I Will Be Unrivaled With The Skill [Sewing]! They Said It Was A Bad Skill, But With Effort, I will Make It A Hit~ - Chapter 34

Episode 34: Today, a Whole Sheep Might Get Eaten!

After Maior’s formal introduction, the three of them were invited into the house, where they were now drinking tea prepared by Yulia.

“Seneca, Maior-chan, why don’t you stay for dinner tonight?”

The two of them, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the lavish meal at Maior’s house the previous day, had planned to eat out tonight.

“By all means, please let us join you!”

Maior responded, still maintaining a slightly formal demeanor.

“Alright, it’s decided. My husband should be back soon, so I’ll head out for some shopping in a bit.
Oh, Seneca, do you remember Kanon-san? Kanon-san has moved to Lusitania and now runs a shop nearby.”

“Really? Kanon-san is here? Then…”

“That’s right. We can get Kanon-san’s marinated lamb! Tonight, we’ll have lamb! It’s a special occasion, after all.”

Seneca explained to Maior that Kanon-san was a master of marinating meat, particularly lamb, which was absolutely exquisite. The village chief’s household often celebrated with this lamb, which was one of Seneca’s favorite dishes.

The marinade was said to be made from grated vegetables and fruits, salt, vinegar, and a small amount of beer, into which fresh lamb meat was soaked. While the recipe was known, no one could replicate Kanon-san’s flavor, suggesting it involved a unique skill.

The meat was grilled on an iron plate over the hearth, along with vegetables, by none other than Lucia, who had the Cooking skill. There was no doubt it would be delicious.

As the meal progressed, the marinade would thicken, intensifying its flavor. The village chief, Anda, would often exclaim, “This is irresistible!” as he enjoyed it with drinks.

Knowing this delectable dish awaited, Seneca couldn’t help but sway with excitement.

A little while later, Anda returned home.

Upon hearing from Lucia, Anda rushed to Seneca and embraced her tightly, creating a scene very similar to the one earlier.

Watching this, Lucia began to cry again.

After things had settled down, Lucia left for shopping, leaving Seneca and Maior to talk with Anda.

Summoning her courage, Seneca asked Anda about her parents.

“Seneca, you barely knew your parents, huh? I’ll tell you what I know,” Anda said, smoothing his crew-cut hair as he began.

“Eus and Anna were silver-ranked adventurers in a party called Golden Bark (tree bark, not dog bark). After losing a party member, the two decided to halt their adventuring and focus on having a child.”

Seneca, who didn’t even know the name of her parents’ party, leaned forward, eager to hear more.

“They were promising adventurers, so many people opposed their decision to quit. Frustrated by the interference, they sought a quiet rural life where no one would meddle. I heard about their plans and persistently asked them to come here to help protect the village in times of need.”

“Were you already the village chief then?”

“No, my father was. But the doctor had already warned us that he didn’t have long, so I was effectively in charge. That’s how the two of them ended up in Cordoba Village, where you were born shortly after. You probably know most of what happened after that.”

“Anda-san, does that mean my parents’ former companions are still out there somewhere?”

“Yes, they are. But since your parents left without telling them, they might still hold a grudge. If you plan to investigate, it’s best to do so discreetly.”

“I see…”

Anda scratched the back of his head with his right hand, straightened his posture, and began speaking seriously.

“Seneca, after hearing this, you might have realized it too, but it was I who brought your parents to Cordoba. They fought and died to protect the village. In other words, I’m responsible for their deaths. If I hadn’t exploited their kindness to convince them, they wouldn’t have died.”

Anda averted his gaze, looking deeply uncomfortable.

“Taking care of you and Lucius was a joy, but it wasn’t just that. I also carried a sense of guilt. I’m the one responsible for your parents’ deaths. I’m truly sorry.”

Anda bowed deeply, his sincerity evident.

Seeing this, Seneca quickly replied.

“Please don’t say that, Anda-san. I’ve never thought of it that way. Life in Cordoba Village was so much fun—both when my parents were here and after they were gone. Lucius and I often talked about how fortunate we were.

Even if we lived somewhere else, things might have turned out the same. My father wasn’t the kind of person to run from a strong enemy. He was someone who would face any foe to protect his daughter and those around him. So this isn’t anyone’s fault.”

Seneca spoke with resolute conviction.

Maior, sitting beside her, listened intently to what Seneca had to say. Though Seneca was a girl of strong convictions, there was something uniquely captivating about her intensity. Maior herself was aware of her tendency to hold onto ideas with a similar tenacity, but hers often felt detached, like daydreams with no real substance. Seneca’s convictions, on the other hand, had a solid core—steadfast and unwavering.

Later, Maior would come to understand that what Seneca possessed wasn’t just stubbornness but something closer to a deeply rooted belief.

“Cordoba Village is gone now. I can’t see my father or mother anymore. Junius-san was like a second father to me, and Helvia-san was like a second mother. But none of them are in this world anymore. The only places left for me to return to are the orphanage or here with Anda-san and the others. Anda-san is like a third father to me.”

Seneca spoke firmly, facing Anda, who remained bowed.

“I know, Anda-san. I know how you ran all over Baetica to find the best orphanage for us. You went to so many people, bowing your head, just so Lucius and I could stay together in the same place. It’s because of you and Lucia-san that I can laugh and spend my days with Maior now.”

Still, Anda didn’t lift his head. Seneca took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and continued.

“Neither Lucius nor I ever resented you, Anda-san—not even once! All we’ve ever felt is gratitude! So it’s okay now. Please, don’t carry this burden anymore!”

For the first time, Seneca raised her voice, her emotions pouring out as she leaned in to hug Anda tightly.

Maior thought she saw a single tear fall from Anda’s eye, but her own vision was starting to blur, so she couldn’t be sure.

After that, the three of them talked about recent events.

Lucia returned from her shopping trip partway through, and after some help with the preparations, it was finally dinnertime.

The atmosphere had been heavy, but thanks to Maior’s efforts, the mood gradually lightened.

Lucia grilled an impressive amount of meat and vegetables, the ingredients steaming in their own juices mixed with the marinade, becoming sweeter as they cooked.

The first servings were given to the two children. Seneca’s nose twitched with anticipation, and the enticing aroma had Maior’s mouth watering.

Maior picked up a piece of the tender-looking meat and took a bite.

“This is incredible!”

The meat was thick but tender, and the flavor had thoroughly seeped in. The marinade’s taste blended beautifully with the sweetness of the vegetables, accompanied by a hint of tanginess. Garlic and ginger were likely part of the mix, adding a depth that stimulated her appetite with every bite.

The lamb meat, from a mature animal, had a distinctive aroma and richness. Maior, who enjoyed lamb’s unique flavor, found it perfect—just the right balance of gaminess and seasoning. The harmony between the lamb’s essence and the marinade created a flavor that catered to both lamb enthusiasts and those less familiar with it.

Glancing to her side, Maior saw Seneca eating voraciously, almost losing herself in the act. Normally, Seneca was a very tidy eater, but tonight, she was taking huge bites.

Not wanting to fall behind, Maior asked for seconds.

Before she realized it, her stomach was full. She couldn’t eat another bite.

Earlier, Seneca had cheerfully said, “We might eat a whole sheep tonight!” Maior had thought it was just another one of Seneca’s odd remarks, but after experiencing the meal’s deliciousness, she understood the sentiment completely.

Honestly, this meal was far better than the extravagant but overwhelming dishes back at her own home. Maior loved her family’s cooking, but perhaps her time as an adventurer had reshaped her preferences. She couldn’t help but laugh at the thought.

That night, feeling too stuffed to move, Maior and Seneca sent a message to Maior’s household and stayed overnight at Anda’s place.