Guild-made Honey Toffee
When members of the Iron-rank are promoted, recruitment activities—like enticing offers to switch parties—become more active. Or I guess it might be more accurate to call it headhunting. People approach you with things like, 「Why don't you leave your current party and join us?」
After working for a while, proving you're somewhat competent and can take care of yourself, these fledglings decide to forge new paths. Such patterns are quite common.
When you first start out as a guild member, you have no choice but to form a party with your fellow villagers. There are no helpful adults here who gently protect clueless, unschooled kids. If there were such an adult, they'd likely just be a kidnapper.
「Alright, Roland. From today, you're one of us, the 『Sword of the Harvest』. It's a bit more laid-back compared to others, but we pride ourselves on actual skill. You won't tarnish our proud party name. We'll train you thoroughly, so be prepared!」
「Y-Yes, pleased to be here!」
This time of year, the 『Sword of the Harvest』 is easily the most popular party among the youth. The rumor of them unexpectedly slaying a Harvest Mantis has become a legendary tale, sometimes even sung by bards in taverns. Local heroics tend to become popular. The "Great Mantis Slaying Legend" will continue to be told for a while.
With such stories spreading, many newcomers wanted to join the Sword of the Harvest. They originally ran things in a way that could accommodate a large group, so they remained strong during recruitment seasons.
There are several major parties well-balanced in power within Regor, but recently, the Sword of the Harvest has started to stand out.
「So... what should we do?」
「It's okay. We've been promoted too. It's not like we're being shunned. If we find others who are also adrift, we could form a new group. That'll suffice.」
「Right... it's still winter, so we can take our time finding partners....」
Still, what's unfortunate is the remaining party members who have their teammates poached. After leaving their hometowns and surviving in small groups, losing the most talented member makes things tough. Suddenly, things that were once routine become impossible.
These groups typically find others in a similar predicament and form a new collective. And at this stage, many parties with overly ambitious names disappear, changing into more mature ones, almost like when high schoolers mature. Yes, people grow fast.
「... Uh, Mongrel-senpai.」
「Hmm? What's up, Raina?」
As I leaned against the guild's fireplace wall to warm myself, Raina approached me.
Artemis was busy looking after the new archers today.
「What are you doing?」
「What? I'm just observing the meetings and partings happening in the guild.」
「... That's super suspicious...」
「To me, it's like watching a live movie...」
「What's a movie... Never mind, forget it...」
Raina pointed at the fireplace. More precisely, at the small pot bubbling nearby.
「Is that yours, Mongrel-senpai? What's that?」
「Oh... that's my special honey.」
「Wait, you're heating honey? In the guild?」
「I asked Elena-san, and she said it's fine as long as it's within reason.」
「... Elena-san seems to be watching you with the most suspicious eyes from reception...」
「This honey is seasoned with herbs, various spices, and some citrus juice... It should be just about ready.」
As much as I enjoy being a wallflower at the guild, I can't let cooking burn. I picked up a large bowl and headed towards the guild entrance.
「Wait, Mongrel-senpai. What about the fire? What about the pot?!」
「It's fine. I'm just stepping out to get some ingredients.」
「But it's already bubbling...!」
Ignoring Raina's concerned voice, I headed outside. Brrr, it's cold.
And quickly returned inside.
「I got it.」
「Wow, that was fast... What did you bring? Snow?」
「Yep, packed tightly.」
The bowl was filled to the brim with freshly packed snow. It's collected from untouched snow, pure by this world's standards, though it might contain traces of dust used in making snowflakes.
「Now, you pour this boiling, gooey honey over the snow in short lines...」
「Oh... are you making something?」
「Just watch. Drizzle the honey in lines... Just like this. Then press a stick against the end of the honey lines...」
Starting at the edge of the honey drizzled on the snow, I wound it up with the stick, rolling it into a spiral. The result was a honey-flavored candy, slightly dusted with snow.
I named it Honey Toffee. Originally, it's a Canadian treat made with maple syrup, but since I couldn't find a sugar maple, I substituted with honey.
「Ohh!」
「Here, honey candy. Try it.」
「Oh, can I have it?!」
「Sure, sure. There's enough to go around.」
「Yay!」
The honey farm increased output with new beehives, so there's plenty to spare. Apparently, someone developed an effective oral rehydration solution, causing sweeteners to rise in price, but tasty treats are worth the cost.
「Oh wow, it's delicious!」
Raina hummed with joy as she tasted the honey candy. It's tasty, isn't it? This candy is good for the throat. Now, let me have a taste... Yep, it's honey candy. A bit less honey flavor would be my preference, but the spices balance it out rather well.
「What's going on, Mongrel making weird stuff again?」
「Varga, you don't have to eat it if you find it strange.」
「My bad... Can I have one?」
「Alright, one for the new recruit joining today, here you go.」
「Oh, thanks... Mmm, sweet! A bit too sweet for me.」
「I thought so.」
「Mongrel-senpai, can I try winding it up too?」
「Sure, go ahead. Start at the edge and roll it up.」
「Got it.」
There's something quite enjoyable about the crunchy snow in your mouth. It's akin to eating ice cream by the heater on a cold day.
「Hey everyone! What are you doing in front of the fireplace?!」
「Oh, hi Elena.」
「Don't 'hi Elena' me. You've been making everything smell like honey!」
While busy with our banter, a slightly puffy-faced Elena joined us.
「I said within reason...!」
「Here you go.」
Realizing the futility of dragging the exchange out any longer, I wordlessly offered Elena three honey toffees on sticks. This is what she wanted, right?
「As long as you understand!」
Though I hadn't really convinced her of anything, Elena took the three treats and returned toward the reception area. It felt almost like bribery, but in such a close-knit community, it's important to keep things running smoothly....
「Oh, the receptionists seem to be enjoying it.」
The honey candy was popular with the receptionists. Ladies have a sweet tooth, after all.
「Oh, right. Excuse me—could we get some milk, please?」
「Milk... I see what you're up to, senpai! Same for me, please!」
「You get it, Raina. Milk complements this taste perfectly.」
「It's criminally good.」
And so, we continued to replenish the snow bowl, roll more honey candies, and indulge in the winter sweetness with some milk. Though others occasionally wandered over to grab some, there were a lot, so we let them. Today was, after all, a celebration of sorts.