Chapter 15 "Repaying Kindness" TM
As the saying goes, those who live near mountains live off the mountains, and those who live near water live off the water. The market in Dewford Town is rich in aquatic products.
The seafood, originating from the turbulent currents of Route 132, has been thoroughly cooked, providing a large amount of high-quality protein.
Merchant ships from all over the world passing through this place (a transit point on the Hoenn waterway) leave behind a wide variety of imported goods.
Kanto region's rice cakes, Hoenn's native rice crackers, Kalos region's crystal flowers, Alola region region's resonance stones, Galar region's butter, Paldea region's sacred salt…
Ocean currents and waterways connect every corner of the world. Unfortunately, the natural dangers of the open sea and high altitudes make transoceanic transportation very difficult, resulting in a scarcity of specialties from very distant regions, and an incomplete variety.
Link had originally asked if he could buy some crystal blocks to test Fennekin's crystal type; theoretically, it's fire… but he always felt it was super.
Will the crystallization of this world completely change the types of Pokémon?
However, if the opportunity arises in the future, he'll probably save the chance to crystallize for Arcanine or Ursaring.
He didn't want to think about things too far in the future. Link spent a little over two hundred Pokémon Dollars on enough ingredients and berries for the two of them.
But as soon as he stepped out of the market, he realized he wasn't home. The Pokémon Center's accommodations weren't suitable; what
was he going to do without a kitchen? "What's wrong? Having trouble finding a kitchen?"
The elusive gentleman reappeared. "I think you're a trainer from somewhere else. The Pokémon Center's kitchen equipment section is probably already taken. Why don't you come visit the Dewford Townbranch of the Pokémon Enthusiast Club?"
"How could I possibly accept that?"
Link reluctantly followed the gentleman to the club on the west side of town.
Upon entering, the first thing that caught his eye was a life-size Snorlax doll occupying at least ten square meters in the center of the room, along with all sorts of Pokémon toys.
Every member of the club carried at least three to five Pokémon-themed items, practically inseparable from their Pokémon.
Link had thought his love for Pokémon was pure enough, but the people in this world were even more extravagant.
But then again, how would the Pokémon perceive this practice of printing Pokémon designs on clothes, keychains, toys, portraits, furniture, and even beds?
He decided to ask his Fennekin what it thought when he got back.
"President, you're back so early today?" "
Mr. Sugisano just left, saying he's going to Slateport City to be a judge."
"A new member? Such an adorable Fennekin!"
Within three sentences, the attention of the children, housewives, and young men and women in the club was focused on Fennekin. Its small body, beautiful fur, and lively eyes destined it to be the center of attention.
Even the gentleman who had been smiling and waving in greeting was instantly ignored.
"Fu?"
Having never seen anything like this before, the Fennekin leaped lightly onto Link's shoulder using "Psychokinetic power."
Although it could sense no ill intent from these people, their overly enthusiastic attitude still confused Fu.
However, it quickly settled into the atmosphere, losing itself in the comfortable massage and delicious snacks.
"Hehe, they're always like this. Link, why don't you join the club too?"
"I probably don't have much time. I'll be going to Petalburg City after Fennekin gets used to it."
Hearing this, the gentleman seemed thoughtful. He was probably going to challenge the Petalburg Gym. What a hardworking trainer.
It was a real shame to have such a small Pokémon battle.
"Oh, right, Link, come to the kitchen with me."
With that, the two went to the club's kitchen. Thanks to the members cooking snacks and meals here every day, the kitchenware was almost everything a family kitchen could need.
Barely enough.
So Link rolled up his sleeves and began to fully utilize his culinary skills honed through single life.
"So you guys use soy sauce too? Perfect, let's make braised cod today."
First, he thawed and washed the meat from the all-natural, light cod, patting it dry with paper towels and marinating it briefly with salt and cooking wine.
He heated oil in a pan, pan-fried the cod pieces on both sides until golden brown, and set aside.
He poured out most of the oil, leaving only the bottom of the pan, added rock sugar to caramelize, then added chopped scallions, ginger, and garlic and continued to stir-fry.
After the aroma was released, he added light soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and cooking wine, then added enough water to cover the cod and brought it to a boil over high heat. He then added the pan-fried cod and simmered it over low heat.
While waiting for the sauce to evaporate, Link picked up a Occu Berry and a Sitrus Berry, wondering what to do. He'd never cooked with tree fruits before,
if he remembered correctly.
Occu Berry are hard and spicy, burning when eaten raw, but their sweetness intensifies after heating, resulting in a rich and mellow flavor. They
sound perfect for curry.
Sitrus Berry, on the other hand, is completely non-spicy, possessing a balanced flavor profile of astringency, sweetness, bitterness, and sourness, suitable for all ages.
Furthermore, the fruit's restorative properties make it versatile in various cooking methods.
After much deliberation, Link decided to experiment with using tree fruits as a side dish this time.
He skillfully washed and chopped the fruits into thumb-sized pieces.
Tree fruits cook faster than meat, so they should be added to the pot when the meat is almost cooked or the sauce has reduced.
Fish, too, is known for its quick cooking.
While Link was preparing the tree fruits, the fish in the pot had already developed an enticing color.
He added the Occu Berry and continued simmering until a rich sweet aroma filled the air, then added the Sitrus Berry and reduced the sauce over high heat.
In no time, a simple braised cod dish was ready, served with tree berries and broth over the leftover rice from the club's lunch.
"This is really..."
The president followed Growlithe, who had been checking the kitchen every two minutes, and finally obediently lay down next to Link to check, instantly becoming a captive of the fruity aroma and rich, savory broth.
"I never thought fish could be cooked like this."
Hearing this, Link was a little puzzled: "Don't you have soy sauce? How else can we eat it? Steamed?"
Speaking of which, steamed cod has a unique flavor; I'll make it for Fennekin next time.
The president shook his head, saying in a very matter-of-fact tone: "Of course, it's eaten raw with soy sauce and other seasonings. Only in this way can you taste the most essential flavor of the ingredients."
The excess fat shed by the light-bodied cod has a light and delicious flavor; cooking it in various ways would be disrespectful to the ingredients themselves.
However…
despite saying that, the President's stomach was rumbling loudly.
"Well, then again, thorough cooking does have its own unique flavor."
To shut him up, and as a token of gratitude for the new recipe, the President gifted Link the club's iconic "Return"TM.
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(End of Chapter)