I don’t know how much time passed, but I woke up and joined the rest in sharing barbecue again, chatted with the others and before I knew it, the time had passed in a flash. I considered helping with the cleanup, but to my surprise, there wasn’t a single speck of dust left, thanks to Ein-san. A wry smile spread across my face as I heard Neun-san calling out to me.
[Miyama-san. If you want, I have some souvenirs you can take home with you…First, here.] [What’s this?]
Ein-san handed me a…black, square block-shaped jewel? There doesn’t seem to be anything special about it other than its shape.
[This is, well…To put it simply, it’s like a storehouse that you can carry around. It has Spatial Magic and State Preservation Magic on it, making it able to store all sorts of things in it.] […Doesn’t it make this jewel something really amazing…]
In other words, isn’t this that thing!? The Item Box that’s a must-have for any Isekai story! I see now, Ein-san must have been using a Magic Tool like this to prepare everything so quickly… But wouldn’t something like this be pretty expensive?
[No no, it’s not that big of a deal. I made it out of the leftovers this morning, so don’t be shy and just accept it.] [Sechs-sama is a master in making Magic Tools after all.] [T-Thank you very much.]
Probably sensing my unease, Sechs-san calmly laughed and reassured me not to worry about it. Thanks to getting to know him a bit better, I’ve realized that despite his skeletal appearance, Sechs-san’s expressions change just like anyone else’s. It might seem strange, but I’ve heard that some Demons in the Demon Realm even have bodies made of ore. So I guess it’s a waste to think on the small details.
[Muuu~ I was thinking of making a Magic Box for you, Kaito-kun.] [Please give him a break. If Kuromu-sama uses your magic power just to make it, it would become a national treasure just by itself…]
In response to Kuro, who muttered her complaints while puffing out her cheeks, Acht muttered something that sounded oddly disturbing for some reason. Apparently, this thing is called a Magic Box. Sensing my confusion, Raz-san offered some additional explanation.
[The amount of stuff that can be stored in the Magic Box depends on the magic power of the creator~] [Is that so?] [Yeah, someone with average magic power could make a Magic Box the size of a closet, or maybe as large as a room… But with Kuromu-sama’s magic power, it probably has an absurdly huge capacity. I’d bet you could fit an entire metropolis in it.]
I’m not sure if I should say it’s to be expected from Kuro or something like that, but I definitely couldn’t imagine wanting such an outrageous item. This made me even more grateful for Sechs-san.
[Well, I think the space in Lord Sechs’s Magic Box would be bigger than a house, though.] […]
…Even the substitute is already ridiculously impressive. As I processed Acht’s words in surprise, Neun-san conjured some kind of magic circle-like object inside the box. Pointing to the center of the circle, she spoke.
[Touch the center of the magic circle. That will register the ownership to Miyama-san. Ah, you don’t have to be clad in magic power in particular.] [Ah, yes.]
I touched the center of the magic circle as instructed. The Magic Box briefly glowed, but there was no noticeable change in its appearance. Did I do it right?
[Yes, the ownership has been successfully registered to Miyama-san. Now, using it is quite simple. Hold the Magic Box and think of the item you want to take out, and it will appear. To store something, just think of the item while touching it, and it will be stored. Ah, just keep in mind that living beings can’t be stored. You can also check the contents of the box, and make the Magic Box itself recall or reappear.]
Receiving Neun-san’s explanation, I tried recalling the magic box in my hand, and in an instant, the black jewel disappeared. When I thought about making the Magic Box appear again, it reappeared in my hand. Wow, this is so convenient! As expected of magic!
Seeing me impressed by the Magic Box, Neun-san smiled and then summoned one in her hand as well.
[Well then, once again, I’ll be giving you some souvenirs.] [Eh? Isn’t the souvenir this Magic Box…?] [Ah, no, it’s just that having it is convenient for carrying and storing things… That aside, these are actually the main gifts!] [T-These are… Could these be…]
What Neun-san took out was a white, wondrous substance compressed into a triangular shape, and it seemed to be glowing. The yellow garnish added a beautiful contrast, giving it a divine appearance.
[Yes, the heart of Japan… Onigiri and Takuan! I thought you might be missing them by now.]
[Gulp.]
(T/N: Riceballs and Pickled Daikon Radish)
I couldn’t help but gulp when I looked at it. Neun-san… So, you’re actually a goddess…
It’s been five days since I arrived in this new world. The food at Lilia-san’s mansion is incredibly delicious, but I guess it’s a Japanese thing, when you’re served bread every single day, you start to miss white rice.
Unfortunately, there’s no white rice at Lilia-san’s house. I’ve heard it exists, but in this world, bread is the norm, and rice is a rare commodity. I had even prepared myself to eat bread for the entire year.
[W-Would it be alright? I heard that rice isn’t widely available in this world, so it must be quite valuable…] [You don’t have to worry about it. This rice is from my own harvest. I can assure you it tastes great. I’m also a former Japanese, so I understand how you feel, eating bread all the time isn’t ideal. I’ve prepared plenty, so feel free to enjoy it with the others.] [Thank you so much! I’m really happy about this!]
What a surprise. Neun-san says she personally grows her own white rice. I know it must be valuable, but I’m genuinely thrilled about it. I almost imagined a halo shining behind her. The color and shape of these onigiris are perfect. Just looking at them, I can tell they’ll be delicious for sure. Not only does her appearance remind me of a Japanese, but her actions reflect that spirit as well.
[…Even though she said that, it was actually Sister Raz who grew the rice and cooked it.]
[Uggh…]
[By the way, we don’t eat rice that often, so it’s usually only Neun-san asking for it. Honestly, I feel like she just made it because she was throwing a tantrum about wanting it.]
[…She was really enthusiastic, saying, “If it’s breakfast, it has to be white rice, takuan, and miso soup!”]
[Uuuhhhhh…]
Ah, so it wasn’t Neun-san who made it after all… With Acht and Ein-san’s teasing, Neun-san’s shoulders slumped as if she had been hit in a sore spot.
[…Even I tried to make it myself at first. But compared to Raz-sama, who grows the highest quality produce no matter the weather or terrain, or Ein-sama, who brings out the flavors better than a professional cook, how could I ever compare to them…?] [Ahaha, well, Raz also had fun growing all the rice~ You don’t need to worry about it.] [I’m a maid, so please don’t compare me to a mere cook. Being able to cook all kinds of food is the least I can do as a maid.]
Apparently, Raz-san is an expert in farming. Also, I don’t know how many times I’ve had to ask this, but what exactly is a maid? Is it some kind of title for a superhuman?
[Well, whoever made it, it’s thanks to Neun-san that I got the white rice. Thank you very much.]
I offered some comforting words to the slumping Neun-san, and after a little while, I finally received the souvenir from her, now revived.
The Magic Box has Magic that preserves the state of the items inside, ensuring that the rice stays as fresh as when it was stored. This means I can enjoy freshly made rice whenever I want.
As Neun-san mentioned, she had prepared large quantities of rice, so I don’t have to worry about running out of white rice or takuan for a while.
What’s more, I was also given soy sauce, miso, and other seasonings, along with some Japanese sweets like youkan. Apparently, Neun-san even requested Ein-san to make these. This person seriously can do anything.
[I’m truly grateful for everything… Thank you so much.]
[Please, don’t worry about it. As someone from the same world, I understand the challenges of adapting to different food cultures better than anyone else… And not only are you an invaluable friend to Kuromu-sama, Miyama-san, but to us as well. You can always count on us.]
[That’s right~ Raz is always happy to help~ When it comes to plants, you can leave it to me~!]
[Yeah, yeah, don’t worry about it. Just knowing you want to repay us someday is enough for us.]
[…Ara? I don’t recall you being involved in any of the souvenirs though.]
[…Elder Sister, you promised you wouldn’t mention that…]
Ugghh…I feel like the warmth of these people really hit home. I mean, these people are so nice that I’m almost in tears. Receiving so many gifts, I couldn’t help but bow my head repeatedly as they reassured me not to worry about it. I’m genuinely grateful and happy that they call me their friend and treat me like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I really can’t thank Kuro enough for organizing this barbecue.
Then, as I chatted with them for a bit, Neun-san opened her mouth again, looking a little reluctant to say something.
[…Miyama-san. I’m not saying that this is something that I’m asking in return, and I won’t mind if you don’t know what I’m talking about…] [What is it?] […Do you have any idea how to make tofu?] [Tofu, is it?]
It was an unexpected question from Neun-san.
According to her, products similar to rice and takuan have existed before, and as for the miso and soy sauce, Neun-san made them with the knowledge she had. However, she wasn’t able to make tofu just by knowing it was made from soybeans.
As expected, even Ein-san wouldn’t know how to make tofu just by listening to the description of the finished product, and Neun-san was curious to learn how to create it herself.
It would have been ideal if she could have asked the previous heroes, but since they were essentially state guests who traveled around the country, she had few opportunities to speak with them, and it felt awkward to approach them just to ask about tofu.
This was the first time Neun-san had the chance to talk with me, a Japanese person, so she decided to ask me about it.
As I recall, Neun-san was born in the Taisho era and was summoned when she was much younger than I am. Back then, there were few ways for individuals to obtain knowledge they didn’t already have, especially with the lack of the internet.
I’m sure she feels bad about asking for information in return for the white rice, but I actually appreciate the opportunity to repay her kindness.
[This is just something I’ve heard myself, but if I’m not mistaken…]
Although I explained it that way, it doesn’t mean I’ve actually made tofu before. However, when I started living on my own as a university student, I remember coming across a recipe for making tofu on some cooking sites. I shared with her the details I remembered from that.
That said, I only read about it, so I made sure to mention upfront that I wasn’t sure about the exact quantities for the ingredients or other specifics.
[…I see, I think I have a general idea of how to make it now. Neun-sama told me it was just a white, jiggly food made from soybeans, so I didn’t quite get it, but I can roughly imagine it now after Kaito-sama explained. I think I’ll be able to make it without any problems.]
Although I felt that my explanation was lacking, Ein-san seemed to understand the process to some extent. She nodded, saying that it would be possible to reproduce it. It’s a bit scary to think that this extraordinary person might be able to make it quickly.
[Thank you so much, Miyama-san! With this, I’ll finally be able to make tofu!]
[Ah, no, I should be the one thanking you…]
With a genuinely happy smile on her face, Neun-san held my hands, clearly thrilled at the thought of finally being able to eat tofu.
Having been in this world for hundreds of years, it might be the first time in a long while that she could enjoy it. As a big fan of Japanese food, this must have been a real delight for her. Regardless, I was happy to see her so joyful.
Soon, it was time to say goodbye. Everyone gathered to see me off as I got into the carriage that would take me away.
[Well then, Kaito-kun. I’ll visit you again tomorrow~]
[Ah, thank you again for everything, Kuro.]
[Miyama-san, I’ll bring some tofu to share with you once it’s ready.]
[Yes, I’m looking forward to it.]
[Oh, then I’ll come with you when it’s time, and unlike Kuromu-sama and Lord Sechs, I’m not famous in the Human Realm, so I can visit you directly. My partner also wants to meet you, so it will be perfect.]
[Ahaha, you have to at least try to look human, Acht.]
[Raz is coming with them too~]
[Yes. By all means.]
[I’ll be visiting Duchess Albert with Sei later, so we can talk then as well.]
[Yes, I’ll be expecting your visit.]
[Kaito-sama, please take care of yourself… I hope to see you again.]
[Thank you very much. Ein-san.]
Smiling at everyone’s words, I got into the carriage and waved back at those who were waving at me.
Today was really fun, and I felt like it had been a good change for my mental state. When I get back to Lilia-san’s mansion, I’ll write another letter, one without an address, a habit I’ve formed. I might tweak the content a little this time…
Dear Mom, Dad—Today was the first day I’ve truly enjoyed being in another world. And also—I’ve made some friends.