Chapter 70 Cheers to cold beer

Nitrate dissolves in water, absorbing a significant amount of heat – that's the principle behind nitrate ice-making. Thanks to his previous experience reading novels, List knew quite a bit of such common knowledge.

Moreover, he knew that nitrates could be reused.

"Nitrate is a magical substance. It can dissolve in water and then chill it to the point of freezing," Liszt instructed his servant to pour the white powder into a basin of water.

Then they watched as the powder gradually dissolved.

Tom dipped his finger into the water and exclaimed in surprise, "Mister, mister, the water, the water is really getting colder, so cold!"

Gort pushed past Tom, curious but hesitant, but eventually, he plunged his finger in too. "It's indeed much colder than before. Liszt, is this a wizard's trick? I once met a mage skilled in ice magic. He would make a lot of ice in the summer to sell for profit."

However, after waiting a moment, the water only grew cooler but did not freeze.

"Liszt, why hasn't it turned to ice?"

"Teacher Gort, nitrate ice-making doesn't work with just a sprinkle of powder. This merely confirms that they are indeed nitrates," Liszt smiled faintly. "So, while breaking up the stones, collect all these nitrates and send them to the castle without leaving any behind."

"Very well, I'm looking forward to the moment you make ice. Having ice in the summer is the kind of luxury a noble should enjoy."

Tomorrow is the Festival of the Sea, and the castle will be hosting a grand banquet.

Night falls.

With a full barrel's worth of saltpeter powder collected over the day, Liszt excitedly directs his servants to begin the true process of nitre-based ice-making.

When nitre dissolves in water, it releases heat, turning the water into ice.

However, the ice formed directly from melting nitre is toxic, so a vat and a heat-conductive copper basin are required. Water is placed in the vat, and water is also put in the copper basin, which is then immersed within the vat. The nitre is poured into the water in the vat, awaiting its dissolution and the absorption of heat, turning the water into ice.

Given the ample supply of nitre powder, the cooling effect is extraordinary.

In no time at all, the water in the vat starts to slowly congeal, and soon after, even the water in the copper basin begins to freeze.

"Ice is forming!"

"It's really freezing!"

"What a miraculous sight! This is the work of an alchemist from legends!"

Marcus, Gort, Isaiah, and Blair, who were watching from the side, were all amazed. In their minds, ice only existed in winter. The nobles would build ice cellars to enjoy the coolness of ice during the summer. But ice cellars were luxuries; only lords with substantial wealth could organize large teams to harvest ice from rivers and lakes in winter.

A fallen noble like Gort could only afford to savor a few pieces of ice at Tulip Castle each year.

Marcus, Blair, and Isaiah had never even tasted summer ice.

Lister was equally excited inside. He had heard of nitre-based ice-making but had never attempted it himself. Witnessing water turn into ice before his eyes was a profound experience.

"Sir, the ice is ready," Thomas said, his eyes glowing as he circled the vat.

"Let's harvest the ice," Lister nodded, maintaining an elegant noble smile, unperturbed and dignified. "Cut the ice into smaller pieces—each gentleman and lady will have a small piece tonight."

Carter whispered, "Sir, the ice is too valuable. Do the servants really need any?"

"It's alright, Mr. Carter. Follow my instructions."

"Yes, sir. On behalf of all the servants, I express our sincerest gratitude for your generosity," Carter bowed, grateful to encounter such a benevolent noble lord.

With that, he instructed Thomas to carry the copper basin filled with ice into the kitchen to start cutting.

Lister called for Tom once more, "Keep this barrel of ice well, and when the sun comes up tomorrow, expose it to the sun. Don't let a single drop go to waste."

Gort was puzzled, "Lister, what's the logic behind this? We can just use the ice as it is, why bother melting it in the sun?"

"Saltpeter, when directly melted from the ice, can be used, but it's not edible. By drying out the water content, it will turn back into saltpeter, and we can use it repeatedly to make more ice."

"Is saltpeter really that miraculous?"

"It's even more incredible than you think," Lister mused inwardly – if he could find sulfur, he would dare to concoct black powder right now.

Perhaps black powder wasn't as strict a definition of an explosive compared to gunpowder, but it was still a highly flammable and explosive substance. It would be suitable for making crude bombs with power not inferior to low-level magical creatures' spells. In low-level battles, it could yield unexpected results.

Of course, in a world with dragons, elves, and magic, black powder didn't hold any decisive advantage.

The evening feast wasn't extravagant. Lister couldn't afford to lavish Gort and his ilk with sumptuous meals every day; the castle's supplies were meant for his own luxurious lifestyle.

The drinks were also subpar, consisting of sour, unhopped beer.

However, the mood at the banquet was lively, for each cup held a few ice cubes. As the ice melted, the entire beer became chilled, providing an instant refreshing sensation upon consumption. In the increasingly hot weather, it was undoubtedly the best enjoyment one could have.

"Lister, I propose a toast to the chilled beer!" Gort raised his cup with delight.

Lister lifted his cup in response. "To chilled beer, then. Cheers!"

"Clink! Clink!"

The sound of gulping beer echoed around the dining table.

...

In the kitchen.

At the table.

Irene kept stirring the ice cubes in her plate, making a clattering noise.

Abby Soupspool couldn't help scolding, "Irene, stop making that unpleasant noise. Don't you know those ice cubes are a gift from Master? Eat them quickly!"

"I prefer watching them melt than eating them, Mrs. Abby. Don't you think the temperature in the kitchen has dropped today?" Irene Fourfingers continued to fiddle with the ice while looking at Lily Bathtub sitting beside her. "Lily, can you feel it too?"

"Of course, there's ice in everyone's plate," said Little Lily, licking the ice cube on her spoon, unwilling to devour it all at once.

The ice had no taste, but its coolness was soothing, alleviating the heat within her body.

Abby scolded, "Little Lily, I won't tolerate you or Irene chatting during meals. Your clumsiness and lack of manners only disgrace the kitchen!"

"Cough, cough."

Butler Carter forcefully bit down on his ice cube. In his fifties, he still had strong teeth. "Mrs. Abby, they're just children. Please allow them some leeway during meals."

"Mr. Carter, I'm not disregarding your instructions, but you shouldn't indulge them. They'll grow up to be lawless. Their clumsiness is already disappointing, and if they can't learn even basic etiquette, they'll be stuck in the kitchen their whole lives, never becoming maids upstairs," Abby said earnestly.

Carter exchanged a look with Mo Sen. They both knew that Abby was a kind-hearted person despite her tough exterior.

However, Irene clearly disagreed. "Mrs. Abby, I don't want to go upstairs. It's uncomfortable up there, having to tiptoe around without leaving a single footprint. I want to be a cook, I enjoy working in the kitchen."

"Forget it!" Abby flared up. "As long as I'm in this kitchen, you'll never become a cook, young lady. Remember, don't offend me!"

"But one day, you will grow old."

"Even when I grow old and feeble one day, I am still the cook here, and you will heed my words!"