Tea Leaves Unfold, Sharing a Time of Fellowship - Short Story (3)

 

Shylock: Nero, what should we do with this salad?

Nero: Ah, let’s see... Once the quiche has cooled down a bit, could you plate it together with the salad?

Nero: The serving plates are all in that cupboard over there, so feel free to use whichever you like.

Shylock: Understood.

Nero: Sorry about this, having you help out with the preparations.

Shylock: It’s no trouble at all. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend today’s tea party either.

Shylock: I’m actually grateful for the chance to be of assistance to everyone.

Nero: Is that so? Well, I’m glad to hear it. I’ll have to head out around midday myself.

Nero: If you can handle plating and tidying up, I can focus entirely on the cooking. You’re efficient, after all.

Nero: ...Oh, the canelés turned out great. While they’re cooling, I’ll finish up the tart.

Shylock: As always, I’m truly enchanted.

Shylock: To create such beautiful dishes without using magic…

Shylock: This fruit jelly, for example—it’s so exquisite that one might want to display it in a jeweler’s showcase.

Nero: Haha, that’s too much praise. But if you’re saying that, I guess it’s good enough.

Nero: This time, it’s a tea party meant to strengthen bonds, right? What was it called again… uh, something like torture... (*note, the word he uses is 拷問 (goumon) when what he means is 合コン (goukon)

Shylock: You mean a “mixer”?

Nero: Yeah, that’s it. So, I figured I’d serve something fancy and stylish to make a good impression.

Shylock: With the pride of the Magic Manor’s chef showcasing his skills like this, I’m sure everyone will leave both visually and gastronomically satisfied.

Shylock: Now then, it seems the dirty dishes are piling up, so I’ll take care of those.

Nero: Oh, thanks.

Nero: Alright, next is the dip to go with the crackers.

Nero: Plenty of nuts and cheese… Hmm, this seasoning should do it.

Nero: Shylock, here you go.

Shylock: ...

Shylock: (This spoon… Is he asking me to taste it?)

Nero: ...Oh, sorry about that.

Shylock: (Takes a bite)

Nero: !?

Shylock: …Hmm, delicious.

Shylock: Nero, you’re unexpectedly bold, aren’t you?

Nero: No, it’s just... uh… It’s a habit from always doing this with the Sage and the kids—I didn’t even think about it.

Nero: I mean, even though your hands were busy with the dishes, it was still disrespectful of me to do that, especially with you.

Shylock: Not at all. I was a little surprised, but that’s all.

Shylock: If anything, being fed by you makes the food taste even better, I think.

Shylock: Could I have another bite?

Nero: No, no… That’s definitely not happening. Next time, eat it yourself.

Shylock: Heh… That’s a shame.