Chapter 496 - Chapter 440: Smooth Sailing
Sunday
"Are you sure about this...?"
Lined up on the table was sushi. Not only was there a lot of it, but the ingredients were probably top-grade...
"Yes, eat as much as you like. If there's any left, take it home with you," Shizuku-san replied with a smile. Miki, unable to wait, exclaimed, "Brother!"
"Ah, ah..."
Mion nodded in agreement, and at this point, it would be rude not to eat. So,
"Itadakimasu."
"Itadakimasu!"
"Itadakimasu."
As usual—no, with Miki joining us at Mion's house for lunch—today, instead of me cooking, we were being treated to a feast. Apparently, they'd simply ordered delivery, and I'd expected pizza or something... but, well. Mion really was a proper young lady, wasn't she?
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"About this much?"
"Yes, that looks good."
"It's done, Brother!"
Today, Miki joined us for baking. Nao-chan (Natto's younger sister)'s tutoring was also on hiatus until after Obon, so she participated. We made a large batch of apple pie, which we'd made in-game a little while ago, as it would also serve as snacks for tomorrow's training camp. I had Mion simmer sliced apples with sugar, and Miki helped with the custard. The pie crust was store-bought, so that was fine. All that was left was... to preheat the oven.
"Alright. So, let's arrange the custard and apples on the pie sheets."
"Okay."
"Understood!"
After dusting the sheets with flour, they placed the custard and apples on top. Then, after covering them with another sheet that had slits cut into it,
"Like this?"
"Hmm."
"Yes, that looks good."
They pressed the edges closed with a fork, brushed the surface with egg yolk, and the preparation was complete. We had plenty of ingredients, so we'd keep baking more.
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"It's delicious."
"Mmm-hmm."
We sampled the first batch that came out of the oven. Tsubaki-san even brewed some expensive-looking black tea, making it feel like a proper tea time. Hmm, this tea is probably really expensive too...
"It's a blend of Assam and Ceylon, but it's not that expensive, you know."
Her definition of "not that expensive" seemed terrifyingly high... But a strong tea actually goes better with sweet apple pie.
"Speaking of which, Tsubaki-san is taking us from school to the airport tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. Kumano-sensei asked me to."
"Mm."
"I'll also drive you from the station to school tomorrow."
"That would be a great help."
I'd packed my luggage for the training camp this morning, and it turned out to be quite a bit. It's helpful to be driven to school, and since we'll be getting in the car again after meeting up, it's also convenient that we can leave our luggage in the car.
"Ah."
"Oh, the next batch seems to be ready."
The oven's music indicated it was done, so I took them out to cool. I set aside Shizuku-san's portion, and the rest would be taken as snacks. Gold Onee-sama, Bell-buchou's uncle, I hear, but surely no one dislikes apple pie, right?
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"Seth-chan, can you see it?"
"Indeed! It is most comfortable!"
Today Miki was with us, and I wondered what to do, but there was an additional PC in Mion's room. Originally, Mion had one for personal use and one for video editing, and now another one dedicated to the virtual studio had apparently been added. As usual, the parent company bought it, and the subsidiary rented it. Miki was currently watching Mion's exclusive stream on that virtual studio PC...
"There's not really anything special happening today, though."
"It matters not. Rather, I wish to see if there is anything ordinary that can be traded with the 'Silver Manor'."
"Alright, alright."
If that's the case, I won't worry about it. Outside, the rain from yesterday had completely cleared, and it was clear blue skies. Mion and Lupi were there, but where had Sweee, Shal, Raz, Leda, and Roy gone?
"Lupi. Can you call Leda and Roy?"
"Wooowooooooon..."
As Lupi's howl echoed... the Selkies arrived first.
"Kyuu~♪"
"Morning."
While stroking True, who had come to greet us, Sweee and Shal arrived, followed by Leda and Roy. It seemed they had gone to gather Camlus Fruit and Rumorella Fruit as usual.
"~~~♪"
"Nyaf."
"Snacks? Sure, but what should I make?"
The usual compote or the jelly we made yesterday would be fine, but...
"Brother, what about the fruit punch you made for me long ago?"
"Ah, that's easy to make, so let's do that."
I have Sky Sugar to make the syrup, right? Oh, maybe I'll add a little alcohol. Camlus Fruit and Rumorella Fruit are good, and I might as well use up the remaining Red Marth Fruit. All that's left is carbonated water... I wonder if it springs up anywhere.
"Ah, um..."
"Yeah. I'll teach you how to make it, so Mion, help out."
"Okay!"
The Selkie girls are fidgeting too, so it's probably just right for everyone to make and eat some.
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"By the way, how are things at the Necropolis? Has there been any commotion because of the requests I put out?"
"Is it not a bit late to be concerned about that now?"
"No, sorry. I haven't heard from Azure-san, so I thought it might be okay..."
Mion gave a slight wry smile at my answer. When my live stream started, the Tir na nOg outpost, which had secretly opened in the Necropolis, was apparently flooded with players after I announced it on the stream. However, to be eligible for the request lottery, one needed to deposit Dragon Coins. Additionally, thanks to the restriction of only one request per player, things had settled down by the time the date changed.
"By the way, how long will you be accepting applications?"
"Brother... applications will be accepted until 8 PM tonight."
Miki looked at me in exasperation. No, well, I was stupid for not realizing any of that, but Azure-san and Geira-san apparently took care of everything for me.
"When is the lottery?"
"It is scheduled to take place tonight. The event will be broadcast during Bell-dono's live stream, along with the piano unveiling."
"Oh, awesome..."
Before yesterday's live stream started, Mion contacted Bell-buchou, and she and Seth went to discuss it. Really, thank you so much...