The Ingredients Encountered by Protagonist Rein

1. Kario Snow Hare

The Kario Snow Hare captured by Sophia lived in the border forests. Constant activity made its leg muscles exceptionally firm. Yet, due to the snowy habitat, it had a generous layer of subcutaneous fat. This thigh meat was perfect for roasting to medium-rare. Seasoned with spices, it released an enchanting aroma—unlike ordinary roasted rabbit. The reason? These hares fed on a special frontier herb. The herb itself was scentless, but reacted inside their digestive systems, giving the animals a unique fragrance. Among hares, this scent symbolized strength, setting the Kario Snow Hare apart.

2. Nord Pork

Nord’s meat pigs developed thick skin from the cold climate. Their subcutaneous fat was one to two centimeters thicker than regular domestic pigs. But as farm-raised animals lacking exercise, the pork had a soft, tender texture with little chew. Locals primarily roasted it over a special native wood, elevating the flavor dramatically. However, they charred the surface black, resulting in an unappealing look and extreme greasiness. It required pairing with black bread to cut through the oil.

3. Dark Overlord’s Tentacle

Also called tentacle—no need to cover habits; just texture and prep methods. After all, anyone who’s seen doujinshi knows that already (chuckle). The tentacle’s surface had a special mucus layer. Medically, it could produce certain medicines, but it was unfit for cooking. So, the outer skin had to be fully peeled off, and the mucus-secreting gland removed. Only the muscle underneath was edible. Its extreme resilience demanded a highly skilled chef for thorough cleaning. Constant vigorous movement kept the muscles very firm, ideal for roasting or frying. Though flavorless alone, it absorbed seasonings incomparably well. Simple spices made it deeply flavorful. Some even dipped it raw in seasoning for an exceptionally fresh taste—but this was extremely dangerous, as the tentacle stayed alive.