah, I see. You’re looking for things to serve at next month's party. In that case, I can think of a few candidates,” Dieble said after a moment’s reflection.
“Ingredients suitable for a noble's gala are typically chosen for their auspicious qualities. Foods that symbolize longevity or the prosperity of one's lineage are highly favored.”
“I see.”
It seemed things were much the same here as they were in Japan; superstition and luck-bringing delicacies were the order of the day.
“The ingredient considered the absolute pinnacle is dragon meat,” Dieble explained. “Dragons are not only the strongest of monsters but also incredibly long-lived, often surviving for over a millennium. There are even legends that consuming dragon meat grants an immortal body. Of course, it isn’t the sort of thing that ever appears on the market.”
Worms might technically be considered dragons in a broad sense, but they certainly weren't recognized as luxury ingredients. Their appearance alone was far too grotesque.
“For monster meat that is actually obtainable, sub-dragons—specifically Lesser Dragons—are a solid choice. Since true dragon meat is unattainable, they are often served at parties as a substitute. Wyverns and other winged dragons are considered symbols of success and upward mobility, as they are seen to ‘ascend to the heavens.’”
“Wyverns, huh... I wonder if there are any around here?”
“They thrive in the Southern Mountain Range along the national border,” Dieble replied.
A series of massive peaks stretched across the southern side of the Aiwood Kingdom. Beyond them lay a conflict zone where several nations fiercely vied for supremacy, but because crossing the mountains was so difficult, there was almost no interaction with that region.
“The Southern Mountain Range... I’ve never been there.”
“Oh, I have!” Yuri chimed in, raising her hand.
Rest and Dieble looked at each other, then turned to her with puzzled expressions.
“The Southern Mountain Range? Why on earth would you go there?”
“It’s quite a distance from both the Royal Capital and the Catreia territory...”
“Well, I went on a little picnic once during a school break,” Yuri explained. “I only meant to take a quick stroll outside the capital, but before I knew it, I was deep in the mountains. I almost got lost!”
“............”
Rest stared at her. If she had wandered into a mountain range during a “short stroll,” she hadn't almost been stranded—she already was. Just how did someone end up in a remote border region while intending to go on a picnic?
“Come to think of it... there was a time when you were absent from classes without notice. Everyone in the class was wondering what happened. To think you were actually wandering the mountains.”
Once again, Rest was baffled by Yuri’s utter recklessness and lack of common sense. Her sense of direction was practically a running gag.
“Well, let’s move past that for the moment,” Dieble said, clearing his throat to get the conversation back on track. “I shall make a list of other ingredients that nobles prefer for celebratory occasions. I imagine the Marquis Rosemary House will prepare some as well, but there are certain items that remain difficult to obtain. As for the alcohol... instead of me, perhaps you should consult Lady Celestine?”
“Celestine? Why her, specifically?”
“Indeed. Duke Crocus is a famous connoisseur, and he owns extensive vineyards for wine production within his own territory.”
“I see... I didn't know that.”
Thinking back, Rest remembered her showing a keen interest when they heard about distilled spirits being made in that fishing village. Her father's passion for alcohol might have been the reason.
“Understood. I'll ask her later. Sorry for interrupting your work, Dieble.”
“Not at all. Please feel free to consult me again if anything else comes up.”
Rest took the list of ingredients, thanked his mentor, and went on his way.