LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 38
Episode 38: Margrave of Rietberg
Around the same time, Hans, the head chef, had just returned from the market with supplies and was taking a breather with his fellow kitchen staff.
As Hans tossed a dried jujube into his mouth with a pop, Luke returned from fetching water.
“Hans, I’m back!”
“Oh, thank you!”
Luke effortlessly placed the water he had been carrying onto the kitchen counter. Just a short while ago, when he first arrived at the castle, he had looked like a skinny, helpless boy, but now he had transformed into quite a sturdy young man, which made Hans feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
“We just got back from the market too. We scored some awesome herring and krabben today!”
“Wow, that’s fresh!”
Krabben, you see, is a type of small shrimp, a common culinary delight in this region. While krabben is considered a luxury item inland, it’s available at a reasonable price in Rietberg, thanks to its proximity to the northern sea.
The typical preparation involves frying it or boiling it in plenty of water, but just the other day, Hans had whipped up a special sour cream, a family recipe from Johan, and paired it with the krabben, achieving a level of deliciousness that was nothing short of breathtaking.
“Luke, make that sour cream again, won’t you?”
“Perhaps we could chop up some lemons and marinate them too!”
“Shall we sauté the herring in butter, then? We could pickle half of it with sliced onions so it keeps longer…”
With freshly caught fish spread before them, the chefs’ laughter and chatter filled the kitchen.
Rietberg territory lies at the northernmost edge of the Kingdom of Perles. Fast-flowing rivers run through the land, emptying into the northern sea, which means the local fish are mostly saltwater catches. Herring, cod, salmon—all the usual suspects, and the fish are so fresh that eating them raw is entirely feasible.
Thus, many cooking methods are simple; it’s about letting the natural flavors shine, whether through frying in oil or butter, or simply salting it and eating it raw.
In contrast, the capital where Luke grew up, far from the sea, often saw freshwater fish at the table, like trout or carp.
Their culture had no tradition of eating fish raw; instead, they compensated for the mild tastes of their fish with rich cream sauces or simmered them in wine to add depth.
Culture shifts with the landscape, after all. Even within the same kingdom, there was a clear dichotomy between the city and the outskirts.
Surrounded by nature, Rietberg not only flourished in fishing but also in livestock and dairy farming. Utilizing the expansive mountains and fields, the locals actively cultivated vegetables and fruits, and being border neighbors with other nations, they had long embraced foreign ingredients and cooking techniques.
—How delightful, Luke thought. While it was entertaining to witness master chefs from the Valten family working culinary magic with expensive ingredients, learning about the unique food culture that had been preserved in Rietberg brought him immense joy.
Collaborating with Hans and the local chefs, brainstorming ideas, and finally creating a new and exquisite dish together made him feel fulfilled and excited.
Just as they were sitting in a circle, happily chatting away, the atmosphere bubbled with warmth…
“Hans!”
A booming voice, like a cannon shot, startled everyone into attention.
As Hans was called, the other chefs jumped to their feet as if propelled by invisible springs.
“Everyone! Here’s a little something from my travels. Use these in the kitchen!”
It was a voice that seemed strangely familiar.
A large figure descended upon the chefs, towering over the frozen brigade of cooks. A lavish selection of gifts piled high in his arms was distributed one by one to the chefs.
Rare vegetables never before seen, precious herbs, mysterious spices, and pricey ceramic dishware. Was that paste in the jar meat? A spectacular array of souvenirs continued to pour forth generously.
“You—!”
Luke froze, his eyes wide as saucers, processing the sight unfolding before him.
The man bestowing gifts upon the flabbergasted chefs was an imposing figure he had just seen handing over water not too long ago. And standing next to him was Alexia.
“…Huh?”
Luke blinked in disbelief.
He hadn’t noticed before, but now that they stood side by side, the resemblance between the two was striking. They both shared the same deep black hair, and exuded a sharp aura of strength and dignity, reminiscent of a top-tier predator.
—Just as the thought crossed his mind, Alexia provided the answer.
“Luke, this is my father.”
“Just as I suspected!”
Startled by the introduction, Luke quickly straightened himself up.
The lord of this castle—Margrave Viktor Alexander Rietberg.
“Sorry for not introducing myself sooner! I’m Luke Valten!”
“Valten? The son of a baron?”
Viktor raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of curiosity and confusion.
He had thought Luke was a newly hired servant but never imagined he was a nobleman’s son.
“I thought you were a sharp young man… So you are a suitor for Alexia?”
“No, that’s not it…”
Alexia shook her head. While he had indeed made something resembling a proposal during their first meeting, he hadn’t pressed her on the subject since.
However, Luke shook his head vigorously, saying, “I-I can’t call myself a suitor. I am in no position to say that, but—!”
Having no status, wealth, or anything, asking for her hand seemed like an impossible task.
Alexia had nothing to gain from him, so there was no way he should expect her to choose him.
“But! I love Alexia more than anyone!”
He was acutely aware of his humble standing, yet that did nothing to diminish his feelings for her. In fact, they had grown stronger every single day, hour, and minute.
He understood he was unable to be a suitor, but that did not mean he could pretend that he didn’t love her.
Even if he couldn’t reach her, even if his dream wouldn’t come true, he could never lie about his feelings.
“Now that takes guts.”
Victor leaned in, his massive form imposing as he swayed slightly.
His rock-hard fist clasped Luke’s shoulder with an unbelievable grip.
“Tell me, in detail, what it is about Alexia that has captivated you.”
“Father, please stop!”
“Is that alright? Yes, please! I insist!”
Despite the crunching of the fist on his shoulder, Luke stood undeterred, his light blue eyes sparkling brightly.