Chapter 329 - Making Amends
Compared to the average eighteen-year-old guy, I'm a pretty decent cook.
That's entirely thanks to the experience I gained working part-time jobs all through my three years of high school. Incidentally, I never once specifically requested to work in a kitchen.
I was supposed to be a waiter at a restaurant, but the owner-chef took a liking to me and ended up dragging me into the kitchen, saying, 'I'll teach you,' and proceeded to drill various techniques into me…
I was supposed to be washing dishes and doing odd jobs at an izakaya, but one day during peak hours, I used the know-how the chef had taught me to support the owner, and the very next day, I was appointed as his cooking assistant…
Then there was the time I became a yakisoba-making machine at a food stall…
Putting the last one aside, the point is I've had many opportunities to learn and polish my skills. Basically, as long as I have the ingredients, equipment, and a recipe, I can make just about anything.
…However.
In the end, my cooking skills are just a veneer of amateur talent. I have no originality or creativity, nor do I possess the masterful technique to make everyone who tastes my food swoon.
In short…
"…………"
"…S-So, what do you think…?"
…it means I don't have the skill to smugly serve my dishes to the 'Princess'—the one and only Alicia White—who is currently staring intently at the food arrayed on the table.
It's been a little over six hours since we got off to a great start on our dungeon crawl in the virtual world.
In Arcadia time, that's a journey of nearly ten hours. Though we were running the whole time, it was an incredibly meaningful and dense experience.
Was, I say, but we're still in the middle of it. We returned to the Safe Area for dinner and disbanded for the time being, but we plan to meet up with the same members again tomorrow.
I still have one or two things to take care of after dinner, too… and so, with that in mind, I returned to the real world and set about preparing dinner, or rather, making amends.
That's right. The Princess was in a foul mood because I'd so easily blown off our lunch plans, and I was commanded to 'serve me a home-cooked meal' as penance…
And so, the first words out of her mouth after seeing my version of 'hospitality' were—
"…Mom?"
"I think I know what you're trying to say, but on such short notice, a home-style meal like this is the best I can do."
I didn't have time to go grocery shopping, and more importantly, I don't have a culinary mind like Chitose-san's that can whip up a stylish dinner on the fly.
So, rather than overreaching and trying something risky, I carefully prepared a normal menu.
I already knew from our recent time together that Iris's favorite food is 'Japanese cuisine in general.' With that in mind, I prepared an orthodox Japanese meal of one soup and three side dishes.
I made simmered flounder, agedashi tofu, and steamed eggplant with a sesame dressing.
Then there was just plain white rice and miso soup… It might be lacking in excitement, but I don't think the overall taste is bad, so I hope she'll forgive me.
"…Haru."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I didn't know boys could make simmered dishes."
"Aren't you underestimating guys a little too much?"
Well, I won't say all guys, but I'd imagine plenty of people can do it if they try these days. Not that I know the general average or anything.
"Helena once told me something."
"Hm?"
"She said that when a man claims he 'can cook,' the best he can usually manage is something like carbonara."
"What's wrong with that? Carbonara is delicious."
Helena-san… if I remember right, she's the [Sword Queen]'s attendant, a [Lady-in-Waiting]. I can't picture it at all. What circumstances could possibly have led to that conversation?
"Well… anyway, please eat. It's going to get cold."
"Okay."
I already know she's not one for pointless caution, but to make sure she doesn't feel the need to be polite, I quickly sit down myself and urge her to begin.
Iris nodded like a child, and though her expression was as blank as always—I could have sworn her voice was a little brighter as she said,
"Itadakimasu."
She gracefully put her hands together before picking up her chopsticks with more refined movements than my own.
"Haru."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Choose. Will you take me as your wife, or will you become my wife?"
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about."
After a very satisfied "Gochisousama," I ignored the strange things Iris started saying with a straight face and silently continued clearing the dishes.
She happily ate everything, but the simmered dish might have been a bit too strongly flavored for a girl. I'll reflect on that and use it for next time… If there is a next time.
Well, it's not like I dislike cooking for people, so I'm not entirely opposed to the idea…
"Iris?"
"…………"
"Iris-sa~n?"
"………………"
Would you care for some coffee after your meal—I called out from the kitchen with that intention, but there was no reply. Her gaze was locked right on me, though, so it was a deliberate silence.
"Ah… Ashe?"
"Yes."
And there's the lightning-fast response. As I thought, it seems I won't be allowed to get away with being vague about her name. I suppose I should just make up my mind.
"Want some coffee? I have tea, too."
"Mm… Coffee, please."
Ever since Iris—Ashe—started visiting my room, I've made an effort to stock up on various rather expensive coffee beans and tea leaves.
My brewing technique isn't great, but the quality of the ingredients is good, so the results are decent enough.
…Thankfully, or perhaps not, the 'contract fee' that was recently transferred from Yotsuya Development has left my bank account with an absurd balance.
A few reckless expenses here and there won't make a dent. I don't have rent, nor do I have any expensive hobbies outside the virtual world. The only thing I'm worried about is the state of my parents' stomachs.
When I reported my first 'income' to them the other day, my father froze on the other end of the line for a good thirty seconds… I just hope he didn't collapse from the shock.
—Alright, it's ready.
I rely on an electric coffee grinder for the beans, but the dripping is done by hand, just like at a cafe. I can guarantee a reasonably authentic-ish taste.
"Here you are."
"Thank you."
That said, I've served her coffee and tea many times before.
Like a waiter, I offered her the cup on its saucer from the side. No sugar, no milk, thank you. The princess prefers her coffee black, like a true adult.
Incidentally, I take mine with plenty of both, a proper café au lait. Kaede and Shoko called it 'unexpected,' but I have no intention of hiding my sweet tooth just to act cool.
"…It's delicious."
"I'm honored."
In my own room, Alicia White is relaxing with a faint smile on her face. And I—I've realized that I'm already starting to get used to this sight.
"I guess this is just human adaptability…"
People can get used to anything, can't they?
Reflecting on my own mentality, which was finally catching up with my tumultuous environment, I let out a weary, exasperated laugh at myself.
As for the amount of his "income," I'll leave that to your imagination. In this route, the protagonist's wallet has no part to play.