The heavy wooden pot lid was lifted.
A rich, steaming aroma rushed out.
Through the swirling white steam, Gauss gazed at the thick, tempting amber broth in the pot. Large chunks of tender white frog meat, their fibers clearly defined, floated on top, dotted with golden potatoes and orange-red carrots.
As the steam rose, the stew gave off a warm, mellow, and strangely enticing fragrance.
"Whew—" Gauss picked up a wooden spoon and swallowed. "That looks really good."
He scooped up a spoonful, broth and meat together, and poured it into a wooden bowl.
Gauss looked at Alya across from him.
"Want to try some?"
Alya stared at the stew in the cast-iron pot.
Honestly, even though it had been made from a monster's meat, it looked and smelled pretty good.
"I'll try it first." Gauss keenly noticed the hesitation on Alya's face and understood her reservations about unfamiliar ingredients.
So, unable to wait much longer, he decided to be the first to taste it.
He lifted the wooden bowl to his mouth and carefully blew across the steaming surface.
Under Alya's watchful gaze, Gauss took a small sip.
Then he closed his eyes and savored the flavor.
"How is it?" When Gauss remained silent for a long time, Alya worried that some hidden toxin in the soup might have taken effect and hurriedly asked him.
"It's—it's amazing!"
Gauss let out a satisfied breath.
Then he opened his eyes, his face lighting up with surprise.
"Really?" Alya scratched her head.
"Mm."
But Gauss was already too busy eating to answer her.
With his other hand, he picked up the spoon and began shoveling frog meat into his mouth.
The Corrosive Frog's powerful leg muscles, developed through long hours of high-intensity jumping, hadn't turned to mush after stewing. Instead, they were