Chapter 25: Black Knight(2).
Julius was first surprised by the fruit-infused water served in a glass without being ordered. Normally, even fruit water is a paid item, and glassware is too expensive for such settings. When he asked Christina, she simply said, “We provide it for free.” He was taken aback.
Next came the shock of the refined, unfamiliar menu—dishes he’d never seen or heard of. Julius was at a loss for what to order.
Then, she suggested, “If you’re unsure, how about the pork shoulder red wine stew from the standard menu? I put my heart into making it. I guarantee it’s delicious.”
So, Julius simply replied, “I’ll have that.”
What arrived was the appetizer of scallop and baby turnip grapefruit marinade, the main pork shoulder red wine stew, and warm bread on the side.
Hungry, Julius started with the bread. He noticed its softness, reminiscent of the sample she’d given him.
“…The bread is soft…”
Bread was typically hard—that was the norm. Yet this shop’s bread was tender. He bit into it, feeling the warmth and a subtle sweetness wafting through his nose.
“…Delicious.”
If even the bread was this good, his expectations soared for the rest.
The appetizer—scallop and baby turnip grapefruit marinade—was fresh and flavorful. The scallop’s slight brininess was perfectly balanced by the grapefruit’s acidity.
He moved to the main: pork shoulder red wine stew, accompanied by mashed potatoes. Using knife and fork, he cut into the meat, which fell apart tenderly from slow cooking. He speared a piece and took a bite.
“Delicious!”
He couldn’t help exclaiming. The pork, simmered to perfection, melted in his mouth, delivering pure bliss.
Thank goodness it was a quiet time—no one around to witness his outburst. With his appearance, such a reaction might startle people, leading to whispers of “That guy’s scary.” He cleared his throat and returned to his meal.
He forked into the mashed potatoes—smooth and creamy, clearly made with care.
Julius usually dined at the castle’s cafeteria, where the food wasn’t bad but the menu never changed. He’d tried everything multiple times, growing bored. Lately, he’d wandered the capital’s eateries seeking variety.
That’s when he’d received her flyer, mentioning a café. The egg sandwich she’d given him was novel yet delectable, drawing him in with hopes for the café.
His expectations were met—and exceeded.
The menu listed items unknown in the capital.
—She looks like an ordinary commoner’s daughter. Maybe from a wealthy merchant family, running this as a hobby. I’ve heard of such places.
Yet her dishes were arguably the best in the capital.
“Miss,” Julius called to Christina in the back.
She appeared promptly from the kitchen.
“Yes?”
“The pork shoulder red wine stew was excellent. By the way, what’s this ‘daily special’?”
“The daily special today is herb-lemon river fish stew.”
“That sounds delicious too!”
“…Would you like to add it?”
She tilted her head, asking. But no, he was full enough. With a wry smile, he declined.
“No, today’s dish was plenty. Everything was wonderful.”
“Will that herb-lemon river fish stew appear again?”
“Yes. If you’d like, I can notify you when the ingredients are ready? Um, where do you live…”
“No need. There are other items I’m curious about.”
He politely refused.
“Understood. Please enjoy whatever catches your fancy whenever you like.”
She smiled warmly.
“…Then, savor the rest of your meal.”
With another bright smile, Christina disappeared into the back.
—The owner’s kind and welcoming. The shop’s newly built, with a fresh wood scent, spotlessly clean. The food’s amazing, and it’s quiet. I’ve found a gem.
Julius felt relieved; no more wandering for meals.
He could come here without getting bored anytime soon.
And so, Julius savored his meal leisurely.