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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: The Best Dumplings
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Upon arriving in Hefei, the two immediately headed for an inn.
It was an inn located close to the Namgung Sega.
Ilhwa's first priority was a warm bath. Only after scrubbing herself clean a couple of times did the foul odor and sticky sensation completely vanish.
After changing into the clothes Seop Mugwang had prepared, she went down to the first floor to find him sitting at a table, arms crossed, with food laid out before him.
As she slowly descended the stairs, he saw her, and a smile curved his lips like a bow.
"Welcome! Little one, I specially ordered extra portions, so eat your fill!"
The table was laden with a full spread of noodles and dumplings.
'They said it was a specialty.'
'And it's just dumplings and noodles.'
...
Ilhwa stood, staring intently at the dumplings and noodles on the table, not yet taking a seat.
Seop Mugwang, who had been pulling out a chair for her, asked, puzzled,
"Why aren't you sitting?"
"I ate Tanghuru, so I've lost my appetite."
She said this, but her expression was clearly filled with disappointment.
Seop Mugwang blinked, then belatedly realized her reaction, bursting into loud laughter.
"Just sit down first! Ah, come on, sit! Quickly!"
As Ilhwa took her seat, Seop Mugwang scooped a dumpling onto her plate.
"What do you think is the most basic food at an inn?"
"Dumplings and noodles, of course."
No matter where you go, it's hard to find an inn that doesn't sell dumplings and noodles.
They're staple dishes, and as such, nothing special.
"Exactly. Do you know how hard it is for such basic dishes to become renowned for their taste?"
He tore open a dumpling wrapper, and the rich broth pooled inside the dumpling flowed out into the bowl.
With practiced ease, Seop Mugwang spooned clear soy sauce into the torn dumpling wrapper until it was just right.
"Anyone can make these, so people assume the taste is always the same, but that's not true. This is the kind of place where you eat without much expectation, and then you see the next life."
'I've already seen the next life, thanks to the Daehwandan.'
'These mere dumplings are comparable to a Daehwandan?'
'Of course, Seop Mugwang had never tasted a Daehwandan, so he would say that.'
Seop Mugwang set down his chopsticks, dusted off his hands, and flashed a confident smile.
"Now, try it. You'll be weeping and begging for more."
Reluctantly, Ilhwa picked up her spoon, cut a small piece of the dumpling wrapper, then carefully scooped up some wrapper, filling, broth, and soy sauce, and put it into her mouth.
At that moment, her eyes sparkled.
"!"
"Well? Isn't it delicious? Absolutely fantastic, huh?"
"!"
Unconsciously, Ilhwa covered her mouth, chewing slowly as she gazed at the dumpling.
Surprisingly, the dumpling was truly delicious.
It was the best dumpling she had ever tasted, even including those from her previous life.
She couldn't tell what ingredients gave it its flavor; while true to the basic taste of a dumpling, it also had a hint of seafood, and its rich aroma filled her mouth.
It looked ordinary, but the taste was truly extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Seop Mugwang had also served her some noodles.
After swallowing the dumpling and tasting the noodles, Ilhwa was once again surprised by their unexpected savory depth.
Seeing her devour the food, Seop Mugwang burst into laughter, thoroughly ruffling her hair.
"Eat slowly. I'll keep ordering until you're absolutely stuffed."
True to his word, Ilhwa ate dumplings and noodles until she felt like her stomach would burst.
It was the first time food had tasted delicious even when she was full.
The next day, when she woke up, Seop Mugwang was gone. The inn's bill had already been settled.
Although Seop Mugwang had vanished, someone was tailing her. From the familiar presence, it seemed to be one of his subordinates who had followed them on the way to Hefei.
It was likely for the purpose of surveillance and protection.
Perhaps it was to secretly follow her, attached to her in case she took a different path.
'Either way, it doesn't matter.'
Ilhwa left the inn and headed toward the Namgung Sega.
