Chapter 716

Not a Hundred Tofu Dishes… but Three Delicacies.
I spent a relaxing time in my room until dinner, and at last, it was time to unveil the tofu dishes.

“Please try these three dishes today.”

The dishes I had handed to the servers before entering the dining hall were served at each seat.

“Tofu steak, meat-and-tofu, and spinach and carrot shira-ae.”

“Oh? Three dishes, you say?”

“My, three dishes that are good for beauty? How wonderful!”

Okaasama, you’re way too eager just because it’s good for beauty!
Well, since tofu has a mild flavor, having more variety keeps things from getting boring… I get the feeling, but still!

And this time it’s only three dishes, but there are tons of tofu recipes, you know? Look forward to what’s coming next.

I mean, there was even an old cookbook from way back in 1782 called “Tofu Hyakuchin”, a whole hundred tofu dishes.

Well, I only skimmed through it lightly!
Ahh, I should’ve read it properly…

Still, just knowing there’s that much variety really makes the dream expand!
For now, that’s good enough.

Otousama and Okaasama decided to start with the tofu steak.

“Ohh. This is firmer than what we had earlier.”

“It really is. The texture is satisfying, and it feels filling. Lately, meat has been giving me a bit of heartburn, but I feel like I could eat plenty of this.”

Okaasama was smiling as she ate, saying she had to eat more for beauty, while Otousama said he’d prefer something a bit meatier, but still polished it off in no time.

Good, good. That reaction’s better than with the chilled tofu earlier.

Next, the meat-and-tofu.

“I thought thin slices of meat might be lacking, but this… the tofu is the star, isn’t it? The sweet and savory flavor has soaked in, it’s delicious.”

“Yes… this is easy to eat. It kind of feels like sukiyaki.”

Ooh, Okaasama, you’re right on the mark!

“The base seasoning isn’t that different from sukiyaki. Next time, let’s try adding tofu to sukiyaki. Oh, and by the way, it’s also delicious if you dip it in or pour beaten egg over it.”

At my words, Otousama’s eyes lit up.

“What? You should’ve said that sooner. Someone, bring beaten egg here.”

Just as a server was about to move on his order, I stopped them.

“I thought you might say that, so here you go.”

I took out an egg, a small bowl, and chopsticks from my inventory, quickly beat the egg, and presented it.

“My daughter preparing beaten egg with her own hands… I daresay I am the only father among the nobles of this kingdom to receive such treatment.”

… Otousama looked utterly pleased, but listen, Otousama?

High-ranking noble ladies don’t usually cook.
They don’t crack eggs and whisk them with chopsticks.

Your doting-parent level isn’t just off compared to the general public, it feels like it’s entered another dimension entirely!?

Okaasama seemed to agree with me, giving him a look that said, “Honestly, what am I going to do with you?”

Of course, Okaasama also poured beaten egg over hers and ate it, needless to say.

Honestly, what a pair of food lovers…
My fussiness about food probably isn’t just from my past life, it’s definitely because I’m their child.

After the steak and meat-and-tofu, the last dish was the lighter shira-ae.

“After eating rich dishes, this is refreshing. Probably because of the vegetables.”

“Oh my, it’s moist and creamy, and has richness too. I feel like I could eat this endlessly.”

It’s got a bit of sweetness, so it’s easy to eat.
It’s low-calorie while providing both protein and vegetables, so it was a super reliable side dish I used to eat often in my previous life.

“So, what did you think?”

Once tea was served after the meal, I asked for their impressions.

“Indeed. The first dish we had was so light that I was slightly concerned about what would follow, but it is good that, depending on how it is prepared, it can become a satisfying dish.”

“They were all easy to eat and delicious. And… hehe, to think it’s good for beauty as well, how wonderful.”

“I’m glad it suited your tastes.”

Uh-oh. Okaasama’s expectations for beauty benefits are way too high.
I need to arrange regular shipments of nigari soon, or I’m definitely going to get bombarded with demands.

“There are many other ways to prepare it, frying, drying, and so on, and it can become entirely different dishes. I’ll continue experimenting until we can produce it in larger quantities.”

“Mm. I look forward to it.”

“Please do it as soon as possible, alright?”

“Haha… I’ll do my best.”

I gave a vague reply, and that wrapped up today’s presentation.

For tomorrow, I handed the head chef some tofu floating in a bowl of water so it could be used for miso soup.

As I explained with gestures, “You place the tofu on your palm like this, then slice it neatly into cubes…,” the head chef looked at me with a serious expression, as if he’d steeled his resolve.

“On… on the palm of the hand…? V-Very well. If Cristea-sama says so…!”

Huh? Did I really give such a difficult instruction?

“I do not mind if my palm is cut as many times as necessary! …By the way, may I keep someone capable of healing magic nearby?”

“Huh? Healing magic? Why… ah! When you bring the knife down onto your palm, don’t pull away, okay!? Just press lightly from above, it’ll cut easily!”

“O-Oh… I see. I thought perhaps you were hardening your palm with some kind of body enhancement magic, Cristea-sama…”

When I hurriedly added that explanation, the head chef visibly relaxed.

No, no, no.
I am *not* eating tofu soaked in blood!

I told him that if it seemed difficult, it was perfectly fine to just place it on a cutting board and cut it there, then left the kitchen.
Cutting it quickly on your palm is easier since you can drop it straight into the pot, though.

That night, I enjoyed some fluffy time brushing Kurogane and Mashiro, then soaked leisurely in my home bath before going to bed.

Tomorrow, I’m heading to the artisan district to place an order for the wooden mold.

I can’t wait!

What do you think about this chapter?