Since Noin had so casually revealed her identity as the First Hero, Kaori seemed to be reeling from the shock. However, Kaori was quite quick at switching gears; before long, she appeared to have composed herself and spoke to Noin.
"Um, Noin-san... I swear I'll keep your true identity a secret! My lips are sealed, I promise!"
"Heh, you don’t need to be so worried. The fact that Kujou Hikari is alive already became common knowledge during the Hydra Kingdom’s Founding Anniversary Festival. It isn't really an issue if word gets out that she's in this world. Even if my identity were exposed, on paper, I don't belong to any specific faction. In practice, my position is essentially that of a subordinate to Chrome-sama... but there are plenty of ways to handle the optics or be flexible about it. I actually move around quite freely as I please without giving it much thought."
Come to think of it, Kuro's circle was a family rather than a group of subordinates, so Noin wasn't strictly under her command.
Kuro had simply taken in the displaced Noin and welcomed her as part of the family. Regardless of the reality of the situation, the Underworld King Faction was unique enough that the excuse would likely hold up.
Also, now that I thought about it, she had nonchalantly shown up at events like the Jewel Festival, the White God Festival, and the Founding Anniversary Festival. It seemed there were almost no real restrictions on her movements. As for the Friendly City, she simply avoided it because she personally disliked the place...
"Noin-san, Kaori-san, I know you're enjoying the chat, but since we're finally here..."
"Oh, right! Noin-san, Kaito-kun, please, take a seat at the counter."
At my suggestion, Kaori’s expression brightened. She guided us to our seats and handed over the menus. The moment Noin’s eyes landed on the list, her face lit up with intense interest.
"...This is magnificent. Everything looks delicious. There are set meals here I’ve never even heard of, so it's a difficult choice... but I’ll go with the classic. I’ll have the Grilled Salmon Set Meal, please."
"I'll have the same."
"Coming right up! Two Grilled Salmon Sets. Just a moment, please~"
Kaori began cooking with practiced efficiency. Noin looked around the shop, nodding with an impressed air.
"It’s a very calming shop. I can feel the attention to detail in every corner. It’s wonderful."
"Oh, you noticed? That’s right! I was really particular about the interior decoration."
The interior of Kaori's shop, Suiren, was designed to feel exactly like a traditional diner, an atmosphere that was quite rare in this otherworld. Between the authentic Japanese decor and the carefully crafted menu, the effort she had put into it was obvious.
Noin’s observation was spot-on, and Kaori looked delighted to have her efforts recognized.
Before long, the Grilled Salmon Set Meals were served. Noin pressed her hands together to give the customary thanks for the meal before starting to eat with refined movements. Almost immediately, however, she stopped her chopsticks. A look of deep emotion washed over her face. If it wasn't my imagination, there was a faint shimmer of tears in her eyes.
"...This is it. This is exactly what I wanted to eat."
"You're really moved. But doesn't Kuro's place serve Japanese food fairly often?"
"Yes, that's true. It is... but... well, I realize this is a spoiled complaint, but it's just a bit different."
I remembered hearing that Kuro was accustomed to using chopsticks because "breakfast is usually Japanese-style," so I knew it was a common sight at the castle. According to Acht and the others, that was mostly because of Noin's strong requests.
Noin looked away somewhat awkwardly as she began to explain in a hushed tone.
"The Japanese food at Chrome-sama's residence is truly magnificent. Ein-san is the one who prepares it, after all. Every dish is a masterpiece that could only be called 'supreme'... but... they are all too refined. It feels like I'm eating a meal at a high-end restaurant or a luxury inn. Of course it's delicious, but I’ve been longing for something... homestyle. It might be rude to call it 'imperfect,' but I was starving for this kind of rustic simplicity."
"...Ah, I see. Ein-san would definitely aim for an ultimate level of refinement. She's not the type to ever compromise."
"Exactly. That’s why this meal—one that actually feels like Japanese home cooking—is so moving. It’s like it’s stirring up old memories. It’s not something I made myself; it has that special warmth that only comes when someone else cooks for you. I feel truly wonderful right now."
"Ah, haha, hearing you say that makes me really happy. One of the reasons I started this diner was because I wanted people from our world to be able to taste home again."
It might not have been a perfect, five-star flavor, but that was exactly why Kaori's cooking had touched Noin’s heart. It had the warmth of home. Noin continued to eat her meal with a look of pure bliss, and seeing her like that, Kaori looked quite happy as well.
Serious-senpai: "She’s radiating the aura of someone who’s about to become a regular."
???: "Well, the location is still the biggest hurdle for Noin-san, though."