I Became a Food Developer in Another World-Chapter 110 - : Popcorn (2)

In the Empire, what people enjoyed eating while watching plays was 'candy.'

Sweet candies not only alleviated the boredom in their mouths but also didn't make any noise when eaten, so they didn't interfere with the concentration required for the play.

When theater was an elegant pastime exclusive to the upper class, then candy alone would have sufficed.

However, the fame of the Beast Cards and the Emperor's active promotion of the 'viewing culture' have expanded the reach of theater beyond the upper class to the general populace of the Empire.

Then, the shortage of 'candy' began to become apparent.

"Even after eating, I'm still not full."

"I was watching a play and got hungry, so I went to eat in the middle."

To the citizens of the Empire who valued 'fullness' above all else, candy did not even provide a hint of satisfaction.

As a result, people started bringing frozen chicken and ramen into the theater to watch plays.

When they brought in food that smelled, of course, a fight broke out among the audience.

Food that emits strong odors in a theater that required concentration became a distraction during the performance.

As arguments became more frequent, more people started to avoid going out to watch the plays.

"Who goes to see a play at that time? Everyone goes to see the Arena."

"Do holograms appear in the play? What about the Blue-Eyed Ice Dragon? Will Lilith come out?"

A sentiment formed that watching the exciting Beast Card game was a hundred times better than watching a play.

"It's the Blue-Eyed Ice Dragon!"

"The prince has arrived!"

"Ahhh!"

In the Arena, where everyone was shouting together creates a frenzy of excitement, there was absolutely no discomfort that emerges like in a theater.

Rather, the Arena even went so far as to promote new menu items.

No one cared what anyone else was eating.

However, just as there are people who enjoy a noisy atmosphere, there are also those who prefer a quiet one.

For the theater to become part of the daily lives of the citizens, it needed food specifically for theater.

"Is this going to turn into popcorn?"

"Yes, that's right."

Looking at the item that Yuri brought, the Second Princess couldn't hide her bewilderment.

"It's just a corn kernel."

What was in the bowl were ordinary kernels of corn. It didn't look like it would be food for the theater.

"Right now, yes. But it will change if we heat it."

Yuri closed the lid of the bowl and placed it on a small stove using Pyrostones.

Then, a loud sound of something exploding inside echoed through the air.

The savory aroma wafted gently through the hole in the lid.

After a while.

When the popping sound stopped, Yuri opened the lid that had covered the bowl.

Then.

"Hmm."

The Second Princess's red eyes slightly widened.

The bowl that used to hold the corn kernels was now filled with fluffy, cloud-like white grains.

"So, it was just by heating those corn kernels for it to change like this."

"Not all corn is can become like this. Only corn with the hard kernels known as "Zea Mays Everta" or "Flint Corn" can become popcorn."

"You seem to know all sorts of things."

The Second Princess picked up a piece of popcorn and brought it to her mouth.

As soon as it touched her mouth, it was crispy like a snack, but it quickly melted away and disappeared, creating quite a unique texture.

The nutty flavor was just as good as any other snack.

At the same time, it wasn't pungent, nor did it make a loud crunching sound when bitten.

Only then could the Second Princess understand what Yuri had said.

"This is food for the theater."

"Yes, if we have corn and Pyrostones, we can cook it in large quantities."

'How on earth does he find out about things like this?'

The Second Princess muttered, secretly astonished by Yuri's extensive knowledge.

"I guess I should go see a play soon."

"...."

"Of course, you're included too. You will fit right in."

"Understood."

The Second Princess, with a satisfied smile, picked up some popcorn and ate it.

"Quite addictive, isn't it?"

It seemed like she would have it quite often.

*

As autumn passed and the weather grew colder, the citizens of the Empire naturally began to reduce their outdoor activities.

Things that can be enjoyed in a warm indoor space with a fireplace have become popular.

Accordingly, the number of people visiting the theater has also increased.

It was due to the Emperor's active encouragement.

However, despite that, the theater was not very popular.

There was still a strong perception among the citizens of the Empire that theater was a culture enjoyed by the 'nobility.'

For the citizens of the Empire, who were busy with their livelihoods, sitting quietly for hours to watch something was not a familiar culture.

Such things were activities enjoyed only by the noble aristocrats.

That strangeness was indeed strange, but the biggest problem was that they couldn't concentrate on the play because of the smell of food.

Unlike the nobles who enjoyed candy elegantly, the common people always came in with something to eat, saying they were hungry.

Because of this, theater was a genre with divided opinions.

Thompson was also one of those who did not prefer theater for that reason.

But even Thompson couldn't avoid going to the theater today.

The long-awaited play is premiering today.

[ Goddess of the Hearth Hestia: Obtaining an Air Fryer! ]

"I have to see this no matter what."

Thompson, a fervent believer in the White Tower, had been eagerly awaiting the premiere of the "The Goddess of the Air Fryer.".

He stood in line for half a day just to buy a ticket to see it on the release day.

"I wish there weren't so many people eating ramen today."

Because of those guys who come in trying to cook ramen, the theater often turns into a battleground.

Thompson headed to the theater, carrying a bag of cornflakes with dignity.

As Thomason was about to enter the theater to watch the play, he was met with a puzzling sight.

"What is that?"

—Bang, Pop-pop-pop!

With the sound of something frying, the corn kernels in the glass box popped up all at once.

The popped corn kernels swelled up and turned into fluffy white clouds.

Even the passersby stopped in their tracks to watch the fascinating sight.

"Before you go in, grab a popcorn! It doesn't smell and it's delicious!"

"Popcorn?"

Even though he was puzzled by the unfamiliar name, Thompson found himself lining up in front of the popcorn vendor without realizing it.

===

[Regular] [Garlic] [Caramel] [Cheese]

▶Large 15 silver ▶Regular 10 silver

Half and half possible

▶Cola 10 Silver

===

The popcorn being fried in front of him was fascinating, but the variety of flavors was even more diverse than Pringles.

But strangely, it didn't have a really pungent smell.

"Would you like to place an order?"

"Um, if half-and-half is possible, could I get the caramel flavor and the regular flavor in the regular size?"

"Yes, please wait a moment."

The employee, who greeted with a kind smile, scooped up some fried popcorn and handed it to Thompson.

"Here it is."

Thompson tilted his head as he looked at the popcorn being offered by the employee.

"I ordered the regular size."

The bowl filled with popcorn was enormous just by looking at it.

Thompson thought it was obvious that the staff had made a mistake, given the size that made him doubt he could eat it all by himself.

It looked too big to even be considered large.

But.

"The regular size is correct."

"Wait, are you really giving this much?"

"Haha, that's right. You need to watch for two hours, so you should eat well."

"I only paid 10 silvers, and yet this is the amount?"

With a bewildered expression, Thompson accepted the popcorn.

"Uh, hmm. That's quite a lot. Please give me a cola."

"Here it is. I hope you enjoy the show."

Thompson, having taken the cola and popcorn, sat on the bench and popped a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

And then his eyes widened.

"...What is this?"

It was a texture I had never experienced before, crispy yet melting sweetly in his mouth.

"Crazy, this is amazing."

There was a lot of food, it was cheap, and it was even delicious.

This was an essential item that you absolutely had to buy to watch the 2-hour play.

"I made a mistake by not going for the large size."

Thompson, having taken a big handful of popcorn, entered the theater with a satisfied expression.

People everywhere in the theaters were reacting like Thompson.

*

[ Goddess of the Hearth Hestia: Obtaining an Air Fryer! ]

The performance of the 'Goddess of the Air Fryer,' influenced by the Emperor's wishes, had its first demonstration in the heart of the imperial capital.

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Even the Emperor of the Empire came to watch the first performance.

"How can the main character be absent from such a meaningful occasion?"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

I also came to watch the play because I had an invitation from the Emperor.

Even without that, I was almost dragged out by the Second Princess.

"You don't seem to enjoy plays that much usually, so this is surprising."

The Emperor looked at the Second Princess, who had come to watch the play with me, with a surprised expression.

As if he didn't expect to see each other here.

Only after seeing that scene did I belatedly realize that it was very rare for the Second Princess to come to watch a play.

"Since it is the first performance that His Majesty is attending, of course I must participate."

"Haha, yeah. I'm glad you came."

Even at the Second Princess's empty words, the Emperor smiled as if genuinely pleased.

The brief communication between the father and daughter seemed to bring him great joy.

It seemed he had no doubts about me accompanying the Second Princess.

Afterall, the Second Princess and I were entangled in the same department.

"Then enjoy the show."

The Emperor left first with the nobles who came with him, and I took my place with the Second Princess.

"Let's go inside too."

"Yes."

Following the Second Princess, I entered the VIP room where the entire performance hall could be seen at a glance.

As I sat down, I glanced at the Second Princess.

The Second Princess, with her blonde hair elegantly tied up to reveal her white neck, was wearing a captivating black dress instead of her usual white military uniform.

After only seeing her in neat military uniforms, it was hard to get used to seeing her in a contrasting black dress.

If the usual Second Princess exuded the dignity of a commander leading an army, the current Second Princess was extremely sensual.

The pitch-black dress, paired with the crimson eyes, made the presence of the Second Princess even more striking.

It was a captivating yet haughty beauty.

The Second Princess, sensing my gaze, turned her crimson eyes towards me and asked.

"Do you have something to say?"

"No."

Shaking my head, I turned my gaze forward.

Since it was a demonstration attended by the Emperor, it was only natural to dress appropriately.

I couldn't help but keep glancing over. But.

"Um, Your Highness. This is..."

"Since you're here, you should try it."

The Second Princess placed a large container filled with caramel popcorn between us.

"Are you seriously planning to make me eat all of this by myself?"

"Of course, not"

I awkwardly smiled and denied her words.

In the darkness where the lights were off, the princess's red eyes, glowing like rubies, were drawing a mischievous arc.

Before that smile even fades.

—The fire from the hearth has reached Svalbard!

The performance has started.

***

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