An Unwavering Culinary Dream

Danh sách nhiệm vụ

A Delicacy for Nara Cooking, a Pleasant Memory Cooking, the Flavor of Nature Cooking, the Aroma of Homecoming Cooking, the Beauty of Sharing

A Delicacy for Nara

According to Arapacati, the rising pillars of smoke will lead to her brothers who are doing "cooking training." We need to find them and bring them back before the festival starts...

Arapacati:

Oh! If it isn't the Golden Nara! Alas...

Arama:

Arapacati not afraid. Nara Nhà Lữ Hành is good Nara, just like the Nara in the stories. Nara Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon have helped us a lot.

Arapacati:

Okay, Arapacati not afraid. Arapacati trusts Arama, and the grass, leaves, and seeds. All say you're a good Nara. Hello, Nara Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon.

Paimon:

Hello, Arapacati!

Paimon:

Hey! Don't make that kind of joke!

Arapacati:

You good. Arapacati knows.

Arapacati:

Lots of winds bring lots of small seeds. They come to Vanarana with Nara. They say Nara Nhà Lữ Hành is nice.

Paimon:

Arama said something like that too! Speaking of which, seeds brought by winds... You mean like dandelion seeds?

Arama:

Nara Nhà Lữ Hành is going to help Arana to form a Bija. So, we will prepare for Festival Utsava together.

Arapacati:

Oh, Festival Utsava...

Arama:

Arapacati looks strange. Is anything troubling you?

Arapacati:

Arapacati's big brothers have not returned to Vanarana. We siblings can't celebrate Festival Utsava together if they don't return...

Arama:

I haven't seen Arachatora, Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala in Vanarana for a very long time either. Never seen them after that incident.

Paimon:

A very long time... How long is that?

Arapacati:

Many, many moons ago, when the seedlings had just sprouted. But now they are already big trees, big enough to keep the rain off Aranara! It's seven Arapacatis tall!

Paimon:

From seedlings to trees! Wow! That's a really long time! Are your brothers missing, Arapacati?

Arapacati:

Missing? Is that a type of seed?

Arama:

Ooh! So Nara seeds are called Missing? Amazing!

Arapacati:

Nara are amazing! Nara Nhà Lữ Hành must have many Missings.

Paimon:

Uh, that's not what we mean...

Arapacati:

Oh, not like that. Arapacati knows where Arachatora, Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala are. Brothers not missing.

Arapacati:

They have been training at Vanarana for a long, long time. Cooking training.

Paimon:

Oh, cooking training. Paimon gets it...

Traveler:

Sounds like something Paimon would be interested in...

Paimon:

Hmm! Paimon is more interested in Nhà Lữ Hành's cooking training!

Paimon:

So, what is this cooking training exactly...

Arama:

It happened in the last Festival Utsava. Nara made lots of food for Aranara to try.

Arapacati:

So, to make food for Nara in return in this Festival Utsava, Arachatora and the others have been taking cooking training.

Paimon:

Paimon can't wait any longer for this Festival Utsava!

Traveler:

But that's Aranara's food...

Paimon:

Delicious food is the common language of all living creatures! It'll be fine!

Paimon:

But Arapacati, since you know where they are, why don't you search for them yourself?

Arapacati:

The magnificent Festival Utsava is about to begin. Arapacati has lots to prepare. No time to search for them.

Arapacati:

They left Vanarana for cooking training to prepare for Festival Utsava. But they don't know Festival Utsava is about to start! Arachatora, Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala stupid.

Paimon:

Then leave it to us! We'll be going with Arama to find the Aranara in the forest and prepare for Festival Utsava anyway. Isn't that right, Nhà Lữ Hành?

Traveler:

Leave it to us.

Paimon:

But how will we find Arachatora, Ara... What were the other names again?

Arapacati:

Arachatora, Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala.

Paimon:

Ugh! Arana, Arama, Araja, Arapacati... Aranara names are so hard to remember!

Arama:

Paimon, don't say that about Aranara names. You're gonna make the Aranara sad.

Paimon:

Okay, okay. So, how do we find them?

Arama:

They used to do cooking training in Vanarana. But they made lots of smoke, so Arapacati kicked them out.

Arapacati:

Everyone was so scared then. Some Aranara even hibernated. Luckily, Arama was brave and punished the smoke. Arapacati was furious and made them leave.

Arapacati:

So, you should be able to find them in the forest by looking for the rising pillars of smoke, I think.

Paimon:

So you kicked them out!

Arapacati:

Yes. Did I make a mistake?

Paimon:

Uh, not really... Anyway, Nhà Lữ Hành, let's get going!

Arapacati:

Oh, right. One more thing. If my brothers are acting strange, go splat them with the power of Dendro.

Arapacati:

In the past, they created lots and lots of smoke. Filled all of Vanarana with smoke. They were afraid too and ran around everywhere. Sometimes they also became like that if they touched strange mushrooms.

Arapacati:

But Aranara are spirits of the forest. So, we can recover and regain our senses by absorbing the power of Dendro.

Paimon:

Paimon gets it now. By that logic, Nhà Lữ Hành recovers after eating Sweet Madame, so Nhà Lữ Hành must be a Sweet Madame spirit. Yes! This makes perfect sense.

Traveler:

Arama:

Arapacati:

Paimon:

...Aaaanyway, let's go!

Arama:

Good luck, Nara Nhà Lữ Hành! Good luck, Paimon!

Arapacati:

...So difficult to talk to Nara, and they are so tall.

Traveler:

Hello.

Arapacati:

Eek! It's Nara Nhà Lữ Hành...

Arapacati:

Arapacati not scared. Brothers are very brave, so they definitely not scared too.

Arapacati:

You should find them if you move towards the pillars of smoke. If they are acting strange, go splat them with the power of Dendro.

Arapacati:

Arapacati is sooo mad! Argh! More mad than mad!

Arapacati:

Forest is very dangerous as Marana is rampant there. When they left, Arapacati reminded brothers to work together...

Arapacati:

But you started arguing right after leaving. Arachatora, you even ate strange thing.

Arachatora:

*sob*

Arapacati:

Arapacati has decided. Arachatora not allowed to pick mushrooms until Sunsettias have ripened ten times.

Arachatora:

Noooo... *sob*

Araphala:

Exactly! What would we do if he brought back bad spores and mushroom monsters grew here?

Arapacati:

Araphala, you too! You went so far away from Vanarana to collect fruits. There are many bad things over there! Araja told us about it especially!

Araphala:

*sob*

Arapas:

That's right. Fruits need to drink water and Aranara need to drink water, so water is the best.

Arapacati:

Arapas, of all places, you had to go to the Varuna Contraption. Don't you know that even Nara Varuna said the water of Vanarana is the most delicious?

Arapas:

*sob*

Arasaka:

Y—You see, only the "taste of happiness" can bring happiness to our little sister.

Arapacati:

Arasaka, I heard you caused a lot of trouble for Nara Nhà Lữ Hành because of your "taste of happiness"...

Arasaka:

E—Everything I did was for the "Supreme Delicacy"...

Arapacati:

The purpose of making the "Supreme Delicacy" is to show the fruits of the "cooking training". Alas, what's the point of the training if you could only complete it with someone else's help?

Arapacati:

Arapacati thinks Arasaka needs to reflect on himself the most.

Arasaka:

*sob*

Paimon:

Arapacati! We're here!

Arapacati:

Oh, it's you two.

Arapacati:

Nara Nhà Lữ Hành shared Arapacati's trouble with Paimon and solved the problem at its source...

Arapacati:

Arapacati no longer needs to worry about brothers missing Festival Utsava or being in danger outside. It's all thanks to you.

Arapacati:

Arapacati and brothers are all thankful.

Paimon:

That's great!

Paimon:

But there's something Paimon has always been curious about...

Traveler:

Who is this Nara Varuna?

Arapacati:

She is our friend, a friend of Vanarana.

Arapacati:

A friend of Aranara from a long, long time ago. A Golden Nara just like Nara Nhà Lữ Hành.

Paimon:

Huh. But Paimon's still got another question for you...

Traveler:

Is it about her brothers?

Paimon:

Yes. Arapacati, which one of them is your biggest brother, and which one's the smallest?

Arapacati:

Hmm? The biggest and the smallest?

Arapacati:

Ages... Ah, Arapacati understands. Just like tree rings. Hmm, the children of the forest aren't distinguished by age.

Paimon:

Huh? Then why are they your brothers and why are you their younger sister?

Arapacati:

Oh, this. We once had a Nara friend. Nara Varuna. She said she had a "brother."

Arapacati:

When Arapacati and brothers listened to her talk about the "brother," Nara Varuna looked happy and sad at the same time.

Arapacati:

That's how we understood. To an "older brother," a "younger sister" is an important Nara. To a "younger sister," an "older brother" is an important Nara.

Arapacati:

We thought it was great, so Arapacati and brothers decided to become brothers and sister. Nara Varuna said this was great. We should cherish our family.

Traveler:

That's right, we must cherish our family.

Paimon:

Hmm...

Paimon:

There's one more thing Paimon's been wondering... Do Aranara need to eat?

Arapacati:

Humans cook ingredients into food, and the children of the forest can also make ingredients into food.

Arapacati:

Nara Varuna taught us how Nara eat. That's why Arapacati and brothers started doing cooking training...

Paimon:

Okay, but that's certainly unusual...

Traveler:

It's like you're playing a game...

Arapacati:

Arapacati and brothers are very serious because Nara Varuna said that to be able to share food is a very happy thing.

Arapacati:

Oh and Arapas said that Nara Nhà Lữ Hành knows how to cook too.

Paimon:

Yeah! Nhà Lữ Hành's cooking skills have been tested by time!

Arapacati:

Arapacati gets it... Nara Nhà Lữ Hành must come to Festival Utsava and cook with Arapacati's bush-league brothers.

Arapacati:

Impress them once again with real cooking skills and food that only Nara can understand and Aranara will never understand.

Traveler:

Try not to be surprised by then...

Arapacati:

Arapacati is looking forward to it. This Festival Utsava will be really great and amazing!

Arapacati:

Thank you for everything, Nara Nhà Lữ Hành. When the time comes for Festival Utsava, you must come as well!

Arachatora:

I can't pick any mushrooms until the Sunsettias have ripened ten times. *sob* I know it's not a long time...

Arachatora:

But for some reason, just thinking about it slows time to a crawl...

Araphala:

Arapacati is so scary when she's angry. I hope she won't be so angry after she has had some fruit...

Arapas:

Vanarana's water is good, but it's water that's right within reach... But we can try using that water to cook next time!

Arasaka:

The "taste of happiness" doesn't bring happiness but bitterness instead? How can this be?

Cooking, a Pleasant Memory

According to Arachatora, his brother Arasaka is doing "cooking training" near Gandharva Ville. Look for a pillar of smoke near Gandharva Ville!

???:

You consume the dew and grow up quickly...

Paimon:

Hello! You're Ara... Ara... What was it again?

Paimon:

That's smart!

???:

Grow, grow, turn into a delicious dish...

Paimon:

He doesn't seem to notice us...

???:

Eek! Nara... So tall, so scary...

???:

Please, I beg you... Don't pluck them...

Paimon:

Okay, we won't do it.

???:

Great. Hehe... I grew these Zaytun Peaches little by little, ever since they were seeds...

???:

Wait, no! Bad Nara! How could you do that to someone else's Zaytun Peaches?

???:

Wh—Why does Nara have such a terrible habit...?

Paimon:

We didn't do anything and haven't picked them!

???:

It's already scary when you guys didn't do anything. If you had really done something, it would scare me to death!

Paimon:

The lunar core, the source of the moon's power, became artillery fire aimed at Teyvat.

Arasaka:

No, no, Arasaka... Think about it. You've worked so hard on these Zaytun Peaches for your cooking training... You cannot back out here. You are not scared...

Paimon:

So, you're Arasaka.

Arasaka:

Oh! H—How do you know my name... Where you Nara all come from... T—To know my name at first sight...

Arasaka:

Problems are caused by a loose tongue. It's over! My name will be used in terrible curses... Please, please, spare me...

Arasaka:

Other than giving you the Zaytun Peaches, I will do anything...

Paimon:

Easy now. We're actually here because of Arapacati's request.

Arasaka:

Ara—Arapacati? Ah, my dear "younger sister," sunlight in the dense forest...

You bring Arasaka up to speed on the events so far...

Arasaka:

Ugh... How come Festival Utsava is already approaching... Oh, are you two the Nara who have come to participate in this Festival Utsava?

Arasaka:

Sorry for calling you bad Nara. You must be good Nara because only good Nara can enter Vanarana and participate in Festival Utsava.

Arasaka:

Festival Utsava is coming. If I give up my cooking training and return to Vanarana now... No... But I can't skip Festival Utsava either...

Paimon:

Why are you getting more nervous instead? Don't you still have the Zaytun Peaches you planted?

Arasaka:

Th—That's not enough!

Arasaka:

There has to be the "taste of happiness." Without it, Zaytun Peaches will just be Zaytun Peaches...

Arasaka:

Arachatora, Arapas, and Araphala all don't believe that the "taste of happiness" exists. I will make it and show them. And I want Nara to try it too.

Traveler:

"Taste of happiness"?

Arasaka:

Hehe, "taste of happiness"... I tried it once.

Arasaka:

"Taste of happiness." It's white, crumbles when you rub it... Turns into white Valuka, but is not hard and painful like Valuka. Stored in a hard bubble.

Traveler:

White Valuka?

Paimon:

White Valuka refers to white sand, right? Uh, but what's a hard bubble...?

Paimon:

Paimon can't figure it out. Where can we find that "taste of happiness"?

Arasaka:

Wh—Why are you asking me? Do you want to take the "taste of happiness" before I do? How scary...

Traveler:

We only want to help you...

Arasaka:

Help me? With what? I—I can get it myself...

Arasaka:

It's just that there are a lot of Nara walking about, and one that smells like Nara Valuka. Ugh... Too many Nara! I'm scared... If there were fewer Nara, I could do it then...

Arasaka:

...Okay, true, I can't get it. I... don't dare to enter Gandharva Ville. There are too many Nara there, and all the dead trees. I'm scared.

Arasaka:

I have a Nara friend living inside. But a long, long time has passed. He's changed now and can't hear my voice.

Paimon:

So the "taste of happiness" you're talking about can actually be found in Gandharva Ville.

Arasaka:

The "taste of happiness" is not grown from the ground but made by Nara.

Arasaka:

I really want to taste it again. I still remember the first time I tasted it and how happy I was. It was an amazing, amazing taste.

Arasaka:

We were in the forest together with the Nara friend, counting the number of patches of sunlight that fell between the leaves.

Arasaka:

We sang together and tried the "taste of happiness" together. Every time I see the sunlight on branches, I will think of him. Every time I think of him, I remember the "taste of happiness."

Arasaka:

So, I want to let Arapacati taste it. And when Festival Utsava starts, I want Nara to taste it too.

Paimon:

Paimon sees. Then leave it to Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon! Right, Nhà Lữ Hành?

Traveler:

I want to have happiness too.

Arasaka:

Really? You are not lying to me?

Paimon:

Nope!

Paimon:

But there are so many people in Gandharva Ville! Who should we ask for clues?

Arasaka:

I know. Not long ago, I saw a Nara passing by here, going to Gandharva Ville. And he had it with him.

Arasaka:

He had a bulging thing on his back. It's what Nara use to carry things.

Paimon:

A bulge on the back... Hm. It is probably a bag or a back basket.

Paimon:

Got it! We'll help you find the "taste of happiness" now!

Arasaka:

H—How was it? Did you find the "taste of happiness"? It's in Gandharva Ville...

Arasaka:

There's a Nara with a bulging thing on his back. The "taste of happiness" must be inside...

Paimon:

Hello!

Iaanesh:

Oh, hello... How can I help you?

Paimon:

Right, we actually want a certain thing...

Iaanesh:

Heh. Of course, everyone comes here to get "a certain thing." But just saying "a certain thing" doesn't mean I know what this "certain thing" is.

Paimon:

Oh... Paimon gets it. Let Paimon put it this way: We want...

Traveler:

Something white and cubic...

Iaanesh:

White and cubic?

Paimon:

Right, and it crumbles like sand when crushed, and it has to be packed in a hard bubble!

Iaanesh:

What a peculiar description...

Iaanesh:

It's not clear what it is from what you said, but what does this white and cubic thing you've described do?

Iaanesh:

The use of the thing. You know what it's used for, right?

Iaanesh:

An edible, white, and cubic thing...?

Iaanesh:

Oh! I know! I know what you want... Hahaha...

Paimon:

What's so funny!?

Iaanesh:

Aha, hahaha! White, cubic, crumbles when crushed, becomes sand... and can be eaten...

Iaanesh:

Isn't it just "sugar"!?

Iaanesh:

The hard bubble... Are you talking about the glass bottle that sugar is stored in? My goodness! Hard bubble! Hahahahaha...

Paimon:

What? So it's sugar...

Traveler:

I'm a little embarrassed...

Iaanesh:

Ooh, I laughed so much I cried. I've focused on my business the past few years, and I don't even remember when was the last time I laughed like this...

Iaanesh:

Speaking of which, it's really nostalgic. I remember a long time ago, when I was still a child, I once had a friend who ate sugar for the first time, and the friend said similar things.

Iaanesh:

"This white cubic thing is delicious! So awesome! The taste of happiness!" He was really amazed then.

Iaanesh:

Haha... It was so long ago, and now that I think about it, I don't even remember what he looked like.

Iaanesh:

Oh! I'll give you this bottle of sugar as a gift in return for the laughter.

Traveler:

Thanks.

Iaanesh:

Hold it carefully. The hard bubble might be hard, but it can still break if dropped. "Hard bubble"! Hahahahaha!

Iaanesh:

My family has always been a merchant group on the move, from The Chasm to Sumeru. We import rare gemstones from Liyue, then send spices over.

Iaanesh:

Once, because something came up... I can't remember. Anyway, my father left me in Gandharva Ville for a very long time.

Iaanesh:

I remember I was in the forest, and I made a friend. We ran around together, then...

Iaanesh:

I don't remember what happened later. I can't remember his name, or what he looked like...

Iaanesh:

I only remember it being a really happy time. Then my father finally came back, and picked me up. I'd also thought to go back and look for him but I never had the opportunity, and I eventually forgot about this experience.

Iaanesh:

If it wasn't for you asking me for sugar, I would have forgotten about all these things. Why would it be like this...

Arasaka:

That's the one! I didn't think you would get it so quickly... Is it real?

Arasaka:

You didn't just make something up to trick me, right?

Paimon:

It would be a miracle if we were able to make anything that made sense up from your description!

Paimon:

If you're worried, just try it yourself.

Arasaka:

...You didn't put anything strange in it, did you?

Paimon:

Of course not! Hmph! If you're not trying it, we're gonna take it away.

Arasaka:

N—No, wait! Don't take it away. Let me... Let me try...

Arasaka:

Don't take it away, alright? I'll try it now, right now... Hmm...

Arasaka:

Ah, it's real... This is the "taste of happiness"! Hehe... This isn't the first time I tasted it, and yet I still feel happy.

Arasaka:

I didn't expect to ever taste this again... Ah, but...

Arasaka:

Well... How should I put this? The "taste of happiness" is the same as before. But for some reason, I don't feel as happy as the first time I tasted it...

Paimon:

Could it be that the sugar he gave us was not sweet enough?

Arasaka:

No, it's not a difference in the taste. But when I ate it with my friend in the past... That was the first time I tasted the "taste of happiness"...

Arasaka:

Somehow I feel that I was much happier back then. Why is that?

Paimon:

That's normal. Even if it's the same dish, the taste is different every time Nhà Lữ Hành makes it...

Paimon:

Paimon's mood is different every time Paimon eats it too.

Traveler:

Indeed.

Arasaka:

No, it can't be... There must be a way for me to be as happy as then...

Arasaka:

I know! I had it with my friend at the time. So the "taste of happiness" has to be shared with friends for it to be delicious, right?

Arasaka:

That must be it. You are good Nara, and you found the "taste of happiness." You, are my friends. I'm going to make it for you.

Paimon:

Yeah, we're friends!

Arasaka starts cooking right away and adds peaches and sugar into the pot...

Arasaka then hands the finished product to you and Paimon. As expected, it doesn't have much flavor other than the overwhelming "sweetness." Maybe this is just the "taste of happiness"...

Arasaka:

Ah, what a happy flavor. It's exquisite.

Paimon:

Yes, this dish is quite...

Paimon:

Quite "happy."

Traveler:

Too sweet...

Paimon:

Paimon thinks it's much too sweet too...

Arasaka:

R—Really? Oh, I guess I must've put too much in one go, then.

Arasaka:

But... Hehe. It's true that the "taste of happiness" is happier when shared with friends.

Arasaka:

It is different from the happiness I felt the first time I had it, but eating it with you guys... I feel a different kind of happiness.

Traveler:

Well, as long as you're happy.

Arasaka:

I had doubts about you guys in the beginning, but you didn't hold any grudge... and you helped me find the "taste of happiness"...

Arasaka:

I was able to complete my Supreme Delicacy with your help and complete my cooking training...

Paimon:

It's nothing, really...

Arasaka:

No, how is it nothing? You've helped me so much...

Arasaka:

That's right, I know! I'll teach you how to make this dish so you can share the "taste of happiness" with your friends.

Paimon:

(Hmm... If we modify the formula and add a little something extra, it should make a good snack...)

Arasaka:

I—I now just have to let them taste this Supreme Delicacy and they will understand what the "taste of happiness" is.

Arasaka:

Arapacati will surely like it...

Arasaka:

No, bad Nara! You're... You're not allowed to pick my peaches!

Arasaka:

I said don't pick them! They're for the "taste of happiness"!

Paimon:

Arasaka, this is the "taste of happiness" you wanted, right?

Paimon:

We brought it back from Gandharva Ville.

Cooking, the Flavor of Nature

You received a commission from Arapacati in Vanarana to help look for her brothers who are practicing cooking. Do as Arapacati says and look for the rising pillars of smoke.

???:

*whimper*

???:

Aah! It's Nara.

???:

*cough* I'm sorry that Nara had to see me in such a messy state.

Arachatora:

Kind Nara, I'm Arachatora. You are?

Traveler:

I'm Nhà Lữ Hành.

Paimon:

And Paimon's name is Paimon!

Arachatora:

Nara Nhà Lữ Hành and Paimon, I see. Thank you so much. If fate hadn't brought us together, it would have taken me much longer to recover.

Paimon:

How long is a little longer?

Arachatora:

I'm ashamed to admit that something like this happened once before because of bad mushrooms. The Nilotpala Lotuses in the water bloomed and closed, twice, before I recovered.

Paimon:

Bloomed and closed... Doesn't that take two days!?

Arachatora:

Ah, two days. I see, so that's what a day means. You Nara are really interesting. Are two days long or short?

Paimon:

Hmm... What do you think, Nhà Lữ Hành? Is it long or short?

Paimon:

Uh-huh, Paimon can't imagine how Arachatora whimpered for two days straight.

Arachatora:

Really? So it's a very long time...

Paimon:

But if you're Arachatora... Aren't you related to Arapacati?

Arachatora:

Nope.

Paimon:

Huh? But... You're Arapacati's older brother, right?

Arachatora:

Oh, how did you know? Arapacati is my "younger sister."

Paimon:

Paimon is confused...

Traveler:

Perhaps it's different for Aranara...

Paimon:

Anyway, let us bring you up to speed...

You bring Arachatora up to speed on the events so far...

Arachatora:

Festival Utsava is coming again... What should I do...

Arachatora:

I haven't had the most important cooking ingredient yet. Festival Utsava should be the best time to prove the greatness of mushroom dishes to Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala.

Paimon:

So, Aras... spa... ara...

Traveler:

Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala.

Paimon:

Ahhh! Aranara names are so difficult! Arachatora, where're your brothers?

Arachatora:

We drifted apart on our paths of training, just like a river branches into streams.

Paimon:

So you split apart, right?

Arachatora:

We train to cook the supreme delicacy, but they refuse to acknowledge mushroom dishes — how could they not see that the Head Mushroom is unmatched!

Arachatora:

Anyway, we decided to complete our own dishes and compete with each other later.

Paimon:

Oh, Paimon totally understands the pursuit of delicious food!

Paimon:

So, where's your Head Mushroom?

Arachatora:

Marana has been spreading rapidly. Even the Head Mushroom's habitat has been taken over.

Paimon:

Ah, the Withering Zone... Paimon hopes Rana is doing okay.

Arachatora:

Its withering claws have probably taken the precious mushroom there. I'm sure you're aware how very, very dangerous Marana's territory is.

Arachatora:

Without the Head Mushroom, I could only try the strange mushroom that no Aranara has ever tasted before.

Paimon:

And?

Traveler:

And we witnessed the outcome of it.

Arachatora:

How embarrassing...

Paimon:

Now that Paimon thinks about it, The Withering... Uh, Marana... We've dealt with it before, right?

Traveler:

Barely broke a sweat.

Arachatora:

Whoa, unbelievable! You can fight Marana.

Arachatora:

Well, it does make sense. Since Nara Nhà Lữ Hành could heal me with the power of Lesser Lord Kusanali, then removing the effect of Marana shouldn't be a problem.

Arachatora:

So, I want to ask Nara Nhà Lữ Hành to come with me to the Head Mushroom's habitat.

Paimon:

It's our chance to taste an extremely delicious mushroom dish! Nhà Lữ Hành, let's help him, so that these siblings can get back together!

Traveler:

We did give Arapacati our word.

Arachatora:

Alright, it's in the cave ahead. Please come with me.

Arachatora:

Ahh! The Head Mushroom I've always been dreaming about.

Arachatora:

Head Mushroom, would you still be the same without your sweet scent?

Paimon:

Hehe... This mushroom does smell really good.

Paimon:

Anyway, let's get out!

Arachatora:

I'm so lucky to have met both of you.

Arachatora:

It's the smell of a fully matured Head Mushroom. It's richer than ever.

Arachatora:

So, you grew well even when Marana took over your habitat. You're amazing.

Paimon:

Uh, so... Can we taste it?

Arachatora:

Of course. Putting aside how you've helped me, serving the most delicious mushroom dish to Nara again has always been the goal of my cooking training.

Paimon:

Oh yeah! Head Mushroom!

Arachatora immediately starts cooking... The fresh aroma of the mushroom bursts out from the pot.

Once it's ready, Arachatora serves it to you and Paimon. Should it be considered disappointing? Or conforming to expectations? Because it's tasteless. Besides that, it's filled with vitality and too tough to the point of being difficult to chew.

Arachatora:

...It's done. My cooking training has finally been completed successfully. What do you think? I'm sure it's the best delicacy to a Nara.

Paimon:

*nom nom* *gulp* Uh... how should Paimon put this...

Traveler:

*chew forcefully*

Traveler:

*swallow forcefully*

Paimon:

Hmm... It's a very fragrant mushroom indeed, but its texture and taste don't really suit us.

Arachatora:

Huh?

Arachatora:

How could this be? When I served it to the other Nara from before, she said it was good.

Paimon:

From before?

Arachatora:

I served my mushroom dish to a Nara some time ago, and because it was so good, she swallowed it with so much vigor.

Arachatora:

It should be fine.

Paimon:

...

Traveler:

...

Arachatora:

Oh, just like every Aranara grows different leaves, the taste of the mushroom may not suit all Nara.

Paimon:

Right... Speaking of leaves... Are Aranara not afraid of fire? You look like you're covered in leaves...

Arachatora:

Of course it's scary. Forest fires sometimes raze entire forests until only barren ground remains.

Arachatora:

But it's for my cooking training, so keeping my fear at bay and controlling the temperature of the flames is also a part of my training.

Paimon:

So that's how it is... Anyway, guess it's time to go back. Arapacati is waiting for you guys!

Arachatora:

Yes, I'll head back to Vanarana immediately. I can't keep my precious sister worrying about me.

Arachatora:

As for the others... Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala are around Gandharva Ville, Apam Woods, and Devantaka Mountain.

Arachatora:

Thank you. Golden Nara Nhà Lữ Hành is dazzling like the sun, and Paimon is quite amazing, too. I'll leave my sister's request to you.

Paimon:

Why is Paimon only quite amazing!?

Arachatora:

Oh, don't worry about that... Anyway, I don't know how to repay you for all the help you've given me...

Arachatora:

Hmm... I've decided to give you my Supreme Delicacy's recipe. Perhaps you'll grow fond of its taste as you age.

Paimon:

(Nhà Lữ Hành, if Paimon modifies this recipe a little, it should be able to become a pretty good original dish!)

Arachatora:

I'm so happy that I was able to gather the Head Mushroom, complete my cooking training, and get to know a strong and reliable Nara.

Arachatora:

Arapacati, Arasaka, Arapas, and Araphala will be grateful too. Nara Nhà Lữ Hành, you're a good Nara.

Traveler:

Grateful? Why?

Arachatora:

Because by helping me, you've given them a chance to taste the Head Mushroom.

Head Mushroom:

(It does look a little larger than a normal Shroom-Kin. It's best to pick it later once the Withering Zone has been eliminated...)

Cooking, the Aroma of Homecoming

According to Arachatora, his brother Arapas is doing "cooking training" close to Apam Woods. Look for a pillar of smoke near Apam Woods!

Paimon:

Whoa, what's cooking in there? Paimon's mouth is watering from just a whiff of it!

Paimon:

It looks like some kind of soup. Hmm... Paimon can't tell what's inside...

Paimon:

Hey, Nhà Lữ Hành...

Traveler:

What is it?

Paimon:

The person cooking it isn't here, and it smells so good. Let's have a mouthful while it's left unattended.

Paimon:

Yay!

The pot is smaller than it looks. The soup within it is all gone just like that.

Paimon:

Ahh... Huh? It smells good, but why doesn't Paimon taste anything?

???:

Great Aramuhukunda! What are you Nara doing!?

Paimon:

A—Aranara? Where did you come from?

Arapas:

From underground! Forget that, why are you drinking my soup? Arapas worked very hard on that!

Traveler:

Sorry...

Paimon:

Sorry...

Arapas:

Hmph! You stole my soup! Sorry won't cut it!

Arapas:

Do you know how difficult it is to make soup here? One minute it's rainy; one minute it's sunny.

Arapas:

I finally managed to make this pot of soup, but while I was away picking Fresh Harra Fruits, you...

Paimon:

It smelled too good to resist...

Paimon:

But if it's that difficult, why are you cooking here?

Arapas:

Hmph! The key to cooking must be collected every day, which is...

Traveler:

Your pride as a chef?

Arapas:

Water! It's water! Water has a huge impact on the aroma of my soup. So it has to be made with the best water!

Arapas:

I've been collecting water throughout Apam Woods to make soup with. After collecting water samples as numerous as the leaves on a tree, I finally found the best "Living Spring."

Arapas:

It's the only water source fit for Festival Utsava's supreme delicacy! You wouldn't get it even if I told you... Only that Nara from before...

Paimon:

Speaking of which, Arapacati sent us...

You bring Arapas up to speed on the events so far...

Arapas:

Ah, you're Nara friends of my sister! And Festival Utsava is coming!

Arapas:

It's fine. I've found Living Spring, and my Supreme Delicacy is complete. It's in this pot... Oh, right...

Arapas:

...

Traveler:

...

Paimon:

Eh-hehe... Don't be sad, at least your soup was really aromatic...

Arapas:

Ah! My Living Spring! "Apshvaana" live at its source. I waited so long for them to leave and only collected a pot of it...

Arapas:

No! You must get me another pot of Living Spring!

Paimon:

"Apshvaana"? What's that?

Arapas:

Hmph! You Nara really know nothing about the forest. They live in the water, and they have four legs, a tail, and they bite.

Paimon:

...Dogs?

Traveler:

Dogs don't live in the water.

Paimon:

Ah, right. Then what's an "Apshvaana"?

Arapas:

Forget that! I want my water! And I want Living Spring from there in particular!

Paimon:

Alright, alright... Nhà Lữ Hành, we don't have a choice here. Let's go...

Traveler:

Right.

Arapas:

It must be Living Spring and no other!

Paimon:

Whoa, what's cooking in there? Paimon's mouth is watering from just a whiff of it!

Paimon:

It looks like some kind of soup. Hmm... Paimon can't tell what's inside...

Paimon:

Hey, Nhà Lữ Hành...

Traveler:

What is it?

Paimon:

The person cooking it isn't here, and it smells so good. Let's have a mouthful while it's left unattended.

Paimon:

Yay!

The pot is smaller than it looks. The soup within it is all gone just like that.

Paimon:

Ahh... Huh? It smells good, but why doesn't Paimon taste anything?

???:

Great Aramuhukunda! What are you Nara doing!?

Paimon:

Ar—Aranara? Where on earth did you come from?

Arapas:

From underground! Forget that, why are you drinking my soup? Arapas worked very hard on that!

Traveler:

Sorry...

Paimon:

Sorry...

Arapas:

Hmph! You stole my soup! Sorry won't cut it!

Arapas:

Do you know how difficult it is to make soup here? One minute it's rainy; one minute it's sunny.

Arapas:

Hmm... Speaking of which, Varuna Contraption has been much more stable lately, and the weather has become normal again...

Paimon:

Actually, it was us...

Arapas:

Hmph! I'm sure it was a good Nara like that Nara who repaired Varuna Contraption! It wasn't soup thieves like the two of you...

Paimon:

Hey, don't be so mean! It just smelled too good to resist...

Paimon:

But if it's that difficult, why are you cooking here?

Arapas:

Hmph! The key to cooking must be collected every day, which is...

Traveler:

Your pride as a chef?

Arapas:

Water! It's water! Water has a huge impact on the aroma of my soup. So it has to be made with the best water!

Arapas:

I've been collecting water throughout Apam Woods to make soup with. After collecting water samples as numerous as the leaves on a tree, I finally found the best "Living Spring."

Arapas:

It's the only water source fit for Festival Utsava's supreme delicacy! You wouldn't get it even if I told you... Only that Nara from before...

Paimon:

Speaking of which, Arapacati sent us...

You bring Arapas up to speed on the events so far...

Arapas:

Ah, you're Nara friends of my sister! And Festival Utsava is coming!

Arapas:

It's fine. I've found Living Spring, and my Supreme Delicacy is complete. It's in this pot... Oh, right...

Arapas:

...

Traveler:

...

Paimon:

Eh-hehe... Don't be sad, at least your soup was really aromatic...

Arapas:

Ah! My Living Spring! "Apshvaana" live at its source. I waited so long for them to leave and only collected a pot of it...

Arapas:

No! You must get me another pot of Living Spring!

Paimon:

"Apshvaana"? What's that?

Arapas:

Hmph! You Nara really know nothing about the forest. They live in the water, and they have four legs, a tail, and they bite.

Paimon:

...Dogs?

Traveler:

Dogs don't live in the water.

Paimon:

Ah, right. Then what's an "Apshvaana"?

Arapas:

Forget that! I want my water! And I want Living Spring from there in particular!

Paimon:

Alright, alright... Nhà Lữ Hành, we don't have a choice here. Let's go...

Traveler:

Right.

Arapas:

It must be Living Spring and no other!

Arapas:

Hmm... It is the water from the river's source. The Living Spring that's cold and clean, just like moonlight.

Arapas:

Arachatora, Arasaka, and Araphala wouldn't be so stupid if they grew up drinking this water. Only Arapacati, my sister...

Paimon:

Well, what's next...

Arapas:

Huh? Oh. Next up, you have to make me a new pot of soup...

Receiving guidance from Arapas, you add some fruits and vegetables into the water and start cooking. A rather nice aroma slowly emerges from the pot.

Once you're done, you taste the fresh soup together. It sort of lives up to your expectations. It does carry the aroma of the ingredients... But a soup without any condiments is just too plain. It has no flavor at all.

Arapas:

Mmm, this is how the supreme delicacy should smell!

Paimon:

Hmm... What do you think, Nhà Lữ Hành?

Paimon:

Paimon thinks it would be better with some salt and pepper.

Traveler:

Everything is better with salt and pepper.

Arapas:

Great Aramuhukunda! You want to add salt? What a horrifying idea!

Arapas:

Land with salt is land without life, and Aranara will be forced to shrink into seeds. Yet Nara wish to add salt!?

Arapas:

Soups are supposed to be bland! How do you Nara not even understand that!?

Arapas:

That Nara from before told us a story after having a bowl of my soup:

Arapas:

"When we Nara children come home, the aroma of soup is the first thing we smell. As such, aroma is all a soup needs."

Arapas:

After that, she complimented the aroma of the soup I made. I've never forgotten that. That's why I won't believe a word you say!

Paimon:

But just aroma isn't enough...

Arapas:

...

Arapas:

Hmph! But since you're the Nara of this Festival Utsava, I'm sure you've received approval from Araja and Arapacati. So... I'll try making a soup with taste.

Arapas:

Next time, I'll look for even better water, so we can make even better soup!

Traveler:

...I don't think water is the problem.

Arapas:

Really? Anyway, my cooking training has concluded. Alright, let's see what we can do about this at Festival Utsava!

Arapas:

I've taught you how to make the soup. It's a soup approved by the Great Nara, so do give it a few more tries. But make sure you don't forget to use good water!

Paimon:

(Nhà Lữ Hành, let's add some seasoning next time. It should be pretty good after that...)

Arapas:

Is there water that can give taste to soup?

Arapas:

My soup... *sob* How could this happen...

Traveler:

(Leave quietly...)

Arapas:

Hmph! Both of you are bad Nara! Don't even think about tricking me with water from somewhere else!