- I will follow the Benefactor to Earth. That is my choice.
The Chieftain was shocked upon hearing Kasia’s decision.
Before he grabbed the back of his neck and collapsed, it was necessary to mediate at this point.
Because when emotions run high, no one could predict what might happen.
“Shall we continue our discussion over a meal first?”
- A meal? Are we people who can just sit down and chat over food?
“I brought some ingredients from Earth. I’ve prepared enough for the entire Elf tribe to eat heartily. How about lightening the mood with a banquet and then continuing our conversation?”
- A banquet? Am I misunderstanding the meaning of ‘banquet’? Having one with an uninvited guest?
At the suggestion of holding a banquet, the Chieftain furiously shouted, his eyes blazing.
Ah, right. It’s not exactly a welcoming occasion for me.
I chose my words poorly and only made things worse.
However, some of the tribe members seemed to think differently.
When they heard the ingredients were from Earth, a few Elves licked their lips with curious eyes.
And as they whispered to the Elves beside them, “Aren’t you curious?” their numbers grew.
Perhaps sensing the unrest among the Elves, the Chieftain’s expression twisted reluctantly as he gave his consent.
- Fine. Since it’s mealtime anyway, let’s talk while eating. Karinu.
The Chieftain assigned an Elf to hear out what was needed for Earth cuisine.
I had separately brought charcoal and firewood, things hard to obtain here.
When I mentioned a large, wide stone plate and some alcohol to drink together, Karinu nodded once and disappeared.
Elves don’t usually cook with fire, but that very unfamiliarity seemed to pique their curiosity.
Thanks to the Elves stepping up to help, preparations for the banquet finished quickly.
Perhaps after searching inside Kasia’s house, boxes filled with meat had already been moved there.
By Korean standards, the Elves looked thin from their vegetarian diet, but perhaps living in the wild gave them surprisingly strong physiques.
“The preparations are complete, Chieftain.”
- All I see is flames burning, nothing else.
“When these stone plates heat up, it won’t take long.”
Kasia, standing beside me, manipulated the Spirit of Fire to raise the temperature and enlarge the flames.
She must have guessed the ingredients I brought because she licked her lips in anticipation.
How about it? Beef after two years. Should taste good, right?
- It’ll be hard to satisfy us. We Elves are quite picky. Now, let the banquet begin!
Though the Chieftain’s tone was prickly, I was grateful he allowed the banquet to proceed as I wished.
I carefully hid my tension and watched the Elves fill their cups and begin the feast.
After the cups were filled, the Elves solemnly prayed over the table.
- Nature, the source of all things, we are able to enjoy this banquet thanks to you. We thank you for offering all these.
- Prayer’s done! Drink up!
- Woo~ This alcohol’s amazing!
As soon as the prayer ended, the solemnity vanished, replaced by Elves acting like drunken revelers.
Was this how Elves were by nature?
I glanced at Kasia, expecting her reaction.
But she looked puzzled, as if nothing was unusual.
Ah, well, Kasia had been interested in food since the first day.
- Another round here!
- We’re going all out tonight!
‘Alright, the mood’s good. Time to bring out the goods.’
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, I opened the box, drawing the eager gazes of the Elves.
Their eyes filled with anticipation matched the raised tension.
“Ta-da!”
Riding this momentum, I revealed the beef, but a cold chill seemed to rapidly spread around.
- That’s not meat, is it?
- Are you seriously telling us to eat meat?
- Didn’t you know we only eat plants?
- Surely you didn’t bring this knowing that?
The previously heated mood turned icy cold.
One by one, faces contorted into hostile expressions.
Just like when I first arrived in Eliya and was captured.
The Elves’ cold reaction to seeing beef was only natural.
After all, they don’t eat—or can’t eat—meat, and yet I had proposed a banquet featuring it.
I looked at Kasia, who seemed conflicted—glowing with joy over the beef but troubled by the other Elves’ reactions.
“I know you don’t eat meat. I expected such a poor reception. But—”
- You knew! And still brought that?
The Chieftain glared at me with much sharper eyes than before, as if saying he had been patient until now.
His fierce gaze shut me up momentarily, but I had come prepared to say all I wanted, so I courageously spoke again.
“Yes, that’s correct. You’ve been vegetarians for generations, as Kasia told me. But do you know why I brought meat?”
- Was it because you have no sense?
- Do we even need a reason? Explain it properly!
A bit harsh, aren’t they…?
One comment led to another negative remark.
Still, I persevered.
“Kasia initially rejected it too. But after tasting just one piece of meat, she enjoyed it. I believe you’ll feel the same. Please endure and try it just once.”
- Kasia said she enjoyed it? Lies!
- We only consume plants that grow in nature.
- We have no reason to force ourselves to eat meat!
I had anticipated this kind of atmosphere.
Even so, a word from Kasia, the experienced one, could help.
I sent Kasia a hopeful look.
Please, read my eyes.
At first, Kasia looked surprised, but then she understood my gaze and stepped forward.
- Benefactor… Do Minho is right. I ate it too. No, I loved it. Of course, I said I couldn’t eat it at first. But after just one bite, my thoughts changed. Besides, isn’t it the same for animals like us who are born from nature and eat nature?
- ……
- ……
With the support from the future Chieftain, everyone froze.
I nodded once to Kasia, meaning, “Don’t stop, keep talking.”
- Meat contains many nutrients that vegetarian diets can’t provide. So you could become healthier than before. I’m not forcing you, but I earnestly hope you try something new.
- What nutrients are you talking about? We’ve lived well so far. You know that too, don’t you?
The Chieftain calmed his anger and asked in detail.
Having questions means there’s interest.
That’s a positive sign.
“I will explain. A strictly vegetarian diet leads to weakened bone health and muscle loss. Also, stamina and immunity weaken together. Are there no Elves here suffering from these symptoms?”
Elves flinched here and there.
Many of these diseases were considered hereditary or chronic illnesses passed down through generations.
Especially since most Elves were weak from birth, relying on Spirits in battle and gathering plants for meals.
- So… if we eat meat, these illnesses can be cured?
“At least they will improve. And over long-term consumption, some Elves might fully recover. Moreover, meat tastes much better than plants.”
Kasia nodded vigorously, as if agreeing wholeheartedly.
Seeing Kasia’s reaction, the Chieftain spoke.
- Then, on behalf of the Elves, I will be the first to try.
At my confident declaration, the Elves who had been hesitating to try meat paid respect to the Chieftain’s example.
Moments like these seemed to build the Chieftain’s respect.
“Then I will bring it immediately.”
Sizzle~
Traditionally, with beef, you start eating from cuts that have less fat and juice, and milder aroma.
Because the stone plate was heated by the powerful flames summoned from Spirits, the tenderloin cooked quickly once placed.
Glug!
Anyone who has tasted beef knows from the sounds and smells alone.
The sizzling of the meat and Kasia swallowing her saliva were audible.
When I flipped the tenderloin, the side facing up was perfectly browned.
Then the underside quickly cooked as well.
To preserve tenderness, the slices were cut vertically against the grain.
Seeing the bloody red might be off-putting.
The reddish cross-section was lightly cooked and placed before the Chieftain.
“It’s done. Please try.”
Stone plate Korean beef tenderloin steak.
Breaking a long-standing eating habit is never easy.
The Chieftain kept picking up the meat and putting it down, hesitating.
He seemed to be debating whether to eat or not.
It’s not because it’s hot, right?
Eventually, the Chieftain picked up a piece and brought it to his mouth.
A moment that could change the future of the Elf race, breaking fixed ideas.
Everyone closed their eyes, waiting to savor the Chieftain’s reaction.
He swallowed slowly without even chewing much, then opened his eyes.
- Tender… It’s incomparable to plants.
- Chieftain! How is the taste!?
Rather than answering, the Chieftain showed through actions.
He cut more meat and took each piece to his mouth.
- Excellent.
For someone who only ate plants, this was an intense flavor.
Though seared on the outside, the juice flowed as he chewed, and the aroma spread inside the mouth.
To remain so dignified in front of such meat was impressive self-control.
So, that means he approves?
Sssiiiizzlllle~
When the mood’s right, you strike while the iron’s hot.
I lined up tenderloin pieces on the stone plate like hamburger patties.
Kasia, who had learned grilling techniques by watching sideways, placed tenderloin on another stone plate nearby.
Perhaps due to the crowd, the meat vanished as fast as it was grilled.
And more Elves began tasting the meat.
Like Kasia, some knelt, others closed their eyes to savor it like the Chieftain, showing varied reactions.
The tenderloin sold like wildfire, so much so that the Elves who once resisted now seemed like a different group.
Without rest, we grilled striploin, sirloin, chuck flap tail, rib meat, and outside skirt in that order.
The Elves’ attitude toward meat changed 180 degrees.
- I, I want mine grilled with the chuck flap tail! They say it’s juicy and rich in fat!
Some Elves precisely remembered their favorite cuts and requested them grilled.
- Human, could you teach me how to grill meat deliciously? If it’s a secret technique, I understand if you can’t teach me…
Others wanted to learn for themselves how to cook meat later.
- Kasia, let me grill!
Some Elves took tongs from the exhausted future Chieftain, grilling meat and eating it themselves.
The sturdy physiques hardened from fieldwork weren’t enough to handle feeding about a thousand Elves beef.
I checked on the Chieftain, who was now like the others—constantly exclaiming and enjoying the meat.
Indeed, the complex and stimulating flavors of meat could drive those who had lived vegetarian lives all their lives wild with excitement.
Even the once-dignified Chieftain had changed.
Truly, saying meat is amazing just isn’t enough.
“Alright! Attention please! I’ve taught eight people how to grill meat. Take turns learning and switching shifts! I’ll prepare other things!”
Only the nearby Elves focused, but it wasn’t a major issue.
They’d take turns as needed; I didn’t have to worry about that part.
I forcibly brought Kasia back to Earth despite her wanting more.
- It’s been a while. The air isn’t as fresh as Eliya’s, but it’s a different kind of clear air, and… the smell of chicken droppings.
After leaving the warehouse, Kasia closed her eyes and spoke of her impressions upon returning after a long time, scrunching her face at the last comment.
- But even that smell feels welcoming.
There was no time to greet Goldie and the kids now.
I took Kasia inside, though she wanted to say hello.
“You know why we came, right? Let’s quickly gather salt, wasabi, and kimchi.”
- I remember everything. The kimchi is in the kimchi refrigerator. Memories are coming back clearly. Ssam vegetables! Do we have those too?
“Yes. Since they’re Elves, let’s pack ssam vegetables as well. Good thinking.”
- Hehe. I haven’t forgotten how delicious it was.
I should have prepared earlier but got carried away focusing on the meat.
If you eat too much meat, you get tired of it, so it was time for seasonings to bring a new twist to the taste.
We had to pack up and leave before the Elves finished their meal.
When we arrived in Eliya, the excitement from before our trip to Earth had died down, replaced by a more subdued atmosphere.
- Human, you’ve returned.
- It’s tasty but too greasy, I can’t eat any more.
“Meat is naturally greasy. That’s why people add other seasonings or side dishes like kimchi to balance it out.”
Kasia, who had only nibbled a few pieces of beef here and there, introduced ways to eat it.
She started with wasabi.
- Take a little and put it on the beef like this to cut the greasiness. But beware, it’s pungent and makes your nose tingle. If any Elf dislikes that, wrap the meat in ssam vegetables instead. Perfect.
Excited, Kasia next tried dipping meat in salt, then finally placed kimchi atop the meat.
- I especially like this kimchi. Its spicy and sour flavor cuts the greasiness, and the crunchy texture keeps it from getting boring.
The Elves who followed Kasia’s example were amazed by the taste and lamented why they hadn’t been given this sooner, saying their stomachs were already full.
- Do you know how much I wanted you all to try these after tasting them on Earth? Thanks to Do Minho.
- Waaaah! Long live Kasia! Long live Do Minho!
Thus ended the long, long banquet.
Now it was time to decide Kasia’s fate.
The Chieftain called Kasia and me.
- You said you wanted to take Kasia with you?
“Yes, that’s right.”
- Good. I will make Kasia a foothold for expansion into Earth. If there’s a world with so many delicious ways to eat meat, all of our Elves will be happy.
“Does that mean you plan to leave Eliya?”
- Wherever there is nature, that place is our home.
Later, I learned that the decision to migrate to Earth wasn’t just because of meat.
Ongoing attacks from other dimensions, threats from monsters surrounding the area, and the resulting destruction and desolation of the forest.
Ultimately, the need to maintain a living was the largest factor in the decision to move.
Either way, having accomplished our goals in Eliya, Kasia and I were able to return to Earth.
Though with one concern left.
“Kasia, it’s good that you’re back, but if the Elf tribe comes over later, I don’t know what we’ll do. Just buying land nearby won’t be enough. Would mountains be better…?”
- No need to worry yet. Saying they’ll make me a foothold means they’ll come over once they’re ready to face the tribe here. Don’t rush.
I have enough money whether buying land or mountains.
I just worry if we can find a place suitable for the Elves.
Since Kasia hadn’t eaten enough beef while following me around, and to celebrate her safe return, we decided to have a small party tonight with just us.
Of course, we’d invite Goldie, Ddakkongi, and our new family member, Little Pepper as well.