...
"Welcome~"
Lucian, accompanied by four little maids, greeted their first customer.
"Lucian-kun, long time no see. I didn't expect you to be here." The grandmother of the Mejiro family leaned on her cane, her wrinkled face breaking into a kindly smile.
"It's a pleasure to see you again," Lucian replied politely. "Though compared to being a chef, I still aspire to become a Trainer more."
Behind the Mejiro grandmother stood three young ladies: Mejiro McQueen, Mejiro Dober, and Mejiro Ryan.
"Good afternoon, Lucian-sensei." x2
Mejiro Dober and Mejiro Ryan greeted him courteously.
Only Mejiro McQueen hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Good afternoon, sensei."
"Hello to you too, but there's no class today," Lucian said, his gaze lingering on Mejiro McQueen for a moment before he stepped aside and gestured for them to enter.
If there was one person least interested in Lucian's cooking classes, it would undoubtedly be the tsundere young lady Mejiro McQueen.
Even with Grass Wonder's enthusiastic promotion of the classes at school, Mejiro McQueen remained indifferent.
It wasn't that she looked down on ordinary food—after all, she still ate in the cafeteria regularly.
She had simply experienced too many delicacies in her life and was genuinely uninterested.
Lucian led the four of them to their seats and gave Rice Shower a meaningful glance, signaling her to present the menu to the guests and provide the necessary introductions.
Ines Fujin and Taiki Shuttle instinctively went to fetch the tableware.
"Two orders of the Crystal Frozen Shrimp, and this... Red Wine Poached Pears?" The grandmother sounded slightly puzzled.
"This is an appetizer that perfectly combines the rich aroma of red wine with the refreshing sweetness of pears," Rice Shower explained. "The alcohol content is low, so it won't make you dizzy."
After speaking, she glanced at Lucian, who gave her an encouraging look.
"Then we'll have two orders of that as well," the grandmother said with a smile before continuing to peruse the menu. "For the main course, I'll have the Crab Meat with Egg White..."
After the grandmother finished ordering, she passed the menu to the other three.
Mejiro Ryan and Mejiro Dober placed their orders, and finally, the menu reached Mejiro McQueen.
"Scallop and Egg White Fried Rice?" Mejiro McQueen was full of doubts.
Wasn't that just egg fried rice? Her grandmother had said Lucian's skills rivaled those of master chefs back home.
But could such a simple dish really be served here?
"Yes, scallops are dried abalone. Their umami enhances the overall flavor of the fried rice, while the stir-fried egg whites provide a tender texture that contrasts with the rice," Rice Shower explained with growing confidence, her delivery much smoother than before.
It was clear she had put in a lot of effort last night.
Lucian hadn't taught her any of this—otherwise, he wouldn't be standing nearby, ready to step in if needed.
"I see..." Mejiro McQueen nodded but hesitated and ultimately didn't order it, settling only for dessert and drinks.
"McQueen, aren't you having any main dishes?" Mejiro Ryan asked.
"Mmm, I made plans to visit the festival with friends later. I might eat something else, so I want to save some room."
"Understood. Please wait a moment," Lucian said, collecting the menus before heading to the kitchen with Rice Shower.
...
Before entering the kitchen, Lucian patted Rice Shower's head.
"Rice Shower, you did great today."
Praise made Rice Shower's eyes curve with happiness.
But when she looked up, she noticed Lucian wasn't looking at her. Instead, he withdrew his hand and walked straight into the kitchen.
That back... Why did it feel like Onii-chan was angry?
Had she done something wrong? It couldn't be her fault, right? He had just praised her...
Puzzled, Rice Shower followed him in.
"Onii—" The moment she stepped into the kitchen, she froze and quickly shut her mouth.
Lucian had already started preparing the dishes, his movements so swift that it felt like watching a performance.
Rice Shower didn't dare disturb him and quietly took a few steps closer to see if there was anything she could help with.
But then, she heard Lucian muttering under his breath like a mosquito's buzz:
"You like snacks, don't you... You'd rather eat snacks than my cooking... Not interested in my classes, are you..."
The resentment was so thick that even two steps away, Rice Shower could feel it.
Onii-chan really was angry... Or more accurately, frustrated?
She suppressed a laugh, never expecting Lucian to have such a cute side.
"O-Onii-chan...?" Rice Shower tentatively called out.
"Hm? Rice Shower, why did you come in?"
Lucian turned to look at her, the resentment on his face instantly vanishing, replaced by a bright smile.
Rice Shower had heard of face-changing, a traditional performance art from Lucian's homeland, but she never thought she'd see it without leaving the country.
"Is there..." Rice Shower swallowed. Even though Lucian was facing her, his hands were still swiftly chopping ingredients.
Her voice gradually softened. "...anything I can help you with?"
"Not for now. Rice-chan can go rest or keep observing and learning."
"O-Okay." Rice Shower's expression was slightly awkward.
Why did Onii-chan suddenly call her "Rice-chan"?
Hmm... Did he pick it up from Urara? Sometimes Urara called her that too.
It just felt a little strange.
...
The appetizers could be served first. Once they were ready, Lucian called for Doto.
"Lucian-sama, what do you need?" Doto had been spacing out earlier with nothing to do.
"Please serve these dishes to the guests first."
"O-Okay~"
"Take your time, don't spill anything... or I'll make you recite tongue twisters as punishment. Or maybe I'll cut off that ahoge of yours, hehe." Lucian grinned, forming scissors with his fingers and making a "snip" motion.
Evil Lucian, bullying Doto in real time.
"Scary!!! ヽ(*.＞Д＜)o゜" Doto pushed the cart away in a hurry, the little klutz muttering to herself not to trip over nothing.
"Rice Shower."
"Here!" Rice Shower stiffened, the tiny horse girl standing at attention.
"Uh... No need to be so tense."
"You scared me! I thought Onii-chan was going to punish me too."
"That could be arranged..." Lucian accidentally let his thoughts slip.
"Huh?"
"Never mind, never mind. Could you wash those ingredients over there for me?"
"Sure~"
Rice Shower picked up the ingredients and headed to the sink. When she glanced back, Lucian was already radiating resentment again as he worked.
...