Chapter 8

The smooth, fox-colored anko (sweet bean paste) was generously poured over the white mass.

On top, something green and finely chopped was sprinkled. According to the server, it was a herb called negi.

A pleasant aroma mingled with the steam, tickling his nose. Johann-Gustav, who had initially underestimated the place as a run-down izakaya (Japanese pub), was captivated by the creativity of the dish, as if it were a lie. A forgotten hunger sensation returned to his stomach.

He wanted to eat it quickly, quickly.

Although the inside of the shop was warm, a numbing coldness still lingered in his fingertips and the core of his body.

Looking at Hildegarde sitting next to him, it was even more amusing.

As a well-mannered viscount's daughter, she was exercising self-control, but her right hand, placed on her knee, was moving slightly back and forth, back and forth. Her gaze alternated between the dish and the spoon, and her restlessness was endearing to watch from the side. Usually, she tried to appear mature, but such gestures revealed the essence of a girl her age.

"Here, anko-dofu. Be careful, it's hot."

"Yudofu, huh."

Before the female server finished her warning, he picked up the wooden spoon.

He gently scooped up the trembling white yudofu, being careful not to spill the anko, and brought it to his mouth.

"Ahh."

It was hot.

The yudofu crumbled in his mouth, mixing with the anko and spreading a smooth texture on his tongue.

Another bite.

This time, he blew on it to cool it down.

Hildegarde was also blowing with her small, adorable lips, trying hard to cool it down.

Scoop.

Blow.

Eat.

Scoop.

Blow.

Eat.

"Ahh."

A large puff of steam rose from her mouth. There was no need for complicated actions like chewing or rolling it around on her tongue.

Just warmth and a gentle flavor passed through her throat, warming her body.

Even in winter, the sweat wouldn't stop.

Her mouth, throat, and stomach were all warm.

She drank water from a high-quality glass. She had never been grateful for such cold water in winter.

"…Delicious."

While diligently bringing yudofu to her small mouth, Hildegarde murmured.

"…It's not smelly, not spicy, not sour, not bitter, not hard, not bread, not potato, not porridge, not egg, not stew, and it's delicious."

She was a child who hadn't received much love from her parents.

Johann-Gustav had ordered those around her to do their best for her, considering her situation. He was aware that his clever niece had gradually started testing the love directed at her, which ultimately stemmed from his own actions.

"Is it delicious, Hildegarde?"

"Pretty good."

While saying this, the look Hildegarde gave the yudofu was serious.

She held the spoon in her right hand, blew on it, and brought it to her mouth, which was considered bad manners.

The way she leaned her face towards the spoon and used her little finger to brush away the hair was very similar to her deceased mother.

"…Yeah, pretty good."

Hildegarde murmured again.

Even after finishing, she stared at the empty pot. She had eaten everything, leaving not a trace, and the pot was completely empty.

The water in which the yudofu had been cooked was bubbling pleasantly.

"I have one complaint, though."

"What is it, Hildegarde?"

"Well… it's a bit… not enough."

He was surprised and laughed. Even the picky eater Hildegarde seemed to like this yudofu.

Indeed, it was good. It was a deliciousness that seemed to be enhanced by the winter cold. The mild flavor was comforting to the chilled body.

"Could you make it again, then?"

When he ordered the female server, she first smiled and then gently refused.

"The yudofu is the first dish. Various other dishes will follow."

After saying this, she cleared away the pot and the brazier and brought new dishes one after another.

Stews, grilled dishes, fried dishes… all were dishes he had never seen before.

Hildegarde's eyes sparkled, and she wriggled with pleasure as she put each one in her mouth. It must have been very delicious.

Feeling foolish for his earlier worries, he dipped his fork into a soup dish with quite large ingredients.

It was also well-seasoned and delicious.

Two months later, Hildegarde would be married.

Until then, Johann-Gustav secretly decided to bring her to this shop at least once a week.

Starting today, the "Elysion Light Novel Contest" hosted by Cloud Gate is being held.

My work is also participating, so if you have the time, I would be grateful if you could read it.

The posting location is under the account name "Elysion Light Novel Contest," so please search for it.

If you could give points, it would boost the author's motivation, so I would appreciate it.