Kuro and Fia-sensei were still deep in conversation, so Noin-san and I chatted to pass the time. Before long, my stomach began to rumble.
"I’m starting to get a little hungry," I admitted.
"Me too. I exerted myself quite a bit today... so, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I’m famished."
With the situation regarding Fia-sensei finally settled, the adrenaline had worn off, and my body was demanding fuel. I wanted to grab a bite, but I couldn't exactly drag Noin-san to the Friendly City, and heading home alone felt like a slight.
"Hmm. Do I have anything...?"
Thinking I might have at least some white rice and pickled radish tucked away, I summoned my Magic Box. Just as it materialized in my palm, Alice appeared.
"Alice?"
She didn't say a word. Instead, she produced a stack of lumber from thin air. A flash of light erupted from her hands, and in the blink of an eye, a surprisingly sturdy-looking food stall stood before us. A sign hung from the roof: Alice-chan's Delicious Stall.
"By the way, these prices include on-site delivery surcharges!"
That little... She’d certainly sharpened her business acumen in the short time I'd known her. She’d even gone to the trouble of setting out two chairs at the counter. No matter how I looked at it, she clearly intended to rip us off, but the tactic was devastatingly effective given our current state.
Noin-san and I traded a look, let out a resigned sigh in unison, and took our seats at the counter.
"Welcome! Here’s the menu."
"Wait, what?"
"Um... Phantasm King-sama? What exactly is this?"
"It’s exactly what it says!" Alice replied with a beaming smile.
The menu she handed me simply read: Anything / Seasonal Pricing. Was that it? She’d make whatever we wanted, but the price would fluctuate on a whim? I knew Alice was capable, but I wondered if she really could produce anything. Sensing my doubt, she wore a fearless grin.
"Oh? You don't believe me? Then let's make it a game. If I can't make what you order, or if you don't find it delicious, it’s on the house. But if it hits the mark, it’ll cost you one gold coin. How about it?"
"A gold coin? You're really trying to rob us."
"I don't mean to doubt the Phantasm King-sama, but I’ll have you know I’m something of a connoisseur when it comes to Japanese cuisine," Noin-san added.
If she failed, it was free; if she succeeded, it was one gold coin—essentially a million yen. Alice was clearly brimming with confidence. However, I didn't think we were totally without a chance. Surely there were dishes that didn't exist in this world that even she couldn't replicate.
"Fine. I accept."
"As expected of Kaito-san! You're so easy to deal with. Well then, please place your order..."
"In that case... I’ll have sushi," Noin-san said.
It was a clever choice. Rice-based meals weren't common here. I’d seen sashimi in the Hydra Kingdom, but I didn't recall seeing sushi anywhere, and it required real technical skill to get right. Noin-san might actually have the upper hand here.
"Coming right up. For Nigiri Sushi, I have Regular, Deluxe, or Premium. Which would you like?"
"Ugh... T-Then, Premium, please..."
"You got it."
Alice didn't even blink. She knew the grades of sushi. I suppose I shouldn't have expected anything less from the Phantasm King. Still, we didn't know how it would taste. Noin-san was supposedly very particular about her Japanese food, so it wouldn't be—
A beautiful container of nigiri sushi appeared in front of Noin-san. The moment she saw it, she silently pulled a gold coin from her pocket and placed it on the counter.
"I yield."
"Thanks for your business!"
"Wait, Noin-san?! You haven't even tasted it yet!"
"I don't have to. I can tell just by looking. This is the real deal..."
Defeated in an instant. For a Japanese food enthusiast like Noin-san to concede just by looking at it... Alice was terrifying.
"Now then, what will Kaito-san have?"
"Urgh... I... I'll have..."
Sushi was out. What was left? Something that didn't exist in this world... I searched my memories of the last six months. I’d read through the guidebook Kuro gave me, and I knew for a fact that "that" wasn't listed.
"Ramen."
In this world, noodles meant pasta. I hadn't seen any other variations, and I had confirmed the lack of ramen shops myself. I remembered feeling quite depressed when I couldn't find a single shop listed in Kuro's guidebook. This was my best shot.
"What base would you like? Salt? Miso? Shoyu? Tonkotsu? Paitan? I can even do Tan-tan Men if you prefer."
"Wh-at... Fine. Tonkotsu Shoyu."
"How would you like the noodles? Soft, medium, or firm?"
"Firm."
"Coming right up."
It was no use. She knew everything. But maybe the flavor would be off. There was still a chance, however small, that it wouldn't be good. A moment later, a bowl was placed before me, accompanied by a mouth-watering aroma.
"Here you go! I added extra Chashu as a bonus."
"Thanks... I'll dig in."
It was exactly what a hungry young man needed. I couldn't see any way to win this. She’d even provided a ceramic spoon and disposable chopsticks. I tentatively sipped the soup, then took a mouthful of noodles. Without a word, I reached for my wallet and placed a gold coin on the counter.
"I concede."
"Thanks for your business!"
It was infuriatingly good. Her smug grin made my blood boil, but the flavor was beyond reproach. Maybe it was just because it had been so long since I'd had ramen, but the rich broth clung to the noodles perfectly, and the thick slices of chashu were incredibly juicy. It was a total, crushing defeat—though I was almost glad to lose if it meant eating this.
"Hey, Alice."
"Yeah?"
"Could you also make things like beef bowls or hamburgers?"
"Since I'm in a good mood, I can prep them for you to take home in your Magic Box for just one copper coin each."
"That's ten thousand yen an item... but fine. I'll take them."
"Thanks for your business!"
It was a massive mark-up, but I wanted them. I frequently found myself craving things like beef bowls and burgers out of nowhere, so I needed a stockpile.
"Oh, and I also have a full selection of Japanese sweets! Dorayaki and the like."
"I'll buy those too!" Noin-san shouted, clearly hooked.
It was a complete shutout. We were in the palm of her hand. I found myself buying more even as I cursed the prices.
Dear Mother, Father—I’ve been forced to acknowledge the sheer depth of Alice’s capabilities, and it’s frankly terrifying. I'm starting to think that her act at the general store is just that—a performance. In reality, she might just be a business genius.