SLBP - Date Masamune Act 1 -

Crossroads Splendor : The Hairpin

(Today was really something else. . .)

I think to myself as I arrive once again to Lord Masamune's secret house to begin cooking.

Earlier this afternoon, my shopping trip for groceries had turned into my being chased through town by thugs.

(I'm glad I was able to help Umeko get away from them, at least. . .)

I remember how she had practically fallen all over herself thanking me the moment she saw me back at the castle.

(It actually made me feel a little guilty how she wouldn't stop thanking me like that. . .)

I smile wryly.

(I didn't tell Umeko that she wasn't the only one who needed a hand to get out of trouble, either. . .)

As I think to myself, I hear the door open.

[Me]
"Lord Kojuro. . ."

[Kojuro]
"Oh, you're already here? Allow me"

Lord Kojuro is determined to help, taking a place at the counter next to me.

Honestly, he's really not that great at cooking, so he kind of gets in the way, but. . .

[Me]
"Oh. . . I'm sorry, but would you happen to know where the mortar and pestle are?"

[Kojuro]
"The cupboard up there. Wait, let me get it for you"

(Okay, so maybe he's a pretty big help after all. . .)

Thanks to only having been in this kitchen once, I barely know where anything is.

But, since Lord Kojuro seems to know the place like the back of his hand, it looks like I'll have no trouble making something tonight.

[Kojuro]
"As I said last night, you truly are skilled"

[Me]
"I have a lot of experience, that's all. . .though I will admit some are more suited to it than others"

[Kojuro]
"🙂. . . Well, that's probably true"

Lord Kojuro says wryly.

[Me]
"Oh, but don't think of it as a bad thing. . .those who can't cook are said to have a better palate to make up for it. I'm sure that if someone would have told whoever made those onigiri last night that they were too salty. . .they would have been able to tell and get the flavor just right next time"

[Kojuro]
". . . Ah. . .so that's how it is, is it"

[Me]
"It is. Whenever I made mistakes as a kid, my father was always there not only to correct me, but to help make it better"

[Kojuro]
". . .What a wonderful parent"

Lord Kojuro murmurs, under his breath.

Though I am not certain if I was supposed to have heard that or not, his kind words for my father make me smile.

By the time I finish cooking everything, Lord Masamune arrives without a word, sits, and begins to eat.

(I tried to make all the things he ordered when he came to the restaurant. . .)

Curious, I watch him, my heart racing.

Just like last night, he asks for seconds, and thirds, and on and on until everything is gone.

(I'm glad he likes it. . .)

I'm so relieved.