kscans

Chapter 329 - Making Amends

Compared to the average eighteen-year-old guy, I'm a 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 asked to be put on kitchen duty.

I was supposed to be a waiter at a restaurant, but the owner-chef took a liking to me, dragged me into the kitchen saying, "I'll teach you," and proceeded to drill a mysterious set of skills into me—

I was supposed to be a dishwasher at an izakaya, but one day during peak hours, I used the know-how the chef had taught me to support the owner. The very next day, I was appointed assistant cook—

Another time, I became a yakisoba-making machine at a food stall—

Putting the last one aside, I'd had plenty of opportunities to learn and polish my skills. Basically, as long as I have the ingredients, equipment, and a recipe, I can make most things.

…However.

At the end of the day, my cooking skills are just an amateur's veneer. I have no originality, no creativity, and certainly none of the legendary technique needed to make everyone who tastes my food swoon.

In short…

"…………"

"S-So, what do you think…?"

I lack the ability to proudly serve these dishes to the 'Princess'—the one and only Alicia White—who was now silently staring at the spread I had laid out on the table.

It had been a little over six hours since we'd gotten off to a good start on our dungeon crawl in the virtual world.

That expedition, which amounted to nearly ten hours in-game, had been a whirlwind of activity, but it was an incredibly meaningful and dense experience.

I say 'had been,' but we're still in the middle of it. We returned to the Safe Area for dinner and went our separate ways for now, but we plan to meet up with the same crew again tomorrow.

I still have a thing or two to take care of after dinner… which is how I found myself back in the real world, preparing dinner—or rather, my amends.

That's right. The princess, whose mood had soured after I breezed through our lunch plans, had commanded me to 'serve her a home-cooked meal' as penance.

And so, her very first words after witnessing my humble attempt at hospitality were—

"…Mom?"

"I get what you're trying to say, but this home-style cooking is the best I can do on such short notice."

I didn't have time to go shopping, nor do I possess the kind of culinary mind that can whip up a fancy dinner on the fly like Chitose-san.

So, rather than overreaching, I decided to carefully prepare a normal meal.

I already knew from our time together that Iris's favorite foods are 'Japanese dishes in general.' With that in mind, I made a classic meal of one soup and three sides.

I prepared simmered flounder, agedashi tofu, and steamed eggplant with sesame dressing.

It was paired with simple white rice and miso soup… admittedly lacking in excitement, but I think it all tastes pretty good, so I hope she'll forgive me.

"…Haru."

"Yes?"

"I didn't realize boys could make simmered dishes."

"Are you perhaps underestimating men just a little too much?"

I mean, I'm not saying every guy can, but I feel like a lot of them could if they tried these days. Not that I know the general average.

"Helena once told me…"

"Hm?"

"That when a man says he 'can cook,' the best he can usually manage is something like carbonara."

"Hey, carbonara is delicious."

Helena-san… if I recall, she's the [Sword Queen]'s [Lady-in-Waiting]. I can't even begin to imagine the context that led to that particular conversation.

"Well… anyway, please eat. It'll get cold."

"Okay."

I already know she's not the type to stand on ceremony, but I still urged her to begin as I quickly took my own seat, hoping to put her at ease.

Iris nodded like a child, and though her expression was as blank as ever—I could have sworn her voice held a hint of excitement.

"Thank you for the food."

With a polite press of her hands, she picked up her chopsticks with more grace than I could ever muster.

"Haru."

"What is it now?"

"Choose. Will you take me as your wife, or will you become my wife?"

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about."

After a very satisfied "Thank you for the meal," I ignored Iris's bizarre, deadpan proposition and silently continued clearing the dishes.

She happily ate everything, but maybe the flavor of the simmered dish was a bit too strong for a girl. I'll reflect on that and do better next time… assuming there is a next time.

Well, I don't dislike cooking for others, so I wouldn't be entirely opposed to it…

"Iris?"

"…………"

"Iris-san?"

"………………"

I was about to ask if she wanted some coffee after dinner—calling out from the kitchen, but there was no reply. Her gaze was fixed squarely on me, so the silence was intentional.

"Ah… Ashe?"

"Yes."

And there's the lightning-fast response. As I thought, she has no intention of letting me be vague about her name. I suppose I should just commit to it.

"Want some coffee? I have tea, too."

"Mm… Coffee, please."

Ever since Iris—Ashe—started visiting, I've made a point of stocking some rather pricey coffee beans and tea leaves.

My brewing skills are mediocre, but the quality of the ingredients themselves ensures a decent taste.

…Fortunately, or perhaps not, the 'contract fee' that 'Yotsuya Development' recently deposited has left my bank account in an absurd state.

Even with a few lavish expenses here and there, it hardly makes a dent. I don't have rent to pay, and no expensive hobbies outside the virtual world. The only thing I'm worried about is my parents' stress levels.

When I called to report my first 'income,' my father went silent for a full thirty seconds… I just hope the shock didn't cause him to collapse.

—Alright, it's ready.

I rely on an electric mill for the grinding, but the drip is done by hand, a technique I picked up at a coffee shop. I can guarantee a reasonably authentic taste.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

Not that this is the first time I've served her coffee or tea.

Like a waiter, I served the cup and saucer from her side. No sugar, no milk—the princess's preference is a sophisticated black.

Incidentally, I take mine as a café au lait with plenty of both. Kaede and Shoko said it was 'unexpected,' but I have no intention of hiding my sweet tooth just to act cool.

"…It's delicious."

"I'm honored."

Here in my room, Alicia White is relaxing with a faint smile. I'm aware that I'm already starting to get used to this sight—

"I guess this is human adaptability…"

People really can get used to anything, I thought.

Reflecting on how my own mentality was catching up to my turbulent circumstances, I let out a weary, resigned smile.