24 The taste of money (1/2)
The taste of money
Gordo and Fergun were diligently spinning the marakash which was getting golden yellow on the outside. They could not stop whispering among them about the mysterious youth that invaded their kitchen.
”Did you catch his name?” Fergun suddenly asked.
”Hmmm. Now that I think about it. I don't think he introduced himself. He must think us lowly cooks are below him.” Gordo said with dissatisfaction in his voice.
”Did you ever see someone cook this way?” Fergun asked after he nodded.
”It must be a method from where he is from. He could not speak our language, so he must not be from around here. I wonder which hunter sold him this beast.” Gordo replied.
”What will you do with the entrails?” Fergun asked.
”I will give them to my wife. Why, do you want some?” Gordo asked with a glee.
Fergun looked at him but didn't reply even after a long time.
”Huh. How about we split them in half? Except the heart. You can have the liver instead of the heart. And we split the other stuff.” Gordo said after he saw the hesitation on Fergun's face.
”All right. Thank you Gordo.” Fergun exclaimed happily.
”You should thank that nameless snob. It's not like I paid for it.” Gordo laughed.
Then they both laughed.
They both knew that if their lord had money, they would not be his cooks. And since he didn't have money, he did not pay them much. They lived no better than farmers except their work was in a warm kitchen instead in the sweltering heat, rain or even cold.
They felt satisfied with their job. Their meager skills were enough for their lord, and they could also bring home the leftovers.
Harrison was not aware of the first impression he left on the two cooks as he met up with Sheina again and spent the next two hours studying the local language. He trusted the cooks to be following his instructions and estimated the marakash would be done by dinner time.
Sheina was yawning by the time they finished today's lessons and even Harrison had to admit that learning the language although it brought a sense of novelty was anything but exciting.
The only excitement he felt was when he got a new skill.
Polyglot skill unlocked.
Polyglot skill LVL. 1 acquired.
Bonus Wisdom +1 (not applied since over 10)
Bonus Intelligence +1 (not applied since over 10)
”Shall we continue tomorrow,” Sheina asked, feeling mentally exhausted asking questions and explaining Harrison's doubts.
”Yeah, let's continue tomorrow,” Harrison answered, feeling anxious about the spit-roast dinner he let the two cooks finish.
As Sheina excused herself, he made his way back to the kitchen where Fergun was spinning the spit-roast and Gordo was watching him with drool coming out of his mouth.
After giving the translating sphere to Gordo he asked. ”How are things going?”
”It looks good Sir,” replied Gordo, as he was startled by Harrison coming suddenly from behind.
”Ok, let's get it out. It looks done and I see you took out the vegetables already.” Harrison said.
”Yes. They were done a while ago, and we were afraid they would burn by the time Sir would get here, so we took them out.” Gordo explained.
Harrison nodded and Gordo explained to Fergun that they would be taking the spit-roast from the enormous pizza-oven.
It was hot, so they needed to use a couple of wet rags before they could lift out the stake with the marakash on it. They put the whole thing on a big platter and poured the roasted vegetables around it.
Harrison was satisfied with the color and the smell the roasted marakash exuded.
As he came to the dining room Salmoon was already there sipping on some wine and greeted him.
”How was your day?” Salmoon inquired.
Salmoon was just about to shake his head and gesture for the translation sphere as
Harrison looked at him and smiled before he replied.
”It was great. Sheina taught me your language and I learned a lot of interesting new stuff. I also have a surprise for you but let's wait for Sheina to join us.”
Salmoon looked at him wearily before nodding.