The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 30
Chapter 30: The fat aristocrat drinks tea at the labyrinth
While being cautious of his surroundings, Mitrof watched Grace, who walked at the front.
Her appearance seemed unchanged, yet slightly different. At the intersections and when they came out onto a broad corridor, she looked around as if searching for something.
If Mitrof didn’t know that Grace was aiming for the 5th floor, he might not have noticed these slight movements.
However, Grace was undoubtedly searching for something here—a medicine to cure her hometown’s Divine Tree’s disease, or perhaps something necessary for it.
Mitrof saw other adventurers fighting a few times. They had different strategies for fighting the boars depending on their party. The dwarf warriors erected large shields and faced the boars head-on.
On the way to a small room for a break, they met an ochre boar again. Grace shot an arrow and precisely hit the eye socket, killing it with just one arrow.
“The ochre boar is a tough opponent,” said Mitrof, folding his arms.
In the small rest area, the three sat down to take a break.
“In this short amount of time, we took down two of them—that’s a good result, isn’t it?—And no one got hurt.”
“But that was all thanks to Grace’s tactics—I didn’t do anything.”
“Well, since this is a party, isn’t it okay to divide our roles?—We’ll make up for Mitrof’s weaknesses. That’s all.”
“I see… Is that how it works?”
Mitrof asked Canule.
Canule tilted her head while holding a kettle that was warming on a portable stove.
“I’m not in a position to say anything, but… well, there are different types of knives.”
“Yes?”
“A knife for cutting fruit won’t cut hard vegetables—but a knife for hard vegetables won’t cut fruit delicately—so, um, you should also change your tools according to what you’re cooking—I don’t think you should worry about not being able to cut vegetables.”
“I see, so I was using a fruit knife—that makes sense.”
Mitrof nodded.
“Ah!—No, it’s not because you’re unreliable or anything!”
“It’s okay, I understand—it was an enlightening story.”
It certainly was a convincing story.
The sword techniques Mitrof learned were mainly focused on dueling as a noble. In other words, it was swordplay against a human opponent and not hunting.
Humans are very fragile creatures, and no matter where you cut or stab them, they become unable to move immediately.
Therefore, the key was to move quickly, make light cuts, and stab. That was all right.
However, going up against an ochre boar was a whole different story. Lightness alone would not work. It was like trying to cut a pumpkin with a fruit knife. The compatibility was not good.
“I will rely on Grace for a while.”
Mitrof bowed his head.
“What? It’s too late for that. Don’t worry about it. Up until now, I’ve been relying on you, Mitrof—it’s about helping each other.”
Grace laughed.
“I can only carry luggage and cook, though…”
The cup that was timidly offered contained tea. It had a soft, floral fragrance that lightly calmed the nerves.
“You even prepared something like this.”
and Grace took the cup with admiration.
“They sell it at the guild store—it’s a tea that adventurers like to drink during their rest periods.”
Mitrof also took a cup and sniffed the aroma.
Tea parties are essential for the nobility. Black tea during the day and alcohol at night are not only for enjoyment but also a means of diplomacy. Mitrof was also knowledgeable about tea due to his education since childhood.
Just from the aroma, Mitrof knew the brand of the tea leaves. It was a cheap one that servants of noble families would drink.
However, it tasted delicious.
“…This is brewed perfectly, and the sweetness is just right.”
“Thank you. I also bought a small bottle of honey.”
“Canule, could it be that you’re…”
He was about to say something.
Noble women enjoy drinking tea with honey when they are having tea parties. However, it’s not simply about adding honey. Honey comes in different varieties, each with different tastes. Some are bitter, some are light, and some are too sweet and difficult to dissolve.
deciding which tea to combine with which honey, sometimes even changing the extraction method for this purpose.
These are the skills and knowledge that one should be proud of and show off as a noble.
Mitrof is satisfied with the quality of the tea. Thinking about the person who brewed it, Canule, and who she could be?
“Oh, it’s nothing—the tea is delicious—do you have anything to eat?—I’m a little hungry.”
“Yes, I’ll prepare a light snack!”
Canule moves briskly and looks happy. Although you can’t see her expression, you can tell from her body movements that she has emotions.
Each person who ventures into the labyrinth has their own circumstances. Grace, Mitrof, and Canule all have their own stories.
Mitrof thinks that it’s rude to ask if someone doesn’t speak about it themselves. Regardless of their position and actions, Canule, who is present here and now, should be judged on her merit. Just like how Mitrof has abandoned the title of “useless third son of a noble.”
Having lost everything and coming to the labyrinth, Mitrof gained freedom and identity in return. Here in the labyrinth, he was just Mitrof, and one’s actions shape who they become. This simple and straightforward structure was comforting.
Canule had made a sandwich.
Mitrof took a big bite. Inside were minced salted meat, pickled paprika, and sliced olives. The strong saltiness of the meat was softened by the vinegar. The aroma of the olives and the texture of the paprika were enjoyable.
Although Mitrof’s stomach was not completely satisfied, a delicious meal like this could heal his soul. With this, he could explore the labyrinth a little longer.