The Gourmet's Dilemma

We're looking for someone who knows about rare ingredients and cooking. Any ideas?

Hey! Where's my drink? You've kept me waiting with this cheap drink...

The auction house lounge? Got it! Thanks!

Have you got a minute? We're looking for a broker who knows about gourmet food...

Ah, you want...

Umm, this missile urchin shell is exquisite. Natural Nilva products are in a different league! Is this terrine wing crab? The subtle scent of sea water is divine. My mouth is in a desert island paradise!

What a gourmand!

That man? He sure seems to know about food.

Hmm?

Desert island paradise?! What rubbish. Hearing you talk such nonsense is making my head hurt.

Whoa, where'd you come from?! That's rude!

This missile urchin is farmed. The taste is lighter than natural ones, but that makes it ideal for rich dishes. And this terrine is not real crab, it's a luxury crab cake. The taste and texture's just like the real thing, but those with allergies can eat it. It's all about the business.

I-Is that so?

It's as she says. We don't handle natural ingredients for hygiene reasons. Instead, our top-notch staff cook with ingredients just as good as the natural ones. It's written on the menu, too...

......

I-I'm so embarrassed!

W-Wait!

There's a lot of fake gourmands about, but she's the real deal.

Hey, Molly! You've got a customer.

What a cute guy. You here to seduce me? Sorry. If you want to tempt me, you've gotta be a more refined gentleman, like a mature blue cheese...

That's not why I'm here at all!

I'm looking for a broker who's an expert in gourmet good. It looks like you know a lot about ingredients. Could you lend a hand?

Huh, you're a Seeker? But it looks like your rank isn't all that great. Sorry, I'm too busy in my quest for food. I don't have the time to help out some kid.

Hey, not so hasty. Wasn't there an ingredient you wanted to try? Why not get them to find it for you?

But there's no way these kids'll manage that...

We can do it! We'll get it for you! And in exchange...

Okay, okay. Then, I'd like you to bring me a chimera tail.

Ch-Chimera? I thought you said it was an ingredient?

It's not eaten often, but fresh one's are... They're the most exquisite delicacy. But you see, the Chimeras have all but died out around here. So if you're able to procure it, I'll recognize your ability and make a contract with you.

All right then. We'll be back.

Chimeras used to be found on the beach near Miglance Castle. Someone from a nearby port town might know more about them.

That would be Rinde. All right, let's go.

Huh? Why do you know so much about the Miglance area, Sophia?

Chimera themselves aren't rare monsters, but why would you use its tail as food...

According to Molly, you can only eat it fresh. Hopefully we'll find someone who knows more about them.

Someone who knows about tails...

Tail! Tail! A freshly caught, youthful tail! You beautiful, beautiful tail!

Was that song...

Were you singing about a chimera tail?

Oops, you heard me? I must've been singing to myself. It was my first feast in a long time. Chimera tail are the finest of foods that we hunters rarely get to eat.

Rarely get to eat? Is that related to freshness?

Freshness too, but the tastiest tails are those from the young ones. When they get older the meat gets bitter.

So that's what she meant by fresh...

But young Chimera are very cautious so they're hard to catch. You need a lot of preparation and time.

Could you teach us how to catch a young Chimera?

It's meant to be a secret dish only local hunters eat. But how can I refuse a beautiful girl like you?

For some reason, the incredibly cautious Chimera have a real weakness for the sound of seashells. So blow a seashell in a beautiful place like Serena Coast and you'll lure them out.

But the young Chimera only like the sound of the shiny, pointed shells. Watch out for this.

Shiny pointed shells... First we've got to find one of them.

They often turn up in Rinde, so you should search around. Since this is a port town.

Got it. Thanks for your help.

And be careful... Even if you manage to lure one in, it'll run off again if you're too slow.

So defeat it as soon as it appears! Got it? Do it as fast as possible. Fight slowly and they'll wrap you up in their tail!

So it's all about speed.

Exactly. It won't be easy if you're not used to it, so good luck!

There's something over there.

It could be a shell! Let's have a look.

Oh! It's a bright and shiny, pointed shell! It's what the hunter was talking about!

We should be able to catch the Chimera with this.

We should. Let's get going.

Yeah, let's head to the Serena Coast.

Anything that looks like a shell?

Is that one?

What kind of shell is it?

It's round and a bit mossy...

But he said the Chimera like the sound of shiny, pointed shells...

Yeah. Unfortunately, I don't think this is it. Let's look elsewhere.

Anything that looks like a shell?

Is that one?

What kind of shell is it?

It's pretty, but it's oval shaped...

But he said the Chimera like the sound of shiny, pointed shells...

Yeah. Unfortunately, I don't think this is it. Let's look elsewhere.

All right! It's a beautiful view here, so we're sure to lure a Chimera out. Remember, he said they'll run off if you don't defeat them right away.

Got it. We need to beat it quickly.

Yep. Then should I blow the shell?

Stand back, Sophia, and get ready.

Right.

There's one!

Grr... It looks pretty tough! But we can't let it get away!

Sophia! Time to start fighting!

I'm on it!

We'll need to prepare a little more first.

Then let's hurry. We don't want to waste time.

Yeah, you're right.

All right! We defeated the chimera! Now we can bring back a fresh chimera tail!

Let's head back to the auction house.

Yep, let's go!

Damn! If we don't beat it soon...

Drat! It got away!

What's wrong with me?

Ah well... We'll lure in another Chimera and try again.

Here's your chimera tail. Is this really okay...?

This is it! This is it! I know it! This juicy cross section. Freshly picked and vivacious!

Well then, should I deep fry it? Or I could boil it. Or make a hotpot.

Bartender! Mind if I use your kitchen?

That's some sashimi. Laying out the tail in that shape...

But it was delicious.

It was! It smelled like meat and was fattier than fish. It was like the best bits of all foods in one!

Haha, I knew you'd get it. It's great to eat, but also great to look at.

But as I thought, one tail was more than I could eat.

I'll put the rest in a pouch in the flash freezer and sell them as-is. Of course, I'll be your middle man. Since that was our agreement.

So you'll make a contract with us, and be our broker?

Of course. With you, I could try the delicacies from all times and places. But first I'll sell this fresh tail for you.

Here you go! 700 ROC! I sold it to a generous gourmand!

I can't believe the tail went for such a high price...

I'll feed you with information on all kinds of delicious treasures! You'll find so much with my help!

Haha! You're a real life saver! I'm counting on you!

Now we found a gourmet broker we should sort things out at reception.

Next is a zoological broker. And I've got someone in mind. Let's go to town.