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TL: ALT
Chapter 37 – The Taste of Unyagi
Nihon Unyagi.
Aire definitely said that.
Although life forms on Earth and in the other world are fundamentally different, why are there creatures with the same names?
Despite differences such as magic powers, beastmen, and monsters, there are many similarities between Earth and the other world.
If the composition of the air were different, Wataru might have died immediately upon arriving in the other world from being unable to breathe properly.
Thinking about it that way, it makes sense that there are some commonalities between Earth and the other world.
“Nihon unagi, huh? So you can eat eels in this world, too?”
“It’s Nihon unyagi, you know. They live in rivers and the sea. Are you planning to eat the unagi, Master?”
“Yeah. Why not? They must be delicious.”
“What?”
Aire twisted her face in disbelief.
Is that strange?
Wataru was born in Osaka, so he’s used to a different texture of grilled eel than people in Kanto are.
In Kansai, the eel is grilled directly, while in Kanto, it’s steamed first.
There are also minor differences in how the eel is cut open. For example, it can be cut from the belly or the back. Both methods are delicious.
In the old days, eel was cut into pieces, skewered, and eaten with salt or miso.
It had a lot of bones and wasn’t as tasty as it is today.
“It’s not very tasty…”
“Really? I don’t think so. Maybe it’s just the way it’s cooked.”
“So, what are you going to do with the eel you caught? I don’t want to eat it. Besides, isn’t it poisonous?”
“No, the poison in eel is neutralized when it’s cooked.”
Since Aire was so reluctant, Wataru decided to release the eel.
However, even after that, more eels were caught, but no other fish.
Could the drastic decline in eels on Earth be due not only to overfishing but also because the ocean is somehow connected to the other world?
○○○
It was so unexpected that Wataru could still recall it so clearly.
In hindsight, he felt he had missed a great opportunity.
It was a plump eel that looked delicious.
However, he couldn’t carry it with him on his journey.
Besides, he couldn’t cook it right away. Even if he could, he didn’t have any cooking utensils—let alone the skills to gut or fillet it. At best, he could have borrowed a knife and cut it into pieces to roast over a fire.
At the time, there was nothing he could do.
“Are there a lot of eels in Mariel and Aire’s world?”
“Yes, in fact, they’ve multiplied to the point where they’re crowding out other creatures and causing problems.”
“They’re in every river and ocean.”
“That many? I caught one right away with a fishing hook.”
In Japan, invasive species are increasing at a rate that threatens to drive out native species and cause problems for the ecosystem.
Perhaps in another ecosystem, Japanese eels are treated similarly to invasive species.
“In this world, eels have been overfished to the point of being endangered.”
“I can’t believe it. We mercenaries would only eat them if we had no other choice.”
“Exactly. They’re muddy, fishy, and they have too many bones.”
“That’s just because they’re poorly cooked. Okay, let’s eat some really delicious eel today.”
Fortunately, there is a long-established eel restaurant in Tennoji where Wataru lives.
It relocated due to redevelopment in Abeno, but survived the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in business.
It’s expensive for a casual meal. Wataru hadn’t been able to afford it since he ate there with his grandparents, but he can now with his current income.
Most importantly, he couldn’t leave the three of them who didn’t know the true taste of eel like that.
“Well, well, it seems like you’ve never had real eel before. Look forward to dinner tonight. I’ll treat you to the real thing.”
○○○
Osaka’s Mitsuba-tei in Tennoji.
This eel restaurant has been around since the early Showa period.
Even today, they grill the eel over charcoal, filling the restaurant and the surrounding area with a fragrant aroma.
The eel has a crispy exterior and tender, fluffy texture inside.
Its fat melts in your mouth while the texture of the rice and the sweetness of the sauce stimulate your taste buds.
The eel sauce is sweet.
It’s generously poured over the eel and fluffy white rice with a hint of Sichuan pepper.
Take a break with a soup made from eel liver, then dive back into the eel bowl.
“This is eel? I’ve never tasted anything this delicious!”
“How about it? Delicious, isn’t it?”
“Delicious… truly delicious!”
“Now I understand why Master recommended it so highly. This is indeed exquisite.”
Rather than Wataru, Mariel, Aire, and Cloche stood out because of their foreign appearance.
They shouted, “Delicious! Delicious!” in loud voices that echoed throughout the restaurant.
It must be nice to see foreigners enjoying Japanese cuisine.
The stares they received were friendly and kind.
The four of them ate their fill at the restaurant, and the bill came to 30,000 yen.
Aire and Cloche still seemed hungry, so they ordered some ohagi and maki rolls.
After they were full and drinking tea, Mariel said quietly,
“If it’s this delicious, I’ll try cooking the eel we caught the other day.”
“That’s a good idea. Fishmongers and supermarkets should be able to fillet it for you. Why don’t you watch them do it first?”
“That’s a good idea.”
There’s a difference between cooking over charcoal and gas, and the sauce is the shop’s secret recipe.
He doubts he’ll be able to replicate the exact flavor, but he’s looking forward to trying.
“So, how’s your summer fatigue, Master?”
“Ugh… I’m exhausted. I might need a good massage tonight.”
“That’s disgusting. You’re tired because you’re so active every night, just like Enti…”
[T/N: I’m not sure about this one. Can’t find any other reference to it.]
He had been getting a massage before bed for the past few days, but Cloche muttered discontentedly.
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