Ойкумена / Oikumena: Глава 19

Chapter 19

Camrad_RIP 02.06.25 в 12:28

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Camrad_RIP 02.06.25 в 12:28

The evening sun cast its last rays through the clouds, so the lighthouse and breakwater were painted yellow-orange, while the rest of the area retained all shades of gray. The winter sea raised leaden waves heavily, rocking the distant schooners of fishermen. There had been no storms for almost a week, and Curzio decided this was a good sign. Of course, the house would reliably protect the owner and guest from the rage of the elements, but ... the beauty of the moment could fade, even if in an imperceptible smallness, but still.

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:50

The noble lady arrived with a very small retinue, no more than a dozen bodyguards and a couple of her most trusted servants. Curzio was used to the fact that all members of this family were excellent horsemen, so he was momentarily confused when he saw the carriage, and an inconspicuous one at that, devoid of even a coat of arms, in which a wealthy bourgeois woman could easily travel. However, after thinking about it, the man decided that this spoke of the prudence of the hostess, incognito above all. Or of other, much less flattering considerations, for example, of secret shame and unwillingness to advertise a visit to a not very noble and famous nobleman. However, the islander preferred not to think about this.

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:51

"According to our tradition, winter food should be enjoyed on an open veranda, in warm fur coats, feeling the salty wind, enjoying the power of the sea. Or on the deck of a ship."

Camrad_RIP 02.06.25 в 20:26

Curzio, in a gallant half-bow, offered one hand to the Marchioness of Wartensleben, placing the other behind his back. In other circumstances, the gesture might have seemed almost obsequious, but here the difference in origin played an important role, as did the courtesy of the event. It remained only to hope that Biel was sufficiently educated to appreciate the multifaceted nature of the event. Judging by the slightest smile that touched the Marchioness's lips, she understood and appreciated it.

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:52

"But I decided that our customs were too far from those accepted on the continent. Therefore, I decided to adhere rather to the continental custom."

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:52

Curzio straightened up, holding Biel by the very tips of her fingers, covered in a gossamer glove so thin that the fabric even repeated the wrinkles on her skin. The islander’s gaze clearly showed undisguised admiration. Yes, the marchioness could not be called a beauty in the usual sense, starting with the fact that the woman was a brunette, and only natural blondes were considered truly “beautiful” at court. But at one glance at Wartensleben’s eldest daughter, all this chaff of far-fetched canons was forgotten. And Curzio was glad he had ordered the shoemaker to put thick soles with high heels on his shoes. Otherwise, he would have had to look at the woman eye to eye, level with her, and the emissary could not stand this since the days of his poor youth.

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:54

"You forget, my dear friend, that I was born and raised in Malersyde," replied the marchioness, lowering her chin in a slight bow. "The salty wind has been familiar to me since childhood."

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 16:54

Curzio, of course, noted how Biel had put the emphasis on the word "friend"; it only remained to interpret it correctly. On the other hand, the man could afford the luxury of not doing it at all, since he had originally intended to enjoy only the company of a noble lady and a pleasant conversation. And when you do not make long-term plans, there is nothing to be disappointed in. And...

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 17:00

And all the more pleasant is some interesting turn of events, if it finally happens. As his father used to say, count on little, then failure will not bring great disappointment, and success will pleasantly surprise. And this, perhaps, was the only good thing that Curzio could remember about his parent.

Camrad_RIP 07.06.25 в 17:01

"Like father, like daughter," he disappeared behind the cliched phrase, leading his guest through a brightly lit suite of rooms. Curzio's house usually stood as dark as a crypt at night, because the temporary owner was either away on business or working, and the islander disliked noisy parties and didn't organize them, considering them a waste of money. In this, Curzio differed from the Duke, who equally disdained gluttony and festivities but considered them inexpensive investments in reputation.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.26 в 14:20

A liveried servant struck a silver gong with a silver hammer, announcing the start of a modest dinner—or rather, according to etiquette, a late lunch. A slight hitch immediately arose: it turned out the marquise didn't drink wine, any wine at all. However, a bottle of condensed blackberry juice was found in the spacious pantry, which saved the situation.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.26 в 14:21

"I have taken the liberty of organizing the changes according to my own judgment," warned Curzio, tucking his napkin into the collar of his simple but elegantly tailored caftan.

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:24

The man now dressed in a mid-continental style, devoid of any metropolitan flourishes; his attire lacked even a hint of anything island-inspired. His elaborate hairstyle was also gone, and to avoid looking foolish with a third of his head shaved off, Curzio had cut his hair, leaving a short buzz cut under a small cap. Now, only the thin threads of his plucked eyebrows remained a reminder of his origins.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.26 в 17:01

“What kind of dish is this?” asked the Marquise, looking with interest at something that looked like an elongated pinkish-flesh-colored pear in a garnish.

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:27

A unique delicacy of Saltoluchard. You won't find anything like it in Malèresida or here in the capital. Translated, it means "sea pig." The back muscle of the pork thigh is salted for ten days, then washed in a special wine, and salted again, this time with rare herbs. It's packed in a bladder and tied by hand. The meat must then age for at least six months in a dry, shady, and well-ventilated place. Only then does the pork reveal its true flavor. I trained my chef in this art, and he has achieved quite good results.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.26 в 17:02

"Interesting."

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:24

The chef, who had arrived especially for this moment, personally cut off several slices. He used a knife more like a razor and cut just as sharply; the slices were translucent, like tarred paper.

Camrad_RIP 22.02.26 в 17:04

"Most of our cuisine, one way or another, originated from the provisions stored by sailors," explained the hospitable host. "Water, grain, and other fruits of the land can be bought in various places, but meat is expensive and doesn't keep for long. For dozens of generations, we've cured meat and lard with all sorts of ingredients and methods, achieving the best results. Some recipes have evolved over time…"

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:24

Curzio hesitated, looking for a word, and Biel prompted with a smile:

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:35

"Did they turn golden?"

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:36

"Exactly."

Camrad_RIP 02.06.25 в 20:30

"A refined taste," the Marquise remarked after tasting the meat. Without looking at the chef, she bowed in his direction and said, "My compliments to the worthy creator of this delicacy."

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:35

Well, at least one person was completely, absolutely happy that evening. The cook returned to his kingdom of fire and frying pans, enriched with the best memory of his life.

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:40

"We love and value snails in +Malersid, too," Biel said, trying out a new variation. "Our merchants even sell them in barrels of wet grass."

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:37

"Therefore, you are a connoisseur and an expert," Curzio suggested.

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:38

"Alas, no need to be an expert to say yours are better. Quality snails grow in free-range pastures and only in good clay soil; they require edible weeds, mainly dandelions, and plenty of dew for drinking. But the soil of our estate is too rich in sand and salt; the snails that grow there are only fit for merchants who want to serve tables like noblemen."

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:45

"Truly, your education is second only to your beauty," the hospitable gentleman of the house gracefully flattered his guest.

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:46

"I expected more from you," Biel said with deadly bluntness, so that Curzio almost bit his tongue.

Camrad_RIP 05.03.26 в 10:49

"It's not an easy wish, but... I'll try."

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:41

"I would be grateful."

Camrad_RIP 23.02.26 в 07:46

"How are things with our protégé?" asked Curzio.

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:43

“Indeed,” the marchioness agreed. “It’s not an easy choice.”

Camrad_RIP 08.06.25 в 14:45

"Good."

Camrad_RIP 02.06.25 в 20:31