Intermission (3)

It seemed that the cooking the knight had done so far consisted simply of throwing cabbage and meat into water and boiling them until everything was soft enough to eat. Even that was quite a decent diet, given that it included meat.

'Is this really acceptable nutrition for this era?'

"First, let's steam the cabbage."

While waiting for the water to boil, I started chopping the cured meat, potatoes, carrots, and shallots into small pieces. Soon, Leonardo approached and took the knife from me. The knight in charge of serving food looked quite flustered.

"W-Why is the young master doing this himself?"

"Well, surprisingly, cooking helps with training."

"Huh?"

Leonardo didn't seem inclined to explain further and silently continued his work. It would be nice if he could also win some favour with the knights during this process.

The cured meat is salty enough, so it's a relief that there's no need to add salt or pepper. Given the current state of the ingredients, I can't afford to sprinkle spices generously.

After lightly stir-frying the vegetables, I set them aside to cool and mixed them with the minced meat to make the filling.

"This is now soft… slightly translucent."

"Ah, thanks. I almost forgot!"

Meanwhile, Vittorio, who had found his role, announced that the cabbage had boiled in the water until it was tender. He had been crouched in front of the fire, closely watching the pot, and as soon as he saw the cooked cabbage take on a slightly translucent colour, he rushed over.

After unfolding the thoroughly cooked, tender cabbage leaves, I placed a clump of the filling made of minced meat and stir-fried vegetables on top and rolled it up, completing one cabbage roll. The rolled cabbage, in a long cylindrical shape, reminded me of kimbap, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

"So what were you two doing while I was asleep?"

"I wanted to learn how to use a sword too, so I took the opportunity whenever I could…"

"Ah, the sword you found in the underground? There's no need to push yourself. You're already helping enough without being particularly skilled."

"No, it's actually fun as I learn."

"Right. You have quite a talent, kid. Your focus is good."

The process was no different from making dumplings, and the three of us sat side by side, chatting away as we quickly rolled up the cabbage. We stacked the piled-up rolls back into the pot, and now it was time for the sauce.

A bit of leftover shallots, some cured meat, and a few blanched tomatoes sautéed into a tomato sauce. Generously pour the steaming sauce over the cabbage rolls as if wrapping them in a blanket, then cover the pot to complete the dish.

For reference, the potatoes and tomatoes in this dish were salvaged from a burnt inn, so there was an urgency to use them up quickly. When simmering the cabbage rolls in the sauce, only add a little bit of water. There's no need to add a lot, as the cabbage will release enough moisture to create a nice simmer.

To ensure the sauce penetrates well, stir and cook thoroughly, and soon the cabbage leaves will absorb the tomato colour, turning a delicious crimson. The well-cooked cabbage casserole can be served generously with the sauce, making it easy to eat and providing a warm, filling meal.

"It's all done."

As everyone gathered around the campfire, mealtime had arrived. The knight on duty for serving seemed confused about what was happening as he took the cabbage rolls, soon being playfully scolded by his fellow knights to get off the serving duty.

The cabbage, steamed until almost transparent, subtly revealed the meat inside. As I took a bite, the moisture trapped within the cabbage burst forth, filling my mouth with a fragrant flavour. The richly simmered tomato sauce blended perfectly with the saltiness of the cured meat, creating a taste that is welcomed in my mouth.

"If only there were cheese or milk, it would add a rich flavour to this."

Though there were some regrets, the atmosphere among the group noticeably softened thanks to the plentiful meal. Even Baron Roald, usually silent, quietly piled his bowl high with casserole and vanished, so I'd say it was a success.

"I'll go gather some information for a bit. Oh, Leo, you can't come along."

That guy looks like a noble at first glance, and the knights tend to be respectful towards you, so just stay here for a moment.

After I laid down the warning, Leonardo slumped his shoulders and chewed on a cabbage stem. Vittorio, looking flustered, patted Leonardo on the shoulder.

"Sorry. But you're being seen as quite the unruly troublemaker."

And with all that casserole piled up, why is he still chewing on that tough cabbage stem like gum? I turned my gaze away from the forsaken, pitiful guy and approached the group of knights.

"Alright. Is there anyone who would like more?"

"Oh, it's the cook!"

The knights' faces brightened immediately, and as they raised their hands for more, I naturally served them while sitting among them.

"Wow. It's the second day since we started moving together, and this is the first time I'm properly introducing myself. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"The inn burned down completely, and you were bedridden for two days in shock? That's understandable. Who could keep their wits about them when a lifetime of hard work crumbles overnight? Still, with skills like yours, I'm sure you'll be sought after wherever you go."

As he scraped the tomato sauce clean from his bowl, one of the knights offered words of comfort.

"Thank you for your kind words. It's time to overcome this and rise again. I just need to head to El Dante and seek a fresh start. By the way… what kind of place is El Dante, where the Count resides? I've been holed up in Sinistra for so long that I'm in the dark about the situation in other regions."

I shot him an innocent look and added another cabbage roll to his bowl, which encouraged the knight to open up.

"El Dante! It's a land with a rich history. The area is so vast that it's hard to pinpoint its characteristics. Well, one notable feature is the large lake behind the estate. Also, keep in mind that it's close to the border, so access to the capital can be a bit tricky."

"Are the people generous?"

"Of course. The Count of Ertinez is known for his distinguished lineage, and thanks to the Count's heartfelt protection of his vassals and the local populace, there's hardly any strife. Monsters do appear occasionally, but that just brings everyone closer together."

It seems the Count has a good reputation among his subjects and the locals.

"I see. El Dante could truly be the second chapter of my life."

"Exactly! Attitude is everything."

I nodded enthusiastically, then feigned a moment of concern as I continued speaking.

"And, um… I still don't quite understand, but Leo is really a noble young master, right? Sometimes I feel like I'm still dreaming."

"Ah…"

When Leonardo's name came up, the knights exchanged glances, looking somewhat evasive. Should I press them for more?

"Actually, the Leo I know seemed a bit reckless during our first meeting and lived quite the drunken lifestyle, but now he doesn't even touch alcohol and has become a thoughtful person. He's so kind and considerate. So I was really surprised to find out he's the son of a noble family!"

One knight scratched his ear and asked me, "K-kind and considerate?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"Huh. They say that matters between two people shouldn't involve outsiders, but you really seem like a straightforward person, so I have to tell you this."

The knight briefly glanced at the wagon where Leonardo and Vittorio were and gestured for me to come closer. I quickly moved to take a seat beside him.

"It's truly a good thing that Lord Leonardo has met you and his temperament has improved. That's great, but… he used to cause quite a bit of trouble before."

"Trouble?"

"Yep. Drinking a few mugs of beer isn't a problem for health, but getting so drunk that you can't speak properly is another matter altogether. The young master often got completely wasted during the day and caused a scene. He rarely returned to the Count's estate and wandered around racking up debts in the name of the Count's family. He would frequently get involved in gambling, too."

Hmm. I had already known that "Leonardo" was a heavy drinker.

"And strangely enough, whenever he met the Count, he'd act disgusted and throw a tantrum."

"Isn't that his father?"

"Right. He'd act so upset that anyone would think they were enemies, not family. No one knows the reason for it."

As I listened closely to the whispered conversation, I put on a troubled expression.

"I see. What about his relationship with his siblings?"

"If you're talking about the Lord of Ertinez, he wasn't particularly friendly with the young master either. The Lord resembles the Count closely. He's highly intelligent and has a strict temperament, so he wouldn't automatically coddle his younger brother."

So the Lord of Ertinez is "Leonardo's" older brother? That alone doesn't give me a clear idea of whether he's a villain or not.

"And as for the Lady of Ertinez, well, there are rumours that she's so devout she'll soon find peace in the bosom of God."

The Lady of Ertinez is "Leonardo's" sister. I should remember that she's devout. Given the frame of reference as a saint, it would be wise to use that to my advantage.

In any case, "Leonardo" definitely feels like a cast-off child from that family.

So while others might find his transformation strange, they probably wouldn't suspect that someone else had taken over his body. As I pondered this with a sense of hope, the knight continued speaking.

"Anyway, if the young master has truly decided to change his ways, that's a good thing. But don't rely too much on him for the future. Right now, the memories of their difficult times may bring them close together, but nobles quickly settle into their comfortable lives and shift their focus. The notion of a forbidden love between nobles and commoners isn't without reason; it's ultimately a fleeting dream."

"I see. That's good advice… wait, what?"

What is this, déjà vu?