Chapter 138 - A Perfectly Normal Dinner Table…
Mion’s mother, Shizuku-san, still had work to do, so we paused there for the time being. She said she’d come down when lunch was ready.
As for us, we took the elevator down one floor. This floor was her home, apparently…
“Is this really okay…?”
The words slipped out unintentionally.
To be entrusted with a bank card, and a corporate one at that, how could this be okay?
Well, I guess it means they trust me, but…
“Well, well, you passed with flying colors.”
Mashiro-nee put me in a headlock and rubbed my head vigorously.
She probably thought she was being gentle enough, but it honestly hurt quite a bit, so I wished she’d stop.
“Mhm, mhm.”
Miki, finally relaxed, returned to her usual manner of speaking.
According to Mion, we didn’t need to be formal with Tsubaki-san. She had apparently informed her about Miki’s speech style too.
And above all, both Shizuku-san and Tsubaki-san thoroughly checked Mion’s and Bell-buchou’s live streams and videos, apparently.
I thought the subsidiary was just for show, but I have a feeling they’re quite serious about expanding into this field…
“Everyone, this way. Your luggage has also been brought here.”
Tsubaki-san led us to a living room that was easily over 20 tatami mats large.
Ah, is that the latest Holographic Display? Amazing…
No, putting that aside, it didn’t look like a place for lunch…
“Excuse me. I came here to make lunch.”
“Yes, I was informed. This will be the dining room and kitchen.”
It seemed to be connected to the left side of the room we entered.
It was already past 11:30, so I needed to get lunch ready quickly.
If it was just one dish, there might be picky eaters, and Chinese food is more enjoyable and delicious with multiple dishes anyway.
“Alright, I’ll go cook, then.”
When I told Mion, who was still holding my sleeve, she looked a little anxious… Was she afraid of being alone with Mashiro-nee and Miki?
But it’s not like she disliked it. If so, she wouldn’t have called Miki in the first place.
For now, I’d prepare a topic Mion could talk about…
“Miki, why don’t you set up Mashiro-nee’s VR HMD now?”
“Oh, that’s right! Mio-dono, could you lend a hand?”
“So, can you help?”
“Mm.”
She replied, finally letting go of my hand and heading towards Mashiro-nee and the others.
Both Miki and I had brought our VR HMDs, and Mashiro-nee had brought hers to learn from Miki, so it worked out perfectly.
Playing IRO requires a PC (Personal Core), but the initial setup of the VR HMD and WearID acquisition can be done without it.
“This way, please.”
“Oh, excuse me.”
“Not at all. Shou-sama is very skilled at handling the young lady.”
“Ah…”
I wondered about the way she phrased ‘handling,’ but there was no other way to put it.
As I was guided, we passed through a surprisingly small dining room, and beyond that was the kitchen.
“The ingredients you requested are here.”
The refrigerator was huge!
Or rather, I think if a refrigerator is unnecessarily large, you end up buying too many ingredients, and the freshness eventually suffers, which isn’t good.
“Wow… I didn’t need such luxurious meat.”
“No, no, it would be unacceptable to use inferior ingredients.”
She smiled.
If it tasted bad with these ingredients, it would mean my cooking skills were just too poor, which put more pressure on me.
First, when I tried to cook rice, the rice cooker seemed to be the latest model, capable of cooking in less than 20 minutes.
I lightly rinsed the pre-washed rice and set it. With many side dishes, three cups should be enough.
I put on the apron I brought and was about to start preparing the Sweet and Sour Pork, but…
Was Tsubaki-san going to stay here and watch me the whole time?
“Am I in your way?”
“Oh, no. If you’re watching, I’d appreciate it if you could help… like cutting vegetables…”
Honestly, I didn’t have much time, so I wanted help with chopping vegetables.
“I apologize. If I assist with the cooking, the young lady will be displeased. Please leave the task of carrying the finished dishes to me.”
“Ah…”
I wasn’t sure what Mion would be upset about, but at least she’d carry the dishes. Sigh.
Well, I’ll try not to overthink it, or let it bother me…
………
……
…
Nira Tama (Garlic Chives and Egg), Sweet and Sour Pork, Mapo Tofu, Twice-Cooked Pork, Bell Pepper and Shredded Pork Stir-fry, and Chinese soup. That should be enough.
They were all home-style Chinese dishes, but it’s not like I could make authentic Chinese cuisine.
If I’d had more time, I would have liked to make gyoza with everyone, but it couldn’t be helped.
Tsubaki-san was already carrying out the finished dishes.
I was a little surprised to see a rice container prepared for seconds… it felt like a ryokan.
“Brother, hurry. Everyone is already gathered.”
“Ah, sorry.”
Miki had come to call me, unable to wait any longer.
My habit of doing the dishes a little beforehand so it wouldn’t pile up later…
“Excuse me. Sorry for the wait.”
“No, no, this is amazing! I never expected you to cook so much!”
She was quite excited.
By the way… is this my seat?
It’s opposite Shizuku-san, and Mion is sitting next to me. (And Tsubaki-san next to her.)
Is it okay for Mashiro-nee and Miki to be lined up next to Shizuku-san? Is it appropriate for their ages?
I guess I just have to sit down… Mashiro-nee was looking at me like, “I’m hungry, hurry up and sit down!”
“Alright, let’s eat.”
At her words, Miki immediately grabbed the serving chopsticks. You… I thought, but it was my fault for making them wait.
And Mion looked like she was deliberating which dish to start with?
“Shall I get some for you?”
“Mm…”
Perhaps starting with the safe option, Bell Pepper and Shredded Pork Stir-fry, would be best?
Twice-Cooked Pork and Sweet and Sour Pork probably vary greatly in taste and preference depending on the household.
Some prefer spicy, some sweet, some sour, and so on.
“Here. If it doesn’t suit your taste, please tell me.”
She nodded repeatedly.
Mashiro-nee and Miki are quite critical about such things, often telling me, “Today was a bit too spicy.”
Thanks to them, I think I’ve managed to make decent food, but whether it suited Mion’s palate was another matter…
With a slight doki doki, Mion brought the Bell Pepper and Shredded Pork Stir-fry to her mouth…
“...!”
“Ah, good. Glad you liked it.”
I felt like she definitely ate better food than this normally.
But perhaps constantly eating high-class food makes you appreciate simpler fare more.
“Shou-kun, this is incredibly delicious!”
“Thank you very much.”
I was glad Shizuku-san also seemed to enjoy it.
Mashiro-nee and Miki… well, their actions spoke louder than words of praise.
And Tsubaki-san, eating with a solemn expression yet looking like she enjoyed it… She’s a mysterious person.