Book 11: Chapter 337: Food Duel (part 2) |
Back then, she would just gather her favorite foods and wrap them together, calling it her special sushi.
Alma also had a warm, motherly smile as she watched, as she also had various fond memories of sushi.
With all of those memories swirling in their minds, Mira and Alma took a bite of Iris’ sushi.
As they chewed, a mysterious flavor concealed within the layer of nori and rice spread through their mouths.
“Mm..?!”
“Ahh..!”
Mira and Alma raised their voices at the same time, their eyes widening in an instant, completely shocked by the flavors they experienced.
(What…just happened… Is this…is this really the work of a beginner?!)
Mira felt goosebumps as she processed that unknown delicacy.
Either it had been beginner’s luck, or Iris had an otherworldly talent.
Mira was still stunned by it, especially considering the fact that Iris had said this was the first time she was eating that type of hand rolled sushi.
And it also dawned on her that the bite she had just taken had the potential of rivaling Alma’s previous creation.
Which would also mean that it was on par with Mira’s own sushi, which was made with those special and unique vegetables.
(I can’t believe it…she achieved such perfection while limited by the ingredients on the table..!)
Mira was still awestruck. While they had used underhanded methods, Alma with her luxurious meat and Mira with her unbeatable vegetables, Iris had only used what she found on the table.
Alma had also noticed that, as she glanced around the table and then turned to Iris with a wistful look, like she was watching a young bird leave its nest.
“I guess this is it…”
“Yes, it would seem so…”
Mira and Alma looked at each other, exchanging a quick nod, and then spoke simultaneously to Iris, who was waiting expectantly to hear their opinion.
“”We lost.””
In the end, Iris emerged victorious from their food duel, after which they put the rivalries aside and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of their meal.
“This could really use a dab of soy sauce…”
“You mean mayo, right?”
“This miso is so tasty!”
They all merrily tried various combinations and shared their insight, and even began to discuss what they could add for a future sushi party.
Just knowing that there would be a next one made Iris excited.
Time passed quickly amidst such conversations and plenty of food.
“Ack…I think I ate too much…”
“I can’t…move…”
“I’m so fulll!”
They had so much fun eating that they all got carried away, eating far past their limits, and now they laid motionless on the couch, but without regrets.
“You know, next time we should invite everyone else for dinner too. I guess it won’t be happening any time soon though.”
Alma muttered that, and Iris replied “I’ll be looking forward to that.”
‘Everyone’ referred to the Twelve Apostles, who were currently away on their secret mission. Such a reunion would only be possible after everything settled down.
Mira realized that she would likely be back in Arkite by the time that happened.
But she also scoffed a little, amused that they were already thinking about a next time while being so full.
Then her thoughts were interrupted.
“Grandpa, you’ll come too, right?”
Alma asked that.
Once the tournament was over and Ira Muerte was taken down, Alma would celebrate with another sushi party, and Mira was obviously invited as well.
“…Sure, I’ll be there.”
Mira smiled a little, deciding she would be away from home for a bit longer than planned, and also started looking forward to that.
There was just one issue, a little mistake both of them had not realized.
Something that stood out like a sore thumb to Iris, who replied with an innocent voice.
“Grandpa? Why would she be a grandpa?”
Alma had gotten too careless, referring to Mira by her old nickname by accident.
To an outsider that seemed like a really odd nickname, as it did not resemble Mira’s name in the least, and it also did not fit her appearance as a young and perfectly beautiful girl.
Only those who knew Mira in the past would not see an issue with it.
“…”
Alma froze in terror hearing that question, realizing she slipped up. Internally she was in utter panic, but somehow managed to keep a nonchalant facade.
(What the hell were you thinking…)
Mira decided to pin all the blame on Alma, despite the fact that Mira was also at fault for replying so readily to that nickname.
Obviously enough, they could not tell Iris the truth, as Mira being Danbulf was a state secret of Arkite.
Not to mention Iris’ phobia of men. If she learned that Mira was actually a man, despite her appearance as a beautiful girl, it could once again impede her bodyguard’s duties.
So, Alma had no choice but to come up with some excuse on the spot.
“Actually, I was good friends with her master, who I always called grandpa. And you’ve noticed how Mira always talks in a weird way, right? That was also how her master spoke, so every time I hear her I get reminded of him, and sometimes I call her grandpa by mistake too.”
Somehow she managed to spin a story without tripping on her words, maybe because she was used to coming up with excuses.
It was still a bit hard to believe what she said, but luckily Iris was rather gullible…or maybe just a bit too trusting.
“Ohh, I get it.”
She did not even doubt any word Alma said.
With the crisis averted, they were able to talk about other less meaningful things, waiting until they were able to move again.
They talked about what food they liked, famous adventurers, flying ships, the continental railroads, the newest developments in magic home appliances, and so on, without having a consistent topic for long.
Iris’ life was confined to her room, and despite all of Alma’s efforts to make it enjoyable, it was clear she yearned to see more of the outside world.
Mira quickly caught up on that, so she happily helped Iris satiate her curiosity.
The only exception was when the conversation turned to the latest love stories around the city.
Alma and Iris seemed really into the conversation, while Mira could not follow at all so she just remained silent, doing her best to ignore Martel’s excited voice constantly echoing in her head.