TRUE FLAVOR

My mind doesn't feel overwhelmed.

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

I...

I can actually taste it!

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!

Really?

Congratulations, Bready!

Have your taste buds transformed, you think?

No, I don't think so.

It's only the Comman...

No, I should call him Bonne Bouche from now on.

Bonne Bouche is the only one I get this flavor from.

I see.

And here I was hoping my meals would be the pathway to your happiness.

Hehe, looks like I lost out to Mr. Gourmand.

At any rate, seeing you this happy while you're eating makes me happy,

so this is a positive development!

Let's throw a party as a celebration.

I made a bunch of tasty treats.

Hmm...

Will Bonne Bouche be coming too?

Not sure.

I suppose if we want to be certain, we can invite him.

But then again, he has been awfully busy lately...

Has he?

... Sorry, but I'll have to take a raincheck on that party.

Huh?

Why? Are you sick?

No, I'm fine.

Then how come you don't want to be a part of the festivities?

This party is supposed to be for you.

It's just...

I have no reason to ingest any of your food anymore.

Wha...

What do you mean?

I've found a new taste, and that's all I want to experience now.

Are you talking about Mr. Gourmand?

Yeah.

So if Bonne Bouche doesn't come to the party, there's no point in me attending.

I'm already familiar with the taste of your food,

so it isn't new, and it doesn't bring out joy in me.

...!

But..

But I...

You'll have to enjoy the party without me, Crust.

!

W-wait!

Bready!

Huh?

Hold on... I'm in my room...

...

Whew... it was all just a dream.

Man, the weird stuff that my mind conjures up.

Anyway, this is a critical moment!

I've gotta bust my butt and cook something that Bready will find delicious!

Bubble bubble, let's boil the stew!

Ssss, ssss, let's grill up the meat!

Now we plate it up nicely, and...

Ta-da! The special multi-course breakfast is complete!

Enjoy, Bready!

... Isn't this a bit overkill?

Hehe, I got excited while cooking and maybe I did go a bit overboard.

If there are any leftovers, I'll pack them up in a lunchbox for you.

Okay.

Thanks for this.

Sure thing!

*Chomp*

Hmm...

The combination of ingredients is remarkable, and the flavor balance is impeccable.

You clearly were more emotionally invested in this than usual.

It's very cute, I must say.

Okay, but what about the taste?

What do you think?

Hm...

It's nice.

The taste is identical to what it usually is.

...!

So it hasn't changed...?

Okay, that's it. I've decided.

Decided what?

I, Crust,

will be closing the kitchen!

Starting today, I will dedicate myself to researching food further!

Where's this coming from all of a sudden?

And until my research is finished,

you, Bready, are banned from the kitchen!

...

Excuse me?

Hello, students!

It's nice to meet you all.

I'm Crust from the Cooking Oil Squad, and I've got a special lesson prepared for you today.

Whoooo!

And what's so special about today's lesson you ask?

We'll be having an assistant helping us today!

Hello!

To think that the entire school is gathered to listen to my lecture... it's enough to make you a bit nervous!

Now then, in today's lesson,

we'll be covering three main topics:

1. Edible ingredients that can be found on the surface.

2. Things that you should never eat.

3. Practical training on making food that's easy to store and won't spoil quickly.

Are you all excited?!

Yeaaaahhh!

In that case,

let's get started!

All right!

Rei!

Rei!

Yeah?

Isn't the food Miss Crust showed up supposed to be brown?

How come yours is black?

Er... that's...

That's because Naru stinks at cooking!

10g of sauce.

10 more grams?

Pouring!

You see? They're not even following the recipe.

Maybe the problem is that you're leaving it to Naru instead of doing it yourself.

What's wrong with that? Naru and I are practically one being, after all.

So did you just insult yourself a moment ago?

...!

I... I meant we're like two separate beings... united together... but not as one!

Wow, you're really good at this, Tia.

Do you cook often?

Not really.

I just followed the instructions and it turned out well.

My goodness,

you finished rather quickly.

May I have a bite?

Of course!

*Chomp*

*Chew chew*

Hmm... It's very nice, but don't you think it's a bit too sweet?

Is it?

I thought it was perfect.

Naga, do you want to try?

Sure.

*Om nom nom*

...

What do you think? Is it too sweet?

It's definitely on the saccharine side,

but it's certainly something you'd enjoy.

You bet it is!

It's perfectly suited to my tastes.

Well, it's not like you're making this for someone else.

So, as long as it tastes good to you, that's all that really matters.

Everyone's taste buds are different, after all.

Isn't that right, Miss Crust?

...!

Oh... uh, yes! That's right!

Good job, Tia.

Hehe, thanks.

I should make something for Naga too.

Aw, that's nice of you, Tia.

I'm excited to try what you make.

That's all for today's lesson.

Feel free to enjoy the food that you've made for yourselves.

I scored each dish, so be sure to check what I wrote down.

Okay!

I didn't do too bad.

How'd you do, Tia?

Right down the middle for me as well.

My score probably isn't too high since I didn't follow the recipe.

You should have submitted the one

that you made for me.

Maybe I should have...

But I didn't want to give you the food that I'd given to Miss Crust.

You can try it later

and give it your own score as well!

Sure, that'd be fun!

...

Huh?

Oh, right! Er... yeah, I'm going... hehe.

Thank you both for conducting that lesson today.

That's not true!

Your presence alone was...

incredibly reassuring.

But Crust,

wasn't today supposed to be a filming day for your cooking show?

How did you manage to find time for this?

Oh, no worries.

We'll be showing a rerun today.

I see.

Well, I shouldn't take up any more of your time.

Everything's been taken care of, so you're free to leave whenever you like.

All right. Thank you again for the opportunity!

See you, Commander.

Thanks again for helping, Mr. Gourmand.

Where are you off to now?

I see.

Uh...

Are you hungry, by any chance?

Hehe, that tells me you're hungry, all right.

I at least got to sample the dishes the students made throughout the day, but you didn't get to eat anything.

If you're free,

would you like to come to my kitchen and have something to eat?

Of course!

This was my first time working with students, and you were kind enough to agree to be my assistant.

Being able to repay you for that would be my pleasure.

Hehe, wonderful!

Let's go!

Ta-da!

Welcome to the Cooking Oil kitchen, where the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food.

Have a seat over here, if you would.

Wait just a minute, and I'll whip up something nice and special for you.

Actually, I intended on inviting you here all along,

so I planned out the meal and prepped all the ingredients earlier.

It really won't take any time at all.

Today's menu is a special seafood course.

I'll start you off with a light appetizer.

So you like it?

Hehe,

I'm glad you like it.

Oh, there wasn't any traumatic accident or anything.

I simply decided to close down the kitchen and cancel all my plans so that I could focus on cooking research.

Yes.

As a chef,

my first goal was always to create food that Bready would be happy with.

But instead, you're the one who achieved that.

So that means I need to get my butt in gear!

I'm going to develop dishes that will make Bready happy too!

So, Mr. Gourmand,

I have a few things to ask of you for my research.

Could you help me?

Well...

First...

Could I... lick you? Just once?

It's not what you think!

My taste certainly diverges from Bready's,

but I'm curious what it is about you that has Bready so obsessed with your flavor.

Precisely!

If I taste you I might get some inspiration.

Wow!

Thanks for agreeing to this.

All right... here I go.

...

Hmm...

...

I'm not sure.

Nothing's really standing out to me.

I figured that'd be the case.

Hmm...

Mr. Gourmand,

can I ask you for one more favor?

Could you write down everything Bready said after tasting you?

Yes, please!

It's not too much of an imposition, is it?

Mmm, so sweet.

Your hand is delectable when it's covered in chocolate.

Last time was with dark chocolate. Today it's milk chocolate.

This is sweeter, so it's even better than before.

Could I spend the whole day licking your hand?

Too bad.

Quite the opposite. I couldn't go even if I wanted to.

Crust is apparently doing some cooking-related research, and told me I'm banned until it's finished.

Nope.

To be honest, I'm a little startled. Nothing like this has ever happened before.

Do you think something might be wrong?

Not a word.

She said that if she needed anything, she'd call me.

...

Still, I do like that I get more time to taste you, Bonne Bouche.

Let me taste a little bit more.

Absolutely divine.

The taste is completely unique to me, completely pure.

I'm so happy!

...

*Sigh*...

I knew it.

Thank you, Mr. Gourmand.

Now I know for sure.

Bready doesn't care about normal food or how it tastes.

She needs something pure,

where information doesn't even factor into the equation.

I'm going to try and create a dish which has the taste that she craves!

To be honest...

I'm not sure, hehe.

I may not be brimming with confidence, but I'm gonna give it a shot regardless!

I want to make food with my own hands that will make Bready happy!

Something meant just for her!

Well,

since you offered...

Would you be interested in being my cooking assistant?

That's okay.

Actually, you're essential for the recipe I'm working on.

Thank you!

Oh, sorry, Mr. Gourmand, I forgot you were there.

You can help me now.

Rub your fingers

in everything that I've made.

Bready said that food touched by your hands tastes pure to her.

So I figured if we go backwards from there,

perhaps you touching this food will imbue it

with the taste that Bready yearns for.

I think it'll make for a fantastic experiment, don't you?

The soups and stews are still hot, so you can start with the other dishes first.

I certainly do! It'll be the perfect way to imbue them with your flavor.

It'll be fine.

Bready slurps on your fingers without the thought of hygiene ever crossing her mind.

Very good.

Now, for the taste test.

Of course!

Tasting the final product is essential.

Thanks for your "special ingredient", Mr. Gourmand, hehe!

*Slurp*

*Crunch crunch* *Nom nom nom*

Hmm... still tastes ordinary to me.

There's no major difference from the food I usually make.

Still, the last step is to have Bready come and taste it!

I did, but if I want her to taste this stuff, she needs to be here.

Wow.

It's only been a few days, but it feels like it's been ages since I was in the kitchen.

Is your research finished?

For the moment, yes.

I want you to taste what I came up with.

Sure.

I didn't imagine I'd see you here, Bonne Bouche.

I see.

No wonder there was no one in the Commander's Room.

... *Gulp*

Here it is!

You made quite a spread.

I've actually been missing your cooking.

Well, cheers.

*Nom nom*

...

...

How is it?

Hmm...

The taste is a little different...

I knew it! I knew you'd pick up on that.

Does it taste pure?

Are you happy?

...

I'm afraid not.

This isn't quite the flavor I envisioned in my mind.

Oh... maybe because I'm still in the early stages of my research.

Maybe...

That has to be it, definitely!

...

Okay, I'll give my evaluation.

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what kind of flavor you were aiming for.

For something that you made, this is all oddly flat in terms of taste and the emotion behind it.

Nothing in particular stands out.

Mmm, I see.

I appreciate the evaluation.

I'll get back to it and call you when I'm ready.

Okay.

But, may I ask what kind of research you're doing?

I'm afraid I can't tell you.

If I accomplish what I'm after, you'll know what I was aiming for as soon as you eat it.

Hmm...

You're right.

I've never seen you this motivated before.

Very well. I hope you succeed.

Thanks, and wait for my call.

...

I had figured it wouldn't succeed on the first attempt.

But what could've been the problem?

Hmm...

Maybe we need more than just your touch, Mr. Gourmand.

Oh, I've got it!

There might be too many ingredients.

If purity is what you're after, you've got to do away with all the extraneous emotions, information, and stories.

This time,

I'll make something that focuses on a singular taste.

How about this, Bready?

...

To put it nicely, it's keeping things simple.

To put it bluntly, it seems unfinished.

Here, this one should be better.

...

It doesn't really taste like much.

It's a bit of a stretch to even call this food.

H-how about this?

...

*Sigh*

Crust, I appreciate your enthusiasm.

But the plates you're giving me are seeming less and less like proper food.

It may seem that way,

but at least you can taste it!

...

Is your research about trying to make a dish with only one ingredient?

Huh? What was that?

Nothing. I'll try it.

*Nom*

...

...

I am picking up the natural flavor of the ingredients.

It has enough nutrients, and the texture isn't too bad.

The portion size isn't too big, and it's nice and light.

I don't know if this is what your research is about, but this could potentially be useful as an emergency ration for when we go up to the surface.

Oh, really?

Well, since it's an ingredient that doesn't spoil easily, that might not be a bad idea, hehe.

Mmm.

... But that's not what you were after, was it?

Thank you for your help today, Bready!

Thanks to your insightful commentary, I've realized I still have a way to go.

I'll be in touch once I've made some more improvements.

Are you going to keep at it today?

No, I've been cooking all day, so I'm tired.

It's getting late too, so I should get some rest.

Yes,

be sure to rest properly while you're doing all this.

I'm still not entirely sure what you're doing here, but whatever it is, you don't need to be in a hurry.

Okay!

...

*Sigh*... I knew this wouldn't be easy.

I knew I wouldn't be able to simply snap my fingers and solve this all in a day,

but if I'm being honest, I had a little hope there near the end.

No matter which parts of you that we used, the dishes were all failures!

Hey, this is research, after all! We've got to try anything and everything.

Still, I'm sorry for inconveniencing you like this.

Thanks for all the help today.

Yes?

Erm... well...

I want to surprise her.

Once I manage to make a dish that is beautiful and pure, she'll be over the moon!

Besides, I told her the point of this was so I could make a dish for her.

When I look back,

all the food I've made are things that other people would enjoy, but not Bready.

That's why I want it to be a big surprise when I make something specifically with her in mind, hehe.

So there you have it!

I guess so.

I'm planning on doing as much as I can on my own.

Um...

I really appreciate the offer, but our kitchen is off-limits to non-staff.

I could invite them in, but they would have to be treated as a guest rather than an assistant.

Oh, really?

In that case, sure.

If it's someone that you personally vouch for, and I already know them,

I'm sure they'll be perfect for the job.

Hi, Mr. Gourmand.

Who was it that you brought with y...

Wowee!

So this is Miss Crust's kitchen.

Oh!

Tia! You were in the special class I gave a while ago.

Hehe, hello.

I came here at Teacher's request.

I may not be much help, but I'll do my best.

I'm excited to have you here!

You left quite an impression during the class.

I did?

But I didn't even get that high of a score.

Well, the score is based on a set system of criteria, so while I may not have been able to give you a high score,

the fact that you made a dish which perfectly suited you impressed me.

I also found it moving you made another dish tailored to a friend's taste.

In fact, that's the reason I'm here right now.

Ah!

In that case, I think I might be able to help.

Glad to hear it!

Then do you want to get changed first?

Changed?

Of course.

Whenever you cook, you need an apron that matches the occasion.

If you go inside the back room, there are plenty of aprons to choose from.

Pick whichever one you want and come back once you're ready.

Okay!

...

I'm feeling good today.

I think I just might succeed!

Thank you for sending me such a great assistant, Mr. Gourmand.

...

I'm done changing!

Do I look okay?

Uh... the apron looks good,

but why did you take off your school uniform?

Oh, well,

when I wore the apron on top of my school uniform, it didn't fit properly and felt a bit uncomfortable.

So I changed into something more comfortable, and wore the apron over it.

I see...

Well, as long as you're comfortable.

Now then, let's start cooking!

Yippee!

What kind of food would you like to cook, Tia?

I'm feeling a dessert of some kind.

I want to make something nice and sweet that I can eat.

All right, then today we'll look into desserts.

Hmm?

Didn't you say we had to make something for someone specific?

It is really okay for me to make something that I want?

...!

Oh...

I-I guess you're right.

Wow, I never really considered that.

Before setting about creating an ideal flavor, I never thought about what kind of food Bready actually would want to eat!

I'm such a dumb dumb!

What? You mean you don't know what kind of food this person likes?

I... I think I do.

I know that she'd like something bold. Something new.

Hmm, that's a toughie.

Is there anything in particular that she eats often?

She usually eats whatever I make without any complaints.

Then she must be a fan of your cooking.

Do you think so?

Of course.

In that case, I think we'll be okay making a dessert.

Yeah, you're right!

Bready will enjoy anything that we give her, as long as it's made by us!

All right,

you said this Bready person likes bold and new flavors, yes?

In that case, you should make a dessert unlike anything this world has ever seen.

Yes! That's exactly what we should do!

The only thing is...

If we do that, it might end up tasting like nothing special.

I've got to make something that will really knock her socks off.

I see...

I dunno, this all looks special enough to me...

Anyway, I'll take the lead, and you can pitch in whenever possible.

Oh, and feel free to tell me any suggestions you have at any point.

Sure thing.

Oh, and one more thing before we begin.

Tia, could you perhaps lick Mr. Gourmand and explain what he tastes like?

... Excuse me?

Whew!

That's one down.

Why don't you give it a taste, Tia?

Okay!

It looks scrumptious!

Well,

here I go.

*Nom nom*

What do you think?

*Nom nom nom*

Hmm...

I can't really place what it tastes like.

It's certainly not what I expected.

Yeah?

That's good! In that case...

Welcome back, Bready.

I'd like for you to taste the dish that we came up with today.

Sure.

I see we have a guest?

Hello, I'm Tia!

I'm Bready.

Thank you for coming to help Crust.

Hehe, no problem.

I hope you enjoy what we made.

Yeah, yeah!

So you made a cake?

*Sniff sniff*

It doesn't smell terribly sweet.

...

I'll see what it tastes like.

*Nom*

...

...

Hmm...

Tia.

Yes?

It's obvious that you really enjoy desserts.

I can easily pick up on the love and joy that you experienced while making this.

Wow, you can detect all that? I did have a great time making it!

The recipe was completely different from what I'm used to seeing, so I was a bit surprised.

But I figured that if this is how someone else likes it, then it's my responsibility to make it that way.

Of course, I was only here to assist. Miss Crust made most of it.

The taste is very enjoyable, to be sure.

Hmm...

When you eat, you sense the emotions that were present when the dish was being made. This complicates things...

Maybe I shouldn't cook it myself?

Having said that, there's next to no sweetness here.

Just a vaguely cake-like texture.

I would hardly call this a proper cake.

!!

But at least the taste isn't ordinary like the ones from before!

That tells me I'm making progress!

I'm going to switch up some things and make it again.

...

Crust, I...

Yes?

... Nothing.

I hope you'll be finished with your research soon.

I hope so too!

I presume I should leave now?

If you could. Thanks, Bready.

...

Miss Crust.

Yes?

You're trying to cook a dish that Bready can eat, right?

That's right!

But...

Bready didn't enjoy it.

She didn't look terribly happy.

I realize that. That's why I'm trying to come up with a dish that will make her happy.

That's not really what I'm getting at.

I realize that you're still in the middle of the process, but if the person you're trying to please looks so unhappy at this point,

don't you think that indicates you're headed in the wrong direction?

...!

Do you really think she looked that unhappy?

Yes.

Are you sure you're really making this for her?

If you ask me, if the person on the receiving end doesn't want what they're being given,

it can make even good intentions feel malicious.

That's why I'm always sure to ask these questions before I set out to do something.

All this research you're doing right now, is this what Bready wanted?

Uh...

Not exactly, but...

But I know she'll be happy with it when I succeed! I can already see the expression on her face!

I've seen it before.

I see.

Still, I think it would be a good idea to let her know the exact purpose of what you're doing here.

Not knowing for so long might make her feel upset.

Okay, I'll fill her in.

Thanks for your help today, Tia.

Be safe on your way back home.

I had a good time.

I'll be rooting for you!

...

!

This next time, rather than making it myself, I'll use a machine.

That way, Bready won't detect any emotions in the dish.

Oh...

B-but if she doesn't feel the emotions, wouldn't there be a chance that she won't know all those other details?

At any rate, I've never tried it, so I'll experiment!

...

I'm sorry. I know that I'm being impulsive.

It's just that I was really shocked by what Tia said earlier.

I said I wanted to make food that Bready would be happy eating,

but I never bothered to check what kind of expression she was making while eating.

I figured that as long as I did my research, her liking it was a given.

Why is this so difficult...?

The more I try, the less I seem to know.

I know this might sound childish,

but I'm a little jealous of you at the moment, hehe.

...!

If you could, I'd be super grateful!

She sounds incredible!

Another one?

That's amazing, considering I don't know that many people.

Will they also be here to assist me, like Tia did today?

As a guest?

Hmm...

Hmm...

Yeah, that sounds good!

A completely new approach could be just the ticket.

Oh! Wait a moment. Let me give you an invitation.

I always personally write out an invitation for any guests that are invited to our kitchen.

Isn't it obvious?

So that they feel special!

Sorry? What was that?

I certainly hope so, hehe!

Hmm...

Bubble bubble, let's boil the stew!

Ssss, ssss, let's grill up the meat!

Hehe, you bet I am!

Welcoming a new guest is always a thrill.

I'm so curious who it's going to be! My heart is racing!

Oh, there they are!

Pfooo...

Welcome!

Welcome to the Cooking Oil kitchen,

where the air is filled with the aroma of delicious food.

Hello.

?

You look awfully familiar...

Hey!

You're that maid from before!

That's right.

My name is Ade, and I work at the Maid Cafe.

Thank you for inviting me.

Wow!

I almost didn't recognize you without the maid uniform.

Today, I'm simply a guest who's come to taste Miss Crust's cooking.

I therefore dressed accordingly.

I don't look strange, do I?

Thank you, Master.

Is it all right if I sit here, Miss Crust?

Oh, yes...!

Please, make yourself comfortable.

It's an honor to have the opportunity to taste your cooking.

I'm sure I'll enjoy myself.

I poured my heart and soul into these dishes, so please enjoy!

I can see now why you insisted that I prepare this specific dish, Mr. Gourmand.

And what dish would that be?

This here is the main entrée:

Omurice!

!!

This message written with ketchup, did you write it yourself?

I sure did!

I wanted to express my gratitude for you coming here and sampling my food.

It's incredibly well done. Like a work of art.

Well then, I'll start.

*Nom*

...

Hmm...

Phew...

Let me know when you're ready,

and I'll bring out the dessert.

Yes, okay.

I believe I'm finished.

That was an incredibly satisfying meal.

I truly had a wonderful time.

The entire time I was eating, I kept wondering about something.

I heard that you're attempting to create dishes which invoke happiness in others,

but if you ask me, I'd say you've already succeeded.

R-really?

You felt happy while eating?

Ever since I received that invitation from you yesterday, I've felt a sense of joy,

and that's continued all the way through the entire meal today.

Even your own enthusiasm while preparing the food was infectious, and made me feel cheerful.

That's such a relief to hear,

but the person I want to make happy has quite a unique palate.

I see.

Hmm...

If it's okay, could I serve you a plate of omurice?

You want to make me some omurice?

Yes.

I intended on remaining simply a guest today,

but after eating such a delicious meal, it just doesn't sit well with me.

Last time you came to the Maid Cafe, you left having eaten subpar omurice.

All right, if you insist...

I'd be glad to try something you make for me.

Very well,

please wait a moment.

Wow,

I've never sat in my own kitchen and watched someone cook before.

Front row seats to the show. How exciting!

True...

...

Your omurice is ready.

I'm not sure if you remember, but you need to say the spell that makes it delicious.

I remember!

You make a heart with your hands like this, and...

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious!

Perfect!

Hehe.

Now then, go ahead and dig in.

All right!

*Chomp*

*Nom nom*

...?!

Oh my goodness!

It... it's sublime!

It's better than I could have ever expected!

The texture is out of this world, and it's been seasoned to perfection.

That's all thanks to the spell you cast.

It really does feel like I'm under a spell.

My heart feels like it's overflowing, and I have this goofy grin on my face.

So this is how happiness tastes.

Your cooking really does bring out the happiness in people, Ade.

That's right.

I'm sure you're wondering how I do it.

Yes!

I'm dying to know!

I want nothing more than for Bready to feel happy when eating my cooking.

Well then,

if you don't mind,

why don't you make me a dish and pretend as if Miss Bready is going to eat it?

R-right now?

Er...

Okay, I'll try.

Hmm...

Hmmmmm...

...

Master.

Do you have any idea why Miss Crust is hesitating? It looks like she's prepared all the ingredients.

... I see.

...

A bit of this... and a bit of that...

Try to touch it as little as possible...

Grill it until it's right...

Take all this out...

Whew.

I think it's ready.

I still need to do a bit more research,

but this is as good as I can do at the moment.

I see.

You probably got an inkling of this while watching me cook,

but you might want to brace yourself while tasting this.

Bready has rather unusual tastes, so I used some unorthodox methods.

I'm not sure what other people will think of it, hehe.

You're right.

I don't need to try it to know that it will taste bad.

Huh?

Because you didn't make this dish for Miss Bready.

You made it for yourself.

...!

...

Tia said something along the same lines.

She mentioned how Bready looked unhappy.

She questioned whether I was really making these dishes for Bready.

I don't understand it.

Why does everyone keep asking me that?

I thought I knew what I was doing!

I think you've misunderstood the correlation between food and happiness.

I... I have?

Yes.

It takes more than taste alone for someone

to derive happiness from food.

A handwritten, personalized invitation.

A bright smile upon arriving at a place which is brimming with an ebullient atmosphere.

A dish made by someone who is humming away happily while they cook.

A dish lovingly plated. A multi-course meal thoughtfully presented in sequence.

All of these things can inspire happiness.

...!

How did you feel when you ate the dish I made for you?

It... it was delicious, and I felt happy.

Why were you happy?

Because...

It was so enjoyable to watch you cooking up close.

It was nice casting the magic spell together.

Being treated with such care made me feel good.

And on top of that, the food was delicious.

...

!!

Are you starting to get it now?

...

I think my work here is done.

I'll leave the rest to you, Master.

No, thank you for allowing me to have such a wonderful time.

...

...

It's not delicious.

Not even close.

Is this what I've been trying to feed to Bready this whole time?

...

*Lick*

Hmm... It's not bad.

All the ingredients blend well together.

I expected no less from you, Crust.

*Nom*

Hmm...

The combination of the ingredients and the balance of flavors are perfect.

You seemed more excited while making it as well.

It was adorable.

Wh-what about the flavor?

How does it taste?

...

It's the same as what I usually eat.

It's delicious.

...

Bready would always smile

when she ate my food,

and that would make me smile too.

I would smile while I was cooking.

Because I liked that she got so much enjoyment

out of eating my food.

And now?

Now... I'm not sure.

What were the feelings coursing through me during my research?

... I think I was impatient.

...

I felt a little frustrated that

she wasn't feeling happy while eating my food.

I'm sure she felt all those negative,

doubting emotions running through my mind as I was cooking:

Bready isn't happy?

Oh... I see...

It's no wonder

she wasn't happy all this time.

It's because I wasn't happy.

...

I...

I realize it now, Mr. Gourmand.

I was being selfish.

Once I saw the expression Bready made after tasting you,

I wanted to see her feel the same thing when eating my food.

That look I saw on her face was one of true joy.

In that moment, I forgot everything.

All the moments in the past when she'd smiled and been perfectly happy eating my food.

She always smiled.

I forgot all of it, like a complete fool.

Every time the bell rang, Bready must have come walking in filled with anticipation as to what I would serve her,

but I kept giving her bizarre experimental dishes instead.

What should I do?

Bready must be so disappointed in me.

Do you think I can?

...

Would that be enough?

... You're right.

They taught me that when emotions are one-sided, even something like kindness can feel like malice.

And I've learned how to make someone feel happy while eating.

...

Okay, I've made up my mind.

I'm going to write an invitation for Bready.

Come to think of it, I've never officially invited Bready here before.

Of course, it's because I never really needed to,

but Ade said that from the moment she received the invitation, she felt a sense of excitement. Of joy.

So when Bready arrives with her invitation in hand, I'll serve her a dish that will make her feel absolutely blissful.

And I'll tell her everything.

Why I made all those weird dishes, everything.

I should prepare right away.

Will you help me, Mr. Gourmand?

Hehe, thank you!

*Lick*

*Lick lick*

I just want to eat something delicious.

When will this research end?

Hmm?

What's this?

An invitation from Crust?

Your humble host, Crust.

...

Looks like she concluded her research.

That's a relief.

Come in!

Welcome, Bready!

The Cooking Oil Kitchen!

...!

What is all this?

Always eating in the same place can start to feel a bit dull,

so I did a little bit of decoration.

The place feels totally different, doesn't it?

And you're pulling out my chair for me?

Naturally!

You're our special guest, after all.

...

Very well. Thank you.

Ta-da!

I prepared this grapefruit soda as an aperitif.

It will help stimulate your appetite.

Thank you.

*Sip*

Hmm...

I spent a long time contemplating what kind of meal to cook.

Eventually, I decided that instead of a multi-course meal, I'd go for a single-dish menu.

Therefore, the main dish I've prepared for you tonight is...

Tenderloin steak!

This is the prime center cut of the tenderloin, called chateaubriand.

I picked a good one, don't you think?

Yes.

Based on the color, I get the sense that it's high quality.

With this, I'll prepare a delicious meal for you.

How would you like it cooked?

Medium rare.

Very well!

Ssss, ssss, let's grill up the meat!

Lock in the juices, intensify the aroma.

Let's see...

Ooey gooey goodness, make this steak delicious!

...

One tenderloin steak.

Bon appetit!

...

You seem nervous.

Huh?

Hehe... is it that obvious?

Very.

Why don't you have a seat as well, Crust?

Huh? You want me to sit down too?

But...

Being at the same eye level as me will make you less nervous.

Really?

Hehe, then maybe I will sit down.

...

Before I eat, I have a question.

What is it?

Is this meal

part of your final presentation?

?!

Er... I'm not quite sure what you're saying.

Do you mean that

I was able to finish my research and that this is the culmination of my findings?

Exactly.

At least, that's why I figured you were making such a grand show of all this.

Th-that's not it!

My plan was to wait until you were finished eating,

and then tell you everything about what's been going on.

...?

...

I'll tell you, but you're not allowed to laugh at me or get upset.

All right, deal.

... I gave up on the research.

The whole venture was something I started out of my own stubbornness and greed.

What?

What in the world was this research about for you to say something like that?

I...

Argh, this is so embarrassing!

I was jealous of the expression you made after tasting Mr. Gourmand,

and I wanted to make food that would make you just as happy.

That's what the research was for.

...!

I see.

So that's why you kept cooking all those esoteric dishes.

Yeah...

I'm sorry for making you eat all those weird dishes.

No, it's okay. Thank you for finally telling me.

I've been wondering.

Now I'll try the steak.

All right!

*Sniff sniff*

The rich aroma of the meat blends with the tangy notes of the sauce.

The amount of juice that seeps out when I slice it is perfect, as is the tenderness of the steak itself.

This is an exceptionally cooked medium rare.

Now, for the taste.

...

W-wait!

Let me feed it to you.

Why would you want to

feed it to me?

The way you described the aromas of the dish, in great detail, one by one.

I'm familiar with that way of speaking. It's how you go about your evaluations when we're doing cooking research together.

I can only assume that you're giving me an evaluation right now?

...

I may have put a halt to my research,

but I still want you to enjoy the food that I made and be happy.

So,

this is my way of scoring some brownie points!

...

...

I asked you to sit in front of me to ease your nerves,

but apparently, all I did was make you more nervous.

I-I guess it can't be helped.

Being judged always makes you nervous.

Phew...phoo...

...

Well, I'll dig in.

*Nom*

...

...

*Gulp*

H-how is it?

...

Hahaha!

I was going to try and hide it for a while, but I can't help it.

Huh?

It's as I expected. The taste of your cooking hasn't changed.

It's delicious, adorable, and makes me happy.

I missed it.

That's why I was eager for you to be done with all this silly research business.

Now that I know you were doing that for me...

...

D-delicious? Adorable?

And did you say... you're happy?

I am.

I'm always happy whenever I get to eat your food.

The fact that you cooked with so much joy always piqued my curiosity.

But today, you planned out this entire meal for me, invitation and all.

That makes me even more happy.

Oh my gosh...

...

I-I'm sorry.

For making you eat all that terrible food.

For making you feel so unhappy.

For being so greedy.

You've always had such a happy expression on your face, and I...

*Sob*

I had no idea! And I did all of these ridiculous things...

You must have been so disappointed in me.

How could I be disappointed in someone who just wanted to make me happy?

But next time you start feeling this way, please let me know.

Don't launch off into your own research. We can work our way through it together.

Y-yeah... *sniff*...

Also, don't forget.

Your research was a success.

I-it was?

Yes.

You cooked a dish that made me happy.

If I were to grade this dish, I'd give it a perfect score.

You worked hard, Crust.

...!

I'm so glad to hear that!

Hehe... Hehehe.

Why are you laughing suddenly?

I'm... I'm just so happy!

I can't stop laughing, hehehe.

...

Good.

Thanks for letting me taste something made from the heart.

The flavor of this is one I won't ever forget.

Now, am I allowed back in the kitchen?

Yes, yes! Now that the research is over!

I am curious though:

How exactly did you conduct your research?

I thought that if I used Mr. Gourmand, maybe I could make food that tasted like him.

He rubbed his hands on the food, and I even had him put in some of his hair.

Hmm...

That's not a bad approach, actually.

I thought so!

Instead of hair, how about collecting some saliva or sweat?

Darn, I didn't think that far.

Hello, students!

I'm Crust from the Cooking Oil Squad, and I'll be your instructor for today.

It's been a long time since I saw you last.

Hello, Miss Crust!

And this is Bready.

She'll be the one tasting your dishes.

Hello.

I'm Bready, and I'm also part of Cooking Oil.

Hello, Miss Bready!

Today, we'll learn how to make delicious meals using ostensibly flavorless combat rations.

I already know what you're thinking: Why bother learning a recipe when we can just eat the rations as is?

And the answer is: Wouldn't it be better if they tasted good? Hehe.

That's a good point. If you were deployed on the surface for a month and had to eat those rations the entire time,

I'd go out of my mind!

Me too.

Then can you make a parfait with combat rations?

You dork, of course that's not possible.

I'm not a big fan of combat rations either.

None of them are sweet in the slightest.

I don't think they're that bad,

but if there's a way to make them tastier, I certainly wouldn't complain.

Let me show you an example first. Just do exactly as I do.

Yes, Miss Crust.

I'm done!

I knew you'd be quick, Naru.

May I taste it?

Of course! Enjoy.

Let's see what we have here.

*Nom*

Hmm...

Hmmmm...

Rei, did you try this after you'd finished making it?

No.

Be sure to do that next time.

Naru 2 also kept adding random seasonings and ingredients, so maybe it would be best to redistribute the roles.

Oh my goodness! Really?

Guilty...

Still,

you worked hard.

Tasting this was a very pleasant experience. Thank you.

...!

Thank you! Hehe.

Done!

I made mine into something sweet again, hehe.

You're unstoppable!

Then again, it is only a small portion of the grade.

As long as you get an average grade, it should be fine.

Yeah.

May I taste it?

Oh, hi Bready.

Go ahead. It should be pretty sweet.

Very well.

*Nom*

Hmm...

It's abundantly clear what kind of flavors you enjoy, Tia.

And you were quite happy as you made this.

Especially when you sprinkled the sugar on top.

I certainly was! Just imagining the taste was enough to make me giddy.

I'm going to eat it later, along with the dessert I bought from the cafe, hehe.

That sounds nice.

This was a very pleasant dish that made me happy. Thank you.

Thank you!

What's your impression overall, Bready?

...

Even students who are not professionals in the kitchen are able to cook with different emotions.

All of those emotions create distinct new stories and tastes.

It's good.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!

You haven't forgotten where we're going after this, did you?

I remember.

Welcome, Ladies.

I'll prepare the usual for you.

Thank you, Ade.

...

Even I never fully realized the extent to which happiness can exist.

It can assume so many different forms.

So much so that now, tasting food isn't simply a boring routine for me anymore.

I have you to thank for that, Crust.

Huh? What are you thanking me for?

I only came to this realization thanks to the research that you did.

Only then was I able to realize what cooking from the heart feels like.

Hehe, you're gonna make me blush...

If I had known happiness could assume so many different forms, I would have gone out to eat with you more often.

We can do that from here on out.

Yeah, let's do that!

Here's the omurice you ordered.

Shall we say the magic spell today as well?

Ooey gooey goodness,

make this omurice delicious!

You're a natural at this point, Miss Bready.

Hehe.

That's because I realize now that this spell is also an integral ingredient in the recipe: happiness!

Hehe.

Well then, let's dig in.

Let's.