Gut paused for a moment, unsure whether his assumption was correct.
So he immediately opened the [System Space] to examine the item details.
[Item Name: Memory Bread (Enhanced Version)]
[Effect: Upon consumption, instantly memorize all content written on the bread. (Enhanced Version: In addition to memory, instantly comprehend the knowledge contained. Note: Each slice has a knowledge limit.)]
"This... is actually exactly what I thought it was—and even stronger."
Gut couldn't help but swallow hard. Suddenly, the task of completing the [Three-Year Promise] didn't feel so unattainable.
That massive magic tome couldn't be entirely difficult. If he could read it through once, compile all the hard parts, condense them onto the memory bread, and eat it—wouldn't that solve it?
In this way, the time needed to complete the introductory portion of Curse Reversal Magic would be drastically shortened. His promise to Serie was within reach.
"Dear customer, here is your roasted ribs and the young lady's."
The waiter's voice snapped Gut out of his thoughts. Nodding in thanks, he picked up his knife and fork.
There was still time. No need to rush. He would study the memory bread further after returning tonight.
For now, good food took priority.
Knife in right hand, fork in left, Gut sliced into the roasted beef ribs. The charred aroma and tender flesh, bursting with juices, proved both the quality of the meat and the chef's masterful control of heat.
Taking a bite, the richness of the sauce overwhelmed his taste buds.
Across the table, his junior Gumi had stars in her eyes. Without a word, she lowered her head and dug in, her happiness plain as day.
Even Lernen beside him, who was gnawing on leafy greens, paused. Surrounded by the aroma of grilled meat, watching his companions devour their meals, Lernen looked at his sad plate of vegetables and sighed, ultimately calling over the waiter to order one more meat dish.
In the kitchen, the head chef Lecker, who had just finished preparing Gut's entire table's order with his team, nearly fainted when he saw the new request.
"Man, tonight's guests really are something..."
He sighed and fetched more ingredients, not forgetting to pat his child—just tall enough to reach the stove.
"Watch carefully. Our family promised Hero Himmel to preserve our traditional flavor, so that Elf Mage Frieren can always return to the taste in her memory, no matter how many years pass."
"Okay—!"
The child nodded, but in their heart thought:
"I'm going to make food even tastier than Dad!"
In the restaurant
Several waiters paused simultaneously and turned to look at a particular table.
There, two powerhouses were engaged in a fierce eating battle. The stack of empty plates resembled twin mountains.
"Phew~ I'm stuffed."
Ultimately, Gut lost to Gumi and admitted defeat first.
But Gumi had also hit her limit. No longer scarfing food like earlier, her pace slowed, and Gut could even glimpse a bit of noblewoman's grace in her posture.
Minutes later, Gumi the "gladiator" leaned back in her chair, satisfied and without a trace of regret.
Seeing they had all finished, Gut patted his clothes and stood to head toward the counter to settle the bill.
Only to be stopped by Lernen and Gumi, who insisted on paying for the meal.
To end the good-natured dispute, Gut pulled out the coins Serie had given him and said it was part of the meal allowance. Only then did the other two relent.
But just after paying, Gumi suddenly asked:
"Big brother Gut, why didn't Teacher Serie come to dinner? Has she eaten yet?"
Her question made Gut pause. "Come to think of it, she rarely joins us. She skipped out when Lernen and I had our drinks too."
"As for dinner... I guess she probably has eaten, right?"
At that same time, in a certain elf's home...
The "Magic Old Hag" hugged her magic tome, and when hunger struck, pulled a leftover morning loaf from the side basket.
Flipping pages as she nibbled...
The crust was too tough—so with a flick of magical energy and a simple [Magic to Soften Hard Bread], the bread regained its just-baked fluffiness.
＜(⌯̫⌯)＞
"Mmm, that's more like it..."
"Folk magic might be boring, but it does have its uses."
Back in the restaurant, after chatting with Gumi, Gut decided to pack two light, easily preserved dishes for Serie's breakfast tomorrow.
They'd be cold by then, sure—but with all the magic Serie knew, reheating wouldn't be a problem.
When the waiter delivered the takeout order to the kitchen, Chef Lecker had just removed his apron, ready to grab a smoke and relax.
But the kitchen bell chimed "ding!"—ruining his break.
"What the—!"
Lecker glanced at the clock and groaned.
"It's not even peak hours…"
Ultimately, it was Lecker himself who prepared, packed, and personally handed the takeout to Gut.
Holding the box, Gut could feel the chef's piercing, resentful gaze... it made him a little uncomfortable.
"Thanks...!"
With a quick bow, Gut left.
Outside, he reminded Gumi to be ready tomorrow morning in front of Serie's place.
After that, the three disciples went their separate ways.
Back at the inn near the exam site, Gut entered his room, set down the boxes, then pulled out a [Memory Bread] from the System Space.
Looking at the thick tome of magic before him, he began his experiment.