Chapter 105 – 10. Express Train to Partenope (5)
From morning to morning again.
A new day dawned. It was around the time I got used to the uncomfortable vibration and noise of the train. First-class passengers inside Car No. 3 showed up at intervals. Some were dressed in simple pajamas with simple toiletries, while others were dressed in neat uniforms with careful bathing.
“I salute the people of Bernhardt early this morning. This is Emma, the morning contemplation time that I see every day at 8:00 am.”
“As I announced earlier, because of Mr. Hildegard’s vacation this week, I, Emma, will be the host today. During the remaining period, many singers and actors are scheduled to participate, so please look forward to it.”
The dining car of Car No. 1, the impressive train with antique and stylish interior decoration, was lively with people gathered for breakfast. It was because the name and color of the line represented the country, so the meal for the VIP was also full of delicacies that could not be tasted seldom.
“I really want to try the strudel and soufflé omelet.”
“If you do, I will arrange a course like that, madam.”
“Please.”
As a country famous for its gastronomy, the first lady to appear to order breakfast was a lady from Gaul. Her name is Henrietta de la Roche-Jacqueline, and she boasts a voluptuous and captivating charm. A woman who stands out for her daring outfits for a noble woman.
However, it would be foolish to presume to conclude that she has the appearance that exactly fits the definition of a bewitched woman. In fact, Henrietta often preyed on those who looked down on me with such embellishments. There is a secret to a woman from an aristocratic society who has only a façade to maintain her status.
“Monsieur, what would you like for dinner?”
“It’s a bouillabaisse pull.”
“An excellent choice.”
Origin and background are truly mysterious. You can guess a lot just by looking at the way you order food.
This was the case, for example, in the case of Bastien Richard, who ordered bouillabaisse.
Although he may not be a noble, the etiquette that comes out of his attitude is very strict. It’s even more so in that you’re perfectly dressed in a suit, even if you stop by for breakfast.
Also, the outfit covered with expensive luxury goods called Maison Laurent tells how wealthy he is. Even so, his career as a member of the heritage class can also be judged in that he blends in without any hint of his father-in-law.
In short, Bastien Richard is a painting-like businessman.
But what kind of food is bouillabaisse? Originating from fishermen in southern Gaul, this dish is literally a seafood chowder. Although now its status has risen and it is treated as a classy dish, in the original city, it is a dish with the spirit of the common people.
There is no indicator that directly points to the footsteps that person has walked as much as taste. In that context, Bastien Richard is not a marrow vested interest. Judging by that, the meals over the past 24 hours have been too simple.
“Monsieur, if you don’t mind, can I change the radio channel?”
Well, that has nothing to do with me. Observing people with his chin resting on his chin, he stared blankly at the face of the satyr who approached him. Due to the nature of his race, his lower body would have been bent with an inverted joint, but he was quite tall, Etienne.
“I see.”
The communal dining car at the rear was so busy that you had to take your turn to eat, but it wasn’t just for first class. There were only 11 passengers at most, so there were empty seats everywhere.
“Thank you.”
Étienne sat down on the other side of the stilt. She touched the radio on the desk to adjust the frequency, and when her solemn voice came out, she seemed satisfied.
“I feel bad if I don’t start my morning with the news.”
The first-class dining car was clearly a space for VIPs, so there were radios in every seat. However, Etienne dared to approach Hundredari because those who feared overlapping voices were considerate, and on the other hand, she was sick of her companion.
“This is the next news. As the situation on the Far East front is getting fiercer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America has suddenly announced a proposal to support the Federation of Slavic Republics.”
“This is the first official support from the United States since the Lend-Lease Act for Britannia last year, and it is said to have reached a record high in terms of the amount, and there is a stir.”
“Meanwhile, the military authorities revealed that the Great President was absent due to a front inspection, and promised through a spokesperson that he would announce a response plan as soon as possible.”
The news, which was serious and heavy, created a completely different atmosphere from the refreshing radio program. The background sound to accompany the meal seemed a bit harsh, but no one disputed that.
In today’s war, there is only a difference in degree, but everyone is a stakeholder. Moreover, if they had enough to reserve first class on an expensive train and leave as if evacuating.
“I don’t see any sign of it ever ending.”
Etienne said with a bitter expression. His free-spirited outfit seemed quite light as someone who would board a train like this. If the instrument bag he saw on his first day was a clue, he was probably a musician from Gaul.
“War is…….”
“It’s a bard-like inversion.”
He spat out in a lightly passing tone. Etienne asked with a rather surprised expression.
“How can I be a musician?”
The reason for the determination was overflowing. However, there are not many jobs that allow you to keep up with the news while knowing how to play a musical instrument. That alone provided enough grounds for speculation for the lost legs.
“Well, let’s just say I have a job like that.”
He smiled lightly and put the book next to the tableware into his bosom. It was a mystery novel that I had prepared to read after dinner.
The title is The Last Call, a story of suspicious people dying and being killed in an isolated building.
This masterpiece, which is talked about every day from Bernhard Gaul to the United States, was written based on a true story. It originated from the experience of a writer who travels around the western colonies and writes, as well as being a real detective.
“This is amazing.”
“It’s not a big deal if you know it.”
“Is that so?”
“There are many cases where magic is trivial once you look into the inside story.”
However, Schnellfart was not a concert hall, and this elderly man was not a magician either. In that sense, the predictions he showed would be interesting, far from trivial.
“My name is Etienne Duris. As you said, they are wandering musicians.”
Etienne, who slightly raised her body in front of her, offered to shake her hand. Hungry immediately grabbed his hand and nodded his head. It seemed that he was willing to have a conversation in that he put a book in, but it was very confusing that he was going through the whole statement.
“If you’re a vagabond, I’m not formidable, but if you look closely, isn’t everyone a bupyeongcho that wanders around by giving itself to the wind of life?”
“It is truly poetic.”
Still, the two got along very well. It was because one of them was a conversational personality enough to start talking to them, and the other was a sociable personality enough to not hesitate to come to them.
“Two minchora met by chance in this vast universe…….”
“Maybe it’s inevitable.”
“Maybe.”
Etienne sighed. In transportation such as trains and airships, there are times when you encounter these mysterious ties. That’s why a fairly famous bard in his home country started a wandering life. It’s a waste to be a temporary companion, because if you want to come across such a coincidence, you have to put your feet up.
“Gentlemen, would you like to order?”
While she was enjoying small talk, it was her turn. The manager came after receiving the order from the previous passenger. As if waiting in vain, she took out the table by the window and picked out the dish she had marked earlier and put it into her mouth.
“Schnelfarte Haute Cuisine, please.”
“You can choose appetizer, main course, and dessert.”
“My diet is not that picky, so I tend to eat well without covering anything. I want to leave it to the discretion of the chef here.”
“I will pass it on to the kitchen.”
Manager Thomas nodded. After writing down the spell of his misfortune in his notebook, he looked at Etienne this time. I could tell that they were not part of the party, but the first-class dining car was the only spacious place in the limited space of the train.
There was no reason to stop them from saying that they would have a joint meeting.
“What about Monsieur?”
“The same please.”
“Would you like to leave the details to the discretion of the chef?”
“I would like to, but I don’t know if I will.”
Étienne, who was handed a dress code from the wrong bridge, was in trouble. Schnelfarte Haute Cuisine refers to a diet based on Gallic court cuisine. In short, it means that we will serve you top-notch dishes with a composition that can only be tasted on this train, and usually these dishes differ in taste depending on the chef’s inclination.
“My taste is quite picky…….”
No matter how inexperienced the chef is, if he makes an order that is difficult to fail, it is worth eating. But on a journey like this, isn’t it normal to want to reap an unexpected harvest by trying a new dish?
Will you rely on experience or will you try an adventure?
Fortunately, Thomas, the manager, quickly noticed Etienne’s worries. With a career worthy of his career, he added advice not to be rude in serving customers, but helpful enough in making decisions.
“The chef of this train is a genius who has won second place in the Gaul Haute Cuisine Grand Prix for two consecutive years.”
“Two years? Is it really?”
“I don’t know if you’ve heard of Chef Hannah Orff.”
“This!”
Étienne thumped the table. The rather violent reaction drew the attention of the surroundings for a moment. However, he didn’t care and spit out his words.
“I’ve never heard of that absolute taste.”
The gastronomy world is wide and narrow. Although Étienne Duris was not a nobleman like Henrietta, he was well-rounded as a self-made musician. One of them was cooking, and he was sincere in eating like a Gaul, and he used to memorize Bernhard’s famous chef.
“Good. I’ll leave it up to him.”
“Thank you for your order. We will do our best to make sure you have a pleasant dining time.”
Thomas bowed his head briefly and took the notebook and moved on to the next customer. The train, which had only six or seven passengers a moment ago, soon became crowded with ten.
“Oops, it’s been a while since we gathered like this.”
Said Etienne, looking around her.
“Not all have gathered.”
She replied by rubbing the back of her neck as if it were stiff.
“Well? Is that so?”
“Yes, there are a total of 12 First Class cabins on the Schnellfahrt. And there were 11 first class passengers on board last night. I heard that reservations are full, but even if one person misses the train, there is still one left.”
“I guess you’ve been on this train before.”
With a bitter expression on his face, he silently looked out the window. He, who had checked the passengers in the restaurant one step ahead of Etienne, was identifying the person who hadn’t appeared yet.
‘The one who was here from the beginning was a Gallic lady and a businessman.’
The order is so
‘Come next, this minstrel.’
And the two entered almost at the same time.
‘A demon and a vampire called a diplomat couple from the Federation.’
After that, the elderly dragon tribe, the old elf, and the Jin woman followed in turn.
‘The last time I entered…….’
An oni from the East.
‘Yeah, then that’s fake.’
Therefore, it is she who does not appear until the very end. She finished tidying up in the blink of an eye, and she messed with her beard. She still has a lot to figure out, but she is only on the second day of her journey on the train.
“I look forward to it.”
“Is Monsieur like that?”
Étienne rubbed her hands together and licked her lips. She seemed very much intrigued by the name courtesy Hannah Orff. She had never heard of the name, but she knew what the Gaul Haute Cuisine Grand Prix was.
The best honor in the culinary world that every sooksu dreams of!
“Well, it’s nothing else, it’s the Gaul Haute Cuisine Grand Prix.”
“I heard that Mr. Duris is the most honorable qualification in his home country.”
“Sure. Recently, the competition has been on a break due to the war, but until a few years ago, the person who won the Grand Prix was treated unimaginably.”
Even considering that it was an exaggerated expression, the wealth and honor were laughable. In other countries, it was a courtesy that could only be found in military medals. It was a part that could measure the passion for taste and the developed food culture of Gaul.
“Chef Hannah Orff is a real cook. She is famous for her outstanding beauty as well as her skills. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they are the most cutting-edge among the new generation that luxuryists pick.”
“Hmm, it seems that his whereabouts are not well known.”
“There was a tendency that he did not want to reveal himself well. I guess it’s a kind of mysticism. He said he wasn’t that kind of person from the beginning, but he said he was inspired by his opponent who won the Grand Prix.”
It was surprisingly interesting to hear the inside story of an industry I was unfamiliar with. Like the saying that the market is a side dish, any small talk in the face of boredom felt welcome.
Furthermore, gaps in opponents come from everyday life.
Contrary to the appearance of leisurely enjoying the trip, Huddari was watching the people in the dining car all the time. From fakes that don’t show up until late in the morning as if they’re planning on skipping meals, to the minstrels here who willingly approached me.
“Didn’t you say that you are the most advanced among the new generation?”
“It was.”
“But from what you’re saying, it seems like there’s someone else on top of that.”
“It has to be.”
Etienne paused for a beat. And soon, the moment he opened his mouth, a voice came from an unexpected place. He was an old man sitting at a diagonal table. He was a vampire with a long beard and fangs sticking out of his mouth.
Yegor Bukharin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slavic Republic!
“He’s talking about the celestial cook.”
While enjoying refreshments with his demonic wife, he intervened in the conversation. Unlike his old age, he seemed to be well versed in the latest trends in the gastronomy world, as if he were bright on topics that luxury people would like.
“A heavenly cook?”
“He is an unprecedented talent in that field. You could call it the president of the gastronomy world.”
“You know well, old man!”
Etienne, tinged with color, agreed. She carelessly stroked his beard. It was because it seemed like a ridiculous play of the absurd that Gauls and Slavs were praising their country’s chefs.
“The president of the gastronomy world…….”
“It’s a bloody nickname.”
Not that it wasn’t, it really was. It was a mistake that was not very favorable to the Adler regime, but the way citizens and diplomats of other countries looked at the Führer was very uncomfortable. Even in the colonial territories and enemy countries, that Beatrix Adler was regarded as an untouchable absolute being.
“So, what is he doing these days?”
“It is in a place worthy of the Führer.”
Etienne smirked. Yegor took the teacup without a word. And the hollow leg responded with an uncomfortable expression.
“That nickname is a little awkward. Apparently, an SS officer was also on board this train. I would like to be referred to as the heavenly cook as much as possible so as not to be frowned upon for no reason…….”
“Oh, sorry. But I really couldn’t express it that way. It is known that the place where she got the job was none other than the Führer’s official residence. Thanks to that, the news didn’t come out as much as other mystics after that.”
“She, was the celestial cook also a woman?”
“They said she was a human woman. Also very young and beautiful. That’s why she must have been singled out.”
There was a hint of sarcasm in the small sneer, the usual laugh. Of course, it wasn’t directed at me or Yegor. It was a booing, referring to a man known as a worldly debaucher and an asshole.
Prince of the East.
When rumors about the presidential residence go up and down in public, nine times out of ten, the name of Seo Jeong-woo, the First Lieutenant Commander, is mentioned. This is because the male prostitute’s promiscuity is well-known both on the mainland and in colonies, even on the battlefield or in enemy countries.
“I’m not saying this as a diplomat, but he’s famous.”
Yegor added again. Contrary to his gentle and solemn appearance, he seemed to be involved in the conversation like an old man who had nothing to do. Although it was a hunch, it also seemed to have an intention to achieve some purpose through such camouflage.
“I don’t think anything would be suspicious if it leans towards the logic of belief and confirmation bias.”
It was a significant word. Hungry’s eyes turned suspiciously. Étienne, on the other hand, did not appear to be very pleased with such advocacy.
For the most part, Gaul’s open sex culture doesn’t care about a wife or two. If there is mutual consent, there is a tendency to regard an affair as an individual’s private life. However, Seo Jeong-woo, who was involved in all sorts of scandals as the Führer’s fiancé, had such a promiscuous impression that even the Gauls shook their heads.
“Confirmation bias.”
“Doubt is a dark ghost, isn’t it?”
Certainly people do. Everyone tends to see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear.
“Can a rootless tree really grow leaves?”
That’s unknown. Even so, Étienne kept putting negative words in her mouth. As if he had any resentment toward the individual Seo Jeong-woo, or as someone who values moral innocence, unlike the public perception of Gauls.
“You seem to particularly dislike him.”
“No one will like a powerful man who tramples on and tramples on the weak.”
The mischievous twitched his eyebrows. It was because, unexpectedly, deep hatred and resentment came out of the sullen and friendly Satyr.
「Listeners, we deliver urgent breaking news.」
And coincidentally, just as she was about to point that out, the host’s urgent voice rang through the radio she had been playing. It was a bit heavy news for those who wanted to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
“At dawn today, Lieutenant General Otto Moritz, a hero of the Eastern Front, was found dead at his home with his wife. He said that the SS Security Bureau is currently investigating the exact cause of death. Let’s listen to the announcement of Ernst Heydrich, Director of Security, through the reporter in the conference room.”
“…… Therefore, the cause of death appears to be blood loss due to aortic dissection. Of course, we’ll need to do some more research to find out more details. However, while there are clear signs of intrusion from the outside, the body shows no sign of resistance, so we are putting weight on the possibility that it was an act of an innocent criminal.”
“This is Martin Meinhoff, reporter for Radio Rhineland. According to what is known to the world, I heard that Lieutenant General Moritz is a master of military martial arts. If he hadn’t been assaulted with a weapon or in a weak state of mind and body caused by mental magic, wouldn’t he have had enough room to counterattack?”
“That’s right. However, no traces of weapons or magic were found at the scene.”
“This is Sophie Koch, journalist for Bernharde Welle. What about the possibility that he took his wife hostage first and blackmailed him?”
“It is still too early to make a hasty decision. We will keep all possibilities open and proceed with the investigation.”
People in the dining car started to stir. Not only the passengers, but the crew as well.
‘It’s finally started.’
It had to be. Because the victim was none other than the guardian of the Eastern Front. It was because he was a national hero that was irreplaceable in Bernhard.
The fact that he, who had been alive until yesterday, ended his life in just one morning was hard to believe. Even if it was people from the Gallic colony or a couple of diplomats from the Slavic Federation.
“Also, I don’t think it’s a bit early to announce it at this point, but…….」
Everyone’s silence.
“A similar incident has been reported at the home of former Defense Secretary Rolf Renner and we are looking into it.”
“I am Hugo Eller, a reporter for Eastern Union Broadcasting. Can you explain exactly what you mean?」
“This is an incident in which the wife of former Minister Linda Renner, her daughter, Miss Tina Renner, and a servant in her mansion were killed by mysterious gunshot wounds. The perpetrator, Rolf Renner, was missing but remained at the scene with his arms apparently amputated.”
And fuss.
“Oh My God!”
“It is a terrible case.”
“How could it be so full of bad news when the war never stopped?”
Sighs erupted from everywhere. But while some may have been sincere, some were just talking and matching the mood.
Huddari paid attention to just such people.
If it wasn’t a topic I wasn’t interested in, I could have just listened and moved on. There would have been no need to bury him by reacting awkwardly.
However, it is. The people on this train are not pure travelers. Some of them needed the process of this moment more than the result of reaching their destination.
‘Maybe everyone is like that.’
There are no coincidences. The world is complex. People are influenced and exercised by numerous things without even realizing it. That’s why Hundred Truly trusted his intuition and tried to find a hidden link in the eleven first-class passengers.
“Gosha, shall we telegraph?”
“If it’s on the news, you’ll already know about it in your home country.”
The most suspicious diplomat couple closed their mouths at the end of that brief conversation.
“They say that even if a giant tree breaks, it doesn’t shake.”
The noble lady closed her eyes with such a comment.
“That guy is dead…….”
The Gallic businessman, who seemed to have a lot to hide, muttered in disbelief.
“Isn’t it really sad, sir?”
In addition, there were various reactions. And Huddari, who was looking at that aspect, turned his gaze to the voice he heard from the other side.
Étienne Duris, the Satyr, whose complexion had darkened at the news just before, had a bitter expression on his face, as if it was difficult to shake off his melancholy mood.
“I always think of this when I hear sad news. Why can’t we live without biting each other?”
“It must be because struggle is the essence of existence.”
“Is it really so?”
“We are fire. As for the fire, she has no pity for the firewood she has swallowed.”
“I don’t know. I’m just a mediocre who likes to sing. He’s a guy who knows how to pluck a string. It seems that politics and ideology are too complicated for such an ignorant person. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if the world was peaceful without having to worry about it.”
The mistress tilted her head. Even though it was a short meeting, Etienne’s appearance was very diverse. She has hatred and grudge against the so-called haves, sensitivity towards people who have nothing to do with me, and finally her irritation with war and her desire for peace.
Somehow I seemed to know.
Among extroverts, there is such a group image. There is a class that is clumsy at hiding their past and history because they are innocent and defenseless.
Étienne Duris belonged to just such a class.
“Come to think of it, I heard there is an expression like this in a country in the East.”
“…… Which?”
“Hit the back drum. That’s why it’s only after the work is over that it’s belatedly.”
“It is a common adage. In all times and places, there are many lessons that tell us not to waste time.”
“But, you know what?”
In the dining room, where the fuss had subsided, dishes from the kitchen were being carried one by one. It wasn’t a long time, but it was a phenomenal speed, as if it wasn’t a lie that it was only for first-class passengers.
“All proverbs of this kind are bullshit. Especially when used in a mocking tone.”
“Why is that?”
“You have to play the back drum to know the value of the front drum.”
“…… !”
“I don’t know how Mr. Duris feels, but I affirm the struggle. I believe that in these terrible times, there will be people who hope for peace and will fight for it.”
Étienne looked at the hollow leg with quite a new gaze. Observation is not the exclusive property of a particular person. Like the person concerned, he too had his eye on this handsome gentleman. She felt the grit and firearms that flashed in her gentle, familiar features, like her beard and cane.
“Gentlemen?”
The two people who were talking turned their heads to the side at once. The manager, who was serving food with wheat tea, introduced the aperitif for the dinner he ordered and apologized for interfering in the conversation.
“I’m sorry during the talk. This is the aperitif, Grosses Gebeks. For a side dish, I prepared a garden salad with raw cheese.”
Looking around, the lady Henrietta and her businessman Bastian were already starting to eat. Realizing that it was their turn, the two raised their glasses. They reached an unspoken agreement to put off complicated topics until later, and to appease hunger first.
“The clean taste of alcohol without residual sugar will calm the uncomfortable stomach in the morning.”
“I have never heard of the name Grosses Gebeks. It doesn’t look like Gallian wine.”
“This is the grade assigned by the Bernhard National Brewing Association. It is classified through a rigorous screening based on its independent quality. Grosses Gebeks is also a type of Grosse Lage, the highest-grade wine.”
It was an answer comparable to that of a professional judge. After all, the title of manager of Schnellfart is not something everyone can claim. In fact, Thomas had experience and qualifications in the related industry. Thanks to that, it was easy to explain to Etienne, who was unfamiliar with foreign wines.
“It’s rough and violent.”
The false leg was evaluated. As the saying goes, Grosses Gebeck gave a pretty intense experience before breakfast. It was the same sensation as waking up a hazy mind with strong coffee or tea.
“Umm, it’s definitely bold for an aperitif.”
Etienne agreed. He munched for a while after putting the snacks in his mouth with the cutlery on the table. The garden salad with fresh cheese was soft and cozy unlike the alcohol served as an aperitif.
“The two conflicting elements must have been intentional, right?”
“I guess so.”
The two of them waited for the appetizers without asking who came first. It was a way to use a napkin provided as a bib or put it on your lap, befitting a haute cuisine dinner.
“You waited a long time. The appetizer is grilled mushrooms and goose liver sprinkled with spices.”
The salad was meant to whet the appetite, so the quantity was not large. However, the hors d’oeuvre that came next, despite its name, was quite bulky.
“This is almost the main course.”
“Once you eat, you don’t feel full.”
“It’s Patero. Somehow it looked big, so it must have been cooked with a spread-like feel.”
“It melts quickly.”
The greasy taste of alcohol took a peek at the surroundings. The lady was satisfied as she wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. Needless to say, the businessman was already getting up from his seat after emptying the bowl.
“The first main course, Seodae and steamed clams.”
Because it was a good enough dish.
“Second course, American-style tomahawk steak and stir-fried asparagus.”
Because it was such a skill.
“There is also semi-hard cheese from Lumiere.”
Every time Milcha came and went to the kitchen, Etienne and Huddari’s faces bloomed with laughter. By the time I emptied my dessert and drank after-meal, I was drowsy with a feeling of fullness that could not be more perfect.
“Were you satisfied with the meal?”
Just in time, after serving other passengers, manager Thomas approached and asked. The two nodded without hesitation. After wiping his mouth with a handkerchief that he had nothing to wipe, he enjoyed the feeling of refreshment with the leftover post-meal drink.
“The chef at Schnellparte seems to be a very picky person.”
The mischief grinned and spat out. It was a word with a strange corner somewhere to hear it as a compliment. Originally, those who belong to this upper class seldom convey their thoughts directly.
“It really tasted like a tyrant. My cooking will be like this, so you guys should bow your heads and worship.”
However, the handsome gentleman here was a man who did not know the art of irony. Because he used only direct speech whenever and wherever. What I just said to the manager was pure admiration and appreciation.
“It is an honour. But on the other hand, it’s too much praise.”
A clear, high-pitched voice gave a humble answer. It was a third party that had never been there before. The moment I heard him, I got the impression that he was feminine, so as I could immediately recall, the owner of that upbringing was none other than Hannah Orff.
“It’s embarrassing to say it with my own mouth, but my personality is also round and round.”
“It seems so. I have to admit at least one affability.”
“I will formally greet you. This is Hannah Orff, the head chef of Schnellfahrt.”
Étienne took her hand first and shook her hand. As if he had approached and talked to the lost leg first, he seemed quite excited about meeting the absolute taste he always longed for, who likes to make friends.
“This is Duris, a third-rate musician who wanders from place to place. It is an honor to meet you.”
“Jokes too! I don’t know how the best chanson realist in Gaul can claim to be third-rate.”
“Do you know chanson? You seem to be very knowledgeable about music.”
“I only know singers and poets without faces. Once you hear that charming tone that stands on the border between fantasy and reality, you will never be able to get out of it.”
Hannah smiled broadly. The chanson realist was one of the traditional music genres in Gaul. For example, in the way of satirizing reality, pinching it, or accusing it in detail, Etienne Duris was one of the most respected and revered legends.
“Doesn’t it sound like you would have been one of the greatest musicians of our time if it weren’t for your wanderlust?”
“Oh, that’s what people say without knowing.”
“The awl in your pocket will eventually come out.”
Hannah and Hannah stared at each other. She soon took her hand and she shook it. He was reluctant to reveal her identity, but the chef, who is said to be an absolute taster, must have already known her name and identity. Otherwise, I would never have said the same thing now.
“I was really impressed with this publication. Among the wishes I wanted to achieve at least once in my life, there was meeting a teacher. I hope you like the dish I gave you.”
“Well? A published work, are you sure you were a writer?”
Feeling the burden of the sudden attention, the flat legs shook their hands.
“I am quite reluctant to be in the spotlight outside of work. It’s a job because it’s a job, so it’s difficult to find out everywhere you go. I wonder if anyone will recognize it, and there are also things I’m nervous about. I didn’t reserve first class for nothing, so I hope you’ll be considerate…….”
Hanna shook her head as if of course. But Étienne couldn’t win over my curiosity, so she started asking him for his name.
“They say it’s a relationship even if you just brush your collar, but can’t you tell me at least your name?”
“It’s not even a great name.”
“In that case, let’s hear at least your name, Monsieur.”
“This is embarrassing, Mr. Duris.”
“Wouldn’t it be easier to call someone by knowing their last name?”
“Whoa, that’s true, but…….”
In the end, I couldn’t stand it, and I confessed my last name. The tired look on her face showed no distaste for her partner, but Étienne was still convinced that she was worth it.
“It’s Grass.”
“…… !”
Because the weight of the name returned as an answer to the question was heavier than expected.
“Yes, as you know, he is the one you think he is.”
It was not unreasonable to see her mouth wide open in amazement. Hanna, who watched the scene from the side, fully sympathized. To the extent that Thomas, who was like a borrowed barley sack, coughed politely before realizing belatedly that he had something to say.
“Oh, by the way, Manager Ram. I forgot to tell you because I was busy, but an assistant under me was late. But when I asked why, they said it was because the workers in Car No. 6 were running to help?”
“It can’t be. If it’s car number 6, it’s likely that the 3rd and 4th train directors are jointly in charge.”
“That’s what I mean. Still, there are a lot of people there. So, while I had some spare time, I came to ask if there is any sickness there today.”
“There was no such report in particular. Have you talked to Deputy General Fichte and Deputy General Schoen?”
“I ran into Mr. Fichte on the way to work in Car No. 7 earlier. But I don’t think I’ve seen Deputy Director Schön’s face since work last night.”
Something is wrong. Car No. 6, the shared dining car at the rear, was in charge of the 3rd and 4th train heads together because of its hustle and bustle. Although Thomas’ main job was to receive first-class passengers at the front, if there was a problem enough to hire someone from another department, he should have reported it to me first.
“It’s been a while since I haven’t seen Deputy Schoen. But that friend probably isn’t the type to neglect reporting because he’s afraid of being reprimanded.”
“Anyway, I think it would be good to visit at least once.”
Hannah whispered. Still wondering, Thomas felt the need to move quickly.
“All right. I’ll be back for a while, so I’ll ask you to serve on my behalf.”
“Leave it to me.”
The manager, who was in an unusually hasty manner, pulled the truck and disappeared in the direction of car number 2. Left alone, Hanna immediately looked around her to fill his void. She asked Henrietta if there was anything lacking after finishing the meal, and she asked the diplomat couple, who were replacing breakfast with refreshments, if they were satisfied with the dessert.
“Madame Roche-Jacqueline, how was your meal?”
“It tastes great as ever. I look forward to having a meal like this every time until I get to Partenope.”
Unlike Thomas, there was no need for exceptional customer service skills. It was enough for me to keep the basic etiquette in that I had tasted my cooking.
As the anonymous expression of Grass, Hannah Orff was a tyrant, and all the passengers here were prisoners of that taste.
“Mr. Buharin, he said he doesn’t like sweet things, so I tried adding incense to the agar. How is it?”
“It fits in your mouth. There is nothing better.”
“Fortunately, the. My wife said she likes Medovic cake from her home country, so I made it.”
“I really liked it because it goes well with tea.”
Needless to say, Bastian left already satisfied, and the reaction of those who remained was mostly positive. It was unfortunate that it wasn’t everything, but even that couldn’t be said to be Hannah’s fault.
“Are you Mr. Soldatova? My name is Hannah Orff, the chef. You’ve been looking for the same food since yesterday, but you seem to like bratwurst and sauerkraut.”
“…….”
“Uh, if there’s something you don’t like, can you tell me without hesitation?”
It was because the old elf, who had been drinking poisoned wine continuously since the wind in the morning, kept his mouth shut despite such questions. With his bald head and Kaiser beard, he had an impression that was difficult to approach, and he did not blink an eye at the chef’s smiley question.
“He is a man of few words. He seems to want to do his own thing quietly, so let it be.”
It was only after Etienne, who was worse off, intervened, that the awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere became much better. The old man, called Soldatoba, didn’t seem to care much about me, so I filled her glass and emptied it after a few sips.
Snacks were bratwurst and sauerkraast, but seeing as he kept pouring high-alcohol alcohol on his aged body, the side dishes seemed like a good party.
“Did you not like the food?”
“Could that be? Everyone liked it. Didn’t Mr. Grass and I do the same?”
Étienne looked in vain and asked for consent. She didn’t want to take a side because she didn’t want to appear to be taking sides, but she certainly did.
Hannah Orff’s cooking was impeccable and the dish was mesmerizing.
“Besides, she seems to be from the Commonwealth, but she could have been silent simply because she couldn’t speak Bernhard.”
“I do not know. Probably not. I heard you speak quite fluently when ordering.”
“Um…….”
“There is nothing difficult to think about. There is no dish that will please everyone. Those who strive for perfection will fail. Well, your thoughts may be different from my concept, but at least it was a pleasant and happy meal for me.”
Hearing his words, she responded with a faint smile. In fact, she did as he said, but she knew that no dish could satisfy everyone. However, since she had witnessed a miracle that was infinitely close to it, she used to feel bitter whenever the same thing happened.
“I’m glad you said that, but none of this would have happened to him.”
“That child?”
“Helga Schmidt. He is my little idol.”
When I heard her name from Hannah, I hesitated. It was a reaction that passed by in an instant. However, Etienne, who was sitting across from her, saw her clearly because he was close to her original form, and assumed that it was because he did not know who the woman was, Helga, and she elaborated.
“The president of the gastronomic world.”
“…… A heavenly cook?”
“It’s literally a legend on this floor. I once competed against him at a place called the Gallia Haute Cuisine Grand Prix. The final stage was overwhelmingly defeated. And that is two years in a row.”
The existence of an opponent who can compete on an equal footing, that is, a rival, brings a sense of goodwill.
“It was the first time in my life that I felt a wall. I realized that there are opponents who can’t do it with talent or effort. Maybe that’s why, I wondered if it would be possible for that child to do something outrageous like a dish that would satisfy everyone.”
“I heard that he works in the kitchen at the official residence of President Bernhardt.”
“I heard that. He would have asked me to come from a better place than that, although I don’t know why he was there.”
“This is what I said to Mr. Duris, but I think it would be better for both of you to be careful with your words and actions. It seems that an SS officer was also on board this train.”
“Mr. Eichmann? I heard that he was a very scary person, but he was surprisingly considerate. He asked for some breakfast to be brought to his room, saying that it would be inconvenient for other people to eat with a uniformed official in the dining car.”
Étienne frowned and disliked it. She belonged to the colony, not her home country, but the reputation of the SS Extermination Nation is truly global. Even so, she was uncomfortable with the expression that the head of a unit famous for cleaning people was caring.
“Still, that doesn’t seem like much…….”
“If it’s fake, it probably will.”
“Yes? What kind of small grain is that?”
He spat out in a way that was passing by. Étienne asked, keeping her eyes wide open.
“The head of the SS Extermination Bureau, Elfriede Eichmann’s hair color is pink, close to cherry blossoms.”
“Is it brown?”
“It must have been dyed or not real.”
It was a hard word to believe. If it wasn’t for my last name he revealed, he would have dismissed it as nonsense. But no matter what anyone said, it was Grass, and Hannah and Étienne were well aware of the weight of that reputation.
“Are there any noblemen fearless enough to pretend to be officers of the SS?”
“The world is bigger than we think.”
“Huh…….”
“It would be better for both of you to stay as relaxed as possible.”
Lap-legged Grass, who placed her clasped hands on the table, spat out calmly. As if he expected that someone who rushed from the back of the train immediately afterward would shout loudly, he kept his composure amidst the sudden chaos and raised his glass of post-meal drink.
“Chef Orff!”
“What happened?”
“Hey, this is an emergency. The general manager told the deputy chief-level crew to gather in car no. 7 right away…… !”
“…… !”
Hannah was startled. In a train running at high speed, an emergency situation means that the fate of the passengers depends on it. And it is common for such emergency situations to be communicated covertly by radio to prevent confusion.
However, the one who conveyed the words was this low-end crew member.
This meant that Thomas had no time to use the radio, or that a situation was so urgent that he couldn’t even think of such a big problem.
“Including the engineer?”
“Yes, everyone above the rank of train conductor has been called.”
“I see. I’ll call you soon, so let’s listen as we go.”
“He told me to bring Mr. Grass along as well.”
Shocked, she and Etienne looked at each other. She asked if this was the meaning of what she had just said, and at the same time she wondered if she had looked this far.
“Looks like it’s time for work.”
To put it bluntly, did they predict that it was a predestined procedure, or did they say this without blinking an eye, and answered the question stemming from their silence like this?
“Let’s go.”
That’s right, of course.
