Chapter 119.2
Gentle On The Stomach, It’s A Grated Root Vegetable Porridge
Three days of only water.
Though stated casually, for the average person, this would be a terrifying situation. If one were bedridden from illness and unable to eat, it might make sense. But living on just water for three days while healthy? Most would break down quickly. This was a hallmark of adventurer training—on hard mode.
The purpose of this training was to experience firsthand how grueling it is to survive on just water during a journey when food runs out. To avoid collapsing, participants were required to stay at the base during this time. Measures were taken to ensure they got necessary salts and nutrients, so no one would suffer physical harm. Still, the sheer hunger paired with a water-only diet was enough to bring many to tears.
At the end of this ordeal, three people slumped lifelessly over the dining table. From the kitchen came the delightful aroma of broth.
“Um… are those three okay?”
“Oh, they’re just hungry. Isn’t that right?”
“…Want meat…”
“…Just hungry…”
“…I’d eat, but I’m scared I’ll pass out if I gorge myself…”
“Yep, that’s their situation.”
“Wow…”
Sheila’s concerned question was met with a cheerful response from Yuuri. Then, in answer to Yuuri’s follow-up, the lifeless-eyed Lelei voiced her craving aloud. Kurresh and Hermione, echoing her, also expressed their hunger. Having just ended their fasting that morning, the three were still not in top condition, unable to eat much in one sitting. More accurately, neither Yuuri nor Ally would have allowed it.
Stuffing oneself after fasting usually results in collapse. Though Lelei was asking for meat, she understood the situation well enough not to eat on her own.
“I can’t do meat, but I’ll make something flavorful, so just hang on.”
“Okay…”
The trio’s responses all but begged for haste. Having spoken, they slumped back over the table, either from exhaustion or unwillingness to move. Smiling gently, Yuuri headed to the kitchen, where Magg was waiting with a large pot of prepared broth.
“Magg, thanks for getting the broth ready. It smells great!”
“Perfect.”
“You’ve gotten so good at making broth.”
“Delicious.”
Magg, responding crisply, brought a smile to Yuuri’s face. A boy who loved broth and umami, Magg had become a master at making perfect stock, resembling a professional chef.
Today’s meal needed a lot of broth. Seeing the large pot of it, Yuuri smiled with satisfaction. Magg had also prepped everything else: grated daikon radish, carrots, and potatoes filled a bowl. Sheila tilted her head curiously at the sight.
“Yuuri, did you grate all these vegetables?”
“Yes, I grated daikon, carrots, and potatoes. It’s easier to digest this way.”
“…Are you making soup?”
“No, it’s porridge.”
Yuuri planned to make vegetable porridge with grated veggies for added nutrition. After all, following plain rice water with simple porridge might draw a look of despair from a certain meat-loving lady. The preparation was straightforward: simmer the broth, season with salt and soy sauce, then add the grated vegetables and rice. The soft, grated vegetables cooked quickly; the only concern was ensuring the rice became tender without boiling the pot too hard.
“Magg, just keep it on low heat and let it simmer.”
“…Delicious.”
“There’s enough for everyone, so it won’t disappear if you don’t watch it.”
“…”
“Let’s get the table ready instead.”
“Understood.”
Magg, who had been intently watching the simmering pot, finally moved at Yuuri’s prompting. A devoted lover of broth, Magg couldn’t help being drawn to the enticing smell. But with a large pot prepared and only a small group for lunch, there was no risk of anyone stealing it.
They wiped the table, set out water, bowls, and spoons, and clattered about as they arranged everything. At this, the trio at the other table slowly lifted their heads, casting hopeful looks as if to say, Is it food? Yuuri and Magg nodded in unison, eliciting beaming smiles as the trio eagerly shifted seats.
Placing a large trivet at the table’s center, Yuuri and Magg carefully carried over the pot of porridge, one handle each. The cheerful teamwork added to the warmth of the scene.
When the lid was lifted, the fragrant aroma of broth filled the air. Though seasoned only lightly with salt and soy sauce, the rich umami of the broth was enough to make mouths water. A rumbling stomach went unnoticed by all.
“Careful, Lelei. It’s hot, so eat slowly.”
“Okay.”
Yuuri served the porridge into individual bowls, the large pot signaling unlimited refills. There were no side dishes—not because they couldn’t be made but because Yuuri felt it unfair for those fasting to endure seeing others eat them. Having endured three days of hardship, they deserved this reprieve.
The wooden spoons were chosen for comfort when eating something hot. Yuuri scooped a bite, savoring the rich umami of Magg’s expertly crafted broth. The grated vegetables blended seamlessly, adding sweetness and fullness without feeling heavy. The rice, simmered until nearly dissolved, was soft yet deeply flavorful.
“This is delicious. The seasoning is perfect.”
“Does it suit your taste?”
“Yes.”
“Believe it or not, the only seasoning is salt and soy sauce—everything else is the broth.”
“…Yuuri, I need this recipe. I’ll tell my father.”
“Understood.”
Having polished off her bowl, Sheila requested the recipe from Yuuri. It was up to Darius whether to use or adapt it, but as an idea, Sheila thought it worth sharing.
Oblivious to their conversation, Magg ate silently, savoring every bite of his broth-infused creation. Nearby, the fasting trio ate slowly but happily, grateful for a meal they could truly enjoy.
“Seconds are fine, but don’t overeat.”
“Okay!”
Yuuri’s cheerful reminder earned a harmonious reply. Watching the group, Tifaana smiled warmly. The trio, having survived three days of fasting, now faced the next challenge: gradually returning their bodies to normal. Tifaana, meanwhile, quietly observed their eating habits as part of the training.
Incidentally, after Magg realized that adding beaten egg to the grated vegetable porridge made it a balanced meal, this dish became a frequent appearance on his cooking days.