Nalfa
As a proud member of the cooking society, the first thing on Shizuka’s mind when they reached Forthorthe was food.
“Nal-chan, there’s something I want to ask you,” she said, calling out to Nalfa.
“What is it?” Nalfa replied.
“I’d like you to teach me Forthorthian cooking.”
Shizuka wanted to know about homemade Forthorthian cuisine. She’d only been getting the VIP treatment so far, including luxurious meals. Koutarou’s knowledge of Forthorthian food was horribly outdated and mostly limited to campfire and field cooking. Rather than all that, Shizuka was curious about what Forthorthian families ate at home.
“I’m not very good at cooking...” Nalfa replied timidly. She wasn’t an everyday cook like Shizuka was, and she couldn’t imagine she had anything to teach her.
“That’s fine. I just want to know more about what normal food is like here.”
“In that case, please let me help you.”
Shizuka was interested in the tastes of the common people. Once she realized that, Nalfa felt she had something to offer after all.
Overhearing their conversation, Kotori approached with a beaming smile. “Nal-chan, why don’t we film it? We can have Shizuka-san make similar dishes from Earth!” She was confident that lots of people would be interested in seeing the similarities and differences between the two cuisines.
“I wouldn’t mind that,” said Shizuka.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It sounds like fun, and I’m interested in the similarities myself.”
“Then I look forward to working with you, Shizuka-san.”
Fortunately, Shizuka was eager to help out. And so the three girls got to work filming a cooking show.
Nalfa made a soup of root vegetables and bird meat, simmered with spices. When Shizuka tasted it, her face lit up.
“Oh, this is delicious! This small nut... or is it a seed? Anyways, its peculiar flavor is addictive!”
Shizuka’s first impression was that the Forthorthian soup was similar to pot-au-feu, but once she got it in her mouth and the spices kicked in, the taste reminded her more of curry. The poultry and vegetables had a great harmony.
“I’m glad you liked it,” said Nalfa.
“Aren’t you glad you practiced your cooking, Nal-chan?” asked Kotori.
“Yes!”
“Now I’m getting fired up! I won’t be outdone!” exclaimed Shizuka, moving to the kitchen as soon as she was done with Nalfa’s soup.
Kotori took up filming while Nalfa commentated.
“Shizuka-san, what are you making there?” she asked.
“This is curry soup. You’ve tried normal curry before, haven’t you, Nal-chan?”
“Yes. It’s served over rice or with naan, and it’s very delicious.”
“Well, this is the soup version of that. The soup you made today... Fakeri was it? I think this is going to be very similar.”
“I see. I’m looking forward to it.”
Nalfa watched Shizuka’s hands as she artfully chopped vegetables she’d brought from Earth. She looked like a professional chef.
“You’re really good at cooking, Shizuka-san,” Nalfa observed.
“You grow into it,” Shizuka replied.
“I’m not so sure about that...”
“Don’t worry. If you put your heart into it, you will get better even without anyone’s help. At least, that’s how it was for me.”
“Put your heart into it...”
When Shizuka said that, Nalfa recalled why she’d started cooking in the first place. She immediately blushed, and before she knew it, she was red all the way to her ears.
“Nal-chan’s heart is definitely in it,” said Kotori, who knew Nalfa’s motivation. If Shizuka was right, she was confident Nalfa would eventually become a great cook.
“I get that. Heehee...” Shizuka had an idea of Nalfa’s reason too. She flashed an empathetic smile.
“P-Please stop, you two! We’re in the middle of filming!” begged Nalfa.
“I’m sorry. I’ll take this more seriously,” said Kotori.
“Curry soup, curry soup!” Shizuka began humming.
“Jeez...”
Though Nalfa was pouting, Shizuka and Kotori were doing their jobs properly. As she watched them work, Nalfa’s expression gradually relaxed and then became unsure.
“Don’t worry, Nalfa-san. Food’s always better when it’s made with love, y’know?”
“Shizuka-san... Yes, you’re right!”
With that, a smile returned to Nalfa’s lips thanks, and she continued smiling afterward. Shizuka’s curry soup was absolutely delicious.
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