217: Satavager - Simple Style

"Well, it's been a while since I've been in the kitchen."

"I'm looking forward to it, Satu."

"Yeah, but I'm not planning to make anything that requires a lot of effort."

Today's lunch will be my doing.

I wanted to try out the newly renovated kitchen on the 'Carnival Viper' thanks to the recent upgrades.

But since it's my first time using it, I don't feel like making anything complicated or requiring delicate work.

Just a regular lunch.

Heat the fries in the microwave—chop the cabbage—slice the bun horizontally—cook the bacon and egg together.

For now, just prepare the frozen fries by heating them in a microwave, since that's all the packaged product requires.

While that's happening, go ahead and process the other ingredients.

Also, thanks to the freshness mod, the cabbage stays fresh, while the bacon and eggs are shaped into rounds using the shaping mod when frying in a pan.

Once everything is prepared, layer it between the burger buns, add a sauce made by mixing several store-bought seasonings, and finish by skewering it with a stick for stability... yeah, the burger is done.

The leftover shredded cabbage can just be mixed with other vegetables to make a salad, and we can serve store-bought juice—today's done.

"Yes, it's complete."

"A burger with fries. Looks delicious."

"I'm starving! Oh wow, that looks amazing!"

With that, I first take the portions for Vilijanila and Joharis to the table, and lunch preparation is complete.

Today's meal is a burger and fries I made myself.

I suppose someone might say I should've put the patty in the burger, but... well, I didn't have time to go that far, so I should just let it go.

Vilijanila and Joharis didn't say anything about it, so maybe I'm just overthinking.

"Hmm?"

"Sat? Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing. Just my imagination."

The amount of fries seems to have decreased slightly before and after carrying the portions for Vilijanila and Joharis?

No, it's probably just my imagination.

The potato mound, which had been balanced delicately, appeared to have collapsed and lost some volume.

" " "I'm eating!" " "

Then, it was time to dig in.

I removed the skewer from my burger and took a bite.

"Uh, it's well made."

"Hot and rich with sauce—delicious."

"Aaah, this is good!"

As I bit into the burger, the juicy egg, crisp cabbage, crispy bacon, and fluffy bun all unfolded in my mouth at once.

The sweet, salty, and savory flavors enhanced by the sauce blended together, while the aroma pierced through my nasal passages, making me genuinely impressed with how well it was made.

"The fries are nice and fluffy too—delicious!"

"You're absolutely right. Satu, where exactly is this product from?"

"Well, it's from here. But the microwave seems to be performing better than usual—these fries are heated just right."

The fries are nicely warmed through.

I've handled this company's products a few times before, but these feel better than ever.

Considering we upgraded the microwave when we renovated the kitchen, it's probably safe to assume that's the reason.

"The salad... hasn't changed at all."

"Well, it's just shredded vegetables, after all."

"The dressing hasn't changed either."

As for the salad and juice, there's nothing particularly noteworthy to mention.

If anything, the quality of the knife used for shredding has improved, making the salad slightly crisper than before.

Still, judging by the two of them looking completely unfazed, this is clearly the kind of taste that's perfectly acceptable for a salad.

"Speaking of which, Vee. If we go to Teisei Vanilla Sid, there's a chance we might be invited to dinners or tea gatherings, besides those specifically summoned by the Emperor, right?"

Well then, since we're at it, let me ask something I've been curious about regarding meals.

"Depending on the situation... I suppose there are a few such occasions."

"During those kinds of events, I suppose rare delicacies would naturally come up, wouldn't they?"

It depends on the organizer, really. Some people prefer rare items, others favor high-end goods, and some are particularly devoted to certain brands. For example… if guests come from another star system, they might recommend local specialty products, which could happen to be rare items in the Vanilla Sid System.

I see.

There are dinners and tea gatherings.

However, what items will be featured depends on the organizers.

"That's right. I think people who thoroughly research the details tend to avoid serving things that are overly filling, go against common moral standards, or provide excessive emotional satisfaction. After all, both dinner parties and tea gatherings aren't just about enjoying whatever is served."

"Ah, so that kind of thing does happen?"

"I see what you mean."

Still, items that would distract from the main theme are almost never presented.

"Oh?"

"What's wrong? Vee?"

"No, I thought there was one more cherry tomato in the salad... probably just my imagination."

"Ah, you noticed it only after the fact. That kind of thing happens often with a delicious meal."

I see. In that case, if I were writing about local specialties, I suppose they might allow it—provided I clearly explain the intent.

But something like a secret meeting? That’s a whole different story.

Well, let's hope something worth writing about shows up.

With that, today's lunch ended without any incidents.

03/10 Correction of typo