Vol 2 Chapter 15 – The Second “Let’s Try the Maid’s Cooking” Gathering (【Just Trying to Be Kind】Arc)

A clear blue sky.

The sunlight streamed into the warm room.

Though it was early September and scorching hot outside, the air conditioning ensured only the sun’s warmth touched the interior.

In such an atmosphere, I found myself—

“Here you go, Master.”

The second round of dining with Arisu was about to commence.

“Thank you.”

I looked at the table.

Displayed there were dishes that had clearly improved compared to last time.

Not that the bento from before wasn’t delicious—it was—but still.

That said, a bento has its limitations.

The freshly prepared homemade dishes before me moved me in ways I didn’t expect.

The idea had been Arisu’s.

She proposed it as a way to cheer me on before my trip to Hokkaido, as well as a way to redeem herself after last time. She suggested I try her cooking again before I left.

I had no reason to refuse, especially since her cooking had been delicious before. Besides, the last time, the bento was something of a compromise. So I readily agreed.

Apparently, she had asked me beforehand about what dishes I liked, which is why the table was full of my favorite Chinese dishes.

Wow, a genius.

She’s the real deal as a maid.

From the left, there was mapo tofu, lettuce fried rice, chili shrimp, and Chinese soup.

Each dish looked mouthwatering, its aroma awakening my appetite.

While the bento from before was good, today’s spread felt like it had an extra level of effort and passion poured into it.

“Well then, I’ll start eating now.”

“Please, enjoy.”

I began with the lettuce fried rice.

Mmm. Delicious. I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

I’m not exactly a food critic.

But compared to the bento, this was on another level.

Had she changed the seasoning? It felt like the flavors had been adjusted somehow.

As I pondered this, I noticed Arisu watching me nervously, her gaze filled with uncertainty.

Ah, I hadn’t said anything since I started eating.

I should probably tell her how good it is.

“This is delicious. Your cooking skills have improved significantly.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

Arisu responded to my praise with her usual stoic expression.

I guess she’s reached the point where she expects this level of recognition.

I took a sip of the Chinese soup to moisten my mouth, which had been slightly dry from the fried rice.

Hmm? This soup…

It’s good.

The slightly reddish Chinese soup seemed to be made with chicken and vegetable stock. It had an addictive flavor that made me want more.

If there were seconds, I’d definitely go for another bowl.

“This soup is delicious too. What gives it the red color?”

“It’s my love for you, Master.”

…Huh? Well, I guess I’ll leave it at that.

Ever since the bento last time, Arisu tends to answer questions about her cooking with either “my love for you” or simply “it’s me.”

Her deflections are terribly unconvincing.

But honestly, the flavors in her cooking are so unique, it’s amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like them before, yet everything is delicious.

I really want to know what ingredients she uses.

Thinking that, I moved on to the chili shrimp.

Amazing.

I love shrimp.

The chili shrimp Arisu made had just the right amount of spiciness. The shrimp itself was plump and juicy, making it irresistible.

This is top-notch.

“Is it even possible to improve this much in just a few weeks?”

I praised Arisu openly.

“I worked hard for your sake, Master. It’s an honor to know you find it delicious.”

Though her expression remained blank, there was a faint air of satisfaction about her.

As I found her demeanor endearing, I reached for the last dish: the mapo tofu.

It’s pretty spicy, but for someone like me who loves spicy food, it’s just perfect.

Is this what they call Sichuan-style?

It pairs perfectly with the fried rice, boosting my appetite even further.

I thought the portions might be too much at first, but I found myself close to finishing everything.

Then, it happened.

“Master, how is the mapo tofu?”

“Oh, it’s delicious—”

Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine.

I felt an unusual aura emanating from Arisu.

W-What? Scary.

Did I trigger something?

Was it because I didn’t compliment her immediately?

The peaceful atmosphere of the room turned tense and foreboding.

This isn’t good… Time for “Operation H.”

“Arisu, this mapo tofu is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. I’m truly amazed.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! Especially the spiciness—it’s just right for my taste.”

“Operation H.”

The plan is simple: “Shower the executives with praise to lift their mood!”

Recently, I’ve noticed that most of the executives respond well to compliments when they’re upset.

Ever since then, I’ve made it a habit to praise them profusely whenever their moods sour.

Maybe they’re the type who thrive on encouragement.

This time too, it seems to be working. The chilling aura Arisu had been exuding gradually subsided.

“What stood out to me the most was the minced meat in the mapo tofu. It had a unique flavor I’m not used to, but it was incredibly savory.

—I think this minced meat is the best I’ve ever had.

I’d love to try it in other dishes as well.”

With that, I wrapped up “Operation H” by highlighting the aspect of the mapo tofu that intrigued me the most: the minced meat.

Then, it happened.

“Is that… really true?”

“Yes…?”

Arisu’s demeanor shifts completely.

It’s neither calm nor cold.

It’s as if everything has spiraled into madness.

“‘Minced meat.’ You said it’s your favorite…”

“Yes. It’s a kind of minced meat I haven’t had before, and it’s the best I’ve ever tasted.”

“Favorite. Favorite, favorite…”

Arisu suddenly lowers her head and begins mumbling incoherently, like a broken robot.

This is terrifying.

“Arisu? Are you alright?”

“…! Yes, I’m fine. There’s no problem.”

At the sound of my voice, Arisu instantly switches back to her usual expressionless self.

Was I imagining things…?

Though her sudden change in behavior leaves me uneasy, she continues as though nothing happened.

“Master, may I hear your thoughts on today’s meal?”

She’s completely back to her normal self.

Relieved, I tell her what I thought.

“Everything was delicious today. The mapo tofu and soup, in particular, were exceptional. I’ll be heading to Hokkaido for a while, but when I get back, I’d love to have your cooking again.”

I give her my honest feedback.

The food was genuinely delicious, and if possible, I’d like her to cook for me every day when I return.

“Thank you. That’s very encouraging to hear.”

Arisu accepts my comments with a tone that feels like polite detachment.

Well, at least we had a good conversation today!

As that thought crosses my mind, I glance at the clock on the wall.

It’s 1:45 PM.

Crap. I have a meeting with Kuzuryuu and the others at 2 PM.

I stand up and let Arisu know.

“Sorry, but I have a meeting with Kuzuryuu and the others, so I’ll have to leave now.”

“I understand. Please take care and have a safe trip.”

I hurriedly prepare to leave for the meeting.

Arisu, ever polite, bows as I rush around.

“Sorry, but I’ll leave the cleanup to you.”

I offload the cleanup to her and leave the room.

For a brief moment, I feel a chill run down my spine, but I hope it’s just my imagination.

After finishing the meal with Arisu, I open the door to my private room.

Inside, I find—

“Boss. Good work.”

“We’ve already made ourselves comfortable.”

For some reason, four of the executives are seated on the sofa in my room.

On the right, Satsuki sits at the far side, while Hirata and Kirino occupy the left side. Kuzuryuu sits front and center.

Wait, when did my room lose all sense of privacy?

And why are Hirata and Kirino even here for a meeting about the Hokkaido trip?

As if responding to my unspoken question, Hirata speaks up.

“As your assistant, I felt it necessary to be informed about the operation.”

Kirino chimes in after her.

“I just came because I was bored!”

Well, Hirata’s reasoning makes sense… but Kirino is a different story.

Noticing my annoyed look, Kirino puffs her cheeks indignantly.

Stop that. It’s unexpectedly cute.

Satsuki, observing the exchange, cuts in.

“Well, isn’t this fine? It’s livelier this way.”

“These two are hopeless no matter what you say.”

Satsuki’s comment is seconded by Kuzuryuu, whose expression shows he’s already given up on trying to reason with them.

It seems even Kuzuryuu and Satsuki have their hands full dealing with these two.

Realizing there’s no winning this battle, I decide to sit next to Kuzuryuu.

“Wait. The boss’s seat is over here.”

“Huh?”

Before I can sit, Satsuki grabs my arm and lightly pats the spot beside her on the sofa.

Why?

I glance at Kuzuryuu.

He simply shakes his head.

Got it.

Resigned, I sit beside Satsuki. The moment I do, she clings to my left arm and leans her body against me.

I’m startled for a second, but given how often the female executives pull stunts like this lately, I’m almost used to it.

The only scary part is not being able to escape once they cling.

Feeling their gazes, I notice Hirata and Kirino glaring at me as if I’d wronged them.

If you want to sit next to Satsuki that badly, why not all sit together? This is a three-person sofa.

As I’m thinking this, Kuzuryuu starts speaking.

“The date for the Hokkaido trip has been finalized.”

“Really? When? I’m coming too!”

Kirino immediately jumps into the conversation.

No, Kirino, you’re staying behind.

While I’m thinking this, Kirino looks visibly deflated after being chastised by Satsuki.

So, it’s settled? That was fast. Can you even book lodging and flights so quickly?

I’m impressed by Kuzuryuu’s efficiency.

“We’ll be in Hokkaido from September 10th to the 15th. The lodging is a ryokan in the city near our contact’s town.”

“A ryokan? Nice. It sets the mood.”

I love ryokans. Honestly, I prefer them over hotels. I’d like to soak in a hot spring.

“The ryokan is under our control. There will be no other guests. You can stay there without worry.”

Seriously?! I won’t even need to take off my mask.

Relieved that I won’t have to reveal my face in public, I feel at ease. This mask is practically a part of me now.

“That’s reassuring for me as well.”

The moment I speak—

(—!)

A sharp pain shoots through my stomach.

Oh no, was it Arisu’s cooking?

I recall the mapo tofu.

To be honest, I love spicy food, but my body has a high chance of reacting poorly to it.

This is bad. If I don’t get to the restroom, I’ll end up humiliating myself.

While the four of them argue in front of me, I can’t focus on their words.

Something about the sea? Swimsuits? What are they even talking about?

The pain clouds my vision.

This is bad. I have to end this quickly.

“Everyone, calm down. This is my room, you know…?”

It’s my room, so get out already.

I need the restroom.

At my words, all four of them turn to me.

I should at least get Hirata and Kirino to leave.

“I specifically assigned Kuzuryuu and Satsuki to accompany me. If you have complaints, direct them to me.”

“N-No…”

Hirata and Kirino look like they’re on the verge of tears.

I’m the one who wants to cry.

“Sorry for showing such an unsightly side of myself in front of you, Boss.”

“I’m sorry, Boss! Please forgive me!”

Their apologies are over the top.

No, it’s fine. Just leave already.

I need to wrap up this meeting.

“Boss, I was at fault too… I acted too childishly.”

Even Satsuki apologizes.

I don’t even know what the argument was about, but I’ll forgive her for now.

“It’s fine as long as you understand.”

My words seem to relieve them, as they all exhale audibly.

I’m the one who’s about to explode, though.

What were they even arguing about? Something about the sea? Swimsuits?

If they want to go to the beach, they can go without me.

I tell Hirata and Kirino:

“This time, Kuzuryuu and Satsuki will accompany me, but I’ll arrange for you two to join the executives on another trip in the future.”

At my words, the two of them light up with excitement.

They really wanted to go to the beach that badly, huh?

I don’t have time to think about this anymore.

“Alright, let’s wrap this up for today. I need to prepare for the Hokkaido trip. —Goodbye.”

I say this and leave the room, bolting toward my sanctuary.

———————————————————  

Back in Arisu’s Room

After Sakata leaves, only Arisu and the dishes remain.

“Fufufu. Ahaha. Ahahahaha. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

Laughter echoes throughout the room.

It belongs to Arisu.

She gazes at the dishes on the table.

An overwhelming sense of euphoria washes over her.

“He said it was delicious again.”

Arisu mutters to herself as she stacks the dishes.

“Today’s meal was a masterpiece, wasn’t it, Master?”

Saying this, she places a hand on her abdomen.

“You said I’m your favorite, didn’t you?”

Her face—no, her entire being—is shrouded in madness.

“It hurt a little, but it was worth cutting myself for this.”

Arisu lifts the upper part of her maid uniform, exposing her abdomen.

Beneath it lies a mass of red-stained bandages wrapped tightly around her midsection.