A chef beyond worlds.
The conversation had come to a halt from the sheer shock of meeting Watase Obaasama, so Dan approached and spoke up.
"Ojousama, may we start serving the meal now?"
"Huh? Oh, yes, please."
What was brought out was a beautifully plated appetizer. I sat down and enjoyed it.
"This is delicious!"
But… this is even more elaborate than the food at the wedding the other day. Not only is the flavor amazing, but the presentation is impeccable too. I can tell because I cook myself. This is beyond me. It's a kind of art... Ah, Pochi started sketching it and got gently scolded by my brother. Brother, I feel like you're treating Pochi and me differently. Is it just my imagination?
"... Even though we're in another world, it's Japanese cuisine."
"Dan trained in Japan. If you’d prefer something from this world’s cuisine, I think he could make it, but... would you like that?"
"No, it's so delicious that I’d rather keep it as it is. You can’t even get Japanese food of this caliber back home."
Watase Obaasama spoke calmly and without changing her expression. Apparently, she's in a rare good mood.
"This is so good! Ow!!"
"Rinka, it’s improper to talk while eating."
"What’s so bad about enjoying your meal and chatting at the same time?!"
Since round two was about to start, I stepped in. Ah, this brings back memories. It was the same back when Koto-neechan was around.
"Uuu... sniffle."
While I was spacing out, my brother had burst into tears.
"Niisan?"
"Well, it just brought back memories..."
It really is a scene that can’t be seen anymore. The fact that Watase Obaasama and my brother are here now is a gift from the gods.
"Yeah, this kind of thing was common before Papa remarried."
"“...................”"
Watase Obaasama and I both silently turned to look at my brother.
"Niisan, can I be blunt? I... Rin didn’t leave a will for you."
Rin left her will only for Rinka. The savings, the condo rights—all of it was passed to Rinka. So that even after Rin died, Rinka would still have a place to belong. In other words, that was all Rin could leave for her. What she regretted most... was not giving our brother a proper scolding.
And so began Rin’s sermon.
To begin with, after seeing the way Watase Obaasama and Koto Neechan interacted, how could you act like that? It was appalling. Did you have any idea how much Rinka had to endure? How much she cried? I explained in full detail, things I had previously sugarcoated so as not to destroy the relationship.
You had it easy, didn’t you, Niisan? She was a woman you fell for. But to Rinka, she was a complete stranger. She couldn’t be a substitute for her mother. She wasn’t a bad person, but she lacked delicacy. Would a teenage girl ever nod and call some woman who suddenly appeared “Mom”? No way. Why couldn’t you wait until Rinka left home?
"..........................."
Now all my brother could say was “yes” and “I’m sorry.” Watase Obaasama murmured, “So even a loofah girl is still human, huh.” That's quietly savage. Rinka was crying, but Lavita was comforting her, so it should be fine.
"Niisan, you made your daughter unhappy. But your daughter is strong—she found her own way to happiness. Don’t make your wife and kids unhappy too."
"Yes!! Rinka... I’m truly sorry..."
"Papa... I mean, that was... a heartfelt apology, I guess. Well... it’s also my fault for not telling you properly... or not being able to. Communication is important. I wish you'd talked to me properly about something that serious!"
"I’m sorry..."
"Alright, now that that’s settled, let’s move on to the next dish. Ojousama, this is a special occasion. Let’s end it with good food and smiles. This course is everything I can give right now, my full power on a plate. Enjoy it. Your smile is the best reward I could ask for."
Dan brought out the next dish with a smile. His cooking has the power to soothe a weary heart. Sashimi... it melts in my mouth...
"I’ve had it before, but raw fish is surprisingly tasty."
Normally, raw fish isn’t served here. It must be unusual for Ernst too. As a side note, in this world, raw fish is only eaten in some coastal areas. When I asked Dan how he knows whether fish can be eaten raw, he said he taste-tests it himself. Martha said, “Usually someone with an appraisal-type divine revelation checks it. But in the countryside, where no one has that convenient skill, we basically use taste-testing.” That... makes sense, I guess?? But is it really worth going that far to eat it?
"Dan, I feel like the sashimi is even better than last time."
"You noticed, Ojousama?! I knew you would!"
Of course I did. According to Dan, the course he served at the wedding was the “ultimate full-course that others besides Dan could replicate.” After all, there were a lot of guests. He couldn’t cook it all himself.
But today’s full-course is different. He used top-quality ingredients, rare cuts, and put in endless effort... this is “Dan’s ultimate full-course.” The appetizers were amazing, and this sashimi is just as incredible.
At this point, my anger at my brother and everything else is starting to feel insignificant. Delicious food is justice!
What do you think about this chapter?
