Lovelyn ♡ Cooking!

It's sooo hot today! Just what you would expect from a volcanic village! At this rate I'll burn 'til there's nothing left of me!

Haha! Come on, it's not that bad.

...Huh? *sniff* *sniff*

Huh? Is something wrong?

Hm... I can smell it!

Smell? But I don't smell anything...

No, this is the smell of trouble!

That man there! He must be in trouble!

Lovely?! Wait up!

Hmm...

Are you in trouble, sir?! My cuisine is here to help! Any problem can be solved by cooking!

Come on, don't you think you're overdoing it a little?

How did you know?! I am indeed in a bit of a culinary mess right now!

No way! So she was right after all...?

The truth is, if nothing is done, all the people in the village will be eaten by that thing.

By what, exactly?

You don't know? That monster... The Glutton of Vasu! It went on a rampage and started demanding food!

I see... A monster, huh? It must be absolutely starving!

Even if it is, we gotta put a stop to it before it eats everyone in the village!

Wait! Don't go doing anything reckless! This monster is pure evil. Attacks don't even work on it!

So it's that tough, huh?

Yes. That's why we have to satisfy it with food. The trouble is, the thing is one heck of a gourmet...

A gourmet?

That's right. Until now we've been subduing him by offering him some of our best food.

I see... So why don't you just carry on doing that?

I'm afraid we can't... The last offering was made by a chef who happened to be passing by. It was a fine dish indeed. But since then, its taste for food has changed. Now it's saying if it doesn't get some REALLY delicious food, it will eat all the villagers.

Looks like you're in a pretty tough spot. It would probably be quicker to think of a way to defeat this monster...

No, no, no! Don't forget about me! My food will put even monsters in a good mood. It'll be so pleased that it'll dance with joy!

You would do that for us?

Of course! If Lovely is in, then I'm in too!

Yes! First of all we must gather the ingredients. Everything starts with the ingredients!

You know what that means. Let's head for the Zol Plains!

I found it! I can use this leaf!

So you can cook with this type of plant?

Yes, but it tastes different depending on how it's cooked. If you fry it, it gives off an elegant aroma and crisp texture!

I see. So it's like a herb, then. I think Feinne mentioned something about them.

And if you eat it raw, it feels like an electric shock! You'll have enough energy to last for three days!

...Is it really okay to eat this?

If you boil tough meat together with the stems of this grass, it'll soften it right up!

You don't say! That sounds useful!

It is! It's because of this that my body is so flexible! I can even reach my back when it gets itchy!

You're really that flexible?!

And now, we have– Hm?

Th-This is!

What?

It's super rare! If you grate the root of this plant, it becomes a super fluffy delicacy...

It looks so tasty!

No, I shouldn't! This is for the monster! I have to hold myself back...

Does it really taste that good...?

Everyone who eats it goes into a trance! It's just like they're sleeping.

Who'd have thought we'd find such good ingredients out here? You really know your stuff, Lovely.

Tee hee! Stop it, Aldo, you're making me blush!

Now then, what should I cook? I just can't decide! Tee hee!

I can smell it! There are definitely some tasty ingredients hiding around here!

Smell? But I really can't smell anything...

That's your loss, Aldo! But I can't seem to find what I'm looking for...

Oh no! What are you going to do, then?

Ta-daah! Now it's Bukulyn's time to shine!

Bukulyn?

Oink!

Wait! This little guy is Bukulyn?!

That's right! He's the son of dear Hanabuku! He's actually really good with his nose. Especially for one thing in particular... Fetch, Bukulyn!

One thing...?

Exactly! One thing in particular! Okay, Bukulyn, show Aldo what'cha got!

Oink!

Oink! Oink oink!

Look, Aldo! Isn't he just the greatest?

No way! Those are some pretty fine mushrooms. So that's what he's good at finding?

Yes! You'll never be short on mushrooms when Bukulyn's around!

Oink! Oink!

That'll do, Bukulyn, that'll do.

Woah. You're pretty good at that, lil' buddy.

......

Huh? Did he not hear me?

Bukulyn only listens to the person who feeds him. I give him food and he finds me some tasty mushrooms!

We're business partners!

Well, I guess that makes sense...

Okay, Bukulyn! Let's continue the hunt! Remember, I'll even give you a share if you find enough!

Oink!

He does whatever you tell him to do, doesn't he?

Of course! He does have a habit of skipping work... But I just can't stay mad at that cute face!

Haha! You guys really like each other, don't you?

We do! He's almost like a pet.

I see, I see...

Wait?! Almost?!

Well, it's nice having Bukulyn around, but things happen. Bukulyn's parents were great too.

Oh, you knew Bukulyn's parents too!

Yup, they were absolutely wonderful!

S-Something's going on...

Oink!

Oh! Looks like you found some more! Let's go, Aldo!

...... Good luck, lil' buddy...

Sorry about this! We're only after your honey!

Lovely, watch out! There are more!

Wh-Wh-Wha–?!

Phew... I think we're okay to head back now.

Just now... Did you... With your bare hands?

Tee hee. What of it, Aldo?

W-Well, I mean...

(Dwarves may be small in stature, but they sure can pack a punch...)

Now we have plenty of honey! With this I can definitely make something tasty! Do you want to try some, Aldo?

Sure, I'll try a little. We worked hard to get it, after all...

No way! This stuff is... Is amazing! It's so sweet that my mouth is tingling!

Tee hee! I'm glad you seem to like it!

For sure! I'm really looking forward to your food now, Lovely!

Of course! You leave it all to Lovelyn!

Hm! Well, this sure could be a problem!

So, that's a Hornet? And the ingredients are over there?

Its nest is over there. I want the honey from inside of it!

The sweetness of the honey marinade seeps into the meat... Oh, it's so yummy!

Sounds delicious! But if we go in guns blazing, won't we just end up getting stung?

That's why I'll launch a surprise attack and draw them out. Then you can grab the honey!

That's way too dangerous, Lovely!

Remember, Aldo, you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs! Besides, words like "bad" and "impossible" just aren't part of my vocabulary! Leave this to me.

Wait! Lovely!

Hey, Mr. Hornet! Over here! Follow me! Let's play hide and seek!

I guess I don't have any choice. Now's my chance to...

Aaaaaah! This is bad! There are too many, this is impossible!

I thought those words weren't part of your vocabulary?!

When I was running away I accidentally tripped over another nest!

There's nothing we can do about it now! Here they come!

Looks like we're doing this the hard way!

We have plenty of ingredients here! I can make some real delicacies with all of this!

Oink!

You really do know your stuff when it comes to ingredients, don't you, Lovely?

Tee hee! Well, they don't call me the number one Dwarven chef for nothing, ya'know!

The number one dwarven chef?! That's amazing!

I want my food to make people happy! I'll make that Vasu monster happy too!

That's the spirit!

Let's head back to Ratle, Aldo! I'll use the tavern's kitchen. Let's get cooking!

I'll be right back! I'll just be using the kitchen!

Tee hee hee. La-la-la Lovelyn's kitchen! Now plop in the vegetables, and stir the pot. Can't forget to add the spices!

She sure is in a good mood.

Huh? This smell? Woah, this smells amazing!

A hearty meat and rice combo will suit everyone's palate! Packed with love and care, this will leave everyone at the dinner table smiling.

Incredible! The rich aroma has filled the entire store!

Ah... I'm getting hungry all of a sudden!

Sorry to keep you waiting! Dinner is served!

It looks perfect! I'm so jealous the monster gets to eat this.

Tee hee! Thank you!

H-Hey, do you mind if I try some? Just a bite?

Of course you can! Here, try this!

Woohoo! I can't wait!

Here goes!

*munch* Th-This is...

Arghhhhhhh! I can't feel my tongue!

C'mon, Aldo, it's morning! Get up already!

Ngh... Feinne? Is this...our house?

Oh Aldo! Are you still half asleep? The sun's already risen above the Pepori trees.

Huh? Don't you mean the Pekari Trees?

Are you okay, Aldo? You're acting very strange...

Me? You're the one acting strange, Feinne.

There's nothin' strange about me, Big Bro!

I'm in perfect form, just like always!

Pe-Pepori?!

Pepori! It was you all along? What a relief!

Heh heh... That's right, it was me!

I guess so! Hahaha!

Hahaha!

Aldo! ...Aldo!

Huh?

...Huh?

Tee hee! You were so full you fell asleep, just like a little kid!

So that's what happened after taking even one bite of your food...

So, how was the flavor?

Hmm... I can't remember at all. I feel like I had a dream unlike any I've had before.

Wow! So these ingredients really do put you into a trance after all!

Oh yeah, you did mention something like that... So it was so delicious, it put me in a trance!

That's right! And thanks to you, we know it's perfect! Okay then, let's hurry out before it gets cold!

This food is so delicious, there's no way that monster won't be satisfied.

Tee hee! Let's go pay that monster a visit.

It should be in the Vasu Mountains, right? We can start by looking there. Let's go!

I'm pretty sure this where they said it lives...

Mr. Monster?! We brought you some food! Hello?! Come on, don't be shy now!

*sniff sniff* This smell...

So this guy's the monster everyone's been talking about...

You're the Glutton of Vasu, right?

Call me what you wish, so long as you come bearing delicious food. This smell... You have brought what I seek?

That's right! You have a pretty good nose there!

Hmph. If you serve me something worse than the last fellow did... I'll eat you instead.

That's not going to happen! You'll definitely love this!

Here we go... Ta-daah!

So this is the smell that's been tickling my nose since you arrived. Such rich colors, and what beautiful plating... This indeed surpasses the previous offering!

Yay! Stop it, Mr. Monster! You're making me blush!

Hmph! Not so fast, little one. The taste is most important, so I cannot judge it before I try some. Come, be quick now, and dish it up.

Yes sir! However...

Before you try it, you have to promise me something.

Oh? And what would that be?

If you like my food, you won't hurt the people ever again! Promise me!

Hmph, you lack manners, little one. My tongue will be the judge! Come, bring forth the dish!

Wait!

Wha, ?!

You have to promise me! Until you do, I'm not going to serve you!

How dare you take that attitude with me! Enough! Now, be quiet and bring forth my food!

Aaargh!

Lovely! Are you hurt?!

I'm all right... I think...

Now, shut your mouths and do not interrupt me while I am eating! I shall try it at once...

Th-This is...

Thunder roars through a world of darkness... As if the earth itself is torn asunder. I can feel the light engulf me... This taste... No, it can't be!

What's happening?!

Absolutely no table manners at all... What a rude monster! I guess we should teach him a lesson. Come on, Aldo!

Aye aye, Chef!

Well, I hope you learned something today!

Wait a second! ...He fainted?

Oh? You're right. Maybe he exhausted himself?

Hmm. He wasn't as strong as I thought he would be. He even seemed a little under the weather...

Hey, Mr. Monster! Wakey wakey!

M-Mother? Mother, is that you?!

Goodness! What was that...?

So you sleep after you eat, too! Mr. Monster, you're more of a child than Aldo here.

Now I remember... I was eating your food. But after that... I'm not sure...

So, you don't remember attacking us?

I don't really remember, but as soon as your food entered my mouth, I felt a great shock. It was as if I was present at the moment of my birth... I glimpsed the mysteries of life! What on earth is this dish?

So you too, huh?

What do you mean?

When I took a bite of Lovely's food, I couldn't remember a thing either. Which means...

It was so good it made us faint! That's the kind of food she makes!

Yes, yes I see. That must be why I can't remember the taste.

Tee hee. So you're satisfied, then?

It seems I have no choice but to concede. As promised, I will not attack the village again. I swear it on your cooking.

That's a good boy! I knew you'd come to your senses!

Looks like everything's sorted here. Let's head back to Ratle.

What? You sorted out that problem with the monster?!

Yes sir! He said he wouldn't attack the village again!

You dwarves sure are something! Thank you very much! I guess all dwarves really are skilled at cooking!

Huh? All dwarves?

The traveling chef who came before you was also a dwarf.

A dwarf, huh? That monster did mention someone like that...

That's the one, he was a stubborn old soul. Very picky with his food...

But he was a good man.

Oh! By any chance, did you catch his name?

Err, well...I think it was something like Samo... Samo...

Samolyn?!

Oh yeah, something like that. Yeah!

I see... So Samolyn came to this village!

Samolyn? Is that dwarf a friend of yours, Lovely?

Yes, he is! I've been searching for him forever!

*sigh* Oh Samolyn... Where could you possibly be?

He really helped us out, but so did you. Maybe even more so! Man, I wish I could've tried some of your food...

Yeah, I got to try a little, but I wish I could have eaten more...

Tee hee! Actually, there's still some left! We gathered so many ingredients, and I had so much fun making it, I made too much!

Are you serious?!

Of course! There's more than enough to go around. Why not let everyone try some?

Sounds like a plan! Let's hold a big feast!

To the memory of the Glutton of Vasu...

And to this delicious food... Cheers!

I hope you enjoy the food, everyone!

Thank you!