Chapter 231:

Chapter 231:

Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Cooking

Thanks to a whim to help an okama old man, we were treated to a meal. Entering the izakaya where he is the owner, we settled down at the counter.

“Hi! Here’s a wet towel and a draft beer to start. I’ll bring the appetizer in a moment, so please wait.”

The place is an old izakaya with years of history. Besides the counter seats, there are only two small tables behind it.

“Wow~! I haven’t seen this in a while!”

Even Serai-san, who was starting to get a little grumpy along the way, immediately smiled when a frosty beer mug was placed in front of her.

“Fufu, then let’s toast. Thank you so much for saving me! Cheers to life!”

""“Cheers!”""

When said like that, it felt good, and we also picked up our mugs and toasted. The long-awaited draft beer quenched our thirst.

“...Phew! Ah~, draft beer is delicious!”

“Oh, what a good drinker you are. Has it been a while?”

“Well, yes. At home, I usually drink happoshu.”

“Oh dear, that’s quite lonely. But that’s all because of politics! Well, today is my treat, so drink as much as you like! Here’s a burdock root salad.”

Humans are strange creatures. Being entertained like this feels much better than just receiving cash.

“What...? Two thousand yen!? That’s ridiculous, come on!”

Ah, the slightly drunk Serai-san started complaining to the yakuza-like guy called Take-chan about something that happened earlier. She’s really sociable and fearless. Even Take-chan, who had a bandage on his right hand and was making a grim face, started to get angry upon hearing the story.

“Right? Isn’t it terrible!?”

“Yeah, what a jerk. If someone saves your life, you should at least show some sincerity!”

While listening to their conversation with a wry smile, the okama owner brought me a new dish.

“Here you go, fresh and hot.”

“Wow, it looks great! Dashimaki tamago!!”

It has a lovely color, is fluffy, and looks absolutely delicious.

“Yum, delicious!”

The umami of the dashi spreads gently in my mouth, making me smile with happiness.

“Ah! You’re eating first, Mr. Ezuki, that’s not fair!”

“Haha. Here, Serai-san, try it too.”

“Nom... Mmm! Delicious!”

“Fufu, thank you. I used to train at a traditional restaurant long ago. I also ran an okama bar, but now I’m the owner of this izakaya.”

“Isn’t it good? He’s always been good at cooking.”

“Oh, Take-chan, are you saying I’m only good at cooking and nothing else?”

“No, I’m complimenting you. Don’t twist it. Here, give me a drink too.”

(Haha! How about that! This is the power of the dungeon breakdown absorption!)

The two gulped down their draft beers in one go, sighed deeply, and looked dazed.

“This is irresistible for drinkers...”

“Absolutely, truly...!”

“Oh, by the way, we also have crab cheese...”

“You have more!? Just who are you two!?”

“Well... We’ve been diving into dungeons even before all this happened.”

“I see. No wonder you’re so young but so composed. So, was that magic or a skill back there?”

“Yes. Do you want to try the crab cheese too?”

""“Yes, please!”""

...

“Delicious! The owner’s crab gratin is the best!!”

“Oh, Machi, you! It’s because the ingredients are top-notch!”

The owner was also amazed by the crab cheese but quickly recovered and cooked it even more deliciously.

We used macaroni and seaweed, both of which could be preserved and were left in the shop.

First, boil the macaroni, then mix it with dashi-infused water and crab cheese, making a superb crab cheese gratin. Sprinkle chopped seaweed on top, and you have a wonderfully modern crab gratin with a Japanese twist.

The taste was, of course, delicious! Although both Serai-san and I cook occasionally, we’re amateurs. The skill and experience of the owner, who could immediately create a dish that matched the ingredients, were impressive.

“This is delicious... Owner, could you pack some as a souvenir?”

“Sure, I’d be happy to. You gave us the ingredients, so don’t hesitate.”

Taking advantage of the offer, we asked for a lot. I wanted Ruu and Nina-san to try it too. Serai-san and I entered the kitchen, helping while learning how to make it.

“Phew... Is this enough?”

“Sorry for asking so much.”

“Oh, it’s fine. When I heard you wanted to feed it to the girls at the high school you’re heading to, I couldn’t resist!”

“Sorry for the trouble!”

While I was thinking of Ruu and Nina-san, Serai-san was also thinking of Shark and the high school girls who admired her. Thus, we managed to get a lot of special crab gratin. It would make a great souvenir.

“Well, you guys should be fine, but be careful on the way.”

“Really, don’t overdo it. And thank you for the ingredients!”

“Yes, we’ll come back for drinks once things calm down!”

“Thank you. See you!”

We left the izakaya, waved off by the owner with eyeshadow and Take-chan. Off we go to Shark’s High School. Let’s deliver the hot, special crab gratin while it’s warm!