Gifts And Dumplings - Part One

“Shuri-kun, let’s head out.”

It was during the morning shift.

As I was setting up the dining hall, Ecres-san—who had come down to eat breakfast—spoke to me.

“You’re working all the time, aren’t you, Shuri-kun? Why don’t we go stretch our legs for a change?”

Hmm, stretch our legs, huh?

This is Shuri.

Ecres-san invited me to go shopping, so I decided to go.

The truth was, I had been working non-stop lately, and I wanted a day off around now.

Or rather, I hadn’t had anything resembling a day off to begin with.

“What do you say, Shuri-kun?”

“Sounds great. I’d love to accompany you.”

“Yay! Conveniently enough, there’s something I wanted to buy.”

“Oh? Something you want to buy, is it?”

Am I… the luggage carrier?

“Ah, it’s nothing like being a luggage carrier or anything like that. I just felt lonely going by myself, so I thought I’d go with someone.”

“In that case, didn’t you invite Garn-san? If Garn-san says he wants time off, I’ll give him permission.”

“No, no, this shopping trip actually involves Garn-nii-san.”

“…Ah, I see.”

A gift, then.

“Did you get it?”

“I got it.”

“Then I’ll go get ready, so let’s meet up in an hour!”

“Ah, wait!”

Before I could stop her, Ecres-san dashed out of the dining hall.

Hmm, this is troublesome. Will I be able to finish my work in an hour?

Well, I suppose I have no choice but to hand off the work to everyone else.

“Hm, is that you, Shuri?”

The next person to enter the dining hall was Princess Tebis.

Next to her, the maid… her guard was following close behind.

Princess Tebis looked a bit sleepy, but as expected of royalty, she arrived perfectly groomed.

Though, you’re royalty, right? Is it really fine for you to eat here?

“Ecres just left with quite a delighted look on her face, did something happen?”

“She said we’re heading into town to go shopping after this.”

“Hmm.”

“I’ll be tagging along with her.”

“Funu!?”

Princess Tebis looked completely taken aback.

“You’re saying you’re going out with Ecres?”

“Yes.”

“What will become of lunch?”

“I was thinking of leaving it to Garn-san and the others.”

Hearing that, Princess Tebis placed a hand on her chin as if contemplating something.

Even in thought, she looked somehow natural and refined.

As expected of a talented individual who performs the daily duties of royalty.

“Very well. Just be sure to return by evening. For I am looking forward to your cooking, Shuri.”

“Uh, understood. By the way, regarding meals, your attendant…”

“If you are present, my subordinate shall help out. It will be a good experience for them.”

“No, no, as royalty, wouldn’t you, well, have to be careful about various things?”

Princess Tebis gave a wry smile.

“Indeed. However, I wish to trust you. Though… poison tasting will still be necessary, I suppose.”

That’s only natural. Princess Tebis is a princess of a nation.

It would be a problem if she didn’t do that.

“Then, to live up to that trust, I’d better return by dinnertime and make something delicious.”

“Umu, do so.”

Princess Tebis said with a smile.

Hmm, looking at just that smile, she looks like a regular girl her age.

Even so, despite being such a normal girl, her responsibilities as royalty and her various hardships must be immense.

I don’t know how much my cooking helps her, but I’d like to do whatever I can for her.

Now then, having handed off my duties, I decided to head into town immediately.

In my usual clothes, with the Magi-Engineering Stove that had become a habit to carry at my hip, I hurried to where Ecres-san was.

It would have been fine if we left together, but for some reason, Ecres-san had said, “Instead of leaving together, it’s best to meet up at a classic spot!” so we ended up leaving separately.

A woman’s heart is hard to understand.

Thinking about such things, I hurried toward the fountain in the central plaza, our meeting place.

Passing through the traffic and past the townscape, I arrived at the fountain plaza mentioned as the meeting spot.

There were many people at the fountain plaza. Ordinary townsfolk, merchants, soldiers maintaining public order, and various others.

By the way, public order in Sunity and defense against surrounding nations were currently being handled by everyone in the Gungrave Mercenary Band alongside the soldiers who accepted Gungrave-san’s rule.

Those who couldn’t accept it had all quit.

Just like the cooks who went on strike because they couldn’t accept me becoming the head chef.

What was that about, seriously? “We have served the Sunity family for generations,” and so on. Ecres-san and the others are alive, so basically, they just couldn’t stand the head of state changing.

I can understand the feeling, but throwing away your duties entirely is…

“Shuri-kun?”

As I was mulling over such thoughts, a voice called out to me from the side.

Perhaps because I had been lost in thought ever since arriving at the fountain plaza, I hadn’t been paying attention to my surroundings.

Looking in the direction of the voice, there stood Ecres-san…

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”

The sunlight reflected off the water spray from the fountain, sparkling brightly. Standing against that backdrop, Ecres-san seemed to sparkle as well.

Ecres-san’s current appearance was completely that of a woman.

A tunic and a skirt that reached down to her ankles… fitting for the feudal lord’s family, it was a high-quality outfit, though not overly flashy.

She was even wearing a headband and earrings, making it an absolute date outfit.

Eh? Why the full armament like this?

Ha! Could it be…!

“Ecres-san… by any chance, this gift…”

“Eh? E-Erm, well.”

When I tried to ask Ecres-san, her face turned red.

This is without a doubt…!

“Judging from those high-quality clothes… are you going to give the gift you buy to someone you’re in a romantic relationship with after this?”

“…Pardon?”

“You said it was a gift for Garn-san, asked me for advice on gifts since I’m a guy, and after parting with me, you’ll meet up with your lover… I see, if that’s the case— Bupaf!?”

While I was stating my deduction, Ecres-san’s fist drove into my collarbone.

At the damage to what is said to be the most fragile bone in the human body, I involuntarily writhed in agony. W-Why?

“Shuri-kun. I knew you were kind and dense, but I think those words were terribly lacking in delicacy.”

“S-Shorry…”

I-I see… if such romantic affairs are blurted out in broad daylight like this…

Of course she’d get angry… I did something bad.

However, due to the dull pain throbbing in my collarbone, I can’t follow up properly. This really hurts.

“S-So, the real intention behind that outfit is?”

Let me ask just in case. If I cause another misunderstanding here, there’s a risk my collarbone might actually break.

“Shuri-kun, do you want to take another strike?”

“Eh?! Ah, I’m sorry! Right, of course! When going shopping with a man, a woman can’t let her guard down no matter who he is!”

“Yes, passing mark.”

Ecres-san lowered the fist she had raised overhead. I’m glad the hammer blow didn’t come… If I ate that, my shoulder might have shattered too…

“That’s right, a girl goes all out when going out with a boy.”

Hee, so that’s how it works. I’ll remember that. Though I don’t know where I’ll use this knowledge.

Ecres-san did a quick spin on the spot and spoke.

“So? How’s my fashion?”

“I think it suits you very well. Your feminine charm has increased more than usual.”

“Fails as a compliment, but oh well. I’ll give you a borderline passing score.”

W-What was wrong with it…?

In the end, concluding that a woman’s heart is as fickle as autumn weather, I went shopping together with Ecres-san.

Our destination was west of the fountain plaza.

It was a street lined with various shops dealing in fairly high-quality tools.

What business did she have here? I thought about asking, but stopped myself. Even I know that asking what she’s buying while shopping with a woman is bad manners.

Besides, Ecres-san already said it: “a gift for Garn-san.”

Asking all sorts of tactless questions to Ecres-san, who was enjoying herself next to me right now, would ruin the fun.

Walking along the well-maintained road, I took another look at the town of Sunity.

It was quite well-maintained as a castle town, with orderly rows of shops and houses visible.

The materials used for the residences varied from stone to wood, so that part didn’t seem unified.

“Ecres-san, this town is beautiful.”

“Is it? Maybe because I’m used to seeing it, but I only see the flaws. The building materials are getting old, the deterioration of public structures is noticeable, it’s about time to pave the roads with cobblestones, we need to manage the merchant gatherings or they’ll build shops however they please, public order is currently disrupted so I want to recruit guards, and if we raise their proficiency, the surrounding geography—”

“Stop! Stop right there, I won’t understand any more than that.”

Oh boy, if she lets her guard down, this person immediately switches to work mode… She hasn’t broken her old habits, has she!?

She used to cross-dress as a man and vigorously engage in domestic governance work, so maybe she just can’t shake that habit off.

I should be gentle with her.

“Come on, Ecres-san. Let’s forget about work and enjoy today, okay?”

“Eh? Ah, yeah, thank you, Shuri-kun.”

Ecres-san responded to my concern with a smile.

Yep, this is fine. This is how it should be. Let’s make sure she forgets work and enjoys herself for now.

She’s suffered so much up until now, after all.

“You’re somehow very kind, Shuri-kun.”

“I am always kind. Kind, indeed.”

“Shuri-kun, you’re not thinking of anything bad, are you? What are you plotting with that fake smile?”

Busted!!?

However, I won’t remain a fool forever. I’ve learned how to turn the tables in times like this.

“Nothing at all. So Ecres-san, where are we heading now? You say it’s a gift for Garn-san, but what is it?”

Here, I unleash the question I had sealed away!

“Ah, right. I thought it might be time for Garn-nii-san to have that, so I’m going to buy it. I hope there’s a good one.”

YES! I brilliantly changed the subject! I’m growing too!

Putting the goofing around aside, I need to escort Ecres-san properly.

There’s no point in keeping up a strange mood.

I walked behind Ecres-san.

Gradually, the townscape changed, becoming a district where craftsmen’s shops were more prominent.

To explain it simply, the items displayed in front of the shops shifted from food to crafts and workshops themselves.

I couldn’t help but look around inquisitively.

I’m a cook too, so there are things I’m curious about. Like pots and such.

However, most of the tools I use were made by Rir-san, and while I maintain them myself, I leave repairs to Rir-san as well. After all, the Magi-Engineering Stove, the cutting board, and the pots were all handmade by Rir-san. Leaving it to the person who made them is the quickest way.

Of course, I sharpen my own knives and wash my own tools.

“Ecres-san, around here is…”

“Right, around here is the district where artisans set up shop. It’s also the lifeline of our territory.”

“Lifeline?”

“Shuri-kun, it might be hard to understand for someone like you who has skill but no ambition, but technology is something every territory or nation hides and hoards. After all, much of the construction, blacksmithing, and crafting technology they possess cannot be bought with money. Exceptional artisans are favored in any country. Technology holds that much value to a nation. Shuri-kun, that’s why Princess Tebis wanted you after seeing your cooking skills.”

I-I see… I feel like I finally understand my current position a bit more.

I thought I was just serving ordinary Earth food and cooking techniques. But by the standards of this world, it’s extremely peculiar.

Peculiar, distorted, and useful. That’s why Princess Tebis was so obsessed with me…

No, she probably just wants to eat Mapo Tofu, right?

Seeing me ponder, Ecres-san gave a wry smile.

“But it’s okay. Gungrave and the others, Garn-nii-san, Gings, and I are all here. We won’t let anything harm you anymore.”

“I-Is that so?”

Hearing Ecres-san say that brought me peace of mind.

Gungrave-san and the others have been protecting me. I respond to that through cooking.

I hope that relationship remains unchanged in the future.

“Here we are.”

The place Ecres-san led me to was a shop with a blacksmith workshop.

Shelves were placed outside the shop, lined with bladed tools. Looking inside, there was the light of heating iron and the high-pitched sound of hammering metal.

Is this… a knife shop?

Looking closely at the products lined up there, several kitchen knives were laid out.

They were those strangely shaped kitchen knives I had seen for the first time after coming to this world.

“Ecres-san, here is…”

“Well, there’s no mistaking it’s a shop dealing in blades, but strictly speaking, it’s a local blacksmith shop. They process iron to make products… is how you could put it. You know how large shops often have iron craftsmanship forming their symbol mark as decoration? Those are also the work of shops like this.”

Ah, I see. A shop that makes iron handicrafts and daily necessities.

Ecres-san said with an excited face:

“Sure, in this day and age, if you ask a Magi-Technician, they might make it right away. But only a few people can do that. You either have the talent to do it yourself, or the money to commission it. However, the blacksmiths aren’t losing either. Without relying on magi-engineering, they make various things with their own skill, knowledge, and experience. It’s a wonderful thing.”

“Do you like this kind of thing, Ecres-san?”

“Yeah. I often visited construction sites for territorial development or went to the workshops of blacksmiths I commissioned work from. The work of people with specialized skills concentrated in one area is beautiful and fun to watch.”

I see, so that’s why Ecres-san’s face has been bright for a while now.

Indeed, the work of people with highly specialized skills is not only beautiful in its finished state, but even the process itself is beautiful and free of waste.

Moreover, they perform their work with the best techniques unconsciously, which is truly admirable.

“Ecres-san, it’s great to be excited, but could we get to the main point soon?”

“Ah, right. Sorry, when I come to places like this, I really never get tired of watching all day.”

I can understand the feeling, but please exercise some self-restraint.

Seeing Ecres-san look so happy reassures me, but personally, I’d like the errand finished quickly.

If I were told to watch metallurgy next to Ecres-san all day… I’d be a bit troubled.

“Excuse me. Do you have a moment?”

Ecres-san spoke to a woman working outside. It seemed this woman was the receptionist.

When the woman looked at us, she showed a surprised expression.

“E-Ecres-sama!?”

“Ah, is the item I requested ready?”

“A-Ah, yes. Of course. Forgive me for losing my composure.”

“Don’t worry about it. Maybe I should have sent word before coming.”

“No, we are deeply indebted to you, Ecres-sama. There is no shop in this town that would refuse your visit.”

“Hearing you say that helps. I’m practically half-retired at this point anyway.”

“No, we still want you in the central administration as always, Ecres-sama. Even if the lord changes, our gratitude to you will not change. It is because you are here that we remain without abandoning this territory.”

The woman said while casting a glance toward me.

Ah… it seems they think we usurped authority over the territory…

Gings-san who caused all those problems, Ecres-san who couldn’t stop him, and the former lord who overlooked it despite being in a supervisory position.

No matter who takes the top spot now, they’ll draw massive disapproval from surrounding countries…

That’s why Ecres-san stepped down from the position of next lord which she didn’t even want to do, Gings-san decided to focus on military affairs where he has talent rather than internal affairs for which he’s unsuited, and the former lord retired to take responsibility.

However, the townspeople feel differently.

Even if it was somewhat distorted, Ecres-san and the others worked hard for the sake of this territory.

Therefore, Gungrave-san, who appears to have snatched it from the side, might be utterly detested by them.

Could it be that Gungrave-san accepted the position of lord knowing full well what would happen?

This matter looked like a usurpation of status and carried the risk of buying resentment.

If it were Gungrave-san, he might have maneuvered more cleverly to obtain it…

“Well, let’s leave that talk for now. More importantly, as I asked earlier, is the requested item ready?”

“Yes. It is right here.”

The woman retrieved an item wrapped in silk from the back of the shop and handed it to Ecres-san.

Taking it, Ecres-san unwrapped the silk and pulled out the item inside.

What came out was a kitchen knife.

Even to my eyes, it was a fine piece. I had seen kitchen knives made by people other than Rir-san, but compared to the ones I received from Rir-san or Princess Tebis, they were inferior, so I hadn’t picked them up.

However, the kitchen knife Ecres-san held not only had a brilliant shine, but also possessed a splendid blade and a plain wood handle.

“Thank you. Send the bill to the castle as usual. I’ll transfer the money.”

“Yes, thank you very much. We look forward to your next visit.”

The woman bowed deeply.

“Thank you. Shuri-kun, let’s go.”

Replying to her, Ecres-san started walking. I hurriedly chased after her.

“Was that your objective? The kitchen knife?”

When I asked, Ecres-san answered while rewrapping the knife in the silk cloth.

“That’s right. It’s a gift for Garn-nii-san.”

“…”

“Garn-nii-san found a new way of living. The path of a cook. Gings also decided to reexamine himself and start over. As for me, I decided to live as I please. For the brother who followed me until now… no, who supported me, this is the least bit of gratitude and encouragement for the future that I can offer.”

Ecres-san said with a smile.

I see… to hand Garn-san his very own kitchen knife…

Hm? Wait a minute, does that mean…

“Was my assumption that you were meeting a date actually just my misunderstanding…?”

“You’re still dragging that out?!”

Once again, a strike hit my collarbone. It hurts!

“I’m getting hungry, so shall we head back soon?”

After lecturing me, Ecres-san said so.

Since I was already groggy, I quietly obeyed. Breaking a collarbone isn’t something one should endure multiple times.

“Yes. Understood.”

Following behind Ecres-san, I started walking toward the castle.

Still, a gift for Garn-san, huh… and such a splendid kitchen knife at that…

Normally, I imagined a scenario where I would hand it over after he finished his training, but… it might be better as a gift from family.

Using this as motivation, it would be great if Garn-san devotes himself to his training.

No, even at this point, he’s working hard enough.

However, Ecres-san’s expression as she held that gift was somehow gloomy.

What could be wrong…?

“What’s the matter, Ecres-san? You have a gloomy look on your face.”

“Ah… so you noticed after all.”

Ecres-san laughed awkwardly.

“Well, I was just thinking about my own words from earlier. Garn-nii-san is working hard on a new path. Gings is working hard to start over. But I’m just living as I please. I wonder if it’s really okay for me to stay like this.”

That is…

“Ecres-san.”

“No, it’s fine. Shuri-kun, it’s fine. This is just something I’m worrying about on my own. Looking at it another way, all three of us are walking the paths we desired. It would be strange for only me to worry.”

“That’s…”

“Wrong,” I wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come out of my mouth.

Ecres-san had suffered up until now in ways different from Garn-san and Gings-san.

Disguising her gender, doing things she didn’t want to do, and now she’s finally freed from those shackles.

In my opinion, because Ecres-san is now freed from those shackles and constraints, countless paths and possibilities have appeared right before her eyes, leaving her lost.

Continuing to handle half of her previous work is fine.

For that matter, finding someone she likes and marrying them is fine too.

Starting something new on a completely different path might be an option as well.

But I shouldn’t be the one to say that.

No matter how close we are, there are boundaries one shouldn’t cross.

If it were an ordinary worry, I’d offer my heartfelt advice, but when it comes to the future…

No, wait? I’ve already stepped deeply into conversations about various people’s futures.

…To protect myself here and refrain from speaking would be hypocritical at this point.

“Ecres-san.”

After thinking long and hard about what to say, I opened my mouth just as we returned to the front of the castle.

Along the way, while Ecres-san wore a smile, she carried a somewhat shadowed atmosphere.

I don’t want Ecres-san to have such a dark aura around her.

“Are you going to hand that kitchen knife to Garn-san right away?”

“Eh? No… I was thinking of giving it to him after Nii-san finishes his work…”

“Then please wait in your room for a little bit.”

I immediately sprinted off toward the kitchen.

---

In the kitchen, Garn-san and the others were preparing for dinner.

“Oh, welcome back. How was the shopping with Ecres?”

Garn-san asked with a laugh.

“Yes. Well, I don’t think there were any mistakes.”

“I see, that’s a relief.”

“However, it seems Ecres-san has a problem.”

“What?”

Garn-san asked with a suspicious look.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a worry regarding the future. In order to solve that problem…”

I lightly patted Garn-san’s shoulder and said:

“We need the help of both you and Gings-san, Garn-san.”

“So that’s why I was called. Well? What am I supposed to do?”

Summoning Gings-san on short notice, we all got to work together.

When I explained the situation, Gings-san readily agreed.

They were siblings who had fought so fiercely before, but I’m relieved to see they’ve reconciled.

“There’s something I want to convey to Ecres-san, but this is the quickest way to convey it.”

What I prepared there was a large amount of wrappers and filling.

Yes, dumpling wrappers and filling.

Since store-bought dumpling wrappers didn’t exist, I made them all from scratch. Kneading flour, rolling it out, cutting it, and shaping it into circular pieces.

I prepared three types of filling.

One was standard cabbage and pork dumplings.

The detailed ingredients were cabbage, pork, garlic, and ginger.

The cabbage was finely minced and drained of water, and the garlic and ginger were also finely minced.

Adding salt and pepper to this, it was mixed into the pork, which had been kneaded until sticky.

To this, seasonings such as sake and nutmeg were added.

Another was Chinese chive dumplings.

This used Chinese chives, scallions, and a mix of minced beef and pork.

The Chinese chives and scallions were finely minced, then mixed thoroughly with the meat, sake, salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger until sticky.

Lastly, vegetable dumplings. A healthy option with no meat added at all.

The ingredients were just cabbage and napa cabbage.

Eh? You ask if it’s delicious without meat? Tsk, tsk, tsk, even if you don’t have money or meat, dumplings can be made endlessly delicious if you get creative with the filling.

Finely mincing the ingredients and draining the moisture, salt is added to draw out even more water, which is then removed.

To this, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth are added.

Normally, adding soy sauce and sesame oil here would be ideal, but since we don’t have them, I compromised.

Those three varieties.

I placed them before Gings-san and Garn-san.

“Now then, let’s wrap them.”

“Pardon?”

“What did you say?”

“I said, we take this and wrap it like so.”

As a test, I picked up some of the cabbage and pork filling and wrapped it in a dumpling wrapper to form the shape.

To make this shape, you see, practice is required—practice. If you don’t do it in large quantities, it’s out of the question.

I made about five of them to serve as examples.

“Now, please imitate this.”

“Understood.”

“Wait, wait. I understand Garn doing it, but I don’t see why I have to do it. I won’t be able to do it well.”

Garn-san agreed, but Gings-san hesitated.

What is he hesitating for at this late stage?

“I can’t make dumplings with such a splendid shape like yours, Shuri.”

“It’s fine.”

To the bewildered Gings-san, I said with a smile:

“Even if the shape is misshapen, there’s meaning in putting your heart into making them.”

“I see… well, if this is for Ecres’s sake, I suppose I’ll do it.”

Saying so, Gings-san grabbed a dumpling wrapper and filling, starting the work by imitating what he saw.

Garn-san similarly began working.

After watching them, I called out to the other people.

“Now then, everyone, please make dumplings while looking at the examples. We have prepared plenty of filling and wrappers. Tonight’s main dish will be dumplings. We need a large quantity, so please do your best.”

“Understood,” voices rose, and the subordinates also began working.

And here, someone was bewildered.

“U-Um, us too…?”

Yes, the attendants Princess Tebis had spoken of this morning.

It seemed these people had been helping out with work here since noon.

According to Garn-san, “If anything, they’re insolent fools who came to steal techniques.”

Well, as for me, it helps to have extra hands, so I tacitly approved.

Though during lunch, Ecres-san did mention that technology is important.

“Yes. This dumpling… this dish is a type of item known as dim sum. It’s made by wrapping ingredients in dough like this. If you apply this concept, you can make various wrappers and fillings, which should increase your repertoire of dishes for Princess Tebis.”

“I see.”

“However, with dishes like this, you can’t make pretty ones without practice. Since you’re here, please practice.”

“Of course. Learning isn’t our only role, after all. Come on, let’s do this!”

“”“Yes!”““

It was a big help that the attendants were also eager to make dumplings.

After all, we’re making enough for everyone working at the castle!

The quantity is huge… I can’t handle it all by myself. Even if I manage the wrappers and filling, the crucial part—the sheer volume—requires manpower.

Fuhaha, now, let them make them!

“Now then, shall I start frying them?”

Preparing dozens of newly made dumplings, I got ready to fry.

Setting up two frying pans on the Magi-Engineering Stove, I lit both.

Once the frying pans heated up, I poured in oil and began frying the dumplings.

Normally, that would be the procedure, but since other people are eating this time, I’ll add a little trick.

First, boil some water.

Then, heat the frying pan, grease it with oil, turn off the heat temporarily, and line up the dumplings.

Next, pour the hot water over them, turn on the heat, and immediately cover with a lid.

Yes, steam them before frying. On medium-high heat, I suppose.

Then, when it looks like the moisture has evaporated, open the lid to check.

If it’s gone, reduce to low heat and gently pour a small amount of oil along the rim of the pan, right beside the dumplings.

Then tilt the pan to let the oil spread, and wait patiently until they are fried to perfection.

Once finished, plate them up, and it’s complete.

“…Ah, that’s the one I made.”

Gings-san said from the side, looking at the finished dumplings.

“The shape is so misshapen…”

“This one is mine.”

Garn-san added from right beside him.

“At least it turned out prettier than Gings’s.”

“Ha! Unlike you, Garn, I properly folded the pleated pattern like Shuri did. Compared to that, didn’t you just fold yours shut?”

“What’d you say? It’s properly shaped in its own way.”

“Noh-peh, without these pleats, it’s no good.”

“…Pfft.”

“…Somehow, this got funny.”

Saying so, Garn-san and Gings-san laughed together.

“I’ll make mine even prettier than yours.”

“Hmph, then I’ll make more, faster.”

Watching the two of them banter while making dumplings, I felt relieved.

---

“So, these are those ‘dumplings’?”

Since I had finished making Ecres-san’s portion, Gings-san, Garn-san, and I visited Ecres-san’s room.

Ecres-san had changed into loungewear and looked at us dubiously, but seeing the dish in my hands, she seemed convinced and let us inside.

At this time, I had asked Garn-san and Gings-san to come along with me.

“Yes, please go ahead and try them.”

“Hmm, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’ll try them for now.”

I handed Ecres-san a fork and passed her the plate containing the dumplings.

Promptly placing one dumpling into her mouth, Ecres-san chewed two or three times and spoke.

“Mmm… it’s delicious.”

Then she placed another dumpling into her mouth and showed a surprised face this time.

“Hmm? This one is somewhat different… a strong aroma of Chinese chives… and this one has no meat texture at all…”

Placing another dumpling in her mouth, a smile appeared on her face.

“I see. Even though they look the same on the outside, the filling is different. This one… how should I put it, feels standard. But it’s delicious. It’s cabbage and meat. I didn’t think these two would go together so well. This one… has a strong flavor of Chinese chives. A nice aroma… it’s pleasant to eat. Lastly… there’s no meat. But even without meat, it’s a dumpling. Without the meat fat, it can be eaten refreshingly.”

Ecres-san nodded once.

“Yes, the variation is rich, and it’s very delicious. Every single one is top quality.”

She told us.

Hearing that, I pointed at two of the dumplings and said:

“This one was made by Garn-san.”

“This misshapen one?”

“And this one was made by Gings-san.”

“Mmm, the shape of this one is better, but the amount of filling inside is inconsistent.”

Ecres-san gave a wry smile.

“But they were all delicious, right?”

“Yeah, they were delicious. Regardless of the shape, it seems they were made for my sake.”

“…Ecres-san, I was thinking.”

Ecres-san was lost on her own path. Wondering if it was fine to stay like this.

“Dumplings are delicious no matter what shape or filling they have. There are far more varieties than this, after all. Garn-san found the path of a cook. Gings-san chose and advanced along the path of starting over. No matter the shape or content, that way of living has conviction and is beautiful. Ecres-san, I understand that you are lost on your path.”

She was worrying and thinking. She was lost and standing still.

In that case…

“Why don’t you confide your worries to these two important family members who are already walking down their paths?”

It’s fine to rely on the family that supports you.

“Up until now, the three of you might have had your hands full with your own matters. As a result, you developed the habit of managing things alone. You acquired the ability to somehow pull through on your own. I don’t think there’s any need to worry alone anymore. Now that the three of you can gather like this, why not speak frankly?”

Ultimately, even if they reconciled, I think they haven’t managed to step closer to one another smoothly.

Given how things were in the past, there was command rather than reliance, and hatred rather than affection.

And now, they’ve become unable to talk about even small matters.

Even if they don’t quarrel, they don’t face each other.

That’s not good.

If they managed to reconcile, I want them to step closer, and face each other without quarreling.

“Besides, as I think you realized from eating the dumplings, every dumpling was delicious. In that same way, whatever path you choose, Ecres-san, it will surely be a wonderful path. Just like dumplings are delicious as dumplings. Ecres-san is Ecres-san. That’s why I can trust you.”

Saying so, I slipped between Garn-san and Gings-san to leave the room.

“Please discuss the rest among the three of you. We made a massive batch, after all. Why don’t the three of you pick at them while talking about the many things you usually can’t talk about?”

Leaving only those words behind, I stepped out of the room.

“…Now then, time to clean up.”

Muttering a single phrase, I headed toward the kitchen.

Knowing them, Ecres-san will surely dispel her worries too.

I vaguely held on to that conviction.

The next day, Ecres-san had a refreshed look on her face.

It seems she found what she wants to do. Good, good.

Garn-san also showed enthusiasm, holding his new kitchen knife in hand.

What a relief.