The conversation finally reached a stopping point—or rather, it felt more like they had simply hit a pause button instead of reaching a true conclusion. Kaori-san, possessing a remarkable ability to pivot, seemed to have regained her professional composure. She moved with practiced efficiency, and before long, steaming plates of Ginger Pork Set Meals were placed before Olivia and me.
"Here you go! Thanks for waiting," Kaori-san said.
"It looks incredible," I replied. "The ginger smells amazing."
The presentation was perfect: a mountain of finely shredded cabbage sat beside a heap of savory ginger pork, accompanied by a bowl of miso soup. It was exactly the kind of meal that made you crave extra helpings of rice.
I brought my hands together and offered my thanks for the food before taking a bite. It was exactly what I’d been hoping for—the authentic, nostalgia-inducing flavor of proper ginger pork.
"This is wonderful," I said. "I noticed it at lunch, too, but your cooking is seriously impressive."
"You think so? Heh, well, I haven't been running this place for years for nothing. I’ve always had a knack for it, so I’d say it’s a cut above the rest."
"It really is. Honestly, I’d like to work my way through your entire menu."
"Oh? Does that mean I’ve officially secured a regular?"
Kaori-san’s mood had bounced back entirely, and she wore a playful, satisfied grin.
Glancing to my side, however, I noticed Olivia was struggling. She kept picking up her chopsticks only to set them back down again, looking perplexed.
"...Olivia-san?"
"The balance... it is quite challenging," she admitted.
"Ah, I’m so sorry, Pope-sama! I wasn't thinking. I have knives and forks as well. Or, if you’re set on using chopsticks, try this... it’s an auxiliary tool for people who aren't used to them."
Kaori-san produced a small device that clipped onto the top of the chopsticks to hold them together—similar to the training tools used for children in Japan. Since chopsticks were a rarity in this world, she likely kept a few sets around for the uninitiated.
"I am grateful for your thoughtfulness," Olivia replied. "As I am unfamiliar with any of these implements, I shall accept the use of this auxiliary tool."
She accepted the tool, attached it to her chopsticks, and began to eat. She lifted the meat with one hand while discreetly shielding her mouth with the other. Kaori-san watched with bated breath as Olivia chewed with movements so delicate and precise it was almost impossible to tell if she was actually eating.
After finishing her first bite, a heavy silence settled over the counter before Olivia finally spoke.
"...As I suspected, it is difficult to find the right words."
"W-Well, that’s understandable," Kaori-san said. "It’s hard to judge flavor when you’ve almost never eaten before."
"However, there is no sense of discomfort. I believe I am experiencing what one would call 'delicious.' Furthermore, this is the flavor of the world where Miyama Kaito-sama once lived. That alone makes it a valuable lesson."
As Olivia offered a small, serene smile, Kaori-san breathed a visible sigh of relief. Seeing Olivia’s attitude turn so positive brought a sense of satisfaction to my chest; it felt like the day’s efforts had finally borne fruit.
Olivia sampled a spoonful of the miso soup and tasted the other side dishes before speaking again.
"I cannot yet claim to have reached a point where I truly understand how to savor these flavors. I intend to continue my studies."
"I think it’s fine to just relax and enjoy it," I said. "There’s no need to treat it like a chore. You’ll figure out what you like after you’ve had it a few more times."
"I see. You are right," she said. "And since this establishment is not far from the cathedral, it will be quite easy for me to visit frequently."
"Wait, what?" we both said, tilting our heads in unison.
"Olivia-san, what do you mean by 'visit frequently'?" I asked.
"Today's experience taught me that I cannot simply remain cloistered within the cathedral," she answered with unwavering resolve. "I must venture out to learn about the world. To that end, I intend to seek out such learning opportunities on a regular basis."
She seemed entirely certain. While I thought that was a great idea in principle, given her previous statement...
"Um, Pope-sama?" Kaori-san interjected. "Does that... mean you’re planning to come back here to eat?"
"Would that be an inconvenience?"
"N-No! Not at all!"
"I wish to understand the flavors that Miyama Kaito-sama favors," Olivia continued, "so I shall be frequenting this restaurant. By the next time I have the honor of dining here with him, I intend to have mastered these 'chopsticks' completely."
"I-I see... I’ve just gained a very high-profile regular... What have I done?"
Knowing Olivia’s serious nature, she would undoubtedly put in the effort. It looked like she was going to be a very common sight around here.
Kaori-san’s eyes went glazed as she stared off into the middle distance, processing the fact that her life was about to become much more stressful.
Serious-senpai: "She’s definitely developing the aura of a total stomach-ache character..."
???: "Lilia-san for the Human Realm, Chronoa-san for the God Realm, Lilliwood-san for the Demon Realm, and now Kaori-san for the otherworlders... The balance is finally maintained."
Serious-senpai: "And by 'balance,' you mean 'shared suffering.'"