Re-employment life with unsociable untalkative magician

CHAPTER 56 - SIDE STORY : GAMES

Story after the epilogue

Mix the eggs, flour, and milk. Knead it. Make a hole in the middle.

"That."

When I gently dropped it into the hot oil, it made a wonderful fizzing sound. The sweet, fragrant smell made my cheeks relax.

"I think that's enough."

When I waited the right time, I pulled it out of the oil and the donut was golden brown. Hot steam was rising from it. It looked incredibly delicious...

"Wow! It's freshly fried!"

"Ah."

Ida reached out her hand from the side. Before I could stop him, he touched the hot donut and immediately let out a high-pitched "Ah!" I quickly grabbed his arm and plunged it into the water.

"Of course! It was just taken out of the oil!"

"Ugh! But, but, it looked delicious...!"

I understand how he felt. But grabbing it with bare hands was way too careless.

"You're like a child..."

When I muttered in exasperation, Ida-san looked very frustrated and said,

"You said it again! I can't believe you, a younger person, said that...!".

Seeing his face, I thought,

"Damn."

He was clearly in a bad mood.

A moment ago, he had been happy watching the donuts puff up in the oil, but now he was pouting.

I knew from experience that when Ida-san was like this, he was troublesome, or rather, careful with how he was handled. I glanced at him from the side, and he turned away with a deliberate pout.

"Enjoy your meal..."

I sprinkled sugar on the cooled donuts and arranged them on the table. I also prepared a pot of tea, and tea was all ready. I called out to Sensei, but he hadn't come down yet. I didn't know when he would come down, so I decided to go ahead and leave. Sensei wouldn't like to be disturb.

And so it was just me and Ida-san in the dining room.

"..."

I look at Ida through the donut. He still seems to be in a bad mood. He probably hates being called a "child" by me, and he probably hates getting burned after coming all the way here to play.

"Thank you."

Ida picks up the donut with a sulky look on his face, checks the heat, and then takes a bite.

"!"

Then, his eyes suddenly sparkle, completely changing from the sulky look he had just before. It's easy to tell.

"Is it delicious?"

"..."

Ida nods with the donut in his mouth. Seeing him like that, I think

("he's really like a child,")

but this time I don't say it out loud.

"I'm glad."

I answer with a smile, and Ida takes another bite of the donut in a good mood.

"Now, Lucille, it's time for a contest!"

"Heh."

After the two of us have a leisurely cup of tea, Ida suddenly declares that. When I stared blankly at what it was, Ida-san took out a wooden board from somewhere. It was a board with squares drawn on it.