Cooking Guidance (2)
It should be about time for both dishes to be ready.
For a first attempt, I think I taught them pretty well, didn’t I?
The dining hall became lively.
The other members of the private guard had returned from patrolling the territory.
“Welcome back.”
[!!!!!!!!]Everyone widened their eyes and blushed upon seeing me.
Huh? Are they suffering from heatstroke?
“Ah, w-we're back.”
[We’re back.]They all said in unison after Al spoke up.
“It must have been tough since it’s so hot today for spring.”
While saying that, I took out chilled, specially made sports drinks from storage and handed them out to everyone.
“Thank you. Miss Joan, what is this?”
Al asked about the unfamiliar drink I had given them.
“It’s a mix of lemon, honey, and salt. When you sweat, it’s better to replenish not just fluids but also salt.”
Honestly, I made it for Father’s hangover, but oh well. These hardworking people should take priority over someone suffering from self-inflicted consequences.
Gulp.
“”“It’s tasty!”””
“”””So good!””””
“It’ll be ready soon, so please wait a little longer.”
I smiled and returned to the kitchen.
“A cute kid saying ‘welcome back’ is kinda nice…”
“Yeah, that alone made me feel refreshed.”
“I wish she’d say it every day…”
“If she did, I could handle any job.”
“I’d endure the harshest training if it meant hearing that.”
“”Yeah, totally.””
As the seven of them talked, they felt a chill at their feet.
Sensing a presence, they quickly turned around to find Nancy staring coldly at them.
[Eek!]“C-Captain N-Nancy. Thank you for your hard work!”
Al reflexively addressed her by her former rank and saluted.
[Thank you for your hard work!]The others followed suit.
“Hey, you lot, slacking off, huh? I heard you say you could handle the harshest training, didn’t I? That wasn’t a lie, was it? Dai Makis, answer me!”
“Yes, ma’am! I’m sorry!”
“Who told you to apologize? Kira, answer me!”
“Yes, ma’am! I said it!”
“I~ thought~ so~ Well then, let’s see you prove it. Bring it on—the harshest training!”
[!!!!!]“Follow me! I’ll personally oversee your training!”
Nancy glanced back at the kitchen entrance, where Noel and Gene were watching with amused smiles.
“Oh, young masters, it’s not polite to spy, you know? I’ll be stepping out for a bit with these gentlemen, so please look after Miss Joan for me.”
With that, she strode off toward the training grounds, followed by the seven, their shoulders slumped.
“”Have a nice time!””
The two waved them off.
“Nancy is in full serious mode, huh?”
“Well, it’s their fault for having improper thoughts about Jo. Right, Gene?”
“Serves them right.”
With that, Noel turned off the soundproofing and concealment magic tools.
Thanks to the soundproofing tool, no noise leaked out, and the concealment tool hid their presence, so those in the kitchen were unaware of the entire scene in the dining hall.
“It’s ready~! Huh? Where is everyone?”
I came to inform them the food was ready, but no one was in the dining hall.
“Gene, do you know where Al and the others went? Nancy isn’t here either.”
“Oh, they said they went to work up an appetite with some exercise.”
“Really? Should we wait for them, then?”
“No, they said it might take a while, so go ahead and eat.”
“I see. In that case, I’ll store their portions and eat while it’s fresh.”
[Yeah~~~]““Itadakimasu.””
[.........]“By the way, what’s this ‘itadakimasu’ thing?”
Omi asked.
“Oh, um… It’s a phrase to show gratitude to the people who prepared the meal and the ingredients used.”
““““““““Ohhhhh!”””””””
Ah, Noel and Gene didn’t explain it to them, did they?
“Let’s say it, too then. Itadakimasu”
Led by Orki, everyone joined in.
[Itadakimasu.]¨[This fried chicken is amazing!]
“So good!”
“I’ve never eaten something this delicious before!”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”
“The omelet is hearty and satisfying, too.”
Looks like everyone enjoyed it. That’s a relief.
Fried chicken really is a crowd-pleaser, even in this world. The omelet, with potatoes, is filling and perfect for the private guard.
“Hey, Gene, do you eat stuff this good all the time?”
“Yeah. Jealous?”
“Totally. She’s adorable *and* a great cook.”
“Don’t you dare try anything!”
“……”
“Hey, answer me.”
“… Martin?”
“Hey, Noel. I still can’t believe I made this myself. It’s too good.”
“Right? My cute little sister is great at both cooking and teaching.”
“Food at the academy dorms will taste bland now.”
“Yeah, I felt the same. I kept thinking, ‘Hurry up, I want Jo’s cooking!’”
“Guess I’ll be like that starting tomorrow.”
“Definitely.”
“Hey, Noel.”
“What is it, Gen? Why so serious?”
“Can I call you Brother-in-law?”
“Huh? What do you mean? Gen, are you planning to make a move on Jo?”
“…“ Munch, much
“Hey, answer me.”
“…“ Munch, munch
“If it’s not just a passing thought, I might even consider—”
“Thank you, brother-in-law.”
“Never mind.”
What do you think about this chapter?
