SWNOVELXO Chapter 74.2
There Are Two Types Of Amazake
Yuuri answered Yakk with a smile. Though the process is simple, keeping the temperature constant is tricky. Yuuri was grateful for the thermal jar. People in the past must have had clever ways of doing this, but Yuuri only knew how to use a rice cooker or thermal jar to maintain the temperature. Next up was the amazake made with sake lees. This one can be made quickly, so Yuuri could have waited until the rice malt version was done. However, he decided to make it ahead of time since it might interfere with preparing dinner later.
For amazake made with sake lees, you use heat. First, break the sake lees into small pieces and put them in a pot with water, bringing it to a boil. Once it boils, add sugar and salt, dissolving the sake lees completely. Adjust the taste with the sugar and salt, ensuring the sake lees are thoroughly dissolved. That’s all it takes to finish, though some might add ginger for flavor.
“Wait… It’s done already?”
“Yep, it’s done.”
Yuuri smiled at the bewildered Yakk. He tasted it himself, but didn’t let the younger ones try it, as it contained a small amount of alcohol. They seemed eager, but Yuuri planned to let them enjoy the rice malt version instead.
By evening, the amazake made with rice malt was ready, and everyone gathered for a tasting.
“Alright, underaged ones, stick to the rice malt version.”
“Yuuri, I’ll have the other one later.”
“Sure thing!”
There are two types of amazake, each placed in large pots. After tasting them, water is added to adjust the thickness, as they can sometimes be too strong when consumed directly. The amazake, gently warmed to body temperature, is then distributed. Yuuri and Urgus are in charge of serving: Urgus handles the non-alcoholic amazake made from rice malt, while Yuuri takes care of the alcoholic one made from sake lees. If any of the minors ask for the sake lees version, they are given less than half of the amount served to the adults. Yuuri is firm in his stance against letting minors drink alcohol.
That said, amazake isn’t particularly high in alcohol content. As long as you don’t drink a ridiculous amount, it shouldn’t be a problem. However, since it’s quite easy to drink, Yuuri keeps watch to ensure no one overindulges. Today too, Yuuri plays the role of the doting caretaker.
“Hm. Even though they’re made from different ingredients and taste slightly different, they’re quite similar.”
“Well, they’re both amazake, after all~”
“Could you teach me how to make it later?”
“I’ve already written down the steps on paper, so I’ll give it to you afterward.”
“Thank you.”
The exchange between Yuuri and Hallow was as relaxed as always. Everyone was so used to the sight that no one paid it any attention. Most likely, Hallow would teach the method to his friend and then find a way to sell it. But that was none of Yuuri’s concern. Not at all.
Just then, Yuuri noticed a young man standing not in front of him, but in front of Urgus. The young man, Licht, a full-grown adult, was receiving the non-alcoholic amazake from Urgus.
“Licht, that’s the amazake made from rice malt.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s what I want.”
“Wait, what?”
“…I’m a lightweight.”
“Oh, I see. In that case, the rice malt version is definitely better for you.”
“…You’re not going to laugh?”
“Why would I?”
Licht’s muttered words were met with a nod and a smile from Yuuri. Licht looked at him with suspicion, confused by the lack of teasing. However, Yuuri responded with the same unaffected tone as always.
Licht, a young man with a well-built physique, was clearly someone from the front lines. He looked dependable, like a reliable older brother. Although he was actually quite sensitive, finding it hard to sleep in new places, just by looking at him, you’d think he was strong and steady. But despite his appearance, he was a lightweight when it came to alcohol. He couldn’t drink a single drop. Even a sip would turn his face red, and he would pass out.
Because of this, Licht had been mocked countless times before. An adventurer who can’t drink a little alcohol? But this wasn’t something Licht could control—it was his body’s natural disposition. If he forced himself to drink, he’d get sick. People like Licht, who cannot properly metabolize alcohol, are called “lightweights.” In short, it’s a matter of biology, not choice.
That’s why Yuuri, without a second thought, told him to enjoy the non-alcoholic amazake. There was no deeper meaning behind it. To Yuuri, the idea of mocking someone for not being able to drink simply didn’t register.
“A grown man who can’t drink alcohol—it’s strange, right?”
“Huh? But being a lightweight just means your body doesn’t process alcohol well, right? Like, you get sick if you drink.”
“…Yeah.”
“That’s just how your body is, right?”
“Yeah. I mean, I’m fine with a little bit in cooking, but…”
“Then there’s nothing to laugh about. It’s just your body.”
With a matter-of-fact tone, Yuuri casually laid it out. Licht responded by patting Yuuri’s head with his large hand. Yuuri, confused as to why he was being patted, tilted his head. Meanwhile, Licht’s face looked as if he might cry. After years of being teased for his inability to drink, Yuuri’s words had struck a deep chord with him.
Incidentally, none of the people at the base ever mocked Licht for being a lightweight. On the contrary, if he was harassed by anyone, his friends would step in to protect him. The fact that he couldn’t drink didn’t diminish his value in their eyes. They all understood this well. Having good companions is a wonderful thing.
“Licht, there’s really no need to cry.”
“…I’m not crying.”
“You totally are.”
As Urgus handed over the amazake, he made a quiet remark. Licht denied it stubbornly, but tears were welling up at the corners of his eyes. It wasn’t that his tear ducts were particularly weak; it was just that today, everything seemed to have moved him deeply. Perhaps he was remembering all the things that had been said to him over the years. Poor guy.
Incidentally, after people found out that amazake is subtly good for the skin, it became a regular request from the women. Whether it’s made from sake lees or rice malt doesn’t seem to matter much to them.