"Welcome to the store! Please enjoy your visit!"
And this is the signal that Motegi's store is back to business, and another busy day will occur.
At the toiletries section, Pinna assists a woman who approaches with a bundled baby in her arms.
"Excuse me, do you have any soap that's safe for babies?"
"Understood."
With that, Pinna turns to the shelves and selects a bar, holding it out to the woman.
"This bar contains only three components. Oatmeal for gentle exfoliation and soothing properties. Lavender water for natural calming aroma and anti-inflammatory effect. Olive oil for moisture retention and skin softness. This bar is also used for our store's pilus follis mascot."
"Oh wow... this sounds amazing! Just what I needed. Thank you so much!"
"Gratitude accepted."
At the kitchenware section, Yomogi is already surrounded by a familiar cluster of eager housewives.
"This one here is called a Dutch oven! It's super thick and heavy, but that's what makes it great for slow-cooked meals. Stews, roasts, even baking bread!"
"Waaaah!"
"This is genius! I've never seen a pot like this before!"
"I want one!"
"Me too!"
And the housewives begin snatching up excitedly.
At the woodworks section, Salacia rises slowly from a bamboo chair, leaving behind a delicate, damp sheen from her butt outlined on the seat as she stands and locks eyes with a nobleman who's just requested it.
"Did you like it, gentleman~?"
The nobleman's eyes go wide as he nods quickly.
"Y-Yes. I… I really like it. It's… unforgettable."
"Fufufu~... I'm so glad. I do love giving the best service possible~..."
The nobleman is completely enraptured by her oceanic allure.
At the ceramics section, a noblewoman lingers before a display of twelve delicate, glazed figurines — rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
"These are beautiful..."
Kimberly approaches her and begins explaining.
"Yes… this is... our newest set… representing the zodiac..."
"I'll take the full set. They'll look perfect in my living room."
"An excellent choice… you have made… the best decision, miss..."
At the rowdy masonry section, Chantal straightens up after placing a stack of marble tiles on the ground with care. With a satisfied clap of her hands, she turns toward the crowd of broad-shouldered masons.
"Alright, here's your order. Just like ya wanted!"
A cheer rises from the group of burly masons.
"Thanks, Chantal!"
"Damn, you're fast!"
Chantal grins, brushing dust off her thighs.
"Anytime, fellas!"
At the weapons section, a lean female adventurer scans the racks with bright, searching eyes and asks hopefully.
"Got any long daggers, miss?"
Manas laughs immediately.
"Mwahaha! But of course, brave soul."
She reaches behind her and draws forth a pair of gleaming sai, crossing them in front of her chest.
"These twin blades are unmatched. Light, swift, deadly. Balanced as the stars. Fit for hands such as thine."
The adventurer accepts them, twirling both expertly.
"Whoa! What are these? They're amazing! I'm buying them, no question."
"Thou hast chosen wisely."
At the gemstones section, Lilith gently slips a polished pink tourmaline into a flustered nobleman's palm, then whispers as her breath grazes his ear.
"This shade suits your wife's birthday, don't you think? I do hope she loves it."
The nobleman swallows hard, flushed and barely composed.
At the precious metals section, a well-dressed nobleman points at the gleaming 32-ounce gold bar on display.
"I'll take that one, please."
"Understood. Please allow me a moment."
Brunhild bows politely, then she retrieves the bar from the case and presents it with a formal smile. The nobleman leans in, admiring the engraved image of the pilus follis on the bar's surface.
"This little mark here is what makes your gold bars unique."
Brunhild nods with a soft smile.
"Indeed. The pilus follis is this store's official mascot, after all."
At the counter, Motegi handles payments and change as usual. And tiny Puck sits proudly on his shoulder, chirping delightfully at every customer as Motegi calls out.
"Kyuu!"
"Next one, please."
The earlier nobleman who bought the gold bar gently places the item on the counter.
"That will be twenty large gold coins, sir."
"Of course."
The nobleman places the exact amount down in, and Motegi accepts the payment with a nod.
"Thank you. It's been a pleasure doing business with you, sir."
"Likewise."
The nobleman replies, and as Motegi watches him walk off, he smiles because there is one more purchase of the 32-ounce gold bar again and another record-breaking sale for today.
And with that, the store rolls on just as busy and alive as always.
LUNCH TIME
**********
When the last of the customers filter out, the girls lock the doors, and we all head upstairs. As the girls and Puck take their seats at the table, I head into the kitchen and open the fridge to take out everything I'll need.
First up, I begin with slicing lindworm meat, squid, and onion thinly. Next, I snap off the Heiligeichen's shiitake stems and slice the caps into neat strips. After that, I julienne the Drill Carrot into slender threads, cut Catapult Cabbage into bite-sized chunks, and slice the green parts of scallions into thumb-lengths and split the white parts lengthwise so they'll cook evenly.
In a bowl, I pour in a blend of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, a spoonful of ketchup, and a generous pinch of sugar, then I stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves.
Yes, I know this recipe usually calls for oyster sauce. But since there's nothing like that in Oserin, I have to leave it out.
Over by the stove, I grab a batch of the remaining ramen noodles and dunk them into a pot of boiling water. Just long enough to loosen them up without cooking them through. After a quick swirl, I strain them out into a colander, then rinse them under cold water to wash off the starch and halt the cooking. Once drained, I drizzle a little oil and toss them lightly to keep them from sticking.
With the griddle already hot, I toss in the lindworm slices, letting the fat slowly render and the meat start to brown. Once the fat coats the surface, I add the squid, cooking the two together until their edges curl and shimmer. When they're done, I slide both off to the side.
I leave the rendered fat where it is and start layering in the onions, then carrots, followed by cabbage, mushrooms, and finally the scallions. Each one softens just slightly before the next goes in.
After that, I return the lindworm, squid, and noodles to the griddle. Then, I drizzle the sauce evenly across the top, and using tongs, I toss everything together until the noodles are coated and glossy.
Once it's all done, I transfer the yakisoba onto nine big plates and scoop the rest into a tiny plate for Puck. Finally, each serving gets a final touch of aonori.
With everything set, I roll the trolley out of the kitchen and into the dining area. One by one, I set the plates down as I tell everyone.
"This one's called yakisoba. I made it from the leftover ramen noodles in the fridge."
Yomogi clasps her hands in delight.
"Wow! That's amazing, Motegi-chan! It's like fried ramen!"
"It really is, Yomogi."
Chantal and Kimberly lean over their plates, saying the same words.
"If it's made with the same noodles as the ramen, then I can guarantee it's gotta be tasty, Motegi-kun!"
"This... yakisoba... looks... so simple... yet... mouthwatering already, Motegi-sama..."
"Obviously."
Pinna studies her plate with analytical focus.
"Wheat-based noodles visibly parboiled and oiled. Caramelization from high-heat contact confirmed. Sugar-to-acid ratio appears balanced. Combined with protein density from lindworm and squid, this arrangement is visually satisfactory, Master."
Salacia and Manas are equally delighted as they see the proteins.
"Thank you for putting so much squid in mine, darling~!"
"And I thank thee for the generous serving of lindworm, mine king!"
"You're welcome, Salacia, Manas."
Lilith bites her lip and holds a moan as she stares at me.
"Hnngg~… I still haven't gotten over your ramen yesterday, and now you tempt me again with this? It's so unfair, honey~..."
"Thank you, Lilith."
Brunhild and Puck already have their eyes glued to their plates like they're about to dive in.
"My Lord, may we begin eating now?"
"Kyuu?"
With that, I immediately declare.
"Yes, let's dig in now, everyone."
At once, we grab our chopsticks... and the reaction is instant:
Yomogi's eyes light up, and Chantal nods rapidly through her bite.
"Mmm! This one's lighter than ramen, but still so good, Motegi-chan!"
"Yeah, I could totally eat two of these, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly murmurs softly as Pinna begins her usual analysis.
"I... really like... this soy sauce. It blends... so smoothly, Motegi-sama..."
"Flavor profile is balanced. Texture retains spring and bite. Oil content is low, and nutrient distribution is optimal. As predicted, this dish proves highly satisfactory, Master."
"Thank you, Pinna."
Salacia and Manas savor their bites joyfully.
"Mmm~... the squid's still chewy~! Just how I love it, darling~!"
"I canst feel the lindworm's fat melting within mine mouth, mine king."
Lilith moans softly, her eyes half-lidded.
"Mmmhh~... it's so unfair to be this delicious, honey~..."
Brunhild swallows gently, then smiles at me warmly.
"Your cooking is always most pleasing to me, my Lord."
And Puck is gleefully munching on its little plate.
"Kyuu!"
Finally, I take a bite of my own. The noodles are hot, slick with sauce, and full of flavor. The crunch of cabbage, the sweetness of carrot, and the soft squid and fatty lindworm just melt together on my tongue.
"Oh yeah, this is really just like the one back home."
Back in Japan, I used to eat yakisoba like this all the time, and sometimes crammed into a hotdog bun as yakisoba-pan. But I think this version is already enough for these girls, and I don't have to introduce them to a double carb of noodles inside bread in the future.
Once the last bites of yakisoba are gone, I get up and head back into the kitchen for the dessert.
I open the fridge and reach for the two airtight silicone containers I prepped last night, with chilled castella cake inside each one. I carefully lift each cake out of the container and peel away the parchment paper from the bottom.
Next, I grab a bread knife and begin trimming the crust from all four sides of each cake, revealing the clean, soft yellow sponge beneath. From one of the trimmed edges, I slice off two neat pieces and place them gently on Puck's plate.
Once that's done, I take my time slicing the cakes evenly, then place two slices each onto nine small dessert plates.
With everything set, I load them onto the trolley and roll it back into the dining room. As soon as I emerge from the kitchen and place each plate on the table, all eyes drift toward me again.
"Okay, this one is called castella."
Yomogi lights up again.
"Is this the cake you made last night, Motegi-chan?"
"Correct."
Salacia and Chantal playfully poke their cakes slightly.
"Ehehe~... it's jiggling already, darling~!"
"Yeah, look at it, Motegi-kun! I can already imagine how soft this is in my mouth..."
Kimberly and Manas also peer down at their slices.
"This looks... amazing, Motegi-sama. Soft gold... with perfect edges..."
"Truly, 'tis like a fine gold, mine king. Such hue doth gladden mine spirit."
Pinna observes her plate.
"Honey-based sponge with consistent micro-bubbles. No compression lines. Corner crumb structure intact. All signs indicate this will be a satisfactory dessert."
Lilith bites her lip and holds a moan again.
"Hnngg~… another wonder, honey...? You're really trying to make me fall apart at this table, aren't you...?"
"Maybe."
Puck has its eyes glued to its own plate already, as Brunhild sighs in understanding.
"Kyuu..."
"I can already feel the taste will betray its simplicity in the most delightful way, my Lord."
"Alright, let's dig in now, shall we?"
The girls and Puck are all agreed.
"Yes!"
"Kyuu!"
At once, we grab our forks... and the reaction is instant:
Yomogi's ears twitch in delight as she chews.
"Mmm! It's not that sweet, but it's so rich! It fills my mouth in such a nice way, Motegi-chan!"
Chantal's and Salacia's mouths are already full.
"As I thought, it's really soft and bouncy. I love this, Motegi-kun!"
"Mmm~... it's so fragrant too! It's dancing in my mouth, darling~!"
Manas and Kimberly nod in approval.
"This cake... is the finest I have ever tasted. Thy craftsmanship is unmatched, mine king."
"Thanks, Manas."
"This... would pair well... with tea, Motegi-sama..."
"It really does, Kimberly."
Pinna analyzes again.
"Balanced sugar diffusion. Minimal crumb fall. No gumminess. The flavor is subtly layered and lighter than most cakes. This confirms my initial prediction. A satisfactory dessert, Master."
Lilith lets out a quiet moan and sinks slightly in her seat, while Puck chirps gleefully as it's already halfway through its tiny plate of crusts.
"Mmmhh~... It's melting in my mouth, and I'm melting with it, honey~..."
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
Brunhild closes her eyes briefly as she chews.
"This cake is deeply comforting, my Lord."
"Glad you like it, Brunhild."
Finally, I take a bite for myself. The sponge is moist and tender, just dense enough to hold structure but light enough to melt the moment it touches my tongue. The honey comes through clean, the sweetness mellow and deep.
"Yeah, this one is delicious too."
Honestly, what really makes me proud isn't just the texture, or the color, or even the crumb... but it's the fact that I managed to make the mizuame, the glossy, elastic sugar syrup that gives this castella its unique bounce and sheen, from scratch.
And just like that, we continue enjoying our lunch together and reopen the store soon after.