第１６３７堀：同じ料理でも味付けや火加減などで全く違う (Part1)
Chapter 1637: Even the Same Dish Varies by Seasoning and Heat
Side: Prol
Despite the minor mishap where Yuki-sama’s, Rushi’s, and Hobis’s bento orders got mixed up, the meals were delivered without further incident.
The time elapsed? Ten minutes.
Not per person, but for the entire group.
This time, there were seven of us: Yuki-sama, Fiora-sama, myself, Rushi, Orelia, Hobis, and Yayui.
Preparing seven distinct bentos, plus an individual piece of fried chicken for each of us—a daunting challenge—yet they completed it in a mere ten minutes.
Of course, the food was piping hot.
I realize they couldn't have started entirely from scratch, but it was still a masterful display.
"We have prepared a table in front of the shop for you, so please, this way."
Kirue-sama guided us as she spoke.
Wait? I’m certain that table wasn't there a moment ago.
When I stepped back outside, there it was: a proper, elegant table and chairs. They had even prepared drinks for us.
"I would have been fine just sitting anywhere, you know."
"That would be problematic for the scenery and for your standing as Master, so please, refrain from doing so."
Kirue-sama was right. For the sake of Weed, and for our own sakes, I want Yuki-sama to eat in comfort, without any risk of getting dirty—even if it meant I had to serve as his floor mat.
"Well, I suppose you're right. No one else is around today anyway. Alright, let's sit."
With that, we took our seats at the prepared table and opened our bentos.
The colors were magnificent, instantly whetting our appetites.
For the record, my bento was a vegetable stir-fry.
Do not underestimate such a simple dish; anyone can stir-fry vegetables, but the difference lies in the salt, pepper, and the ratio of seasonings. That is where one’s individuality truly shines.
Judging by the aroma, it seemed to be seasoned with a soy sauce base in addition to the salt and pepper. It was a scent that really hit the spot.
"Alright, everyone has their drinks. Let's dig in."
" " "Itadakimasu." " "
At Yuki-sama’s signal, we began to eat.
For a while, everyone was silent.
We often chat while we eat, but this time, our task was to critique the bentos.
However...
There was no mistaking the soy sauce base, but there was also a subtle heat. It was balanced perfectly, making the rice disappear in no time.
It wasn't the heat of spices, though. Since the heat was evenly distributed, it felt more like a spicy miso or a similar paste had been incorporated.
Combined with the natural sweetness of the cabbage, carrots, and onions, the balance was extraordinary.
The stir-fry I used to have at the places I frequented was, to put it bluntly, more rustic. They relied heavily on salt and pepper—letting the natural flavors shine, if you want to be generous.
That had its own charm, but this was not bad at all.
No, it was such a novel sensation that I might prefer this for a while.
Everyone has their own tastes and their own trends; it’s not that I dislike my usual stir-fry. That had its own merit, and I’m sure I’ll miss it eventually.
Next was the fried chicken.
This, too, changes drastically depending on who makes it.
Simply put, it’s just chicken fried in oil, but the marinade, the frying time, and the quality of the meat make all the difference.
The fried chicken Canary-sama made seemed to use dashi, giving it a faint hint of fish.
It was fried so juicily that oil seeped out the moment I bit into it.
"Hot!? Hah-hah!"
"Careful, Yayui, the oil is splattering."
Depending on how you eat it, the oil can fly out the moment you bite down, just like it did with Yayui, staining the area. Orelia wiped it up skillfully, but if that had landed on her clothes, it would have left a stain for sure.
Still, it was delicious.
"Is this really the skill of someone who only learned to cook in the last week?" I muttered to myself.
"That's right. Canary has a sensitive palate and is naturally gifted at replicating flavors," a voice said from behind me.
I turned to see Ria-sama standing there.
Come to think of it, Ria-sama had been assisting Canary-sama since before the bento shop opened, so it was no surprise to see her here.
"Oh, Ria. You didn't show your face earlier—were you cooking in the back?"
"Indeed. While Canary devised the recipe for this fried chicken, I was the one who fried it. How is it?"
Naturally, to make this many bentos, they had to divide the labor. So, Ria-sama was the one who fried the chicken.
"Ah, it’s plenty delicious. If you served this at night, I’m sure the children and everyone else would be thrilled."
"I agree. I think so too. Personally, it’s my favorite flavor."
"It’s so good. Meat really gives you energy."
"Rushi, you just like meat in general, don't you? But yes, it is to my liking as well."
"Yes. It’s very delicious."
"Meat is just the best, isn't it~"
"It really is~. I love how the juices come out~"
Everyone, myself included, offered words of praise.
I suppose it’s rare to find someone who can make bad fried chicken, but since I’ve never made it myself, that’s just talk.
Seeing our reaction, Ria-sama added:
"I’m glad you like it. But I won't be making this at home. This is the flavor of the bento shop, 'Ohana.' Oh, but of course, you’re welcome to buy plenty to take home."
"Ahaha, Ria is learning the ropes of business, I see."
"Yes. Well, I learned that sort of thing from Alfin-sama’s cake shop."
" " "Ah..." " "
Everyone—except for Rushi—instinctively covered their mouths.
That was how intense Alfin-sama’s cakes were.
They were delicious. The first time I ate one, I truly thought I was eating the finest jewel imaginable, but...
I learned from Alfin-sama that everything has its limits.
In fact, Nina-sama, who works with me in the office, is Alfin-sama’s best friend, so the "damage" only increased through that connection.
As Ria-sama mentioned, Alfin-sama excels at making sweets and opened a cake shop with Yuki-sama’s support. It’s thriving and has yielded great results.
However, the biggest drawback is that she has no limit to her stomach when it comes to sweets, and she has this burning desire for the people she cares about to eat as much as possible.
So, during events, she has this bad habit of making an endless supply of cakes and going around distributing them or forcing people to eat them.
One bite, two bites—even a slice or two of cake is delicious, but...
Eating three whole cakes by yourself is impossible.
I was reminded once again that people have their limits.
And that is why moderation is key.