NEW FLAVOR

Welcome!

How many are in your party?

Just one.

All right, I'll guide you to a single table.

What would you like to order?

I'll have whatever is the most popular.

We have a special dish on offer this month. Would you like us to prepare that for you?

Sure.

Very well. We'll have that ready for you in just a moment.

Here you are.

Enjoy!

...

Ah, so it's sous-vide tenderloin.

Imitation beef tenderloin, made out of Splendamin.

Asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers as sides.

Let's see how it is.

*Chomp*

...

?

*Chomp*

*Lick*

...

I can't taste anything.

I don't understand.

What's going on with me...?

...?

How can you serve this to your customers?

The flavor is completely off!

Our sincerest apologies, ma'am. We'll prepare another dish for you right away.

*Waaaah*! *Waaaahh*!

Are you sure this hasn't gone bad?

Food simply shouldn't taste like this!

I'll confirm with the kitchen and get back to you.

Before you do that, just try some yourself!

Everyone seems to have a problem with the flavor...

...

*Chomp*

...

This isn't good.

Commander, may I come in?

Sorry for disturbing you so early in the morning,

but have you eaten yet?

Good.

For the time being, please refrain from going to the dining hall or purchasing any food elsewhere.

Stick to these instead.

Yes.

I prepared them in advance for whenever we're out on a mission.

We don't know exactly what's going on,

but last night, reports began coming in about food in the Ark tasting unusual.

It started with restaurants and household meals,

but earlier this morning, even pre-packaged snacks and treats have apparently developed an odd flavor to them.

I tasted some myself, and the taste indeed was quite peculiar, unlike anything I'd experienced before.

That's why, just to be safe, I'm recommending you stick to combat rations for now.

Cooking Oil is on their way to investigate further.

Hello! Is this the Commander's room?

If it is, may we come in?

I'm Crust from Cooking Oil.

...

Oh boy,

this is really nerve-wracking...

H-hello, Commander!

It's an honor to finally meet you in person, hehe.

I'm Crust, the squad leader and head chef.

Nice to meet you.

Hi.

I'm Bready, the taster.

Pleased to meet you.

Has no one briefed you yet?

We're here to investigate why all the food has started tasting funny.

We, including you, have to conduct an inquiry and come up with a solution.

We were told to go and rendezvous with you, Commander.

And so, to that end,

we'd like to ask you to try this food.

These are dishes that Crust made.

Give them a taste.

Yep.

And they'll be delicious too.

I figured that

since it was our first time meeting each other, it'd be nice to let you try a variety of different dishes.

I think I may have gone overboard and made too much, hehe.

Help yourself!

Very nice!

I see that

you know which order to eat everything in.

The scallops, truffles, and tuna are finger foods, so no need for utensils.

You can pick them up with your hands.

Enjoy!

What do you think?

Isn't it scrumptious?

Oh my goodness!

Divine? What does he mean by that, Crust?

That's a term we use to describe the absolute pinnacle of flavor.

When something tastes so extraordinary that it transcends the limits of ordinary language.

Oh.

*Sniffle* To receive such effusive praise from the Commander, and we've only just met!

I can see that you're someone with a true love for food.

All right, it's decided then.

You've made me feel special, and so I'll do the same for you.

From now on, I shall call you "Mr. Gourmand"!

Yes, Mr. Gourmand! That compliment you gave me a moment ago is the best I've ever received!

There's still plenty of food left, so have at it!

Hehe, I'm so happy!

Crust,

it's great that the Commander is enjoying the food as much as he is,

but don't you have another lunchbox to share with him?

Oh, right!

I almost forgot.

Before you finish all that food in front of you,

be sure to try some of what's in here as well.

This one's a bit different.

Please give it a taste and

let me know what you think.

Are you okay, Commander?

You can spit it out.

That's probably one of the bad dishes.

Mhmm.

I'd say that confirms it.

The taste of the food around here has definitely changed.

To be more specific,

Any Splendamin-based dishes that were manufactured this month are what seem to have been affected.

The first lunchbox was made with ingredients delivered prior to this month.

The second used ingredients that were delivered today.

We're not entirely sure yet.

But considering this involves the Ark's food supply, it's imperative that we figure it out, and soon.

All right,

now that we've identified the issue, it's time to find a solution.

By using any and all means available to us.

We'll issue a recall on the affected items and raise awareness as to what's happening.

Restaurants and supermarkets keep detailed records of manufacturing dates and suppliers, so it should be relatively easy for them to recall their stock.

It'll be much harder with ordinary households, however.

Even more so here in the Outpost.

That's why we came here to personally check on the ingredients being used by the Nikkes.

We'd appreciate any assistance you can give us in that regard.

I'll go inform the others to be cautious about what they eat.

Not everyone may have heard the news yet.

Rapi,

when you're filling them in on the situation, be sure not to go into too much detail.

Why?

It could cause unnecessary panic.

...

Understood.

All right, let's head out!

Oh, Commander! Welcome.

And you must be...

Crust, the host of "Crunchy Cooking Class".

*Gasp*! You're familiar with my show?

Of course.

I watch it every time I cook.

I'm so honored!

I'm Crust from the Cooking Oil Squad, and this is Bready.

Nice to meet you. I'm Emma.

So, what brings you here so suddenly?

Emma.

I heard that you enjoy cooking.

That's right.

If you've prepared any dishes, could we try them?

We're testing out a hypothesis.

Of course!

I've made plenty. Would you like a bite too, Commander?

Oh, I see.

Then I'll guess it'll be just Crust and Bready.

Wait just a moment, and I'll go get some for you.

Mr. Gourmand,

you didn't eat all that much earlier.

Are you feeling okay?

Oh, I see.

I'll be sure to adjust the portion sizes for your meals in the future.

*Sniff sniff*

Something smells off.

I can't even begin to surmise what that dish is supposed to be.

It must have been made with the compromised ingredients.

We'll know for sure once we taste it.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Here you are!

I followed one of Crust's broadcasts to make this, so it's a bit embarrassing.

You made this on one of your shows before, Crust?

This is incredible...!

... but what exactly is it?

Um... It's supposed to be tomato soup. You made it on a special episode focusing on tomatoes.

I followed the recipe that you gave, or tried to, at least.

... I see.

... Why is it black?

Are you sure none of your ingredients were expired?

Oh no, that's impossible. I always buy fresh ingredients when I'm cooking.

I see.

It's completely unrecognizable. I can't distinguish a single ingredient from looking at it, and that's a first.

Not only that, if it was made with newly purchased ingredients,

it's highly likely that they're amongst the affected batch.

Tread carefully, Bready.

Got it.

All right, here I go.

Ooh, but before I do,

could you excuse me for a moment?

Hmm?

!!

...

Thank you.

Now, onto the soup.

...

Hmm...

...

Bready?

Hold on.

Let me take one more spoonful.

Hmm...

You used a lot of ingredients, didn't you?

I sure did!

Tomatoes, onions, minced garlic,

chocolate, herring, miso, oranges, eggs, beans, vinegar, tofu, hot sauce,

and then some...

Wait, wait!

Didn't you say that you followed the recipe from my cooking show?

How come there are so many extra ingredients tossed in?

The more tasty ingredients, the better, right?

...

Perhaps I should add a disclaimer on the show to only use the ingredients that I mention...

So, Bready, what's the verdict?

...

Overall,

I can tell that Emma has a genuine passion for cooking.

Her food is made with so much love.

There's a sense of joyful innocence to it, as if a child made it.

It's also truly impressive that you were able to combine so many different ingredients into one dish.

Thank you!

...

I also can't taste a single thing.

...!

You can't taste anything?

What do you mean?

Exactly what I said.

I can't taste anything.

Do you think

there's something wrong with your taste buds?

Huh?

What do you mean?

Er...

All right.

I will!

*Chomp*

...

?!

A-all finished, Emma.

Urgh...

Wow, such a clean plate!

I'm glad to see you enjoyed it!

Urgh...

Anyway, we believe there may be ingredients in circulation that are making food taste strange.

I think that may be why your food tastes like it does.

If you bought any Splendamin-based ingredients that were produced this month, please dispose of them all.

Oh my, really?

Can I keep using the ingredients that I bought before that?

Yes.

Until what date?

That's what we're still unsure about.

We're working on recalling the compromised ingredients, so the issue should be resolved soon.

We'll let you know as soon as things return to normal. We only ask for your patience.

All right, I understand.

To be honest, I didn't notice anything particularly strange about my food...

but I suppose all this stuff you're saying would explain why you reacted so negatively to it.

...

Yeah... that's it.

Well, thank you for coming all this way to let me know.

I'll go through my pantry and discard anything that's from this month.

And I'm looking forward to the next episode of your show, Crust!

Thank you for your cooperation.

Take care.

Are you feeling okay, Crust?

Y-yeah... of course... *cough cough*!

You really shouldn't have forced yourself to finish everything...

You know I don't like leaving food uneaten.

Anyway,

you said you couldn't taste anything?

Nothing at all.

I did detect something.

It was unlike any other flavor I'd experienced before,

and I don't think it had anything to do with the current ingredient situation.

Maybe the flavor was so unique, that it completely overwhelmed your taste buds?

That's how it tasted to me, at least.

Hmm...

I'm not sure if that explains it.

You got that right.

That's why I've got to work harder than ever to improve my show.

I'll be sure to remind viewers to use only the ingredients I mention.

...

Yeah, maybe that's it.

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with my sense of taste... yeah.

Oh, that?

I was tasting her.

Hehe.

Every Nikke has their own unique flavor.

I tasted her to determine if she intended on making food which would cause us harm.

Yes.

Isn't she amazing?

Bready has incredible abilities when it comes to tasting.

Well...

nothing too grand.

It's just that when I eat something, I can immediately identify everything about it.

What ingredients were used, what flavors it has,

the nutritional information, and precisely how it was made. Things like that.

You think so?

Bready will eat rare dishes from the surface to analyze them, and I use that data to recreate the flavors in my cooking.

That's one of our main undertakings at Cooking Oil.

Hehe, thanks.

All right, let's head to the next place.

Where to this time... *Blurgh*!

... First off, let's take a moment to settle our stomachs.

Urgh... yeah...

Feeling better?

Yeah, I'm right as rain now!

Let's head to the next location.

Er...

Well, you see...

We have to keep a tight lid on this.

If we officially declare there's something wrong with the Splendamin, it'd cause a massive panic in the Ark.

So, we're buying ourselves some time by saying it's all still under investigation.

That's why I told Emma that everything was under control earlier.

So we can drag you into this along with us.

No, that's not it!

We were told you were someone we could trust.

And since you're helping us, we thought you should at least know the reason behind it.

Hehe...

Anyway, time is short, so we should get a move on.

This must be the place.

Let's head inside.

After you, Mr. Gourmand.

Welcome back, Master.

And Ladies.

Wow,

so this is the legendary Maid Cafe that I've heard so much about.

...!

It's so sparkly...

I'm Ade, at your service.

Would it be all right to ask for your names, ladies?

Oh, um... I'm Crust!

Bready.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Crust and Miss Bready.

Please, have a seat.

Oh, thank you...

...

Was the trip here tiring?

N-not at all!

...

Is something bothering you, Miss Bready?

Hmm?

Oh, no... It's just that I'm not used to any of this.

Then I'll do my best to help you get comfortable.

Thanks...

So, what would you like to order?

What's good here, Mr. Gourmand?

Omurice?

Sounds delicious!

We offer a special house omurice that you can only get here at our cafe.

Would you like three of those?

...

This is kind of exciting!

It is.

I wonder what Ade will taste like.

Ah...!

N-nothing.

Here! Three plates of omurice.

Now, before you eat,

you have to say the magic spell together.

Magic spell?

What's that?

First, you make a heart shape with your hands,

stretch them toward the omurice, and chant:

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious!

Perfectly done, Master, as always.

Next, Miss Crust.

Er...

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious!

Well done!

Finally, Miss Bready.

...

Oo...

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious...

If you say it too softly, the spell won't work.

How about saying it a little louder?

...

*Sigh*...

Do we really have to do this?

It's not like it'll actually affect the flavor.

Oh no, this omurice will truly become more delicious after the spell is cast!

The only way you'll know if the spell works is by doing it.

...

Could you give me your hand for a moment, Ade?

Of course, Miss.

Hmm.

You really are a maid.

And your desire for this omurice to receive a magic blessing is genuine.

Of course.

Very well. I'll give it a shot.

...

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious!

That was wonderfully done!

Now, enjoy your meal, everyone.

Oh boy!

This looks like it'll actually taste good, unlike before.

Let's eat!

*Sniff sniff*

...

Thanks for the meal.

*Nom nom nom*

*Munch munch*

*Munch munch munch munch*

*Gag*!

...

Oh my goodness!

Are you all right?

Um...

Is there anything wrong with the omurice?

It tastes a bit weird... blech...

...

When did you buy the ingredients you used for this omurice?

We use many ingredients that we purchase at different times, but the main ingredient, the eggs, were bought two days ago.

I knew it.

There are some bad ingredients going around now that are negatively affecting the flavor of foods.

We've issued a recall, so you'll have to discard all the ingredients you've purchased this month.

Oh... that means most of our ingredients are unusable.

Will any ingredients we buy later also have issues?

It's hard to say.

The higher-ups said they're taking serious steps to resolve the issue, so things should be better quite soon.

I see...

This is a real inconvenience... We'll probably have to close the cafe for a while.

May I ask how this happened?

You can ask, but I won't be able to give you an answer.

We're as mystified as you are.

I see.

This must be a difficult job for you all to carry out.

In that case...

My deepest apologies to you all.

Huh? Why are you apologizing?

Regardless of the reason, the simple fact is that I served you food that was inferior.

It's my fault for not sampling it beforehand.

I'm sorry for causing you an unpleasant experience.

...

Here's my final review.

The ingredients and cooking methods were fairly standard; nothing stood out.

However,

the manner in which you wholeheartedly threw yourself into the making of the dish,

was the true magical spell.

Setting aside the imperfect flavor caused by the ingredients, you helped this dish leave a positive impression on me.

...!

Thank you so much for saying that.

If you ever come back, I'll make sure to serve you a truly delicious omurice.

I'm looking forward to that.

If you have too many ingredients to dispose of,

we can assist.

No, we'll handle it.

I wouldn't want to trouble you any further.

Wow, such hospitality!

Bready, let's be sure to come back here once this is all sorted out.

Yeah, let's do that.

It looks like the cafe will have to close temporarily.

Once this situation with the ingredients is resolved, please be sure to visit us again.

Take care, all of you.

Well, we've made the rounds.

At least the food at the Outpost is safe now.

Great work, everyone.

Yeah, nicely done, you guys.

Hang in there. Things will get better soon.

Oh, by the way.

When the flavors go back to normal, we'll make sure to invite you into our kitchen.

If it hadn't been for this little snafu, we would've prepared a full-course meal instead of just a lunchbox.

We feel bad we couldn't treat you to a proper feast like we wanted.

Isn't that right, Bready?

...

??

Bready?

...

Bready!

...!

Are you talking to me?

Bready, are you okay?

You feel sick or something?

I...

...

Crust, Commander.

I have something important to say.

Huh? What is it?

I really can't taste anything.

What?!

Whenever I eat food that's been made using the compromised Splendamin, I can't taste a single thing.

Maybe Emma's cooking made your taste buds blow a fuse.

No, that's not it.

It's not just taste. No information or emotions are coming through either.

...!

I didn't say anything, but I've felt like this ever since we went to that restaurant yesterday.

None of the food you or Ade prepared had any flavor whatsoever to me.

...

I thought you would have noticed.

All of the feedback I gave was vague and oblique, and I didn't provide any concrete details regarding their ingredients or other information.

I assumed you were just being vague because it didn't taste good.

I had no idea...

This is a really big deal!

Tell us more,

Bready.

My loss of taste only seems to happen with food made from compromised ingredients.

Emma and Ade themselves had a flavor to them which I was able to pick up no problem,

and the food made using older ingredients was fine as well.

Okay,

that's good.

So the issue isn't necessarily with you.

Yes,

but we don't know when that will happen.

... Sorry, that was a lie.

I'm just parroting what the higher-ups told us to say.

Nobody has any idea when things will improve.

That's what they want, yes,

but that would take too long.

I can't go that long without a sense of taste.

This might sound strange to you,

but if I can't taste, and thus receive information, I'll end up collapsing in on myself.

If I don't taste things continuously,

my ability essentially backfires on me.

It's hard to explain...

I'm feeling a bit out of it,

to be honest.

...!

I didn't expect you to say something like that.

... But you're right.

Forcibly having to eat things and receive their information, like some kind of robot...

It's not exactly pleasant.

So what should we do?

We could head back to the kitchen and check if there are any older ingredients left.

We used them all for the lunchbox we gave to the Commander.

Oh...

Um... then...

We could go to the market and try to buy some slightly older ingredients.

Although the restaurants have already started hoarding them, so I'm not sure how much will be left...

Oh, or...!

Crust.

Don't worry so much.

I'll be fine. The worst thing is that I'll have to suffer for a few days.

But...

Ugh...

!!!

My thoughts exactly, Mr. Gourmand!

There's no need to suffer unnecessarily.

Rations, processed food, instant food.

They all taste the same to me, and don't provide much information.

I could last half a day on them, but no longer than that.

Yes, my palette is rather demanding, unfortunately.

Hmm...

Hmmmm...

Two of them?!

What are they?

...

...

That's easier said than done.

*Nod*

...

...

That's also next to impossible.

*Nod nod*

However, of the two,

the second option might be worth trying.

Huh? Really?

We all know that

there is no substitute for Splendamin at the moment.

If there were, Splendamin wouldn't have been created in the first place.

However, the important thing is that it makes for a convincing excuse to go up to the surface.

We can say that we have to go up and search for a potential Splendamin substitute.

!!

If we go up to the surface under that pretense...

And that would mean that

Bready would get to explore and enjoy a whole bunch of flavors along the way!

Considering we have no way of knowing when this situation will correct itself, this is the best option we have available to us.

Then let's get a move on! To the surface!

The only thing is that if we do this, we'll need to produce tangible results.

If we come back completely empty-handed, the Commander's reputation would take a hit.

You don't?

Wow...

Well, actually...

...

Never mind. You're right.

You're so cool, Mr. Gourmand!

But why are you doing all this for someone you only met today?

...

I told you, I'm fine.

!!

I see.

...

*Gulp*

Uh, Bready? You okay?

It's just...

This is the first time I've met a Commander like you.

All right then.

I'd be honored if you came up to the surface with us.

You're going to look for a Splendamin replacement?

Where did you come up with that idea?

Hmm...

All we've gotten is word that things haven't been resolved yet.

We don't even know how things are progressing. It's quite frustrating.

Did anyone from Cooking Oil mention anything?

Really? That's strange.

At any rate,

I hope to hear good news from you soon.

Good morning, Mr. Gourmand!

Oh, this is nothing.

I just packed a few essentials, hehe.

A camping stove, frying pan, pot, tongs, and other tools.

Salt, pepper, chili powder, soy sauce, and other seasonings.

And...

So that when we find something tasty, we can cook it up straight away!

That way, Bready can recover more quickly as well.

Fine.

Sometimes I space out, but I'm all right.

... For now.

Okie dokie!

All right.

Hmm... I'm not sure.

It's hard to narrow it down...

To put it simply, I like things that I find stimulating.

Not stimulating in that sense.

I'm talking more about new flavors, ingredients, or textures.

That's what I'm into.

I'm sure there are plenty of things on the surface I haven't tried.

Hm.

...

That's why I... Commander...

Bready! Mr. Gourmand!

I think I found something!

Ta-da!

It's a plant I've never seen before.

What do you think, Bready? Is it edible?

Hold on.

Hmm...

!!

It's a taste I've never had before, but it feels similar to water celery.

I am detecting trace amounts of toxins, so you'll need to be careful when eating it.

The seeds appear to have traveled here via wind.

For such a hostile and foreign environment, these seeds are really thriving.

Great! Looks like we found a winner!

Huh?

Oh, no, I meant we found something that Bready can eat.

Ah... Right, right.

It won't be easy, but let's give it a shot!

Here, try this.

Hmm...

This one won't work.

But it does taste nice.

What about this one?

Hmm... This won't work either.

It's too difficult to cultivate.

Dang, this sure is tough.

Hmm...

First, it must be able to grow underground.

It needs to contain sufficient nutrients.

And for the sake of our own quality of life, it should taste decent.

But most importantly,

it has to be cheap to cultivate on a mass scale.

At a lower cost than it does to manufacture Splendamin.

Those are some stringent requirements.

That's why I don't think we'll be finding a replacement anytime soon.

Still, let's keep looking!

Let's go, Bready.

All right.

Let's see.

Now that we've found a place to stay for the night, let's get ourselves sorted.

From all the specimens we gathered today,

two can be eaten as is,

four need to be treated in some fashion before they're edible,

and thirteen are inedible.

All in all, not bad.

Hehe, I thought so too.

Oof, I'm starving.

You must be famished too, Mr. Gourmand.

Let me use what we found to whip up something nice and tasty.

Give me just a moment!

...

...

Yeah, I think so.

I tasted a lot of things today,

so I don't feel too out of it.

...

Using the tip of my tongue gives me a better sense of the flavors.

Texture, mouthfeel, and other sensations come later.

Taste alone is enough to satisfy my appetite, so I'm fine.

I must admit that it is a slow and laborious process, though.

Usually, I have to taste things every waking moment when I'm not asleep.

These candies I carry are for times like this, when I'm unable to taste anything for long periods.

But candy that's been newly opened doesn't have a robust flavor to it at all.

This ability of mine... can be a real pain.

...

Commander, I...

Food's ready!

I've concocted one heck of a succulent meal for you.

Go ahead and dig in, Mr. Gourmand.

There's some for you too, Bready.

All right.

...

*Lick*

Hmm, not bad.

The differing flavors of all the ingredients blend together nicely.

Top-notch cooking as always, Crust.

Hehe, glad you like it!

The portions are a bit small for my liking, though.

It can't be helped.

I can manage.

We'll just have to try harder tomorrow!

Yeah.

We'll need to camp out tonight.

Are you okay with that, Mr. Gourmand?

Nice.

I'll start preparing for dinner.

If Bready seems unwell, be sure to let me know straight away.

...

Huh?

I don't know.

I thought I was fine, but...

I guess there's still something missing in the flavor.

I'm sorry to

put you and Crust through all this.

...

There's something I've always wanted to taste.

To know what stories it holds.

My greatest hope is that one day I will be able to get a taste of it.

Two things, actually.

The first is to experience taste as others do; no information, no story, no emotions.

Just pure flavor.

And the second is...

...

Me.

What do I taste like?

What's my story?

What thoughts, memories, and feelings are stored within me?

Would tasting myself bring me happiness...?

I want to taste it,

even if it's just one bite.

A new flavor, a happy flavor...

Ahh...

Hey!

...!

I had no choice.

If Bready's condition worsens before we can find quality ingredients,

this is the only option left.

*Lick*

...

...!

It's made of synthetic leather.

It must have felt lonely.

It's waited in the same spot for so long, hoping for its owner to return.

It's been tattered and trampled by Raptures, but it's endured all the same,

forever remaining in the same spot.

... It's a nice flavor.

Bready, can you hear me?

Yes, I can hear you.

Thank you for the lovely meal.

...

Do you remember

when I told you Bready has incredible abilities?

Exactly.

And for me,

anything that can be tasted can be considered food.

If I can touch it with my tongue, I can taste it.

That means I can taste just about anything.

From water and regular food, to dirt and inanimate objects.

It's harder for me to deduce everything about objects.

I can, however, figure out their structural components, and delve into past memories which involve them.

The memories come at random,

but typically focus on the ones that are most vivid.

This has to remain a secret.

No one else can know.

There's too much potential for others to abuse Bready's ability.

All she has to do is taste something, anything, and she'll be able to reveal everything about it.

It's an ability that can, and should, be used for good,

but many have tried to use me, and my abilities, with ill intentions:

Uncovering weaknesses or digging up secrets through the memories imprinted on objects.

Just thinking about it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

You must keep this a secret,

I beg of you.

Please.

Thank you.

This ability has made me know far more than I'd ever want to.

But I have to keep tasting things.

It's situations like this where I can end up in danger of collapsing in on myself.

I try to taste myself.

Tasting and chewing over my information, my thoughts, endlessly.

So much so that I lose sight of who I am.

I keep tasting until I've worn it all down to nothing.

I'm sorry to

have dragged you into all of this.

...

You... you really feel that way?

...

*Gulp*

Well, at any rate, we don't have many other options.

Our primary goal is to make sure Bready's condition improves. So, to that end, let's keep searching for anything we can find that's been left behind.

If that doesn't work, we've got plenty of trees and dirt around us.

Yes, the surface is full of things to taste.

And of course,

we'll keep looking for anything that could be a potential Splendamin substitute.

Here, try this.

Hmm...

There's no flavor.

I can't see this being turned into a decent dish.

Then, what about this?

Hmm.

It's an interesting flavor, but it's not edible.

Darn...

No kidding!

Oooh, and it's an enoki mushroom!

It has a nice, subtle aroma and pleasing texture,

but I'm afraid mushrooms won't work.

It's true that they don't require sunlight and can grow using organic matter.

They're quite rich in nutrients as well.

A supremely useful food.

However,

mushrooms are still mushrooms, so they won't work.

Splendamin can replicate meat, fruits, and everything in between, including mushrooms.

Whereas mushrooms can only be that: mushrooms.

Hmm...

They'd be fine.

They'd be easy to cultivate inside the Ark, could be mass-produced,

are tasty, and packed full of nutrients.

That's precisely why they can't work.

Trust me, we've tried it before, and failed.

There are too many practical hurdles to making it work.

We'd be better off trying to find something else.

They would make for a great meal later, though, so we should still take them with us.

!!

...!

...

...

Bready has incredible abilities when it comes to tasting.

Well...

nothing too grand.

It's just that when I eat something, I can immediately identify everything about it.

What ingredients were used, what flavors it has.

The nutritional information and precisely how it was made. Things like that.

You think so?

Bready will eat rare dishes from the surface to analyze them, and I use that data to recreate the flavors in my cooking.

That's one of our main undertakings at Cooking Oil.

But most importantly,

it has to be cheap to cultivate on a mass scale.

At a lower cost than it does to manufacture Splendamin.

Those are some stringent requirements.

That's why I don't think we'll be finding a replacement anytime soon.

Uh...

...

You're right.

That's why both Crust and I have safeguards installed in our brains.

Yes. Do you know what that is?

I see.

Then there's no need for a lengthy explanation.

Hm.

Think of it as a safeguard to prevent corruption or brain scans.

Practically everything about Splendamin is veiled in secrecy.

Nothing about it can get out.

... Yes, but we're also telling the truth.

We've done plenty of our own investigating and research,

and there's nothing that can fully replace Splendamin,

nor should there be.

Eating is an integral part of human life.

Nobody knows how Splendamin is made, or what ingredients are used.

If people were able to eat food from the surface instead,

especially if was cheap and available in large quantities,

there would be all sorts of divisions in the Ark.

At least, that's what those at the top fear would happen.

...!

...

I didn't expect you to be so... blunt with your questioning.

...

What's the point in us telling you anyway?

What would change? It's not like there's anything you could do to change things.

...!

!!

...

...

We don't know much either.

There's been a problem in the Splendamin production process, and that's pretty much all we know.

We also suspect that's why nothing has any flavor anymore.

They've put safeguards in place to ensure I can't get to the bottom of it through my abilities.

I know.

However,

when we were sent out to dispose of the Splendamin, we did hear something.

B-Bready...

It's all right, Crust.

...

The main ingredient used to make Splendamin is something the Ark can source very cheaply,

and a single unit of it can produce massive amounts of Splendamin.

Exactly.

...

...

There's an abundance of resources, to be sure.

Unfortunately, it's not on the surface.

Yeah.

Anyway...

The workers who make this stuff are all mass-produced Nikkes who undergo a rigorous screening process beforehand.

They eat, sleep, and work at the Splendamin factory.

When we went to receive our orders after the incident,

we heard one of the mass-produced Nikkes

had disappeared without a trace.

...

That's all we know.

And so that's all we can tell you.

We may never uncover the truth.

Sometimes, having no answer is the answer.

...

It's that obvious, huh?

Our squad's entire existence is based around creating and tasting food.

Food is not something to be trifled with.

And I don't like the food in the Ark. It lacks a story.

...

The flavors of food from the surface contain stories.

A river behind a mountain evaporates and turns into rain.

That rain breathes life into desiccated seeds that were dying before.

The seeds travel and interact with various insects and other animals,

take in nutrients, and eventually bear fruit.

Everything in the Ark, on the other hand, tells the same identical story.

For someone like me, who needs to experience different flavors, it's very trying.

I've endured by delving into the stories of the chefs,

imagining how exactly they prepare their ingredients.

So, of course, I'm not happy about this situation where Splendamin is a staple.

*Sigh*...

Nothing's going to change anyway. Everything will return back to the way it always has been.

Nevertheless, it still feels good to have confided in you.

Thank you for listening to my story, Commander.

...

I really am curious.

*Gulp*...

So,

did you find any ingredients that could serve as substitutes?

And why not?

You seem quite certain about that.

...

It went about as well as I expected.

Thank you for your efforts.

No, I don't.

And frankly, I don't care.

Why, are you curious about it?

Understandable.

But even if you did know everything about it, it wouldn't change anything.

I thought so.

Even if you did know everything about it, it wouldn't change anything.

That's right.

Anyway, it's nearly time for my next meeting.

You'll have to excuse me.

The instigating factor behind the incident has been identified as a malfunction in the machinery used for storing Splendamin.

All affected Splendamin has been disposed of,

and additional measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not occur again.

Finally!

I know it was only a few days, but it felt like eons.

I'm so glad things are back to normal.

Let's go treat ourselves today!

Great idea!

What should we eat?

Do you have anything in mind, Commander?

Rapi, is that you?

We're planning on going out to eat. Got any suggestions?

You're heading out for food?

Is the Commander coming along?

Sorry, but you'll have to take a rain check, Commander.

We received an invitation from Cooking Oil.

The mailing address is from their private kitchen.

It seems they want to serve you a private meal.

Cooking Oil?

Does that mean Crust is going to cook for you?

Aw man, I'm so jealous! I wanna go too!

Me too! I wanna join!

They don't run any type of restaurant, so it's next to impossible to get a chance to taste their food.

The invitation is addressed only to the Commander.

Oh, for crying out loud...

*Sigh*...

Well, I guess there's nothing we can do.

We'll have to go and find something even tastier!

Yeah!

Absolutely. Enjoy your meal.

La de da...

Burble burble, simmer the stew.

Sizzle sizzle, let's grill some meat.

Hmm? That must be the door.

Oh, hi Bready.

Come and sit. It's almost ready.

Okay.

I hope Mr. Gourmand likes it, hehe.

Oh! He's here!

Oh boy, I'm so nervous! More nervous than I was filming the first episode of my show!

C'mon, Crust... you can do this...

C-come on in!

Welcome, Mr. Gourmand, to the Cooking Oil kitchen!

Where the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food!

Fantastic, but that goes without saying!

Hehe, I'm so happy we could finally invite you to our kitchen.

Here, have a seat!

Today, I've prepared a proper multi-course meal for you.

For the hors d'oeuvre, we'll be starting with shrimp canapés.

Yes, thank you, Crust.

Hmm.

Toasted bread, cheese, ham, Hollandaise sauce, shrimp.

And...

You were ecstatic when you made it, due to thinking of the Commander.

The flavor is imbued with an effervescent joy.

There's plenty more still to come!

For the next course, we have...

No, thank you, Mr. Gourmand. It was wonderful to see you enjoying the food so much.

Yeah.

Everything's back to normal, there's nothing more to uncover,

and the affected restaurants and stores are being compensated.

The complaints have died down, and people are commending the government's response to the whole affair.

...

...

...!

... Thank you for saying that.

...

*Gulp*

Commander. I have a request.

Hold on, Bready, you're not actually going to...

Yes.

I want to taste you, Commander.

...

Humans are inherently fragile beings,

yet they carry an abundance of memories, emotions, and experiences.

At first, my curiosity was minor,

but as time passed, it became more intense:

What would the Commander taste like?

Bready,

you said you dislike tasting humans.

I do.

Most of them either taste terrible, or barely have any flavor.

But...

I think the Commander will be different.

I think he'll have a new flavor.

Commander... will you let me?

...!

Very well.

Thank you so much.

*Lick*

...?

Hmm?

What is that?

*Lick*

*Lick lick*

Bready, what are you doing?

It's strange...

So strange!

It's most unusual, Crust.

What is?

I can't sense anything.

Emotions, information, his backstory. Nothing.

All I'm picking up is sweetness.

What?! Really?

Yes.

I'm simply getting the taste, and nothing more.

My mind doesn't feel overwhelmed.

It's not some strangely exotic or stimulating flavor, but...

I...

I can actually taste it!

Unbelievable...

At long last, I've finally found it.

The taste I've been searching for all my life.

One beautiful beyond all comprehension.

Pure and untainted by information.

It's divine! Bonne Bouche!

Remember what I told you before?

That's a word we describe a taste that surpasses all others.

If that's the case, from today on, I'll refer to the Commander as such.

This is the most heavenly taste I've ever experienced, so it's only appropriate.

Crust, is there any way we could incorporate Bonne Bouche into some dishes?

What?! What are you saying?!

Surely there must be a way.

What if we used a few strands of hair?

You're telling me you want to cook with hair?!

Would his hands and face taste different than the fingers?

What about other parts of the body?

It'll all be so...

so... delicious!

I've never seen Bready like this before...

Bonne Bouche, please.

Could you let me taste you again from time to time?

Please, just a lick or two, like this.

My goodness, I haven't even thanked you properly yet.

My greatest thanks to you for letting me experience the pure sensation of taste for the first time.

Would it be all right if I kept one of your fingers in my mouth for the entire day?

Bready! Get a hold of yourself!

Hehe... hahaha!

I've never tasted anything like this before.

Something that brings me so much happiness.

It's absolutely incredible!

Hi,

Bonne Bouche.

You kept saying you had other plans the past few times, so it's been a while since we last saw each other.

That's why I couldn't help myself, and came early.

Are you all set?

You remember how I told you there was something I wanted to experiment with?

This might feel a bit unpleasant, but...

Could you spread this whipped cream on your hand?

The first time I tasted you,

the predominant flavor profile was sweet.

But last time, your fingers had a slightly salty taste to them.

Perhaps.

Still, a little experimenting couldn't hurt.

*Gulp*...

That should do it.

All right, I'm going in.

...

*Lick*

...!

!!!

Such sweetness! Incredibly sweet.

Especially the parts of your hand where there's just a tinge of the whipped cream. Those are the best parts.

I can't sense anything except the taste.

It's so fascinating.

...

Could I lick just a little more?

Very well. Next time, I'll bring some salt.

If I soak your hand in salt water, I assume it'd be saltier.

Oh, or maybe rubbing it with some fruit would make it taste like that fruit?

Would the same thing work with vegetables too...?

This is the first time I've experienced the pure sensation of taste ever since I became a Nikke. How can you expect me to be calm?

I'm going to enjoy tasting you in the future,

Bonne Bouche.

Let's meet often.

*Lick*

...

...

...

...

*Nom*

...

No.

The flavor's much too ordinary.

Let's try it again.

I...

I've got to create a flavor that makes Bready happy.

That's been my goal from the very beginning.