Chapter 54

"More octopus again...?"

"We still have two more dishes, remember? This is one of them. Do you still have a bias?"

"It's not easy to get rid of. The octopus sashimi was pretty good, though."

"The flavor direction is completely different from that. You might be surprised."

"Akira, is this fried chicken the same as the creepy fish from before?"

"Well, it's the same cooking method. The details are different, but don't worry about that."

"It was delicious, so I'll try it right away."

Hag still picks up any kind of food without hesitation. I wonder if it's because of his race or if Hag is just weird.

"Hmm. Oh! This is delicious! The outside is crispy, and the inside is tender! The seasoning is strong, but it balances perfectly with the octopus! It goes well with alcohol!"

He continues to drink and eat the fried chicken at the same speed as always. Fried chicken is a drink, right?

"I also... yeah, it's delicious."

"Me too! ...Mmm~! This is delicious! I like this!"

"I can't believe this is the same octopus as before. The well-seasoned surface and the flavor of the octopus complement each other when you chew. There are few people who would dislike this."

"Try squeezing some lemon on it. It adds a different flavor."

"Let me see... Oh, the aftertaste is refreshing."

"This is good."

"Hmm, a bit sour."

"This is excellent. The high-quality oil isn't noticeable, but when you add lemon, you realize the oil was lingering on your tongue. The oil is washed away, leaving a refreshing flavor, and you can eat as much as you want."

"Really? You can eat as much as you want without the lemon too."

"Kids might think so."

"Big brother, that's mean!"

It's probably true.

"..."

"Then, you're not going to eat again?"

"No, it's just that..."

"I was enjoying the aroma."

"Yes, that's it!"

That makes sense.

"...Fugo, is this delicious?"

"The sashimi earlier might have been divisive, but this should appeal to everyone."

"I see..."

She determinedly moves the fork. She doesn't need to look so serious, like she's going to a duel.

"Hmm... This is easy to eat. The fact that it's already seasoned without needing to add sauce is good. It would go well with wine."

"No, no, this goes well with ale."

"No, no, I think it would go well with any drink, Narnia. I think it would also be delicious with this fruit juice."

"Thank you. ...This juice is delicious! Yes, it goes very well with the fried chicken!"

The young girl is considerately talking about the compatibility with drinks.

"Indeed. If this were served in a cafeteria or tavern, it would cause a stir."

"Yes, but isn't this also made with soy sauce?"

"Compared to the conger eel, the bar is much lower."

"That's good. If valueless octopus starts selling, it would be a big deal."

Cherina looks happy to have found a new business opportunity.

"Whoa, I can't have you surprised by this!"

"Is there more?"

I laugh and take out a tempting item. It was just sitting at the edge of the table.

"...It's a mess."

"It's not finished yet. Just wait and see."

I set a semi-circular iron plate with indentations on the gas stove and carefully spread oil on it.

After confirming it's sufficiently heated, I pour in the dough, which is a thick, flour-based batter.

"What's happening?"

"It's a takoyaki party!"

I grin.

---

"I have a boss from Kansai."

I start throwing in large chunks of fresh, non-frozen octopus into the batter on the takoyaki plate. The thought of it makes my mouth water.

"Kansai?"

"He was often called to make takoyaki at takoyaki parties."

"Takoyaki party..."

I ignore Cherina's weak interjection and continue.

"He would force me to make it but only criticize it. Thanks to that, I got a lot of practice making the batter."

I flip the balls skillfully. The key is not to overdo it at first. If you burn the outside too quickly, the inside won't be tender.

Narnia is watching my movements with interest.

"I'm curious about this iron plate."

"Hmph, as expected, you're a dwarf, so you can smell the iron."

"You wouldn't recognize good iron, would you?"

"I don't care."

"Fine, I don't care either."

We turn our faces in different directions. You guys are like kids.

"Still, your technique is impressive. You weren't in the business, were you?"

Fugo mimics my movements, perhaps doing some mental training.

"As I said, it was just part of my boss's hobby. But I think I could open a shop in Kanto."

I've improved to the point where I have the seal of approval from Kansai natives.

"Your technique is amazing. I think it would take me a long time to learn."

"You need to practice."

If you're going to make it, you need to work hard.

"Alright, that's it..."

I quickly arrange the takoyaki on a ceramic plate with a pick.

"Let's go."

"Wait, it's not done yet."

Hag says it's fine.

"Yes, then hurry up! I've been waiting this whole time!"

"...You've eaten a lot today, haven't you?"

"That's one thing, this is another. Watching it sizzle in front of me is making my stomach growl."

"Alright, alright."

I quickly brush on the sauce and sprinkle on the seaweed and bonito flakes.

"Whoa... What is this... Shavings from a block of wood?"

"No! It's... like shavings from smoked fish."

When it comes to explaining bonito flakes, it's hard to describe. The world's hardest food is a piece of trivia for old men.

"Whatever, the smell of this tonkatsu sauce is irresistible!"

Hag skewers two takoyaki with his fork and shoves them into his mouth without hesitation.

"Hey, it's hot when it's just made."

"Dwarves don't get hot from this! This is delicious! Today's dishes were all delicate, but this hearty flavor is irresistible! Hmm, it's hard to choose between the fried octopus and the conger eel rice bowl."

He starts consuming the takoyaki one after another with his fork.

"Hey! Are you going to eat it all by yourself again!"

"First come, first served."

"Looks can be deceiving!"

"Me too!"

"Then..."

"I'll have some."

"Wait, if you put it in your mouth right away... too late?"

The four of them throw the takoyaki into their mouths without cooling it down, and three of them immediately grab their mouths and stand or sit. Yararai is the only one who remains seated, though he is sweating.

"Ah, do this, huff huff, to cool it down."

I demonstrate, and they all imitate, opening their mouths slightly and blowing to cool the food.

"Ahh, ahh."

"It's your fault for not listening. Eating it hot is part of the joy of takoyaki."

"Oho, oho."

"...Don't try to talk while eating."

Finally, the four of them finish swallowing the takoyaki.

"It's hot, but it's delicious!"

"Yes, I don't usually serve food at a temperature that burns, but hot food can be delicious too."

"Ugh..."

"Did you burn your mouth? Drink some water. Mouth burns heal quickly."

"Ah..."

"I'm fine, I'm a warrior."

Is that true?

"...Huh? Where's the takoyaki?"

When Yararai mutters and looks at the plate, only a bit of sauce and bonito flakes remain.

"What's that look?"

"...Dwarf... wants to die, apparently."

Yararai, with a fierce gaze, points the black needle... a thick estoc, at the entrance of the room, towards Hag.

"Hey! What are you doing! Are you going to make a bloody mess in someone's house!"

"...It's fine, go ahead."

"Whoa! What is this red lady saying!"

"I'll support the elf... too."

"Your eyes are dark, little girl!"

"If I had the talent for swords..."

"Don't clench your teeth in frustration! Fugo has cooking skills that no one can imitate!"

"Hmph, I'll take you down."

Hag readies a nearby candlestick. (The hammer was next to the estoc.)

Thus, a bloodbath began. It would later be called the "Bloody Takoyaki Party."

It wasn't.

"Idiots! I said it's a party! We still have plenty of ingredients! I'll make more, so wait patiently! If you try to use those weapons, I'll never make it again!"

"You got lucky, dwarf."

"Hmph, you too."

We all return to our seats and sit down.

This takoyaki war is too much.

I have a great deal of anxiety as I continue to move the pick for the five of us.

Wait, am I as busy as I was at the Kansai boss's takoyaki party?

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