Chapter 214

“The meat dishes were all really good,” I said. “Yeah, I’m more than satisfied,” Dia agreed. “Was that the last course?” Tarte asked. “No, there’s still dessert… Here it comes.” Our final dish was cheesecake with sheep cheese. “Ugh, this stinks,” Dia complained. “You really think so? I don’t mind,” Tarte said. Sheep’s milk had a peculiar scent that intensified when made into cheese. Many struggled to eat it, even in Europe, where people consumed ten times more cheese than in Japan. I didn’t like it much, either, but I pushed myself to give it a try. “…The smell is a hurdle, but it’s good. It has a stronger flavor than cow cheese.” Tarte bobbed her head. “I like it a lot.” Following our example, Dia reluctantly used her fork to cut herself a small piece of cake and eat it. “…It’s not terrible, but man, I don’t think I can handle any more. That stench is inescapable.” She washed down the rest of the cheese in her mouth with alcohol. “I am so sorry. I should have performed a more careful investigation. I know Lord Lugh would have been able to find a restaurant you would like, Lady Dia,” Tarte apologized. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, Tarte. This was a great meal. I didn’t love the salad or dessert, but the meat was delicious. I’m satisfied,” Dia said. “Um, so you really liked this place?” “Totally. I want you to keep taking me to new restaurants. I’ll never encounter new tastes if you only choose restaurants that serve my favorites. I don’t like this dessert, but it was a fun new experience.” That way of thinking was very like Dia. She was a curious and adventurous soul, my total opposite. That was probably what attracted me to her. Dia put a finger to her lips. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you be picky about food, Tarte. Do you like everything? You’re not just pretending to like it for Lugh’s sake, are you?” Tarte tilted her head as she chewed on a bite of cheesecake. “No, I have never thought that way about food. I was always hungry before Lord Lugh found me, and I’d eat anything I could, regardless of taste. I truly mean it when I say ‘anything.’ Rotten food was far from the worst of what I ate… I often consumed things only used for ingredients. I’ve never thought anything was too gross to eat.” Dia looked awkward. She’d lived an impossibly luxurious life in comparison to Tarte, who spent her early years starving. “I, uh… I’m sorry, Tarte. That was insensitive of me.” “Don’t worry about it. We were just raised with different values. Also, House Viekone took good care of its hardworking citizens, right?” “Yeah, we did. I’m proud that no one died for lack of food in Viekone after Dad took over. He took measures to prevent that from happening, like storing food to distribute whenever there was a bad harvest.” I’d researched the Viekone domain a lot in preparation to help Dia reclaim the region someday. I’d feigned ignorance for the sake of conversation when we were talking about vegetables earlier. “That is wonderful… There is nothing I hate more than evil nobles who exploit their people to the point of starvation so they can live in luxury,” Tarte said. Tarte’s home domain bordered Tuatha Dé. It was blessed with good weather and soil, and the people would have been able to live in comfort if not for the awful ruler. He took everything from his citizens and wasted money on his own luxury. When the citizens’ productivity worsened because of their suffering, he responded by raising taxes. That further lowered the quality of life and productivity, creating a hellish place to live. People had no choice but to sell themselves into slavery or abandon their elderly and children. Tarte was one of those cast out. It’s why she hated nobles who lived in excess, especially those who mistreated their subjects. “Hey, what would you have done if House Viekone was a wicked noble family?” Dia asked. “Nothing. I’d keep my hatred for you to myself,” Tarte responded. Dia’s face stiffened. It was almost better to have someone hate you openly than to hold a silent grudge. “Good thing you managed your domain well,” I said. Dia sighed. “You’ve got that right. I need to thank Dad and my ancestors.” Tarte ate the rest of the cake unbothered by the awkward atmosphere. She looked happy as could be. Dia and I were both taken aback. I truly was glad I found Tarte in the mountains that winter. I wouldn’t have been able to save her otherwise, nor would I have obtained such a lovely and diligent servant.