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With his sleeves rolled up, Richard deftly scaled and beheaded a freshly caught large fish, removed its innards, and washed out its cavity. He wrapped it in a large sheet of foil, then set it to roast on a recessed stone counter filled with a special sauce and spicy broth, thoughtfully surrounding it with all kinds of vegetables and accompaniments.
Before long, the fish was half cooked, and its pungent, spicy aroma spread through the Poorhouse's little backyard. Without exception, everyone's appetite was whetted by this unfamiliar Southern Continent delicacy. Even the cold, expressionless Galan De was captivated by the grilled fish's appearance, aroma, and flavor. He stared fixedly at the bubbling red broth and pink-and-white flesh, his eyes glued to the fish while his mouth valiantly struggled to form words. "Chief, it-it isn't New Year's yet..."
"It's November now. Back home, winter is when everyone gathers around to eat grilled fish."
"Ah... [swallows] Do coastal cities in Feysac have that tradition? This flavor doesn't seem..."
"Using plenty of spices and chilies for seasoning is the Southern Continent style, the traditional flavor of the region from the Paz Valley to the Star Highlands." Richard scooped up some broth with a large iron ladle and poured it over the fish. The sizzling sound and explosive aroma left everyone entranced. "Since it's inland, people mostly eat river fish. They only get to eat big sea fish like this a few times a year. I seasoned this to my taste. Everyone can give it a try."
"Aren't you one of the Feysac people, Chief?" A child stood on tiptoe, trying to lean on the stone counter, only to burn his fingers on the hot stone and blow furiously on them. "You're so tall!"
"I'm from the Southern Continent." Richard, who stood 192