Seiun wo Kakeru Chapter 71

Chapter 71 – Making Salt (last part)

The gathered sand was blanketed inside an unusually large water tank.

His whole body was thoroughly forged, and there was not even a bit of fat appearing on it.

It seemed that there was a thin pipe below the water tank, which the poured saltwater would flow through.

– It’s the procedure for extracting the salt component from the accumulated sand. We have covered the bottom of the tank with various things in order to not let the running water mix with the sand.

– That’s because there’s no way for the salt to flow through completely in one go, you see.

While hearing Rau’s explanation, Eiji shifted his sight ahead.

Was Rau trying to convey his explanation to Eiji? They were in the middle of the process; nevertheless, he would move between places.

Being grateful for Rau showing them, they followed his back.

– When the saltwater is stored inside the tank, there will be small particles gathering at the bottom. That’s why, the seawater is actually used for salt making only after its top layer becomes clear.

What surprised Eiji were the valve and the pipe furnishing the tank, with a bronze pot placed in front of them.

If one was to say, it was a water system which utilized the difference in height and depth of the water.
Below the pot, there was firewood already arranged and ready to be kindled at any time.

The whole procedure would advance semi-automatically.

Perhaps, there was a need to further increase the production efficiency in Siena by utilizing the dynamic force coming from a watermill.

Not being aware of the resolution inside Eiji’s heart, Rau continued his explanation while pointing out the pot.

– The accumulated seawater will be next placed on top of the fire. As soon the water begins disappearing, closely packed amounts of salt will begin forming at the pot’s bottom. The last thing to do would be to scrape it up together.

– It causes us much trouble. The last time we lowered the pot, it took us 3 adults to do so.

– Obviously. However, is that possible?

At Rau who had a doubt on his face, Eiji nodded firmly.

– As long as the procedure requires the same durability of metal, it’s possible to lower the weight by making the pot thinner with iron, rather than bronze.

– If it’s fine with you, I’ll bring it during my next trip. As one would expect, I couldn’t bring a tool of such size this time.

– Shall we take the size measurement later? Nevertheless, because the pot is a little big, it will become fairly expensive, still….

– Oi, Rau. Don’t decide by yourse—-
– I’m looking forward to working with you. It’s truly demanding here.

Intercepting his senior’s words, Rau nodded gladly.

Edo couldn’t blame him for that.
It can’t be helped. – The Senior breathed out? a sigh as if saying so, nonetheless, he wouldn’t cancel what Rau had said.

Excellent excellent, with this, the shovel and the pot will turn quite profitable. – Eiji thought.

On top of it, there was a small mountain of salt present.

Was it due to the salt being natural? The grains’ size felt irregular with some being a little big.

– And, this is the salt which has been made. Won’t you try a little?

– Right? Our salts have 2 ranks: high grade salt and normal salt. If you cook using this one, then everything will turn tasty. Eiji-san’s village is the furthest from here, isn’t it?

– Perhaps, this salt doesn't go far away in trade, I think. To begin with, people here rarely bring it outside of the village as they don't want to let it go due to its deliciousness.

– True. But, since this one was specially made, the cost will become comparatively high….

So, it this is the price of the salt?

However, the flavor of the cooking will greatly vary depending on the salt quality.

If it was possible to make high grade salt, Eiji wanted to seize it.
It was a pain for Eiji, but a considerable amount of normal salt was required as well.

Should I put this trade at stake for a luxury item?

– It seems to be quite good.

– Fernando-san, what do you think?

– You’re right, just a little should do. Let it be. Please give me that much.
– Thank you for your continued patronage.

A firm handshake was exchanged.

This time, it’s the shovel, next time, the pot. – he thought.

The senior gave the impression of feeling relieved.

——

At the time Eiji went back to the sandy beach, he noticed Fran, who was no longer swimming, waiting for their return.

Fran’s fingers seemed to be extremely skillful.

Eiji checked its contents.
He had seen Manila clams and Turban shells before, nevertheless, Eiji wasn’t very knowledgeable about shellfish.

– What's up Fran? This is…?

– It’s a lovely beach, isn’t it? And this one next to it is?

– This would be… an oyster, right? What’s more, there are Manila clams as well.

– Yes, I like them a lot.
– Is that so…? I’m happy. Let’s eat them later!

Once Fran handed the bucket directly, to Eiji, the undulating water overflowed from it.

I’ll accept these shells gratefully.
A smile appeared naturally on Eiji’s face.

———

Besides that, there were steamed Pacific herrings.

Was it because of the food here being processed from dried goods? The majority of them were made through steaming.
Is it possible that the pickled fishes, made from raw Pacific herrings, were the only exception?

Nevertheless, this village’s specialty wasn’t just cuisine with fresh seafood.

The Senior, Edo, was a bit puffed up with pride.

– How does our olive oil taste?

– It feels like drinkable oil.

– The timing of your arrival was perfect. The olives were just harvested after they became mature.

The salad, which was dressed using pickles made from olives, olive oil, salt, a citrus fruit similar to a lemon, and raisins, had a simplistic flavor. Nonetheless, quite delicious food was lined up on the table.

Because there had been many unusual dishes, Eiji considered this trip as quite attractive.
Somehow, Both Eiji and Fernando had become a bit plump as a result.

– Is olive oil also this village’s specialty?

– Despite not having cultivated lands, your business somehow managed thanks to that, right?

– Besides leather, we shall bring foodstuff next time as well. Broad beans, Kale, carrots, and onions, each of them are best.
– All of them will go well with olive oil.

Olive oil and wine are the leading products of all trades.

Because there were other items which they couldn't produce, it was possible for them to acquire lots of food products, more than any other place.
As a result, artisans and bureaucrats would flourish in number even more than farmers.

Still, Eiji’s eyes were not just focused on those leading products, but also on the gruel, which was placed near the edge of the table.

As soon as Eiji tried to savor it, he couldn’t tell its basic components due to the interfering taste mixed with the smell of milk.

What is this?
Could this be…? – Is what he thought.

—-Rice

– Speaking of which, I’m extremely curious, but… what is this gruel?

– No, I’ve got lots of memories regarding gruel, but I was wondering whether or not I was mistaken.

– Can I have you show me the ingredients before cooking?
– I don’t mind that, but… you’re saying some strange things.

What Edo brought was certainly rice.

That’s because the rice, which he desired, despite not being able to obtain it, was now in front of his eyes.

– Can you get ahold of this rice? And no, I don’t want for trading purpose but for personal use.

– About, that’s right….. about 100 kilos.

– Now, now. I just want it for personal use.

– A tasty method of food preparation.
– Don’t be stupid. There’s no way for such a thing to be delicious.

Edo probably couldn't fully understand the true feeling behind Eiji's words.
Rice was definitely not a popular food among people here. Rather than that, it was disliked to the extent of being made into gruel or treated like salad.

Despite that, it was at least different for Eiji.

I wonder, how about a risotto? As expected, it probably? won’t match with a onigiri.

This must be the best result I’ve obtained during this trip. – He thought deep within heart.

Editor Joke and Reference –

Jelly filled Doughnuts

Chapter end