Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 186: Chinese Feast
Together with Norman-san and Jacob-san, I hurriedly began cooking.
For this meal, I prepared a full Chinese course — gyoza (dumplings), mapo tofu, shrimp in chili sauce, and pepper steak (chinjao rosu).
Of course, rice was the main dish, but since I personally love crispy fried noodles with mixed toppings, I made gomoku kata yakisoba as well.
Most of the dishes go great with rice, but I figured I’d probably end up eating most of the noodles myself.
“Wow! I’ve never seen any of these dishes before! I can’t believe there are still so many foods I’ve never even heard of!”
That reaction came from Sheila-san, the moment we brought out the food.
Her eyes were sparkling — I hadn’t seen her this excited in a long time.
“They’re in the same category as fried rice and karaage. It’s all considered Chinese cuisine.”
“They look completely different, though! The same category? …I can’t wait to eat!”
Sheila was practically drooling as she stared at the food, so I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Then, I turned to see Isabella’s reaction — the most important one.
I hoped she would like it, though she’d said that the food from the elf kingdom was delicious too.
Unlike the others, there was some uncertainty about whether she’d find it tasty.
She probably eats some pretty fancy stuff back home.
“Nu-fu-fu! Well? Isabella! Looks delicious, doesn’t it?”
“I’ll admit, it does look good. And that smell… it’s really appetizing.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I think it’ll suit your taste — please, give it a try.”
After saying that, I led everyone in a short pre-meal greeting.
Once we finished, everyone’s eyes were fixed on Isabella as she lifted her chopsticks.
“…It’s hard to eat when everyone’s staring like this.”
“Quit complaining and eat already! You said you’d just eat the food you brought yourself, remember? You insulted our meal — it’s only fair we hear your opinion now!”
“I didn’t mean to insult anyone… but fine, I’ll eat.”
Isabella picked up a gyoza, dipped it in sauce, and put it in her mouth.
Her expression was blank at first, but after a few chews, it softened — and a blush spread across her face.
“It goes perfectly with that white rice, too. Try them together.”
Following my suggestion, she took a bite of rice.
The harmony between the flavors made her cheeks flush even more — her reaction was almost… sensual.
“It’s… it’s too delicious! What ingredients did you even use!?”
“Nu-fu-fu! I told you! Sato’s cooking is in a league of its own!”
“I’m glad it suits your taste. The red dishes are a bit spicy, so please have some rice or water with them.”
“I don’t handle spicy food well, but… somehow, these look too good to resist.”
Though she looked nervous, Isabella tried the mapo tofu and shrimp in chili sauce next.
Both were mildly spiced, so she seemed to enjoy them too.
Before long, she was eating rice enthusiastically, mixing it with the sauces.
Those two dishes really do pair perfectly with rice — seeing her enjoy it made me genuinely happy.
“Ahh… it’s just too good!”
“Mmm! Everything’s delicious!”
“These are truly wonderful! I thought spicy dishes might all taste similar, but each one has its own unique flavor! And this gyoza — the juicy meat inside is pure bliss!”
“Master! I like the pepper steak the best! It goes perfectly with the rice!”
Since these were all new dishes for them, I was relieved by their enthusiastic reactions.
Even Isabella was impressed — the welcome feast was a complete success.
“I’m so glad you’re all enjoying it. There’s dessert too, so please look forward to it.”
“D-dessert too!? How can there be food this good in such a rural place…!?”
“That’s because Sato is here! Dessert will be pudding, perhaps? Or vanilla ice cream?”
“I’d be happy with pancakes! The ones with Queen Needle honey are divine!”
“Actually, the dessert will be something new. I’m not sure if you’ll like it, but I hope you do.”
At the mention of “new dessert,” an excited cheer went up.
Sheila and Yato’s eyes practically turned into hearts — they were already lost in anticipation.
“I completely underestimated you. I never imagined I’d taste food dozens of levels above elven cuisine. It’s almost frightening that none of it is bad.”
“Just wait, Isabella! Once you try the dessert, you’ll be speechless!”
“The desserts here are that good!?”
“Please, don’t raise the bar too high!”
This time, for dessert, we prepared almond tofu and sesame dumplings — both classic Chinese sweets.
I felt a little guilty since they each have distinctive flavors, and there’s a chance not everyone would like them.
Still, with how high everyone’s spirits were, I was confident it would turn out fine.
As I thought about that, I tucked into my own personal serving of crispy noodles, savoring Chinese food for the first time in a long while.