Chapter 39

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After discussion,

it was decided that during the day, we would have a light meal like somen made by Ayu, and Arisa would prepare dinner a bit earlier in the evening.

After lunch,

"So, Lady Arisa, what should we buy?"

Yugen asked Arisa as they visited the supermarket. As usual, Yugen followed Arisa for her shopping and carried the groceries.

Since this time, due to Yugen's actions, Arisa had to do housework, it was only natural for him to come as her "attendant."

"Since it's summer, I was thinking of getting some summer vegetables. ...By the way, does your family have any likes or dislikes?"

"Don't worry. I don't remember them having any particular dislikes."

Including Yugen, the Takasegawa family doesn't have any particular dislikes and can eat anything.

"That's good. ...What about likes?"

"Hmm, Ayumi and Father seem to like more childish things. Curry, hamburger, and omurice, for example."

"I see. Yugen, you like fish, right?"

Yugen nodded in response to Arisa's question.

"Yeah... I think my mother and I have similar tastes in food."

Arisa placed her hand on her chin and began to think. She was probably considering today's menu.

Yugen stood quietly, not wanting to disturb her.

"I've decided. Let's do a Japanese-style hamburger and some fish dish."

"...Isn't that a bit too much? It's fine to be more casual."

"I may look it, but I'm really excited."

Arisa said, clenching her hands tightly. It seemed she was genuinely enthusiastic about cooking for Yugen's family.

"Then, let's start with the vegetables. Summer vegetables are good."

They headed to the vegetable section first. It seemed Arisa already had a clear idea of what she wanted to make.

She put okra, cucumbers, shiso leaves, eggplants, myoga, ginger, scallions, and onions into the basket.

Next, they went to the meat section and bought a mix of ground beef and pork.

For the fish...

"This horse mackerel looks great. It seems suitable for raw consumption. How about this one?"

Arisa said happily, looking at the large horse mackerel immersed in ice. It seemed she intended to prepare it herself rather than using pre-cut pieces.

Yugen was impressed by her skills. Ayu likes fish but dislikes preparing it, so she usually doesn't clean it.

"Is that all?"

"We just need to buy some tofu, and we're done."

With the Japanese-style hamburger confirmed, Yugen wondered what else she planned to make. He was filled with anticipation.

Around 4:30 PM,

Yugen and the others were eagerly waiting for Arisa's cooking.

"I'm so excited for Arisa's cooking. With Brother's praise, I'm really looking forward to it."

Ayumi said excitedly. In contrast, Ayu looked a bit complicated.

"I'm also looking forward to Arisa's cooking. ...But, I also wanted to teach my son's wife the taste of our home, like a mother-in-law in a drama. It's a complicated feeling."

In response, Yugen and Ayumi both teased her.

"Mother's taste is just MSG, right?"

"There's no need to teach it. We can easily replicate it."

"You two, you've never even cooked properly, yet you talk so much."

Indeed, Yugen and Ayumi couldn't argue with that since they couldn't cook. However, feeling a bit resentful, Yugen tried to shift the topic.

"Does that mean you don't need to help Arisa?"

"I did offer to help, but she said, 'I can't trouble you, Mother.' She's such a good girl."

"Isn't that just a polite way of saying no?"

"Be quiet."

As Yugen, Ayumi, and Ayu argued, Kazuya interjected with a stern comment.

"You guys... stop your embarrassing arguments, okay?"

It seemed he didn't want Arisa to see the ugly side of the Takasegawa family. Concerned about the family's reputation, Yugen also felt a bit uncomfortable about Arisa seeing him and his mother argue, so he decided to stop.

On the other hand, Ayumi and Ayu continued their argument for a while...

"The food is ready."

Arisa brought out the dishes, and the argument stopped. They decided to at least help with setting the table.

"Still... you really went all out."

"Yes, I put in a bit more effort."

When Yugen praised Arisa, she responded with her usual cool expression. On the other hand, Kazuya, Ayu, and Ayumi were surprised by the luxurious spread.

"I'm really sorry, Arisa."

"...I give up. I was too presumptuous to want to teach her."

"Wow, this is amazing."

Kazuya and Ayu apologized to Arisa, while Ayumi's eyes sparkled. The dishes that elicited such reactions were:

White rice.

Miso soup with horse mackerel balls.

Japanese-style hamburger.

Horse mackerel namero and sashimi.

Eggplant stew.

Cold tofu.

And a strangely slimy object.

"Arisa, is this the 'dashi' from Yamagata?"

Yugen pointed to the slimy object and asked. It seemed to be a mixture of finely chopped okra, cucumbers, shiso leaves, myoga, and eggplant, seasoned with soy sauce.

"Yes. I made it to go with the cold tofu, but it's also good over rice."

Following Arisa's suggestion, Yugen said "Itadakimasu" and tried the dish, pouring it over the cold tofu and then into his mouth.

"How is it?"

"It's delicious. It's refreshing and perfect for this season. The slimy texture makes it easy to eat."

Thinking he could make this himself, Yugen decided to ask for the recipe later. Even after the summer break in September, the hot days would continue, and this dish would help them get through the lingering heat.

"This horse mackerel namero is great. ...It makes me want to drink some sake."

"The hamburger is delicious. It's very tender."

"The miso soup is delicious... The fish flavor is strong and there's no fishy smell."

"The eggplant stew is also delicious. Arisa's stew is really good."

Kazuya, Ayumi, Ayu, and Yugen all praised Arisa's cooking. Blushing, Arisa lowered her head and spoke softly.

"Thank you... If you'd like, there's more for seconds."

Seeing Arisa's gesture, Ayumi and Ayu exchanged glances and chuckled.

"I think I understand why Brother is so smitten."

"Arisa is really cute. I almost want her to be my daughter... Oh, can she be?"

What are they talking about?

Yugen thought to himself while drinking the miso soup with fish balls.

...He felt a bit embarrassed, but that was a secret.

It seems Arisa has been recognized by her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

If you found this interesting and want to read more,

I would be grateful if you could bookmark this and give it a rating (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ below the table of contents).

Before the next chapter, which is after the summer break, there will be an interlude.

It's a story about the uncles drinking.

The next update will be the day after tomorrow, on the 27th.