Chapter 61

The soft, gentle sound of the pot boiling filled the shop.

Shinno was making a simmered hamburger steak.

The cooked hamburger steak was slowly simmering in the thick demi-glace sauce.

To entertain today’s guests, the three of them, including Eifa, had decided to serve a meat dish that would be good for the growing Arudolf.

For Shinno, this was a dish he was accustomed to making.

At the ryotei Yuki-tsuna, his former workplace, this simmered hamburger steak was one of the special dishes served only during Christmas.

The key to the hamburger steak, passed down from Tawahara, was to simmer it gently and thoroughly so that even children and the elderly could easily eat it.

The two seated guests watched in amazement as Shinno skillfully peeled the potatoes.

Their eyes were wide, as if they were watching a magic show.

"Can you cut so quickly without accidentally cutting your fingers?"

"Back when I was just starting my training, I used to cut them sometimes. But now I’m used to it."

Shinno, who surprisingly showed a friendly side when dealing with children, continued to cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces while talking.

As he warmed the oil, he started to crush garlic, suggesting he was going to make fried potatoes. They were delicious, with a lingering flavor.

Fried potatoes topped with garlic chips were incredibly tasty, but in a service industry like Shizuka’s, they couldn’t be eaten unless the next day was a day off.

The young Angelica seemed interested not only in Shinno’s skills but also in Eifa’s movements, her gaze wandering back and forth.

When the potatoes started to sizzle in the oil, she seemed intrigued. She also seemed fascinated by the salt shaker on the counter, repeatedly playing with it and getting her hand slapped by Arudolf.

"What cute siblings."

"I’m sorry, it’s embarrassing."

Eifa, who seemed unsure whether to stand by the shop or by the siblings, blushed and hid half her face behind a tray.

For Shizuka, who hadn’t had a good relationship with her siblings, this was enviable.

"Here you go, I kept you waiting."

When Shinno presented the plates, the two let out a cheer.

The hamburger steak was immersed in a creamy stew, emitting a delicious aroma. Shizuka, who had tasted the prototype, smiled as she recalled the flavor.

The hamburger steak, simmered so tenderly that it could be eaten with a spoon, was served with thick-cut fried potatoes, which were to be eaten with toothpicks.

This consideration was for the ease of eating, but it might have been a bit of an insult to the more mature Arudolf.

The two used their spoons to scoop up the hamburger steak, mixing it with the demi-glace sauce before putting it in their mouths.

The next moment, their eyes widened.

"Delicious!"

"Yummy!"

This was probably the first time they had eaten meat simmered so tenderly.

Even though it was made in small pieces to prevent it from falling apart, Arudolf finished one piece in two bites and moved on to the next.

Angelica, trying hard to use her spoon, managed to break the hamburger steak. Eifa, showing a sisterly concern, helped her, which was a typical gesture for an older sister. This kind of family gathering probably happened at home too.

Seeing someone enjoy their food makes you feel inexplicably happy, especially when it’s a child.

People in the ancient city often laugh while eating.

Shizuka might have continued running the izakaya Nobu just to see such smiles.

"Shizuka, please have some."

What was offered was fried potatoes made from the potatoes Arudolf had brought. Of course, it didn’t come with garlic chips.

When she took a bite, the flavor was surprisingly rich.

The texture was similar to that of a meiwa potato, but the sticky feel was reminiscent of a taro. It was a taste that naturally brought a smile to her face.

Depending on the cooking method, it could become even more delicious.

"What do you think?"

"I think this potato would be better boiled. For example..."

"Potato and meat stew?"

Shizuka, taking another bite of the fried potatoes, nodded vigorously.

With the potatoes grown at Eifa’s home and Shinno’s broth, they could probably make a very delicious potato and meat stew.

While Eifa was wiping the sticky corners of Angelica’s mouth, Angelica whispered curiously.

"Sis, is this really a witch’s shop?"

There was a light slap, and Angelica started to cry.

Arudolf had hit her on the head.

"You shouldn’t say things like that!"

"Arudolf!"

This time, Eifa scolded Arudolf.

The witch’s shop.

She knew that people called it that.

A regular customer had told her this as a joke, not just once or twice.

She didn’t know the basis for it and hadn’t thought much of it.

But knowing that even a small child like Angelica had heard the rumor made her feel a bit strange.

The rumor that a witch lived in the ancient city was already being spoken of as if it were a fact. Some people even claimed to have seen her.

The spread of such rumors might not be a good sign.

"Angelica, who told you that?"

"Everyone says it. Nobu is a witch’s shop."

Eifa quickly caught Arudolf’s wrist as he tried to hit Angelica’s head again. While watching this, Shizuka was lost in thought.

About the shop.

About life in the ancient city.

And about the witch.

She wasn’t sure what the rumors were exactly, but she hoped they wouldn’t turn out badly.

Shizuka just wanted to see her customers enjoy their delicious food.

To calm the almost-tearful Angelica, she took out a pudding from the refrigerator for dessert.

There were separate portions for Ingrid and Camilla.

Recently, Ingrid had started drinking with Alnu more often. It seemed Ingrid was listening to Alnu’s complaints about his poetry not being accepted in Clovinckel.

For Ingrid, who had just moved to the ancient city and had few acquaintances, it was a good conversation partner.

When she came yesterday, Ingrid had a protective charm hanging from her neck.

It seemed the charm had fulfilled its purpose.

"Thank you for the meal!"

"Thank you!"

The pudding containers were as clean as if they didn’t need to be washed.

Both of them must really like sweet things.

"Shizuka-san, I’m sorry. Is this enough?"

Arudolf, looking apologetic, showed a bag on the counter filled with copper coins.

It was probably money he had saved from his allowance and errands.

"It’s fine today. I just wanted to treat you two for coming to say thank you."

"But..."

Eifa gently took the bag from Arudolf’s hesitant hands and pushed it into her pocket.

"It’s important to know how to accept kindness. Say thank you to Taisyo-san and Shizuka-san."

"Thank you very much today."

"Thank you!"

Watching the two bow politely, Shizuka and Shinno smiled at each other.

The gentle autumn day passed slowly, accompanied by everyone’s smiles.