“Yes, the flavor is excellent.”
“Thank you very much.”
It was the day before the social gathering.
Yuri was presenting the dish she was responsible for to the Head Chef for a final tasting.
“But to propose a last-minute arrangement like this right before the event… You have quite the ambitious streak, Hirano-san.”
“I-I’m sorry…”
“Don’t apologize. Everyone here welcomes anything that raises the quality of our work.”
Yuri felt it was a wonderful workplace. Everyone moved as one to achieve the best possible results. It was a place where lethargy was not tolerated, bound together by a collective drive for excellence.
Just then, Shizune entered through the kitchen door.
“Head Maid, thank you for coming by.”
“Good work, everyone. Is this the dish for the social gathering?”
“Yes, it’s the poêlé with Hirano-san’s new arrangement. She’s adjusted the seasoning to be a bit richer.”
Shizune took a bite to sample it.
As Yuri watched nervously, Shizune sampled the dish in silence.
“The seasoning, the aroma, and the texture are all superb. Hirano-san, what was your intention behind this change?”
“Um, I found out that many of the attendees for this gathering are fond of white wine, so I tried to season it to complement that preference.”
This was the strategy Itsuki had devised.
The initial idea of wanting an arrangement that paired with the drinks at the venue had been Yuri’s. But when she mentioned it to Itsuki, he had immediately gathered data on the participants and analyzed previous gatherings, providing a detailed report showing a strong preference for aged white wine.
Itsuki had provided the concrete roadmap. She truly had to be grateful to him.
“I see. It seems you have a very capable consultant.”
“Ugh…”
She’s seen right through me.
However, Shizune didn’t seem to be rebuking her. If anything, she looked almost proud.
“I have no objections. We’ll move forward with this.”
“I agree,” the Head Chef added.
Approval had been granted by both Shizune and the Head Chef.
Yes!
Yuri clenched her fist. She had managed to produce a result as a chef. With this, she would surely be entrusted with more significant responsibilities. The kitchen of the Konohana family was a true meritocracy.
“By the way, Hirano-san.”
“Yes?”
“What is your favorite color?”
“…Huh?”
It was a sudden question with no apparent motive.
Yuri took a moment to think.
“White or red, I suppose.”
“White, red… No, those might stand out a bit too much.”
Apparently, those weren't the right answers.
“I also like black. It doesn’t show stains as easily.”
It was a perspective entirely rooted in her life as a cook, but…
“Black… Black, is it? I see…”
This time, the response was quite positive.
As Shizune fell into thought, Yuri tilted her head in confusion.
“Um, Head Maid. Can I really leave the rest to you…?”
“There is no need for concern. When it comes to clothing, there is no one in this manor more knowledgeable than I…”
They were whispering about something in secret.
In the end, without ever finding out what the two of them were discussing, Yuri moved on to the day of the event.
◆
The day of the social gathering arrived, and the kitchen was a whirlwind of activity.
The attendees were all associates of the Konohana Group. It wasn't the sort of event where guests would wolf down the food and leave the platters bare instantly, but it was common for dishes to grow cold or for a platter to look unsightly when only half-finished. They had to provide fresh food in perfect synchronization with the servers who monitored the room while distributing wine.
“Good work, Hirano-san. You can head off for your break now.”
“…Thank you.”
Since the staff members who had rested earlier were returning, it was finally Yuri’s turn. It felt like there was still plenty she could help with, but if she pushed herself too hard, it would only make the Head Chef worry. Yuri figured she would just return a little early without letting anyone notice.
“Since you have the chance, why don’t you go out and enjoy the gathering for a bit?”
“Eh? Is it really okay for me to go out there?”
“Of course. Why don’t you try dressing up in a gown while you’re at it?”
The Head Chef spoke with a playful glint in her eye.
“A gown? I don’t own anything like that…”
“We have one right here.”
Before she knew it, Shizune was standing directly behind her.
Yuri had begun to realize lately that this woman was elusive, appearing and disappearing like a ghost.
“This is your gown, Hirano-san.”
With those words, Shizune presented a black dress to Yuri.
“……Wait, what?”
“It is a surprise from the entire kitchen staff. You took over as a substitute on an impossible schedule this time, Hirano-san. Consider this our way of apologizing for the short notice and thanking you for your hard work.”
The other chefs in the kitchen looked at Yuri with warm, supportive smiles.
“Th-thank you so much. I’m… I’m so happy…”
Overcome with emotion, tears welled in the corners of her eyes.
This is embarrassing. This isn't like me at all…
“Now then, let us get you changed and head to the venue immediately,” Shizune said, handing the dress to Yuri.
“I understand. Ah, but I still have work left, so I shouldn’t stay for long—”
“It’s fine, the worst of the rush is over,” the Head Chef interrupted.
“I intend to have you work very hard from here on out, Hirano-san… so I think you should learn to see things from the perspective of a guest for once. I want you to walk the floor, mingle, and see what kind of food you find yourself reaching for when you finally catch your breath. I think you’ll find it very educational.”
“…………I understand.”
She felt like she was being expertly handled, but she decided to let them have their way for now.
This really was a good workplace.
She felt a deep surge of gratitude toward Itsuki for being the reason she was working here in the first place. Though, knowing Itsuki, he would probably just say, “It’s only because of the effort you’ve put in yourself, Yuri.”