I wasn't sure exactly how much time had passed. By the time I woke up, rejoined the barbecue, and spent a while chatting, the hours had slipped away in the blink of an eye.
I considered helping with the cleanup, but Ein had already worked her magic—not a single speck of dust remained at the site. I was standing there with a bewildered, wry smile when Noin approached me.
"Miyama-san. If you're willing, I've prepared a few souvenirs for you... First, please take this."
"What is it?"
She handed me a black, square, block-shaped gemstone. Aside from its peculiar shape, it looked entirely ordinary.
"This is... well, to put it simply, it’s like a portable storehouse. It’s enchanted with Space Magic and preservation magic, allowing you to store a vast variety of items inside."
"...Wait, isn't that something incredibly valuable?"
So, it was that! The quintessential "Item Box" found in every other-world story! I see—the reason Ein was able to pull out so many things at a moment's notice was because she used a Magic Tool like this. But surely something this convenient must be expensive?
"No, no, it is hardly such a grand thing. I simply whipped it up this morning using some leftovers, so please, accept it without hesitation," Zex said.
"Zex-sama is a master of Magic Tool creation, after all," Noin added.
"Th-Thank you very much."
Sensing my hesitation, Zex gave me a gentle smile, assuring me there was no need for concern. Having spent some time with him, I had realized that even though he was a skeleton, his expressions actually changed. It was mysterious, but considering there were Demons in this world whose bodies were made of ore, I figured I would lose if I overthought the details too much.
"Aww... I was planning on making a Magic Box for Kaito-kun myself!" Kuro complained.
"Give me a break, Kuro-sama. If you made one using your Magic Power, it would become a national treasure-class relic just by existing..." Acht chided her, muttering some rather ominous-sounding words under his breath.
Apparently, the item was officially called a Magic Box. Seeing my lingering confusion, Raz stepped in to offer a further explanation.
"The amount you can put into a Magic Box depends on the creator's Magic Power!"
"Is that so?"
"Yes! For someone with average power, it might be the size of a closet or a small room... but with Kuro-sama's Magic Power, you could probably fit an entire metropolis inside."
As expected of Kuro. Then again, I could only see a future where I’d be completely overwhelmed by an item that powerful. I really did owe Zex a double debt of gratitude.
"Well, even the Boss’s work—Zex’s—is probably bigger than a mansion," Acht added.
"……"
It was already a ridiculously overpowered item.
As I stood there, stunned by the scale of the "leftover" gift, Noin manifested a Magic Circle on the box's surface and pointed to its center.
"Please touch the center of the circle. That will register you as the owner. There’s no need to use any Magic Power yourself."
"Right, okay."
When I touched the circle as instructed, the Magic Box emitted a brief flash of light, though its appearance remained unchanged. I wondered if that was really all it took.
"Yes, you've been successfully registered. Using it is simple. While holding the Magic Box, just picture the item you want to retrieve, and it will appear. To store something, touch the object and think 'store.' Just remember that living creatures can't be put inside. Also, you can check the contents or make the gem itself appear and disappear just by thinking about it."
Following Noin's advice, I tried making the Magic Box vanish. The black gemstone disappeared instantly. When I thought about bringing it back, it reappeared in my palm. This was incredible! It was so convenient! Magic really was amazing.
Seeing my excitement, Noin smiled and manifested a Magic Box of her own.
"Now then, allow me to give you the actual souvenirs."
"Eh? I thought the souvenir was the Magic Box itself..."
"Oh, no. That was merely for the sake of convenience and preservation. This is the main event!"
"Is... Is this what I think it is?"
What Noin pulled out was, to my eyes, a white miracle. A triangular prism of pure, compressed nostalgia. The sprig of yellow beside it created a perfect contrast. It looked positively divine.
"Indeed! The soul of the Japanese people... Rice Balls and Pickled Radish! I thought you might be starting to miss them by now."
Gulp.
I reflexively swallowed my saliva. Noin... are you a goddess?
It had been five days since I arrived in this world. The meals at Duchess Albert’s mansion were delicious, but as a Japanese person, a diet of constant bread eventually made me crave white rice with a passion.
Unfortunately, there was no rice at Lili’s house. I’d heard that rice existed in this world, but because bread was the staple, rice rarely made it to the market. I had resigned myself to a year without it.
"A-Are you sure? I heard rice is rare and expensive in this world..."
"There is no need to worry. I grow this personally, and I guarantee the taste. As a former Japanese person myself, I simply couldn't handle an all-bread diet. I’ve prepared quite a lot, so please share it with your fellow countrymen."
"Thank you so much! Truly, I’m so happy!"
Noin actually grew white rice herself. I knew I was being easily swayed by food, but I was genuinely, heart-wrenchingly grateful. I could almost see a halo behind her.
The Rice Balls were perfectly shaped and glistened with quality. Just looking at them, I knew they would be delicious. In both appearance and character, Noin was a paragon of the Japanese spirit.
"I mean, Raz-sis is the one who actually grows the stuff, and the Big Sis is the one who cooked 'em," Acht pointed out.
"Ugh."
"And to be honest, we don't eat much rice. We only make it because Noin threw a tantrum about how she absolutely had to have it," Ein added.
"She gave quite the passionate speech," Zex chimed in. "'Breakfast must be white rice, Pickled Radish, and Miso Soup, or I cannot face the day!'"
"U-Uuu..."
So Noin didn't actually make them herself...
Acht and Ein’s corrections hit home, and Noin slumped her shoulders as if she’d been struck.
"I tried to do it myself at first! But how was I supposed to compete with Raz-sama, who grows top-quality crops regardless of the climate, or Ein-san, who can cook better than a master chef just by hearing a description?"
"Ahaha! Well, Raz thinks growing Mr. Rice is fun, so don't let it bother you!"
"As a maid, I refuse to be outdone by a mere chef. Mastering every form of cuisine is the minimum requirement for my profession," Ein stated flatly.
So Raz was an agricultural expert. And as for Ein... I really had to wonder what a "maid" was supposed to be in this world. Was it just a synonym for a superhuman?
"Well, regardless of who made them, I only have them because of you, Noin-san. Thank you, really."
I offered some words of comfort to the dejected Noin, and once she recovered, I officially accepted the gifts.
Because the Magic Box featured preservation magic, anything placed inside would remain in its original state without deteriorating. I could have a freshly made Rice Ball whenever I wanted.
And just as Noin had said, she had provided a staggering amount. I wouldn't have to worry about a rice shortage for quite some time.
To my delight, she had also included an assortment of "extras"—seasonings like Soy Sauce and Miso, and even sweets like Yokan. Apparently, Ein had crafted these based on Noin's requests as well. That woman truly was capable of anything.
"I feel like I'm doing nothing but receiving favors... Thank you for everything."
"Please, don't mention it. As someone from the same world, I know better than anyone how hard the cultural differences in food can be. Miyama-san, you aren't just important to Kuro-sama—you're an irreplaceable friend to us as well. If you're ever in trouble, please rely on us."
"That's right! Raz is always happy to help! If it's about plants, just leave it to me!"
"Yeah, don't sweat it. Life is all about give-and-take. Just pay us back someday when you can."
"Is that so? I don't recall you contributing anything to these gifts, Acht," Ein noted.
"Big Sis, we had a deal not to bring that up..."
The warmth of these people—or rather, these beings—really got to me. They were so incredibly kind that I felt like I might cry.
As I accepted the mountain of souvenirs and bowed repeatedly, they told me in unison not to worry about it. The fact that they treated me as a friend so naturally made me feel more welcome than I could put into words. I truly couldn't thank Kuro enough for organizing this barbecue.
As we continued to chat, Noin spoke up again, looking a bit hesitant.
"Miyama-san. This is... well, I’m not asking for anything in return, and it’s perfectly fine if you don't know, but..."
"Yes?"
"Do you happen to know how to make Tofu?"
"Tofu?"
It was an unexpected question.
As she explained, it turned out that for rice and Pickled Radish, she’d been able to find close enough equivalents in this world. For Miso and Soy Sauce, she had the knowledge to guide the process. But for Tofu, she didn't know anything other than the fact that it was made from soybeans.
Even the brilliant Ein couldn't figure out the manufacturing process just by hearing a description of the final product. Noin had been desperate for a way to make it.
She could have asked previous Heroes, but since they were treated as national guests and moved from country to country, she rarely had a chance to speak with them. She had felt too guilty to ask Kuro to go out of her way to find the information, so she had simply endured it until now.
But today, having the chance to speak leisurely with a fellow Japanese person, she had finally summoned the courage to ask.
Noin had been born in the Taisho era and was summoned when she was much younger than I was. Back then, without the internet, there weren't many ways for an individual to look up information they didn't already possess.
She seemed to feel bad about asking for information right after giving me the rice, but for my part, I was just glad to have a chance to return her kindness.
"I only have a general idea of how it's done, but I think..."
I’d never actually made Tofu myself, but when I had started living alone for university, I’d skimmed through a few cooking sites and happened to see a recipe. I tried to relay that memory as best I could.
I made sure to emphasize that I didn't know the exact measurements or the finer points, but...
"I see. I believe I have the general idea now. I didn't quite understand when Noin-sama described it as a white, jiggly thing made from soybeans, but Kaito-sama's explanation has given me a clear image of the process. I believe I can replicate it without any problems."
Despite my clumsy explanation, Ein seemed to have grasped the essence of it. She nodded with confidence. Considering her track record, I had no doubt she’d have it perfected in no time. It was a little terrifying, honestly.
"Thank you so much, Miyama-san! Finally... finally, I can eat Tofu again!"
"Ah, no, I should be the one thanking you..."
Noin was so happy she took my hand, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile.
For her, it might be the first time in hundreds of years. As a die-hard Japanese food fundamentalist, this was clearly a monumental occasion for her. Regardless, I was just happy I could help.
Eventually, it was time to leave. Everyone gathered to see me off as I boarded the carriage.
"See ya, Kaito-kun! I'll come by to visit again tomorrow or the day after!"
"Yeah. Thanks again for everything, Kuro."
"Miyama-san, once the Tofu is ready, I'll bring some over to the mansion."
"I'll be looking forward to it."
"Hey, I'll come along for that. Unlike Kuro-sama or the Boss, I'm not famous in the Human Realm, so I can just walk through the front door. My partner wanted to meet Kaito too, so it works out."
"Ahaha. Just try to come in your human form, Acht."
"Raz is coming too!"
"Yes, please do."
"I shall be visiting Duchess Albert with Sei soon, so we can speak more then."
"I'll be waiting for you, Zex-san."
"Kaito-sama, please take care of yourself. Until we meet again."
"Thank you, Ein-san."
I responded to each of them with a smile, waving back as the carriage pulled away.
Today had been truly wonderful. I felt like something had shifted inside me for the better. When I got back to Lili's mansion, I decided I would write one of those letters I’d made a habit of sending. But this time, I’d change the words just a little bit.
Dear Mom, Dear Dad—Today was the first day since I came to this world that I felt happy from the bottom of my heart. And... I made friends.