Chapter 53: Food, Negotiation, and the Fox Using the Tiger's Power to Bully Others (Part 1)
Mana's words were very skillful. At first glance, it sounded like she was saying that she was optimistic about this lich, but in fact, she was reminding everyone not to waste the limited places.
The witches in charge were already familiar with each other's personalities and had no doubts about this. Mana seemed easygoing and kind to everyone, but in fact she was a very principled woman.
She was methodical and always considered the greater good of the commune, never showing favoritism. To avoid unnecessary disputes, Mana would use smooth tactics and a tactful attitude to get rid of people. But the witches in charge all knew that this was precisely why their commune could survive safely in this turbulent world.
The honorary membership system exists to attract as many allies as possible, and to this end, they are willing to sacrifice certain interests and offer generous preferential conditions. However, if honorary membership is granted arbitrarily, it will not only harm their interests, but also make allies feel that the qualification is cheap, which will lead to dissatisfaction.
The big guys naturally hope that those who are on equal footing with them are also big guys of the same level. If they hear that an unknown person has received the same treatment as themselves, they will naturally pour out their doubts and anger on the Witch Forest Commune.
Human relationships, interests, and interpersonal relationships are all sensitive and delicate matters that need to be taken seriously.
If a lich wants to obtain the qualifications and treatment of an honorary member, he must prove his ability to the witch in charge and the big guys who have obtained honorary membership.
Mana didn't think that a single meal could impress these knowledgeable witches in charge... until she actually saw the dishes served.
As the dishes were served and the lids were opened one after another, the overbearing aroma kept drilling into their noses, making their mouths water and their stomachs growl with greed.
"The small bowl contains river clams cooked in broth. They're perfectly cooked now. I suggest you start with this appetizer." The White Skeleton introduced the dishes cheerfully. "The black beer duck is a bit spicy, suitable for people who like spicy food and beer. It has a strong taste, but it's also a good side dish for alcohol.
"The braised beef brisket with white radish is sweet and not greasy, perfect for those with weak stomachs and teeth. It's nourishing and warming. The spring rolls are also delicious: the white original spring rolls are soft, sticky, and crispy, while the yellow fried spring rolls are crispy and fragrant. They're perfect as both a main course and a snack."
"The spicy stir-fried small river shrimp is also a bit spicy and delicious. It is suitable for people who like river food and is also a great side dish for drinking."
"It seems you already understand our tastes." Mana understood the meaning of the song, "But this alone may not be enough~"
"Try it first, try it first, we can talk while we eat~" Jiangyou said with a smile.
The witches in charge each chose their favorite dish. They tasted it with a knife and fork or a spoon, and their eyes lit up.
"Delicious!" Polina murmured. "No, this is absolutely delicious! Fresh but not fishy, spicy but not pungent... Lorisa, Matilda, bring us some beer!"
"Beer in the dish, with its rich flavor, makes you crave more and more!" Lieya couldn't put her fork down. She even felt that the cutlery she'd used all her life was no longer handy and couldn't keep up with her eating speed. "And these shrimp! The stimulating spiciness, the perfect amount of saltiness, and the shrimp's natural freshness are perfectly combined with a subtle, caramelized sweetness! The rich, aromatic, and slightly heavy flavor makes me want another cold, bubbly beer!"
The witch in charge couldn't help but have an idea in her head: "If we also sell snacks in the store that sells fine wine, how much more wine can we sell?!"
Mana's attitude was slightly shaken, but she still felt that cooking skills alone were not enough. Think about it, their previous honorary members were all big businessmen and nobles, so what was the big deal about adding a chef now!
"Perhaps..." she said hesitantly, "Would you like to join us as a member? If the Witch Forest has a cook like you..."
"No, no, you misunderstood. Cooking isn't my strength," Jiang You smiled. "It's just my sincerity. I have a brewing workshop in West Eston, and that's my main business. As for cooking, it's just my hobby."
"Brewery?"
"Yes, I want to discuss the brewing business with you all," Jiang You said. "Don't worry, I don't plan to brew beer myself... I don't know any more about brewing beer than you do, and there's no point in competing with you. Instead of wasting my time on this, I'd rather cooperate with you and sell your beer in my brewing shop.
"But this is still not my main business. What I want to make is fruit wine, jam... and most importantly, soy sauce."
"Soy sauce?" The witches mechanically repeated this unfamiliar word.
"Yes, this is a special sauce that makes the dishes taste better," said Takumi. "What do you think of today's lunch?"
"It's very delicious." The witches answered honestly, and even Mana nodded silently.
"In fact, due to the limitations of the ingredients, the dishes I made today haven't yet brought out the delicious flavor they should have," said Jiang You. "Once my soy sauce is brewed, it will make the flavors of these dishes even more wonderful and mellow. At least... they will be three or four times more delicious."
The witches all looked shocked. Polina murmured, "Is it three or four times more delicious than it is now?"
"Besides, as long as they have soy sauce, anyone can make delicious dishes like this," said Takumi. "If I become an honorary member, I'll naturally give the Witch Forest the same benefits they give me. It would be great if we could all benefit from each other and create profits together, wouldn't that be a good thing?"
"Then why didn't you bring that...soy sauce today?" Mana asked.
"Due to some technical issues, I need to learn special magic for detecting bacterial strains and sterilizing them in order to safely produce perfect soy sauce." Takumi smiled sheepishly. "I heard that becoming an honorary member of the Witch's Forest Commune allows you to learn these magics. In my opinion, this is the easiest way."
She added, "Of course, this isn't the only way. If you reject me, I can certainly learn directly from Dr. Charles. However, the many benefits of being an honorary member of the Witch Forest Commune really appeal to me. I came here with the goal of maximizing my profits and efficiency, and not having to bother two people with one thing."
"Let me be frank. Witch Forest is a very suitable partner for me, but it's not my only choice. We have similar and complementary business areas, and there are many areas where we can benefit from each other. I can also bring more novel ideas to Witch Forest, more delicious side dishes, and sauces that only I can make... Not to mention I have some familiar partners, such as Holly from the Ax family, for example..."
She stretched out her voice and deliberately said, "Andrei Lu Huntington, the newly appointed Vice-Captain of the Kingdom Knights of Eston West City... In fact, his squire Jericho also came with me this time."
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