落とし穴番外：文化の違い (Part1)
Dungeon Side Story: Cultural Differences
Side: Yuki
*Sizzle, sizzle...*
The sound echoed as the day’s main ingredient browned in the pan.
As it turned out, yesterday’s butter-sautéed shiitake mushrooms had been such a massive hit that I’d been hit with requests to serve the exact same thing again today. I’d originally whipped them up as a simple snack to go with my drinks, but to my surprise, the children had swarmed the dish, and the entire stock of shiitake had vanished in the blink of an eye. The resulting chorus of boos and complaints meant I was back at the stove, repeating the menu.
Well, that wasn’t the problem. The real challenge was that this kind of dish is best enjoyed piping hot, fresh off the heat. If it sat around, the flavor would suffer. That was why it wasn’t just me...
"Here you go. It’s ready. Please share it nicely with Shera and Aslin," I said.
"Thank you, Kirue."
"And here’s yours. Though, no overindulging, young lady," Kirue added.
"I know, I know. I won't hog it all for myself."
And so, the kitchen staff had divided into teams, each responsible for delivering fresh portions to their assigned groups, ensuring everyone got to eat at the peak of flavor. I’d even sautéed a batch of smaller mushrooms for the children.
With that done...
"Alright. It’s about time we ate, too. Let’s make our own," I said.
"Yes!"
Indeed, we were the only ones left who hadn't tasted the fruits of our labor. We were starving, so we made quick work of it, and as we sat down at the table...
"...Wait, hold on. Yuki, you’re the Prince Consort, right?"
"That’s what I thought. Isn’t that right, Deryu?"
"Indeed. There is no doubt that Yuki is the Prince Consort of Weed."
"Haha, it’s just... when someone in that position is the one cooking, and the food turns out this delicious, it really makes you tilt your head in confusion," remarked Narjia, Wazuphi, Deryu, and Comet, chatting away as they enjoyed their mushrooms and grilled meat.
Yes, today’s meal had turned into a gathering that included not just family, but acquaintances as well. It seemed this had become the "Mentor and Student" table.
"Hm? What, is there a problem with me cooking?" I asked.
"Oh, no, it’s not a problem, but... why is the Prince Consort doing the cooking himself?"
"Exactly. Don't nobles usually have servants do that sort of thing?"
"Ah, that’s not an incorrect assumption. You could call it a menial task, and using one's time efficiently is important. Plus, hiring servants helps boost employment, so there’s that, too," I said, picking up some sautéed shiitake with my chopsticks.
Mmm. The harmony of butter and soy sauce was divine.
"Th-then, why?"
"Because it’s a hobby," I replied.
"A hobby?"
The two of them stared at me, blank-faced. But there was no other way to put it.
"It’s a hobby. Cooking helps me blow off steam. Well, I play games and stuff too, but I also just like watching Deryu and Comet eat and look so happy."
"Indeed. I, too, am fond of Yuki’s cooking," Deryu said.
"Really, you’re capable of so many things. I suppose that’s where your flexibility comes from. I wish Hifi would learn a thing or two from you. Ah~, so good," Comet added.
Deryu and Comet beamed as they ate the mushrooms. This was the true thrill of cooking. While I suppose there’s merit in cooking just to satisfy oneself, this was better.
Narjia and Wazuphi, however, still didn't seem convinced.
"...You really are strange, Yuki."
"No kidding. I thought the job of a high-ranking noble was to act all high and mighty?"
"Well, that is one part of the job. But acting like a tyrant to keep people at arm's length is a different story. Anyway, eat up. Here, have some more."
I tossed another helping of shiitake onto their plates. They didn't hesitate to pop them into their mouths.
"Oh, delicious."
"Yeah. It’s impossibly good."
"Glad you like it."
"Th-then, why don’t you act high and mighty, Yuki?"
"Yeah. I mean, I’m not saying you should be an idiot like those other guys, but won't people look down on you if you’re like this, Yuki-sama?"
"Oh, I see. You were worried about me?"
"W-well, yeah. Yuki, you’ve helped us. We know you’re a good noble."
"That’s exactly why it’d be a problem if you were mocked or belittled by other nobles, Yuki-sama."
I see. So they were telling me not to be *too* good-natured. To them, I must look like their last line of defense. It was amusing, though, that even as they said that, they were busy devouring the meat and mushrooms I’d cooked.
Rather than laughing, I needed to put their minds at ease.
"There is no need for such concern. This way of being is the very essence of how the Master conducts his relationships," Kirue said, taking a bite of her own food.
"Exactly. By interacting with nobles from other countries like this, he draws out their true colors," Sasari added.
"Dr-draws out their true colors? *Nom.*"
"What do you mean by that? *Munch.*"
"It is what one might call a 'feint,'" Deryu explained. "Instead of flaunting one's power, by being polite—or in some cases, acting humble—the opponent mistakenly assumes they have the upper hand and reveals their arrogance. *Gulp.*"
"And for us, we have no interest in dealing with people who lack sincerity. We only associate with those who understand proper etiquette. Thanks to the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, you can’t just throw your national weight around anymore. Don't mind if I take this."
"That’s the gist of it. I do this on purpose," I said, reaching for more meat.
It felt like a barbecue today. Not that I was complaining; it was delicious.
"I-I see. But, Yuki, it looks so natural when you do it."
"Yeah. It feels more like you genuinely dislike acting high and mighty."
"Well, that’s because I was a commoner to begin with."
"..."
The two of them blinked, eyes wide.
"Huh? Did you not know my background?"
They shook their heads vigorously.
"Given the misinformation surrounding the Master’s history, I believe it is difficult for anyone to discern the truth. Excuse me. *Nom.*"
"Ah, right."
Come to think of it, my "personal information" had become an incredibly complex and bizarre web.