落とし穴８０堀：鍋の戦い冬の陣 (Part2)
"I'm here for the sweets Comet asked for. Mine have already run out, you see."
"I see. Well, we'll be showing off our skills today, so go easy on the sweets."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. I'll make sure to bring Comet along, too. Good luck with the preparations."
With that, the two of them quickly parted ways.
"They're surprisingly polite, aren't they?"
"I suppose so."
"Is that right?"
"Well, hmm. If you ask me, I'm not entirely sure, but I had an image of them being a bit more... casual."
"I agree. In my case, I'm quite casual with my wives, and I had the impression that people like Taizo-san were more of the 'master of the house' type."
"Ah. I understand the sentiment that a wife should support her husband. But that just places a burden on the women. I’ve already caused them enough trouble with my research and such. I have to be considerate in these areas. I should at least show them some respect."
"Well, you two seem to get along well, so I think that’s fine."
"I guess everyone has their own way."
It seems the shape of a marriage is different for everyone.
"Now then, assuming we have rice for the finish, we'll need udon, too."
"Agreed."
"For sukiyaki, udon is the only choice for the finish, isn't it?"
"Is that so?"
"It really is."
"I sometimes eat sukiyaki with a bowl of rice on the side like a main dish, so I don't usually have rice at the end."
"I see."
"Oh, I forgot the eggs."
"Ah, those are essential for sukiyaki."
"Are they?"
"Well, there are various theories, but they help cool down the hot ingredients, and since the flavor is quite strong, the egg thins it out and creates a perfect balance."
"Ho. That makes me look forward to it even more."
Discussing hot pot like this, we finished paying and returned to the inn to diligently prepare the meal. Since our group had grown so large, just preparing the food was a struggle. I realized while working that since preparing Earth-style dishes is such a hassle, cooking with the other Japanese members might actually be a great idea.
I couldn't do it every day, but once in a while would be nice. Maybe I'll try to make it a monthly thing? Well, first I have to make sure this hot pot party is a success.
"Big Brother! We're here to help!"
"Brother, we are here to assist."
"It's hot pot today, isn't it?"
"It's exciting to have a hot pot not made by Yuki-san for a change."
That was Aslin, Firia, Labyris, and Shera. And behind them, looking puzzled, were...
"Hot pot? Is that right?"
"Big Brother, is that food?"
"I think that's what's supposed to go in the pot... but there's nothing in it yet, right?"
Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa. The three of them had never eaten hot pot before and were confused, but Aslin and the others started preparing with gusto.
"Now, we'll bring the vegetables."
"Brother will carry the pot, so we are in charge of the ingredients."
The three of them tilted their heads even further as they watched the two carrying platters of vegetables and meat destined for the banquet hall.
"Eh? But, it's not cooked yet?"
"Are we going to eat it like that?"
"I don't really get it."
"That's the surprise for dinner. Now, let's get the stove ready."
"Yes, let's do that."
Labyris and Shera pulled the confused trio along. In the meantime, we prepared the broth and waited for dinner time. The members who knew about hot pot—mostly my wives—were in a state of battle readiness, while Vilia and the others, along with Airi-san, Hifie, and Comet, stared at the pots blankly. However, once the ingredients were added and boiled, and the aroma began to drift through the air, they started to fidget with anticipation.
And finally, the lids were removed...
" " "Itadakimasu!!!" " "
The battle for the hot pot began. It was fierce; my chicken pot, Taizo-san's fish head pot, and Taiki-kun's sukiyaki vanished in the blink of an eye. We threw in reinforcements, but they couldn't withstand the enemy's offensive and fell. Even the final course, the secret weapon, was devoured.
"...I, I can't eat any more."
"...My, stomach..."
"...I'm going to be sick."
That was the child group—Vilia, Hiiro, and Dressa—collapsed on the floor. As for the adults...
" " "Cheers!!!" " "
The real party was just beginning. Well, that's the true charm of winter, isn't it? Hot pot is a battle. First, which pot do you go for? Everything is contained within that single pot, and the amount you get to eat depends on how much you can claim for your own bowl. Even the final course requires choosing between two ultimate options, fending off rivals to secure your portion.
Well, I don't think there are many dinner tables as intense as this one, but if you're too polite, the popular ingredients will disappear in an instant.