You don't have to push yourself?
It has been a month since my grandparents arrived.
Between the thrice-weekly training sessions with Grandmother, playing in the snow with Vee and the others, and cooking all sorts of things in between, the time flew by in an instant.
Just like in my previous life, at the end of the month, Aunt Juliette and Uncle Gilbert, who had finished their work for the year, also arrived to help prepare for the New Year's celebrations.
This will be my first time experiencing the year-end and New Year's traditions here.
I wonder what kinds of things people do and eat?
Thinking about that, I head to the kitchen as usual.
"Good morning!"
Looks like Mr. Abe and Ben are on the morning shift today.
"Oh, good morning, Missy."
"Morning, Little Joan."
Breakfast today is a one-plate pancake dish.
Lately, since Brother Gene and Vee really like pancakes, we've been having them quite often. This morning, they’re served with salad, sausage, and a fried egg.
As I prepared breakfast, I asked Mr. Abe and Ben,
"By the way, is there any specific food people eat for the New Year?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Uh, well, in my previous life, in my country, we ate something called 'New Year's Eve soba' on the 31st and had a special dish called 'osechi' after the new year. So I was wondering if there's anything like that here."
"No, there's nothing particularly special we eat. But we do have a party."
"Oh, really? What kind of party?"
"In this mansion, on the 31st, we have a gathering with just family, and on the 7th of the new year, we hold a party with invited guests. The food is fancier than usual."
"Hmm, I see. That sounds fun."
"… Hey, Missy, do you have any ideas?"
"Huh?! What do you mean?"
"Well, you know, this year we have the Old Master and Old Madam, as well as Lady Juliette’s family staying here. That makes planning things more complicated."
"Ohhh, I see. By 'family,' do you mean just us, Grandfather and Grandmother, and the Longest family? Or does that include the servants too?"
"Oh, this year, the servants and even the private soldiers are included. The Master decided that."
"It's thanks to you, Little Joan. Since you said everyone here is family. Of course, some will be returning to their actual homes, but still."
"In that case, how about a buffet?"
"”A buffet??”"
"Yeah, a self-serve meal. We lay out big dishes and pots of food, and everyone helps themselves to whatever they want. That way, there’s no need for servers, and people can eat only what they like."
"Oh, that sounds like it would make things easier. But what about seating?"
"Well, how about setting up tables and chairs in the training grounds? It’s warm there, and there’s plenty of space. We can put all the food in the center and arrange tables around it. Drinks can also be self-serve."
"Oh, that way, once we finish cooking, we can just drink!"
"Haha, exactly. Oh, and since I have my storage ability, we can start preparing food in our free time now—"
"”That would make preparations much easier!"”
"Exactly! And we can even get help from people who aren’t busy. They can peel vegetables or do simple tasks. Of course, we’ll need Father’s permission."
"Alright, I’ll talk to the Master about it. If we want to make things easier on the day, we’ll have to cook everything in the next three days. What should be on the menu?"
"Hmm, since it’s a party… Roast beef, cream stew, pizza, fried chicken, sandwiches, french fries, and maybe two or three types of salad?"
I suppose I can go with a Christmas-style party menu?
Pasta would be nice too, but I still haven’t seen any noodles in this world. I should ask Mr. Taiki about it next time I see him.
"Cream stew? What’s that?"
"And what’s pizza?"
"Cream stew is a soup made with flour and milk. Pizza is like bread dough topped with tomato sauce, ingredients, and cheese, then baked."
"I don’t really get it, but if you’re suggesting it, I bet it’s delicious."
"It is!"
I give Mr. Abe and Ben a thumbs-up.
Seeing that, they smile.
"Alright, let’s make cream stew and gratin using white sauce today!"
"”Yeah~~!!"”
"… But first, breakfast."
The two nod and quickly finish up the remaining preparations.
——During morning tea time.
"Joan, do you have any plans today?"
Brother Noel asked.
"I was planning to start prepping for the year-end party… Why?"
"Oh, I see. Well, we were talking about going into town together."
"What?! I want to go! I really want to go! But… I have to prepare…"
Seeing me deflate, the four of them exchange glances and smile wryly.
"Joan, we’re happy that you’re cooking for everyone, but you don’t have to work so hard. You’re only five years old. It’s okay to just play and have fun."
Mother told me.
"That’s right. There’s still time before the year-end party. And since it’s just family, a barbecue would be fine too. Everyone would love it."
Father added.
"I want meat!"
"Oh, me too, me too!"
Brother Gene and Vee chimed in.
"Are you sure?"
I ask for confirmation, and they all smiled and nodded.
"Thank you! Then I’ll go to town with my brothers!"
"Yes!!"
Brother Gene and Vee cheered in unison.
"Joan, let’s eat lots of delicious food!"
Brother Noel said.
"Just don’t get lost. Stay close to us."
Brother Aran warned me.
Last time, we only visited the orphanage, so I haven’t seen much else. I can’t wait!
I want to check out the Jo Company, and I’d love to see Steve’s and Daniel’s stores too.
What do you think about this chapter?
