I Transmigrated Into A Fantasy World To Farm And Build Houses!-Chapter 160: Sam’s Craftsmanship
The air in the tribe today carried a strange, new aroma.
Leo twitched his sensitive little nose, his eyes bright:
"Brother, the canteen doesn’t have that funky smell today! It smells so good. I think they’re cooking fish."
Usually at this time of year, the air just hung with the distinct, gamy smell of dried meat and air-dried fish. Due to the lack of salt for curing, these preserved foods helped the tribe avoid starvation, but their taste was far from pleasant.
However, this year, thanks to a bountiful harvest and a more abundant food supply, everyone’s meals were guaranteed. As soon as the grain from the Ox-Head tribe arrived, this winter would be the most plentiful one ever.
Even so, having to go back to eating dried meat after getting used to the delicious dishes Eric prepared made many people feel a bit unaccustomed. Even the Dwarves, who had their own rations, usually avoided the canteen in winter.
But today, the rich, savory aroma wafting from the canteen completely overpowered the usual unpleasant odor. The Snow Wolves on the path couldn’t help but be curious; everyone took a deep breath, and their footsteps quickened unconsciously.
"It really is fragrant. Let’s go eat!" Eric pulled Leo’s hand, joining the cheerful crowd pouring towards the canteen.
As soon as they saw the two brothers, the Snow Wolves in line chuckled. Without a word, they unanimously parted, pushing both of them straight to the front of the line as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Eric, you’re back! Why don’t I see Thomas?" Karin asked with a grin.
"I saw Max on patrol this morning. Michael took gifts home," another person chimed in.
Already accustomed to this unconditional pampering, Eric calmly stepped forward, smiling as he explained:
"We came back first to prepare the farm tools. In a few days, we’ll go with Max and the others to bring back the grain."
"Ah, that’s right. We have the Dwarves this year. They have to trade for grain too," Karin nodded in understanding.
Behind the food counter, Jessica beamed, holding a large ladle, scooping food onto a large plate.
"This trip must have been exhausting, wasn’t it? Eat up to get your strength back! Today, the canteen is using the sea fish you brought back. I have to admit, sea fish is much tastier than our river fish!"
No wonder! Eric watched as his plate kept filling up with hearty chunks of stewed fish, and Jessica still had no intention of stopping. He quickly called out:
"Jessica, that’s enough, really! This is enough!"
"You’re the patriarch now, worrying about so many things. How can you eat so little? Look, you went on one trip and got so thin."
Jessica nagged affectionately, scooping another full ladle of fish onto his plate before she was satisfied and handed it to him.
Eric could only laugh wryly. The feeling of an adult looking at you and declaring "you’ve gotten thinner" was truly universal. He actually felt he had gained a little weight.
"Eric! Come try my fried shrimp!" Sam waved his iron spatula from the other side, his booming voice cutting through the crowd.
Before he even had to walk over, a plate of golden, fragrant fried shrimp was passed hand-to-hand through the line to reach him.
"That boy is our best cook now," Jessica said with unconcealed pride. "Today, when he saw the extra fish and shrimp you brought back, he volunteered to make both these dishes."
Eric was truly astonished. Sam, the warrior who had once collapsed half the canteen foundation with one punch, had such a natural talent for cooking?
It seemed everyone had hidden potential; he just never expected Sam’s to explode in the kitchen.
Leo carefully carried the plate of stewed fish, and Eric carried the fried shrimp. The two brothers found an empty spot at a table in the Dwarves’ section. The canteen looked much brighter and cleaner after being rebuilt.
The clear glass windows made by the Dwarves, the smooth cement-plastered walls, and the long, school-style tables and benches had replaced the old makeshift furniture.
The spacious, airy, and warm atmosphere, thanks to the ever-burning fireplace, made the dining experience much more enjoyable.
Seeing the Dwarves, also drawn in by the aroma, sitting and eating happily alongside the Snow Wolves, Eric felt even more strongly that the decision to build this canteen was absolutely correct.
He eagerly took a bite. The sea fish was cut into large chunks, stewed until tender with sautéed garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine.
The pearly white flakes of fish, soaked in the thick, golden sauce, melted on his tongue, blending the sweetness of the fish with the aroma of the spices. It was so delicious it made one close their eyes to savor it.
The fried shrimp, however, was a true masterpiece. The sea shrimp were cut into pieces, dusted with a thin layer of flour, and deep-fried. With one bite, the golden-brown outer layer crackled audibly in his mouth, followed by the firm, springy shrimp meat that burst with the clean, sweet flavor of the sea.
The crispiness of the shell, the sweetness of the meat—it was a simple dish with complex layers of flavor.
Eric ate, nodding in approval, endlessly admiring Sam in his heart. *So good! Sam has completely graduated!*
The entire canteen fell into an engrossed silence, broken only by the sound of chewing and murmurs of appreciation. Those who finished automatically brought their plates to the cleanup area, not forgetting to toss out a loud compliment:
"Sam’s dishes are getting more and more amazing!"
"Haha, this time Thomas definitely won’t make you go training. It would be a waste of heaven’s gifts if Sam didn’t cook!"
Amidst the shower of praise, the warrior who was once shy now puffed out his broad chest, his face beaming with unconcealable pride and joy.
Only after finishing serving everyone did Sam bring his own plate, proudly coming to sit at the same table as Eric.
It was a simple lunch, yet it was filled with the joy and pride of a community that was progressing together.
