Chapter 958: A Very Old Special SS 2 (1/2)

<Author's Notes>

I'm still not feeling well, so for the time being, I'll be posting the four Special SS I found in order.

※ Please note that these stories were posted for the Light Novel's Volume 1 (from the beginning to around the date with Kuro)

This chapter is more about the exchange in regards to Neun and her tofu, and the story of the depressed Neun back in Rigforeshia.

In the corner of the Demon Realm stands a huge building. In one of the rooms, Neun, a member of the Underworld King's family, had a difficult expression on her face. In front of her were several plates and white lumps…… of tofu on them, all of which showed signs of having been eaten one bite.

[……It doesn't feel good on the tongue…… I need to remake this.]

Neun learned how to make tofu from Kaito at a recent barbecue party hosted by the Underworld King Kuromueina.

To be fair, Kaito's explanation to her at that time was something he took out from his memory, but Neun is somehow trying to put it into shape while consulting Ein. Anyhow, the current Neun continued to conduct trial and error everyday in order to make delicious tofu.

However, Neun is a big fan of Japanese food and is very particular about it. She is also someone focused on her goal and doesn't like compromising, and despite making more than a hundred prototypes, she hasn't been able to produce anything that she find satisfactory.

If it were left to Ein, who had excellent cooking skills, she would have been able to complete a perfect product in just a few prototypes, but Neun dared to take on the challenge of making tofu by herself.

The reason for this is simple, she felt bothered about what Acht said at the barbecue. telling Kaito that ”Razelia is the one who made the rice, and Ein is the one who cooked it”. This time, she was determined to create something satisfactory on her own.

[Neun~~ Ya finished making tofu-san~~?]

[Raz-sama? Is something the matter?]

Flapping her tiny wings, the fairy Razelia arrived to Neun's side.

It seems that Razelia is interested in the tofu that Neun is making, as when she saw the prototype laid out on the plates, her eyes lit up.

[Whooaaa~~ They're so beautiful and white~~ Raz would also like to have some!]

[Y- You can't!]

[Eh? I- I can't…… Why……]

[Ahh!? P- Please don't look like you're about to cry. It's just for now. I haven't finished making something I'm satisfied with……]

[It looks tasty enough though……]

[That won't do. I can't let you eat something that isn't good enough.]

When Neun told her that she couldn't feed her because she hadn't finished something she was satisfied with yet, Razelia's shoulders slumped, clearly looking dejected.

Curious by nature, being a vegetarian…… As a characteristic of all Fairies, she doesn't eat meat, so Razelia was eager to eat the tofu that was made from soybeans.

[……I see, I understand. Raz will be patient.]

[Ahh……]

The sight of the small Razelia being dejected dealt so much damage to Neun's conscience that she looked rather troubled.

[H- However, I'm starting to make something great. At this rate, I think I'll be able to serve you some after a few more trials.]

[R- Really!? Will it be ready soon?]

[Yes, very soon. When it's done, I'll definitely bring some to Raz-sama.]

[Yaaayyy! I'm looking forward to it!]

Hearing Neun's words, the sadness Razelia she had on her face vanished in an instant, happily flying around Neun.

It was a smile-inducing scene, and Neun herself couldn't help but smile…… but a few moments later, Razelia stopped moving.

[……Is it done yet?]

[Eh? N- No, I still haven't finished it.]

[I- I see…… How long would it take? About 5 minutes?]

[……N- No, it will take longer.]

[……I- Is that so……]

For Razelia, who wasn't a patient person by nature, it was quite difficult for her to wait.

Razelia, who had known Neun for a long time, knows that once Neun decides to do something, it isn't that likely for her to change her mind. However, once her interest was aroused, it wouldn't disappear easily, and thus, Razelia only stared curiously at Neun's back as she returned to making tofu.

A few days later, Razelia finally lost her patience and visited Ein, who was the only person other than Neun who could make tofu.

[……Tofu, is it?]

[Yes! Raz really wants to eat that white and jiggly tofu-san! That's why, Ein-san, please feed Raz-san tofu-san!]

[Fumu…… I don't mind.]

[Yaaaayyyy~~]