Chapter 33

Waking up with a loud yawn from my nap, I saw the kitchen counter where I had eaten. Looking around to get my bearings, I noticed a cushion behind me and a blanket at my feet, realizing they had made it easy for me to nap. Next to me was a desk, and on it were papers with the names and prices of ingredients, my pouch, and a folded apron. ...It seems I had been sleeping in the order-taking area, and they had offered me the chair as a makeshift bed. They had really thought of everything.

After folding the blanket and putting the cushion back in the corner of the chair, I got up and headed back to the kitchen with my pouch and apron in hand. Alf, the young boy, came running over, saying I could have slept a bit longer, but that wasn't an option. When I told him I was awake, he carried me to where I had been preparing food in the morning. He even placed my pouch and apron there for me. When I thanked him, he told me to scream if I saw any strange people, even though the toilet was right next door. If someone strange appeared at such a close distance, it would be pretty impressive. Alf, you're quite overprotective. You really surprised me, big brother.

Anyway, as I headed to the toilet, Dillnan and a large, blue-uniformed, skinhead, intimidating man with a chiseled physique entered the dining room. Dillnan introduced him as Yaeto, the leader of the equipment team. After introducing myself, Yaeto's stern face softened into a smile. His cuteness was unexpected, and the contrast made my heart skip a beat.

Encouraged by Dillnan, I naturally waved as I left the dining room. To my delight, not only did Yaeto wave back, but the other blue-uniformed men behind him did too.

After using the toilet and washing my face, I returned to the dining room, but Yaeto was already gone. ...I really wanted to touch his chest and head (muttered).

Entering the kitchen, I returned to my previous spot. The peeled Or onions and empty cases had been cleared away, replaced by new cases. On top of them were a knife case, new dish towels, and small bowls for garbage and water. Next to them was an empty barrel. I put on my apron and attached my pouch just as Dillnan arrived.

"Yuri, this time it's Tashi potato preparation."

"Potatoes."

Dillnan took out a large, round potato from the case, which he called a Tashi potato. He pulled out his knife and used water magic to fill the empty barrel halfway. His movements were fluid.

"Peel the skin and remove the sprouts from the indentations, then put them in the barrel. If you don't soak them in water, the potatoes will discolor. ...Unlike the Or onions, this is a task that requires a knife. Be very careful not to hurt yourself."

"Understood."

Dillnan demonstrated by peeling the skin and removing the sprouts from a Tashi potato. He was incredibly fast, and the skin was very thin. It was a masterful display of skill.

"From now on, when the others finish their tasks, they will join you in the preparation. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."

"Got it, boss."

After he finished teaching me, I stopped Dillnan as he was about to return to his work and held out my left hand. I took out the sweets I had received from Elies and divided them into portions, placing them in Dillnan's left hand. I had originally planned to distribute them at lunch, but the lunch shift was split, and I had fallen asleep right after eating.

"Snacks."

"...Aren't these yours?"

"Good things are for everyone to enjoy."

Besides, these are semi-moist sweets. They need to be eaten quickly or they'll go bad.

It's not a bribe, really. No, probably not.

"Got it. Thanks."

Dillnan smiled and patted my head. Wow, the bribe worked perfectly.

The snacks were distributed, and grateful voices rose from all around. I thanked Elies for the sweets. The beautifully packaged cake-like confection she had given me was made with very high-quality ingredients. The sweetness was not at all cloying, and the sweetener was excellent. High-quality sweeteners are expensive, but the taste was worth it.

As I enjoyed the sweets, the others looked at me with warm, slightly envious eyes, but I didn't mind.

Just as I finished eating, Ordima brought me a cup of water with lemon slices and a sweet smile. My mouth felt refreshed after the sweets, and I felt very clear-headed. This is the second effect of the bribe. Thank you, Elies.

After snack time, I took out the paring knife I had used in the morning. The blade was still sharp. I filled the bowl with water and prepared to start working. Although Dillnan didn't say it, I knew I would be peeling Tashi potatoes and putting them in water, just like the Or onions. I put a few water droplets in the case and lightly washed the potatoes. They were not perfectly clean, but they were good enough. Since they wouldn't be soaking in water, they wouldn't be too wet. If they got dirty after peeling, I could rinse them lightly before putting them in the barrel. Alright, let's start the afternoon work!

...I was enthusiastic, but I underestimated the clumsiness of a child. My small hands made it difficult to hold the large Tashi potatoes, and I couldn't move the knife as I wanted.

I prioritized safety over the thinness of the peels and speed. I tried to get as close as possible to my best feeling with this body. I had to experiment with different ways of holding the ingredients and the knife, as well as different angles. It would take a while to get to a satisfactory level of peeling. Sigh.

Still, a simple question came to mind. In this world, are there no tools for group cooking?

In large-scale cooking facilities, there were potato peelers. You put the potatoes into a drum-like machine with a surface like pumice, connected a hose to pour water, and rotated the drum. The friction would peel the skin. ...Maybe I could suggest this to Dillnan and, if approved, have the blacksmith team create a magical version. But I should wait a bit before making the suggestion.

"Yuri, we'll help you."

As I was diligently peeling, two older men who had finished their tasks came over. They were the ones who had eaten lunch with Schnas and Oji in the second half and seemed busy in the morning, so I hadn't had a chance to greet them. Unlike the Three Idiots Trio, they gave the impression of working quietly.

"...Not bad."

"The comparison is too low."

One of them picked up a piece of skin I had discarded and muttered. The other one noticed and ... what are they comparing me to?

"Huh?"

"Nothing."

"??"

"...I'm Radastor."

"Dio. Can you remember that?"

Hmm, they seemed to be changing the subject. ...Since it's the first time, I'll let it slide. Plus, I didn't know their names, so I appreciated the introduction.

"Radastor-san and Dio-san?"

"Radastor is fine."

"Dio is fine."

"Radastor-san and Dio-san. I'm Yuri. Nice to meet you, even if it's a bit late."

They allowed me to use their shortened names, so I changed to those. As I greeted them, they patted my head. Dio went outside to get their Tashi potato cases, and Radastor looked into mine. My progress was quite slow.

"Yuri, why did you wet the Tashi potatoes?"

"To clean off the dirt. So, I washed them a bit first."

Radastor took one of the Tashi potatoes I was peeling and asked. Since there was nothing to hide, I answered honestly, and he seemed satisfied.

"Radastor-san, don't you wash them?"

"I change the water when I wash them after peeling. If they get too dirty, I change the water in the middle. ...But it's not bad."

I see, the water I'm using is for washing. That makes sense. But it's quite rough.

As we both understood, Dio came back with two cases of Tashi potatoes. Like Ordima, he seemed to have a lot of strength.

Dio placed the cases, and Radastor used water magic to lightly wash the dirt off the Tashi potatoes, just like I had. Dio, who had been watching, looked surprised as Radastor explained, pointing to my case.

"Got it."

The two of them immediately started peeling the Tashi potatoes from the cases. Their speed and quality were on par with Dillnan, about five times faster than mine. No wonder the machines hadn't developed. They were incredibly fast.

"Once you get used to it, you'll get faster. Don't rush and hurt yourself."

"I'd rather not use potatoes soaked in blood-stained water."

"...Understood."

...Big brothers, am I that obvious? But getting hurt would only hurt, and I wouldn't want blood-stained potatoes in the food.

The sound of my slow peeling mixed with the rhythmic sounds of Radastor and Dio's peeling.

Neither of them seemed to enjoy or be good at talking, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable.

Soon, Ordima and Schnas joined in, peeling the skin of a carrot-like vegetable called Belmon at a nearby counter.

"Hey, big brother! Get to work!!"

Schnas, with a mischievous smile, urged Alf to start working.

"Alf isn't the only one who needs to work harder. Sam, Voss, and Cain need to as well."

"Are the Three Idiots on the same level as Alf?"

"How long have you been in the cooking team, anyway?"

When Ordima called out to the Three Idiots Trio, Radastor and Dio followed. The names of the Three Idiots Trio were Sam, Voss, and Cain. ...Their names are also "Three Idiots"! I memorized them instantly. I'll never forget these names.

"Big brother, work hard!"

"Yuri, I'll work hard, so you work hard too!"

Encouraging Alf, he seemed more motivated. That's good.

"Yuri, what about us?!"

"Three Idiots! Get moving!!"

But the Three Idiots Trio should learn to be more serious. They shouldn't look this way while helping Oji with his work.

"...How stupid are they?"

"They've really become the 'Three Idiots Trio.'"

"Even while talking, their hands are moving fast."

"Yuri, you don't need to encourage Alf. Just don't hurt yourself."

"Understood."

"Good kid. I like obedient children."

"Hardworking and capable children are even better, right?"

"Rhetorical question."

"I like you too, big brother."

Schnas, you're quite the smooth talker. But I don't dislike the cooking team.

"...Why do I feel like I've been outdone and lost?"

"...Natural is the strongest."

"......"

While talking, everyone's hands were moving fast, but why did they all stop?

"By the way, Yuri, what about the others?"

"? I like them."

"Even the old man?"

"Very much."

"...What about the captain?"

"I like him too."

Just kidding. ...Is everyone's balance a bit off? Are you okay?

"Is this bribery? The effect of bribery?"

"...Yuri, I'll keep feeding you good food."

Schnas looked a bit regretful, but Dillnan's words made him indifferent. If he keeps feeding me good food, I'll love Dillnan forever!

"Brat. Yuri, I'll put in extra effort to cook for you."

"Okay!"

What did you say!? Oji, of course I'll follow you!

While I was excited about the prospect of more delicious food, everyone else had already resumed working.

...I don't quite understand, but everyone seems very motivated. Alright, I'll work hard too.