Chapter 5.1

“Is it true Arad Stew is that delicious?”

“They’re giving a bowl of it free every day to our guards?”

“Let’s go eat immediately!”

“From now on, route all patrols to start at Jack’s Inn!”

“They’re providing free stew to hardworking civil servants? The poorer clerks will love this. Any complaints from Jack’s Inn will get priority handling.”

At first, the guards and lower-ranking officials in Haven flocked to Jack’s Inn.

—n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Hey, Kuro Family! Why are you still lurking around here?”

“Uh, well…”

“Didn’t I say if I see you here again, you’ll rot in the mines for life?”

“S-Sorry! Let’s go, guys!”

With the authorities frequently visiting Jack’s Inn, troublemakers disappeared almost overnight.

But the effects didn’t stop there.

“Why are the decurions hosting their gathering at such a shabby place? Are you being too considerate of my wallet, centurion?”

“When have we ever cared about your wallet? That place serves stew for 2 coppers a bowl.”

“2 coppers? Are they insane?”

Free Arad Stew for guards and civil servants became not just a perk but a powerful marketing tool.

—

“Captain, have you still not tried Arad Stew from Jack’s Inn?”

“Arad Stew? Oh, that place, huh?”

“Yeah, and they give us guards a free bowl each.”

“Do they? Well, then, let’s go support them. It’s the least we can do.”

Those who tasted Arad Stew began spreading the word to their superiors.

“Is it really that good?”

“Yes, sir!”

“But Jack’s Inn is a place for poor folk. Isn’t it a bit beneath us to dine there? Why not stick to the usual Polly Inn?”

“Nowadays, Imperial adventurers, elite mercenaries, and wealthy merchants all flock to Jack’s Inn. They sleep at Polly Inn but eat at Jack’s Inn!”

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s that good! And we get a free bowl, remember?”

“Hmm… Fine. Let’s host our gathering at Jack’s Inn then.”

Even Haven’s elite began to take notice, drawn by the relentless praise for Arad Stew.

—

“This… This is incredible! Such food exists in our Haven?”

After hosting a gathering at Jack’s Inn, the upper echelons of Haven became its most enthusiastic evangelists.

“That good, you say?”

“Yes, Mayor. I swear it’s the best thing I’ve ever eaten. Even with the finest spices, you couldn’t achieve such flavor.”

“But as the mayor, isn’t it unbecoming to dine at such a shabby inn? Why not eat at Polly Inn instead?”

“That’s what we thought at first, but just once, please, hear us out!”

“If you’re that insistent… fine, let’s give it a try.”

Eventually, even Haven’s mayor made an appearance at Jack’s Inn, captivated by the food and promotion. The city was abuzz with excitement over this meteoric culinary sensation.

“Prepare the premium seats for the mayor! Full-course service!”

“The captain of the guard is here with the centurions!”

And all this unfolded in less than a month.

—

The Fallout

The greatest victims of this Arad Stew phenomenon were, unsurprisingly, Haven’s other inns and restaurants.

At Polly Inn, Haven’s largest and most luxurious establishment, the city’s prominent innkeepers and restaurateurs gathered.

“Have you tasted it?”

“You?”

“It’s unbelievably good. No spice can replicate that flavor.”

“Agreed. It’s so good it kills your jealousy, competitiveness, and even anger.”

“The key is that Arad Salt they use in the stew, right?”

“Think we can buy the recipe from Jack’s chef?”

“Would you sell it if you were him?”

“Of course not. I wouldn’t even tell my kids.”

“Ancestors, grant me the courage and strength to endure this trial!”

The main agenda of the meeting was Jack’s Inn’s secret weapon—Arad Salt, a magical blend of northern spice, salt, and seasoning.

“Has anyone tried recruiting their chef?”

“I’ve approached him a few times, but he’s not swayed by money alone.”

“Word is he promised to stay until Jack’s arm heals, at least.”

“So when will that be?”

“It’ll heal… slowly. Very slowly, I hope.”

“If it were me, I’d fake an injury just to keep him around.”

“Jack must’ve offered some divine tribute to the ancestors to get so lucky!”

The room was filled with deep, frustrated sighs.

“Can’t we sabotage them?”

“We wouldn’t dare.”

“Exactly. All the thugs in Haven steer clear of Jack’s Inn.”

“Smart move, offering free meals to guards and officials. Who would’ve thought of that?”

“And what about that takeout option? Never even heard of such a thing before.”

“All of that came from Arad, right?”

“He’s not just a healer and chef. If we trace his roots, he must come from a merchant dynasty.”

The more they analyzed the situation, the more dire their prospects seemed. If this continued, they’d all be out of business before spring.

“Should we pool our money and bribe the mayor and captain of the guard?”