This is a short entry.
There was a game called Dark Hot Pot.
Participants would bring their own ingredients and toss them into the pot without anyone knowing who contributed what. The rule was simple: whatever you grabbed with your chopsticks, you had to eat. Normally, it was just a peculiar way to share a meal, but some people would abuse the rules and toss in items completely unsuitable for a stew. It was less of a dinner and more of a game.
As for me, I felt that playing with food was wrong, so I had no intention of hosting a Dark Hot Pot in the village. The residents shared my resistance to the idea of wasting food, so they never suggested it either. Perhaps that was why the Village of the Great Tree ended up creating its own original version.
It was called the Light Hot Pot.
In a Light Hot Pot, everyone gathered around the table drew a lot one by one to determine their specific ingredient. To ensure things didn't get too out of hand, Chinese cabbage and regular cabbage were free additions. Without that rule, we risked having a pot with no vegetables at all, and I wanted everyone to get their proper nutrition. If you were having hot pot, you needed greens.
The type of broth could be decided after all the ingredients were revealed. This was another measure to ensure that no matter what ended up in the pot, it would still taste good. Beyond that, white rice and udon to finish the meal were also provided freely. This was a precaution for those who drew unlucky lots and ended up with a meal that wasn't very filling.
Tonight’s dinner was the Light Hot Pot. Everyone was alternating between cheers and groans over the results of their draws. Some pots were nothing but fish, while others were entirely made of vegetables. The most well-balanced pot belonged to the Demon King’s group.
In a rare stroke of luck, the Demon King secured a portion of Village Five Pork. Beezel, who shared the same pot, drew tofu. Yuri drew a set of long green onions and white leeks, while Frau pulled a salmon fillet. One could argue it lacked a certain excitement, but it was far better than ending up with a bizarre combination. Personally, I much preferred having a balanced meal.
As for my own draw... I pulled bean sprouts.
I didn't dislike bean sprouts, so I could live with that. However, Lu, who was sharing the pot with me, also drew bean sprouts. For a terrifying moment, the prospect of a "Bean Sprout Hot Pot" flashed before my eyes. Fortunately, we were saved because Tia drew scallops and the High Elf Ria drew shrimp.
I was truly grateful. Of course, I made sure to tell them that bean sprouts were delicious, too. I really did love them. But I definitely wasn't going to let the others have all the scallops and shrimp—I made sure they saved some for me.
Once we finished the meal, dessert was served to those who wanted it. Today’s treat was ice cream that Ice, the ice monster, had worked incredibly hard to produce. He had apparently gone through countless trials to achieve a perfectly smooth texture. We had seven flavors: matcha, black tea, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, orange, and milk. The High Ogre Maids had put a lot of thought into the presentation and preparation as well. It was truly delicious.
During a relaxed post-meal chat, the Civil Official Girls and I began discussing the menu for the new family restaurant. However, because we had just finished eating, it was difficult to think about food.
"We really should have discussed this while we were hungry," one of them noted.
"I agree."
"Oh, but regarding the hot pot from earlier," she continued, "I was thinking we might be able to incorporate it into the family restaurant."
"The Light Hot Pot?" I asked. "But we already have hot pot on the menu, don't we?"
"Yes, but those are single-person pots. I thought it would be nice to offer a pot that everyone could enjoy together in a lively group setting."
"That makes sense."
"Besides, if it’s hot pot, the customers do the cooking once we provide the ingredients. It would significantly reduce the labor for our staff."
She had a point. If the customers handled the cooking, it would be efficient. Grilling or barbecue might work for the same reason.
"Since the concept is 'family,' I think something they can do together would be perfect."
"I agree with the sentiment," I said, "but I'm not so sure about the Light Hot Pot style. If a family goes out for a rare treat and they draw unlucky lots, wouldn't that lead to trouble?"
"Regarding that, what if we provided a standard set of ingredients and then used the lots as a 'one-item addition' system? That way, even if they draw something minor, they can still enjoy the game without ruining the meal."
"Oh, that’s a great idea."
I wondered if we should adopt that system for the village’s Light Hot Pot as well.
"I think the version here in the Village of the Great Tree is fine as it is," the girl replied. "The residents enjoy the chaos, and it gives them something to talk about."
"I suppose so."
I decided to leave it up to the residents' preferences. During this particular event, Yoko, her daughter Hitoe, Yor of the Hot Spring Area, and Crim had shared a pot, and their luck had been truly dismal.
Their ingredients were king oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, enoki, and enoki.
Now, king oyster mushrooms are great, and enoki are delicious, too. However, as the main attractions of a hot pot, they were a bit lacking in presence. The four of them had quickly given up on the main course and moved on to the closing udon, essentially turning it into a mushroom udon pot. I thought they might actually prefer the "one-item addition" system, so I went and asked them.
"It is fine the way it is," Yoko insisted. "Next time, I will win the meat!"
"I agree with Mother," Hitoe added.
"Changing the rules just because we lost would be undignified," Yor muttered.
"Status quo," Crim concluded.
They certainly were a competitive bunch. Still, I acknowledged their wish to keep the rules as they were. We would leave the Light Hot Pot alone for a while.
Civil Official Girls: "If the concept is 'family,' then aren't single-person pots unnecessary?"
Village Head: "P-Please, just make it a place where a solo diner can feel comfortable too!"