Sizzle—!

Two spoonfuls of scalding hot oil were drizzled over the finished dishes, instantly erupting with a sizzle that seemed to awaken the very soul of the food. The golden-brown garlic, stimulated by the hot oil, burst forth with an intense, rich fragrance. This, entwined with the fresh scent of green onions and the sweet, delicate aroma of the abalone and lobster, created an irresistible storm of flavor that wafted from the kitchen. The intense heat of the oil had completely released the ingredients' aromas, filling the air with a scent so good it made everyone's mouth water.

"This smell… is just incredible! I can't take it!" Even Ryohei himself was getting overwhelmed by how good it smelled. He quickly loaded the platters onto a tray and headed out.

The savory aroma flowed from the kitchen like an invisible ribbon, gently wrapping itself around the noses of Yurine and the others, further stoking their already roaring appetites. The moment Ryohei emerged with the tray, all eyes snapped toward him, glistening with the light of excitement and anticipation, like a pack of hungry little animals.

"It smells so good!"

"Whoa—! That's an incredible… an incredible smell!"

Ryohei couldn't help but smile at their reactions. "Clear the empty plates," he said. "There's still a little sashimi left, you guys can finish it."

"Hai!" Minos efficiently cleared the empty plate that had held the salt-grilled sea bream, not forgetting to snag the last few pieces of sashimi for herself. Jashin-chan, a master of both causing trouble and scarfing down food, swept up most of what was left. Medusa delicately picked up a few slices. Yurine, having already eaten a good amount in the kitchen, used the serving chopsticks to place the remaining pieces in Ryohei's bowl.

Ryohei then presented the new dishes. "Steamed Abalone with Glowing Garlic Sauce, and Steamed Ise Lobster with the same sauce."

Once again, chopsticks moved in unison. Yurine picked up an abalone, and after letting it cool for only a second, eagerly popped it into her mouth. Her expression immediately melted.

"Mmm—! So good!" The abalone meat was firm and springy, with the unique savory flavor of the ocean, but the steaming process had made it incredibly tender and juicy. The rich garlic aroma had penetrated deep into the meat, blending perfectly with its natural sweetness. The taste and texture were superb.

"...The lobster meat is delicious, too!" Minos chewed with a look of pure enjoyment. The lobster was firm and Q-bouncy, with a natural sweetness and an incredible juiciness, all enhanced by the fragrant garlic. It was divine.

"The sauce is the true essence of these two dishes," Ryohei commented, listening to their praise. He used the serving chopsticks to scoop up some of the glistening, golden garlic sauce that had pooled in the bottom of the lobster shell and drizzled it over his rice.

"Oh, really?" Yurine's eyes widened. She immediately followed his lead, as did Minos. Jashin-chan and Medusa were right behind them.

"Ooh! So good!" Jashin-chan, having tried the sauce with both the lobster and abalone flavors, looked blissful. She began to commentate like a pro. "The sauce has absorbed all the delicious juices from the abalone and lobster. The garlic is so fragrant, but it doesn't overpower the sweetness of the seafood…"

"Super delicious!"

"Hey, you took way too much!" Minos complained, looking at Jashin-chan's bowl, which was now filled to the brim with the precious sauce. She had wanted more, too.

"You take what you can eat. Don't you understand such a simple rule?" Jashin-chan shot Minos a smug grin. "You're so naive, Minos!"

"Jashin-chan," Yurine said, putting her chopsticks down with a click. She stood up from the table, her gaze unfriendly. "It seems I need to teach you some table manners." Jashin-chan's body went rigid, and she immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

"Um… Minos, do you want some? I'll share," Jashin-chan said, pushing her bowl toward Minos.

Minos quickly pulled her own bowl away. "No way! I'm not eating your leftovers!" she said with disgust.

You idiot! Can't you read the room?! Don't you see I'm about to get beaten up?! Jashin-chan's spirit was breaking.

"Alright, Yurine, you can lecture her later. Let's eat first," Ryohei said, standing up and placing a calming hand on Yurine's shoulder.

Yurine gave him a nod and, out of respect for him, sat back down. Jashin-chan let out a sigh of relief, then shot Ryohei a look that was a mixture of resentment and indignation. What do you mean, 'lecture her later'?! You're such an unhelpful familiar!

Ryohei ignored her and went back to the kitchen to get the final dish.

"Clam Chawanmushi… Everyone, please try some."

The rich aroma of egg, mixed with the fresh, briny scent of clams and the savory fragrance of dashi, drew everyone's attention. The steamed egg custard was as smooth as a mirror, a delicate pale yellow, with almost no visible air bubbles, like a layer of soft silk. Clams were half-submerged in the custard, their shells slightly open to reveal the plump, jade-white meat within. A clear, amber-colored broth, which Ryohei had just drizzled on top, glistened on the surface, and a few specks of bright green scallion added a touch of fresh color.

"It looks so delicious!"

"And it smells so good!"

Minos was the first to serve herself a spoonful, and the others quickly followed, savoring the dish. Smiles began to bloom on their faces.

"It's so good," Medusa murmured, taking bite after bite. The custard was so delicate and smooth it melted on her tongue like a warm cloud. The fresh, sweet flavor of the clams had seeped deep into the custard, releasing the pure taste of the ocean with every bite. The savory egg and the briny clams were a perfect match. The texture of the tender clam meat provided a wonderful contrast to the soft, silky custard. The flavor was simple yet deep, and Medusa was completely enchanted.

At the same time, it awakened a memory deep within her senses.

"..."

"Welcome to the world beneath the waves."

The voice was deep and gentle, like the murmur of the ocean, carrying with it a calming power.

Medusa, who had been admiring the beautiful underwater scenery, turned to see a familiar merman standing on a silvery-white beach. His upper body was human, with fair skin and chiseled features. His eyes were the deep blue of the ocean, and his lower body was a shimmering, silver-blue fishtail, its scales glittering like stars.

Medusa paused, and before she could react, the merman elegantly extended a hand, palm up. "Give me your hand," he said softly.

Instinctively, Medusa placed her hand in his. The moment her fingertips touched his warm palm, she snapped back to her senses, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.