落とし穴外伝：カレー談義 (Part1)
Pitfall Side Story: The Curry Debate
Side: Yuki
"Sweet is fine for today, I suppose."
I muttered this to myself while surveying the rows of pots before me. Reaching for the one labeled "Sweet," I ladled the thick, aromatic roux over a mound of steaming rice.
In this household, we don’t settle for a single flavor profile across all pots. With a family this large, preferences are as varied as the stars. Consequently, we prepare at least three levels of heat: Sweet, Medium, and Extra Spicy. As for the meat, while we have beef, pork, and chicken available, today seems to be a "pork-only" kind of day.
Our house curry is fundamentally European-style, meaning the ingredients are simmered until they’ve practically melted into the sauce. Even without solid chunks, it’s rich, nutritious, and delicious. However, because everyone has their own quirks, I make sure to provide a variety of toppings. They’re mostly leftovers from previous meals, but it turns the kitchen into something akin to a specialty curry shop.
Even in Weed, there isn’t a restaurant that goes to these lengths. That’s why, when the likes of Eupia and her group experienced it for the first time...
"I’ll take the 'Everything' special!"
"Your Majesty, I won't stop you today! I want extra roux, please!"
Hey, are you two just children?
...Though, I suppose I’m a "more roux" person myself, just like Show.
Right then. For toppings... I think I’ll go with a cream croquette. With that decided, I added the croquette and headed to the table.
"Oh, cream croquette today, are we?"
Seraria sat down next to me with a smooth, practiced grace. Looking at her plate, she’d opted for an omelet and cheese topping. A classic, delicious combination.
"Yeah. Just felt like it today."
"Mhm, I know that feeling."
What you want to eat is entirely dependent on the mood of the moment. Sometimes you know exactly what you’re craving from the start, but today was one of those spontaneous days.
"Mmm. Delicious. Honestly, this place just keeps growing, doesn't it?"
"It does. It’s a wonderful thing to have such delicious meals every day. The children are happy, too."
As Seraria spoke, she glanced toward the table where Sakura, Sumire, Eria, Yuyu, and Schans were sitting. For some reason, they were all eating their curry with perfectly composed, serious expressions, looking like they were at a school lunch service. It was adorable.
"By the way, why are Eupia and the others here?"
"Hmm? Oh, Aslin and the others went to pick them up and invited them over. I didn't see any harm in it, so I gave them the go-ahead. Was it a problem?"
"No, not a problem. I just didn't understand why they’d go out of their way to come here. I couldn't grasp the reason."
As I voiced my confusion, Eupia—who had piled her plate with every topping imaginable—turned toward me with a smug, triumphant look.
"What foolishness are you spouting? I merely came because my dear friend invited me. As for Show, I believe she was here for a follow-up after her injury treatment?"
"Yes, that is correct," Show added. "While my presence here is private, it is merely 'incidental' to my errand. There is no trouble, so please, do not concern yourself."
"I see."
I replied with a half-exasperated look, but they didn't even hear me; the two of them had already started shoveling the curry into their mouths with the intensity of starving children. I suppose it’s true that Aslin invited them. I don’t sense any malice or hidden agendas. It’s just Eupia being Eupia. And as for Show, the follow-up observation is likely true as well. She and Rurua seem to be getting along quite well, eating their curry side-by-side. Those two really do have great chemistry.
While I was distracted by the duo from Zrable, Seraria finished her curry and stood up with the intensity of a warrior spotting an enemy.
"Right, next is the Extra Spicy."
"Oh, you’re really okay with the heat, aren't you?"
"I suppose so. It doesn't bother me much. Perhaps it’s because it’s curry? Well, excuse me."
She stood up with a clatter, as if she were facing a worthy rival. I realized my own plate was empty, too.
"Guess I’ll go for another round."
Naturally, one serving isn't enough. I’ve still got room. As I pondered which curry to choose next, I spotted Fiora. She had constructed a mountain of rice on a massive plate, topped with a landslide of tonkatsu and enough cheese to make one’s heart skip a beat. It was a "full-stomach" combo that looked overwhelming at a glance.
I didn't think I could manage that much, but as I watched, Fiora—unlike Seraria—finished plating her meal with a dainty, princess-like grace.
"Ah, Yuki-sama."
"Tonkatsu and cheese, huh? That’s a great combo."
"Yes! It’s delicious! With this, I can fight again tomorrow!"
Wait, isn't Fiora’s main job diplomacy? She’s not Deryu; she shouldn't be relying on physical force, should she? Well, perhaps "fighting" just means winning at her work, but... I didn't realize she had such an appetite. I suppose it’s just another side of my wife I’m finally seeing. It’s a pleasure to discover something new about her.
As I reached for the sweet roux again, I realized I’d grabbed someone’s hand instead of the ladle. I pulled back, startled.
"Orelia?"
"Ah—m-my deepest apologies!"
"No, it’s fine. Our timing just overlapped. Here, pass me your plate."
"Eh? Oh, yes."
She was still trembling slightly as she reflexively held out her plate. I took it, ready to ladle the sauce.
"So, what’s the ratio? Half and half?"
"Ah—e—n-no! I am so sorry to trouble you with such a thing..."
"Don't worry about it. I do this all the time. Besides, you’re a guest today. Come on, how much?"
"...Then, two parts Sweet, eight parts Medium, and five parts total volume, please."
"You’re a connoisseur, aren't you!?"
Wasn't that the legendary ratio I heard about on TV once? I followed her instructions to the letter and handed it back.
"Well, as long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s all that matters."
"Yes. I am having a wonderful time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall add my toppings."
"Go for it."
It seems even the stiff and serious Orelia is genuinely enjoying herself. That’s good to see.