落とし穴１６０堀：穏やかな年末 (Part2)
"Ah, I see three hot plates prepared, just like Milly said."
To be more precise, a hot plate has been set up at every kotatsu table currently occupied. Naturally, there’s one sitting on the kotatsu I’m using as well. This room is a large, open space designed for everyone to relax in, and it’s furnished with about five large kotatsu. The fact that three of them are equipped with hot plates means...
"It was suggested that we all make something by hand today," one of them explained.
"That’s right! Let’s all have fun making pancakes," another chimed in.
"I’ve prepared jam, chocolate, ice cream, and all sorts of other things!"
"We can enjoy a variety of flavors."
The four of them said this as they busily went about their preparations. It seemed I wouldn't be allowed to just sit back and watch. Not that it was any trouble, though.
First, I greased the warmed-up hot plate and got everything ready. I picked up a bowl, scooped up some of the liquid batter with a ladle, and poured it onto the hot plate...
*Sizzle...*
The batter began to cook immediately. Before it could set and harden, I skillfully pressed the ladle into the center of the batter and spread it out in a circular motion. Once bubbles started appearing on the surface, it was a sign that it was cooked through, so I slid a spatula underneath...
*Flip, sizzle...*
I turned it over to cook the other side.
"Well, this is easy enough."
Once it’s browned, the base is done. After that, you can just top it however you like and eat it.
"Easy, you say? ...Wait, Yuki, your 'easy' isn't easy at all! Ah, the shape is ruined!"
She had failed the flip, and the batter had splattered into a strange, lumpy shape. Well, that happens.
"Pfft. That’s just because Kagura is clumsy. Young ladies don't usually cook, after all. As for Mikos-chan... look at that. She’s used to cooking, so she’s doing just fine."
Mikos flipped her pancake perfectly. Perhaps it’s surprising, or perhaps it’s just a matter of the difference in their noble status, but Mikos is actually quite capable in the kitchen.
"Hmm. It seems I still need more training. I should have included this in my regimen as well."
"Um, Stasia? Princesses don't usually learn how to cook, you know."
Seeing Mikos’s handiwork, Stasia declared that she should train in cooking too, while Enola retorted. Neither of them was as skilled as Mikos, but they managed to make their pancakes without ending up like Kagura.
I was already on my third one, and I had the first one hanging out of my mouth.
"Yuki. Eating while you're cooking is unrefined."
"Mmph-mmph... It’s fine. It’s not like this is a formal setting. Besides, here."
"Hmph!?"
I shoved my half-eaten pancake into the mouth of Kagura, who was lecturing me on manners. Though she was surprised, she didn't spit it out—naturally—and instead chewed and swallowed it.
"Honestly... it was delicious, but don't just do that out of nowhere."
Hm? For some reason, her cheeks were flushed. Well, never mind that.
"It was good, right? It takes guts to serve someone something you made on the fly without even tasting it yourself."
"Ah, I see."
"True."
"And it’s the worst when you’ve created a mountain of failed attempts."
Mikos and the others seemed convinced by my words. In truth, it’s rare to fail at making pancakes. The only real ways to mess up are by getting the ratios wrong or burning them. Though I said all that, I just like the basic version without any toppings, and I was really just snacking.
"Well then, first, the classic: honey and a pat of butter on top. Done."
The classic of classics. A pancake with honey and butter. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I quickly cut it with a knife and carried a piece to my mouth with a fork.
"Yeah. Delicious."
This is what a pancake should be.
"I’m going to put strawberries and cream on mine."
"Then, for Mikos-chan..."
As everyone enjoyed making their pancakes like that...
"Oh my, I smelled something delicious and thought you all looked like you were having fun."
"Oh, Seraria. Want some?"
"Of course. For toppings... I’ll have maple syrup."
"Coming right up."
And so, the peaceful year-end moment drifted by. Spending the end of the year lounging at a kotatsu and eating mandarin oranges—that’s the ultimate luxury, isn't it? Besides, pancakes are great because you rarely fail at them. Baking sweets is generally a disaster if you get the proportions wrong.