While I was contemplating how to seal the air vent and looking at my coffee tools, I heard a polite knock at the front door this time.
"...Who is it? Could it be another prank by Shiina?"
Thinking that, I opened the door to find a young man with refined features standing there. His light golden hair was neatly styled, and he was tall with excellent posture. With a refreshing smile on his face, he gave the impression of a prince who had just walked out of a storybook.
"Hey, Setsu. Sorry for the sudden visit. I got my hands on some interesting beans, and I wanted to try them with you as soon as possible."
"Oh... it's Leyard. It's been a while. You're welcome here. I just left the coffee tools out anyway."
His name is Leyard.
He's one of the few friends I have, which is rare for me.
We met through a coffee bean transaction with a certain merchant.
We happened to be vying for the same coffee beans and met while negotiating with the merchant.
According to the merchant, "You and Leyard are the only ones who are this passionate about coffee," and we immediately hit it off. Since then, we've been friends who discuss coffee together like this.
"Come on in. I just finished a mug of coffee. I'll brew it, so why don't you show me the beans?"
"Of course. Apparently, these were grown a bit further south. Usually, it's all highland beans, but these were harvested at the foot of the mountains. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of flavor they have."
Leyard carefully took the beans out of a silk bag and arranged them on the workbench. They looked a little small, but when I picked one up and put it to my nose, I felt a strong sweetness even before roasting.
"Huh... I can definitely sense a fruity aroma. It seems like it would be better to roast them lightly to bring out the aroma... what do you think?"
"Yes, I agree. It probably won't produce a very strong bitterness, so it might be good to start with a light roast and see what flavors come out."
These casual conversations are one of our greatest joys.
While saying this and that, I took out my homemade mini roasting pan and adjusted the heat on the stove. Leyard skillfully stirred the beans, judging the degree of roasting. We have a good rapport, and we can freely express our opinions to each other.
"...Alright, I think we're almost there. The first cracking sounds have started, so let's stop it soon."
"Yes, I think so too. ...Now!"
Leyard timed it perfectly and turned off the heat.
After quickly cooling them, I carefully set the freshly ground powder in the dripper. There are many detailed steps, such as the water temperature, pouring method, and steaming time, but they are directly linked to the quality, so I can't let my guard down.
When I poured the finished coffee into a mug, a sweet and sour aroma spread. My expectations grew.
"...How is it?"
Hesitantly, I took a sip. As the steam tickled my nose, a pleasant bitterness and a floral, brilliant acidity spread throughout my mouth...
"Delicious. It's quite acidic, but not in a bad way at all. I can even taste the sweetness."
"Right? It's a hit after a long time. It's so delicious that I want to drink more, but... it's difficult. Coffee is still a luxury item, and the distribution volume is limited."
Then, Leyard smiled apologetically.
"I wish it was cheaper. If the joy of this aroma were widely known, the demand might increase, and merchants might take it more seriously..."
"I think so too. But it's going to be difficult until the distribution channels are in place. Most of the highlands are dangerous areas, and long-distance transportation requires escorts, right? The cost of that is not insignificant."
"Yes. If trade becomes more prosperous, those obstacles might be overcome. ...Haha, well, there's no point in us two talking about pipe dreams."
Saying that, Leyard smiled happily.
It was a smile that was picturesque, in a way. His tall height and handsome features were like those of a prince. His personality is also good, so I often wonder, "Why is such a good person friends with a gloomy person like me?"
He looks like a high-ranking noble, or at least the son of a wealthy merchant. He says he's "just a commoner," but I'm sure that's a lie.
"By the way, Setsu, I have something to ask you. Actually, an acquaintance of mine is thinking of serving coffee to the nobles in order to spread it more, but they're having trouble stabilizing the taste. They've tried various methods, but they can't seem to get it right. I was wondering if you might have any good ideas."
Coffee is still rare in this country.
If it becomes popular among the nobles, the distribution volume might increase, and I might be able to get my hands on it more easily, so I definitely want to support it.
However, the degree of roasting, the water temperature, and the extraction speed are difficult to master until you get the hang of it, so it's inevitable that the taste will vary.
I put down my mug and tried to think of any good ideas from the knowledge I had gained in my previous life.
"Where I used to live, there was a method of producing a stable taste using a device with two glass containers stacked on top of each other. The water is boiled in the bottom container, and the water that moves to the top passes through the coffee grounds and finally returns to the bottom. Using such a mechanism allows for extraction at a constant temperature and pressure, making it easier to produce the same taste every time."
"Eh, upper and lower glass containers? Is there such a tool?"
Leyard's eyes widened. Well, that's understandable. In this world, you can only find metal pots or ceramic drippers at most.
"It's made by processing glass, which is a bit of a hassle. It's easy to break if the material can't withstand heat. Also, a small heat source is applied to the bottom container to boil the water. ...Well, it was quite popular in my hometown."
In reality, in my previous life, it was called a siphon coffee maker.
But such a term wouldn't be understood in this world. So, when I roughly explained the principle, Leyard groaned in admiration.
"I see. If you can intentionally control the temperature and pressure, the taste would indeed be less likely to vary. With the current method, the water temperature is only measured roughly, and the extraction time is left to the senses."
"That's right. If there is a craftsman who is skilled in glasswork, why not try making one? It may cost you at the start, but once you get used to it, you should be able to enjoy a stable taste."
A tool that was not so rare in my hometown in my previous life seems to be a groundbreaking method here. While bewildered by the unfamiliar tool, Leyard nodded happily.
"Wow, you're amazing, Setsu. I never would have thought of such a method. I'll tell my friend. Maybe they can ask a craftsman to make a prototype."
He quietly put down his mug and started taking notes. Leyard is really diligent when he immediately tries to put things into practice.
"You're welcome. As a coffee lover, I want many people to enjoy a delicious cup. ...Well, I've said what I needed to say, so I'll go home now."
Saying that, Leyard stood up with a bright smile. The way he puts away the tools he brought with him is also elegant, just like a prince.
"It's a cheap price for information... Next time I get my hands on some interesting beans, I'll report back on the progress of the tool making. Look forward to it."
"Okay, you're welcome anytime."
With those words, Leyard nodded briskly and headed for the entrance. As the light from outside streamed through the crack of the opening door, he waved lightly and returned to the town.
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